Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

Why Vancouver Is A Great City

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Every few years a study is commissioned into what is deemed to be the best city in the world in which to live. A couple of years ago Vancouver in Western Canada took to prestigious accolade, you may not know a lot about Vancouver, you may write it off as a faceless, culture-poor generic North-American city. You’d be wrong. Vancouver as plenty to offer to to the curious tourist as well as the prospective British ex-pat and makes a great alternative to Toronto holidays. The city is located on the West Coast of Canada in British Columbia and ranks as the eighth largest city in the country in terms of population.

The survey is carried out using a range of measures such as criminal activity, life expectancy, education standards and health care provision, amongst many others. These are all easily measurable parameters that Vancouver has performed well in consistently over the years, but it also has some great culture and entertainment to offer which are less measurable. Vancouver has a highly diverse population, with demographic largely made up of Chinese immigrants as well as south Asians, Filipinos, Japanese and Koreans. This is due to its relative close proximity to Asia which is a short flight across the pacific.

In recent years Vancouver has played host to some global events, most notably the 2010 winter Olympic games which was well received but narrowly averted disaster when a lack of snowfall was initially forecast. Predictably for such a desirable city to live in, the real estate market is considered overpriced and it is ranked as the 2nd most expensive location in Canada. Vancouver has great transport links and is close to the rocky mountains where you can explore the Rockies by rail. If you are looking at Canada holidays make Vancouver a stop off point in your trip, you won’t regret it!

Using Your Little Rolling Duffle Bags Is Straightforward Even For Lengthy Trips

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Let’s be honest, travel is a genuine pain in the backside. All of the packing, repacking, and unpacking is just an inconvenience that you don’t want. You’re already wondering if you forgot anything, nervous about leaving your tickets back home, or listening to the kids battle about who sits where, so among the last chores that you would like to do is need to fill up the largest canvas duffle bagthat you’ve got out of your assortment of rolling duffle bags. Unfortunately, for very long trips, you will likely have to use two wheeled duffle bags and wrestle with each one of them along with your purse or laptop bag. There’s a secret though to having the ability to get more clothes into a smaller duffle bag, space saver bags.

Space saver bags may well have come out several years back as an infomercial product, but they’ve become mainstream. Not just do they come in many sizes for your storage space needs, but now travel space saver bags are available. Travel space saver bags have been designed so that a vacuum cleaner is not required to take away the air. By some miracle of engineering, the bags have been built so that you could roll the air out of them. This characteristic is perfect for the vacationer.

Whereas space saver bags won’t reduce the weight of your clothes, by compacting them, you may get more outfits into a lesser space. That is ideal when you would like to carry your 20″ rolling sports duffle bag instead of your 26″ canvas duffle bag. Best of all, when you are prepared to come back home, you possibly can pack your dirty outfits in a single space saver bag and your fresh clothing in another to keep them separated. This will likely cut down on the laundry necessary to do once you arrive at your house.

Naturally, dirt free garments isn’t the only benefit. Being able to bring the smaller size may be the difference between being able to use the overhead inside the aircraft, loading in that second piece of equipment into the trunk on your backpacking trip, or possibly even only having to carry one piece of luggage as an alternative to two. Obviously load will still be a factor, although good packing along with remembering to make good selections in what to bring on your trip should keep you nicely organized and below the load limit the majority of the time. Bear in mind, fifty pounds is the limit for air carriers today and anything your back can manage lifting in and out of the trunk is the limit for street trips.

Travel has come a great distance over the last few years and whereas in several ways it has become more of a problem, in other ways it has grown to be less complicated. The development of wheeled luggage generally, and rolling duffle bags particularly, has made transporting your possessions a breeze and now through the development of travel space saver bags, you can stuff much more stuff into your luggage.

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Greece : A Dream Destination

Sunday, August 1st, 2010

Greece has long been a favorite holiday destination for people from around the world to visit. In fact, over 15 million people choose Greece as their holiday destination every single year. Greece has many different things to offer the vacationer, from wonderful villages, to fantastic shopping and pristine beaches; Greece has it all. Usually, the Greek islands are where most people frequent, but the mainland of Greece is also a great place to visit too. You could visit Athens, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and Thessaloniki.

One reason that makes Greece an ideal holiday destination is its climate. Greece has very long summers and short winters. Between the months of April and November, you will find Greece to be hot and dry, but not so much that you can not enjoy the outdoors. Greece does see rain during this season, but it comes and goes so quickly that you will enjoy the chance to cool down. From the middle of July to the middle of August, you might find Greece a little unbearable since this is the typically the warmest time of the year. During the months of May and June, as well as, September and October you will find Greece at its finest. It is not too hot and not too humid. These are the best months to visit.

The peak of the holiday season is from July until August, the vast majority of those taking a holiday arrive in Greece between April and October. Most of the country’s tourist infrastructure goes into hibernation outside of these months, especially on the islands. The bulk of scheduled international flights are handled in Athens and Thessaloniki. Several charter and planned low-budget flights arrive everyday from several of Europe’s cities to many of the islands and smaller cities on the mainland during tourist season.

When you do find accommodations in Greece do not be surprised at the simplicity. Most rooms will be small and they should have air conditioning. Generally, there is a balcony overlooking a plaza so you can continue to enjoy all the Greek ambiance. Most hotel accommodations are very clean and well taken care of. You can find more expensive hotel accommodations in the main cities, but honestly, you are not getting anything more than what you would pay for at a smaller hotel or inn, and you miss out on all the atmosphere. You can easily get a hotel room online, via email or by using your telephone and fax. There are also many different companies that you can go through that will help you plan your Greek holiday getaway.

Greece offers many unique and quality local products, although it is not known for its shopping. Local handicrafts, local wines and spirits, leather goods, lace, jewelry, metalwork, pottery, knitwear, and rugs are all special purchases. Referred to locally as Tarverna or Estiatorio, restaurants there are widespread because dining out is so common. English-speaking people on holiday in Greece need not worry about language barriers too much, as English is widely spoken in the shops and in restaurants. You can find excellent Greek restaurants in highly visited tourist areas, particularly in areas that are popular with Greek tourists as well.

Find Out More – Holiday To Greece

Holidays In Majorca

Sunday, August 1st, 2010

Majorca is one of those places that if you have the chance to holiday there, you should jump on it. It is one of the islands of the Balearic Archipelago. Majorca is situated in the Mediterranean sea and has long been a holiday favorite of both the English and Germans. It is a favorite because of its climate, which is wonderful all year round. No matter if you visit in summer or winter. In the last 40 years, Majorca has seen exponential growth thanks to its huge tourism industry. There are plenty of places to visit, plenty of places to shop and plenty of places to eat at when you are holidaying in Majorca.

The capital of Majorca is Palma, located on the island’s western coast. The international airport, Son Satin Joan Airport, is situated just eight kilometers from the capital. If flying from the United Kingdom, the flight is just over two hours. A large percentage of the locals speak English due to the island’s status as a tourist destination, though the official languages are Spanish and Catalan.

If you like exploring, then you definitely have to make it a point to visit the east side of Majorca’s island. There are many caves to explore and awesome beaches to visit. If you like history, then you should make a plan to visit the north east side of the island. If you want seclusion and tranquility, then you should go to the west and the north side of the island where you will find mountains and quaint villages. And if you like a crowd, then you should definitely stay in the south because that is where all the tourist attractions are including hotels and group tours.

Although you will find many travelers soaking up the sun on the delightful beaches, there are many other venues for entertainment. You can hike the island, walk the beach, bike along the roadside, play golf, and ride the train. Or you can engage in watersports, spend the evening dancing the night away in a club. If you would rather watch than play, there is football, cricket, and horse racing. Many villages have fiestas and carnivals worth seeing. There are also art, craft, and food stands in the villages.

Regardless of what you are looking for, Majorca is a great destination. It has something to offer to everyone. You can take your family for a holiday together. Sports lovers will enjoy the 11 official standard golf courses dotting the island. If quiet is what you seek, stay on the northern half of Majorca. If an exciting nightlife and fun-filled days are more your speed then you want to stay in the southern half of the island. Younger travelers soak up sun, sea, and sand there routinely. No matter what you seek, Majorca has it to offer. You will return home rejuvenated and content.

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Visiting Europe? Don’t Miss Out On A Trip To Spain!

Saturday, July 31st, 2010

Spain has long been a great destination vacation for people who want to envelop themselves in history and culture. More than 50 million people flock to Spain every year because of its wondrous climate, fabulous history and fantastic foods. And thanks to the tourism industry, many more places in Spain are becoming more accessible which means that you can be sure of always finding somewhere you like and never getting bored.

When you are visiting Spain you have to make sure that Barcelona is on your itinerary. Barcelona was originally a Roman city and you can still see a lot of the Roman influence in their architecture and rich heritage. You should visit the cathedral of Santa Eulalia as well as Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, especially if you love history. There are also numerous beaches to explore, stores to shop at and places to eat in. Barcelona itself could be your complete vacation if you let it, and it is definitely a place you do not want to miss.

If you are a worshiper of the sun, then you need to make a trip to Alicante, which would be a perfect spot to visit after you stop in Barcelona since it is right down the coast from there. It is not hard to see why Alicante is a favorite among tourists since it has many beaches to sun bathe on and also has many more streets to roam. From Alicante, if you want adventure, you can visit a real pirate’s cove at Tabarca or you can hop a train to visit the Palmeral of Elche, a designated world heritage site and also home to one of the biggest palm tree groves on the entire planet.

For amazing sunsets and an all-around experience, Murcia is located a little further south by car. The Mar Menor area that surrounds the city hosts a remarkably charming lagoon that is perfect for viewing the sun setting in the west. The city boasts incredible architectural sites with a pictorial mountainous horizon – an experience that is truly difficult to pass up.

If you are looking for a sunny spot, the coastal city of Almeria is one of your best bests. With an average of 330 days of sunshine each year, it is known as one of the warmest, driest areas in Europe. Here you will find the Tabernas desert, which is sure to please the movie buff; it has been the scene of many Hollywood westerns. Others will find delight at Alcazaba, the Moorish castle, which is loaded with history of the region. The Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park is home to Spain’s premier diving areas, on top of hosting its truly brilliant geological features.

The city of Malaga is a favorite of tourists and native Spaniards alike. Situated next to the Costa del Sol, the town is easy to travel to and offers a variety of experiences in a compact area. Anyone wanting to fit in a skydiving adventure, a bull fight, and a visit to the renowned Picasso Museum (all in one day) must fit this town and the surrounding areas into their travels.

Now Try – Holidays To Spain

12 Great Things To Do Near Your Cost Brava Villa

Saturday, July 31st, 2010

When people think of villas, they think of Spain, especially on the eastern coast. Among the most sought-after are just 40-80 kilometres outside of Barcelona, about a six-hour drive northeast from the Costa Blanca, near the middle of the Costa Brava.

You, too, can enjoy this popular location by renting your own Costa Blanca or Costa Brava villa

Costa Brava means rugged or wild coast. It occupies the north-eastern region of Catalonia, Spain, and stretches from the French border almost all the way to Barcelona. Fit for all ages, Costa Brava contains a variety of coastal scenery, lush beaches, family fun and historical places of interest.

The following are the 12 of the more popular things to see and do when staying at your very own villa Costa Brava:

1)National Park De L’Emporda

One of the Northern Spain’s largest national parks and nature reserves, De L’Emporda National Park is famous for its many species of birds.

2) Castell de Pubol

Castell de Pubol was the residence of the wife of Dali, one of the most famous Spanish artists during the 20th century.

3) Water World

This isn’t a Kevin Costner movie, but one of Europe’s biggest family water parks, which includes a 250-metre long rubber raft rides.

4) Lloret de Mar Beach

Lloret de Mar’s main white sand beach stretches a staggering 1,630 metres long and is consistently awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness. Lots of beach to enjoy.

5) Modernist Cemetery

The Modernist Cemetery was designed at the end of the 19th century. A short tour through this little piece of history offers a rare and amazing look into funerary art of the period.

6) The Municipal Museum

People enjoy the many works of art by artists that frequented the area in the 1930s at thos museum.

7) Sant Antoni de Calonge

Sant Antoni de Calonge is a small village of 8.200 inhabitants, which is comprised of the village of Calonge and the coastal centre of St. Antoni. Some of the attractions are the Medieval Tower, an 18th century Baroque style church and some amazing beaches.

8) The Ruins of Empúries

Empúries were founded in 575 BC by Greek colonists and was later occupied by the Romans. In the Early Middle Ages the town was abandoned and the ruins are still there just between the Costa Brava town of L’Escala and the village of Sant Martí.

9) Castell de Sant Joan

This medieval castle was constructed in 11th century. Today only the castle’s tower remains, but you will enjoy an excellent view of the surrounding area from the turret..

10) Parish Church of Sant Roma

The Parish Church of Sant Roma is a gothic church that was built 1522 and in the early 20th century it was converted into a spectacular building with Byzantine, Muslim, Renaissance and Modernist influences.

11) Puig de Castellet Iberian Settlement
This walled settlement, was occupied between 250-210 BC, is situated on the north-west side of a hill with a amazing a view of the entire coastline, yet it is completely invisible from the sea. A great little getaway when you don’t feel like hanging around the villa.

12) Santa Cristina Hermitage

The earliest reference to the Santa Cristina Hermitage dates back to 1376. However the current temple was built at the end of the 18th century and is in the neo-classical style.

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UK Travel – Areas Of London To Book A Hotel

Friday, July 30th, 2010

London is a city filled with rich history and places to explore. If you are going to be taking a trip to London, then you should consider staying in one of these areas…

The West End – London’s West End features a plethora of theaters and cafes. If you stay in the West End, you are ensured that your stay will be filled with many sights and sounds because you will be close to all the great attractions including: the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, Leicester Square and the London Zoo. London’s West End has always been a major tourist attraction so you will always be able to find accommodations that will fit within your price range and your comfort level. The boundaries of the West End are set by four important London roads – The Strand along the southern end, Oxford Street along the north, Regent Street to the west and Kingsway to the east.

Bayswater / Paddington – Another popular spot for tourists is the Bayswater / Paddington area. Bayswater is comprised of mostly residential places and Paddington is a district right next to it. The older hotels in his part of London were once large family homes, so there is a real sense of warmth and elegance. The underground in the Bayswater area includes several connecting lines, so you will have quick and easy access to most of London, including the city centre. Film buffs might be interested to know that “Notting Hill” with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts was set in one of the more well-heeled and popular sections of Bayswater. One of the most popular sites in this part of London is the Portobello Road Antique Market, the nearly legendary shopping extravaganza that is held every Saturday.

Kensington – A hotel in Kensington would be a good choice if you wanted to visit city centre without having to pay for a city centre hotel. Considered a borough of London, this lovely location is filled with public gardens, parks and green spaces that are perfect for relaxing, while an impressive set of transportation hubs and links will carry you to any spot in the city. Kensington Palace, where Princess Diana lived, is also naturally in Kensington. The atmosphere in the Kensington district is very cosmopolitan and exclusive, and you can experience this first hand if you choose to stay in a Kensington hotel. If you are looking to be spoiled, this is definitely the spot for you.

Westminster – If you like history, then you should consider staying in Westminster. It is home to one of the most recognized buildings in the world – the Palace of Westminster, which serves as the meeting place for the English parliament. There are several things to see in Westminster squares other than the palace of Westminster such as Big Ben, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons. Near to Westminster Square is Buckingham Palace, the place where Queen Elizabeth II lives. You can watch the world famous ‘Changing of the Guard’ there every day just before noon. Westminster is also home to that other great symbol of political power, Downing Street. This area can easily be traveled to thanks to the various subway and transit systems that frequent it daily so this makes it an ideal spot to stay in when you are in London.

Now Try – London Hotels

Brighton (England) : Ideas For Things To See And Do There

Friday, July 30th, 2010

If you want to have a relaxing stay when you go on vacation, even if just for a couple of days, then you should consider visiting Brighton, a city 50 miles south of London, on the south coast of England. It has maintained its popularity throughout the years and continues to be a great place to visit thanks to its wonderful shopping, awesome night clubs and fabulous restaurants. A visit to Brighton should include visits to the following places:

The Royal Pavilion – When you are in Brighton there are a few places you absolutely have to visit. The Royal Pavilion is one of those places. It is directly in the center of Brighton and was once a farmhouse. As the years went on, the Pavilion was completely redone and it became the place where the Prince Regent would stay when he was in Brighton. You can visit the place where King George the 4th rested his head but you will have to pay an entrance fee. One of the things you will definitely have to do is meander on over to the Brighton Museum, which is a stones throw from the Pavilion at the end of its gardens. It does not cost anything to visit and you can learn a lot about the local history.

The Palace Pier – Though a few piers had been built in Brighton, this 1899 Pier is the only one that remains. It was originally built to allow easy access for pleasure craft and to house amusement rides. Today, it is home to an array of tourist shops, nightclubs, restaurants, arcades, and even a modest fair. Though some view it as flashy and garish, it is well worth the time to explore the Palace Pier. Considering the cost is free and the promenade provides a view of the seashore, taking a stroll along the pier is an attraction not to pass up.

The Lanes – For the bigger chain shops, Churchill Square is the place to go. However, if you are looking for exclusive and exceptional stores than are locally owned, the Lanes will be your shopping mecca. The complex tangling of streets could take a few visits to get oriented with, but the jewelry, antique, and clothes shopping you will find is worth the effort. The Lanes sits in the oldest part of the town, which is also home to town hall and the visitor information center. Do not worry about getting lost on your way to one of these locations – they are easily found in the town center.

The Beach – Because Brighton is a coastal town it also features a magnificent beach. The beach sees plenty of free film showings and live music events, you will find a number of street performers there as well. It is a relaxing place for a walk and although the beach itself is pebbly as opposed to smooth you will find plenty of entertainment in the many beach front nightclubs and bars. The beach is a perfect end cap to your Brighton vacation, and is part of just the many sights you will see, enjoy and remember for a lifetime.

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A Terrific Day In The City Of Vienna

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Vienna vacations can be as long or as short as you want them to be.

There are great buildings, wide avenues, music and culture and a great cafe society.

We decided on a brief visit because we were in Prague on a short break and we thought we might as well have a day in the city of Vienna. This is not, I suspect, the first thought in most people’s minds when they visit Prague but we thought it was doable. So we did it.

We arrived around lunchtime and there was a Metro station just around the corner from where the coach dropped us. It was very easy to buy a ticket and find the right train to take us to the centre of the city. We chose the stop near the Opera House, as this is the bus stop to catch all three of the hop on hop off buses. Because we only had six hours this was the best way to see as much of Vienna as possible, quickly and then get off to see some things in more detail.

Our first route was to see the Schonenberg Palace. We debated whether to go into the palace but decided it would take up too much time. As with all hop on hop off buses we had a commentary via our headphones and a brief Vienna travel guide . I do think this hop on hop off idea is an excellent way to get a flavour and taste of any city.

Many of the buildings were magnificent and the broad streets and avenues made it easy to imagine how the city would have looked without all the modern day traffic. I don’t know much about the ruling families of Austria except many of them were Hapsburgs and the most famous female member of the family must be Marie Antionette, and of the male members Archduke Franz Ferdinand whose assassination in Sarajevo sparked off the first world war, would be the most famous.

Between buses we wandered around the Opera House area and even toyed with the idea of having coffee and sacha torte at the Hotel Sacha. However there were long queues and the service was leisurely so we gave it miss.

The next tour was the immediate city centre, which gave us the opportunity to see the main buildings, which were mostly State and cultural but again it gave us a good flavour of the city. As we neared the end of this tour we were in an old part of the city where the streets were so narrow that the bus could only just get by.

This is where Mozart had lived for a few years and he composed The Barber of Seville while living there. We got off the bus here and enjoyed a short time exploring the narrow streets, alleyways and squares.

Eventually the heat got too much and we spied a very busy ice cream parlour where we bought our favorit flavors. We ate it sitting on the steps of a statue to Guttenberg, this seemed to be a popular place to sit.

All to soon it was time to catch the Metro back to our bus pick up point.

I don’t even pretend to have seen the true Vienna with such a brief visit but city short breaks give you an over all flavour of a city and give you an idea of whether or not you would like to spend longer there.

I am glad we had our day in Vienna but I haven’t made my mind up yet about going back.

Where Are The Best Four Hotels In Vegas?

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Welcome to Las Vegas the gambling capital of the world, home to some great hotel experiences as well. There are so many different hotels here, each with their own style, it can be difficult to choose one. Although the casino can cause you to spend a lot of money, the prices of some of these luxury hotels is actually quite modest. Now the trick is keeping all of your money to yourself, rather than blowing it all on gambling! Las Vegas holidays Is amazing if you want to spend some more at the tables.

• This hotel has managed to establish itself quite well in Las Vegas. The Bellagio provides more than 3900 rooms, and each of these is really quite special. The most distinctive feature of the Bellagio is the large 6 acre lake out at it’s front. In the middle of this lake are a mass of fountains that seeminglessly dance together. This hotel is definitely for those of you that want the higher lifestyle while in Vegas. Las Vegas holidays holidays have really made this!

• The Grand hotel at the MGM: This has been previously voted as the top luxury hotel in the US. The Vegas experience is most prolific here, and the hotel has been praised for offering it at its highest value. The Entertainment and nightlife is also a very popular feature at this hotel.

• Caesars Palace: A very cleverly created hotel, that really takes you back in time, ye keeping you up to date with modern technologies. The service throughout the entire hotel is flawless and there are so many tiny details that all add up to create such a unique and even more sparkling experience.

• It will probably come as no surprise to you but this next resort has been modeled on many of the different hotels in Venice; the Venetian Resort. Although not the most expensive, this hotel boasts some of the most beautiful hotel features. There is even the option to take a gondola ride around the hotel in a canal.

USA holidays are very popular around the world, and Fly Drive USA holidays are some of the most popular from Europe.