EUROQUEST SideTracks

When last spring the LA times published an article in its travel section on the Mojave Desert, one of our all-time favorite Treasures-off-the-beaten-track destinations, we became a bit uneasy, fearing it could spoil its status as a well-kept secret. The article, published on-line also at http://articles.latimes.com/2010/mar/14/travel/la-tr-tecopa-20100314, even covers some of our favorite destinations, China Ranch and Tecopa Hot Springs, a mere 75 minute drive from Las Vegas. Fortunately, our fears never materialized and these gems of the Mojave Desert remain untouched by crowds and perfect spots to escape civilization for a day or two. They have changed over the years, however, but the wide open desert landscape near the California-Nevada border still remains as spectacular as ever. We first discovered Tecopa Hot Springs over a decade ago - and back then, it was managed by Inyo County California, free-of-charge and open 24hours. What a true delight it was to escape the nightlife and...

As the third largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus offers visitors great diversity in both its scenery and climate. So when the scorching summer heat becomes too unbearable along the coast, and the pool-beach routine turns too monotonous, the island's interior beckons and makes for a great escape away from the crowds and the heat. The Troodos mountain range ranks among the island's most magnificent and as such marks a perfect Treasures-off-the-beaten-track destination for visitors. Again, a rental car is the most convenient way to explore the mountains, leaving the Larnaca-Nikosia motorway just South of STROVOLOS and taking Highway B9 towards Troodos. Soon upon leaving the Southern outskirts of Nicosia, we begin straddling the border to Northern Cyprus and then the scenery gradually changes, as the highway first turns south and gradually meanders uphill. Shrubs and flowers abound, soon giving way to pine trees, increasing in size and lushness with every turn. Our base f...

Most visitors to Cyprus will stay in the tourist centers in the Greek South - particularly in the area around Agia Napa, where the nicest beaches and "newest infrastructure" may be found. Some also head to Northern Cyprus as part of a package deal vacation, but predominantly stay in the attractive resort and port town of Kyrenia (Girne) in the North. Those that go on their own to explore the North are still quite rare - and it takes some courage and leap of faith, as heading across the "Green Line" into the so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" truly is like stepping into a different world. This "country", only recognized as such by Turkey and otherwise still waiting for the diplomatic limbo to be settled, runs lightyears behind the overdeveloped south - and that is good news. For a real taste of Cyprus, the North is by far more authentic and genuine - and the hospitable nature of the Turkish Cypriots is legendary. However, it is a true...

Most visitors to Cyprus come in search of the same combination of sun, beach and relaxation that pulls tourists to almost every corner of the Mediterranean. Few come in search of deeper cultural encounters and even fewer have a specific interest in Cyprus and its intriguing and complex history. And almost all visitors come as part of a package vacation combining flight, hotel and transportation and thus wind up restricted to their particular resort complex or vacation community. Yet Cyprus has much to offer for those wishing to look beyond tourist clichés and willing to take matters in their own hand by booking hotel accomodation separately from car rentals and flights. A rental car is highly advisable, however, as it is the only way to properly explore the island, after all, the third largest in the entire Mediterranean. And the culture shock may start for some already, when renting a car and realising that as a former British colony, Cyprus has left-hand traffic. Particularly manag...