Travel Guide Europe: Best Holiday Destinations & Cities in Europe

Reminiscing About Venice - My Holiday in Pictures

2012-01-30T19:13:00.000Z

Being sat back at home in freezing cold England makes me want to go travelling again, and although I am set for a short break in Riga in February - which I'm sure will be great fun, its not exactly going to be warm there either at that time of the year! All the cold weather has made me think about some of the great holiday destinations in Europe I have been privileged enough to have visited in the last few years, and in turn this inspired me to start looking back at some of my old photo collections from these trips. One set of photos that made me feel a lot warmer inside were my pictures of Venice, taken during my trip to the stunning Italian city during summer 2010. I have shared below some of what I consider to be my favourite pictures from Venice here, so you too can see what a wonderful city it is - making it surely one of the best holiday destinations in Europe.

Grande Canal

Venice's biggest and most famous of all its many waterways in all its glory!

Gondolas

Venice's world renowned mode of transport - but not a cheap one!

Bridge of Sighs

There are few more famous and architecturally stunning bridges across the world - but it is now sadly covered in advertising boards :(

Fish Market

Eating fresh fish and seafood in Venice's restaurants was one of the highlights of my visit - and the fish market from which it all is bought is a great thing to visit and experience in itself.

Skippered Yacht Charter Holidays

2011-12-27T15:39:00.000Z

If you are a person whose perfect idea of a summer holiday or vacation is enjoying a thrilling life out on the open ocean then there is surely no better break for your tastes than a yacht charter holiday. Enjoying the sea air and beautiful sunshine is a great way of getting away from it all and forgetting all the stresses of your daily life by exploring the unspoilt beauty of the open ocean. Such experiences are rarely surpassed, and you a certain to enjoy an unforgettable experience.

If you are not an experienced sailor then fear not – these wonderful experiences are still available to you. By choosing to book a skippered yacht charter holiday, you will have the opportunity to utilise the experience of a qualified and friendly skipper and crew who can help make your sailing holiday dreams into a reality. By choosing a skippered yacht charter holiday you will be able to enjoy all the good things you would expect from such a vacation but without the stress and strains of manning the yacht yourself.

By drawing on the expertise of an experienced sailing crew, you will also be able to draw upon their knowledge in terms of the best holiday destinations to sail to and also the many superb places and attractions you can to visit inland – whether you are enjoying a yacht charter holiday in the Mediterranean or Caribbean. Simply turn up with all your kit packed up and let the skipper and his crew do all the hard work as you sail away on your dream break.

The Thinking Man’s Barcelona Stag Do

2011-12-21T11:21:00.001Z

Stag weekends have something of an image crisis to attend to, especially in the UK. It seems barely a week goes by without a new story about “Brits abroad” getting in trouble on foreign soil, whether it’s scrapping with the locals or being too drunk to board the flight, sometimes the point that’s forgotten is there is a market for men looking to expand their cultural horizons with their “last weekend of freedom”.

For these more aspirational types, a Barcelona stag do might be just the ticket thanks to the cities’ peerless emphasis on good living as well as the small matter of the city being home to one of the best football teams the world has ever seen.

For foodies Barcelona might just be one of Europe’s highlights owing to the cosmopolitan outlook the city boasts. There is a world of international delicacies on offer but if it’s a more traditional Catalonian experience that your stag party is seeking, there’s a great selection of restaurants you should be targeting. Dos Palillos on C/ Elisabets serves traditional Spanish tapas infused with Asian influences, which, on paper admittedly sounds like a bit of a muddle but it’s well worth a visit.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to eat well but at a budget, keep an eye out of the Menu Del Dia, which translates at Menu of the Day where you can pick up a salad, a main dish, a drink and a dessert for as little as a tenner – just use your discretion as the quality will vary. Generally, a good rule of thumb is to stay off the tried path – take a detour from the more touristy spots and you’ll save money and get great quality food to line your stomachs before heading out to some of Barcelona’s plentiful night spots.

Give the identikit pub crawls a miss on your journey here and do some research before you travel otherwise you could be faced with the less than ideal scenario of paying top dollar to drink in places that will be much the same as you’re used to in the UK. These are the places that arguably give the whole Brits abroad thing its reputation. There’s a lot more to be said for stepping out of one’s comfort zone and giving the cities’ tapas bars your onceover. Here you can get a light bite of some authentic Spanish tapas free with your drinks. Alternatively, head for any bar with Chupitos hanging above it, Chupitos translates as “shots” and here you can get a start on a Barcelona stag night that will live in infamy.

So there you have it, an introduction to the Barcelona stag do with none of that unsavoury business of being a bad ambassador for your country. Pick up a phrase book, ingratiate yourselves with the locals and see your stag do as being the perfect opportunity to expand your horizons and you’ll be rewarded with a stag weekend experience that will last a lot long in the memory banks than your average binge’s wrecking ball.

Things To Look for in Travel Insurance

2011-12-20T19:00:00.000Z

Everyone knows that no matter where your destination, travel insurance should be the first thing you pack when heading on holiday. However, with all the policies out there, it can sometimes be confusing to know exactly what you need when buying insurance.

Emergency medical and repatriation costs are a must with any policy. While the majority of holidaymakers enjoy their long-awaited trip abroad without incident, if something does go wrong travel insurance medical policies can provide invaluable help in a time of need. In an emergency money should be the last thing on your mind; not only do travel insurance policies cover medical costs in an emergency, they also pay for you to fly back to the UK if necessary.

Furthermore, those travellers that are worried about going abroad with a pre-existing medical condition can get cover for this. It is important to seek out a policy that will cover any treatment that could become necessary when on holiday due to a pre-existing illness to ensure you're not caught short.
Cancellation cover is another great feature of many policies, which is particularly important for travellers who have shelled out a lot of money for a top-notch holiday.

One aspect that all Brits should look for from their travel insurance is access to English speaking medical experts. Trying to access medical help in a foreign country can be difficult and daunting, but with 24-hour English speaking experts to hand, travellers can get all the help and support they need.

When picking a travel insurance policy, it is important to take into consideration what type of trip you are embarking upon. Different policies are available for different types of trip such as wedding or golfing, while a range of diverse activities also have various types of cover, that can often be added on top of a standard policy.

Driving Holiday Checklist: Five Checks You Need to Make

2011-12-19T17:40:00.000Z

Heading abroad in your own car can be an incredibly effective way of seeing the sights. Not having to rely on public transport while you’re away can open up the opportunity to see and experience more of the country in question than you could have otherwise hoped for.

That said, taking your own transport comes with its own issues. If a train or bus breaks down while you’re away then it’s a minor inconvenience -- but if your own vehicle takes a turn for a worse then it could become a major headache working out how to get it back home again. To avoid such issues it’s an idea to double check a number of things before you set off.

Tyre Depth/Pressure

If you’re going to be putting in some major mileage during the weeks that you’re away then you owe it to yourself to check that your tyres are up to scratch. Grab a tread depth checking tool to ensure that the tread on your tyres is well within the legal limit -- and refer to your vehicle’s handbook to check that they’re inflated to optimum levels.

Oil and Water

Both of these might be something you generally take for granted but it’s vital that you check the levels of both before you set off -- and several times while you’re away. If you’re unsure of where your levels should be, don’t take any chances. Consult a professional at your local garage to give the all clear before you leave.

Local Laws

Remember that things like the speed limit or maximum legal blood alcohol limit may differ in your destination country than in the UK. Ignorance of local laws won’t be a good enough excuse if you get caught breaking the law, so read up well in advance.

Insurance details

Does your car insurance policy cover you in the country you’ll be driving in? If you’re not sure, get on the phone to your provider and find out. It may be that you have to pay extra to get covered while you’re away -- if so, don’t be tempted to skip it and save some cash. It really isn’t worth the risk.

Breakdown Blues

Similarly, your breakdown cover won’t necessarily stretch to the country you’ll be visiting -- although some providers will happily cover you in Europe, for instance. Check with the company you have cover with and extend your cover to the country in question if needs be.

Italy Amongst Best Holiday Destinations in Europe

2011-12-19T15:25:00.001Z

Italy is a truly beautiful country to visit and offers a range of unforgettable holiday destinations -whether you are travelling to see the fantastic historical buildings you would find in the country’s capital Rome, the great shopping experiences available in modern Milan, the unique canals and side streets found in Venice or the outstanding natural rural beauty that typifies the region of Tuscany. Put together, all of these places make Italy one of the best holiday destinations in all of Europe.

The country draws in visitors from all over the world for a wide variety of reasons – some will travel to Italy on backpacking trips, some on romantic breaks and others will visit Italy on family holidays. However, regardless of the type of holiday on which you are travelling, you are always going to need somewhere to stay.

While backpackers may choose to find more budget accommodation such as a youth hostel, others may seek to stay in one of the stunning old hotels. If you are looking for accommodation in Italy, the best way of finding it is by searching online as this can result in great discounts and save a lot of time searching travel agents in the high street.

Best Stag Weekend Activities in Europe

2011-12-19T11:00:00.000Z

If you’re set to be a best man in summer 2012 then you’ve probably already been nominated with the all-important task of organising a stag weekend for your brother or best mate and all of the other lads in the new year – and of course there is therefore always a lot of pressure to create one of the best activity weekends that you’ll never forget. With that in mind here are some great stag weekend activity ideas to get the creative juices flowing...

Quad Biking – Get a great adrenaline rush as you cruise around in the dirt at high speeds for some fast and furious and seriously laddish fun. Race your mates and see who comes out on top.

Military Vehicles – Lets be fair now, is there anything more manly than driving a tank? Well now you can make all those boyhood dreams come true and drive a range of military vehicles around specialised designed courses in great locations across Europe.

Snowmobiles – Fancy something a bit different on your winter stag do? You can now find snowmobile driving opportunities in great European locations like Krakow and Riga.

Alternative Holiday Destinations You May Not Know Of

2011-12-17T19:09:00.000Z

Many people who travel to Europe will often visit big famous cities like Paris, Barcelona or Rome - but have you considered an alternative holiday destination - perhaps somewhere you may not know much about and is perhaps internationally less well known? In this blog post we look at the fantastic skiing destination Tsakhkadzor in Armenia and examine the intrigues and charms of exploring Castles in Denmark.

Skiing in Tsakhkadzor

There are many great ski resorts in Europe in countries like Austria, France, Switzerland and Italy but if you are looking for something a bit different why not take a trip to Tsakhkadzor, Armenia. Located approximately a 1 hour drive away from Armenia’s capital Yerevan and standing over 1800 metres above sea level on the South Eastern edge of Mount Teghenis, Tsakhkadzor offers excellent snow for skiers and snowboarders as well all the facilities you would expect from a great ski resort - such as great bars and restaurants. However, the city is also steeped in history and offers some great architectural attractions such as churches and monasteries dating back to the Middle Ages.

Visiting Castles in Denmark

If you fancy something a bit different from your city break why not pack your bags and head to Copenhagen to check out some of the stunning historical buildings of the city? The country is filled with some fantastic castles and other historic buildings dating back to the 1300s and in Copenhagen you can find some of the best. Amalienborg for example is the home of the Danish royal family and comprises of 4 separate palace buildings - each of which are superb to behold in their own right. As with Buckingham Palace in London, tourists flock to Amalienborg to see the ceremonial changing of the guard and enjoy a key piece of the country’s history and culture.

Best Stag and Hen Weekend Destinations in the UK

2011-12-15T19:18:00.001Z

Let’s face it, stag weekends and hen weekends in are always pretty crazy and usually boozey affairs – and while some people will choose to travel to destinations for Europe for their big night out (often to get as far away from their bride or groom to be as possible), there are still plenty of great locations in the UK in which to have your stag or hen weekend at a fraction of the cost. Here are some of the most popular destinations in the UK:

Blackpool – If ever there was a town designed to welcome gangs of lads or girls for a mad weekend it is Blackpool. Take a trip up to the North West coast for hundreds of bars, pubs and clubs galore. Test your hangover by riding rollercoasters on the pleasure beach, get kitted up in fancy dress on the promenade or take a trip to the beach.

Leeds – Leeds has arguably the best nightlife in the north of England with fantastic clubs like Space and Gatecrasher. There are also some great outdoor activities you can take part in in the countryside around the city, such as paintball and clay pigeon shooting – or you can take a hike on the moors of nearby Ilkley.

London – Ladies on a hen do can shop til they drop in the heart of England’s capital. Nightlife is more varied and cosmopolitan than in most cities in the world - so both stags and hens are sure to find a pub or club to suit them and their mates. Take a trip on the London eye and see all the sites during the day.

Stunning Beaches in Europe

2011-11-22T12:01:00.000Z

Winter’s come-a-knocking but if you’re a sun worshipper looking to escape the wintery blues of home, here are some of the most stunning destinations in Europe to help you plan your next beach holiday.

Source: Creative Commons

You may be stuck in Coldsville at the moment, but keep your hot water bottle close and keep on dreaming of summer 2012. Here are some gorgeous beach destinations to keep your spirits up until the bitter weather blows over...

The Best Beaches in Europe:

Croatia

Croatia has grown into one of the more recent top party destinations for group holidays. But the country still maintains its dignity as a cultured and beautiful holiday location. The Blue Flag Baska Voda beach sits neatly in the breathtaking view of the Biokovo Mountains and Krka National Park is also a coveted hotspot of incredible beauty.

Bulgaria

Known worldwide for its golden sands, Bulgaria is still a place of unspoiled beauty. Because the beaches are closely monitored and regularly maintained, the area will hopefully remain unspoiled for as long as possible.

Greece

Myrtos beach in Kefalonia is one of the most dramatically stunning beaches around, a true picture of beauty and a wonderful melting pot of soft sands and limestone pebbles.

Top Winter Travel Destinations in Europe

2011-11-22T11:57:00.000Z

Winter is a beautiful season for travel and some of the best holidays in Europe are during the colder season. Whether you’re interested in living abroad during the winter, or you just want a short weekend break, here are some of the most beautiful winter travel destinations...

1. Austria – the city of Vienna is a stunning centre of architectural beauty, and in the winter it is a treat for all of those who appreciate the romance of a cold winter’s day. Austria also offers various skiing locations with luxury chalets and cottages.

2. Finland – home to Lapland, Finland is truly one of the most beautiful winter holiday destinations in the world. It is also one of the few places on the globe where you can catch the breathtaking sights of the Northern Lights.

Source: Creative Commons

3. Germany – Frankfurt is home to the original Frankfurt Christmas markets. Here you can enjoy the sights of the annual giant Christmas tree and a variety of interesting market stalls. Enjoy a mulled wine as you watch the world go by or shop around for unique gifts and crafts which have been handmade by locals.

4. Iceland – Reykjavik is one of the strangest cities in the world, surrounded by landscapes which are just out of this world.

Source: Creative Commons

Renting Log Cabins with Hot Tubs – The Best Relaxing Holiday Possible

2011-11-14T11:19:00.000Z

If your idea of a great holiday is kicking back, relaxing and enjoying time spent together with your best friends in beautiful natural surroundings - then renting out log cabins with hot tubs in fabulous locations right here in the UK may be the perfect break for you. Typically accommodating up to 7 people, renting out a log cabin can be a fantastic way of escaping all the stress of your job and instead having a long weekend off to put your feet up. You may choose to either spend a romantic weekend with your partner or as a group of friends, colleagues or classmates but you are sure to have a memorable and fun holiday right here in the UK.

As the nights draw in here in the UK and winter is moving in, it may seem very tempting to take a holiday overseas during the winter – but renting a fully centrally heated login cabin featuring a beautiful warm hot tub will ensure you can beat the cold weather and stay snug and warm regardless of the time of year in which you choose to take your holiday. The modern styling of the majority of the UK’s log cabins also adds to your luxury holiday experience to make you feel all the more at ease in your stay.

Student Travel Insurance: What to Consider When Buying

2011-11-10T08:57:00.000Z

As a student heading out to see the world, you quickly realize there are many reasons you need a flexible travel insurance policy that can cover many of the contingencies you may face while out on the road. If you are travelling for research with graduate programs online or travelling with a student group, it is important for you to be covered in an emergency.

Not only do you need adequate health coverage, but you will want to consider covering personal property so you can replace your valuables if they lost or stolen. You can even purchase a travel insurance policy that will refund your money if your trip is cancelled or you miss connections and find yourself stranded.

Existing Health Insurance Coverage

If you have existing health insurance, review it carefully to see what it does and does not cover when you travel abroad. Some policies are only good in the country of origin, while others offer limited coverage while you are traveling.

The more expensive health insurance plans often cover you when you travel but require main office approval to authorize treatment. You also need to check for provisions covering such extreme conditions as quarantines or emergency evacuations. In such situations, even if you are in good health you could be facing challenging circumstances where the right kind of coverage would make rescue services available.

Carefully go through the list of exclusions in an existing health insurance policy to see if there are stipulations about covering accidents while intoxicated or that prohibit participation in certain sports. Consider if you will have the resources on hand to pay the current deductible amount or if you should arrange to have it decreased in exchange for paying higher premiums while you are traveling.

Travel-Only Health Insurance Coverage

If you are traveling abroad through your college or university, they might have requirements regarding the type of health insurance needed to participate in their program. Consult with the student health insurance office since they typically offer flexible, low cost plans that can be tailor-made to suit the regions you will be visiting.

If your travel is not directly related to your school, or if your classes are online, you will want to find an independent insurance travel agent that offers health insurance packages that can be set for the specific dates and locations where you will be traveling. These policies can be piggybacked on existing health insurance plans to provide extended coverage only for those contingencies not covered by your primary carrier. Group contracts are awarded to insurance companies who specialize in international travel and extend to leisure activities that may be associated with a group trip.

Check the insurance policy to see if they offer assistance finding medical care in other countries. You may want to confirm that they will reimburse you for medical expenses like prescriptions so you have the option to pay cash up front.

Another factor to consider is pre-existing conditions caused by injury, illness or disease since most policies automatically exclude coverage. You have to sign a pre-existing condition waiver and purchase that part of the coverage in a lump sum before you leave.

Other Travel Insurance Policies

Along with the mandatory student travel health insurance, look into coverage for such nightmare scenarios as losing your passport and identification or having your luggage stolen in transit. You can also obtain travel insurance that will refund your money if your trip is cancelled or you have to return early because of an emergency at home.

Ideally, student travel insurance should be broad enough to cover all contingencies so you can seek and receive medical help, have lost or stolen valuables replaced, and have resources available in case your travel plans abruptly change, but you shouldn’t have to pay outrageous prices for most plans and can often get a student discount. Looking on online forums and insurance review sites can also help you look for highly recommended insurance options available.

Best Holiday Destinations in Europe: Edinburgh

2011-09-14T19:29:00.000+01:00

Edinburgh is widely regarded as one of the best holiday destinations to visit in the UK and offers a fantastic mix of rich Scottish history, heritage and traditions fused with the latest ground breaking arts, comedy and experiences. Named as a UNESCO world heritage site in the year 1995, the city is famed for its varied architecture and cultural experiences. With attractions and buildings spanning its long and rich history, Edinburgh offers holidaymakers the chance to combine visits to medieval castles, palaces and buildings as well as impressive gothic styled churches which also find spaces standing alongside some truly stunning modern architectural creations.

Edinburgh is also without a doubt one of the best holiday destinations in the UK to experience some superb and exciting live events that are sure to excite and intrigue the British tourist visiting the city for a weekend, as well as backpackers travelling across Europe and visitors to Scotland taking holidays from overseas. Such is the wide reaching nature of the appeal of events such as Hogmanay (Scottish New Year celebrations) the Edinburgh festival and Fringe, and the pomp and ceremony of its world famous military tattoo that those visiting the city should plan well ahead. Indeed, getting accommodation of any kind in Edinburgh during the festival season around August to September and during the new year is extremely difficult and may need to be booked as long as a year in advance in some circumstances.

Accessing the city from the UK can be easily achieved by train, with the main station Waverly regularly accepting numerous daily services from across the country. If you are visiting Edinburgh from Europe or further afield it is possible to fly to Edinburgh international airports and then take a Edinburgh airport taxi into the city. The airport is the most popular and frequented in Scotland and takes in flights from around Europe and the rest of the world.

The 3 Best Travel Destinations in Europe

2011-09-01T20:08:00.003+01:00

Europe is packed with fantastic places to go travelling, but there are certain places which have so much charm and such a wide range of attractions that you can’t help but go back. Below are my 3 top travel destinations in Europe that i will continue to return to time and time again:

Paris, France

Known as the city of love, but it’s so much more than that. Paris has everything; stunning icons, great food and all the attractions of a capital city. No matter what type of holiday you want to take, Paris will cater to your needs. Those wanting to sightsee and explore some of the most recognised spots in the world will be happy walking the streets from Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre. If you fancy a more relaxed break then you can wander through the beautiful parks, checking out the quirky fountains and stop off for coffees and hot chocolates all day long. Paris’ only drawback is the strain it puts on the purse strings, but even if you just head over for a long weekend you can guarantee a rewarding a stay. Sante!

Lake Bled, Slovenia

A stunning getaway for those wanting to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The town of Bled is tucked away not far from Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana and is based around the shores of the beautiful lake. If all you want is some peace and quiet set on a mountain backdrop the Bled is the place for you. For those who are ready to incorporate a bit of activity into their visit then hire a boat and row out to the island at the lake’s heart and explore the beautiful church which stands high on its crest. You can even ring the church bell...

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a city of two halves which it seems you can never fully explore. Every time you go back you will discover another corner of the city which you didn’t know was there, filled with great bars, noisy restaurants and packed with locals. There’s plenty you’ll find first time around as well mind. Split into Buda and Pest by the Danube, the city boasts beautiful Baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau architecture to satisfy anyone’s needs and enough parks to shake a stick at. The Danube itself is a great way to explore, hopping on and off as you please and cruising down river when you fancy resting tired legs. If you need even more rest and relaxation then the numerous Turkish baths will help on that front. One of the resident burly Hungarian men will even give you a rub down if you ask nicely. Once you’re suitably refreshed it’s time to hit the town and Budapest can match any city for a good night out, hence its popularity for stag and hen dos. No matter what you go for, Budapest will show you a good time.

This is a guest post from Tom at Top Backpacking Destinations – you can follow him on Twitter: @BackpackerBoy

Does My Breakdown Cover Policy Cover Me in Europe?

2011-06-21T10:26:00.000+01:00

To do true justice to many of Europe’s more scenic and rural holiday destinations, either taking your own car (and thereby being all but bound to the consequences and limitations of travelling by ferry) or alternatively taking up the option to hire a car upon arrival at your destination is all but essential if you are to get the maximum enjoyment out of your trip. I would suggest that it is all but impossible to fully enjoy all the stunning natural beauty of some of the greatest European holiday destinations such as for example Tuscany, The Greek Islands, Ireland etc. without the freedom to drive off and explore these brilliant places and their unspoilt natural scenery without having a car at your disposal.

But what happens if the worst comes to the worst and you have a breakdown or mechanical fault with your vehicle? If you are based living in the UK, does your current breakdown cover policy cover you for travel overseas and in Europe? Are there any limitations to the length of period of which you are covered in such territories? Such factors are key things to consider if you are planning on using your own car or hiring a car in Europe. If in doubt, it is highly recommended that you take the time to study your existing policy documents or contact your insurer directly to establish the limitations and terms of your breakdown cover.

There is nothing worse than having a dream holiday ruined by unforeseen problems, and unfortunately such things can happen to any of us. By establishing whether or not you are covered prior to departure you may save yourself a whole heap of hassle in the long-term. Even if your current policy does not cover you for breakdowns outside of your country of residence, there are now short term breakdown policies available that can for example, cover you for short holiday periods ranging from 1 to 30 days, based on which region of Europe to which you are driving. Investing in such as policy will give you greater peace of mind and freedom to enjoy your holiday and explore the rural reaches of Europe without the fear of being stranded should your car break down.

Why Getting Organised For Your Holiday Will Save You Money

2011-06-06T13:36:00.000+01:00

With a long-awaited holiday on the horizon, it’s easy to let your excitement get the better of you. There are certain holiday essentials that can easily get overlooked as you get swept up in thoughts of lazy days on the beach or culture-filled walks around the city, so be sure to make yourself a checklist before you go.
While booking flights and accommodation will be the first things on your mind, you should also put some time into researching the best possible deal for travel insurance. Not all policies are the same, so don’t make the mistake of simply going with the cheapest option. Be sure that your chosen policy covers all angles – if you’re going skiing or snowboarding, for instance, then you may well need to take out a policy that has specific winter sports cover. Do your research and you won’t go too far wrong.

Something else you should sort out well in advance of your trip away is travel money – it’s easy to pay over the odds for your travel money so look around for your best options before you go. Bowling up at the airport and changing your money on the day you fly is a sure fire way to pay the maximum as currency exchange companies based in an airport know that they have a captive audience. Search out your cheapest options online before you go to get the best deal.

For similar reasons, you should always pre-book your airport parking if you’re going to be leaving a vehicle there while you’re away. Search online for the different available options for the relevant airport and get it booked as early as you can to ensure you get a good price. If you turn up on the day and pay there and then, you’ll undoubtedly be paying more than you need to.

If you’re planning to hire a car in your destination country then once again it pays to book it online before you go. Prices will be significantly cheaper if you’re booking via the company’s website rather than turning up on the day, so seek out your best deal using the internet in the lead-up to your holiday. Similarly, booking activities such as attraction tickets before you go can often be a good idea as these are often available at a discount online if you buy in advance.

Best Holiday Destinations in France – Nice

2011-05-21T16:17:00.000+01:00

The beautiful city of Nice or indeed Nice la Belle as the locals so frequently refer to it is undoubtedly one of the best holiday destinations that France has to offer. Situated on the South East French coast there is much more to this historical and fascinating place than just the consistently great weather that it experiences – with mild winters and fantastically sunny summers.

Take a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and absorb all the customary charm of the French coastline that understandably attracts thousands of visitors each year – making it France’s second most popular holiday destination. Enjoy all the hustle and bustle of milling around the city squares such as Place Massena and Place Garibaldi. Wander around the city and take in its beautiful architectural features with the hot sun on your neck. Nice will offer visitors a fine unique taste of the South of France. If you are looking for a place to stay you could consider booking out holidayapartments in Nice France, or for those who are privileged to afford it you should check out the luxurious and famous Hotel Negresko.

Best Holiday Destinations Outside Europe – New Zealand

2011-05-21T16:03:00.000+01:00

If you are considering taking a holiday a little further afield than the confines of the continent of Europe this summer, there are of course many great places around the world to choose from. However, when it comes to those people who have a great sense of adventure, want to travel to distant lands and that have an undying passion for the great outdoors, why not think big and take the plunge and travel to New Zealand.

When it comes to unspoilt natural beauty, New Zealand has to be one of the best holiday destinations outside of Europe – and what better way to enjoy the scenery at your own pace and leisure than taking advantage of the services offered from many of the great campervan hire companies. Campervanhire New Zealand allows holiday makers the freedom to explore this great nation without constraint - and lets travellers reach the more remote locations away from the city. Take your time to travel across both the North and South Islands and explore the country and see the beautiful night stars. With stunning national parks that are just begging for a visit, you can enjoy hiking and other outdoor pursuits and at the end of the day you will always be sure you have a bed that travels round with you!

Key Things to Plan for Your Holiday in Europe

2011-05-19T13:40:00.000+01:00

So your flights are booked, the hotel reservation has been made, you are confident you’ve got a fantastically priced deal and you are finally starting to day dream and get excited about your forthcoming summer holiday outing in Europe. It’s natural and extremely easy for people of all ages to get sucked in to all the excitement and hysteria that surrounds a summer vacation, but in order to get the best out of your holiday there are several key things to remember to sort out before you get on the plane and jet off to the summer sunshine.

First of all, regardless of your destination in Europe, one thing you are almost certain to need is local currency to spend on your holiday – regardless of whether you plan to live lavishly or prudently on your visit. While these days it is possible to get currency at the airport and on arrival at the holiday destination you are visiting, it is almost inevitable that exchanging cash in the local bureau de change will leave you a little short when it comes to getting a fair exchange rate. Planning ahead therefore, you should always consider places in which you can get commission free travel money. There are now a number of online venders who offer a commission free service on Euros and other European currencies, and will allow travellers cheques and holiday money delivered to your door at your convenience. Services such as this are quick and convenient – particularly if you are unable to get to the town centre in the days leading up to departure.

Another thing any holidaymaker should never leave home without is travel insurance. While the last thing anyone wants to feel before they set off on their summer holiday is pessimistic, it goes without saying it is always better to be safe than sorry. Curtailments and cancellations are unfortunately things that can affect all of us when we least expect it – and while it may be the last thing you want to think about on a holiday trip you should never get on a flight without already having sufficient medical cover in place for the region to which you are travelling. Travel insurance policies these days are very competitively priced and can be easily sorted out before you travel by booking online – so for the sake of a few quid you can have much greater peace of mind should the worst case scenario occur.

Best Winter Holiday Destinations in Europe

2011-05-17T22:47:00.000+01:00

When looking for a fabulous winter adventure, why not consider activity holidays in Lapland, Finland where fun and excitement is awaiting the entire family on an adventure break. Visitors can plan a guided winter adventure that consists of snowmobiling, dog sledding and hiking through the beautiful landscape. Tourists to this winter wonderland will also have the unique experience of seeing and learning about reindeer.

Husky dog sledding is one of the more popular activities in Lapland. This is an adventure that will be remembered for years to come and makes for a great family experience. Not only will visitors have the chance to experience dog sledding, but they will get to see some of the most beautiful winter scenery in the world.

Lapland is the perfect destination for any family that is looking for great outdoor adventures on a holiday. From spending simple days hiking on snowy trails to the excitement of a snowmobile race, Lapland has so much to offer visitors. There are also many fine resorts in the area, so after a long, cold day communing with nature, families can retreat to a cosy fire for a night of relaxation.

One of the most exciting and unique experiences will be viewing the northern lights. There are guided tours in the evening that will take travellers to remote locations for a perfect view of the lights in the sky. A winter holiday to Lapland will be as exciting as it is relaxing and will make for precious memories in the future.

Umbria or Tuscany for your Next Italy Holiday?

2011-05-17T22:42:00.000+01:00

When planning a holiday to Italy, one of the places you should ensure that you spend some time in is Umbria. This region is known as the “Green Heart” of Italy because of the vast rolling hills and it is this beautiful vista which has contributed to Umbria becoming one of the top holiday destinations in Italy.

While in Umbria, make sure to pay a visit to Perugia, an ancient capital of the region. This town has a lot of history much of which is still apparent from the ancient buildings and these now sit comfortably alongside many modern buildings including a University. The city is also home to an internationally known Jazz Festival and a Chocolate Festival both of which should definitely not be missed.

Assisi is another ‘must see’ destination on an Umbrian holiday. Once a Roman colony, Assisi is known for being the home of Saint Francis and the tomb of the Saint can be visited at the Saint Francis Basilica which is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Italy.

If you are looking for a quiet and romantic Italian holiday, consider Tuscany. This is a region full of breathtaking architecture, beautiful landscapes and amazing Italian cuisine all of which make Tuscany a popular destination for newlyweds. The romance of the area can be felt throughout the region and with the option of renting luxury Tuscany villas and farmhouses, you will surely find the perfect romantic getaway in Tuscany.

Italian holidays are becoming more and more popular every year and Umbria and Tuscany are likely to remain at top of the list for popular destinations for some time. Both have great qualities that make them amongst the best holiday destinations in Europe.

Tenerife or Gran Canaria for Winter Holidays in Europe?

2011-05-15T11:29:00.000+01:00

Tenerife and Gran Canaria are both popular destinations for a winter holiday. Their all year round comfortable climates and abundant sunshine make them ideal choices when tourists are looking to escape the harshness of the winter at home.

Tenerife holidays in winter make for an interesting option because it offers a large selection of island houses that can be hired as holiday homes. Many of these homes are located on some of the best beaches in the area, including Playa Grande, Playa las Vistas and Playa Las Gaviotas. The beaches themselves offer useful tourist facilities and an array of water sports, making this a great location for families.

For those who don’t want to spend their whole holiday soaking up the sun, Tenerife is also a great place to explore Mount Teide, an active volcano. This is an experience that no tourist should miss on their holiday with the summit reminiscent of a lunar landscape.

The climate in Gran Canaria is warmer than Tenerife and is correspondingly one of the most popular winter holiday destinations. There are some beautiful beaches which are well served by local restaurants, bars and shops. There are also conveniently situated golf courses and the nearby streets are quiet and quaint and house many small coffee shops and eateries.

Gran Canaria is known for having an active nightlife and is a great choice for younger visitors. There are many bars and nightclubs that come alive after the sun sets so when travelling on a winter holiday with a family, Tenerife may be the better choice because there are more family oriented activities and sites to visit.

Meribel: Amongt Best Ski Holiday Destinations in Europe

2011-05-15T11:24:00.000+01:00

Meribel is home to some of the most interesting skiing in France and the valley itself has more than 100 miles of trails to ensure that skiers’ interest does not wane whilst on holiday. The valley is situated so that skiers are in the sun all day, making this one of the best skiing holiday destinations in the world. The resort have ensured perfect powder throughout the season with snow machines, which are used to keep all slopes nicely covered for a full season of ski activities. Meribel is also known as a great resort for those learing to ski for the first time and Meribel ski schools are some of the best in the French Alps.

Any visitor will have a thrilling experience on the slopes because despite Meribel being a challenging mountain, it is so designed that it offers slopes for every skier, from beginner to expert. The extensive lift system is laid out in such a way that it ensures that all skiers will have no problem reaching the summit and choosing their slope.

A key feature of Meribel is the V shaped valley which adds to the excitement and challenge of the more advanced slopes, with some steep descents ideal for more adventurous skiers. Guides are available for skiers looking to tackle these challenging slopes in a safer way with advice on how best to approach these new slopes.

There are also designated areas for those who snowboard. As with the ski slopes the designated boarding areas have slopes to suit all levels of ability. This has become one of the most popular ski resorts in the area, attracting thousands of skiers and boarders each season. With classes available, families with small children can enjoy the slopes and guides are always available for those who wish to tackle the expert areas.

Renting Luxury Holiday Homes in Italy

2011-05-10T14:50:00.000+01:00

Finding the best luxury holiday home in the best location is an important part of planning your Italian holiday. Tuscany is home to some of the most luxurious and extravagant villas in Italy and renting an Italian holiday home in this iconic location will provide you with the experience of a lifetime. Choose the right option and you will find yourself living in the lap of luxury while on your holiday

Many of the holiday home rentals in the area include private pools, gardens, fireplaces and Jacuzzis. Most rentals are available for a week at a time or longer if you want to make that fantastic trip even better. All are very spacious and completely furnished, so you will never want for anything and very quickly you will feel right at home while staying in a luxury villa.

For a taste of the truly rustic Italy, there are also some farmhouses that are available to rent as a holiday home. Whilst by their very nature these will not provide many of the modern amenities of a villa, the farmhouses do provide a charm and luxury quite unlike anything else. The traditional exteriors are beautifully complemented by the furnishings which are often ornate and antique, making for a romantic atmosphere throughout your stay. The farmhouses are set on beautiful tracts of land, surrounded by breath taking gardens, trails and scenery that cannot be found elsewhere.

Renting a luxury home is one of the best ways to enjoy a holiday in Italy. It allows you the freedom to go out and enjoy the country and then return to the comforts of home.

Discover The Secrets of Hidden Provence

2011-05-10T14:48:00.000+01:00

Provence in France is a rugged region that still has some of the old Provencal values of the simple life. Many people travel to this region to get a taste of true French history, to learn about the local culture and to experience some of the finest French cuisine available anywhere in the country. While almost everyone is familiar with Provence, there is another area that many tourists are unaware of, the Haute Provence, which is located just northeast of Marseille.

     This location is not a tourist trap. Instead, it is full of real people living a simple life. The countryside is spectacular and makes for some amazing photo opportunities however the land in the area is not fertile and local farmers will work narrow terraces that are built on the hillsides. These provide just enough room to grow some vegetables. Unlike other areas in France, the landscape is not as lush with flora and fauna, but the scenery is still breathtaking. Even with the unfertile land, visitors will notice a large array of medicinal herbs growing virtually everywhere.

     The waterways of this hidden Provence, including the rivers of Verdon and Durance are beautiful. In fact, the road that travels along the Verdon River is known as one of the most exciting drives in all of Europe.
The cuisine in the area cannot be explained, it must be experienced. The cooking is simplicity at its best and many of the ingredients are grown in the wild and almost every dish will contain an assortment of locally grown herbs. Cuisine wise, the area is known throughout the world for what is regarded as a delicacy; that of the black truffle.

     One of the best ways to enjoy a holiday in this unforgettable region of France is to rent one of the many holiday villas in Provence, as these are often historic farms and houses located in beautiful villages.

Best Golf Holidays in Europe – Spain or Portugal?

2011-05-08T14:16:00.000+01:00

Spain and Portugal are two hugely popular destinations for people looking to go on a golf holiday. Since the climate is comfortable all year round, these countries can offer golf throughout the year which is clearly an enormous draw for all golfers. The sheer number of courses on offer also means that players will get to enjoy the sun and the variety of playing a number of different courses on their golf holiday.

When planning golf holidays in Spain, one of the most popular locations to play at is Costa del Sol. Here, golfers will find a selection of beautiful courses including the Valderrama Golf Course. In 1997, Valderrama hosted the Ryder Cup and has since been a top golf destination for players from around the world. Other areas of Spain that are also great choices for golf include Costa Blanca, Almeria and the Costa de la Luz which has become a very popular area for those looking for a memorable day on the golf course. Spain is one of the cheaper countries in which to play golf, especially on the Costa del Sol and this is due to the sheer number of courses and the corresponding competition between them which drives down the prices in order to attract players.

Portugal continues to be one of the more popular destinations for a golf holiday. In the Algarve, players will have the opportunity to play on some championship courses, including the notable Pestana resort. There are a number of stunning golf courses in Lisbon, which also include fine hotels located next to many of the courses to make the golfing holiday even more enjoyable.

Buying a Holiday Home in the Algarve Sun

2011-05-08T14:11:00.000+01:00

Many people have the dream of owning a holiday home in Portugal, and locations such as the Algarve are very popular. This area is known to be a piece of heaven where you can retreat from the chaos of everyday life and relax in the sun. The mild climate and laid-back lifestyle make for the perfect holiday home location.

     The Algarve is one of the most ideal destinations in the world for buying a holiday home because here holiday homes are affordable and the climate of Portugal makes it a location that can be enjoyed all year long. When buying property in the Algarve sun, there are some important things to consider, including the most obvious factors, those of location and price. Many people who are looking to purchase a holiday home want to be in a remote area that is nonetheless also in close proximity to a city. On the Algarve this is eminently possible along with buying a holiday home that nestles beautifully by the water’s edge.

     The property prices will vary, depending on the size and location of the home, so once you decide how much you can afford; selecting the perfect home from home will be the fun part. There are many beautiful homes available, all within close proximity to sandy beaches, great golf courses and the capital city of Lisbon.

     Buying a holiday home in Algarve Sun should prove to be a rewarding investment, providing you and your family with a perfect getaway destination whenever you need it.

Non Euro Holiday Destinations - Botswana Safari Holidays

2011-05-06T18:47:00.000+01:00

If you are considering a holiday destination beyond the realms of Europe, Botswana safari holidays are becoming increasingly popular - and for good reason. Botswana is an interesting country which features so much more than just deserts and arid land. Botswana has some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the world making this location a very popular destination in which to take a safari holiday. A key part of the country in which to view some of this wildlife is the oasis of lagoons and waterways which make up the Okavango Delta. The lush watering holes which prove a draw for the wildlife will ensure that any safari holiday here will provide a wide range of exotic flora and fauna, including wild birds, giraffe and zebra.

Visitors looking to see the magnificent elephant herds should ensure that they also spend time in the Chobe region, where the elephant population is high. The beauty of Botswana is such that whatever time of year travellers visit there will be fantastic sights to see. When visiting between November and March, tourists will be able to watch the migratory activities of various birds and between December and May is a great time to see vegetation and blooming flowers.

Botswana safaris make for the perfect holiday for any family. It is a learning experience for children and adults and a rare opportunity to see some of the most amazing creatures in the wild. Botswana ensures that tourists will be able to choose between a variety of safaris. They can, for example, spend time on small boats in the river viewing birds and marine life, or they can venture into the plains to see wild elephants, baboons and other unique animals.

A Botswana safari holiday will be like no other holiday and will create family memories which will last a lifetime.

The Best Beach Holiday Destinations in Menorca

2011-05-06T18:41:00.000+01:00

The island of Menorca is home to some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Alongside this beauty is the key advantage that many of the beaches include the use of facilities and have been specifically developed to accommodate tourists. The Arenal d’en Castell is one of the more popular beaches and this is directly attributable to the bay of crystal clear waters and fine sand. This is one of the most visited beaches by tourists and it correspondingly offers refreshments and a variety of tourist services.

Binibequer is a smaller beach that offers a bit of privacy for visitors. Despite its small size it also provides all of the useful tourist trappings and has many areas of shallow waters that make for a perfect outdoor beach holiday for families with small children. The Cala Blanca and Cala en Porter beaches are also excellent tourist beaches conveniently located for easy access from some of the more popular resorts in the area.

When looking for natural beauty, one should look no further than Cala Santa Galdana. This beach is located near a large resort and has beach services, facilities, water sports and is consequently a great choice for any travelling family. For those that are seeking a bit of adventure on their trip to the beach, Cales Coves is the place to go as there are more than 100 caves that can be explored and a cliff that looks over a bay. This beach offers the best alternative to a day lazing in the sun and the variety and number of caves on offer is likely to keep the most energetic holidaymaker busy all day.

St Ives, Cornwall – One of the Best Holiday Destinations in the UK

2011-04-26T13:57:00.004+01:00

When people travel to the UK there is a natural tendency for the majority of visitors from overseas to gravitate towards the city of London. While the country’s capital does of course have a great deal to offer backpackers, families and couples alike including many great visitor attractions, it is completely wrong to assume that this is all the UK has to offer. Above all else, the country has some highly underrated coastal regions that are great ways of seeing a different side to the countries history and heritage rather than just the usual London based tourist traps.

Amongst my personal favourite places to visit in the UK is Cornwall. The region – based at the countries most south westerly tip – offer beautiful scenery and coastline, great beaches, towns, restaurants and pubs which are ideal for visitors from the UK and abroad. The weather is also generally considered to be amongst the best in the UK, with some very comfortable summer temperatures and high sun levels for the UK making it a great place to stop off at if you are looking for a short summer break.

Younger party seeking visitors and fans of surfing will enjoy the popular destination of Newquay, but there are other great places to visit in Cornwall including Padstow (famous for Chef Rick Stein’s seafood restaurant) and St Ives - which has a thriving artistic community and heritage. If you are a traveler seeking to cut back on costs or enjoy cooking your own food, self catering St Ives can be booked online, but during the peak summer months in the UK can tend to become busy – so book early in order to avoid disappointment. The town also hosts a 15 day arts festival in September that proves very popular and draws a great deal of visitors to the town, so during this period you may also find apartments in St Ives become less readily available. Another option for accommodation could be to stay in a Caravan Park in Cornwall which can offer dog friendly options for people visiting the region.

Ensure You Have Medical Insurance Before You Travel

2011-04-05T18:55:00.000+01:00

Whether you are planning a 12 month backpacking trip visiting numerous great destinations around the world or are simply planning a short weekend break in one of the many top cities that Europe has to offer, you should always consider one simple thing before you travel - are you covered in case of a medical emergency? While the potential possibility of being either injured or sick whilst on a holiday break or backpacking excursion is of course the last thing anyone will want to be thinking about in the build up to the big day when you get on that plane and set off on the trip of a lifetime - it is highly advisable that you take the time prior to departing to get suitable travel medical insurance that will cover you for your given destination and also that incorporates cover for the full length of your stay.
When booking travel insurance cover it is also critical to ensure that your policy will also provide adequate cover for all the activities you are likely to undertake during your trip - particularly if you are planning any potentially dangerous activities such as skiing, water sports or bungee jumping. Always study the small print and key points of the policy carefully and take into account any excess you may have to pay in case of having to make a claim. In order to take the hassle out of booking travel insurance, there are now a number of travel medical insurance comparison sites you can use to quickly compare the price of travel insurance policies that offer the cover you may need for your holiday. Policy prices will differ depending on your length of stay and holiday destination but always remember it is better to be safe than sorry.

Tenerife Ranks Amongst Most Affordable Family Holiday Destinations in Europe

2011-03-23T19:55:00.000Z

In what remain difficult financial times for many UK families, it is to be expected that perhaps now more than ever, holidaymakers in the UK are spending greater amounts of time searching for the perfect family holiday packages that offer fun, great weather and relaxation and everything else you would expect from a family break – but critically; all at the best possible price. With the ongoing impact of the economic recession still lingering large over the heads of the European holiday industry, there has therefore been a noticeable knock on effect of increasing pressures for travel agents and holiday companies alike to provide even greater value for money for their clientele – but without any noticeable detrimental impact on the quality of holiday experience. Whilst many holiday destinations in both Europe and further afield have felt the effects of the global economic recession on their tourist sectors over the last couple of years – it may be surprising (but reassuring) to know that recent figures suggest some of Europe’s best loved holiday locations remain as popular as ever for UK tourists.

Indeed, it seems it is not all doom and gloom for UK holidaymakers, as in many respects the increase in competition and greater economic restraints being experienced by British families is in some cases driving the cost of family package deals down – thereby making more and more cheap holidays and flight deals available on the high street – but particularly from online agencies and websites. These have in turn helped some of Europe’s most popular destinations rise above the holiday industry slump. One such example is the island of Tenerife which has for many years been a highly popular destination for holidaymakers from the UK. Figures suggest that Tenerife has in experienced a growth in visitor figures during 2010 – even at the height of the UK recession - with reported growth figures in the early part of the year around the 2.5% mark compared with those observed in the early months of the year 2009. With cheap holiday deals and flight bookings available online through a range of vendors it seems that destinations such as Tenerife are set to remain extremely popular in spite of tough economic times for many families.

Delving further into these trends, analysts within the tourism industry have suggested that recent growth in some of the newer resorts in the Northern region of the island such as Las Caletillas becoming increasingly well known internationally may have contributed to this growth for the island of Tenerife in particular, although some similar growths in visitor numbers of approximately 2% have been experienced in some Southern sections of the island. Here, holiday resorts such as Los Cristianos and Playa De Las Americas are as always proving to be amongst the most popular visitor destinations for holiday makers from the UK and Europe.

Live the Holiday Highlife with Skippered Yacht Charter

2011-03-15T14:24:00.000Z

For those that are lucky enough to be able to afford it, there are surely few better luxury vacation experiences that can be had in Europe than those that can be found on a skippered yacht charter holiday. Close your eyes and think of life on the ocean waves in the hot sunshine with the cool gentle breeze on your face and embrace the thought of what can only be described as a truly unique holiday trip. Such experiences can be a genuine once in a lifetime event for an individual to take alongside their family, good friends or work colleagues - thus allowing them to enjoy all the excitement, adventure and pleasure you would expect of any great sailing holiday in Europe with a group of your closest companions.

Spending your time in the beautiful sunshine and open ocean is something many of us can only dream of but skippered yacht charter holidays allow this dream to become a reality - and with the added benefit of having an experienced skipper and crew to help you learn and hone your skills, you can be more assured and at ease whilst traveling across the seas. Skippered charter holidays offer all the great benefits of bareboat charters - but with an experienced skipper on board you can also allow yourself more time to sit back and enjoy the finer things in life. Skippered charter vacations are available in many European locations but primarily in the Mediterenean regions of Greece, Turkey, and Croatia - all regions of Europe that are fantastic to visit in their own right.

Terrific Tuscany - Birthplace of Modern Europe

2011-03-12T15:59:00.000Z

Few existing regions of Europe can surely paint such a romantic and idealistic picture in ones mind than those that are drummed up by the sheer imagery of Tuscany and its stunning historical capital Florence. Famed the world over for its rich and immeasurably important historical contribution to the fields of European arts, music, the sciences and high culture - the region that has over the years remained synonymous with the birth of the Italian Renaissance offers holidaymakers and backpackers from across the globe a unique flavour of Europe that is quite unique and apart from any other area of Italy, Europe or any other place in the world.

Famed for its museums and galleries including the Uffizi and Chianciano art museums that offer intriguing and stimulating insights into Europe's artistic traditions and history, Tuscany gives the visitor a sense of true awe - and if you can take the time to soak up the information and stunning visuals on offer here, hopefully an enhanced understanding of the region's lasting influence and legacy on modern Europe. Alongside the great Renaissance works that are housed in the museums of Florence (including such famous paintings such as The Birth of Venus by Botticelli), the entire region of Tuscany is dotted with beautiful churches and cathedrals each with their own beautiful and attractive interiors and ornate decorations.

When looking at the various accommodation available in Tuscany you will tend to find that it is incredibly varied and is largely dependent on which area of the expansive 8,800 square mile region in which you find yourself in. With places to stay ranging from high priced but exceptional hotels to some equally fantastic villas in Tuscany with pool in some of the more rural areas. Hiring out a villa in Tuscany can be a great and relaxing way of spending a holiday with your partner in beautiful surroundings and rich history and culture.

Heading Out to Malaga for Your holidays

2011-02-24T18:54:00.000Z

There has always been a tradition for Brits to head abroad for their summer holidays, and when you consider the steady stream of poor weather that we all have to endure throughout the winter months it really is no surprise! By the time we enter spring, everyone is longing for the sort of sun and warmth that can only be provided by a weather system not found in our own country!

Obviously finances play a huge part both in terms of where people go, and whether or not they go at all. With this in mind it is important to consider the more affordable places to visit which will give you a total chance of scene, as well as climate.

One of the first places to spring to mind is Malaga, in Spain. Spain is renowned for being a cheap place to stay. Food and drink is a fraction of what you would expect to pay here in the UK, and on top of that, the coastal resorts surrounding Malaga have wonderful weather records. Of course, despite the fact that flights to Spain are in general very affordable, you still have to consider trying to find the best deals, which is why you should think about having a look at off peak flights to malaga. You can save a lot of money by searching in this way and getting there cheaply will only make you value your holiday even more!

Best Euro Holiday Destinations for Sun - Tenerife

2011-02-12T10:22:00.001Z

If you are looking for a holiday destination in Europe that is the ideal location to put your feet up and enjoy hot summer sun and beautiful beaches then you should look no further than the island of Tenerife. Amongst the most popular holiday destinations for visitors from the UK and mainland Europe, the island sucks in a huge number of tourists each year (approximately five million people a year visit the island for their holidays in recent times).

Tenerife is the biggest of the Canary Islands, and has superb facilities to accommodate tourist demographics of all types from couples, young groups of friends, or families. People of all ages flock to the island to enjoy its fantastic coastline and beaches - with the beach at the town of El Modano amongst the best on the island. The climate is superb with summer temperatures averaging around 28 degrees centigrade - but with temperatures in winter still averaging a very pleasant 20 to 22 degrees centigrade Tenerife is also an island that can be visited to escape Europe's colder winter climates, and as such proves popular all year round.
Hotels in Tenerife are available to cater for all tastes and budgets from self catering to high quality 5 star accommodation - so their is sure to be an option to fit all types of budgets and backgrounds. Cheap Tenerife Holidays are often available to book online and you can take thew hassle out of booking your trip by booking the holiday through the internet quickly and easily.

Choosing the Right Accessories for Travel in Europe

2011-01-31T13:47:00.001Z

Ar you getting ready to travel in Europe? If the answer is yes then you will need to prepare for your trip and ensure you pack all the things you need. Luckily there are many great shops like Travel Ready that are ready to help! They are a one stop shop for travel accessories for people taking a backpacking trip in Europe or further affield. Whether you are going on a holiday, backpacking excursion or a quick business trip, Travel Ready are one of the sites that will get you kitted out.
If you want suitcases, holdalls or other luggage items then you would be foolish not to check them out. They search far and wide for the best travel products on the market. They then cut this list down to the top 200 or so. These are then placed on the Travel Ready site in a nice orderly fashion. This is so convenient to have the best products on the market all categorised neatly in one place. Convenience is at the heart of everything they do.
The site was built with the buyer in mind. They want the process of purchasing travel goods to be as stress free as sunbathing under the Caribbean sun. If you have any queries then you are strongly encouraged to get in touch. You are also encouraged to check out their blog with news and articles about all things connected to travel.

Best Holiday Destinations Outside Europe: New York

2011-01-29T13:52:00.000Z

New York is a city that inspires all of us regardless of where we live in the world. Although Europe holds many fantastic cities, beach holiday destinations and other superb rural places to visit, there is no place in the world quite like the big apple. The city is arguably the most diverse in terms of its sheer diversity - with cuisine, cultural influences and shopping experiences from so many unique and different far flung areas of the world.

New York also boasts some of the worlds best known and most frequented tourist attractions. These include the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and the Empire State Building to name just a few.

With so many different places to see and with the sheer size of the city, getting around on foot can be exhausting and taxis can be expensive options. In order to see the city in an affordable and fun way, visitors to the city may choose to take up the option of sightseeing tours buses to take in great views of the most famous sites in New York. There are many companies who offer this service, but Forever Buses New York are amongst the best.

Visiting Russia for Business and Pleasure

2011-01-29T13:31:00.001Z

When we think of the best holiday destinations in Eastern Europe many people will tend to think of popular destinations such as Prague, Budapest or Krakow. All of these are fantastic places to visit in their own right - but did you know that Russia has a growing number of visitors coming to the country for business and recreational travel that are often overlooked by many people in Western Europe.

The country has some truly stunning cities to visit - steeped in hundreds of years of history that stretch far beyond the early twentieth century communism period that the country seems to have been unceremoniously tarnished with by many people from western nations. Moscow and St Petersburg are exciting and different cities from many other city destinations in Europe, and offer the visitors a unique taste of a culture and people that have provided the world with some of the greatest known figures in the fields of art and music. As well as unique architecture and places to visit, visitors to the country can also enjoy the unique experience found with Russian river cruises.

Whether you are travelling to Russia for business or for a holiday, you will still require a visa to enter the country. Both Russian visitor visas and russian visas for business and work will carry a charge to obtain - but you can find many sites online that can help you through the process of obtaining a visa to enter this beautiful and historic country country.

Hiring a car at Knock Airport

2011-01-22T18:33:00.002Z

If you are travelling around Europe and choose to visit the West of Ireland during your visit, there is a good chance that you will by flying to Knock Airport in County Mayo. Whether you are travelling for business reasons, to see family in the area, or are on a backpacking holiday, the West of Ireland offers some beautiful scenery and unique experiences that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages and backgrounds. However, you will find that many people will travel to this region of Europe for for religious or spiritual reasons, with Catholic people in particular from across the world and Europe taking pilgrimages in the region. Knock Shrine which is visited by around 1.5 million people every year is famous for an apparition of the Virgin Mary that was said to have taken place in the year 1879. Now people visit the shrine and the surrounding area for a peaceful and spiritual pilgrimage or holiday experience that can be a welcome break from the hussle and bussle of larger tourist cities in Europe.

The area apart from its airport is relatively remote, so getting around may be best achieved by car. Visitors to the area may choose to take up the option of car hire Knock Airport at a reasonable rate (location voiture pas cher), thus allowing themselves the freedom to explore the region at their own pace and leisure. There are however also pilgrimage experiences that can be booked at the airport itself of through companies in the local region. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary that is a touch more relaxing than visiting a big city in Europe, why not take a trip to Knock and find out why it remains one of the most popular visitor destinations in Ireland.

Best Christmas Holiday Destinations

2010-12-24T13:52:00.000Z

Welcome to travel guide Europe and our guide to the best holiday destinations to visit in Europe during this wonderful Christmas period. If you have been lucky enough to avoid being grounded by the snow at airports such as Gatwick that have ruined so many peoples holidays this winter – why not pack your bags and set off on a holiday to one of the many great European holiday destinations for winter travel.

Of course, when it comes to choosing the best Christmas holiday destinations in Europe opinion will be divided and there is always going to be differences in choice depending on your interests, age and disposable income.. For example, if your personal cup of tea tends towards a fantastic Christmas party inspired by twinkling Christmas lights, superb local cuisine and part filled music – then the best countries to visit in Europe for a Christmas holiday must surely be found in the UK and France. London and Paris are famous for their seasonal festivities, whist you can also travel to Germany for an authentic outdoor market experience with beers a plenty!

If you can afford to travel to destinations outside Europe, cities such as New York and Florida are brilliant places to visit at Christmas – and of course New York will provide you with all the Christmas shopping opportunities you will ever need! Florida will of course also have some good weather for this time of year if you fancy something a bit different to snow and freezing temperatures!

Best Backpacking Holiday Destinations in Portugal

2010-12-01T18:51:00.002Z

A Brief Overview of Portugal

Portugal offers one of the warmest climates in Europe and provides the backpacking tourist with a wealth of things to see and do. Typically, a backpacking vacation implies that you are travelling on a budget or have limited funds. Not to worry. There are a number of cheap hotels in Portugal that you can take advantage of. Additionally, since most international flights land in Lisbon (the capital), there are a number of Lisbon hotels that you can take advantage of as well, although we wouldn’t call all of them cheap.

Backpacking Hot Spots

Although many backpacking tourists prefer to explore the inland regions of the country, it is the beaches and seaside mountains of Portugal that holds the allure for many backpackers. If your choice is Portugal’s countryside, then you might want to consider one of the following areas:

- Castelo Branco
- Évora
- Douro Valley
- Leiria
- Miranda do Douro
- Viseu

However, if you want to observe the wildlife of the region in its natural state, then you owe it to yourself to backpack and explore the Azores or Madeira Islands. Additionally, the mainland has nature reserves situated in the Douro Valley, at Peneda-Gerês and at Serra da Estrela.

Gems and Secrets of the Country

For many tourists, the Algarve is the destination of choice with its abundance of natural beauty and some of the most stunning coastlines in Portugal. Unfortunately, it is gradually becoming overdeveloped and is no longer the hidden gem or secret that it once was. However, it is still worth exploring because some of the Algarve’s beaches are less visited than others.

Amarante is one of Portugal’s most magnificent little towns and well worth the visit. It is a lovely city that features some spectacular architecture with beautiful paths and trails to explore along the River Tamega. Many tourists have commented on how beautiful the architecture and the green streets are as they reflect off the waters of the river.

If you travel to Oporto in the north, you will be at the gateway to another one of the gems and secrets of the country, namely the Douro River Valley. The most outstanding characteristic of this valley is the vineyards growing along the sloped banks of the river. The local wineries in the area are complemented by some stunning panoramas of the river.

Events and Cultural Festivals in Portugal

During the summer months, there are numerous fairs that take place especially in the northern regions of the country. Additionally, there are a number of music festivals that take place that might be of interested to you. These festivals are typically set in some of the most beautiful countryside and small, quaint villages.

To the north – the two oldest festivals in the region are the Paredes de Coura festival and the Vilar de Mouros festival.

To the south – along the western part of Portugal’s southern coast is the Festival Sudoeste, by far the oldest and most famous of Portugal’s many festivals.

Euro Holiday Destinations: Advice on Travel Insurance & Legal Claims

2010-11-30T17:08:00.000Z

It may seem a little pessimistic, but before you even think about setting set off on a backpacking holiday or vacation to any of the best holiday destinations in Europe that are discussed here in my blog, you should always be fully prepared for a worst case scenario. For this reason I would always ensure that you have sufficient travel insurance coverage to suit the activities that you are likely to take part in on your trip. Although travel insurance policies for single trips and holidays to Europe are readily available online these days from just a few pounds, if you are planning a longer excursion (perhaps on a month long backpacking holiday) or are planning on taking part in any extreme sports or other potentially dangerous activities during your visit then you will need to ensure that your policy covers the worst case scenario in such eventualities before you take out the policy.

Travelling in Europe should always be a fun experience you remember for the rest of your life - and for the vast majority of backpackers and holidaymakers on the continent this will be the case - but please also keep in mind that at some of the holiday destinations in Europe you may plan to visit on your travels, you may possibly find that the standard of health and safety can on occasions be less thorough and strictly regulated than the conditions we are perhaps used to here in the UK. For this very reason, proper preparation as well as due vigilance and care for your personal safety are always essential.

If the worst happens and you do fall foul of an injury or illness whilst on your holiday, then it’s always advisable to seek the advice and expertise of a qualified holiday claim specialist or solicitor who will be able to give you greater clarification on your legal options, should you wish to pursue them. In many cases, any initial enquiries you make are usually available for free, and you may find that seeking legal advice in such scenarios is often far less intimidating than one would potentially expect. If the accident or illness that occurred on your holiday was not through any fault of your own, it is possible you could be entitled to varying levels of compensation – but the help of experts in the field is invariably the best path to take to explore your options.

Best Non Euro Holiday Destinations: Go On Safari!

2010-11-04T13:45:00.001Z

If you are looking for an exotic holiday destination with a difference this winter then why not jet off on one of the great safari holidays available in locations across East Africa. If you tire of looking at the architecture, museums and art galleries that adorn Europe’s great cities and instead are looking for one of the best holiday destinations that will allow the visitor to get away from urbanised areas, then there is probably no better way of experiencing the great outdoors, going back to nature and seeing Africa’s vibrant and varied wildlife.

A Kenya safari will doubtlessly offer the traveler a holiday of a lifetime - and unique experiences of another world and way of life. With cultures, peoples and landscapes so different to those found in both urban and even rural Europe safari holidays can offer the visitor and exciting step into the unknown. With incredible natural wildlife seldom seen in the wild in many other locations across the world that includes mighty elephants, fleet footed leopards and powerful rhinos, there is no better way to enjoy these animals in there natural habitat than going away on Safari.

Top 5 Online Resources for Budget Travelers in Europe

2010-10-12T18:59:00.000+01:00

In this blogpost were going to be looking at what I believe are the 5 of the best online resources and travel websites to help you plan, prepare for, book and ultimately enjoy your dream backpacking holiday to all of the best holiday destinations in Europe. With the following travel tips and advice hopefully you will find some useful resources to help your trip go smoothly - and also save you a heap of money too!

1. InterRail - http://www.interrailnet.com/

It may be somewhat cliché, but as any young backpacker will tell you these days, getting around Europe with an InterRail travel card is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to travel - and importantly give you the great amount of flexibility you will need to enjoy all the brilliant backpacking holiday destinations in Europe. Booking a ticket online is quick and easy, and the travel cards are valid in the vast majority of countries in Europe.

2. Hostel Bookers - http://www.hostelbookers.com/

Quite possibly the biggest and best online resource for backpackers who are looking to compare and book hostels in Europe and indeed, across the rest of the world. I used have used this site when traveling, booking holidays, stag dos - you name it. Its really easy to use, has an extremely simple booking system and has many useful reviews from likeminded travelers to help you make informed decisions on where to stay based on your personal requirements whether it be location, cost, atmosphere etc.

3. Gaynors Sports of Ambleside - http://www.gaynors.co.uk/

While far less well known outside of the UK than the 2 sites I highlight above, Gaynors is a great shop for anyone looking to take on a backpacking holiday, camping trip or who simply enjoys the great outdoors. Their shop in Ambleside in the Lake District is packed with great gear at low prices or you can also save time and money by buying online. Whether you are in the need of backpacks, waterproofs or boots they have hundreds of products from well known outdoor brands and tend to have some great deals available throughout the year.

4. Low Cost airline Guide - http://www.low-cost-airline-guide.com/

Need help on finding the availability and price of cheap flights to Europe? This great resource is one of the quickest and easiest ways to compare and find out the latest flights online with this low cost airline guide. Listing all of Europe’s best holiday and backpacking flight destinations in the UK, Spain, Romania, Russia, Norway, Serbia, Portugal and pretty much anywhere else you can think of - you’re sure to be able to find the details you need to plan and book your flights whilst traveling in Europe.

5. World Backpackers Forum

If you are planning a backpacking trip or simply need help along the way its nice to be able to share your thoughts, questions and concerns with other likeminded individuals online. With this travel forum you can find backpacking tips and advice, ask questions, raise concerns you may have and generally soak up the knowledge and info of other people who are enjoying their traveling in Europe and other holiday destinations around the world.

Best European Holiday Destinations: Antalya

2010-10-06T19:45:00.002+01:00

If you are travelling to the beautiful Turkish city of Antalya or indeed any of the stunning g scenery that can be found in the surrounding coastal region of the country then you will most likely want to arrive via the nearby airport. Turkey has some of the most unique and naturally beautiful coastal and mountainous scenery in the world, so taking a holiday or backpacking trip to Antalya is best enjoyed if you allow yourself to explore beyond the confines of the city itself.

If you tire of the great attractions of Antalya such as the city walls and Hıdırlık Tower, as well as the numerous bars, shops and places to eat in the historically rich Kaleiçi area of the city, then why not look further affield and take advantage of car hire Antalya airport and take the chance to investigate the towering mountains and cliffs that surround the city. There are also the fantastic nearby Konyaaltı, Lara and Karpuzkaldıran beaches that are well worth a visit for travelers and visitors to Turkey. In order to get around the region more easily visitors can take advantage of cheap car hire Turkey and get around at their own leisure and speed.

Business Travel Accommodation in Leeds

2010-09-21T14:02:00.000+01:00

However unfortunate it may be, we have to face up to the fact that not all trips we make to Europe’s great cities can be for the purpose of leisure or holidays, and indeed it is often the case that people can instead can travel and make trips to European city locations in both the UK and Europe for the purpose of business and work. Naturally, when this is the case you will want to find some suitable accommodation for your stay in that city that is in a good location, and as with any recreational trip it is much more preferable that the accommodation is as comfortable and luxurious as possible within your budgetary requirements.
When carrying out business trips in the north of England, many people will find themselves having meetings and conferences in the prominent cities of Leeds and Manchester. If this is the case, you may opt to book a stay in serviced apartments Leeds, as these lodgings can provide quality accommodation for your meeting at very reasonable rates. Serviced apartments can feel like a home away from home and are much more preferable to renting a hotel room if you are staying in the region for a prolonged period. With your own kitchen and living space it feels much more natural and allows you to focus on your job at hand.

Best Holiday Destinations Outside Europe: Visiting Seattle

2010-08-30T17:38:00.003+01:00

Known as the Emerald City, Seattle is well used to its fair share of rain! Not that this doesn't have its disadvantages though. The city is a wonderfully green and vibrant colour, thanks to the very healthy plant life! Seattle is a wonderful place to visit though, and is full of interest. The Autumn brings (other than rain) the Octoberfest, a beer festival popular across the whole of the city, and Bumbershoot, a music festival, owing much to Seattle's fine history of wonderful musical exports.

You will find around the area of Seattle a wonderful array of places to visit, from beautiful lakes rivers and mountains, and in Seattle itself, you have the Harbour and of course just to the west of the city is the Puget Sound. The Seattle City scape is something to behold in its own right, and you will be hard pushed to find a city in the States that is so awash with art. There are many fine museums, and if culinary satisfaction is something that you travel for, then Seattle will treat you well. Seattle is a fine place to visit, and despite the reputation for rain, you should find the city in good weather during April and May, and June to August is often warm and sunny.

Finding flights to Seattle can sometimes be difficult, and flights tend to be more expensive between May and September, but you should be able to find relatively
cheap flights to Seattle online.

Combine Work with Play When Travelling Europe

2010-08-21T19:50:00.000+01:00

One of the great things about my job is that I get to travel across the UK and occasionally to some of the best city destinations in Europe as part of my work - as well as for the sake of holiday and leisure as I frequently document in this travel blog. Of course it’s never ever going to be as much fun travelling Europe in this way when compared to seeing the many great European holiday destinations in the way I enjoyed then when I was on a backpacking trip - but at least it means you can see many great locations and never feel too tied down.

Whether it be for meetings Leeds, or for conferences and events in more exotic and exciting locations across Europe, one thing you can say is that you don’t get too bogged down in one area for too many months at a time. Of course, if you can tie in a business excursion with a few days holiday you can enjoy all these great holiday destinations after all the hard work is completed and then you can get the best of both worlds! After all, you would have to be crazy to pass up the opportunity to enjoy the best holiday destinations just because of a meeting or work. So why not combine the 2 - clearly all work and no play makes me a dull boy!

Booking Holiday Accommodation Made Easy Online

2010-08-08T16:50:00.000+01:00

If you are planning to take a holiday in Europe this summer then regardless of your personal choice of Euro holiday destination, one of your main concerns will naturally be finding a suitable hotel, hostel or other form of holiday accommodation that falls within your budget in the place you are travelling to. Luckily for travellers of all ages, these days a holidaymaker or backpacker can readily use online resources to find cheap hotels in their chosen city destination quickly and easily and comparing prices and facilities that may be available in potential places to stay can now be carried out with ease at the push of a button or click of a mouse. Whether you are looking to make a 1 or 2 week hotel reservation for a family holiday in Europe or are looking to book a few nights stay at your next hostel in a city destination on a larger backpacking holiday in the European region, then the widespread availability of the internet has undoubtedly made the whole process incredibly simple and streamlined for travellers to find accommodation cheaply, quickly and easily.

Europes Best Holiday Destinations - Enjoy the Scenic Beauty of the Greek Islands

2010-07-26T14:07:00.003+01:00

If you are looking for a vacation destination in Southern Europe that offers natural scenic beauty, friendly people and a wonderful hot, sunny climate then look no further than the Greek Islands. There are so many holiday resorts to choose from on the dozens of islands that collectively make up this region of Europe, although I would personally strongly recommend you check out Kefalonia - one of Europe’s best holiday destinations for a summer break.

I’ve never been a fan of package holidays as I feel they are often rather restrictive, so I would instead suggest taking out car hire Kefalonia Airport and driving around the island visiting many of the quaint little fishing villages. Driving round the island you will find that each place you visit that offers a unique picturesque ambience all of their own. Taking advantage of the cheapest car hire in Greece can also allow the visitor to explore the island’s mountainous areas, sandy beaches and many charming tavernas and restaurants.

Looking the Part on Your Stag Do in Europe with Personalised Stag T Shirts

2010-07-23T16:51:00.001+01:00

As many travellers who have visited many countries across Europe will no doubt be aware, the continent has a number of cities that have become immensely popular with UK visitors on Stag Nights who head to central and Eastern European city destinations in search of some Sunshine, Fun and abundant amounts of cheap beer. Prague, Budapest, Amsterdam, Riga, Krakow and Tallinn are now all very popular destinations for Stag Weekends as they are widely accessible with cheap flight companies.

Each of these holiday destinations also offers many options for cheap hostel accommodation – and each city also provides entertainment and quality nightlife that is rarely rivaled in other locations across the world. While on a stag do, its seems to be the case these days that it is essential that the lads involved look the part - and therefore ensure that the groom is forced to don some sort of ridiculous outfit, while other members of the party should always think about picking up a personalised stag t shirt for their trip so they can enjoy all the fun of a stag night in these great European locations.

Best French Golf Holiday Destinations

2010-07-23T14:39:00.002+01:00

If you are a big fan of both sunshine and golf and are looking for a holiday destination in Europe then you can’t really go wrong with visiting one of the may beautiful golf resorts that France has to offer. If your idea of a perfect holiday is smashing the ball off the tea in a great temperate climate as well as enjoying all the great hospitality and facilities you would expect from the worlds top golf resorts then French golf holidays could be just the thing you are looking for this summer.

Golf resorts such as Le Touquet, Hardelot and Chantilly remain extremely popular destinations for golfers looking to find the best golf holiday destinations that France has to offer, whilst the South of France also offers some stunning courses alongside unbelievable scenery and weather conditions. If you are a big sports fan looking for a European holiday with a difference then why not treat yourself to a superb golf break in France this summer.

Skiing Holidays in Austria

2010-07-06T13:56:00.003+01:00

Austria is justly famous for its excellent skiing. What makes Austria particularly appealing for skiing holidays it that restrictive planning laws mean that any Austrian ski holiday is not going to be marred by the sorts of concrete developments that often get in the way of the breathtaking mountainous scenery in other countries. The Austrian landscape has been maintained to remain pure and beautiful, providing a wonderful backdrop to any ski holiday.

Of course, no skiing holiday is complete without a buzzing apres ski scene, and that’s another area that Austrian ski resorts really deliver in. With great beer, wine and simple but delicious food, Austrians really know how to show their guests a good time. Mayrhofen in particular is famous for a great night life, and the annual Snowbombing music festival which puts a world-class music festival right in the middle of the mountains.

As many of you will have recognised, the further east in Europe you go, the cheaper things tend to be, and Austria is no exception. By no means as cheap as genuinely Eastern European countries, ski holidays in Austria certainly won’t break the bank in the same way a group ski holiday to France or Switzerland may do.

If you’re after pristine scenery, deliciously simple food, great beer, great skiing and a great time at a reasonable price: Austria could well be your perfect ski destination.

Enjoy the Beautiful Natural Coastline of Dalaman, Turkey

2010-07-02T17:03:00.002+01:00

If you are looking for a holiday destination in Europe that offers visitors a variety of great natural landscapes including truly beautiful natural coastline and warm temperate waters, then there are surely fewer places better to take a vacation than Dalaman in Turkey. This area which is to be found in the South West of the country is sandwiched between the mountainous areas and the beautiful ocean and has great beaches and coastal views in natural abundance, and for this reason proves a great draw for tourists around the world. The area is also popular for its sporting facilities and archaeological sites which are of some interest to tourists.

If you want to explore the coast further and without restriction why not take advantage of the widely available car hire Dalaman Airport? Whether you choose to stay in the more upmarket hotel accommodation or prefer to save money and enjoy the great outdoors by camping out under the stars in the back drop of this picturesque natural coastline, you’re sure to want to take advantage of cheap car hire Turkey to make the most of your visit to this region.

Stay in Leeds Serviced Apartments for a Weekend Break

2010-07-01T14:19:00.002+01:00

Although I’ve spent a lot of time visiting many of the best holiday destinations in Europe ranging from Krakow to Barcelona, its not every month that I can afford to take a holiday abroad. Sometimes I personally think it’s nice just to spend a weekend somewhere closer to home in the UK, rather than fuss around with booking flights, packing rucksacks and the like. Rather than always traveling abroad and bumming around in hostels, why not instead spend your money differently and treat yourself to a good quality hotel and enjoy all the great attractions of some of the UK’s best places and cities to visit.

When it comes to places to stay in the North of England, Leeds undoubtedly remains one of my favorite cities. It has a nightlife that is unrivaled in the north of England with many superb clubs and bars in the city centre - while Headingley is also a fantastic place to watch international cricket or rugby league and also boasts great bars like the Arc and Original Oak. The surrounding areas of Leeds also offer a great opportunity for walks in places like Otley and Ilkley. So why not book a weekend break and stay in Leeds serviced apartments and enjoy the North of England in style.

What are the Fastest and Easiest Ways to get Car Hire in Spain?

2010-06-26T09:27:00.002+01:00

If you enjoy backpacking in Europe then one country that you really must see is Spain. When it comes to Europe’s top holiday destinations, Spain certainly has them in abundance, whether you are a holidaymaker looking to travel with your family to some of the country’s many great beaches or a young backpacker looking to explore some of the great cities that Spain has to offer tourists. The country remains the top holiday destination for people travelling from the UK, with literally thousands of Brits flying to Spain each year in search of some summer sunshine. If however like me you prefer to be a little more adventurous than just lying on a busy beach all day, then one of the best ways to get around if you want to explore mainland Spain more feely is to look for cheap car hire Spain online.

You will be pleased to know that there are many rental companies that tend to operate in and around Spain’s major airports - such as those found close to Barcelona and Madrid. Getting car hire Madrid airport for example, is a very quick and easy way to get set to travel and explore the surrounding mountains and countryside. In order to save time, you can book online and then simply pick up the keys on arrival at your holiday destination, then simply drive away and start exploring! I would always advise that booking your car hire services online is highly recommended as it is quite simply the quickest, cheapest and most convenient method of renting a vehicle in Europe.

Best Accommodation in Prague - Three Bedroom Modern Prague Apartments

2010-06-25T10:14:00.002+01:00

Finding places to visit in Prague is rather simple, with over 50 major landmarks within the city, there is bound to be something for the entire family to enjoy. Whether you'd like to visit the Metronome, the Prague Zoo, or the National Museum, you'll need a place that you and your family can call home during your vacation. Surprisingly, traveling in groups is actually cheaper in Prague because you can find affordable three bedroom modern Prague apartments that can accommodate the entire family or a group of backpackers for less per person than a one or two bedroom apartment.

Many of the oldest buildings in Prague are hundreds of years old, however they've been completely restored and now house ultra-modern apartments that will please even the pickiest of tourists. Most three bedroom apartments in Prague will have at least two restrooms, a King size bed, and of course a family size entertainment system perfect for those nights when you'd like to stay in. Prices for a three bedroom apartment in Prague range from € 90 - € 300 per night, depending on the location and the length of the stay.

Rent Villas in Italy for a Relaxing Holiday Experience

2010-06-19T10:52:00.003+01:00

Although as you’ve probably read here on my travel guide blog, I’ve spent a great deal of my time backpacking in many fantastic places in Europe - traveling around by train and visiting the many great city destinations that the continent has to offer - I’ve also spent some great holidays here with friends and family. One great holiday experience in Europe that I would highly recommend to anyone who is looking to relax and put their feet up in order to get away from the stress of the day job is renting a villa somewhere in the beautiful Italian countryside.

Villas in Italy are a great way to unwind and spend time with your closest friends in a superb authentic Italian environment. Taking a holiday in Europe in this way gives you a chance to explore your surrounding area, go for walks, take in some fresh air and enjoy some truly beautiful natural surroundings that we often forget about when stuck in the office. If you rent an Italian villa by the coast you'll also have the benefit of some great sea views and the possibility of unwinding with a bit of fishing. Sometimes I feel its nice to travel to a holiday destination that is a little less intense than many of the great cities I’ve visited in Europe to party such as Krakow and Prague. So if you feel like this is something you would like to get out of your holiday in Europe then why not give it a try.

Backpacking in the Best Holiday Destination in Spain: Barcelona

2010-06-16T21:50:00.002+01:00

Based on my personal experiences, the city of Barcelona is clearly one of the best holiday destinations you could ever hope to visit in all of Europe. The capital of the Spanish region of Catalonia, Barcelona is for me one of the best all round cities you can visit, as it offers a little bit of everything for tourists, backpackers, holidaymakers and other visitors alike who may travel to the city. Whether you are interested in art, architecture, sport, beaches, food, or nightlife from your favoured city holiday destination - there is little doubt that Barcelona can proudly offer each of these aspects in one form or another, all wrapped up in to one top holiday destination. Why not check out my travel guide to Barcelona to find out the best places to visit on your backpacking holiday in Barcelona. If you ever get bored of the city itself and wish to travel further affield in the surrounding area, then why not check out the local options for cheap car hire in Spain either from local rental services or by checking the latest prices online.

If you are travelling to the city from overseas, you will know doubt be pleased to hear that the city of Barcelona is easily accessed via several different airports in the region, with frequent and affordable budget flights taking off from the UK often flying to the nearby Reus Tarragona Airport. Although 30 miles from the centre of Barcelona, it is still very easy to reach the city by either public transport such as the frequent bus services or airport taxis, or there is also the alternative of car hire Reus Tarragona Airport if you feel you may want to go on beyond the city of Barcelona and explore the coastal region of Catalonia.

Find the Best Holiday Accommodation in Helsinki, Finland

2010-06-09T07:51:00.003+01:00

If you are thinking of being a bit different and taking the plunge by looking for a somewhat alternative holiday destination or city location to visit on your backpacking trip in Europe - then please consider taking the time to have a visit to the beautiful city of Helsinki, Finland. The city is surely one of the best city destinations to visit in all of Scandinavia if not Europe itself, and indeed has a host of great places to see.

Amongst the most popular tourist attractions in the city of Helsinki is the National Museum of Finland which is a stunning piece of architecture to behold in itself, with its so called “national romantic” building style giving it a unique and distinguished appearance. The city’s cathedral and maritime attractions are also popular draws for tourists visiting Helsinki, but the city also has the very pretty Esplanade Park in which visitors often like to have a romantic stroll, which is situated in the very heart of the city itself.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Helsinki then you can check out the many “hotelli helsinki” that are dotted across numerous great locations across the length and breadth of the city. One of the best known hotels in Helsinki is the Best Western which is great place for holidaymakers to stay either as a couple or with their family and kids. Wherever you stay, you are sure to find a great holiday experience that few places in Northern Europe can match.

Visit Finland - The Best holiday Destination in Scandinavia

2010-06-09T07:49:00.003+01:00

The Scandinavian country of Finland is perhaps not the first place you would necessarily think of when planning on taking a holiday in Europe. When considering such vacations it seems as though many people immediately think of that European holiday destinations with high levels of summer sunshine and hotter temperatures - so it is often the case that locations such as coastal Spain, the Greek Islands or the South of France will immediately spring to mind.

While these are all great places to take a holiday in their own right, one country that is perhaps not immediately considered as a prime European holiday destination is Finland. However, you may be surprised to find that the country has a great deal to offer the visitors, travelers and backpackers alike that make this country a holiday location of choice for a surprising number of people - and indeed Finland currently proudly boasts an ever growing tourism industry.

Those travelling to Finland are often seeking a somewhat more upmarket and unique holiday experience from the package holidays so widely available in the Mediterranean region of Europe - and the country sports an extensive array of simply stunning natural scenery. The Finish capital Helsinki is also a brilliant tourist city to visit at any time of year with a host of cool visitor attractions and some great “hotellit” as the locals call them (or hotels in English) such as the Halvat Hotellit in which you can spend your nights in Helsinki.

Pescara: Amongst the Best Holiday destinations in the Adriatic

2010-06-05T16:45:00.002+01:00

The city of Pescara is undoubtedly one of the finest holiday destinations to visit if you are travelling in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Many people who are backpacking in Italy will look to reach the city by train, but there is also access via the Pescara airport if you are just looking to take a holiday here. Located on the east coast of the country, Pescara is a quaint port city that lines up against the beautiful clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. The city has a fine beach which is well worth a look if you fancy a bit of sunbathing or maybe a quick dip, and has all the usual sun beds and umbrellas for hire to tourists visiting the city.

If you fancy a drive to the nearby Majella national park to enjoy the stunning natural scenery, then you can easily get car hire Pescara airport. Similarly to many other European countries you may visit, cheap car hire Italy is widely available to book online if you are visiting Pescara. The park is also a great place to go walking, hiking or climbing as it sports some impressive mountains, the largest of which is Mount Amaro which stands at 2793 meters tall. It also has some interesting caves to explore if that’s your thing - but always be safe and go with some experienced local guides if possible.

Best Tourist Attractions to Visit in Montpellier

2010-05-24T13:57:00.003+01:00

No holiday or backpacking trip in the South of France would be complete without taking time to visit the city of Montpellier and the fantastic surrounding region of Languedoc-Roussillon in which the city is located. Montpellier has some very famous and extremely popular visitor attractions – that have helped to make it one of the fastest growing holiday destinations in Europe. Perhaps best renowned of these is the Place de la Comédie in the centre of the city. This stunning town square is a great hive of activity for any visitor to the city featuring some fantastic architecture, fountains and statues.

The Languedoc-Roussillon area is famous for its huge vineyards and if you want to go and explore them then Car Hire Montpellier can be the best way to get around in the district. Although often overlooked for more well known wine making regions, the area has vast expanses of vineyards and produces some fantastic tipple not to be missed. Luckily cheap car hire France is available from several regional outlets and can be booked online meaning its relatively easy for you to get around and enjoy one of the best holiday destinations in France. The car hire services are reasonably priced for this area of Europe – particularly if you are sharing with friends or family.

What Are The Best Visitor Attractions In Bucharest?

2010-05-21T10:01:00.004+01:00

The Romanian city of Bucharest is a good place for any young backpacker to visit if you are on a backpacking holiday in Eastern Europe. While perhaps not the most glamorous of cities in the continent, it does offer some interesting places to visit and a unique flavour all of its own. Many of the places to see are things you can view walking round the city so it’s a good option if you are travelling on a tight budget.

Amongst the best tourist attractions in the city of Bucharest is the neoclassically styled Royal Palace – an impressive structure that is well worth a look. This has now been turned into an art museum so its also worth checking out the interior if art is your thing. If you want to get a good feel of the old pre communism side of the city however you should visit the Lipscani District. This is very much a major tourist draw and as you would expect features plenty of shops, coffee houses and restaurants. Simply taking a walk through the quaint cobbled streets is in itself a good experience for anyone visiting Bucharest.
If you are looking for Bucharest apartments in which to stay during your visit to the city, you will be pleased to know like many things in the city they are very affordable. Romania is a very cheap place to visit and you may find that even luxury apartments in Bucharest are not beyond the budgets of backpackers. So why not take a trip to the city and see a different - but nonetheless interesting - side of Europe.

Top European Holiday Destinations: Exploring the Granada Province of Spain

2010-05-20T13:48:00.004+01:00

If you’re thinking of doing some traveling in Europe this summer then one of the many top holiday destinations you should give some consideration to is the Granada region of Spain. One of the counties unique autonomous communities, the city of Granada can be found in the fantastic Andalusia region of Spain. Accessing the city from abroad is easily done, and to have all the freedom you may need to explore the surrounding region you can easily find local services offering car hire Granada airport. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find out how affordable car hire Spain can be – and it certainly gives you a viable alternative to public transport which in such a large European country can be quite time consuming.

As well as the City of Granada itself, the region of Andalusia offers fantastic coastal areas that attract many thousands of tourists to the region each year. Although the package holiday heavy Costa Del Sol region is not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea, the area does have some great beaches and resorts for families to take a holiday in Europe. I feel however that the Sierra Nevada area offers a little more to visitors, and sports a fantastic national park that yo8ung travelers may like to take time out to explore. This mountainous region of the country boasts the highest peak in all of Spain - Mulhacen – which stands at just under 3,500 metres.

Stay in Tuscany in Style: Rent a Tuscany Villa

2010-05-19T13:49:00.001+01:00

Italy is surely one of the finest and most varied holiday destinations in all of Europe, with its many different cities and regions offering something unique and fresh – with characteristics all of its own. Whether you enjoy a ski or snowboard trip in the north of the country, the numerous fantastic ancient historical attractions of Rome, or are more interested in checking out the many brilliant designer boutiques in Milan its easy to understand and recognise just how much Italy has to offer as a holiday destination.

If you are however looking to get away from all the mad traffic, endless hussle and bustle and congestion of Italy’s big cities but still fancy a holiday to this great European country then you may prefer to take up the option of renting a villa in the Tuscany region of Italy. Whether traveling to Italy with a group of friends or family, many holidaymakers choose to rent Tuscany villa to get a much more authentic experience of rural Italy and the local Italian way of life.
If you do somehow tire of the beautiful countryside in the region there are also some great nearby cities you can visit such as Florence, Siena and Pisa – each with their own unique charm and great visitor attractions, restaurant, bards and cafes. With so much to do in the region and with a great degree of freedom to experience it in – you’ll find that renting a villa in Tuscany can be a very different and exciting way to experience Italy.

Overcharged For Airport Parking Due To Ash Cloud? You May Be Able To Claim Money Back!

2010-05-19T09:29:00.001+01:00

If you are one of the thousands of holidaymakers in the UK who have had their holiday unwillingly delayed or extended by the ash cloud chaos then you may be pleased to know there seems to be some positive news on the horizon. Many tourists who had traveled to Europe have had their flights delayed or canceled over the last few weeks due to the large cloud of ash across European airways - and have therefore found themselves stranded at various cities and airports across the continent.
Many UK holidaymakers have understandably raised concerns that as they were forced to remain in their holiday destination for an extended period, they are now facing extra costs for their airport parking services which they would otherwise had not incurred had their flights not been delayed. However, there is some good news to report – as some London airport parking providers are reportedly willing to waive any excess charges incurred due to flight delay or curtailment.
Gatwick airport parking services for example have already confirmed they will not charge any additional costs for those who have been affected by the ash cloud - and have also taken the time to get in contact with thousands of UK holidaymakers who are still stuck abroad requesting their expected renewed arrival dates in order to help plan ahead for such difficulties. This new will no doubt come as a great relief for many UK tourists still stuck at various holiday destinations in Europe. If you are unsure as to whether you will be charged it is generally best to contact your parking provider to find out the details of their policy.

Cool Off On Your Backpacking Holiday – Go Snorkelling In Dubrovnik

2010-05-18T10:15:00.003+01:00

If you’ve been traveling around Europe with a heavy rucksack and the stresses, strains, heavy drinking and lack of sleep of you backpacking holiday are getting all too much, even the hardiest backpacker has to take some time out to relax and enjoy a bit of down time. For me this usually meant simply getting out in the sunshine and enjoying a bit of a swim - and I found there were few better places to enjoy such activities as in the beautiful crystal clear waters of the Adriatic that lap the walls of the Croatian city’s old town.

There are many different companies offering snorkeling and diving trips in and around the city of Dubrovnik – and you can readily hire all the snorkel gear you will need if you don’t already have it stashed away in your backpack. You can shop around for the best prices as the large amount of competition seems to make the locals more open to negotiation. I found that taking a dip in the warm and clear waters of the Adriatic was a really great way to relax after partying hard in the many bars of the Old Town or in the Lapad district of Dubrovnik the night before. You’ll find that there’s some great natural wildlife and fish to see – and it’s a great way to spend a sunny afternoon.

When you’ve had you’re fill of snorkeling its time to relax and do a bit of sunbathing on the many rocky outcrops of the Dalmatian coast near the city of Dubrovnik. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to find a more secluded area to the north of the old town – as the old town area tends to be rather crowded with holidaymakers and visitors from the many cruise liners. Remember to pick up some sun block, a pair of shades and one of the many quality beach towels on sale from either the old town square or the many little shops around the beach areas before you set yourself up for the late afternoon and evening of sunbathing.

The Algarve: Best Holiday Destination in Portugal

2010-05-16T14:35:00.002+01:00

If you are looking to find out the best holiday destination to visit in Portugal then you can surely look no further than the Algarve. The Algarve region of Portugal offers fantastic sun spots for young people, older couples or families alike - and is easily accessed by thousands of visitors from across the world each year via the popular Faro airport. Indeed, Faro airport was reportedly visited by over 5.5 million people in the year of 2008 alone, making it the second most frequented airport in the country of Portugal.

If you are looking to get around the Algarve region at your own speed and need a greater degree of freedom from your holiday experience, then cheap car hire Faro Airport is available in order to allow you to explore the surrounding Algarve region at your own leisure. Cheap car hire Portugal can allow you to travel to numerous fantastic locations in the Algarve at your own pace.
The beautiful beaches that adorn Portugal’s South West coast are truly to die for - with many natural sun spots for you to visit and enjoy. It is also very popular with golfers who come to enjoy the fine quality golf courses in the Algarve region and soak up some fantastic summer sun. For reasons such as this it is therefore not surprising that the Algarve region of the country is long established as the most popular holiday destination for tourists visiting the country both from Europe and further affield.

Buying Currency for Backpacking Holidays in Europe

2010-05-13T13:02:00.003+01:00

If you are planning on taking a backpacking holiday in Europe it’s obviously a good idea to buy some currency in advance so you are not charged extortionate exchange rates at the airport or train station for your travel money. While you clearly wont want to be risking carrying around large amounts of cash in your wallet or rucksack, its still worth while having some local currency already in hand for when you arrive at your European city destination – particularly as you may arrive at an awkward time during the night (especially if arriving by train on an inter rail pass) when some currency exchanges may be shut.

Many young backpackers will look to buy currency from there local foreign exchange broker - simply because it is often the most convenient method of buying travel cash - but if you plan ahead carefully and buy your Euros online when the exchanges rates are at the best point for your regional currency (be it pounds, US Dollars etc), you may actually be able to get much better exchange rates and therefore make your hard earned money go a lot further during your backpacking trip in Europe.

With 16 current EU member states currently using the Euro as there currency – plus another 6 countries in the continent now using the Euro, it clearly makes sense that you will be needing this currency during many of the great city destinations you visit during your backpacking trip – so why not plan ahead and get a better exchange rate deal before you set off on your backpacking holiday in Europe by buying your Euros from an online broker instead of the local high street exchange.

Renting Villas In Greece: One Of Europes Best Holiday Destinations

2010-05-12T17:11:00.004+01:00

If you’re looking for a great holiday experience this summer that combines all the elements of a fantastic climate alongside all the intrinsic qualities and fun features that you’d expect from any warm and sunny Mediterranean holiday destination – but also offers a bit more of an enlightening and interesting historical experience then look no further than Greece – surely one of the best holiday destinations that Europe has to offer. Travel along the stunning coastline adorned with fantastic sandy beaches and you’ll instantly see why so many holidaymakers visit Greece each year.

Many people choose to stay in large hotels in one of Greece’s many popular holiday resorts – but I find that if you want to get a truly authentic taste and experience of the Mediterranean way of life then why not rent out a Greek holiday villa with your friends or family, and take time out in a more relaxing fashion than you would find on a package holiday to Europe. I also find that renting Greek holiday villas allow you a much greater deal of freedom than package holidays – something I’ve always thrived upon and tended to seek out as a “must have” when traveling Europe either on a backpacking trip, a summer holiday break or if you're simply throwing a few things into a travel holdall and looking for a long weekend in the sunshine.

There are also many fantastic other benefits to renting out a villa in Greece – such as being able to have a much more personal and close holiday experience with your family and friends then what you would expect to receive when staying in a hotel or other larger accommodation, as you can privately hire out the villa for your own use. You also tend to get a lot more for your money with self catering – so the quality of your holiday accommodation is likely to be much nicer than in an all inclusive holiday package.

Lake Como: Best Holiday Destinations in Europe for Rest and Relaxation

2010-05-03T14:23:00.002+01:00

Soaking up the atmosphere on the edge of Lake Como in Italy has to be one of the most pleasant ways one can spend a summer evening in Europe. Sinking back into your chair and sipping on a cold beer or glass of fine Italian wine is hard to beat in such stunning natural surroundings, and as the evening draws in you’ll find that your mind starts to wander as you listen to the gentle lapping of the waters and take in the true beauty of this fantastic natural feature. There are numerous great little cafes and wine bars to explorer along the banks of Lake Como that all give you that great sense of rustic and traditional Italy.

Feast out on great Italian foods such as pasta, pizzas fresh fish dishes and delicious grilled meat and vegetables in the many great restaurants that span across the banks of the lake. It’s hard not to feel relaxed in such a great holiday destination as this, and if you need to take time out to unwind then this is a great place to do it. Although not a cheap place to visit (unlike many of the places I have been backpacking and covered on this blog), a trip to Lake Como is one that is truly unique and is undoubtedly one of the best holiday destinations Europe has to offer - particularly if you are looking for a quick week away with your partner.

Top 10 Most Visited City Destinations in Europe

2010-04-18T10:11:00.003+01:00

Before you set off on a backpacking holiday in Europe you will firstly of course have to have a fairly rough idea of which European cities you want to visit on your travels. Although spontaneity is important to a certain extent on any backpacking trip (as you will naturally want to gain new experiences and learn new things), you obviously don’t want to miss out on the best holiday destinations in Europe simply through poor pre planning. If sheer popularity in terms of visitor volume is anything to go by, then the city destinations below must qualify as “must visit” places for any young backpacker during your backpacking holiday around Europe. Listed below are the 10 most frequently visited cities in the continent of Europe - based on visitor numbers.

1. London
2. Paris
3. Rome
4. Barcelona
5. Dublin
6. Madrid
7. Amsterdam
8. Prague
9. Moscow
10. Vienna

Make sure you find the time to visit at least some of these fantastic city destinations on your trip! Remember, this list is compiled purely from visitor volumes - there are also several cities not on this list that I would highly recommend visiting! Please check out my other post to find out my personal thoughts on what are the best city destinations in Europe. My list is compiled slightly differently to this one - but that is simply because I have had a really great time when I have visited other less popular locations and stayed there!

Be Prepared: Ensure You have the Right Equipment when Backpacking in Europe

2010-04-06T22:23:00.002+01:00

When planning any backpacking holiday in Europe a key concern for any traveller will always be what essential clothing and equipment to take with you on your excursion. Now, obviously you have a limited amount of space even in the most spacious and high quality modern rucksacks, plus you will also have to consider what baggage allowance your flight will allow you - so this of course makes packing the right gear for your backpacking destination all the more essential.

If you are thinking of any major hiking or adventure excursions on your trip always ensure you have taken the right quality of equipment and clothing for your trip. You will need a good quality sleeping bag and tent for example if you are considering camping in eastern or central Europe and also in the UK - particularly in winter months - when temperatures can drop well below 0 Celsius even on low ground. Always also take the right maps, head torch, survival bag and a compass and ideally a GPS - plus your mobile phone.

If you plan a backpacking or hiking trip to the more mountainous or hilly areas it is also highly recommended that even in the summer months you pack warm and fully waterproof and windproof clothes. Hats, gloves and good quality water proof clothing from quality brands such as The North Face are all but essential even in summer months in many European locations - but make sure even then you select the correct products for your chosen location as climates can vary greatly across Europe according to your backpacking destination and the seasonal weather conditions of that area of the continent. Always plan in advance and don’t leave anything to chance. If in doubt study the local weather conditions carefully and prepare for the unexpected.

Top 10 Backpacking holiday Destinations in Europe

2010-04-05T19:31:00.002+01:00

Well I’ve been spending the last few hours of an excellent bank holiday weekend reminiscing about some of the many great cities I’ve visited across Europe over the past 12 months or so. I’ve managed to drill this down to my personal favourite top 10 backpacking holiday destinations that I would suggest to any young traveller making a trip to Europe - believe me, these are fantastic places to visit that you can’t afford to miss out on. My list is purely based on my own opinions and experiences, and takes into account a wide range of key factors that I felt affected my enjoyment of the locations and destinations the most - such as climate, nightlife, people, tourist attractions, value for money, scenery etc. Anyway here’s the list - please feel free to share your thoughts by posting a comment on my travel blog or by using the voting panel in the left hand side of the blog.

1. Budapest
2. Krakow
3. Prague
4. Dubrovnik
5. Rome
6. Amsterdam
7. Barcelona
8. London
9. Paris
10. Venice

Please note these are based only on my own experiences and views - please feel free to disagree with me! I also welcome any personal recommendations from your own backpacking holidays about what you believe to be your top 10 best backpacking holiday destinations in Europe - so as always feel free to post here!

Best European Party Destinations for Backpackers: Amsterdam

2010-04-02T14:11:00.002+01:00

As any backpacker travelling around Europe will no doubt be aware, Holland’s capital Amsterdam has an excellent reputation of being one of the best European cities for young backpackers to go and party until the early hours – and deservedly so. The city offers up numerous bars where party goers can enjoy some cool pints of Heineken, many great restaurants in which to eat out with your friends and of course the famous coffee shops - such as the Grasshopper. Many of the best bars and coffee shops are located in the infamous Red Light District in the city – a definite eye opener for any young traveller and certainly not for the fainthearted – particularly after daylight hours. Always be safe and stay with friends when visiting this area. During the day the Heineken brewery is a good place to visit during your stay in the city of Amsterdam, and there are also many museums covering a range of tastes and functions from the arts, history of the city, and even a torture museum! If you are on a backpacking holiday in Europe but are limited by a low budget, then a simple stroll along some of Amsterdam’s many canals can be a great way of seeing the city and its beautiful architecture and style that have a unique flavour all of their own - and is in itself a nice way to spend the afternoon in the outdoors when you’ve had a few too many beers the night before and are in need of some fresh air! All in all whether you are backpacking, looking for a fun weekend away in Europe or on a big do with your mates – Amsterdam is undoubtedly the place to go and party in Europe.

Make the Most of your Backpacking Trip: Keep up to Date with the Latest Travel Plans and News

2010-03-14T18:25:00.001Z

For any young backpacker considering making a trip around the many great cities that Europe has to offer it is essential that are fully up to date and kept abreast of the local cultures and traditions that dictate the social norms of the country or city. Alongside this before planning the next place to visit on any major backpacking tour of Europe young I would always recommend that travelers also fully ensure that they are completely up to speed with the latest travel plans and news and any potential political developments in their destination - as these critical factors can naturally have a major bearing on any traveling or backpacking excursion and your personal safety. Reading travel guides for the city you are planning to visit, checking the regional train and transport timetables, understanding the cultural habits and traditions of the locals and preparing for the type of climate in the locale you are traveling to are in my mind also highly critical factors - and because all these things can vary so much across Europe depending on the region or city you arte visiting, then pre planning and close studying of a good quality travel guide prior to the commencement of your trip is highly advisable in order to ensure that your backpacking experience in Europe’s great cities is a positive one. At the end of the day you need to remain safe and behave within the laws and social norms of the place you are visiting but also have fun - so keeping yourself informed with the latest travel news can get you one step ahead of the game.

Most Romantic Holiday Locations in Europe: Italy

2010-03-10T21:44:00.002Z

If you are looking for a European country that can provide you with a great opportunity for a romantic vacation break with a partner, a short city break with a loved one or even the perfect location for a magical wedding day or honeymoon - then there are surely fewer more suitable countries you could consider in the region than Italy. Italy vacations offer the visitor a vast number of diverse yet equally stunning, beautiful - and of course highly romantic rural and city locations that can provide the perfect backdrop for you and your partner on that most special of days. Whether your tastes are for the unique architecture offered up on the streets of renaissance Florence, the classical city backdrops of Rome, or even enjoying a peaceful summer evening with your loved one on the canal ways of Venice - then Italy undoubtedly has something very special to offer you in order to make your wedding vacation a memory that will be treasured by you and your partner for a lifetime. It is well known that Italy weddings are becoming increasingly popular amongst young couples who are looking to get married and celebrate their special day or honeymoon abroad, with the warm Mediterranean climate making it a highly attractive holiday and wedding location - particularly in the spring and summer months. So why not check out the fantastic holiday options that Italy has to offer.

Save Money With Self Catering Accommodation in Ireland and Northern Ireland

2010-03-10T19:25:00.003Z

If you’re looking to discover the wonders of Emerald Isle but haven’t got a massive wedge of cash to spend, then rather than checking into one of the big swanky hotels that Dublin or Belfast may have to offer - but that may cost you an arm and a leg - why not instead spend your hard earned money more wisely this spring on one of the many great holiday cottages in either Ireland or Northern Ireland. Self Catering Northern Ireland offers excellent quality holiday accommodation for the young backpacker, world traveler or even a family holidaymaker that is on a tight budget the opportunity to enjoy the stunning natural countryside and rolling scenery of Ireland and Northern Ireland - without breaking the bank with a huge hotel bill that may take many months of hard work to pay off. There are many great locations to visit that offer such packages including Donegal, Antrim, Kerry or Cork. So why not save money on your holiday accommodation this spring season - as well as on the price of food and of course eating out - when you can cook your own healthy meals at your own leisure in one of these great holiday homes Northern Ireland.

Visit Majorca - One of the Best Holiday Destinations in Spain

2010-03-03T18:54:00.000Z

The island of Majorca has for many years now, proven to be one of the most popular and frequently visited holiday destinations in Spain for holidaymakers from the UK and other countries in Western Europe. Situated in the beautiful crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean, Majorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and has always had a great deal to offer visitors of all types. Indeed, whether you are looking to soak up some summer sunshine and relax on the beach or by the swimming pool with your family or children, or are alternatively looking for a wilder and booze filled party holiday with the lads, Majorca holidays have always offered affordable and fun packed times for its visitors of all types and demographics. From the UK it is very easily accessible by plane - with flight times in the region of two to two and a half hours. There are also many great package holidays to Majorca available at fantastically low prices these days so a holiday in the sun wont cost you an arm and a leg either. The towns on the island are famous for their great nightlife and restaurants, and during the day there are many great activities for all the family such as water parks and beautiful sandy beaches. If you are looking for a great holiday this summer why not check out a holiday for you and your family or friends now!

Visiting the Last Surviving Wonder of the World in Egypt

2010-02-17T22:03:00.002Z

As many a student and scholar will know, one of the great stories and legends of the ancient world is that of the seven wonders of the world. These truly great constructions are often considered as the ultimate pinnacle and towering feats of human endeavour - and were once collectively considered the main architectural achievements of a society that existed long before our time. While 6 of these 7 great monuments are no longer of this realm, it is an impressive omen in itself that the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt still remains intact - and therefore survives as a towering example of what humanity could achieve in the ancient world so many hundreds of years before modern building technology or construction techniques was even dreamt of. The Great Pyramid of Giza today forms one of the major visitor attractions and key places of interest for any tourist visiting Egypt. Incredibly this magnificent structure remains intact today in spite of being completed in around 2551 BC - making it the oldest of all the seven wonders of the ancient world. If you are on a backpacking trip or a holiday to Egypt this truly stunning structure is an absolute must see on your visit to the country. The pyramid is truly something magnificent to behold, and it is mind boggling to comprehend how such things could be achieved over two and a half thousand years ago.

Best European Backpacking Destinations: Bucharest

2010-02-06T07:58:00.002Z

It seems to me that the city of Bucharest is often overlooked by people planning holidays here in the UK - which is quite surprising considering that the city has a lot to offer for anyone looking to take a short break in Europe, particularly on a tight budget. If you are on a backpacking trip around the region of Eastern Europe then without a doubt, you must at least pop in and visit the city for a few days. While it may not have the glamorous image held by many of its European counterparts, Romania’s capital has some real hidden gems amongst the concrete blocks that tend to dominate the skyline - with neoclassical architecture that has a style all of its own hidden away, just waiting to be discovered by the young intrepid traveller. Although the city is still shadowed somewhat by its Communist history and former leader Nicolae Ceausescu, with Romania joining the EU at the start of 2007, the city is becoming increasingly accessible for outsiders such as holidaymakers and backpackers. In Bucharest the temperatures can be very cold in winter - but the summer offers very high temperatures and a very dry climate. Accommodation is very cheap and accessible, with Bucharest apartments in particular offering excellent value for money if you are backpacking on a tight budget.

Best US Holiday Destinations: Las Vegas

2010-01-24T11:22:00.002Z

Now that we are out of the hectic Christmas and New Year period and my life has returned to some sort of parity again, I’ve been giving some more serious thought to planning my next holiday travel destinations to visit in 2010. I feel like I’ve spent a lot of time travelling and backpacking in Europe over the last few years - and while this has been fantastic fun, meeting some great people, and I would always recommend it to any one - I think its time for me to explore some pastures new a little further from home. I’ve been considering doing the whole West Coast USA thing as many of my friends have recommended it as one of the best holiday destinations in the world. I have been grabbed by the idea of renting a car and checking out all the unusual scenes and landscape of the desert and surrounding areas - and of course visiting some of the great cities in the region like Las Vegas. It looks like a real great city to go and party for someone my age, packed with all the grand style Vegas hotels, bars, clubs, music and live entertainment that you come to expect from one of the worlds most famous places to take a break. Basically, I’m looking to soak up all the fun and bright lights that the city of Las Vegas has to offer - without breaking the bank! Indeed, I’ve already committed a bit of time looking online for some cheap hotels and flights to try and find something affordable within my budgets - then of course there are also a raft of discount saving Vegas coupons which you can get hold of online to save yourself a few good bucks along the way. Now all I need to do is keep working hard and save up some cash then I can get back on a plane and get out of here once again!

Teen Service Programs Offer Great Experiences For Young Travellers

2010-01-18T20:45:00.003Z

Are you a student looking to fill your year out? Looking to meet other like minded young people, make new friends and gain great life experiences? If this sounds like something you would be interested in then I would highly suggest taking advantage of the trips that a teen service can offer you. Backpacking and adventure holiday package trips such as these can be a great way for young people to spend a gap year, take some time out from college, and ultimately help you develop as an individual. Teen Service Programs offer young people a great chance to see new and exciting parts of the world and enjoy adventure holidays in numerous locations across the globe in safe and well structured surroundings. With trips available to Europe, Central America, USA and Canada, Asia, Africa and Oceania there is surely going to be a perfect opportunity for you to enjoy the experience of a lifetime - no matter where in the world you are thinking of traveling to. Book online now for exhilarating and exciting experiences that will give you memories that will last a lifetime. So why not challenge yourself as a person and become stronger through these unique experiences? Book today and pack your rucksack for the holiday of a lifetime!

Get Away For The Weekend With Winter City Breaks In Europe

2010-01-14T19:17:00.002Z

Anyone else feel like they need to get away for a short city break somewhere? I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty fed up with all the freezing cold weather and snow were having in England at the moment. It’s cold, dark and quite frankly, all a little depressing sat in the office at the moment. Think its time to get the lads back together and visit some of the fantastic cities I’ve already visited on my backpacking travels around Europe. You may notice that in some of my older posts I wrote a backpackers guide to Barcelona - without a doubt one of my favourite cities to visit because it has something for everyone from the football fan, food lovers and those who are interested in the arts. Luckily at this time of year in particular I’ve found that you can get cheap flights to Barcelona relatively easily - and you can always save money by booking online. I remember visiting the city in January 2008 and was pleasantly surprised that the temperatures are still very mild - certainly a lot higher than the sub zero temperatures we’ve got in the UK at the moment.
If Spain is not the place for you, then maybe you could try a short winter break to Paris? If you are traveling with a partner as a young couple then maybe Paris could be a better option for you. Please take the time to read my blog post review of the city to get a great travel guide to France’s capital - and hopefully learn about all the best sights to see in this beautiful, historic and romantic city. Again, it seems that flights to Paris are pretty inexpensive at the this time of the year, so I would probably now is a great time to let your hair down for a few nights and begin to enjoy fine wining and dining in some of the best restaurants that Europe has to offer. So what are you waiting for, check out my city guides and forget the winter blues - get yourself on that plane right now!

Stag Weekends In Leeds: Rock Harder Than Any Other European City

2009-12-16T18:33:00.004Z

Hello once again people of the world - hope you are all ok! It certainly feels like a long, long time since I last updated my travel blog and indeed, the main reason for this is that for the time being at least, my backpacking days are numbered. Yes, suffice to say I'm back in good old Blighty (if you don't know this is the slang term for Britain), back at work as an office boy and basically trying to save up my pennies once again for another exciting trip around the great cities that Europe and indeed the rest of the world may have to offer.

Of course, having said this I've realised having returned from my numerous excursions in far away lands that it's all too easy to forget how many fantastic cities that the UK has to offer in terms of nightlife and hot women and none more so than Leeds - the city some say (mostly people from Leeds admittedly!) is "the pride of Yorkshire". I've been lucky enough (or possibly unlucky enough going on the state of my health after previous such occasions) to recently be invited onto the stag do of a very good friend of mine - and as you may have guessed this is set to take place "oop north" as it were in the great city of Leeds. Many people seem to go abroad for stag nights these days, but call me old fashioned - I personally don't think it’s fair to inflict a bunch of drunken English lads onto the most beautiful, historic, and cultured cities in Europe.

For those of you who aren't from England, I feel I should point out that Leeds has quickly become THE place to go out and party in the north of England over the last few years and has arguably some of the best selection of clubs to make any stag do go off with a bang. Whether your tastes are for Dance music and the famous Gatecrasher club, funk and soul at the Hi Fi club or indie and rock nights at the famous Cockpit club then there are undoubtedly very few cities in the country better to take out your mates on a stag do. The locals seem to head down to the many bars on call lane but be wary of this as they only tend to take mixed sex groups. Don't let this put you off a stag party in Leeds though. Indeed, in my experience (and having enjoyed several English stag nights of other friends in the cities of Newcastle and Nottingham), Leeds stag parties simply rock like no other.

Don't forget too that before the hardcore drinking commences you are in a perfect location to enjoy some good team outdoor activities in the Yorkshire Dales - from paintballing to clay pigeons you are sure to find something to get the testosterone flowing. So if one of your mates is thinking of having his big night out in the UK - why not take my advice and get involved with a massive stag party in Leeds.

The Lake District: The Best Scenic Holiday Destination In England

2009-10-16T19:52:00.004+01:00

Wherever I have been on my travels the first thing someone says to me when i tell them I am from is England is "Are you from London?". The answer to this I have to say is a resounding "no" - and let me tell you there is far more to the UK that is worth visiting than it's illustrious and internationally renowned capital city. Indeed, if you are a traveler young or old or are even planning a family holiday or vacation and are thinking of visiting England for the first time but are is looking for an alternative to the usual site seeing trips to the city of London, why not instead look for a more serene and scenic alternative than the hustle and bussel of the capital and instead please give some special consideration to the incredible natural beauty of the Lake District - my favorite area of the British Isles. Situated in the North West of England in the county of Cumbria, the Lake District offers unique scenery quite unique to anywhere else in Europe and is an ideal location for any traveler who loves walking, hiking, cycling, camping or any other outdoor activity as the natural landscape offers the perfect backdrop for any such pursuit.

The Lake District's main claim to fame and also a key attraction for English people and tourists alike is that it has the highest point of altitude in all of England - Scafell Pike - and offers fantastic views of the surrounding area on a clear day. Although modest in its height by even European standards (standing at 978 meters tall) Scafell is an excellent place to take a walk if you ever get the chance to visit the North of England and forms one part of the famous national 3 peaks challenge. In spite of the fact that you may find the idea of climbing a mountain a rather daunting prospect, let me tell you that the beauty of the place is that it is very accessible to anyone who is reasonably fit and mobile and requires no specialist equipment to traverse other than a decent pair of hiking boots and a rain coat if you plan to visit in the summer months. although rain is to be expected and snow is likely near the summit, the paths to the top are very clearly laid out and frequented by many people of all ages every year.

Enjoying the Sites and Sounds of Florence - Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance

2009-10-12T19:19:00.003+01:00

The city of Florence is the capital of the Tuscan region of Italy and a city steeped in rich history and renaissance art. Lying along the river Arno, the city is a sheer delight to behold with its fantastic buildings and architecture. Florence is without question a “must see” for any young backpacker travelling across Europe - although it may not necessarily be the first city that springs to mind when you are planning your trip. Established in the year 59BC by the famous Roman Emperor Julius Caesar, it was originally an army camp for Roman army veterans. However, it is more famous as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance during the middle ages with buildings constructed in the classical “Romanesque” style such as the Basilica Di San Miniato al Monte also helping to define the city of Florence and its architecture.

The main landmark of the city however is surely the fantastic Santa Maria del Fiore - a cathedral famed for its large dome - which remains open for visitors to the city to help them enjoy spectacular views of the city and its ornate buildings from up on high. Along the Arno is the Ponte Vecchio bridge which is also worth a visit for any tourist or traveler in Florence.

Enjoying The Beauty of Venice

2009-10-04T14:39:00.004+01:00

Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and physically unique cities in the entire world, the great city of Venice located in Northern Italy presents a travel destination quite like no other for any young backpacker travelling around Europe. Venice is of course most famous for its numerous rivers and canals that help to clearly define the unique and intriguing natural characteristics of this Italian Adriatic jewel.

The city itself is built upon 118 small islands that sit proudly amongst this intense intertwined network of waterways. When you picture the perfect ideal of Venice in your mind you always think of images of romantic boat trips on summer evenings - and travelling serenely along the waterways of the city by the numerous traditional gondolas that can be hired is surely a must have experience for any tourist or backpacker visiting the city and is also a great way of taking in the city's incredible architecture.

Indeed, it is these enduring images and traditions that not surprisingly have continued to make Venice a very popular holiday destination for young couples travelling around Europe.

Best Tourist Attractions To Visit When Traveling To London

2009-08-23T09:36:00.009+01:00

The great city of London remains a must see city destination for all backpackers traveling around Europe. England's capital has an extremely rich and ancient history and offers more great visitor attractions than perhaps any other city in Western Europe. London remains the centre of media attention across the world and is famous for typifying new cool trends and innovations with its hundreds of highly diverse modern, fashionable bars and restaurants serving a variety of food, beers and wines from a huge number of countries and cultural influences across the globe. As well as its passion for the modern and cutting edge however, London also has some of the oldest and grandest visitor attractions in the world - making the city the perfect meeting place of the old and the new.

Perhaps not surpringly, the British royal family are a major tourist draw for travelers and backpackers of all ages visiting London, and her majesty Queen Elizabeth the second's current residence at Buckingham Palace is an essential place to visit when making your first trip to London. This fantastically grandeur palace has been the main home of the royals since 1837, and is now well known as the main HQ for the residing British monarchy and her family. Although entering the palace requires special invitation, it is worth going to visit it to see the beauty of the architecture of the building itself, and to soak up some quintessentially British culture and history. While you are at Buckingham Palace, you should also stick around to see the changing of the guard. This highly regimented and ceremonious tradition is quite something to behold.

If your visit to the palace has wet your appetite for more rich English history then you must surely take a trip in to Westminster to see the Houses of Parliament where the British government and members of parliament debated the ins and outs of British politics. This incredible architectural wonder lies on the north bank of London's famous river: the Thames and is truely an epic site to behold for any traveler. It encompasses both the house of commons and house of Lords which are central to Britain's political system. The famous Victoria Tower of the building houses Westminsters famous bells including the vast great bell (more commonly referred to as Big Ben) - weighing a massive 16 tons. The clock tower itself is said to be the largest free standing clock tower of its kind in the world and this year celebrated its 150th year in the month of May.

From the old to the new: while you are in the centre of Westminster you should take a short walk along the famous bridge to visit the London Eye. This huge wheel provides spectacular views across the famous city and can be a beautiful and romantic place to visit with your partner on a summer evening. Towering at 135 metres at its peak, the Eye lays claim to being the biggest ferris wheel in all of Europe and at the time it was built just before the turn of the millennium was in fact the tallest in the whole world. The London Eye has 32 passenger pods - 1 for each of London's Boroughs - and has an individual capacity of 25 people. As you can imagine, this is an extremely popular visitor attraction for travelers and UK tourists alike - so book early to avoid the disappointment of missing out.

Best Boat Trips and Excursions from Dubrovnik

2009-07-04T08:22:00.005+01:00

Dubrovnik is undeniably in my mind the true beauty and Jewel of the Adriatic sea. The architecture of the Old Town, its rich art and culture, the delicious fresh seafood and overall quality of life found in the city is surely second to none in the region and if you travel there you will already know that the people are always very friendly and hospitable to backpackers. However, as beautiful as it is, there is in my experience much more to a trip to Dubrovnik than just what can be found inland and if you ever get bored of the Old Town, Copacabana beach and the Lapad region of the city, you may be interested in booking one of the numerous boat trip excursions available to the many small islands that are found of Croatia's South Dalmation Coast.

One day whilst traveling in Dubrovnik I took a boat trip to the nearby Elafiti islands. These excursions are widely touted on the main strip of Lapad's bars with many competing companies vieing for the business of young travelers, and if you shop around you are sure to find a good price (I ended up paying a little under £20 for the entire trip and a delicious grilled fish lunch and free wine was included on the boat in that price).

The Elafiti islands themselves are unique and gorgeous to behold in their own right. Our boat trip took us to three of these islands in a single excursion: Kolocep, Sipan and Lopud. I found that each of the islands has its own unique charm - with Lopud in particular a fantastic place to visit. It has a really cool sandy beach (Sunj beach) where you can paddle out to around 80m without the depth going over chest high. This beach is also ideal for snorkeling with lots of fish and crabs to be found near the rocks on the left side of the beach. In the summer season you will find that kayaks can be rented to take a quick trip out into the bay at a few pounds per hour. Lopud also has an old monastery which is well worth a visit.
As well as the frequent cruises and backpackers that visit the city, Dubrovnik is also proving to become increasingly popular with newly married couples because of the unrivalled beauty of its architecture, its stunning sandy beaches and numerous fantastic restaurants which together make the city a perfect romantic holiday destination for young couples. If you have friends who are newly web planning a trip to the city, make sure you give them a great send off with a great selection of beach wedding favors to let them really make the most of their beach wedding or honeymoon trip.

Best Clubs in Prague: The Party Destination for European Backpackers

2009-06-16T14:08:00.005+01:00

The city of Prague has become an increasingly popular European backpacking destination over the last decade or so. Its reputation as a party city is well deserved, with its nightlife second to none in Eastern/Central Europe and its numerous and ample hostels offer an easy way for backpackers to crash after a heavy session at very reasonable prices. Check out your options online then you can pre-book to ensure you have somewhere to sleep upon arrival – although with clubs like this you may not get much sleep!

Drinking out in Prague’s bars and clubs, while significantly more expensive than in previous years remains extremely good value (compared to the UK anyway) with bars away from the city centre being particularly cheap at around £1 per pint. However, the more popular and touristy location of Wenceslas Square has more upmarket bars and restaurants that while are generally fantastic places to visit can be a little more pricy. Don’t let this put you off however as this is very much party central for any backpacker. This area of town also features the famous centrepiece statue of St. Wenceslas: Duke of Bohemia in all his glory.

Another extremely popular nightspot for European and American backpackers is the famous 5 story club in Prague: The Karlovy Lazne - which is located extremely close to the town’s well known Charles Bridge. The club as you can imagine is very big (indeed, to my knowledge this is the biggest club in the whole of Prague which is an achievement in itself although it also claims to be the biggest in central Europe) – and with 5 floors to choose from you are bound to find some music to suit your taste and hang out with some cool people. This club seems to be pretty popular with both tourists and locals alike and with so much choice, a very relaxed dress code, the sheer volume of people (at weekends in particular) and good value drinks on offer its understandable why. At the end of the night if you are feeling hungry why not check out a delicious hotdog on your way out! As always, if you have any travel questions about my trips in europe please email me.

Backpacking in Paris: European Centre of Art and Culture

2009-05-31T22:54:00.002+01:00

No backpacking holiday to Europe can be complete without a trip to Paris. The city is termed to be the ‘City of Light’ and it can be your Mecca if you are a lover of peace, music, fashion, jewellery, dance and much more. Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with a long and rich history stretching back around 1000 years, and the multi cultural society that it holds adds to cultural diversity and overall unique beauty of the city. It is considered to be of the hot and favorite tourist places to visit around the globe with its structural marvelous and ethnic beauty.

As with most budget backpacking trips, your holiday in Paris can be best enjoyed by touring the city on foot. Travelers can get the maximum enjoyment from the city with the bountiful attractive places which are so close to each other. Indeed, most of the places of interest are within a walkable distance from one another if you are fairly fit. I found even going out for a cup of coffee in one of the city’s many cafes or bars is a nice experience or the serene walk along the coast of the river in the middle of the city can be so romantic for young couples.

The famous galleries and museums are the best part of the city. Some of the much celebrated and high profile museums are The Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay, the Centre Georges Pompidou, the Musee de Louvre, the Picasso Museum, the Rodin Museum, the Invalides. They symbolize the European art tradition as well as housing the more contemporary arts and collections.

The Eiffel tower is considered to be the embodiment of engineering and is an iconic structural monument. The skyscrapers present in the city are awesome to behold. Walking around the Eiffel tower can be a pleasure in itself. It is estimated that around 6 million people come to pay their visit here making it among the world most popular tourist attractions. Some fitter people cover the ascent by foot or you can alternatively choose to take some of the steps and then complete the rest by using the tower’s lift. The bird’s eye view of the city while climbing up the tower will take any person to paradise and is quite breathtaking.

The Pere-Lachaise cemetery, the catacombs, the Arc de Triomphe, which is a huge arch built by Napoleon to celebrate his victories speak volumes about the history of the city and country of France. The Sacre Coeur, the Sainte Chapelle, the Pompidou Center, the Panteon, the Grand Arche de la Defense are of serene beauty and are not to missed under the light covers. Notre Dame Cathedral and the Basilica of the Sacre C’ur are some of the notable and renowned churches in the city and are worth a visit even for non Disney fans! The Jardin de Luxemberg is a good place to relax and enjoy the nature at its best without having to move to the suburb.

Not to forget the fact, an artwork that many consider to be the epitome of painting is housed in the city: the Monalisa is kept in the museum here in Paris. The boulevard Champs-Elysees is considered to be the hub of high cultured society.

The city night life activities are also truly enjoyable for you party animals. The places around the Bastile prison has now been transformed into a center for night life activities. Far removed from what it must have been like in pre revolutionary France, this is now a great place to go out with a wide range of restaurants, clubs and bars all to be found here.

The city is also famous for its shopping. There are wide range of products available right from perfume, jewellery, wine, gifts and much more to keep you amused - be careful with the price tags though!

Paris is certainly unmissable when traveling around Europe and it can be a fine experience which no body will forget in their life. Paris city can be called as a dream city for many couples as well as for all tourists those who wish enjoyment and pleasure in their life.

Eating Out In Madrid – It’s Good For The Locals, It’s Good For You

2009-05-30T07:57:00.005+01:00

It’s almost unheard of to have a bad meal whilst in Madrid. The city is very diverse and it’s restaurants, cafés and bars cater to all tastes and budgets. A good way of determining which are the best eating places in Madrid is by finding out where the locals go out to wine and dine. If the locals like the place, chances are that you will love it too.

One place that is certainly popular with the people of Madrid is known as the “Tienda de Comunista”. It is located in Chueca by the square. It is always a good idea to get there as soon as it opens for business at 9pm every night, as it is always packed to capacity with happy diners. I highly recommend it.

If you want to lunch like a true Madrilenian, the place to be is “La Playa”. Having lunch at this place has become a tradition among many residents that has been going on for generations.

If you like to eat well while you take your beverages, then Bar Melo is the place to be. It is a very well-known bar also known for its awesome cuisine.

Do you have a sweet tooth? If you answered “yes” then you definitely need to visit Café del Real. It offers a wide variety of chocolate and carrot cakes, served with some lovely local coffee. It is a good place to hang out on a Sunday afternoon, like the locals do.

On Saturday evenings, many Madrilenians head to La Taberna de San Bernado. This exquisite restaurant is start off on a quieter note but becomes bubblier as the locals begin to file in.

Casa Perico restaurant is a hidden gem, known only to individuals like an insider secret. Upon entering Casa Perico, you may wonder whether you are in a restaurant or not, but do not be deceived because the food there is marvelous.

You maybe be visiting Spain, but that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t like to have some Asian food made in Spain. If you are not running on a very big budget then I would recommend Wok Chinese Restaurant in Madrid. Yes, you guessed right, the food is cooked in a Wok!

If you would like to partake in history then you will definitely want to visit Restaurante Sobrino De Botin. It is said to be the oldest restaurant in the world, according to the Guinness Book of records. More to this, it offers really delicious food too. However, due to the astounding number of tourists desiring to eat here, you may have to eat your meal in a bit of a rush.

All in all if you travel to Madrid you will certainly not be let down by the huge range of places to eat out!

Backpacking Bratislava: Exploring the Capital's Castle

2009-05-12T19:39:00.000+01:00

Although my trip to Bratislava was very brief (I only stopped over for 1 night in a hostel there and the following evening I was back on the inter rail) when on my backpacking trip through eastern Europe, it was certainly quite eventful. I arrived there in just a very rapid 1 hour long shuttle boat journey from Prague - a fantastic way to get to Bratislava if the weather is clear - in the late afternoon and checked in to our lodgings before hitting the old town to enjoy some very reasonable priced mojitos and a rather nice meal in the pretty old side of the city (rather than the rather grubby industrial side of town on the other side of the river Danube).
I have to say Bratislava's old town is somewhat underrated for some reason - and is certainly as beautiful as anywhere else we went in eastern Europe and as you would aspect is comparable to Prague but on a somewhat smaller scale! The city seems to have a bad reputation for some reason but this half of town is well worth checking out.

If you have some time during the day time, by far the best landmark to visit in the city of Bratislava is its impressive castle which towers on a large hill high over the city. I will warn you now, in the heat of summer in Slovakia, walking up this hill certainly can be quite exhausting - even for a reasonably fit 24 year old as I quickly discovered! If you are going to walk up the hill to enjoy the fantastic views over Bratislava, make sure you take some water for the journey as the hill is pretty steep! It is believed that the original history of the castle can be traced back as far as the iron age where evidence has been found of an early settlement in the area. The site has later apparently been occupied by Romans, Germanic tribes as well as by empirical Slovaks and as such has been built and reconstructed on several occasions - most recently in 1953 to restore the brilliant structure that stands their today.

Backpacking and Baths in Budapest

2009-05-09T15:40:00.000+01:00

Of all the places in eastern Europe that I traveled to last year I have to say that Budapest perhaps more than any other city offered the largest selection of things to do, places to go out and party and great buildings to see. Perhaps this isn't that surprising, considering that Budapest is in fact technically speaking 2 large cities separated by the river Danube: Buda and Pest - get it? Ok, so maybe its not rocket science to understand, but what it does mean is you effectively have 2 big cities rolled into one giant capital to walk around and explore. How's that for value for money?!

If you have travelled to the city in summer, you will no doubt notice that the temperatures can get pretty high by Europe's standards. I'm not sure if I visited the city in the middle of a heat wave last year but at 38 degrees centigrade it was pretty warm let me tell you. Combine this burning heat with walking about 10 miles a day around the city to avoid paying for public transport and you are no doubt going to be ready to cool off. Luckily, Budapest has some of the biggest and best Turkish baths in Europe - if not the world - which are great places to take a load off. My favourite which I visited was the grandeur surroundings of the Gellert baths built back in 1918.

The indoor pool has one of the most impressive interiors I have seen - intricate and detailed tiles throughout, huge classical style columns and a glass roof.

The outdoor pool has been recently improved and updated and is in itself something great to behold, with a wave machine that is just like standing in the sea being pummeled by the real thing! No doubt that there is a lot of great fun in the sun to be had in there. There are also a lot of more relaxing chill out areas with benches outside and a smaller, very warm pool to relax in - perfect for the hung over backpacker. When visiting Gellert baths you really can't miss out on the thermal baths either. This unique experience is apparently very good for the skin - but watch out for the transition between the baking steam room and the freezing plunge pool. I felt that the baths also offer very good value entertainment - although I'm told that Gellert is the most expensive of the baths I still spent the entire day there and it only cost me around 10 quid!

Beautiful Barcelona: A Guide To Europes Capital of Art

2009-05-05T13:38:00.000+01:00

Barcelona is capital of the Spanish province of Cataluna and is situated on the beautiful Mediterranean coast in the North East coast of Spain. The city has become an iconic centre of culture with its history of fine art, architecture, food and sport. Perhaps amongst the most famous in his field, the artist and architect Antoni Gaudi designed the huge cathedral that has become the cities most famous iconic landmark - a truly ornate structure quite unique to anything I have seen across the world. The intricacies of its decoration are quite fantastic to behold - and at just a short tube journey from the central street of Las Ramblas this really has to be worth a visit. While on Las Ramblas you can take the time to check out the numerous cafes, bars and restaurants that line the street - and don't forget to check out the fantastic fish market which produces some of the finest and freshest seafood in Europe. Why not follow Las Ramblas down to the sea front and see the famous bridge and picturesque docks and harbour.

Fans of football the world over know and fear the name Barcelona - a club enshrined by legendary status in the sport. The Spanish giants look set to regain the La Liga title this term and face Chelsea in the Champions League Semi Final. You can watch some of the worlds best players such as Messi, Etoo and Henry at the huge and magnificent Nou Camp Stadium here in Barcelona and even take a tour of the ground during the day to see the huge selection of trophies the club have won over the years. I found attending a match at the 120,000 capacity ground quite awe inspiring and when the crown are behind their team for a big game such as against league rivals Real the noise and atmosphere can be deafening.
If you are looking for a good, friendly hostel in which to stay I can highly recommend "Hello BCN". The hostel has friendly staff, a large common room with a bar and table tennis, gym and excellent internet access from either the free WIFI or the computers provided. At around 20 euros a night it wasn't the cheapest I'd stayed in, but it has an excellent location and the facilites are worth the money.

Cracking Krakow: Poland's Party Town

2009-05-03T13:01:00.000+01:00

Although only the third largest city in Poland, I have to say that Krakow was for me, by far the best place we visited - and one of my favourite cities in Eastern Europe. The city has it all: a beautiful old town square with a superb market, great nightlife, friendly and fun people, and in summer at least some very nice sunshine and temperatures into the mid 30s. It is also still relatively cheap once there - in spite of large price increases in the last few years due to the growth in tourism in the region. Heading just out of town there are still places where we managed to grab a 1 litre stein of beer for around £1. Prices are a little higher in the square but still very reasonable in both the bars and restaurants which can be found in abundance in this area. There are also great places to visit nearby such as the salt mines with its huge underground cathedral decorated with ornate salt carvings. You can also take a very inexpensive guide to the former Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz which is not far from the city. I personally found this to be a very humbling and often distressing experience and it is certainly not for the faint hearted or young children. If you are backpacking as I was when I last visited and are looking for a great hostel I would suggest the NEW (as their are 2 hostels of the same name!) "Goodbye Lenin: Lets Rock" Hostel situated around 3 minutes from the old town square. An excellent hostel with great facilities and staff is yours for around 12 quid a night including breakfast - a very reasonable rate!