Archive for the Category »Europe «

A much needed holiday
Saturday, January 02nd, 2010 / koneill

Economic difficulties still exist for many of us despite the economy looking like it is starting to get back up on its feet. Even during the problematic financial climate many families still chose to go on holiday as they saw it as an ideal way to get away from the stresses and strains of every day life. At the end of the day, many of us deserve a break every now and again to stop us from going round the bend.

This is especially so as the winter weather seems to darken the mood of many people. What we all need is a pick me up, a week away from it all at a place where the whole family can have fun and enjoy the time together. There are many places in the UK where this is possible but probably no more than the fantastic, action packed Holiday Parks that are to be found around the UK in some of the nicest destinations.

Holiday parks are strategically located around the UK to ensure that visitors can have fun outside the complex as well as inside. Seaside resorts have long been a favourite amongst the British public and as such the holiday parks decided to make a trip to the seaside even more impressive. The way they have seen the niche in the market and filled it with great fun and activities for the whole family, has been well thought out and timed perfectly.

The parks are now favourite destinations amongst families looking to take a break. The great thing about the Holiday Parks is that you can take a weekend break there as well as a week long break and you will have a great time. They understand that money is tight for many families at the moment so a weekend break may be just in budget for them.

There is so much to do for all the family there you will never get bored or run out of activities and things to do. There are kids clubs for the little ones, but don’t worry parents as there are trained child carers on site to make sure they play safe and have a good time. For the older children there are activities such as paintballing and other fun activities. At night there are a range of shows available to enjoy after you have had a meal and tasted some high quality food.

Category: Europe  Tags: ,  One Comment
Living, Working and Staying In Bristol
Thursday, December 31st, 2009 / koneill

Long before the years of the Merchant Venturers, the city of Bristol has been a indispensable and thriving center of business, not just as the gateway to theSouth but to international trade with a enormous and busy docks complex at Portbury and Avonmouth, close to Bristol, importing 1000’s of automobiles daily, 12 million tons of cargo employing more or less 5000 employees.  For this reason it has always been easy to find cars for sale in Bristol.

Bristol has always been plunged in History from the days of Isambard Kingdom Brunel and before, to the beginning test flight of Concorde technology at its best, adapting and surviving through good times and bad, withstanding the test of time encompassing ingenuity, dedication and passionateness symbolised by the evolution of the latest Bristol Space Planes project.

The recent recession has hit Bristol just as tough as any urban center around the earth but in Bristol and the west country, organizations have joined together to exchange ideas and offer help and assistance to any business enterprise fighting the recession.  You can find many of these Bristol businesses in any good Bristol business directory.

You can find numerous different extensive guide to Bristol|guide Bristol online with Bristol business directories, jobs in Bristol, Bristol properties for sale and community pages.  These sorts of website allow people to get connected with other people living in the region.  Whether they are looking to find someone special with dating in Bristol or to try and arrange to eat at Bristol restaurants with a helpful Bristol restaurant guide.

Bristol also has a brilliant music and arts scene with venues like the Colston Hall, Hippodrome and the charity St George’s concert hall. There are umpteen nightspots and small gigs taking place every night of the week. Last, but not least, the Old Vic Theatre Company and the very active Theatre School.  As a result of all these events taking place, many people from outside the city come to find hotels to stay in Bristol.  There are a tremendous range of Bristol hotels to opt from and they will meet most people’s budgets.

Shopping in the city of Bristol has just got more electric with the starting of the Cabot Shopping centre in the middle of Broadmead, including the top names in designer shops and eating places with parking for simply one pound an hour. With everything that Bristol has to offer up it would be a terrific idea for anyone to come and visit the urban center.

 

Category: Europe  Tags: , , , , , , , ,  One Comment
Welsh Castles (Part 2)
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 / koneill

Carrying on with the list of the best castles in Wales is the next selection of Castles that you should visit if you are on one of those family days out.

Gwydir Castle

This castle is located in the really nice area of Snowdonia and was built by a man known as Howell Coermore in 1365. Coetmore was the commander of the longbow men at the Battle Of Poiters. The castle was originally home to the Wynn baronets who were descendants of the Kings and Princes of Gwynedd.

Meredith Wynn was a strong supporter of King henry VII and after the War Of The Roses he started to rebuild the castle. This castle was touched upon again until the 1540's and after this was left until 1828.

In 1989 the prince of wales opened the newly refurbished dining room from the 1640s.

Caerphilly Castle

The castle was buitl ver close to a site in which the Romans had built a fort in on 1268. This castle actually covers a huge thirty acres of land making it the largest castle in Wales. This castle was only built to show the Anglo-Normans power and it did this as no person would go anywhere near it.

When a force of a thousand men tried to take the castle in the 14th century it was almost taken but it managed to survive the beating and carried on. The castles defences were somehow still intact.

The 15th century saw the castle kept in reasonable condition with no real refurbishments happening until the late 1700’s.

If you are into your history or are interested in either of these castles then why not take one of those UK family holidays UK to go and check them out. Some of the castles here can be very interesting to go around and although a tour may seem like a dull option it is usually the best way to do things.

Category: Europe  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment
Best Castles In Wales (Part 1)
Thursday, December 17th, 2009 / koneill

These castles are some of the best Wales have to offer. Many of these are only visited by a few people and some of them have hundreds of visitors a year. Why not take a trip to Wales and have a look at these castles!

The Brilliant Cardiff Castle

The Romans were the first to use the castle and it can be found right in the middle of a very busy city. The Normans then came and covered the original fort with earthen ramparts and constructed their own fortification on top of it all. The great thing is that over the next three centuries the castle was never stopped when it came to improvements. The 12th century saw only one realy improvement and that was a stone keep whereas between the 13th and 14th a gatehouse and the black tower were both added. After this the later centuries proved to be hard on the castle and were only renovated to what people see it as today in the late 18th century.

Chepstow Castle

This castle was in the making a year after the Battle Of Hastings and was actually built very close to the river Wye. it would seem that chepstow was a very quiet castle for its time as it very rarely saw a battle. It was modified a lot in the 12th and 13th centuries and the importance of it declined in the 14th century. After the battles of 1690 the castle’s defences were dismantled and the castle was taken by the state in 1953.

These are just two of the castles that Wales has to offer the general pubic which of course means that you can personally see the inside of both these buildings along with your family on one of those family days out. Family holidays UK are very popular indeed in Wales and both of these castles see a lot of guests every year so do not miss out and visit Wales soon.

Category: Europe  Tags: , , ,  Leave a Comment
Five Reasons To Book A Lanzarote Holiday
Sunday, December 13th, 2009 / koneill

Lanzarote is one of Spain´s most popular holiday destinations.With an enduring appeal for visitors from Northern Europe.And with flights taking just four hours this is the closest winter sun option for British and German tourists.  But what exactly is the appeal of the Island of Fire?

 

1) Climate

The key to Lanzarote´s popularity as a holiday destination lies in the fact that the island enjoys fantastic weather all year round.It´s situated just off the coast of Morocco.  So there is very little rainfall and an awful lot of sunshine.  Along with average temperatures of 22 Celsius.

 

This makes it warm enough to enjoy beach holidays and days by the pool all year round.

 

2) Beaches

There are close to 100 beaches dotting the coastline.  The three main resorts of Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen all boast striking stretches of sand.  But these playas are man made – using sand from the nearby Sahara.

So beach lovers in search of an all natural experience need to get out and explore.

 

Locals tend to agree that the most impressive beach on the island is Famara.  Due to its sheer size – measuring around 8km long.  And because it is flanked by the impressive Famara massif range of cliffs.

 

Over popular playas includes the stretches of white sand which are collectively known as Caleton Blanco in the north of the island, on route to Orzola.As well as Playa de Garita – the pretty beach located in the seaside village of Arrieta.

 

3) Scenery

The scenery on Lanzarote really is unique and out of this world.Thanks to the fact that the island endured lenghty eruptions in the 1730´s.Which completely altered the islands interior – replacing agricultural land with lava fields.

 

The rest of the island boasts a more conventional beauty.With loads of stunning spots to explore, such as the Green Lagoon and the Valley of 1000 Palms.

 

4) Tourist Attractions

Mention Lanzarote and the name César Manrique soon crops ups.His work is visible everywhere – on coffee mugs, car stickers and even roundabouts. 

 

He also created Lanzarote´s main visitor attractions such as the Cactus Garden and the Jameos del Agua.  Whilst also campaigning for the controlled development of tourism.Succesfully securing bans on ad hoardings and high rise buildings in the process.

 

5) Accommodation

There are plenty of places to stay in Lanzarote.The island offers everything from studio apartments through to five star hotels. 

 

Holiday villas in Playa Blanca are especially popular.  As the growth of the internet means that tourists are now able to book their own accommodation direct online with the owners.Bringing down the cost of holidays in Lanzarote.

 

 

 

Category: Europe  Tags: , , , , ,  Leave a Comment
The Best Cities to Visit in Europe
Wednesday, December 09th, 2009 / koneill

 

Which European cities should I visit? It’s the question frequently asked by countless tourists determined to visit the most exciting European cities. From Amsterdam to Zurich, we’ll show you the five cities that should be on your short list to visit your next European vacation.

Amsterdam, Holland

Who Should Visit: Amsterdam is apt for free-spirited tourists looking for a rich cultural experience and who are avid bikers (the city is perfect for biking).

When to Visit: April through May is tulip season (can you picture yourself frolicking through fields full of tulips?) while July through August is considered the best season, affording sunny, clear weather.

London, England

Who Should Visit: History and literary affectionados along with tourists afraid to visit a country where they don’t understand the language will surely find plenty to do in the bustling city of London (click here for England travel ideas).

When to Visit: Though the ideal season is typically May through October, it can rain any given day and winter isn’t all that bad of a time to visit (especially if you enjoy crisp cold!).

Paris, France

Who Should Visit: Lovers (of course), cultural arts affectionados  (can you say Louvre?) and traditional foodies will all enjoy the City of Love.

When to Visit: You can’t go wrong in Paris. Summer brings hoards of tourists and while the city can accommodate all of them just fine, you may find the spring or fall months to be much more mild and not so crowded.

Rome, Italy

Who Should Visit: Tourists who love to sightsee and have an appreciation for history and fine food. Also, devoted Catholics.

When to Visit: Spring is considered the peak season and while July and August are extremely hot and muggy, you’re likely to find serious bargains on lodging.

Zurich, Switzerland

Who Should Visit: Outdoorsy types, chocolate lovers, watch lovers and tourists who only travel to clean cities will love Zurich!

When to Visit: June through mid-August is the ideal season, which can be hot.  It regularly rains between the middle of August until the end of September and during the spring.

 

Category: Europe  Tags: , , ,  Leave a Comment
Visiting the Eiffel Tower at Night
Wednesday, December 09th, 2009 / koneill

Are you finalizing your vacation spots for your trip to Paris France?  If so, a visit to the Eiffel Tower may be on your to-do list.  Although the Eiffel Tower has flexible hours for tourists, you should take some planning steps.  These planning steps will allow you to get the most out of your visit to this world wonder.

Each night, the Eiffel Tower is lit with over 300 spotlights.  Even if you choose to visit the Eiffel Tower during the day, try to be in the proximity of the tower in the evening.  The tower is lit at sunset nightly.  Depending upon the date, the lights are switched off between one and two in the morning.  If you believed the tower looked beautiful in the day, wait till you see it shining at night!

Entrance fees for the Eiffel Tower vary.  Fees are charged on an individual, group, and disabled access basis.Fees are also established on how you intend to travel, by steps or elevator.  In addition to these classifications, fees are also based on floors.  Don’t want to go to the top?  Then you don’t have to pay the full fee.  This is great if you are only interested in entering the second floor for dinner.

Speaking of dinner, you do not have to stay and eat at the Eiffel Tower, although you are provided with a number of options.  On the ground level and first floor, you will find a snack bar.  These establishments, both known as the Les Buffets De La Tour Eiffel, sell convenient snacks and meals that are easy to eat on the go.  For a more formal dining experience, there is the Altitude 95 and Le Jules Verne.

Returning back to journeying up the Eiffel Tower, you have the option of using the stairs or elevator.  There are elevators located on the north, west, and east sides of the tower.  These elevators travel to the second floor, as do the stairs.  If you wish to travel to the top, a separate elevator must be taken.  The official website for the Eiffel Tower states that you should arrive early and plan during peak travel seasons.  During the summer months, a wait for an elevator ride to the top is common.

Visitors who are wheelchair bound can still enjoy the Eiffel Tower; however, a ride to the top is unavailable. This is due in part to safety concerns.  Throughout the years, many improvements were made to make the Eiffel Tower wheelchair accessible.   Elevators were expanded and handicapped entrances were created for all restaurants and shops.

Speaking of which, did you know that there is more to do than just look at a panoramic view of Paris from the Eiffel Tower?  There is.  The tower is home to multiple restaurants, souvenir shops, boutiques, small museums, and so much more!  In fact, that is one of the reasons why you are encouraged to plan for your trip. You could easily spend an entire day inside.

Many tourists choose visiting the Eiffel Tower independently and at their own tempo.  This is fine, but know you do have the option of a guided tour.Guided tours of the Eiffel Tower come highly rated and suggested.  Not only do you get to explore the tower on the way up to the top, but you also get a knowledgeable tour guide.  That tour guide can educate you on the history of the tower and how it slightly modernized with time.

As a recap, there is more to the Eiffel Tower than just arriving at the top and seeing Paris from an elevated level.  With a small amount of planning and preparation, you could easily enjoy a day full of fun, excitement, romance, and education at this beautiful vacation spot.

Category: Europe  Tags: ,  Leave a Comment
Experience Majorca All Inclusive Holidays
Tuesday, September 15th, 2009 / koneill

If you are in need of a relaxing holiday by the sea, check out Majorca all inclusive holidays.  Majorca Island offers a number of entertaining sights and activities. The Spanish coastal community is full of possibilities, ranging from beaches to nature trails to shopping and night clubs.  The region is known for its beauty and serenity.  The beaches are splendid places to unwind with a book, while more sporting tourists can tour some of the region’s many caves. Another must is a drive along the coast, which will take you along a astoundingly beautiful, if somewhat alarming, roadway.  The small fishing villages along way are great places to spend an afternoon immersed in the local culture.  Marjorc Island’s landscape is uniquely distinct and engaging, and its hills are full of paths for hiking and riding on horse or mule.

Majorca all inclusive holidays are an opportunity to indulge all your senses at one of the island’s sumptous restaurants. Majorca has long been a hideaway for artists, musicians, and poets, and as a result the possibilities are endless when it comes to sightseeing and local attractions. It is also a hotspot for summer tourists and students on holiday so it can be a boisterous place during the busy time of the year.  But Majorca Island also has a reposeful side. The town of Palma provides a depth of culture with an art gallery, specialty stores, and eateries.  See its 800-year old church or visit the winery for a few samples.  For a special dinner, treat yourself to a meal at one of the islands fashionable restaurants.  The community of Palma, the coastal villages, and the surrounding scenery provide inumerable ways to relax and enjoy your holiday. 

Majorca all inclusive holidays can both refresh and revive you.  Whether your idea of a wonderful holiday is a hike through nature’s playground or an afternoon spent reading on the beach, you will do so with the luxuries of well-appointed accommodations and splendied restaurants at your fingertips.

Category: Europe  Tags:  Leave a Comment
Canary Mellow – Discover Lanzarote This Summer
Friday, September 11th, 2009 / koneill

The small but scenic Canary Island of Lanzarote can be found just off the coast of West Africa. But has long been governed by Spain – and is one of the most popular holiday hot spots in Europe with British and Irish tourists. Thanks to the fact that the island has a great climate with year round sunshine (averaging around 20 degrees over the year), over ninety beautiful sun drenched beaches and an excellent range of holiday villas and apartments.

There is a wide choice of Lanzarote apartments but if you prefer a more luxurious holiday then you can grab yourself a bargain Lanzarote holiday villa this summer as lower than expected visitor number means there are some good deals to be had.

At just four hours flying time Lanzarote is one of the closest winter sun holiday destinations to the UK. And is serviced by a number of the biggest low cost flight operators – such as easy Jet and Fly Monarch. Which means it is usually possible to pick up cheap flights to Lanzarote for as little as £200 return from all major UK airports.

The sole airport on the island is called Arrecife and is located around 3km outside of the island capital of the same name. Thanks to Lanzarote´s relatively small size (it measures just 58km by 34.5km) transfer times from the airport to the island’s three main resorts are mercifully quick. With Puerto del Carmen just ten minutes from the airport, Costa Teguise fifteen and Playa Blanca around thirty five minutes away.

The bulk of visitors to the island arrive on package holidays so will find themselves travelling to their resort on coaches organised by their tour operator. But for the growing band of independent travellers there is no shuttle bus service to the resorts. Which means they need to rely on either taxis – which are available just outside the main arrivals terminal. Or hire cars – which are also readily available at the airport.

Hiring a car in Lanzarote is surprisingly cheap in relation to many other holiday destinations around the world. As it is possible to rent a basic class C vehicle for as little as €20 per day. Whilst petrol is also much more affordable than in the UK or the Republic of Ireland.

Around 40% of all visitors book hotels in Lanzarote. Which are of a high standard, particularly in the island’s newest resort of Playa Blanca in the south of the island. Where all establishments built over the last ten years are of a four star standard and above.

Whilst the bulk of the best villas in Lanzarote are located in and around the resort of Puerto del Carmen. Which was once known as a small fishing village called La Tiñosa before package tourism first really took off on the island. Transforming it into the most popular resort on Lanzarote.

Lanzarote also offers holiday makers plenty to do. As the island boasts lots of natural beauty – such as the Valley of 1000 Palms and the famous Green Lagoon at El Golfo. Along with some incredible man made attractions – such as the Mirador del Rio and the Cesar Manrique Foundation. Which was constructed by the island bon artist of the same name from five underground bubbles in the lava flow. And which is – by some distance – the most unique property in lanzarote.

Category: Europe  Tags: , , , , ,  Leave a Comment
Your Guide To Spain : Puerta Del Sol In Madrid
Wednesday, September 02nd, 2009 / koneill

Puerta del Sol is one of the most popular destinations for tourists to Madrid; the name means “Gate of the Sun”.

The gates were once the entrance to Madrid. In the 15th century, like numerous medieval towns, Madrid was surrounded by a wall to protect it, and people could only go in through the gates. The name of the gate became well known through out the trading world because Spain at one time was the center of the known world. Even after the fall of Madrid’s walls, the gates remained a place for tradesmen and dignitaries alike to meet. In fact, Puerta Del Sol is still considered a popular meeting spot to this day.

Breathtaking examples of architecture are found throughout the area, as well as numerous statues and monuments, including a famous sculpture of a bear eating some fruit from a madrone tree, which is what the name “Madrid” is derived from; the bear is also a very powerful symbol for the people of Madrid.

One of Madrid’s most important buildings, the House of the Post Office, which is the central point for the New Year celebrations, is located there, as is a paving slab that marks the spot from which originate the six main highways traversing Spain. That means it’s not just a good place to start exploring the city, but the whole country.

From Puerta Del Sol it is only a short walk to other popular attractions such as Plaza Mayor and Palacio Real, the Parliament is also nearby and the Metro is easily accessible from the area.

There are also numerous side streets, house shops, restaurants and other destinations nearby, at least half a day in Madrid should be dedicated to the area of Puerta Del Sol. The evening is the best time to go as the bars and cafes will be full of both tourists and citizens and many street performers come to entertain.

We Recommend : Spanish Phrases

Category: Europe  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment
« Previous Entries