Enigmatic, unspoiled and replete with smiling locals, Oman is an ideal destination for the intrepid traveller. Stretching across its perch at the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, the changing terrain of endless sand dunes, unique villages integrated into canyon walls and breathtaking beaches make Oman’s variety of attractions and distractions seem almost infinite. Even better, Oman’s network of new roads now allows access to pristine landscapes and some of Oman’s preserved treasures that were once relatively unreachable.

The construction of dhows, the same traditional trading vessels used in the area centuries ago, is a major industry in the city of Sur, a northeastern regional capital of Oman

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Posted under General, Oman, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESAGE IN RAJASTHANI / YEH WALA MESSAGE RAJASTHANI MEIN NEECHE DEKHO

The northwest Indian city of Jaipur has almost always been known as the ‘Pink City’. Some attribute the name to city designer’s attempt to imitate Mughal architecture, notable for its use of red sandstone; others point to an 1873 visit by Edward VII, the then Prince of Wales, preparation for which prompted painting much of the city in pink.

The facade of the Jaipur Palace is hidden behind the amazing bustle of the Pink City of Jaipur - a hard-to-imagine flow of traffic. Villagers and locals come every day for trading, buying, selling and festivals.

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Posted under General, India, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

VOIR CI-DESSOUS POUR CE MESSAGE EN FRANÇAIS / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN FRENCH

Travellers to Hammamet are routinely amazed by the sheer beauty of the ‘Tunisian Saint Tropez’. Frequented even during ancient Roman times because of its healing mineral baths and known today for its historic medina and beautiful beaches, Hammamet practically oozes tradition.

Houses in the Medina look out over the tranquil, azure waters of the Gulf of Hammamet

Located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea at the start of trade trails leading deep into the Sahara Desert, Hammamet’s Medina, or Old City, is surrounded by a series of early 16th-century fortifications. Setting foot within is like stepping back in time as you wander past donkeys and street vendors in the city’s narrow lanes or take in the largest Roman necropolis in Africa at the ruins of Pupput.

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Posted under General, Tunisia, new local connections, whl.travel news

The scenery in Sossusvlei and Southern Namibia is simply breathtaking. The raw beauty of this largely uninhabited area is a huge draw for travellers keen to experience the serenity of barren land and open sky. The vastness of the region’s unforgettable landscapes really does make holidays here spectacular.

The distinctive quiver tree - actually a variety of aloe - stands before an incredible desert vista (photo courtesy of Gandwana Collection)

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Posted under Namibia, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news