Renee's Best Bet Travel Blog

19/08/2024

Instead of flying to Britain I took Cunads transatlantic 7 days to Southampton. It was wonderful. The speakers were excellent and the afternoon tea service was indulgent. Best part I arrived with no jet lag 😊

25/07/2024

With Pumba Private Game Reserve – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

21/07/2024

With Travel Best Bets – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

14/07/2024

Oh yes, I can see myself, a glass of wine relaxing enjoying the views

05/07/2024

Wonderful cruise and on my favourite cruise line 😎

26/06/2024

Mumbai memories

26/06/2024

Fond memories of India especially Mumbai

19 Facts You May Not Know About India:

1. India is the second-most populous country in the world, with over 1.4 billion people.
2. Hindi and English are the official languages, but there are 21 other recognized regional languages.
3. India is known for its diverse cultures, languages, and religions, making it one of the most culturally rich countries in the world.
4. The Indian film industry, known as Bollywood, produces the most films annually worldwide.
5. India is home to the world's highest cricket ground, located in Chail, Himachal Pradesh.
6. The country has a rich history of ancient civilizations, with the Indus Valley Civilization being one of the oldest in the world.
7. India has the world's third-largest rail network, which is also one of the largest employers in the world.
8. The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is located in Agra and attracts millions of tourists each year.
9. India is the birthplace of major religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
10. Yoga, which is practiced worldwide, originated in ancient India over 5,000 years ago.
11. The Indian economy is one of the fastest-growing in the world, with significant contributions from technology, agriculture, and services.
12. The Indian national symbol, the Bengal tiger, is an endangered species, and efforts are ongoing to protect its population.
13. The Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is the largest religious gathering in the world, attracting millions of pilgrims.
14. India is the largest producer of milk in the world, contributing to about 22% of global production.
15. The Indian Constitution is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world.
16. India has a space program that achieved significant milestones, including launching a mission to Mars, making it the first Asian country to do so.
17. The country has a vast and diverse cuisine, with each region having its own unique flavors and specialties.
18. The Indian festival of Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by millions around the world and signifies the victory of light over darkness.
19. India has a rich tradition of classical music and dance, with forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Hindustani and Carnatic music being integral to its cultural heritage.

24/06/2024

Can I fit more on that bucket list 😳

20/06/2024

Travelled with Cunard and really enjoyed the lectures, mostly daily. Excellent speakers. Did you know you can travel with your dog onboard. 😊

12/06/2024

I was in Melbourne earlier this year 😊friendly people, family oriented and a great city to explore

17 Facts You May Not Know About Melbourne:

1. Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria in Australia, is known for its diverse culture and arts scene.
2. The city is famous for its coffee culture, with numerous cafes and baristas renowned worldwide.
3. Melbourne hosts the annual Melbourne International Comedy Festival, one of the largest comedy festivals in the world.
4. The city is known for its street art, particularly in laneways like Hosier Lane.
5. Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens are a popular destination, featuring extensive plant collections and scenic landscapes.
6. The city is home to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), one of the world's largest and most famous sports stadiums.
7. Melbourne hosts the Australian Open, one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments.
8. The city has a strong sporting culture, with Australian Rules Football being particularly popular.
9. Melbourne's Federation Square is a cultural precinct, hosting events, exhibitions, and performances.
10. The city is known for its vibrant food scene, offering a wide variety of international cuisines.
11. Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market is a historic market offering fresh produce, food stalls, and unique goods.
12. The city's public transportation system includes trams, trains, and buses, with the tram network being one of the largest in the world.
13. Melbourne's Yarra River offers scenic views and activities like rowing and river cruises.
14. The city hosts the annual Melbourne Cup, a prestigious horse racing event known as "the race that stops a nation."
15. Melbourne's Southbank area is a hub for dining, entertainment, and arts, featuring the National Gallery of Victoria.
16. The city's laneways and arcades are famous for their boutique shops, cafes, and hidden gems.
17. Melbourne is often ranked as one of the world's most livable cities, known for its quality of life and vibrant culture.

10/06/2024

This has to be on the top of the bucket list

17 Facts You May Not Know About Bali:

1. Bali, an island province of Indonesia, is known for its lush landscapes, volcanic mountains, and beautiful beaches.
2. The island is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year for its unique culture and natural beauty.
3. Bali's Ubud area is renowned for its traditional arts and crafts, including dance, sculpture, and painting.
4. The island is home to numerous Hindu temples, such as the iconic Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temple, perched on cliffs overlooking the sea.
5. Bali's rice terraces, particularly those in Tegallalang and Jatiluwih, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. The island offers world-class surfing spots, including Kuta, Uluwatu, and Padang Padang beaches.
7. Bali's cultural performances, such as the Barong dance and Kecak fire dance, showcase the island's rich heritage.
8. The island's cuisine includes local specialties like babi guling (suckling pig) and bebek betutu (slow-cooked duck).
9. Bali's Monkey Forest in Ubud is home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques and ancient temples.
10. The island is a major center for yoga and wellness retreats, attracting practitioners from around the globe.
11. Bali's vibrant festivals, such as Nyepi (Day of Silence) and Galungan, are celebrated with colorful rituals and offerings.
12. The island's underwater world offers excellent diving and snorkeling spots, including the USAT Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben.
13. Bali's Seminyak area is known for its upscale resorts, chic boutiques, and fine dining restaurants # # # 17 Facts You May Not Know About Bali (continued):
14. Bali's Seminyak area is known for its upscale resorts, chic boutiques, and fine dining restaurants.
15. The island's traditional Gamelan music is an integral part of Balinese culture and ceremonies.
16. Bali is home to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a nature reserve and Hindu temple complex in Ubud.
17. The island's Mount Agung, an active volcano, is the highest point in Bali and considered the most spiritually significant mountain.
18. Bali's beach clubs, such as Potato Head and Ku De Ta, offer luxurious settings and vibrant nightlife.

10/06/2024

Hello Egypt

17 Facts You May Not Know About Egypt:

1. Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world and the third-most populous in Africa, after Nigeria and Ethiopia.
2. The Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is the only one to remain largely intact. It was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years.
3. Egyptian civilization is one of the oldest in the world, with recorded history dating back over 5,000 years.
4. The ancient Egyptians invented the 365-days a year calendar to predict the yearly floodings of the Nile River.
5. The world’s oldest dress was found in Egypt: the Tarkhan Dress, which is over 5,000 years old.
6. The ancient Egyptians practiced toothpaste use, using a paste made of salt, pepper, water, and mint leaves.
7. The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the largest and oldest statues in the world but the origins and the history of its construction remain a mystery.
8. Egyptian women had a wide range of rights and freedoms. They could buy and sell property, serve on juries, and enter into legal contracts.
9. The Nile River, the longest river in the world, was considered the source of life by ancient Egyptians due to its important role in agricultural fertility.
10. The Rosetta Stone, discovered in 1799, was the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs. It contained a decree written in three scripts: hieroglyphic, demotic, and Greek.
11. The ancient city of Thebes (now Luxor) was once the religious capital of Egypt and is home to the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
12. The Library of Alexandria was one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world, holding thousands of scrolls of ancient knowledge.
13. Egypt’s Suez Canal is one of the world’s most important waterways, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and reducing the maritime journey between Europe and Asia.
14. Egyptian pharaohs were often overweight, contrary to the fit and youthful images portrayed in art. Their diet was rich in sugar, alcohol, and carbohydrates.
15. Cats were considered sacred in ancient Egypt, revered for controlling pests and being symbols of protection. Killing a cat, even accidentally, was a crime punishable by death.
16. Egyptian hieroglyphs are among the oldest writing systems in the world. The symbols were used for over 3,000 years.
17. The first known labor strike in recorded history took place in Egypt around 1152 BC when the artisans of the Royal Necropolis in Deir el-Medina walked off their jobs because they had not been paid.

10/06/2024

Beautiful 😎

08/06/2024

On the bucket list, buckets getting heavier 🤣

17 Facts You May Not Know About Istanbul:

1 Istanbul, formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is the largest city in Turkey and the country's economic, cultural, and historical hub.
2 The city straddles two continents, Europe and Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait.
3 Hagia Sophia, originally a cathedral, later a mosque, and now a museum, is one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4 The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), known for its stunning blue tiles and six minarets, is a major attraction in Istanbul.
5 Istanbul was the capital of three major empires: the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires.
6 The city's Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops.
7 Istanbul's Topkapi Palace, once the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans, is now a museum showcasing Ottoman treasures and artifacts.
8 The city's iconic Galata Tower offers panoramic views of Istanbul and has a history dating back to the medieval Genoese colony.
9 Istanbul is known for its vibrant street food scene, featuring delights like simit (a sesame-covered bread), döner kebab, and baklava.
10 The Bosphorus Bridge, one of the city's three suspension bridges, connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
11 The Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water storage system, is a fascinating historical site beneath Istanbul's streets.
12 Istanbul's Taksim Square is a major cultural and political hub, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and the historic Istiklal Avenue.
13 The city's rich cultural heritage includes traditional Turkish music, dance, and the renowned Whirling Dervishes.
14 Istanbul's modern skyline features skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and contemporary architecture, particularly in the business district of Levent.
15 The city's public transportation includes buses, trams, ferries, and a metro system, facilitating easy travel across the sprawling metropolis.
16 Istanbul is home to many historic churches, synagogues, and mosques, reflecting its diverse religious heritage.
17 The city's vibrant arts scene includes numerous galleries, theaters, and cultural events, such as the Istanbul Biennial and the International Istanbul Film Festival.

07/06/2024

Love these travel facts

17 Facts You May Not Know About Seychelles:

1. The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar.
2. With its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, the Seychelles is often considered a paradise destination for honeymooners and luxury travelers.
3. The capital city of the Seychelles is Victoria, located on the island of Mahé.
4. The country's official languages are Seychellois Creole, English, and French.
5. The Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the largest raised coral atolls in the world and home to the Aldabra giant tortoise, one of the largest tortoise species.
6. The Seychelles is famous for its unique and diverse flora and fauna, with a high proportion of endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.
7. Vallée de Mai, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the iconic Coco de Mer palm tree, which produces the largest seed in the plant kingdom.
8. Seychelles has a population of around 98,000 people, making it one of the smallest countries in Africa by population.
9. The country boasts a tropical climate year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F).
10. Seychellois cuisine is a fusion of African, French, Chinese, and Indian influences, with dishes like grilled fish, octopus curry, and coconut-infused rice being popular.
11. The Seychelles has one of the highest percentages of protected land in the world, with over 50% of its territory designated as national parks and nature reserves.
12. Seychelles is a popular destination for birdwatchers, with numerous bird species, including the rare Seychelles black parrot, found in its forests.
13. The country's economy relies heavily on tourism, which accounts for a significant portion of its GDP.
14. Anse Source d'Argent, located on La Digue Island, is often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with its unique granite boulders and turquoise waters.
15. Seychelles is home to some of the world's most exclusive and luxurious resorts, offering private villas, spas, and gourmet dining experiences.
16. The Seychelles is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, with vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, including colorful fish, rays, and turtles.
17. The Seychelles is known for its colorful festivals, such as the annual Carnaval International de Victoria, which celebrates the country's diverse culture with music, dance, and parades.

07/06/2024

Secure Your Cruise Today

30/05/2024

Portugal is on my cruise bucket list and the information listed here is fabulous for people who want to know more 👏😊

17 Facts You May Not Know About Portugal:

1. Portugal is home to Europe's westernmost point, Cabo da Roca, located near Lisbon. It's not just a picturesque spot but also holds historical significance as it marks the edge of the European continent.
2.The University of Coimbra, established in 1290, is one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world. Its Joanina Library, built in the 18th century, is renowned for its exquisite Baroque style and houses thousands of ancient books.
3. Portuguese is the official language of not only Portugal but also of Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe, making it one of the most widely spoken languages globally.
4. Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, is famous for its production of port wine. The wine is produced exclusively in the Douro Valley and aged in cellars along the Douro River before being shipped from Porto.
5. Portugal is the world's largest cork producer and exporter, with much of its cork harvested from the cork oak trees that blanket the country's landscape.
6. The Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon is one of the longest bridges in Europe, spanning the Tagus River at a length of over 17 kilometers (about 11 miles). It's named after the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.
7. Portugal's Algarve region boasts some of Europe's most stunning beaches, attracting millions of tourists each year. However, beyond its beaches, the region also offers picturesque fishing villages, dramatic cliffs, and a rich cultural heritage.
8. The Portuguese archipelago of the Azores, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, is composed of nine volcanic islands. It's a paradise for nature lovers, offering unique landscapes, hot springs, and opportunities for whale watching.
9. Portugal is home to one of the world's oldest bookshops, Livraria Bertrand, which opened its doors in 1732 in Lisbon. It holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest operating bookstore.
10. The Portuguese love their seafood, and one of their traditional dishes is "Bacalhau à Brás," a flavorful combination of salted cod, onions, potatoes, and eggs.
11. The country has a rich tradition of fado music, characterized by its soulful melodies and melancholic lyrics. It's often performed in intimate settings known as "fado houses," particularly in Lisbon's historic neighborhoods.
12. The Alentejo region in southern Portugal is known for its vast cork oak forests, rolling plains, and medieval hilltop towns. It's a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Portuguese culture.
13. Portugal has a long history of seafaring exploration, with renowned explorers like Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and Bartolomeu Dias. Their voyages played a significant role in shaping world history during the Age of Discovery.
14. The Portuguese town of Óbidos is famous for its well-preserved medieval walls and picturesque streets. It's also known for its annual chocolate festival, where visitors can indulge in a variety of chocolate treats.
15. Portugal has a rich tradition of ceramic tiles, known as azulejos, which adorn buildings, churches, and palaces across the country. These intricately designed tiles often depict historical scenes, religious motifs, and geometric patterns.
16. The Tower of Belém, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Lisbon, was built in the early 16th century as a fortress to defend the city's harbor. It's a stunning example of Manueline architecture, adorned with intricate carvings and maritime symbols.
17. Portugal is one of the sunniest countries in Europe, with over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year on average. Its mild climate, combined with its diverse landscapes, makes it an ideal destination for outdoor activities year-round.

21/05/2024

When I visited this lovely place I remember a small bear appeared from under the cabin, saw me and ran away as fast as he could 😀

30/04/2024

One of my favourite places to visit on my island 🏝️

13/04/2024

Sydney was an adventure!
Torrential rain. Windy with 17 ft waves and the port of Sydney was closed.
We finally docked at noon. Fortunately the gods smiled at us and I was able to meet with an old friend and his lovely family for a highly anticipated special lunch
In the calm of the storm the long sheltered approach to the harbour was beautiful

07/04/2024

Melbourne has just passed Sydney with a population of 6 million
180,000 international students a year are supported through government grants and apprenticeships here. Average salary in Melbourne is $42/hr Australian dollars With a pleasant lifestyle and lots of jobs this city is popular for immigrants and young people starting their careers
A beautiful cosmopolitan city I chose to visit the market today. The market reminded me of the market in my hometown in Lancashire

07/04/2024

Got to Tazzy as the locals call Tasmania and it poured rain so no pictures We were wet down to our underwear 🤣
A Few pictures of Milford Sound It’s a bit like BC’s inside passage Very beautiful

30/03/2024

Christchurch is known as the garden city and has a 4040 acre park with walking trails and cycling paths in the centre of the city. In 2010 and 2011 Christchurch experienced two major earthquakes 8.1 was the highest recorded strength
6% of the business in the centre were lost some areas gained 2/3 metres of ground pushed up out of the water.
14 years later the city still has numerous open lots and damaged buildings.
18 thousand aftershocks continued for five years following the earthquakes. Many
people left the area. Children in particular were affected by the aftershocks and many were sent away for respite.
Today Christchurch continues to be rebuilt and people are returning to live here

This is my last stop in New Zealand and I’ve enjoyed this lovely,calm,peaceful country and despite its technology ( booming IT business) my thoughts are, It’s a little bit like stepping back 20 years to a more peaceful time and place. NZ certainly lives up to its clean green reputation

28/03/2024

Little River, just a short ride out of Christchurch. The volcanic history, both past and present has made this land of hills and dales very fertile and picturesque. At the height of the wool industry, huge herds of sheep were driven along the roads up to the high fields. The shepherds ate their apples and threw their apple cores along the roadside. The seeds grew and the roads are lined with apple trees.
This lovely farm has been owed by this family for several generations.

28/03/2024

Napier settled in the 1800’s, established as a fishing /whaling village. Whale oil and seal fur to service Victorian England
Immigrants to NZ were promised 100 acres to farm or 1 acre to build a house. Homes on Sorento bay are now worth millions. Napier claims the title as the windiest city in the world and today it lives up to that claim!

28/03/2024

Gisborne I visited the arboretum here with 25000 trees all planted by one man
Douglas Cook was fascinated with trees and on his fairly extensive property started to plant all kinds of species. When Douglas returned from his duties in the First World War, he was worried that Russia and the USA would start to fight and all the northern trees would be lost. So he planted the largest collection of northern trees in NZ.
He planted those trees naked carrying his spade and wearing only his gum boots and hat 😊 (true story)
Mostly rural fertile area. Main exports for Gisborne is farmed pine logs, citrus fruits, lots of kiwi. The ground here is geologically unstable and when the cyclone along with 6 months of rain arrived in 2022/23 there were many landslides and losses.