'Ultimate bucket list' plotted out

A company has devised an itinerary that features 100 of the world's greatest travel experiences – feasible in less than nine months, it claims

Experiences include Angkor Wat, taking a gondola in Venice and climbing Everest Photo: AP

By Jolyon Attwooll

10:58AM GMT 12 Nov 2013

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It would take a minimum of 255 days – and almost £50,000 – to complete 100 of the world’s greatest travel experiences in one non-stop trip, according to a home exchange web site.

The itinerary put together by LoveHomeSwap would take in activities ranging from cheese-rolling in Gloucestershire to reading a newspaper while floating on the Dead Sea in the Middle East.

Starting with a trip to the theatre in the West End, the journey would culminate in travellers watching the sunset over Alcatraz, off the Californian coast, before a final trip to see the volcano on Kilauea in Hawaii.

The company have illustrated the itinerary, which they have called “the ultimate bucket list”, using an infographic (see below) showing how the days would be filled each step of the way.

According to a LoveHomeSwap spokesman, the calculations take into account “distances, flight times, and time to enjoy each destination.”

The list was designed to include “traditional bucket list items” such as climbing Mount Everest and taking part in La Tomatina along with more obscure activities such as “volcano boarding in Nicaragua”.

In total, anyone following their bucket list suggestions would travel through 46 countries, spending more than 10 days on the road as well as around a week in the air.

The total cost of the trip was put at £49,816.

No tour operator offers the exact itinerary suggested, but one company offers a trip taking people to 20 popular film location destinations. TheBlockbuster Trip, which includes business class tickets, and lavish accommodation, costs £198,000 per couple.

Other comparable trips include a two-year journey taking travellers to every World Heritage Site in the world, as well as a six-month trip that would allow customers to dine at every three-Michelin-star restaurant in the world.

(Credit; The Telegraph)

Attacks threaten Mozambique tourism

A spate of kidnappings and armed attacks is threatening to scare tourists away from Mozambique's palm-fringed beaches

Hoteliers, tour operators and shop owners in the country's Indian Ocean resort towns should be preparing for a deluge of holidaymakers.

White-sand beaches, pristine coral reefs and luxury hideaways draw travellers from neighbouring South Africa, the continent's economic powerhouse, and from farther afield. Just over two million tourists now visit Mozambique each year, accounting for six per cent of the economy in 2012.

But in recent weeks clashes have intensified between fighters from revived rebel group Renamo and the army in the centre of the country. It is the worst violence since Mozambique's brutal civil war ended in 1992, and has prompted the Foreign Office to advise against all but essential travel to the Sofala Province, with the exception of the provincial capital Beira.

Most resorts are clustered south of the conflict zone, but military skirmishes and attacks on cars travelling along a 60-mile stretch of highway south of Beira have spooked many.

"Everybody is concerned. Everybody is asking us and we are telling them we sit and wait," said Boet Boshoff, who runs a lodge just south of the restive area.

At least two passenger buses have been set alight, and passengers and truck drivers have been shot at.

The attacks have been attributed to Renamo, a Cold War-era anti-communist force that became an opposition party after the civil war but regrouped armed fighters at a nearby base a year ago.

Security convoys with military escorts have done little to ease concern, and locals are starting to feel the pinch.

"Tourists are few, very few. They are scared," said Issuf Maarise, who owns a truck stop near where several skirmishes have taken place. "They shoot. These guys don't care. The army from Mozambique, they just run away."

Bhekisisa Dhlamini, a South African businessman, was one of those who did travel to the region. Last week his convoy was attacked and he was seriously wounded.

"His rib is broken and his arm is broken from two bullets. He is very lucky because the car is finished, there are about 20 bullets in the car," said his wife Sandra Cumbi.

Four others were also wounded in the ambush, according to local reports.

The government has gone on the offensive, raiding Renamo bases and doing everything it can to assure tourists and foreign investors that the situation is in hand.

But memories are fresh of the 16-year civil war, which killed about one million people and crippled the economy.

After hearing of the recent fighting, many who had paid deposits for December and January are trying to transfer their bookings to next year.

"Naturally clients are fearful but, as they have already paid, they don't want to lose their money," national tourism director Martinho Muatxiwa told AFP.

"We have little time," he added. "At the moment they are waiting to see how the situation evolves as we are not yet in December."

The tourists most affected are those travelling from neighbouring Zimbabwe or Malawi.

Maria Malepa, who lives in Soweto, South Africa, made an overland trip from Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls down through the danger zone without knowing the risk her family was taking.

They realised the tensions once they joined the military escort.

"All of a sudden there was racing - trucks and taxis were racing so as not to be left behind and shot," she said. "At a truck stop we spoke to another truck driver who had bullet holes on the door," Malepa told AFP.

"If we knew I could have turned away where that convoy started."

The family finally reached their destination unscathed, and now cross-border bus services are mulling suspending the routes.

Analysts downplay the likelihood of a return to full-scale conflict, but operators like Boshoff are increasingly worried the incidents will frighten away tourists.

"If it carries on like it is now we don't advise them to come at all," he said.

A spate of ransom kidnappings has also left locals and expatriates anxious about their safety.

The authorities say at least 14 people - mostly wealthy Mozambicans of Asian origin - were kidnapped between 2011 and 2012.

But abductions restarted in recent months, and have targeted children of wealthy local families and now foreigners too.

Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto said earlier this month it has asked the families of its foreign employees to leave Mozambique as a precaution.

The Foreign Office warns that "the situation in Sofala Province remains tense and on October 22 there were reports of armed attacks in the region, including against a vehicle travelling on the EN1 road. Further attacks can’t be ruled out. There have also been reports of violent clashes between government forces and Renamo in Manica and Nampula provinces, and an armed attack on a civilian vehicle travelling along the E8 road between Nampula and Malema. Take extra care when travelling by road outside urban areas in the affected provinces."

(Credit; Oliver Smith for Telegraph.co.uk)

Holidays in danger zones

As Libya launches a drive to attract tourists, we look at other countries that come with FCO warnings and the travel operators that offer a chance to explore them

Haiti

Why go? There are a lot of reasons to visit Haiti and some strong reasons not to. Despite the endemic poverty, Haiti has a unique and vibrant culture. Away from the earthquake-devastated areas of the capital, Port au Prince, the countryside has steeply – and still sometimes lushly wooded slopes – with impressive waterfalls, including the Bassin-Bleu and virgin beaches. The country has struggled to recover from the 2010 earthquake and even before then, finding off-the-beaten-track accommodation was a struggle. Haiti is not for the faint of heart. Areas of Port au Prince have a serious crime problem, food and water hygiene is an issue, and driving is hazardous. The capital's most famous hotel theOlofsson, a gorgeous colonial building, is still in business, run by Richard Morse, whose mizik rasin band RAM is one of the country's best-known cultural exports.

What the FCO says: Advises against all travel to the Carrefour, Cité Soleil, Martissant and Bel Air neighbourhoods in Port-au-Prince due to the risk of crime. Great care is needed in face of the risk of criminal activity throughout the country. It also notes health risks from cholera and dengue fever.

Who goes there? Very few tourists visit Haiti and most of those who do disembark cruise ships for a few hours on a fenced-in beach. According to a report in Caribbean Journal, the government is looking to develop low-density and sustainable tourism. A new offshore airport is being built on Ile à Vache in the drive to increase tourism. The hope is that funds from tourism will help improve infrastructure and create jobs. Expedia has three packages, all based at hotels in Port-au-Prince. Six nights at the three-star La Maison hotel costs £801 per person, including flights with American Airlines. Report by The Guardian

Holidays in danger zones

As Libya launches a drive to attract tourists, we look at other countries that come with FCO warnings and the travel operators that offer a chance to explore them.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Why go? At the green heart of Africa lies one of its most interesting and yet untried countries. The Congo river is a big draw, as are the gorillas and volcanoes in the east. Access to these, however, comes and goes with the political situation. The north and north-eastern areas are plagued by warlords and extreme violence.

What the FCO says: Advises against all travel to the eastern and northern DCR (except Bukavu), and all but essential travel to the rest of the country, and also points out that street robbery and violence are common throughout the country.

Who goes there? Wild Frontiers runs a 28-day river journey through the Congo, travelling 1,000km of river and venturing into forests and to visit pygmy tribes. The trip costs £5,995pp excluding flights. Steppes Travel has a "land of the bonobos" wildlife tour of the Congo, led by primatologists Sally Coxe and Michael Huxley from £8,995pp, excluding international flights. Luxury camp operator Wilderness Safaris opened two forest camps in Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the remote north in 2012. Located in the Congo Basin, the world's second largest expanse of tropical rainforest, the area is home to Africa's densest population of western lowland gorillas. It's also the richest area in Africa for primates. Report by The Guardian. 

Holidays in danger zones

As Libya launches a drive to attract tourists, we look at other countries that come with FCO warnings and the travel operators that offer a chance to explore them

Algeria

Why go? From the astonishing Roman ruins of Timgad to the natural splendours of M'zab Valley and the Belzma national park, Algeria has loads to offer the intrepid visitor. With a dazzling array of influences, Algiers itself is also a huge attraction and has some of the best cafes in the Med.

What the FCO says: Advises against any travel into the regions around Algeria's borders, particularly those with Mali and Niger. They also recommend avoiding driving or moving around at night, but coastal areas are pretty safe.

Who goes there? The Traveller (01285 880 931) organises a 10-day Roman Algeria tour led by an archaeological expert and taking in Algiers, Timgad, and Djémila from £2,795pp including international flights.Explore (0844 499 0901) has a 12-night trip to Algeria including Timgad and the Mzab Valley for £1,599 excluding flights. Report by The Guardian

Holidays in danger zones

As Libya launches a drive to attract tourists, we look at other countries that come with FCO warnings and the travel operators that offer a chance to explore them

Iran

Why go? Home to some of the world's cultural treasures, and boasting spectacular landscapes, Iran hasn't been on the tourist list for a long time. With relations with the west starting to thaw, the Iranian government is taking steps to open up the country to foreigners, overhauling immigration rules and promoting its ancient cities, mosques, gardens and ski resorts.

What the FCO says: Advises against all travel within 100km of the Iran/Afghanistan border, and all but essential travel to the rest of the country.

Who goes there? Surrey-based specialist operator Persian Voyagesruns tours to Iran, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. It has six dates in 2014 for its Highlights of Iran tour (£2,550 staying in three and four-star hotels, including flights). Report by The Guardian

Holidays in danger zones

As Libya launches a drive to attract tourists, we look at other countries that come with FCO warnings and the travel operators that offer a chance to explore them

Iraq

Why go? Iraq is defined by its recent troubled history, but it has a 10,000-year cultural heritage, and offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the stories and sites of some of the oldest civilisations in the world. Highlights include the Unesco-recognised Hatra ruins, believed to be the ancient lost city of Tayyab; the great Ziggurat of Ur, a massive, stepped structure built in 21BC and restored in 6BC; and Babylon, once the capital of ancient Mesopotamia, and the site of Nebuchadnezzar's palace.

What the FCO says: High risk of terrorism and kidnapping. Advises against all but essential travel to Iraq, except the Kurdistan region. Those who do travel should employ a professional security company.

Who goes there? Adventure tour operator Hinterland Travel (01484 719549) has been operating in and around Iraq for 30 years, although not during the war. It restarted tours in 2009 and in 2014 is running six, nine or 16-day tours, starting in Baghdad, and taking in Samarra mosque, minaret and palace; Nimrud; the city of Hatra and Babylon; and, on longer tours, the marshes around Basra. Nine-day tours costs £2,050pp, 16 days £2,850pp, both excluding flights and visas.

Director Geoff Hann says: "We respect the FCO [and its advice against travel here], but we think we are knowledgeable and experienced enough. Our groups are looked after by the ministry of tourism, who provide security, and sometimes have a police escort. We haven't had any incidents since going back in 2009." Reported by The Guardian.