For many, thoughts of vacation conjures images of lounging on a beach watching the sunset as waves lap against the shoreline. But such “conventional” vacations also include crowded beaches and large meals, with little physical activity. Such high-calorie, low activity trips generally kill the metabolism, which often-times leaves vacationers feeling like they need a vacation from their vacation.

Fortunately, there are a myriad of ways to spend your vacation, and some of the best include exploring the outdoors. A vacation to the high desert, although unconventional, offers some of the most unique sights to be found in the United States. The Tucson, AZ area puts outdoor enthusiasts within striking distance of a number of parks and activities to entertain even the most hard-core hikers, national park goers, and fitness-minded vacationers. So check out these 3 Tucson-area destinations for a week of unique outdoor activities.

Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park, which is located less than an hour drive west of Tucson, is the picture of the American West. The park has five trailheads, and includes over 165 miles of hiking trails that wind through the Sonoran Desert, which straddles the U.S. – Mexico border. Hikes can take explorers to heights of 8000-feet above sea level, and those willing to brave the outdoors are treated to the iconic saguaro cactus, which only grows in this unique landscape. Saguaro cacti, which have been know to live for over 200-years, and grow to a height of up to 20-feet and weigh over one ton, appear as silent guardians over the desert landscape. The park also offers overnight camping opportunities for the most adventurous hikers.

Ventana Canyon

The 6.5-mile Ventana Canyon Trail, which begins at the well-known Loew’s Ventana Resort, is one of the least visited, yet most beautiful trails in the Santa Catalina Front Range. The trail follows a stream-bed which is dry most of the year, yet there are frequently small pools of water to be found along the hike. There are two main landmarks to be found, with the Maiden Pools being the first at 2.4-miles into the hike. Continuing the full distance will push your heart rate up as you ascend nearly 4500-feet to a rock ventana, or “window,” which is a 15×25-foot opening in solid rock that rewards hikers with a panoramic view of the desert below. The trail area is a Bighorn Sheep management area, so hikers may be afforded the opportunity to observe these majestic animals.

Sabino Canyon

Located in Tucson’s Coronado National Forest, Sabino Canyon is the least strenuous and the three popular outdoor destinations. Located only minutes from downtown Tucson, Sabino Canyon offers less strenuous options to vacation-goers. The two trails in Sabino Canyon include a combination of tram rides and hiking, with plant-life similar to those to be found along the Ventana Canyon Trail. Some of the tram rides are narrated, giving participants an opportunity to learn about the habitat and history of the area. Naturally, the greater ease of access draws larger numbers of visitors, so if you’re searching for solitude, Sabino Canyon may not be your first choice. But for a less strenuous day, it’s a wonderful destination.

A vacation to the high desert is a unique opportunity to explore a part of the world many people will never have the opportunity to enjoy. Furthermore, rather than returning exhausted from a week of relaxing, a few days spent hiking will invigorate the metabolism, and allow those willing to brave such a trip to return refreshed and ready to tackle the challenges of everyday life.

Greg Hayes is the author of Live Fit Blog, where he writes about fitting fitness into busy lives. For more tips on how to boost metabolism through everyday choices, check it out!

The story goes that at the end of Rio Carnival one year, someone finally thought to ask the guy who had been dancing non-stop for a week what he was carrying in the plastic bag he’d had with him the whole time. Opening the bag revealed some bread rolls, a week-old newspaper and a carton of (very) spoiled milk. Apparently he’d left home a week before with the words “OK honey, I’ll be right back!”

That’s the true spirit of the Rio Carnival but it’s a spirit that many feel is in danger of disappearing as hotel and ticket prices rise, sponsorship logos appear everywhere and corporate entertainment companies start to get involved. However, the Rio Carnival is still easily the biggest in the world, with half a million tourists flocking to Rio on their Brazil holidays to join the locals in 2011 alone, and that original spirit is still there – you just have to know a few secrets to get the most out of it all…

Go For Cheaper Sambadrome Tickets

The centrepiece of the Rio Carnival is the parade by the leading samba schools through the famous Sambadrome. Although the most expensive Sector 9 tickets for the Sambadrome will ensure you have a prime view and a reserved seat, they will seriously hit your pocket, and many feel that the atmosphere is a bit ‘sanitised’ here. If you definitely want to see the main parades, then cheaper seats are available in other sections of the Sambadrome and although they are unreserved (so if you go to the bar you might lose your seat) the atmosphere is much livelier and it’s much more of a true Rio Carnival experience.

Winner’s Parade

The main carnival parades on Sunday and Monday may be the climax of Rio Carnival for many, and if you want to be part of that then the best way to save money will be to go for cheaper unreserved seats. However, there is another alternative that not many people outside Rio are aware of and it’s one of our top tips to enjoy the Rio Carnival like a local! The weekend following the ‘main’ parades, the champion samba schools from the Carnival are rewarded by being allowed to strut their stuff through the Sambadrome one more time to allow the crowds to show their appreciation. Many locals will tell you that the atmosphere is actually better for this Winners Parade than for the Carnival itself as the performers are more relaxed and able to just enjoy themselves.

Best of all, however, is that tickets are half the price of the main parades, even though you get to see the crème de la crème of the schools!

Stick to the Streets

Another option would be to avoid the Sambadrome entirely, and just enjoy the plethora of street parties and street parades that take place throughout Rio during carnival. In many ways this is the true way to enjoy carnival, with the literally millions of people who couldn’t get tickets (or couldn’t afford tickets) for the Sambadrome. Mornings are usually fairly quiet, but as you get into the afternoon, people start hanging out on the streets and once the parades start in the evening, things get into full swing as the Carnival spirit takes hold.

Stay in an Apartment

Most hotels triple their prices for Rio Carnival, and they usually insist on a five-night minimum stay as well, which can put a real dent in your Brazil holidays spending money! Something many people find better value is to rent an apartment for carnival rather than staying in a hotel. It still won’t be cheap, but if there are a few of you then it can work out very good value indeed – particularly because you’ll have a kitchen so you don’t have to eat out all the time, and you can also stick some beers in the fridge as well!

Dan Clarke works for Real Brazil Holidays – the UK specialist for tailormade holidays in Brazil, whether that’s partying at the Rio Carnival, relaxing on Brazil beach holidays, or marvelling at Iguazu Falls.

If you are looking for a place to travel to this summer, put Asia on top of your list. Many people are discovering how great it is to vacation in Asia. It offers many tourist friendly destinations that you cannot find in other parts of the world.

Many visitors to Europe often complain about how expensive it is to go to Paris, London, Madrid and other European cities. In Asia, you can find destinations that will not break your bank but at the same time will provide you with unique experiences that you will never forget. This summer, here are our top six Asian destinations:

Malaysia

The tagline for Malaysia’s current advertising campaign is “Malaysia, Truly Asia.” It’s true. When you visit Malaysia, whether you go to Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Pangkor or any of the other places in Malaysia, you will be in for a truly Asian experience. It is a melting pot of many Asian cultures. Experience the traditional and the modern in Malaysia.

Philippines

One of the best beaches in the world is found in the island of Boracay. But that’s not the only place you can have fun in the sun while in the Philippines. It is a country rich in history, culture and people. Many travelers are wary of the country. But once they get there, there are surprised to find a warm people who speak very good English. Famous for inexpensive tourist destinations and bargains, the Philippines is worth the visit.

India

Forget about Bollywood. India has more to offer than dancing and singing in the streets. The sights and sounds in the different cities of India will surely surprise you. There are a number of historic places to go to plus cultural attractions and cuisines to experience. Start by visiting the capital city of Delhi and make your way to other cities in India.

Thailand

If you are on a budget, visit Thailand. It is one of the most budget friendly destinations in Asia. Thailand’s cultural attractions are different from its neighboring countries. Don’t just stay in Bangkok. Make sure to visit the other tourist friendly cities in Thailand and experience one-of-a-kind entertainment and cultural shows. If shopping is your passion, then Thailand is the place to go.

Cambodia

Unlike its Asian neighbors, Cambodia has not yet developed its tourism potential to the fullest. Cambodia has so much to offer if you are interested in historic and cultural attractions. There is no place in the world like the temples in Angkor Wat. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Get your inner Tomb Raider on and see Cambodia.

Asia has vacation spots for every kind of tourist (backpackers, honeymooners, families, etc.). Many places in Asia are unbelievably inexpensive yet the attractions they offer cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. For your next summer vacation, visit an Asian country and experience a whole new world.

Swing away from all the anxiety of everyday life and cherish your summer getaway by spending a week or two in Asia. Why don’t you try doing people search and invite all your pals to discover the awe-inspiring beaches, colorful festivals, authentic cuisines and genuine Asian hospitality and cheap buys. You will for sure enjoy the fun shopping in a bunch of locations in Asia.

China is a country with one of the oldest civilizations in the world. As a kid I have always been fascinated with their culture and history. I think this was partly because my grandmother had Chinese blood and she would tell me Chinese folk tales every night before I went to bed. That is why when I was given the chance to visit the country I immediately grabbed it. For those of you who are planning to visit China, let me reveal to you the top 3 tourist spots you should see.

The Great Wall of China. No visit to China will ever be complete if you haven’t been to this immense structure. As the saying goes, “If you haven’t been to the great wall, you haven’t been to China.” The Great Wall of China is the only man-made structure that can be seen on the moon. It is virtually impossible not to be amazed by it. Construction first began in the 7th Century BC. But it wasn’t until the 16th Century AD when it was finally finished. It was originally built to keep out invaders. Now it is one of the most famous tourist spots in China.

The Forbidden City. This extensive complex of buildings lies in the middle of China. For more than five hundred years this has served as the dwelling place of emperors and their families and staff. The Forbidden City is called a city with a city because of its immense dimensions. It has 9999 rooms sprawled across more than 250 acres of land. From the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, it has played a valuable role in China’s history. Today, as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, it still continues to do so. It remains to be biggest collection of ancient structures made by wood in the world.

The Temple of Heaven. This piece of Ming architecture reflects an abundance elegance and beauty making it one of the most popular tourist spots in China. It was constructed in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty. This was where emperors would go to pray to the Gods for a bountiful harvest. Now in present day China, it is frequented by tourists in droves.

There are many other beautiful places to see in China. But for me, these are the top 3. So what are you waiting for? Visit China and be amazed by these man-made structures.

Amy C. is an interior decoration aficionado and online marketer. She also likes testing and trying new home and office decorating themes. In addition to being an interior decoration hobbyist, she enjoys designing calming indoor fountains and glass art. Amy invites you to browse her delightful collection of glass vases

For many teens, their gap year is their first taste of true independence. A well planned gap year can be a life changing experience, arming them with the skills they will need to get through university, and survive the working world. However, a gap year can also be an intimidating experience. Spending time in a foreign country, alone, can be difficult for a teen who has never spent a long time away from home. These tips will help you to ensure that your son or daughter has a great experience.

Choosing a destination

The right destination can be a big help. One popular destination for a cultural gap year is Argentina, while those who are looking for a more adventurous experience may take a gap year in Australia. A student with an interest in a specific profession or foreign language may choose to take their gap year somewhere that will give them experience that will help their career.

Planning a gap year: Argentina,

There are a lot of organizations that will help your teen plan a gap year in Argentina. If your teen is unsure exactly what they want to do on their gap year, then a package deal is a good idea. Argentina is an exciting and varied country, and a package would allow them to experience a huge range of activities during their gap year in Argentina.

Some of the activities on offer include volunteer work, Spanish language learning by immersion,
backpacking, sports training, and nature trekking.

Planning a gap year: Australia

A gap year in Australia is sure to be an exciting one. Australia is a popular destination for working gap years, as well as for sporting ones, and for those who want to explore the bush.

Australia tends to attract adventurous students, and those who are looking for a social experience. Once again, there are package offerings, including low-cost packages that offer a couple of weeks of accommodation and support for finding a job. For those who are independent and resourceful, and looking for a full Australian experience, this kind of package is a great deal.

Whether your teen decides to learn Spanish on a gap year in Argentina, or go surfing as part of a gap year in Australia, it’s important that they do a lot of research before they go. They will need to find out what is and is not included in the gap year deal, and also make sure that they’re up to date on any travel papers and immunizations that they might need.

Before your teen sets off on their gap year, it’s a good idea to run through basic travel safety with them. It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday atmosphere when you’re away, and forget about simple things such as keeping valuables out of sight, and not leaving bags unattended. Travel safety is especially important for female travelers, who should be reminded to try to stick with friends when out at night. Most people get through their gap year without any problems, and come back with great stories to tell, but it’s always worth taking a minute or two to think about safety!

This post was written by James Harper on behalf of Sport Lived, experts in gap year
Argentina and gap year Australia vacations.

The Alhambra is a place of Moorish construction situated to the north of the city of Granada, the capital of Andalucía, a region in southern Spain, famed for its distinct cultural identity, formed by the historical power struggles between Muslim rulers and the Catholic Monarchs who displaced them.

This history is embodied beautifully by the Alhambra, the fortress which overlooks the city, built for the Nasrid kings and eventually taken over and added to by papal forces. The wonders within the Alhambra, though dating back to the early Middle Ages, were lost to history until being rediscovered a couple of hundred years ago.

Though, on the outside, the Alhambra looks almost brutal, with sheer battlements rising out of the rock, glowing red in the late sunlight, inside you find dazzling examples of the delicate and detailed work of Islamic architects.

Unsurprisingly, many of the common features found in Islamic architecture, regardless of the era or region in question, take inspiration directly from the Qur’an. One, such feature is the use of gardens, the garden being employed throughout the religion’s Holy Book as an analogy for paradise. Indeed Jannah, the Islamic concept of heaven, takes its name from the Arabic word for garden.

Hence, in nearly all the palaces created for rulers of Muslim regions you’ll find a garden often acts as a centre piece. In the Alhambra this is certainly the case. Gardens and courtyards abound and, though they feature some beautiful fauna (especially in the Generalife, the outlying Summer palace) it is water that provides their chief attraction.

For example, the ‘Court of the Myrtles’ towards the centre of the Alhambra’s royal complex features a shallow birka (Arabic for pool) filled with flat still water, which mirrors the battlements at the end of the courtyard. These birkas are a prominent feature of architecture inspired by Islam, the most famous probably being that which leads to the entrance of the Taj Mahal in India.

Again, the reason for this reverence for water is, whilst functional (the birkas cool the palace and, as water can be scarce, act as symbol of power) also largely informed by scripture, with the Qur’an’s descriptions of paradise mentioning water repeatedly.

The Court of The Lions, arguably the Alhambra’s most famous feature, is homage to this fact. The courtyard features a beautiful central fountain formed of an alabaster basin which sits astride the back of 12 marble lions, stood in a circle facing outwards.

Water feeds into the fountain from four channels, which come in from the four sides of the courtyard, flowing from within the palace itself to this central point. These four channels represent the four rivers of paradise mentioned in the Qur’an; Saihan, Jaihan, Furat and Nil.

However, wonderful as this fountain is, the architectural facet which is more perfectly executed at the Alhambra than any other place on earth is the technique of intricate plaster work, known as Murquana, which adorns the ceilings of many of the palaces grand chambers. This ingenious design creates a ceiling which, viewed at from below, looks like an inverted dome, a vault formed of geometrically perfect stalactites, all of which form a honeycomb leading the eye upwards, creating the effect of a seemingly infinite heaven-bound recession, or indeed ascension.

This is most staggering in Hall of the Abencerrajes, though it is hard to tell if it the ceiling is most impressive now, or if it would have been yet more marvelous during the reign of the Nasrid kings.

At that time all of the individual murquanas would have been painted a different colour on each of their three sides. As the ceiling consists of an estimated 5,000 murqanas the resulting patchwork of blazing colour would have been truly mesmerising. Today they are all white, having been bleached by time. However, this is itself pleasing, making all the different shapes harder for the eye to fix on and separate, almost creating the illusion of movement through the sheer multiplicity of competing plains.

It will come as little surprise to learn that the artist MC Esher, famed for inking visions of impossible landscapes and buildings with circular stair cases that only ever go up and yet lead back to their starting point, was inspired by the Alhambra as a young man.

When one thinks of Escher one also thinks of tessellation, of beautiful patterns formed by interlocking shapes, lent beauty by there unfaltering mathematical logic. On the walls of the Alhambra this is just what you find.

Myriad lines run in different directions, turn a set number of degrees at certain intervals and then repeat the motion over and over again, combining to make first one star, then another, then an entire galaxy.

These arabesques are a hallmark of Islamic art, which differs greatly from western traditions by largely ignoring figurative representation. It is considered blasphemous to depict Allah, his angels or his prophets and therefore artists celebrate his creation by attempting to tap in to its underlying logic and indeed many of the shapes, angles and ratios that occur in the formulations Islamic art have been shown to correlate with governing principles of the natural world. The fact that these patterns are able to repeat again and again in self contained, self replicating patterns is intended to draw attention to the infinite nature of the universe as conceived by Muslims.

Author Bio: Nathan Long is a travel writer you searches the examining cultural artefacts. He writes about his discoveries and helps people plan their own trips, from arranging where to go, to organising travel insurance.

If you’re planning a vacation to Europe with your family, but would like an experience that is a little unusual or out of the ordinary, the following options are very much worth checking out. Each of the following vacation providers offer a safe, child friendly environment and a unique passport to discovering the UK and France:

Pagel Child Friendly Holidays

Pagel go one step further than simply providing a child friendly vacation environment. Their resort complex is child centred and everything has been thought of for parents travelling overseas with babies or young children. Based in the beautiful Lot region of southern France, Pagel’s gites offer a tranquil and relaxing environment for adults and a safe, secure, fun and imaginative one for children. Kids of all ages will really enjoy playing in the Indian Village, on the Pirate Ship or at Goldilocks Cabin.

Tipi Adventure Hereford

If you’re planning a trip to the UK with your family and would like to see some of the country’s outdoors, the Tipi Adventure in the Wye Valley of Herefordshire could be for you. This is a vacation experience with a difference and has received great reviews from newspapers including The Sunday Times and The Guardian. Although some of the activities provided are unsuitable for children under the age of 4, their offering is still geared up for families with kids of any age.

Jolly Days Luxury Camping

The newly emerging trend of “glamping” is personified by Jolly Days, who offer child friendly vacations that meet the parents needs for comfort and luxury. Huge, glamorous tents with fantastic facilities make this another vacation experience with a difference. Jolly Days hosts a variety of family orientated events throughout the year which you can view on their website.

Tree House Holidays

Children will absolutely love staying in The Tree House in Somerset, which offers an imaginative and fun space for them to explore. Toys, games, books and dvds have been provided to keep them entertained on rainy days too. This is a stylish, relaxing break for all the family.

Molly Dishwasher

This is quite a “wild card” option but very unique and charming. Based in lovely Sussex woodland, Molly Dishwasher is a fun and imaginative concept, where boutique hotel meets the great outdoors. Again, the offering is very child friendly with activity packs for kids and a lovely welcome basket for adults. Molly is also within an hours drive to London, so if you tire of the countryside the hustle and bustle is not too far away.

Be sure to visit each of the vacation providers’ websites above for availability and further information.

Alaska provides a great number of options to choose from when it comes to outdoor activities. You can hike through the backcountry, take a fishing trip, hunt, and experience the beautiful scenery – among countless other options. As fun as all of these activities can be, there are certain safety tips to keep in mind when traveling through Alaska. In this article, you’ll learn five of those tips and be better prepared to deal with what Alaska throws your way.

Dealing With Moose

With all of the majestic animals that live in Alaska, it’s no wonder that people travel long distances to see them. Because tourists don’t usually have experience with animals in the wild, like moose, some of these people end up getting seriously hurt or even killed. A moose doesn’t want to feel like it is being crowded, so make sure to give it its proper space. Move away quickly and get behind a solid object if the moose begins to chase you.

Travel in Groups

You should never attempt to travel through the Alaskan wilderness by yourself. Having a friend or a small group of people with you can mean the difference between life and death. If you were hiking by yourself and broke your ankle, it would be a lot more difficult to seek help than if you had a friend along with you. Make sure that everyone in the group brings extra clothes, water, something to eat, and tools to start a fire. You never know when you’ll be faced with an emergency.

Highway Travel

Because of the unique terrain, driving on Alaskan highways can be extremely dangerous. Throw in the fact that a 1,000 lb. moose could cross the road in the dark of the night, and you have the quite the treacherous drive to deal with. Make sure to drive slowly – even a few MPH below the
speed limit – and keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. If you don’t absolutely have to drive during your trip, then don’t. Consider hiring a charter service for your transportation needs.

Beware of Ice

If you want to take advantage of some of the great ice fishing opportunities that Alaska has to offer, you need to test the ice for safety. First, you’ll want to measure the thickness of the ice. If you’re with a group of people, it’s recommended that the ice is at least seven inches thick. Also, make sure to check the surrounding area for cracks or breaks. Another way to test is by tapping the ice near the shore. If you hear a “hollow” sound, it means that the ice is unstable.

What To Do When You Get Hurt

Sometimes you can take all of the safety precautions possible and still get injured. Once you’ve sought medical attention for your injury, you’ll want to contact a personal injury attorney. If you feel that your injury was caused due to someone else’s mistake, you might be entitled to some sort of settlement. Seek out an attorney who specializes in the area of your particular injury, and interview several candidates to find the best lawyer for you.

These are just some of the tips for keeping safe during your Alaskan travels. You’ll have a better chance of staying injury-free, and keep your dream trip from turning into a nightmare.

Barry Santos is a content contributor for pentlargelaw.com, a personal injury attorney Anchorage based firm, specializing in liability accidents.

A family vacation to Aruba is sure to be one that you (and your entire family) will remember for the rest of their lives. Aruba resorts set the stage for all that the island has to offer. Loll in the sun on dazzling white sand beaches, swim in clear Caribbean waters, play some beach tennis, pamper yourself with a beach massage or spa treatment, or get ready for some wet ‘n wild adventure offered by a multitude of water sports ranging from banana boats to jet-skis.

Enjoy the Animals
Turn your children’s Aruba vacation into a fun and learning experience with countless adventures and activities that will stimulate them, peak their curiosity and teach them about Aruba’s unique natural habitat, heritage and language. Though it may be challenging to pull them away from the beach, they will delight in the island’s “creature features.”

The Butterfly Farm is a wondrous tropical oasis inhabited by hundreds of fluttering brightly-hued specimens whirling by in their timeless dance. Kids can witness their fascinating metamorphosis from cocoons. Somewhat curious to find on a Caribbean island is the Aruba Ostrich Farm. Kids can stroke their feathers, hand-feed them, and visit the hatcheries of the world’s largest birds. Some reach a weight of 300 pounds, a height of ten feet, and a lifespan of 80 years! Maintained by donations and volunteers, the rustic nearby Donkey Sanctuary maintains, feeds and provides medical care to over fifty adorable and endangered animals; you can even adopt one!

Enjoy the Water
For a glorious day out on the sea, hop aboard a luxury catamaran. Sparkling Caribbean waters, refreshing trade winds, warm tropical sun and a magnificent ever- changing island panorama complement your cruise. Relax on-deck or discover the spectacular underwater fantasy that lies beneath. Snorkel around coral reefs blazing with the bold colors of amazing marine life or explore the secrets of sunken wrecks.

A jaunt to De Palm Island, an Aruba all-inclusive getaway with a spectacular water park, is the perfect family adventure. Sea Trek is a safe once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Behold a brilliant world of sea life as you walk twenty feet below the surface in zero gravity along a 375-foot-long path. Snorkelers will love Snuba, a fusion of snorkeling and scuba; descend to a depth of 20 feet as air is delivered through a long hose from tanks on the surface.

Special Family Discounts
Aruba is a family friendly island, and offers “One Cool Family” discounts from June 1 through September 30th for families with children 12 years old and younger. One Cool Family Vacation packages includes free meals from the kids menu in hotel restaurants, daily free kid activities and complimentary family gifts at resorts participating in the program.

Whatever type of vacation you are interested in, Aruba all inclusive family options will have something to offer for everyone in your family!

Mauritius is essentially considered to be one of the finest exotic destinations in the world, and its sheer appeal can hardly be denied. It is moreover one of those few destinations that is perfect for any kind of trip or vacation. Whether you are visiting Mauritius for a romantic holiday or for a boisterous family vacation, the incredible number of things you can do in the island make it an ideal choice for any purpose.

One of the most amazing things about Mauritius is the diverse collection of attractions all over the island. In fact, this is quite surprising given the relatively small size of the island. However, in spite of the fact that Mauritius is such a tiny island, the multiple attractions on show there are indeed absolutely fantastic. Consequently, it is easy to understand that some of them will be overlooked as tourists instead flock towards a selection of these attractions. The following are the most overlooked Mauritius tourist attractions that you should nevertheless not miss out on.

The Chateau de Labourdonnais

In the case of the Chateau de Labourdonnais, it is not difficult to realize why it is being overlooked by the majority of tourists visiting the island. This museum was closed for more than three years due to renovations and was only reopened to visitors last year. The Chateau de Labourdonnais is still one of the most interesting attractions on the island though. It is not only a museum, but also is also regarded as an extremely fined garden in Mauritius.

Flacq

The village of Flacq on the eastern coast of the island is often at the heart of the biggest debate when it comes to Mauritius attractions. Many argue that it should not be considered a typical tourist attraction in itself due to the fact that it itself boasts several separate attractions. This is without taking into consideration those who are not even aware of its existence.

However, there is no denying that this village is particularly fascinating thanks to its open air market, its multicultural setting, and the dozens of things to do there. However, because it is located on the eastern coast (most hotels are located to the north of Mauritius) which is known for having the least beautiful beaches of the island, it is often altogether ignored.

The Champ de Mars in Port Louis

The Champ de Mars is another attraction that is strangely overlooked. It is the single horse racing track of the island and is one of the oldest establishments of Mauritius. The first thing you should keep in mind is that horse racing is huge in Mauritius. A single trip there will prove this as you’ll be amazed at the excitement coming from its visitors and the constant noise and shouts as people cheer on their favorite horses.

However, in spite of this, most tourists do not deem necessary to visit the Champ de Mars at least once, probably because even the Mauritian authorities do not deem necessary to advertise it as such. Moreover, you need to keep in mind that these races are only on Saturdays except in December when they last the whole weekend on two occasions. In addition, the races are not actually all year round, which means you may not be able to attend them depending on when you visit the island.