Pescara: Amongst the Best Holiday destinations in the Adriatic

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

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?

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.