10 Things to do and see in Edinburgh

Posted on April 28, 2013 by admin

Edinburgh © CleftClips-flickr.comEdinburgh is a bustling city that is certainly worth visiting multiple times, as there is always something new to discover. It is a city with a rich history, filled with mysteries and wonders. Edinburgh is the perfect place to marvel at the architecture, get lost in the past or enjoy contemporary art. It has been attracting tourists for years, as it is also a great place for shopping, pub crawling or just sightseeing.

1. Edinburgh Castle
Nestled on top of Castle Rock, which is actually an extinct volcano, this fortress and royal palace is an absolute must-see. Some highlights include the Stone of Destiny, the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg (the oldest cannon in the world) and St. Margaret`s Chapel.

2. The Palace of Holyroodhouse
On the other side of the Royal Mile, you will find the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which is the Queen`s official Scottish residence. If not being used by the royal family, the palace is open to the public. Visit the Throne Room and the Royal Apartments and learn more about the palace`s former inhabitants.

3. Royal Yacht Britannia
To complete your tour of all things royal, you should visit the Royal Yacht Britannica, which was used to transport the British royals around the world. It is surprisingly not very glamorous and one of the Queen`s favorite places to relax.

4. National Galleries
Edinburgh boasts three of Scotland`s national galleries, including the Gallery of Modern Art, the Gallery on the Mound and the Portrait Gallery. If you are an art lover, you should surely include these in your itinerary, as there are many fascinating exhibitions, both temporary and permanent.

5. Museums
Edinburgh is known for its interesting museums, some of which are situated within the walls of Edinburgh Castle. Some museums worth mentioning are the National Museum of Scotland, the Writer`s Museum and the Museum of Childhood.

6. Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens cover more than 70 acres and consist of four gardens, making it interesting to visit in any season. Stroll through the Queen Mother`s memorial garden, marvel at the huge collection of Asian plants and explore its beautiful rock garden.

7. Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo has more than a thousand animals, many of which are rare and beautiful. It is also home to the only giant pandas in the UK, Yang Guang and Tian Tian, as well as the country`s only koala bears. There are also interesting exhibits and daily presentations.

8. Monuments
Edinburgh has many monuments, commemorating the lives of prominent Scottish people. The Scott monument is a popular attraction, as it is the largest monument in the world honoring a writer, Sir Walter Scott. If you want a magnificent view of Edinburgh and its countryside, it is certainly worthwhile to climb the 287 steps that lead to the top of this monument. Calton Hill is another spot in Edinburgh with a lot of interesting monuments. Highlights include the unfinished National Monument (also known as Edinburgh`s Disgrace), the Robert Burns Monument, the City Observatory and the Nelson Monument.

9. Mary King`s Close
A very fascinating underground tour introduces you to sixteenth and seventeenth century Edinburgh. The City Chambers were built over the existing tenements` lower floors in 1753, preserving this Close as a “lost city.” Actors take you back in time, recreating everyday life as it used to be back then.

10. Camera Obscura
Camera Obscura is the first tourist attraction in Edinburgh that was built purposely to be an attraction. This Victorian observatory has a very interesting rooftop periscope that projects moving images onto a concave table. It also boasts many crazy optical illusions, puzzles and kaleidoscopes.

As Edinburgh is a place you would want to come back to time and again, it might be worthwhile investing in a timeshare apartment in this city. If you`re looking for sell my timeshare websites, you could find one for sale that`s just right for you.

Posted in United Kingdom | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Appalachian Trail

Posted on February 2, 2013 by admin

The Appalachian Trail for sure is one of the most famous hiking trails in the world.
It runs over about 2,200 miles from Georgia in the south to Maine in the north. Over several months enthusiastic hikers can walk the entire trail as thru-hikers or you just enjoy day-trips to parts of it.

The Trail is called Appalachian Trail, because it follows the ridgeline of the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States, crossing many of its highest peaks, and running almost continuously through wilderness.

This marked hiking trail extends between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine and passes though the states of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Main.
The path is managed by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the National Park Service and maintained by 30 trail clubs and partnerships.

Even though the trail traverses some towns, roads and cross rivers, its majority is in wilderness.
Originally the Appalachian Trail was conceived by Benton MacKaye to connect a series of farms and wilderness work or study camps. On the 7th of October 1923 the first section of the trail from Bear Mountain to Arden, New York was opened.

Hiking the trail certainly is a special highlight not only for hiking enthusiasts but also for nature lovers. The Appalachian Trail is home to thousands of species of plants and animals. Many of them rare threatened or endangered.
You can not only see deer or elk but also the American black bear or the Eastern timber rattlesnake and copperhead.
And as the trail passes through several different biomes from south to north, the plant life along the trail is of course varied. Hikers can walk though lowland forests dominated by hardwoods such as oak or tulip trees or maples and birches further north. In higher regions there are subalpine, evergreen forests and above tree line hikers will find hardy alpine plants.

<>


On the trail there are more than 250 shelters and campsites available for hikers. The shelters are usually spaced a day’s hike or less apart and often near a water source and with a pivy. The water sources might be dry though.

As the trail crosses many roads, hikers can hitchhike into town for food and other supplies.
Walking the trail is relatively safe and comparable with other outdoor activities. Most hazards along the trail are related to weather conditions, human error, plants, animals, fellow humans or diseases.
The hiking season of the Appalachian Trail generally starts in mid to late spring. For more information visit the website of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

 

Posted in America, USA | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Wales

Posted on July 29, 2012 by admin

Wales is a vibrant country where history comes to life and where old traditions meet new ideas to form an interesting and varied mix. The Welsh identity is still as strong as ever and even in the larger towns and cities, you will never find yourself unsure of where you are.

Friendly people and fine food combine with some spectacular countryside to make this a country that is welcoming to all, whether you are looking for time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, or are seeking to experience thrills and adventure. Hiking in one of the country`s three National Parks is a joy and as these three parks cover an area amounting to around 20% of the total land area of the country, you can be sure to find a peaceful and relaxing trail to follow.

Those looking for adventure are welcome here, with activities such as whitewater rafting popular with locals and visitors alike. Kite surfing, an exhilarating mix of flying a kite and surfing, is one of the fastest growing sports in the area, with more and more people taking the opportunity to test their skills on one of the expansive beaches that Wales has to offer. If you are looking for a dryer thrill, then abseiling or rock-climbing amongst some of the UK`s highest mountains is sure to tick all the right boxes. Snowdonia National Park and the Brecon Beacons have summits suitable for beginners, as well as more challenging climbs for the more experienced.

After a full day of activity, whether mountain biking, kayaking or climbing mountains, you can be sure to find a place to sit back and relax to enjoy some of the fine food on offer. With a number of award-winning restaurants, all serving fresh, local food, there is a restaurant to suit all palates. Wales can also offer a selection of cookery schools, where foodies can indulge their passion for fine cuisine and learn new skills along the way.

A holiday in Wales need not break the bank. Although the country can offer some top class hotels, those with a more modest budget can make use of some of the friendly bed and breakfasts, or even book a stay in one of the many hostels in the area. It is also a good idea to save some money by taking advantage of Thomas Cook voucher codes, which can make a stay in this wonderful country even better.

Posted in Europe, United Kingdom | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

National Parks in Lapland, Sweden

Posted on April 19, 2012 by admin

There are eight National Parks in Swedish Lapland, areas of breath taking unspoiled scenery so vast that it is referred to as Europe`s last wilderness. Here in Northern Sweden you can see the stunning Northern Lights and go hiking in the light of the midnight sun.

One of the most popular National Parks is Abisko, which lies nearly two hundred kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. Here you can visit one of Sweden`s biggest lakes, Torne Trask, stunning mountain ranges and the Abisko Canyon. This is an area of scientific research. The Abisko Scientific Research Station carries out environmental, geological and biological research. The park is easily accessible which makes it popular with skiers and hikers alike. The Kings Trail, the famous hiking trail begins and ends in Abisko National Park. This 440 kilometre trail is well marked and has cabins for hikers along its route.

You can hike through forests and visit canyons and waterfalls. Try out new activities such as caving or fly fishing for trout and salmon. Skiing and dog sledding are experiences not to be missed. The local wildlife includes reindeer and bears.

Visit the Aurora Sky Station for the best view of the Northern Lights or meet the Sami people, the last indigenous people of Europe.

Björnlandet National Park lies in the Southern part of Swedish Lapland in Västerbotten County. Mostly given to ancient forest with beautiful mountains and ravines, there is little wildlife here due to the climate, but it has great hiking trails such as the trail to Bjorn Mountain with stunning panoramic views of the park.

The Laponian area of Sweden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes four of its national parks. It is home to the indigenous Sami people, who herd reindeer and live as they have done, unchanged, for centuries.

The national parks here are Padjelanta, Muddus, Stora Sjofallet and Sarek. Padjelanta National Park is the largest in Sweden. Padjelanta has two beautiful large lakes, Vastenjavrre and Virijavrre. Much of this park is above the tree line giving beautiful views across the countryside. Muddus National Park has forests to explore as well as mountain ranges and swamps. There are plenty of hiking trails where you can explore this countries unspoiled beauty.

Stora Sjofallet borders with Norway and contains some of Sweden`s highest mountains. Here you can see glaciers and stunning waterfalls. Sarek is popular with hikers, but not recommended if you have little experience due to the rough terrain.

The other National Parks are Pieljekaise National Park where you can hike though birch woods along the Kings Trail and Vadvetjåkka National Park in Norrbotten County.

Along with the stunning parks you can find out more about the unique culture and people here. With plenty of things to see and do in Swedish Lapland it is an ideal destination. Low Cost Holidays voucher codes are available allowing you to make the most of your holiday.

Posted in Europe, Sweden | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

A guide to travelling Ireland

Posted on March 24, 2012 by admin

Ireland is a beautiful country with so much to see where you will be warmly welcomed by the local community.

Flights from the UK into Kerry airport take approximately 1 hour 25 minutes if flying direct from London. Upon arrival you will quickly collect your baggage, through passport control and then walk to one of several car hire desks to speedily collect your vehicle and start your tour of Southern Ireland (Eire).

Below are a number of suggested areas to visit that you can comfortably do in a week staying at hotels or inns to suit your budget: -

Kerry, Ireland © Jim Linwood/flickr.com

In County Kerry, on the Dingle Peninsula, the Conor Pass is a must if you love dramatic scenery as you will be travelling over the highest mountain pass in Ireland where you will witness wonderful views of the coast, waterfalls and lakes.

The Aran Islands comprise three islands that can be found on the West Coast at the entrance to Galway Bay. Take a short ferry ride to tranquil Inis Mor, the largest of the three Aran Islands, where you will come across delightful empty beaches and numerous monuments on spectacular cliffs weathered by storms coming in from the sea. There are several prehistoric forts worth visiting the most famous being Dun Aengus on Inishmore.

Blarney Castle is located in Blarney near Cork and is famous for the Blarney Stone that has been kissed by tourists from around the world. Originally dating from before 1200 AD it was destroyed in 1446 and then rebuilt. The castle is surrounded by delightful extensive gardens.

You cannot have a holiday in Ireland without visiting the old and beautiful capital city of Dublin. There is so much to see and do you really ought to purchase a tourist guidebook specifically covering Dublin. The city is over 1000 years old with some magnificent buildings such as Christ Church Cathedral built in 1234 and Dublin Castle. Other attractions include Dublin Zoo, St Stephens Green, Trinity College, Ha`penny Bridge, The General Post Office which is on O`Connell Street which is the main street in Dublin and so many more.

The Connemara National Park is located in Co Galway and covers some 4,942 acres of unspoiled and natural terrain. Within this area you can marvel at the Twelve Bens range of mountains in the north, the sandy beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean and the Roundstone Bog. This is an ideal area to visit at any time of the year with so many activities to keep you occupied such as cycling, fishing, painting, bird watching, swimming in the sea, horse riding, playing golf, shooting and so much more. There is a visitor centre located near Letterfrack which has numerous exhibitions throughout the year for young and old.

There are so many more places to visit in this stunning country and by hiring a car from Kerry airport car hire your holiday will be so much more rewarding.

Posted in Europe, Ireland | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Top European Resorts

Posted on December 22, 2011 by admin

With so many top European resorts to peruse and so many people with differing opinions, sometimes it can be difficult to choose where you want to spend your holidays. It is important though that you don’t listen to reviews from your friends and family solely and do your own research and make your choice based on your desires instead.

Holidays are a very personal thing and what makes a good break for one person won’t be the same for everyone. You only have to go on one group vacation and suffer through the daily beach versus shopping versus pool arguments to realise that even the people closest to you may be worlds apart when it comes to what they want to do in their downtime.

So avoid all of this by speaking to everyone before hand and choosing a destination that offers everything your party needs. Magalluf is just such a place, attracting over a million visitors each year, there is plenty to suit every type of holiday-maker from beach bunnies to those who just want to party the nights away.

Magalluf Beach stretches over 1600 meters and is considered to be one of the best in Majorca, often winning the Blue Flag Award for cleanliness. The beach is lined with pubs, cafes, diners and restaurants so those who don’t want to lie on the beach all day have plenty to occupy them. For those looking for a more active holiday there are numerous activities available on the beach including equipment hire and supervised lessons in scuba diving, wind surfing and boating.

The nightlife here is world famous and there are innumerable clubs and bars, each catering to a different type of music or promoting a unique atmosphere. The Punta Ballena Strip is where most of the action is at; so evenings centred around this area are a must for party-goers. After you have visited the bars you may want to continue your night in one of the huge clubs offering various themed party nights and internationally renowned DJs.

Magalluf is not all about partying and lying on the beach though. There are a number of family oriented destinations including theme parks, sites of interest and natural wonders such as the rocky coves that riddle this coastline. More sedate adult fun is also available at various restaurants and the Casino in Cala Vinas.

And, when it comes to choosing from among the many available Magalluf hotels, you will see that there truly is a property available to suit everyone. From large resorts to smaller boutique properties and exclusive villas to family friendly hotels, the options of where to stay are as plentiful as the choice of things to do.

Posted in Europe | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Car Hire Tips

Posted on December 18, 2011 by admin

Hiring a car is a great way to keep your independence on a holiday, letting you get out and about and see all the sights at your own pace. Touring around countries or regions is becoming more popular all the time and especially if you have travelled a long way you want to get the most out of a trip and car rental can help you do this.

When you are booking your car hire, check all of the small print. A cheap deal may look tempting, but with car hire it is important not to scrimp on things like insurance, space and comforts. Insurance is of course the most important, check what you are covered for in careful detail; you don`t want your holiday ruined by an accident that costs you more than you bargained for. For extra peace of mind you can usually pay a waiver to reduce any excess, although these don`t always apply to windscreen or tyre damage.

The size and comforts of your chosen vehicle are also important; you may think a compact hatchback with no air conditioning will be fine whilst you are sat at home, but forward to a car crammed full of hot, stroppy people on a long journey and you`ll soon regret the saving. Make sure you have plenty of space for suitcases and any souvenirs that may be added to your luggage along the way.

If you are setting off on a touring holiday, then bear in mind that you`ll be spending a lot of time in your chosen car so consider the options carefully. Spending a little more on something a bit special can really make your holiday; imagine cruising across the States in a classical Cadillac, or winding along Italian mountain roads in a vintage sports car; the icing on the cake for a multi stop holiday.

Wherever you are renting a car make sure you investigate the local driving rules and habits. Many countries drive on the opposite side to the UK, which can be a little daunting at first but most drivers soon adapt, especially in a left hand drive car. The US doesn`t have roundabouts and the road system is usually straightforward, but be aware of rules changing from state to state, along with speed limits. Some cities are very busy and it is best to avoid driving through the centre of these; many have a good park and ride style system to help with this.

All in all renting a car on holiday will add an extra level of independence and adventure to your trip; you can explore the local areas and get away from the standard tourist sites and discover your own special places. With cheap car hire getting more available all the time, you can find some great deals and often actually save on the cost of organised tours, so next time you are planning the perfect get away, why not book a rental car as well.

Posted in News | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Winter Getaway Guide

Posted on December 18, 2011 by admin

During the cold winter months many people escape their hectic lives and jet off around the globe to some top destinations. Here`s a guide to some of the best winter getaways you could be heading off to this year.

Get into the Christmas spirit at Berlin`s famous Christmas markets. One of the most famous in the German capital is the Charlottenburg Castle Christmas Market. Keep yourself warm with a lovely cup of spiced mulled wine and browse the gifts on sale in the craft stalls. Remember to sample some tasty traditional German festive food like Stollen cake and bratwurst.

Perhaps you might prefer some winter sun, so why not take a trip to sunny Greece. The small, charming island of Cephalonia is warm all year round and boasts some of the finest landscapes in the Mediterranean. Made famous in the novel and film adaptation Captain Corelli`s Mandolin the relaxed charm and idyllic scenery is sure to get you in a laid back mood for the holiday season.

If you prefer something a little more historical why not take an educational trip to where the Christmas story all began. Mentioned in myriad carols and hymns Bethlehem is a site of pilgrimage for many people wanting to see such famous places as the Church of the Nativity and the Shepherd`s Fields.

If you want to guarantee some snow however, you can`t go wrong with hitting the slopes of Switzerland or Austria. The British weather is notoriously unpredictable but by visiting one of these fashionable destinations you`re assured more than a bit of the white stuff. Don`t worry about feeling the cold however; you have a vast array of swanky hotels or cosy chalets. Take to the piste during the day time and in the evening enjoy some world class wining, dining and nightlife.

If you`re after a truly indulgent experience you can treat yourself and your partner to a healthy living retreat in Belgium. Appropriately named, the Belgian town of Spa offers some top notch treatments to leave you feeling purified, refreshed and rejuvenated in a period when most people are left feeling in need of a detox. The quaint town can easily be reached via the Channel Tunnel Eurostar or for a quicker trip, aeroplane.

This need not be as pricey as you think. There are plenty of great opportunities for you to get discounts from travel companies, such as First Choice Vouchers which can offer excellent reductions on the cost of your winter getaway.

Posted in News | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Top 5 Cruise Locations

Posted on December 17, 2011 by admin

Once the reserve of the elderly and the rich, cruising is becoming increasingly popular with holidaymakers of all ages from all sorts of backgrounds. If you don`t yet have the time – or the money – to set off on a 90- day round the world extravaganza, why not start off on a smaller scale by visiting some of the most popular ports of call for luxury passenger ships all around the world. The five destinations that follow are among the cruisers favourites.

Caribbean © TKrueger/flickr.com

The Caribbean
The fact that many of the world`s largest and most sophisticated cruise ships spend most of their time touring around the Caribbean is a powerful testament to the popularity of this region. Comprising a wide range of sun-kissed islands including Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Costa Rica and the Caymans to name just a few, a typical cruise to the Caribbean includes the opportunity to swim with dolphins, climb waterfalls, snorkel among coral reefs and ride horses along the beach.

Alaska
If you don`t mind wrapping up warm for your holiday, a cruise to Alaska will reward you with stunning scenery and phenomenal encounters with wildlife that you simply won`t see anywhere else. Humpback whales, bald eagles, grizzly bears and caribou are just some of the creatures you can expect to spot, all against a backdrop of majestic glaciers and snow-capped mountain ranges. Popular off-ship excursions include fishing for salmon, sea kayaking and dog sledding.

The Mediterranean
From the Greek Islands and the coast of North Africa to Venice and the South of France, a cruise round the Mediterranean is a cultural delight, offering a delightful mix of fascinating cities, stunning beaches and first-class shopping opportunities – as well as the chance to sample a wide variety of local fare. Many Mediterranean cruises depart from the UK which cuts the cost, eliminates the stress associated with flying and means that, within reason, you don`t have to worry about baggage allowances.

Hawaii
If you long to visit a true tropical paradise, few places can compare with Hawaii. The dramatic scenery has to been seen to be believed, as do the many gorgeous beaches. The islands are tailor made for ultimate relaxation but if you yearn for more adventure you can book a range of exciting excursions including surfing on the world-class waves of Oahu beach or hikes to the top of active volcanoes.

Mexico
A cruise around Mexico is the perfect mixture of relaxation and adventure. The beaches here are some of the best in the region but Mexico also has a rich history and a vibrant culture which can be enjoyed to the full every time you leave your ship. As you travel between ports such as Ensenda, Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta you`ll pass magnificent rock formations and, depending on the time of year, may even spot the occasional whale.

A trip on a luxury ship need not cost the earth. If you`re flexible about when you travel, book in advance and take advantage of all available discounts, you`ll find there are plenty of cheap cruise holidays to be had, including many to the most popular destinations.

Posted in News | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Finding the best Cruise Package

Posted on December 12, 2011 by admin

Going on a cruise is no longer a luxury reserved for the rich and famous. Cruise ships now have a vast variety of entertainment packages on board and travel to more locations than ever before. Whether you want a winter cruise in the Mediterranean or a luxury cruise around the Bahamas there is a package out there to suit everyone. The perfect cruise for you will mainly be dictated by your budget and where you want to go on your cruise.

Cruise © vlasta2/flickr.com

Once you have decided on where, when and what you want from your cruise the best way to get the package you want is to book early. Cruises are obviously limited to the space on the ship and if you are requiring a special cabin (disabled or family) then as these are limited the earlier you book the less chance you have of being disappointed. The price of a cruise will often go up considerably the closer it gets to the departure date. Booking six to twelve months in advance will ensure you get the package you want.

If you are not confined to the traditional holiday periods of summer or Christmas then you will get the same luxurious cruise outside of these periods at a much reduced price and the cruise will not be as crowded as during the peak periods. If you are going on a European cruise then you may have a UK departure port which will mean less travelling before getting on the cruise. If you are choosing a Caribbean cruise then the best deals can be found during the autumn period, whereas Mediterranean cruises offer cheaper deals during early spring.

When considering which cruise you wish to take you need to think about the type of things you want to on your cruise. Some cruises call at lots of different ports visiting historical cities and sights along the way, whereas other cruises may have several days at sea between ports. If you have a cruise which has several days at sea you will want to make sure that the ship you are going on has plenty of activities and entertainment onboard to occupy you whilst you are at sea. Many cruise ships now have climbing walls, swimming pools, gyms, saunas, casinos and nightly cabaret shows.

Choosing a cruise package can be a difficult process, however once you have decided on what type of cruise, which cruise line and where you want to go you can look forward to a relaxing break. There are many different cruise lines to choose from with P and O cruises being one of the most popular cruise lines, with a wide variety of destinations and ships.

Posted in News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment