Jan
22

Sporting events around the globe in 2012

It’s easy to be excited about sports this year, even if you’re not usually a fan. Why, I hear you ask – well because, in case you’ve been hiding in a darkened cave for the past year and don’t know – we’re holding the Olympics in our very own London this year. Brilliant, well, if you managed to get tickets that is.

For those of us that missed out, but still fancy some sporting action – why not head abroad for one of these equally memorable events that will have the Olympic goers feeling envious, despite their tickets!

The Grand National, Liverpool

You don’t even have to get on a plane to enjoy one of our best sporting events. With plenty of history and tradition behind it, enjoy the atmosphere as well as the racing, as the huge hats come out to play and millions are bet on our most exciting horse racing events!

RBS Six Nations – Europe

Rugby is well loved by us Brits so if you fancy combing a brilliant sport with a trip across Europe then grab yourselves some tickets and get going! Interrailling is the new flying you know.

The United States Grand Prix, Texas

F1 is returning to American soil for the first time in 5 years and for the first time ever, it’ll be heading to the Circuit of Americas in Texas. The purpose built track holds 100,000 people and as the second from last race in the season – the atmosphere will be electric!

Wimbledon, London

The Olympics isn’t the only sporting event in London this summer – head to classic Wimbledon for the best tennis you’ll probably ever see, along with a large serving of strawberries and cream!

 

Jan
08

Places to visit in 2012: New wonders of the world

Fancy a holiday to remember this year? Why not check out one of the new wonders of the world for those picture perfect moments that you’ll remember for many years to come.

Here’s the full list of our modern wonders – which is your favourite?

Chichén Itzá, Mexico

These ruins built by the Maya civilisation are one of Mexico’s greatest archelogical sights. The towering pyramid is thought to be both a temple and a solar calendar and at the equinox, the shadows create the illlusion of a serpent moving along the staircase.

Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

Brazil’s most famous sight, millions of people flock here to see the huge statue of Christ watching over the city. The arms, spread wide, have a total wingspan wingspan of 100ft, and this art deco-style figure has become the iconic image of Brazil’s tourism.

The Great Wall, China

The sheer magnitude of the Great Wall of China is astonishing and stands at 3,725 miles long and was first built to prevent invaders from the North. Avoid the crowds and head to the quieter areas at Mutianyu or Simatai

Machu Picchu, Peru

Perched high up in the Andes, the mysterious ruins of the Inca Empire draw thousands of visitors every year. If you can, the 3/4 day hike is spectacular but you can also catch a train from Cuzco.

Petra, Jordan

If you’ve watched Indiana Jones then you’ll have spotted the magnificent exterior of Petra, although you might not know it. The resting place of the Nabataeans is half built and half carved out the the rose hued rock in the desert.

The Roman Colosseum, Italy

Home to gladitorial contests and mythological plays and even executions, the Colosseum has a long history and makes an excellent day tour.

The Taj Mahal, India.

A spectacular architectural feat with a romantic history. This beautiful structure was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, who died in childbirth.

Dec
18

Top 3 Free London Museums

Cities can be expensive places to visit and as one of the world’s most visited capital cities, London is certainly no different. But in between the expensive sights and michelin star restaurants, there are plenty of freebies too.

London has some briliant museums and the best part is that many of them are free to visit! Here are 3 of my favourites to really get the best out of the grey city:

The V& A Museum, or to call it by its full name, the Victoria and Albert Museum is up there with the best. It’s one of the biggest, if not the biggest, museum in the world and it has plenty to keep you occupied. With no less than 4.5million works of art on display permanantly, from a variety of eras, it’s a fascinating place to visit.

The Science Museum is a great place to visit, both for adults and kids alike. Founded in 1857, this dazzling museum has earned it’s place among London’s best museums. It is home to more than 300,000 sciencific related artifacts, including the first jet engine and Stephenson’s rocket. The IMAX 3D cinema costs extra, but tickets are fairly cheap and is a great treat for the kids.

The Tate Modern is one of the UK’s most respected art museums and has an expansive art collection, from the 1900s onwards. It has plenty to see, including a timeline display of the twentieth century’s most inspirational artistic moments. It has also undergone a massive revamp, to help accomodate more visitors – a nod to it’s well deserved popularity.

 

Nov
27

Australia’s Best Sights

When it comes to far flung destinations, you can’t get much further away than the land down under – Australia. It’s pretty big though, so just what should you do when you get there?

Here are our top picks for sightseeing in Australia.

The Great Barrier Reef
It goes without saying that the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most spectacular marine sights in the world. Whether you want to find Nemo or swim with rays and reef sharks, you can do it all with a snorkelling or diving trip out to the reef.

Ayers Rock
It’s not exactly in the most convenient location, but this mystical rock is one of Australia’s most iconic sights. See it in the early morning or dusky evening to see the full effects of the gorgeous rock colouring.

Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge
Head to Sydney Harbour to see 2 of the most famous sights in Australia. Pose for picture perfect moments in front of the shiny white tiles of the Opera House and if you’re feeling brave, head on a bridge climb for spectacular views of  Sydney.

The Blue Mountains
Misty eucalyptus, endless wildlife and gorgeous rainforest, with tiny towns nestled in between the trees – the Blue Mountains are famous for good reason. A perfect day trip from Sydney.

Kakadu National Park
Make like Crocodile Dundee and head into the bush near Darwin for some serious croc spotting. Expect mud, creatures with teeth and spectacular scenery all round.

Nov
13

Europe’s best ski resorts

Now that winter is finally here, we can say goodbye to all those thoughts of beautiful sun, sand and sea. But it’s not all bad – winter is here which means one thing – let the ski holidays commence!

Skiing holidays are your chance to make the most of the winter wonderland and Europe has some fantastic resorts to choose from, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here are just a few of my favourites that I think make the best skiing holidays!

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

As well as being one of the most famous resorts in Europe, Cortina d’Ampezzo is also one of the most beautiful. Expect it to be busy but that’s thanks to the sheer choice of slopes and the great après ski but it’s the sheer beauty of your surroundings that really makes this a great destination.

Val D’Isere, France

This is one France’s oldest ski resorts, dating back to the 1930s, so they must be doing something right. Built of the slopes of Solaise, this is a bit of a great all rounder when it comes to ski resorts. Not only is it great for expert skiiers, but it also offers ski schools and a brilliant range of beginner slopes, so there really is something for everyone. For that reason, it’s really popular with families and has the facilities to cater for them too.

Chamonix, France

Another French favourite, Chamonix offers some of the best mountain skiing in the whole of Europe and this is thanks mainly to the 12 ski areas, which offers something for skiiers of all levels. With picturesque scenery (it’s situated right next to Mont Blanc) and a whole range of activities other than skiing, this is a really popular family resort and is great if you want to bring your kids along too!

Seefield, Austria

This Austrian resort is Austria’s best cross country ski resort and has a whopping 250km of marked trails to choose from (including one designed for the Olympics in 1976 and 1985). One of the major perks for me is the relatively short transfer time (about half an hour). With some gentle, low slopes, this is also a popular resort for beginners.

 

 

 

Oct
26

The top 5 most romantic places in Britain

Britain is home to a wealth of locations offering romantic and evocative scenery and/or history for those couples looking to spend quality time together, or perhaps reignite a relationship in the right surroundings. These are the best locations in Britain for couples to spend time together in.

Lake District

The Lake District in England is noted for the beauty of its scenery, but it is probably best to avoid the most well worn routes and areas, as these will be heavily populated with tourists and traffic. There are a large number of other, relatively undiscovered parts, which will make better locations for romantic breaks – for example the Winster Valley.

Scottish Highlands

One of the most beautiful parts of the UK, blessed with absolutely stunning scenery, thereby providing the perfect backdrop for romance. Furthermore, the highlands of Scotland are remote enough to take you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday modern life.

The Peak District

This area is again perfect for romantic stays, featuring an abundance of lovely villages, historic buildings and dark, moody caverns, which provide a variety of different romantic mood settings. The mountain that looms above and the ruined castle further enhance the atmospheric qualities of the area.

Giants Causeway

This part of Northern Ireland is one of the most popular tourist places amongst those seeking a quiet, beautiful spot for a getaway. It is the sole UNESCO World Heritage area in Northern Ireland and possesses romantic, mythical qualities thanks to its coast with the strange, carefully aligned columns of stone along it. The area provides a perfect setting for dreamy cliff top walking complete with some of the loveliest scenery in the whole of Europe.

Polperro

This beautiful picturesque fishing village, situated in South east Cornwall, provides the kind of views straight out of a Turner painting, along with narrow winding roads and old cottages that will make any couple visiting feel as if they have left the stresses of the modern world and stepped back in time.

Oct
22

Perfect Island Holidays

When I think of exotic holidays, the first image to spring to mind is that of a secluded beach on a tropical island. I’m clearly not the only one – island holidays are increasingly popular and now you can fly to some of the most popular island destinations from most UK airports.

If you fancy a little sun, sand and sea, try out one of these amazing destinations.

Skopelos has managed to remain very much under the radar, despite being the location for major Hollywood movie Mamma Mia. Its secluded beaches, rocky outcrops and divine food make this Greek island a brilliant choice. And the best bit is that, despite its star status, you’ll find very few fellow travellers here.

Flatey in Iceland is ther perfect destination if you need a few extra hours of sunshine. In the summer, the sun shines for 21 hours a day so this is the perfect place to relax. Located in Breiðafjörður Bay this tiny island is home to lush meadows and bright multicoloured houses as well as having an amazing view of the Snæfellsjökull volcano.

Mabul, Malaysia is a serious hotspot for scuba and snorkelling enthusiasts. The amazing marine life is on a parallel with the Galapagos islands in South America and you can spot all kinds of weird and wonderful things under the water. The stunning turquoise waters are just one reason to visit – check out the Sunday markets for some gorgeous souvenirs.

 

Oct
20

Favourite honeymoon destinations

With foreign travel anywhere in the world so easily affordable and travel insurance UK also easy to access, to ensure health, safety and financial protection, it can be hard to choose to right destination for a honeymoon. Nowadays consumers almost have too great a choice. Therefore it can be useful to know what locations are generally popular destinations for honeymooners, as this gives the consumer some idea of where to start when choosing.

To begin with, if you like to shop Dubai is an ideal location for a honeymoon as it considered the commercial epicentre of the world, offering exotic souks in addition to luxurious state of the art modern shopping centres – which should ensure that there are gifts to entice even the most choosy purchaser. Dubai also has luxury hotels, where you can spend your honeymoon by the pool and some of the finest beaches in the world.

If you prefer a more languid honeymoon, enjoying tropical sun and scenery, Barbados is a perennially popular destination. The fact that the sun shines pretty much all year round makes it a perfect location whenever you happen to be honeymooning. In addition Barbados offers an impressive nightlife and a friendly populace for when you want to party.

Another favourite honeymoon destination is the Seychelles. The first class resorts available here have some of the finest honeymoon suites anywhere in the world. The hotels here are designed to cater for newlyweds, providing the seclusion and privacy you will require, as well as a variety of luxury options for relaxation including spas and beaches.

Finally, if your preference is for a fast moving, exciting honeymoon experience then New York is often the most popular choice of destination. The city moves at a breakneck pace with a virtually unrivalled span of cultural and entertainment attractions. This is a destination very much for those who want to get out and about and enjoy new cultural experiences while on their honeymoon.

Oct
12

Perfect wedding destinations

Weddings abroad seem to be very popular at the moment and one of my oldest friends recently announced that they are thinking of getting married abroad next year. It is amazing how many companies there are out there to help make it all so easy, for a little extra cost of course. After a long search they decided to get married at their favourite holiday resort on a Greek island, but looking through the endless wedding brochures it got me wondering where I would go if I ended up getting married abroad. Here are my top three destinations – future boyfriends take note!

Lapland seems to be a very romantic destination, who could fail to fall in love in the snow and pine forests. I didn’t realise how different Lapland could be; it has the big cities, which are perfect for those hen and stag do’s, as well as the beautiful snow fields with their traditional huts and, of course, Father Christmas!

Now Ibiza isn’t the first place you think of when you think of weddings, the stag and hen do’s yes, but tell everyone you are getting married there and it might raise a few eyebrows! But Ibiza isn’t just about clubs, with intimate caves and panoramic views, it can give you a unforgettable wedding venue.

My final potential wedding destination isn’t technically abroad, though you do have to cross the country boundary to get there. Scotland has to be one of the most magical settings for a wedding, with the backdrop of the highlands and civil ceremonies being held in the country houses. It is true that you aren’t guaranteed the weather you would be in Greece, Ibiza or even the perfect winter of Lapland, but then the glens look so beautiful with the rain and mist coming in, why would you want it any other way?

Sep
09

Top destinations in the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean region has a pleasing climate your round that is appealing to tourists especially during the harsh cold winter. Many locations along the Mediterranean have become popular holiday destinations.
One place to consider for holiday is Taormina which is located on the eastern coast of Sicily. Some refer to this location as the Sicilian Monte Carlo. The island has buildings that feature spectacular architecture. For instance, you can visit the Greek Theatre of Taormina, one of the most famous places to visit in Sicily.
Another place to visit is of course the French Rivera. Specifically, many tourists find that Cassis, a seaside resort, is a great destination. Cassis was original a quaint fishing village but eventually grew when people discovered all the area had to offer visitors. Many people that prefer a less crowded beach opt for Cassis over the ever popular Nice or Saint Tropez.
When embarking on a holiday to one of these Mediterranean destinations, don’t forget to obtain travel insurance before you leave. For many travelers, travel insurance can be a saving grace should they have any difficulties on their vacation. Many people think travel insurance only is coverage for any medical expenses that may be incurred on a trip. While medical coverage is included, travel insurance does so much more. Travel insurance protects you when your travel arrangements are cancelled due to no fault of your own. For instance, many your flight is cancelled by the airline. Travel insurance can help. Perhaps the owner of your cruise line goes out of business before your trip. Travel insurance can again come to your rescue.
Before leaving on your trip, take the time to obtain travel insurance quotes and determine the variations between policies. Many insurers have online websites that can easily provide quotes to you. For example, Endsleigh Insurance at www.endsleigh.co.uk offers online quotes.

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