Europe

Barcelona, A Metropolis of Magnificence and More. Here’s Some Luxury Aspects of Traveling to this City

July 12, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

Some may know Barcelona for its famous and highly successful football club, the high-spirited nightlife, captivating beaches or the soul satisfying cuisines on offer. Whatever you think of when you hear of Barcelona, it can’t really be fully comprehended unless seen and experienced first hand. You don’t have to worry about accommodation when visiting this city either as it’s not short on places to stay. Rent a luxury apartment in Barcelona and enjoy the wonders of the city in style. Here are some aspects of the city to entice you.

Landmarks

Exhibiting the historical heritage of Barcelona, MUHBA is a museum to be seen. This underground archaeological site gives a thrilling display of the emergence of this medieval city. It’s both thrilling and fascinating, escape from the summer heat and take a trip into this enchanting construction and imagine the city in Roman times. You might like to visit a museum to do with the arts: see an extensive collections of Picasso’s work at the Picasso museum or examine the modern art of Joan Miro at the Joan Miro Foundation. There’s also The FC Barcelona Museum for those who’d like to delve into the history of one of the top teams in the world. Or to experience something a bit different to a museum visit an outdoor film screening, get engrossed in a botanical garden, or maybe even take a trip to the old French station dating back to 1929. The list is endless when it comes to the different landmarks accessible in Barcelona.

Restaurants

Stick your fork into a paella in Barcelona, where it really is done right. This city hosts a range of michelin star restaurants and culinary classics to get the tastebuds rejoicing, with rice dishes that are rich in flavour and variety. Passejat is a classic rice dish served in Barcelonian restaurants, dating back to the 15th century, it will not only satisfy your tummy but give you a feel of the history of Barcelona. Dig into delicacies from monkfish to mussels, sausages to squid, or croquettes to cod fritters.

Night Life

Sala Apolo is a great example of what Barcelona has on offer when it comes to indie clubbing. You won’t be let down by the music or the atmosphere. Be amazed by the various musicians as they grace the stage. Pop, rock, folk and more there’s a host of different genres to entertain. It’s not only Sala Apolo that offers a great night out but there’s plenty of other vibrant and vivacious clubs that can be enjoyed. A range of electrifying yet elegant cocktail bars also parade the streets of Barcelona. Recline on a vintage sofa and sip on a margarita or lean on a freshly polished wooden bar and enjoy a dry martini ‘shaken not stirred.’

Beaches

With nine Mediterranean beaches bordering the city’s coastline, you’re definitely spoilt for choice when it comes to which one to visit. The southern beaches, situated closer to the city may be more loud and crowded, but a perfect spot for some socializing and sunbathing. If you’d like some more seclusion and enjoy relaxing in some golden sand, then the northern beaches may be the better option for you. Nova Icaria Beach is one of the more quieter options and is a great spot for watersports and you may even be able to enjoy a Thai massage while relaxing on the bay. Barceloneta Beach, on the other hand, is buzzing with life and community. Drum players, sand-artist and dancing, it’s all found on this beach: ease and entertainment provided in one spot.

Sunshine Reveals the Most Visited Regions in the UK – North Yorkshire a Clear Winner

July 3, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

Sunshine, a UK based online travel agency, has recently completed a piece of research to show the most visited areas in England by British holidaymakers. While London continued to be the most popular of all, a surprising second place was taken up by the North Yorkshire coast. Sunshine also expects that this region will continue to rise in popularity thanks to the 2015 and 2016 Tour de Yorkshire, which was broadcast the world over. Preliminary figures show that this has made the area more attractive not just with domestic visitors, but with international visitors as well. The economic boost this is giving to the region is greatly appreciated.

New research by UK online travel agency Sunshine has revealed that, outside of London, the North Yorkshire coast is the most visited part of the country for British holidaymakers. Sunshine investigate the different trips that were made to cities and towns across England, taking statistics from 2013, 2014, and 2015.

What they found was that the Borough of Scarborough, which includes Whitby, Filey, and various areas of the North York Moors National Park was by far the most popular in the country outside of London. In fact, the area attracted some 1.4 million individual trips in the three year time period.

Of course, London continued to be the most popular area, attracting 3.7 million individual trips. However, the North Yorkshire coast was a close second and towered above the various other parts of England. For instance, Skegness only attracted 594,000 visitors.

For some, and particularly those under the Scarborough Council authority, this was quite surprising. The towns on the North Yorkshire coast are traditional, small, and perhaps not equipped to take on this volume of visitors. In fact, some said it “punched well-above its weight”.

To complete the research, Sunshine completed a Visit Great Britain List. This list revealed that Blackpool came in third place, where 1.1 million individual trips were taken. This also equated to a £240,000 per year spend in that period. Per year, British holiday makers spent a total of £294 million, which is a main economic driver.

A representative from Sunshine.co.uk said: “It was really exciting to see that the North Yorkshire coast was such a popular destination. In fact, Scarborough as a town came fifth overall, making it one of the most visited towns in all of England. That really is impressive and very good news for the local economy.”

He added: “We believe that the figures will be even better for the next time period we study. After all, the 2015 and 2016 Tour de Yorkshire races have brought thousands of visitors to the area. The Tour was also covered by television channels across the world. In fact, people in 177 different countries were able to watch it, and many have already said that they plan a trip to visit. This is publicity that money can’t buy, but it also shows that, despite their small size, North Yorkshire in general and Scarborough Borough in particular are able to host huge, global events. Some say it is punching above its weight, but we feel it is in the perfect weight class.”

According to Sunshine, the statistics also demonstrated that there was a 20% increase in overnight trips to Yorkshire in 2015 alone. No other region in England had seen a similar increase. This could be indicative of the North Yorkshire coast becoming even more popular, perhaps, one day, even overtaking London. North Yorkshire residents remain hopeful as it has been a huge and much-needed boost to the economy.

Top Things to See in Sardinia

March 25, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

I was reading this awesome infographic recently which reminded me of the week that I spent in Sardinia a few years ago. I travel a great deal and occasionally locations do slip through the mind so it was a welcome reminder of the amazing week that I had on this beautiful Mediterranean Island. I absolutely love the Med, easily one of my favorite regions in Europe, if not the World and this little island offers the very best of it. If 2,000km of beautiful Mediterranean coastline, rugged mountains with hiking trails, tasty cuisine and great sights are your thing, then Sardinia is definitely for you and here is what you should see when you are there.

Gallura

Santa Teresa Gallura is a must for anyone traveling to Sardinia, sat in the northern most area of the island, this jagged and high-altitude region is a great place to get active. Throughout the small fiords, jagged landscape and stunning coastline you can visit the beach, take hiking trails through the rocky Valley of the Moon and take in outstanding views of the Strait of Bonafacio from Capo Testa.

Asinara National Park

There are some islands which sat just outside Sardinia and Asinara, the place they call Devil’s Island, is the third largest and most beautiful. Some of the best beaches in Sardinia are on the coastline of Asinara and you won’t have to look long before you find one of its beautiful, secret coves. Also on the island you will find the native albino donkey wandering around as well as wide range of wildlife and marine life, it is for these reasons that the island was certified as a national park and just another reason why you should be heading to this beautiful island.

Sulcis Natural Park

To see the best in Sardinian nature and landscape, the Sulcis Natural Park is where you need to go. Sat in the southwest of the island this area of Sardinia has been inhabited for over 5,000 years and aside from its rich history, Sulcis has plenty for the tourist to explore. Dramatic red colored cliffs and transparent waters, along with forest regions and plenty of water activities thanks to its strong levels of wind is exactly what you will find in Surcis and you should definitely factor it into your visit to Sardinia.

There are many ferries to Sardinia which leave the Italian mainland from ports such as Genoa, Napoli, Livorno and Piombino. The ferries take around 8-10 hours and many offer overnight packages which mean that you can simply turn up, enjoy a glass of wine on the deck as you float across the Mediterranean Sea, have a snooze and then wake up in this beautiful island. There are also flights available to Sardinia but the ferry is well worth doing and a far more relaxed way to get to the island.

Must Visit Places in Catalonia

February 2, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

Catalonia is situated in the north east of Spain, it is a region which has probably been most famous as a result of its capital city Barcelona. Whilst there is very good reason why Barcelona is Catalonia’s most famous destination, there is much more to this incredible Spanish region. The next time you are in northern Spain, consider these fantastic places to spend your time in the beautiful Catalan region.

Montjuïc

Montjuic is a large sprawling hill that sits on the edge of Barcelona, this area of Catalonia has been a dramatically changing feature and over the years it has been transformed into a heritage site which offers lots of cultural museums and beautiful views over the harbor. On a visit to this area you can admire the magic fountain of Montjuïc an incredible water feature which is lit up every night by a spectacular and colorful light show.

Costa Brava

In the Catalan region of Girona lies a part of the beautiful Costa Brava coastline, the coast stretches right the way up to the French border and tourists can enjoy some of Spain’s finest beaches, a wonderfully hot climate and thanks to its, in parts, rocky coastline, beautiful views and lots of opportunities for adventures. This region has become popular amongst holiday-makers, hikers, climbers, real estate developers and entrepreneurs who are looking at turning the coastline into an even more popular resort.

La Sagrada Familia

The stunning gothic cathedral of La Basilica de la Sagrada Familia lies in the heart of Barcelona just a few corners away from the famous street of La Rambla. This cathedral was the brainchild of the incredible architect Antoni Gaudi, the man who shaped the Barcelona skyline and a man who was unfortunate enough not live long enough to witness the completion of his finest design. The cathedral is intricately designed with gothic touches and details throughout, it has been in construction since 1882 and is expected to be finished in 2023. Despite still being under construction you can still visit the cathedral and even take a tour around its minute detail and learn some history about the design and the construction itself. If you do visit Barcelona, then make the cathedral your first stop.

Go Skiing

You may not have thought that you could go skiing in the same region that allows you to relax on the beach in the sun or walk through a hot city center but that is exactly what you can do in the Pyrenees mountain range in Catalonia. The mountain range itself spreads across much of Spain and France but in the Catalan part of the range you can find yourself many ski resorts which offer some award-winning slopes for you to take on. In regions like Vall de Boi you will not only find beautiful alpine villages and tough ski slopes, but you can also discover old-age museums and vintage churches. Within just 2 or 3 hours of Barcelona you could find yourself high in the sky and surrounded by snow.

5 Bargain holiday destinations in Britain

January 14, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

So far this year, it’s fair to say that the weather has been a little on the bleak side. However, it’s surely not going to rain forever, which will give those of you who are planning to go on holiday at some point a little bit of encouragement. If money’s a bit tight, you might want to consider staying in the UK in some great value accommodation.

Edinburgh

One great place to visit this year is the countryside near Edinburgh. Historic landmarks such as the city’s eponymous Castle, numerous museums, stunning countryside and events such as the Fringe Festival are all reasons to come here. As for finding somewhere to stay, holiday cottages can be booked through popular travel sites for reasonable prices.

Mersea Island

Mersea Island in Essex is a great place to visit if you want something a little different. Sampling the local oysters, visiting the island’s vineyard and enjoying the tranquil surroundings all appeal, especially if you want a quirky holiday on the cheap.

Cornwall

Cornwall is perhaps the most popular county in the UK with holidaymakers. Here, you’ll find a range of quirky yet charming places to stay including holiday cottages, hotels and service appartments. You can even stay in a holiday park in Cornwall. Rent a caravan with your family or even bring your own. You’ll have all the facilities and amenities you’d need for a comfortable stay, while also being closer to nature.

Isle of Wight

Camping is great during the summer, especially on the Isle of Wight. There, you can head to the beach, visit towns such as Newport, Ventnor and Ryde and go window shopping or, if you feel like it, go walking from coast to coast if you like to go wherever your feet take you. Getting the ferry over to the island is cheap and easy, plus the accommodation here’s not too pricey.

Derry

Derry is the UK’s City of Culture this year, and that title means that visitors may begin to flock to this part of Northern Ireland. As well as being within easy reach of Ulster’s most famous landmarks like Giant’s Causeway, it’s also hosting events such as the 2013 Turner Prize and various musicals, plays and exhibitions.

Where to go in Saint Germain

April 27, 2016 by admin Leave a Comment

A charming and popular neighbourhood, Saint Germain is located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris and houses art galleries, trendy cafes, nice restaurants and cosy cafes. The cafes of Saint Germain are a nice place to laze around and chill.

It is nestled on the church of the earlier Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Saint Germain is known as the considered the centre of the existentialist movement.

Saint Germain is well connected to other parts of Paris from nearby metro stations Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Mabillon.

Here’s a list of what to do in Saint Germain:

Jardin du Luxembourg

Beautiful walkways, lovely looking trees, immaculate lawns and pretty flowerbeds characterise Jardin du Luxembourg. The gardens are bordered by Latin Quarter and St-Germain and cover 23 hectares of land.

Luxembourg Palace

Luxembourg Palace was first built by French architect Salomon de Brosse’s designs and later refurbished twice by Jean Chalgrin and Alphonse de Gisors respectively. It is located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris.

Rue de Seine

It is a lovely street in the 6th arrondissement that boasts of a rich history. There are antique dealers and art galleries. It is a good place for art lovers.

Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe

Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe is situated next to Jardin du Luxembourg and is one of France’s six national theatres. It was constructed by Marie-Joseph Peyre and Charles De Wailly between the years 1779 and 1782. It was redesigned in the year 1808 by Jean Chalgrin and then for the third and final time by Pierre Thomas Baraguay.

Musée Zadkine

Musée Zadkine was established by sculptor Ossip Zadkine’s wife and is committed to her husband’s work. There are roughly 300 sculptures along with some drawings, photographs and tapestries here.

Fontaine Saint-Sulpice

An epic fountain constructed by Louis Visconti between the years 1843 and 1848, Fontaine Saint-Sulpice is located in Place Saint-Sulpice in the 6th arrondissement. The fountain has four images symbolising Bossuet, Fénelon, Fléchier and Massillon, the four French religious figures of the seventeenth century.

Église st-germain-des-prés

This is Paris’s oldest church and was built to shelter a simple shard of wood which was believed to be a relic of Jesus’ cross brought back from Spain in AD 542.

Institut de France

It is one of the most sacred cultural institutions of the country.

The above mentioned are some of the places you should visit when you are in Saint Germain. Don’t forget to explore the small streets, talk to locals and enjoy your stay. To live like a local and not a tourist, stay in a Saint Germain serviced apartment and soak in the city.

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Top 5 Things to do in Barcelona

March 7, 2016 by admin Leave a Comment

The Catalan capital, Barcelona is one of the most interesting cities in Europe, it has a warm climate, a stunning harbour and the city is adorned with some of the most artistically designed buildings in the World. There is so much to see and do in this beautiful part of Europe and here are my top 5 favourites to help you out on your next trip to Barcelona.

Nou Camp Visit

The Nou Camp or ‘Camp Nou’ is home to Barcelona football club, one of the most iconic football clubs in the World. If you are in town when there is a game on then you should most definitely try to grab a ticket and join over 100,000 other fans in this monster of a stadium. Even non-football lovers will enjoy the atmosphere here. If there isn’t a game on then you can take a tour through the iconic stadium and gain behind-the-scenes access to changing rooms and even stand on the pitch.

Wander La Rambla

La Rambla is the street that runs through the heart of Barcelona that culminates in the beautiful harbour. The street is used for festivities and daily markets and you can spend hours wandering down the pedestrian-friendly area taking in the best of the city. La Rambla features several outdoor bars and restaurants to relax in with some local food and drinks while you watch the World go by. On a nighttime the street lights up with street performers and as the markets continue to trade food stalls and nightclubs on the side streets begin to open up. La Rambla is most definitely the pulse of the city and a great way to pass your time in Barcelona.

Visit the Gothic Quarter

Much of Barcelona was designed and pioneered by it’s resident artist and architect Antoni Gaudi and non-more-so than the beautiful Gothic Quarter. This part of town used to be the the centre of Barcelona and here you can find a labyrinth of streets with various small squares. Littering the streets are local shops like bookstores, small food shops, craftshops and small clothing stores that sit within the medieval walls of the quarter. In the squares it is not rare to see people dancing and enjoying a glass or two in the bars that are set up on the street corners and if you want a true taste of old Barcelona then this where you will find it. The Quarter also houses several old churches and government buildings and if you take a tour of the Gothic Quarter you can even gain access to some of these fantastic buildings.

The Picasso Museum

The Spanish painter Pablo Picasso is one of the most important and recognised artists in European history and in Barcelona’s museum dedicated to him they house the most extensive collection of his work in the World. Barcelona meant a great deal to Picasso during his life and this museum was actually opened whilst he was still alive leading him to contribute many personal works to the collection. Museu Picasso not only displays the artists paintings but also several etchings, practice pieces and sculptures and is one of my most favourite art museums that I have ever visited.

Europe’s Top 5 Sunshine Breaks

January 16, 2016 by admin Leave a Comment

For many of us, taking a holiday abroad means finding a location with glorious sunshine, food and drink aplenty and nothing to do but relax and unwind from our daily lives. Finding the perfect place isn’t difficult in Europe but what can be difficult is whittling your options down to the perfect place, in light of that here are 5 European sunshine breaks where you simply can’t go wrong.

Corfu

Corfu is a Greek Island that has long been a mecca for tourism, it is blessed with beautiful views, a hot climate and of course, sumptuous Greek cuisine. Despite it’s popularity, there is still a lot of Corfu, particularly it’s beaches where you can feel a million miles away from anywhere. It is centred almost entirely around tourism meaning that there is little that the island can’t offer in terms of things to do whether it be partying, adventure, relaxation or pampering, Corfu is the place.

Marmaris

The Turkish resort of Marmaris lies on the Mediterranean Sea and offers a lively holiday with a bustling bar street, a long seafront promenade and a stunning backdrop of mountains and sea. The heat in the Summer months can be unbearable for some, at times hitting the high 40’s (C) but that gives you the perfect chance to sit in shade and grab a nice cool drink in one of the many seafront bars. The traditional Turkish souk’s or markets can be seen both on the streets and indoors in Marmaris, they offer everything from toys, clothes and traditional goods and give you a chance at trying your hand at bartering for the best price. Turkey is relatively cheap, there are plenty of flights there and lots of hotels in Marmaris to visit, a great breakaway.

Tenerife

Tenerife is blessed with having a hot climate for the large majority of the year and can be visited in both Winter and Summer months. It is a large island just off West Africa who’s landscape is dominated by the huge Mount Teide volcano, if visiting Tenerife then a cable car journey to the top is a must. Tenerife’s resorts cater for all whether you are looking for a boutique hotel or an all-inclusive getaway. The beaches are are stunning and reminiscent at times of the Caribbean, none-more-so than Playa del Duque, a wonderful little beach on the South Coast. If it’s sun and relaxation you’re looking for the you will certainly enjoy a week’s holiday in Tenerife.

Agadir

Agadir in Morocco has really grown in recent years in terms of popularity amongst sun seekers and now is a perfect time to visit as whilst tourism is growing, the city still remains very ,well, Moroccan. Traditional food, buildings, markets and culture exist across the whole city in spite of the modern resorts that have been built, mainly around the beach, for tourists. This gives you a great opportunity to both relax on the beach and experience real Moroccan culture. Agadir airport is large too and many European airports fly direct, so getting here is not difficult either.

Marbella

Marbella has a reputation in Europe as the glitz and glamour destination when it comes to sunshine breaks. It is true that there are a lot of ‘beautiful’ people who head to this resort on Spain’s Costa del Sol and there are many prestigious restaurants and bars in the area but that is not all. Marbella offers beautiful landscapes, glorious beaches, perfect weather , golf courses and a visit here really doesn’t have to break the bank. I think many dismiss this beautiful part of Spain for that reason but there are many ways you can visit ‘Marbs’ without financial worry.

Spain’s Top 3 Destinations

January 16, 2016 by admin Leave a Comment

I’m not sure where Spain’s current standing is in terms of travel destinations, for years it was of course the go-to place for European holiday makers in particular, sun, sea, sand and sangria. However, so much of the properties were bought up by ex-pats and so many of the quaint towns and resorts became very un-Spanish which put many people off visiting there. The country will always attract tourists to the big cities and the sunshine coasts are too hard to turn down for many, but regarding it’s level of cool, I think the nation has earned a reputation that maybe isn’t so accurate. Here are my 3 most beloved Spanish destinations.

Barcelona

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I simply can’t write a list like this without including the Catalan capital, it flows with passion from all places, in it’s art, it’s culture and it’s people. The heart of the city is a beautiful weaving maze of bars, restaurants, craft shops and beautifully designed buildings, inspired by or created by the famous artist Antoni Gaudi. The intricate cathedral that he designed is still under construction but it still looks absolutely breathtaking in it’s level of design and character. The vein of the city is Las Ramblas, the main street that flows all the way down to the gorgeous harbour. Las Ramblas is where the city comes alive at night with people selling wares to street performances and beautiful bars to sit outside and drink the night away. Barcelona’s airport is a great hub destination that can be reached from most big cities in the World and gives you access to the rest of Europe if you are planning a larger journey, if you are flying in then check out sites such as Monster Travel for great deals. Alternatively, you can reach the city by boat if visiting from another Mediterranean resort which is a wonderful way to enter the city in style. A beautiful city with so much to do that you’ll be returning before you know it.

Seville

Seville is the capital of Spain’s Andalusia region and it truly makes for a wonderful holiday destination. Seville is steeped in history from the Moorish occupation of Spain and the city is known for it’s ornate Alcazar castle complex which was built during these times. The city is a mecca for Flamenco dancing as well if you fancy having a go, especially in one of the neighbourhoods called Triana where there are flamenco bars and street dancing happening all the time. Another great place to visit in Seville is the huge bullring, if you are in luck and in Seville during the Seville Fair then you will be able to witness the biggest bullfighting festival in the World. A great experience and a beautiful place.

Valencia

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Valencia sits on Spain’s South East coast and in my opinion has a perfect combination of things to do and see both in the modern and traditional sense. The port city is very popular for those people taking cruises around the Mediterranean Sea and in recent years Valencia has seen a huge investment in tourism. The ultra modern Science museum and Art museum look both amazing from the outside and the inside and should not be missed on a trip to the city. Valencia also offers some beautiful beaches and the temperature during the Summer months perfect for spending some days on the beach. During the investment in Valencia many of the old, medieval buildings were restored and if history is your thing then you can spend a couple of days touring around the old churches, towers and quarters to get a feel of the city’s ancient past. Another important fact is that the beautiful dish Paella was created here so a trip wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of this beautiful Spanish cuisine.

France for the lonely traveler

September 17, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

Are you lonely and in or near France? Well no worries in the land of love… whether you are trying to find love in the land of love or just rock it solo… then here is a list for you.

Ski or snowboard

O the dirty things I would do to a mountain like you Courchevel…

If you are single then you will understand how skiing or snowboarding can keep you occupied. Don’t know how to ski or snowboard? Then learn! It’s never too late to learn how and what better place than in the land of the upper class alcoholics? I can’t think of any place better to get loose on wine and then hit the slopes. Don’t want to do anything on the slopes that requires skill of any kind? Then try your hand at riding the bobsleigh run at La Plagne. You’ll fly at up to 56 miles an hour in a self-steering single rider bob sled. Your echoed screams of pure thrill will have you forgetting you were ever single.

Bayonne chocolatiers

Berkeley chocolate club in Bayonne, France… yes, I said a freaking chocolate club…

These are kind of like the musketeers of chocolate makers with some of them using the same machinery for over the past hundred years for some of the most authentic chocolate you are sure to find. And come on… you women will eat a full tub of ice cream in the solace of your own home… rock out with some of the best damn chocolate the world has to offer in one of the most beautiful 1st world countries to visit. Cazenave, Daranatz, & Pariés are the big three for authentic and prize-winning chocolate. Eat your heart out.

Beachside Corsica

Wine optional…

Visit Plage de Saleccia for one of the most isolated beaches in Northern Corsica. Beautiful white sand and turquoise water reside here in the location that was used as a filing location for The Longest Day. Bring a tent and even stay at the beach campsite as you fall asleep to the warm air and the sound of the water washing up on the shore. Make sure you don’t miss out on any travel coupon offers going around. There is no need to throw your money away and the likes of Travelocity have money off European flights and hotels!

Enjoy…