Monday, August 30, 2010

Best Holiday Destinations Outside Europe: Visiting Seattle

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.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Combine Work with Play When Travelling Europe

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!

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Booking Holiday Accommodation Made Easy Online

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.

Monday, July 26, 2010

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

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.

Friday, July 23, 2010

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

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

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.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Skiing Holidays in Austria

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.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Enjoy the Beautiful Natural Coastline of Dalaman, Turkey

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.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Stay in Leeds Serviced Apartments for a Weekend Break

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.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

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

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.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Best Accommodation in Prague - Three Bedroom Modern Prague Apartments

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.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Rent Villas in Italy for a Relaxing Holiday Experience

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.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Backpacking in the Best Holiday Destination in Spain: Barcelona

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.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Find the Best Holiday Accommodation in Helsinki, Finland

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

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.