A time to travel

photo credit: Steve-h

Costa del Sol, in southern Spain, is often called the Sun Coast. The turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, long swaths of quartz-white beaches and a year round sunny climate make this section of Spain a top-tier tourist attraction. Stretching from the Gibraltar Strait to eastern Grenada, most of the Costa del Sol is in the province of Malaga, which is part of Andalusia.

People flock to Costa de Sol for the gentle aquamarine waters and relaxing hours on the beach. Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Mijas are the most famous resorts in the area. Costa del Sol is also well-known for its excellent golf courses.

So Many Beaches, So Little Time

The Costa del Sol is an endless stretch of beautiful, sugary white beaches. Some of the highlights are Cabopino Beach, Playa de Saladillo and Nikki Beach. A Moorish watchtower stands guard over the Cabopino Beach, creating an air of romance and mystery. Parking is free at Cabopino. This is rare on the Costa del Sol. The sand dunes and palm tree are plentiful.

The more adventurous holidaymaker can head to the western edge of the beach, as it has a nudist area. The Playa de Saladillo is relaxed and laidback. There are beach bars and restaurants and therefore it hosts a lively crowd in the evening. Nikki Beach has a reputation as being a playground for the rich and famous. There are beachfront hammocks that you can rent. The restaurants at  Nikki Beach are also excellent.

Isola 2000 is one of the ski resorts found in the Southern French Alps, and is a prime destination for skiers in the region. In fact, many travelers head from around the world to take advantage of the beautiful mountain scenery and fresh powdered trails for which the area is known. The area has grown in popularity since its creation in 1960 due to being a stop along the Tour de France, as well as a site for the 2008 French Ski Championships.

Skiable Area by the Numbers
The entire skiable area available in Isola 2000 comes in at just over twenty square kilometers. The elevation at the highest point is 2,600 meters. There are 43 runs in total, with the majority being geared towards somewhat experienced skiers on red and blue trails. There are however 7 green trails for absolute beginners, as well as 4 black trails for a real challenge. There are several lifts, including gondolas and chair lifts, and there are seldom long lines for waiting except during the busiest of French holidays. Night skiing is available one certain special days throughout the winter season.

Apres Ski in Isola 2000
The town itself does offer quite a range of activities, dining and shopping to enjoy after a full day on the slopes. The resort boasts a range of cuisine, focusing on authentic meals from Italy, Germany and France to satisfy the many international visitors it receives. However, there is a limited nightlife to enjoy, with a large focus on quiet drinks after dinner.

Getting to Isola 2000

Most visitors to Isola 2000 arrive via Nice using public transport. International visitors will generally get flights to Nice and use shuttle buses which depart from the airport completing the 90KM journey to Isola 200 in around 1 1/2 hours. The train is also an option, again transiting via Nice train Station

photo credit: tjmwatson

Skiers will discover an exciting destination when they visit Meribel. Beginning skiers will find slopes that were constructed for their skill level. Furthermore, the brilliant ski schools on site will provide first-class instruction. After beginning skiers have mastered the basics, the resort offers ten easy green runs for a greater challenge.

The Three Valleys area has over 100 red rated runs designed for intermediate level skiers. Moreover, visitors to the area will appreciate the number of gondola lifts on site. The ski terrain is first-class and the slopes are well maintained. Mid-level skiers who have improved their skills will be challenged by The Women’s Downhill course that was constructed for the 1992 Olympics.

An easier route for intermediate skiers is the 3.6km run that takes skiers down the Combe du Vallon. Another beautiful run is the wooded Pic Noir descent that travels from Col de la Loze.

Expert skiers will be challenged by the world class terrain with over 30 black rated runs such as the popular Les Bosses trail in addition to the famous Mt. Vallon face, which is set above Mottaret. A guide will take advanced skiers to the advance section of the Three Valleys or the Tarentaise region. Additionally, ski touring excursions are available.

Snowboarding and freestyle skiing are also welcome with runs that are groomed for skill levels that include advanced and intermediate. Snowboarders will find hundreds of miles of fast piste along with amazing freeride locations and terrain sites. This area is titled Moonpark, which has grown in size and features a vast selection of kickers, jumps and boxes.

Skiers of every skill level will appreciate the slopes in Meribel. Furthermore, the area offers a variety of nightlife for skiers who wish to socialize. Additionally, visitors who prefer a quieter stay will find peaceful accommodations. An enjoyable trip is just a reservation away.

St Albans Cathedral Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire is what is known as one of England’s home counties because it borders London. It’s close proximity to the city make the county an ideal place for day trips for Londoners, but it offers many attractions that holiday goers from anywhere would enjoy.

St. Albans Cathedral

The town of St. Albans is the home of St. Alban’s cathedral, named for the first martyr who gave his live for his faith more than 1700 years ago. The Cathedral has the distinction of being the oldest spot for Christian worship in all of Britain.

Berkhamsted Castle

This castle, also located in the town of St. Alban’s, is the ruin of a fortification constructed during the time of the Saxons. The construction was begun during the time of William the Conqueror. Names associated with the castle include that of Thomas Becket who lived there while he was Chancellor of England and Geoffrey Chaucer who, during the 14th century, was “Clerk to the Works.” – http://www.berkhamsted-castle.org.uk/

While visiting both the cathedral and the castle in St. Alban’s take a break at one of the town’s many restaurants and enjoy lunch or dinner.

Hatfield House

This old manor house located in the town of Hatfield is full of history. This beautiful Jacobean home situated in its own park is where Queen Elizabeth I spent a large part of her childhood. There are beautiful gardens to explore and special events to attend at Hatfield House. The town itself has a variety of good restaurants to enjoy a meal and the House itself has its own on-site restaurant.

Knebworth House and Gardens

This gothic-style house, which was built around 1490 has belonged to the Lytton family for hundreds of years and has had many famous visitors. Elizabeth I, Winston, Churchill, and Charles Dickens have all been guests in this beautiful home. Included on the site is a 25-acre garden that dates from Edwardian and Victorian times.

This was a guest post from Lutoo Hoo who offer one of the best Hertfordshire hotels and finest Luton restaurants to make your stay in Hertfordshire as comfortable as possible.

The nightlife in Brighton & Hove is hopping every night and is within walking distance of the hotels in Brighton. The venues provide entertainment options including comedy acts, karaoke, live music, theatre, and excellent food and drink.

The Latest Musicbar is located near Brighton’s pier on the seafront and is a favourite among tourists and locals. A cafe bar occupies the upper section of this respectable establishment and offers a variety of fabulous food and live entertainment. A cabaret bar occupies the lower section and provides patrons with a relaxed atmosphere where top acts are known to perform.

Komedia is located in the centre of Brighton’s North Laine and is host to year round entertainment. The venue offers entertainment which includes music, theatre, and comedy all combined with excellent food and drinks. The combination of entertainment and dining make this an exciting place for spending a night out.

The Brighton Dome is located in the famous and historic Pavilion Estate where it plays host to year round entertainment. Comedy acts, Theatre troupes, Dance groups, live music events and family events are all held in this attractive venue.

The Lucky Voice is located at number 8 Black Lion Street in Brighton. It is home to seven private karaoke rooms spread out over the establishment’s three stories. Along with the private rooms, a cocktail bar is located on the ground floor and is an ideal place for patrons who want to sit and have a drink while listening to karaoke entertainment.

Post by Charlotte for Brighton hotel deals website Brightonhotelsonline.com

With the down worldwide economy, a common practice among travelers is to find the best travel deals on the internet for all sorts of fun and interesting destinations around the world! The “old guard” of internet travel sites such as priceline and expedia has been challenged by websites that offer daily deals such as groupon.com and livingsocial.com. Much of the time, you can find great travel deals using daily deals sites that far exceed the savings you get through the traditional travel sites.

For example, those who utilize livingsocial.com can pick up a great deal for a weekend getaway to the County Durham and a wonderful 3 night Spa Experience at the Barcelo Redworth Hall Hotel. This 17th century masterpiece is sure to leave you feeling like a King and Queen and you and your lovely can have all 3 nights at an amazing price of just £476! For this price you get a 3 night stay in a Deluxe Spa or you can upgrade to a Superior Deluxe Room for just £521! Dinner is served for 2 nights and breakfast is complimentary during your stay. One afternoon tea is included as well. Two museum tickets and 2 spa treatments per person is also part of this package.

If you prefer the services of groupon.com, the deals that are offered are just as sweet! How would you enjoy staying at the Rose In Vale Country House Hotel in Cornwall for 2 nights for just £129? That is a savings of 67%! Breakfast in included during your stay as part of this package. This award winning hotel is a Grade II 18th Century building located very close to the North Cornwall coast. This getaway package only includes the accommodation and breakfast, so be sure to plan your trip activities accordingly.

The deals that you will receive by utilizing daily deal sites such as those listed above are certainly steep and unique. What these websites do very well is combine multiple facets of a holiday into one package which cuts out a lot of the leg work for the traveler.

This was a guest post by Alexandra for daily deals site dealzippy.co.uk

Nestled within the Sultanahmet Old City district of Istanbul is the beautiful Hotel Amira Istanbul. Although within the district are concentrated some of the most incredible historical sites in the world, the Hotel Amira still stands out, inviting travelers inside. This boutique hotel is one of a kind, and is as unique as the city in which it resides. Guests will feel instantly comfortable amidst the luxurious setting, and can take advantage of plenty of fabulous amenities and facilities designed to please.

Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the Hotel Amira Istanbul is is central location within the heart of Istanbul’s cultural and historical sites in the Sultanahmet Old City. Nearly all of the greatest and most important landmarks within the city can be found by walking just a few minutes on foot out the front door of the Hotel Amira. In Sultanahmet Square many incredible heritage sites are located, including the sixth century Hagia Sophia, the imperial Topkapı Palace, the beautiful Blue Mosque topped with six minarets, and the sixth century Basilica Cistern. Each site is worth a visit, and thanks to the convenient location of the Hotel Amira, getting there is no difficulty at all.

Each of the hotel’s 32 rooms and suites were designed with comfort and luxury in mind. All rooms are air conditioned against the Turkish warmth, complete with designer furniture and comfortable beds, and convenient extras like a stocked minibar, an electric kettle with complimentary tea, coffee, and bottled water, and safes. Modern technology can be found in every room in the form of iPod docking stations, free wireless internet, and an LCD-TV. The boutique nature of the hotel mean that staff are always eager to please, and pay attention to every detail. Room service is available 24 hours each day.

After a day of sightseeing within Istanbul, visitors may be ready to relax and unwind in one of the great facilities within the Hotel Amira. To get rid of some stress, head to the fitness centre where modern equipment can provide a great workouts, or simply sink in the warm jacuzzi. The spa provides luxurious services for guests as well.

Book flights to Istanbul with Easyjet from London.

5 Tips to Stay Green While on a Holiday

Just because you are dropping everything to travel on a nice holiday, doesn’t mean you have to drop your “green living” habits. There are a few easy tips that you can follow that will help keep mother earth clean and also help prevent financial drawbacks while you seek out your exciting destination.

Let’s go over 5 easy ways to stay green while on vacation.

1. Stay with Family or Friends

Do you know of someone who lives near the destination you would like to visit? Perfect! If you don’t think they would mind visitors, give them a call and see if they would be willing to let you stay with them for a few days. This will allow you to save cash on hotel expenses and also grant you the opportunity to see relatives or friends that you may not normally get to see. They may even know of local and cheap destinations in their hometown that you and your family can look into.

2. Hotel

If you have to book a hotel room there is a few ways in which you can remain green. Ask the hotel manager if they recycle, turn off the lights, TV, air conditioning or heat before you leave the room. You can also unplug any electronics that aren’t being used.
If you don’t mind it, you can also request nicely to reject room service which will cut down on water usage for washing your sheets and towels.

3. Bring a reusable water bottle.

Chances are, wherever your destination may be, you will get thirsty. Beaches and amusement parks charge a pretty penny for drinks knowing that people who are there will pay extra to quench their thirst. If allowable, a reusable water bottle will save you money
And help reduce waste.

4. Bring Snacks

Packing your own snacks ensures that you can control your eating habits a little bit while on vacation, saves you money in the long run as opposed to spending money on impulse snacks and you know you can dispose of the packaging in a proper manner.

5. Make sure your car is tuned up

If traveling by car, make sure everything is tuned up to save you money on gas.
A change of oil, proper pressure in tires, and a clean air filter will cut down on emissions and reduce gas usage.

These tips are not only part of a “green” lifestyle but can also help you keep a little extra money in your pocket.

Anyone who’s ever seen The Holiday knows that travel destinations don’t have to be warm. There is a quaint little English cottage that the protagonist travels to, and it is covered in snow. Travel destinations during the winter months are often more available and cheaper if they’re in cold climates because travelers don’t traditionally visit them when they’re out there in the cold winter snow already. There are some great places to visit in the winter where you can have the run of the place if you just don’t mind the cold weather. For example, Whitefish Montana is a nice quiet little town with a bustling tourist industry. The center of the town has Big Mountain as its primary tourist destination. Its a ski mountain with a ski resort, nice little restaurants, a ski lift, cheap daily skiing, and hiking trails. Aspen, Colorado is another more established winter destination that offers a suite of entertainment options for snow-loving travelers like snowmobile rentals, sightseeing tours, and all-day ski passes. You can also visit Disney World in the winter because hardly anybody is there, and you get the best pick of all the rides that are available, and you don’t have to wait and stand in long lines. It’s really an excellent way to have a fun time without the burden of tons of travelers following you on your back.