As you know, Daniel Defoe’s story about Robinson Crusoe was based on several real-life stories about shipwrecked sailors. In those days, shipwrecks weren’t really terribly unusual. But the novel was primarily based on the story of Alexander Selkirk, a...
The roads in South Africa have considerably improved since my adventurer dad made his first African endurance drive in the early sixties. However, there are still plenty of challenges for the adventurous driver and the Sani Pass is definitely one of them. This...
Believe it or not, this scary bridge was open to regular traffic for forty years. Now the trucks and cars that used to cross the Mississippi via this bridge are now ghosts of the past – but the bridge is still open for foot and cycle use. It was first opened in...
If you’re not fond of heights then El Caminito del Rey is somewhere that you really shouldn’t go. But if heights don’t bother you, or if you enjoy being scared out of your wits then this scary hike is definitely for you. The walkway runs alongside...
El Peñón de Guatapé, the Rock of Guatapé, is the weirdest thing – as you can see from the photograph. (See the video below too). This isn’t man-made, it’s a natural object. And there it sits, all alone, just waiting for you to visit it. Not a...
This fabulous road, which hugs the side of a mountain, was built in Victorian times and used by traffic until its usage was banned in 1995. It was simply too dangerous. At first, I thought this was such a shame – what an incredible drive this would be –...
My dad was the most travelled person that I’ve ever met and he always maintained that Cape Town was the finest place he had ever visited. Bo Kaap is a fabulous area to explore. With Table Mountain forming its backdrop, the area has brightly coloured houses on...
Some of my happiest travel memories are food-related. Yet none of them feature expensive restaurants – my memories are more likely to be that impromptu picnic in the Florida Keys, the perfect pub lunch in Cornwall, the al fresco family lunch in the French...
What does Trollstigen mean? In Norwegian, it means ‘Trolls’ Road’ and this twisty and narrow road runs perilously on the side of a mountain. It’s appropriately named as in Scandinavian mythology trolls are rather evil little goblin-like...
Well, would you? Would you cross the Iya Valley on this vine bridge? History doesn’t reveal who built these bridges – or why – but it certainly was an ingenious solution. Wisteria vines were woven together along with planking to produce a footbridge...
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for history buffs, aviation fans and those who are interested in the history of the Second World War. At time of writing, there are only eight of these iconic WW2 Spitfires TR9s still in existence and yes, you can experience a...
Bourton-on-the-Water is a village in Southern England – under a hundred miles from central London. Although the place is merely a village, there are several good reasons to visit but the one that excites me the most is the Dragonfly Maze, created by artist (and...
Are you putting off travelling because you have no companion? There’s really no need. Today there are so many facilities that are available for anyone who chooses to travel alone. And there are, it seems, two types of solo travellers – those who prefer...
As far as I’m concerned La Isla de las Muñecas is a decidedly creepy place but nevertheless it’s a must to visit, if only because of that creepiness. It’s located on a chinampa – a floating garden – on the canal about an hour away from...
It doesn’t take a genius to realise what the main attraction is at Waitomo Caves! These limestone underground caverns are spectacular and one of New Zealand’s top tourist destinations. But where to stay? Well, only a short distance (just over half a mile)...
If you’re a complete beginner at surfing – or even an expert – you’ll be sure to enjoy this eight day Australian surf tour which includes several days at a remote and secret surf beach camp. Your adventure will start in Sydney and you’ll...
Which mode of transport allows you to make the most of your vacation? It’s debatable, of course. I like to travel by train because well, I’m lazy. But for those who are a little more active than I seem to be these days, it’s great news that Intrepid...
Did you know that the famed National Geographic offers exciting tours? One of their most popular destination is India and they even offer a twelve day cruise down the River Ganges. You’ll see places that can only be experienced from the river and there are...
So, what exactly is zorbing? Well, let me tell you that I’ve started writing about half a dozen introductory sentences to explain it — and deleted them all. That’s because ‘rolling down a hill in a big plastic bubble’ just doesn’t...
For many of us today, sitting on a beach for two weeks is just not our idea of a good vacation. Many travellers these days want true experiences that they’ll remember for all their days. And here at TRAQUO we love discovering them for you. That’s why...