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Exploring Europe Every Which Way 

No Comments 29 January 2013

Family holiday in France

There are a lot of reasons why France is the top tourist destination in the world. It is full of fun and engaging activities for everyone to enjoy, whether you are a toddler or a senior citizen. From its beautiful countrysides, to its snowy Alps, the rich cities, and the beautiful beaches, France is so many things for so many people.

When deciding on a family holiday, you must look at the age of the children you have within your family. For toddlers, it is perfectly okay to have them paddling at the beach with sand in their hair, or playing in the snow in one of France’s child friendly resorts. However, the real challenge comes with teenagers. You will need to get an itinerary that has cool, exciting and engaging activities specially for them. Activities such as skiing, kayaking, horse riding in a forest, biking across the countryside are sure ways of starting. Also, look out for teen friendly services that provide teen clubs, a separate facility specifically for this age where they can hang out and meet other teens their age. As your children are busy enjoying themselves, you can be sampling wine and cheese, visiting theaters, or romanticizing in quaint restaurants.

Luxury get-together in the UK

Get-togethers are a great way to catch up and enjoy yourselves, whether it is with family or close friends. The UK provides unique facilities that can make this experience so much more memorable. If you and your friends have taste for the finer things in life, a large luxury cottage is a great way to get it done. You can sample some of the tasteful properties that luxury cottage providers have, and pick one in a tourist friendly area. These cottages allow you and your gathering to live close together, enjoy more quality time while enjoying stellar services. You can get yourselves a chef, a housekeeper, and even baby sitters to cater to your children as you bond. Just to make the experience even more entertaining, you should venture out to gardens, local sights, as well as interesting family spots within the area you have chosen. Go for a picnic, enjoy the outdoors, and then come back to your luxury cottage at the end of an exciting day. While your children go biking, trekking, horse riding with supervision, you can enjoy your adult moments together or join them for even more fanfare.

Golf holiday in Spain

Spain’s golf courses reflect the country’s own personality: exciting, serene, luxurious, and inviting. Spain has hundreds of golf courses scattered across the country, so whatever your climate preference is, there is sure to be a golf course nearby. What’s more, the golf courses are designed by internationally acclaimed designers, ensuring that you have the best in both quality and variety. Speaking of variety, the number of golf courses in very high. In the Spanish Coast area alone, you can find over 100 courses, with a large number concentrated in the tourist area of Costa del Sol. The beauty of this is that it keeps green fees low. In the South of Spain, it is possible to play golf all year round! When you have had your fill on the course, you can indulge in Spain’s many tourist pleasures. Visit the museum, go dancing, enjoy the beach, sample local delicacies, visit its charming countryside and so much more.

This is a guest post from Daffyd at Abroad in Spain

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Jungle Majesty in Matheran, India

No Comments 28 January 2013

100 km out of the busy and bustling Mumbai city in Maharastra lies a hill station with a difference: Matheran. This area of close to 7 square miles is one of the few places on earth where no form of car transportation is allowed. This instantly transports its visitors to a world peace and tranquility, as simple transport merges with serene forest landscape. The only form of transportation allowed here is horses and rickshaws, making it a truly authentic experience if you are on a tour of India.

This refuge is particularly popular during the heated summer months when Mumbai becomes unbearably hot. Not only is it cooler, it is also much quieter than the busy city center. What’s more, the rural ambiance of Matheran hotels and its other accommodation adds to the serene environment. With India offering some of the cheapest flight tickets to travel internally in the world, people come here from all over the country, both Indian and tourists.

This special area is accessible by road, but more excitingly by rail. Instead of taking a bus or car, experience India in a unique way by taking the train as you enjoy the changing scenery. The train travels slowly, so you have plenty of time to take in the journey. A caveat though: ensure that you book first class tickets so that you don’t travel in an uncomfortably crowded cab in third or slightly less comfortable second class. You wouldn’t want to do a long, uncomfortable journey on a slow train!

The best thing about Matheran is the lack of modern transportation within the area. Once you arrive, wherever you’ve travelled from in India, you have the option of taking a horse or a rickshaw. The beauty of lack of modern transport is that it preserves that tranquility, even when local tourists flood the area over holiday periods in Diwali and others. In fact, the best time to travel to the area is during the low season around June to October. This period is also great since you also avoid travelling there during the torrid monsoon rains, which makes travel difficult.

In Matheran, you will be treated to lush vegetation, cool temperatures, and stunning views. The area has several viewpoints where you can enjoy the breathtaking landscape as you watch the sun rise or set. The Panorama Point, as the name suggests, gives a panoramic view of the sunrise while the Porcupine Point is famous for its unforgettable sunset views. Altogether, there are more than 30 viewpoints across this area, each offering a unique perspective of the glory of this valley. After taking in the view, you can head for a picnic in the Sharlott (or Charlotte) Lake with its beautiful waterfall and ancient temple located right next to the lake. After your picnic, you can get your adrenalin pumping by going for the valley crossing experience at the Honeymoon Point.

Exploring the area by horseback is a great way to get around quickly. However, in order to truly savor the experience, walking through the place is recommended. Whichever way you chose to enjoy the majesty of this jungle ambience, ensure that you make your stay memorable. It is recommended that you stay at the Lord’s Central Hotel since it is centrally located. However, you can opt for cheaper accommodation found around.

 

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Visiting Bulgaria in the winter

No Comments 11 January 2013

A long time cheaper holiday destination, Bulgaria has it all with winter sports to sandy beaches. This year, the ministry of tourism expects at least a 5% total increase in visitors from last year. Snow lovers and adrenalin junkies from the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe will be taking the chance to see Bulgaria in all its glory.

Where to go

With the country hoping to increase tourism by as much as 40% in the coming 30 years, a lot of work is currently going into the infrastructure for a year-round destination. However, when it comes to winter in the mountainous country these are the three hotspots:

Bansko

Found in southwestern Bulgaria, the town of Bansko is at the foot of the Pirin Mountains and is common tourist destination. Once home to an economy based on merchants, it is now a hotbed for visitors year-round. With 75 kilometres of ski runs and 27 thermal mineral springs just three miles away for relaxation, this is the perfect place for a winter holiday.

Borovets

Known for good value and a great place for beginners, this is a compact resort that lends itself to an economical ski break. With a selection of restaurants and bars, you can snowboard or ski and relax in the evenings. The quality of how the runs are kept has seen some negative reviews at times but generally most people feel it is a good price, laid back atmosphere and a convenient spot for a week on the slopes.

Pamporovo

Found in the southeastern part of Bulgaria, this ski resort in the Smolyan Province is generally regarded as one of the best in Europe. Right in the heart of the Rhodopi mountain, this is a family friendly resort with plenty of amenities for all the family. From beginner to advanced, this modern offering is the sunniest in the country and also home to Orpheus – the mythical singer.

Best of the rest

Aside from the ski resorts, there are cities that are worth a visit during the winter months. The capital, Sofia is the 15th biggest city in Europe and boasts the Alexander Nevski Church, Ivan Vazov National Theatre and Vitosha Mountain. Aside from this, get some traditional Bulgarian architecture in Koprivshtitsa, take a walk with history in former capital Veliko Tarnovo and enjoy the small town of Melnik known for its wine-making and archaeological sites.

So, whether you want to do some city sightseeing or learn how to ski, Bulgaria is the place to visit this year. But remember that it all adds up and even the most economical options can be pricey. With this in mind, look into decluttering and getting rid of any leftovers from Christmas and the festive season. Just Google sell my netbook or other electronics and find some great websites to make some extra money.

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Travelling with mobility issues

No Comments 21 December 2012

For people with mobility issues travel can be more challenging. Most obstacles can be surmounted but a little forward planning can help.

Accommodation

If you have mobility issues it may be better to book all accommodation in advance, ensuring it is suitable for your needs. Don’t just rely on general assurances on a website or in a brochure – if you have specific requirements or worries, contact the owners or managers directly.

The International Symbol of Access (ISA) might feature a picture of a wheelchair but it can be a good indication of levels of accessibility for all people with mobility issues, not just wheelchair users.

As well as access to the building itself you may want to inquire about lifts if your accommodation or any services offered are not located on the ground floor. You may also have specific requirements within your sleeping area, bathroom and toilet. You might not be lucky enough to find accommodation with good accessible bathing solutions but many hotels and resorts pride themselves on their facilities. Where availability is limited it can pay to book early

Public transport

Almost every country will provide assistance for travellers with mobility issues but the amount of help and accessibility available can vary wildly. It can help to do a little research on potential destinations and to book any major train journeys or similar as far ahead as possible. If you are travelling more spontaneously it may be advisable to try to avoid peak times for public transport.

If you are hiring a car or other vehicle, again try to book early. Many rental companies will have a limited supply of accessible veihcles. If driving, check local laws and regulations and ensure you have taken the correct documentation and paperwork.

Take the right equipment

The best tools to help with mobility issues will depend entirely on personal circumstances. Travel models of mobility scooters can be taken apart for storage and travel but you should check with any airline you use for restrictions they may have in place. Airlines will also transport wheelchairs but there may be weight and size restrictions, especially with power models.

Canes can be great lightweight aids to mobility, as can walkers and rollators. Depending on your needs there are also bathroom accessories you can pack to help provide bathing solutions such as portable grab bars and bath benches. For bathing solutions at home visit http://www.bathingsolutions.co.uk

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Devon Caravan Holidays

No Comments 30 November 2012

Devon, located in the South West part of England, has long been a popular holiday destination for visitors looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of their every day lives. Each year thousands of people travel by caravan to Devon to see all the natural and man made wonders that the area is world famous for. Some of the must see natural wonders in Devon include Woolacombe Beach, the Valley of the Rocks and Kents Cavern.

There are also a number of wildlife related sites, perfect for animal lovers to visit, like the Donkey Sanctuary, Exmoor Zoo and the Paignton Zoo Environmental Park. If the traveler is more interested in visiting Devon’s man made wonders they’ll want to be sure to stop at Brixham Harbor, Babbacombe Model Village or go on a walk along the Agatha Christie Mile.

All of these sites are easily accessible for visitors hiring a caravan for their holiday in Devon.

One of the best places to visit on caravan holidays in Devon is Woolacombe Beach. This beach has won many prestigious awards and is considered by many to be the best beach in England for families. Another must see attraction for nature lovers in Devon is the Valley of the Rocks. The Valley of the Rocks is famous for its wild goat population, as well as its breathtaking examples of century old fossilized rocks. Another not to be missed destination while taking a caravan tour of the area is Kents Cavern. Kents Cavern has many breathtaking geographical formations for guests to enjoy, as well as having an on site restaurant and gift shop for visitors to stop in at during their visit.

There are also a number of wonderful stops for animal lovers taking their holiday in Devon. One of the most popular sites is the Donkey Sanctuary. At the Donkey Sanctuary guests can get up close and personal with these gentle animals and learn more about the movement to rescue them. Another great place to visit for people touring Devon is the Exmoor Zoo. Some of the main attractions at this well loved zoo include maned wolves and howler monkeys. An additional much loved animal park in Devon is the Paignton Zoo Environmental Park. This park is adored by both children and adults because of the thousands of animals that call the park their home.

There are a number of stops for visitors who are more interested in man made attractions to enjoy while in Devon too. One of the best places for those interested in shopping and people watching is Brixham Harbour. Brixham Harbour is full of interesting things to do and many visitors spend their entire holiday wandering the streets of this quaint town, enjoying the shopping and dining that the area is known for.

Another great stop for those who enjoy more man made wonders is the Babbacombe Model Village. A visit to this miniature village is guaranteed to make even the littlest visitor feel like a giant in comparison. Last, but not least, on every visitors list of favorite stops while in Devon is the Agatha Christie Mile. The mile brings visitors along a path that showcases a number of locations that were prominent in Agatha Christie’s life and novels. This is truly a must visit location for individuals who are interested in history and literature.

There is surely something to do and see for every visitor when they chose to take a caravan holiday in Devon. The area is second to none in terms of man made and natural attractions guaranteed to delight and enrapture every traveler.

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Had a holiday nightmare? Where to go from here

No Comments 28 November 2012

Having your perfect, dream holiday turn into a catastrophe is something no one wants, ever. You’ve spent weeks, maybe months, planning a perfect getaway for you and your loved ones, and then everything is ruined by so many unforeseeable circumstances.

The nightmare can follow you back home – if you’ve got food poisoning, for instance. It’s probably the most unjust thing that could happen, considering all the time and money you’ve invested in the holiday.

Even though you can’t really get your holiday back, you can still get holiday compensation. This article aims to show you where to go if your holiday has capsized.

Holiday nightmares

These have occurred since time immemorial. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong, unless you’re a very lucky person. Your travel agent promises you a nice little room with running water, clean facilities and good food. However, when you arrive, and the water’s been cut off, the room has cockroaches running around it and the food doesn’t appear to have been prepared in the most hygienic conditions.

To makes things worse, if you get food poisoning, you might be tempted to see a local doctor, who could well exacerbate the problem. Also, there’s few things more unpleasant than coming home afterwards, and being misdiagnosed by your doctor, in which case you’d want to look into gettingmedical negligence compensation too.

Why a compensation claim might be the best way

Back when we weren’t in an economic recession, travel agents and hotels weren’t afraid to dish out their own redress for any complaints you may have had. This could have been anything: free flight tickets, a couple of nights’ stay at a hotel of your choice and so on.

However, with everyone tightening their belts these days, it’s almost pointless complaining to them in the hope that they’ll offer you something. This is why most people now make compensation claims instead.

Also because of the recession, more travellers are going with privately owned hotels instead of ones that belong to a travel agency, as they are cheaper. But cheap as they may be, it’s harder to get any redress from them following your complaint, because they don’t have a travel agent looming behind them to make sure they comply.

So, people often go for holiday compensation cases against these smaller, privately owned establishments.

What claims are you entitled to?

If the service or accommodation has been so poor that it’s actively affected the enjoyment of your holiday, a reduction in the value of your holiday or if expenses are not recoverable from the agents that you booked your holiday with, then you are then entitled to make a claim.

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Holidays in the Isle of Wight

No Comments 12 November 2012

The Isle of Wight is home to some truly stunning beaches. With over 60 miles of beaches for you to enjoy, 13 of which are award winning, whether you want to visit during the peak summer months or just for a relaxing Winter break to escape the madness of Christmas and the accompanying stresses you’ll be thrilled with what is on offer. With beautiful cycle ways and walking paths on offer you can enjoy the panoramic views at any time of the year.

There is much to see and do in the Isle of Wight if you like taking day trips and with many holiday companies offering free ferry transfers you can take your car with you and get to visit even more destinations. With everything from zoos to vineyards on offer here you will be absolutely spoilt for choice. There is a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family including children of all ages and there are even free excursions and activities available all over the Island at various times of the year.

A boat trip to visit Needles rocks & Lighthouse close up is a real must do while here and you’ll be able to see the wonderful coloured sands of Alum Bay. Fakenham Farm offers a chance to see some rare, exotic and more traditional farm animals too which is very interesting for children of all ages. Older children and couples without children will enjoy the lights of the Isle Of Wight glass studio that allows you to see hand blown glass of all shapes and sizes and perhaps even pick up a one of a kind souvenir.

Holiday parks on the Isle of Wight offer a fantastic place to lay your head at the end of a long day exporing the island. With lush green fields and because coastal views close by there are many holiday parks on offer. There are amenities for the children including heated indoor pools for the Winter months and outdoor pools for the Summer months, jam-packed entertainment including childrens clubs and excursions for the whole family too. For the adults there are bars, grown up entertainment, stage shows and other things to see and do as well as crèche facilities in selected parks or even a babysitting service for slightly older children that is more suited to their needs.

In addition to all of the above staying at a holiday park as opposed to hotels available on the Isle of Wight allow you to arrive at your destination after several hours of travelling to beds that are already made and an on site restaurant with food and drink available at all times of the day. With many parks offering full maid service, linen service and other facilities too you can travel light and arrive at the Isle of Wight knowing that you have a fresh clean bed to lay your head in at the end of every days exploration.

There are many things to see and do in the Isle of Wight making it the perfect destination at any time of the year. With ferry journey times from just 30 minutes you can be in another country in no time and with absolutely no flying involved at all!

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How to keep the cost of a cruise holiday down

No Comments 25 October 2012

Taking a cruise is seen by many as an expensive holiday option, but follow these tips and you could take to the waves and save money.

Holidays are always more expensive during peak season and that goes for cruises too. Cruises are generally the most expensive during school holiday times and the most expensive weeks of all are over Christmas and New Year. Generally, the cheapest time of the year to travel is after the summer holidays and before the festive season, from September to mid-December.

Shop Around
Shopping around is essential to bring down the price of your cruise. Cruise prices are often set up to two years in advance of sailing, but as the time nears to the ship’s departure there may well be special offers as the cruise line tries to fill the ship.
If you can wait until two or three months before you travel you can usually find deals where people who have booked and paid their deposit well in advance drop out. If you check your chosen cruise company’s cancellation policy, you may well find out when the full payment for a particular cruise is due and pick up a cheaper holiday. Prices may well drop further the week after the final payment is due and cruise liners still have empty cabins to fill.

Don’t listen to tour operators who say they offer last-minute deals at bargain prices. It’s very unusual for any cruise line to offer special deals through travel agencies. There are cruise agencies that offer incentives to book your cruise with them, whether it is in airline miles or holiday insurance. Be sure to check the full price of everything, including taxes and fees, before making a commitment as you don’t want any hidden surprises.

Short-term sale offers through the cruise lines themselves are sometimes available. Check out as many cruise-line newsletters as possible so you are aware when they occur. They are never advertised in advance.

Flexibility
Perhaps the most important money-saving tip is to be flexible not only on the dates you are prepared to travel, but on your destination too. Every year some cruises don’t sell as well as expected, often because they have been affected by outside events. The Concordia tragedy in January 2012 forced price drops on European cruise-line operators and political events can have an effect on tourism, such as the economic climate in Greece at the moment.

Cruises are usually all-inclusive deals with meals included in the price of the holiday but you can spend more than you intend when on board. Some cruises have specialty or alternative restaurants where you can pay for your meal. You should avoid them and stick to your paid-for meals in the ship’s dining room.

Bar bills can add up too. Drinks are hardly ever included in the fare so check if the ship offers a drinks package. There are sometimes deals that offer unlimited non-alcoholic drinks for a one-off charge. You can bring your own wine on board but you may be charged corkage if you have it with dinner.

This post has been written and contributed today by travel blogger Zoe, on behalf of Cruise. Find the cheapest cruise deals at www.cruise.co.uk.

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Elite Chauffeur Tours — When You Want To Travel in Luxury

No Comments 19 October 2012

Have you always wanted to take a luxurious trip through the English countryside? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to see historic locations that are off the beaten path. Or maybe you would like to take a ride through the city and see Buckingham palace, Kensington Gardens or Abby road. If so, you should contact P and P Tours.

P and P Tours provides customized elite chauffeur tours that are designed specially for you. There is no destination that is out of the question. Whether you want to travel to Westminster Abbey in style or you simply need a chauffeur service from the airport, P and P Tours can take care of you. We set the industry standard for luxury travel and superior service.

Our staff is made up of the finest service professionals in the business. Many of our customers love that they have their own personal “Jeeves” to cater to their needs. Imagine having your own butler, where you can snap your fingers and anything you imagine becomes possible. Our chauffeurs are highly trained and committed to standards of excellency that you simply will not find anywhere else. Our team is just one of the many factors that sets us a world apart of any other chauffeur tours in the industry.

You have several different travel options available with our elite chauffeur tours. You can take a trip to see historic houses, luscious gardens, majestic palaces and much, much more. Maybe you would like to see a show at the West End or head to a relaxing day spa for a massage? From film locations to shopping trips, we can take you anywhere you desire. On the other hand, if you have specific travel needs or a destination already in mind, you can be sure that we can accommodate you.

We also have a wide variety of customized packages with our elite chauffeur tours. Some of our most popular tours are the Jane Austen tours. These tours are guided by Hazel Jones, an expert on Jane Austen and former teacher of English at Exeter University. Ms. Jones can take you to Bath where you can visit the places that Jane Austin lived. You can take tea at the Pump Room and even see Colin Firth’s secret hideaway from the BBC’s Persuasion!

Another one of the elite chauffeur tours that we offer is a personal four-day tour where you can visit real-life locations from the popular television program, Downtown Abby. Here you can have a champagne picnic at Kimberly and supper at Hunsford Parsonage where Colin Firth’s character first proposes to Lizzie. You can even have supper in the real Dowager Countess of Grantham’s home from the show!

If you’d prefer a trip to London, we can take you to see popular attractions like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the Tate Modern. Why not enjoy a nice walk through one of London’s gardens and then a meal at Gordon Ramsay’s Boxwood Café? Our elite chauffeur tours can take you anywhere you want to go in London.

We also offer custom packages for anniversaries, wedding receptions and romantic evenings for you and your loved one. Allow us to book your reservations and take care of all of the details. That way, the two of you can enjoy your time together without worrying about transportation or preparation.

P and P tours is dedicated to providing you with the best elite chauffeur services available. If you need a hotel, we have a wide variety of locations that we work with to fulfill your needs. These can feature stunning views, Tudor casements or any number of other customizable amenities. Our goal is to take you on a ride that you will never forget! Contact us today to find out more about booking and itineraries. We are in the business of helping people make lifelong memories that they can share forever.

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Luxury On a Budget – the Kensington West Budget London Hotel

No Comments 14 October 2012

Every year my family takes a vacation. We’ve been to some exotic locations: Japan, Thailand, Ireland, British Colombia, and all around the United States. This year we were on a tighter budget than in years past, so it was important to find a hotel within our price range. Kensington West was the answer! It is hands down one of the best budget hotels we have ever visited, and located right in the heart of London. It was the ideal spot to see everything London has to offer.

Kensington West is one of the Kensington Hotels which has all of the amenities that you could want in a budget London Hotel. There is free Wi-Fi in every room, a 24-hour reception and concierge service and elevator service to each floor. If you are visiting in the winter you will be pleased to know that Kensington West has excellent central heating. The rooms have desks, hairdryers, colour televisions and even Taylor of London shampoo and hand wash!

The hotel staff were extremely helpful in guiding us through all of the many attractions that are within just a few minutes walking distance from the front door. When we arrived, the first thing that was on our minds was getting something to eat. Kensington West is a budget hotel which is located just a short distance away from Kensington High Street, which is the scene of many incredible London restaurants and pubs where you can experience that authentic London atmosphere. We decided to check out the Scarsdale Tavern for a taste of real London food and drink. We were delighted by the service and food at this pub.

After satisfying our appetites we decided to visit some of the local sightseeing spots, which included the famous Queens Tennis Club, named after Queen Victoria, and site of the annual grass court tennis tournament. Unfortunately, there weren’t any matches in progress while we were there, but it was still a treat to get to see a sporting venue with such fascinating history.

Kensington West is also very close to some excellent shopping. Most notably, the Westfield Shopping Centre, where you can find the quintessential London shops and many famous international stores all in one place. The Westfield really is a world-class mall and has a great atmosphere, too. The glass ceiling and open courtyards offer ample opportunity to take a break and do some people watching.

While you’re there, be sure to check out the lovely Kensington Gardens. The staff at Kensington West filled us in on a little of the history of the gardens, which are part of what used to be the private gardens of Kensington Palace and residence of the British Royal Family for centuries. In all of my travels I am always taken aback by places with such long a storied history.

Connected to Kensington Gardens you’ll also find Hyde Park, one of the Royal Parks of London and Buckingham Palace. These are definitely must-see attractions while you’re in the neighborhood, so be sure to book a tour while in London.

Another famous London tourist attraction is the large, red, double decker bus. I would definitely recommend setting some time aside to tour the streets of London in classic tourist fashion. The buses will take you all around the city as you learn about the rich history of London. There are several stops along the way to take photos.

London has some great sights to see so I would recommend sitting down and determining the locations you want to visit. You want to have ample time to do everything you planned when you visit. In my opinion, Kensington West is the best budget London Hotel we could have found!

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