Disney holidays in 2012 – and a road trip or two

Florida, lying at the south eastern tip of the US has been a popular destination for British tourists in recent years. A number of factors contribute to the State’s appeal – the climate, which is sub-tropical and considerably warmer than the UK, is probably the first. Florida holidays are also surprisingly cheap despite, or perhaps because of the recession, offering families an affordable destination with a range of attractions. The State has been catering to tourists for many years and has a world-class hospitality industry – not to mention more theme parks than the kids could ever dream of! Florida is also a good choice for those looking for twin centre holidays. Combining time in the theme parks around Orlando, with a visit to Miami in the south to round off the holiday with a touch of the high life is an ideal way to experience some of the best that Florida has to offer.

Orlando – the city of dreams

If you are planning a multi-centre holiday to Florida, the city of Orlando and the surrounding region should be a great starting point; especially if you plan to tire the kids out at the start of the holiday. Theme parks have sprung up in the tropical climate almost as fast as the local lush, green landscapes. Walt Disney World® Resort is great for kids of younger age ranges, the Universal Orlando Resort ® provides thrills for older kids (and adults), and now includes the ‘Wizarding World of Harry Potter ®’, which is great for kids of most ages. SeaWorld® Orlando should offer something for everyone, with its unbelievable collection of exotic – occasionally scary – sea creatures and experiences; SeaWorld® Orlando is ideal for those with kids of any age but particularly good for young children and toddlers.

The road trip

For the second part of multi centre holidays, a road trip south should be considered. Cruising along the highways that run alongside palm-fringed coasts, is a relaxing way to get to your destination – so relaxing you’ll not care when cries of ‘are we there yet’ start issuing from the back seats. Miami is about as far south as you can get in the continental US. Popular with the rich and famous, the city sparkles on the Straits of Florida and is home to many a star for at least some of the year. The city is full of excellent restaurants, bars, nightclubs and some extremely high-class shopping opportunities present themselves for shopping enthusiasts. Miami is a great place for sampling the high life for a little while and accommodation in the city is generally of an excellent standard – though there are options to suit most budgets.

Beyond the sea

Miami should be it, when it comes to the US, but one last and very relaxing way to end your holiday is just down the road. The Florida Keys are a string of tiny coral reef islands that stretch out towards the Caribbean; Highway One – telling known as the Overseas Highway – continues south from Miami, apparently ignorant of the fact that the sea is in the way. The lifestyle on the Keys is probably where the phrase ‘laid back’ originates, making them the perfect place to round off a busy, exciting multi centre holiday in the USA.

Why Skiing Makes a Great Holiday

If you’re feeling a bit jaded with city breaks and ‘del sol’, drenched resorts, there’s one thing that will truly invigorate you: snow. And I don’t just mean watching it fall from the warmth of your arm chair, or the slushy brown stuff you see on your way home from work. I mean booking a ski chalet and taking to the slopes.

If your only experience of skiing is watching the Winter Olympics, you might be thinking that it’s an activity reserved for elite athletes. Granted, it’s fantastic exercise, but you don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to enjoy it. Europe has a deep skiing tradition coupled with warm hospitality that’s just begging to be enjoyed.
All resorts offer expert instruction on gentle beginner slopes. There you’ll learn sound technique before graduating to the mountain.

If you have a fear of the cold, ski clothing is designed to keep you warm and dry, and with all the falling down and getting up to try again, you might even break a sweat. If you’re considering your first ski holiday, it’s better to rent equipment while you’re getting a taste for the sport. All resorts offer equipment hire and expert advice from people who ski themselves.

Children are especially welcomed and with kids classes at every resort, they often master the basics quicker than adults.
Accommodation varies, but you’ll generally find that chalets offer comfortable bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom – in some cases en suite in every room – a log fire and TV with DVD player. Ideal for families. Basic accommodation in Europe is required to be of a good standard and while you do get what you pay for, cheap prices don’t mean dirty sheets and cockroaches. As with most holidays, you have the choice of a catered chalet or a self catering chalet within a resort town, just a short walk from the local gastronomy.

What do ski chalet breaks offer?

• A comfortable and well equipped chalet – a home away from home.
• Equipment hire
• Lessons with qualified instructors in Alpine (downhill) and Nordic (cross country) techniques.
• A variety of slopes to challenge your skiing abilities.
• Friendly locals and welcoming atmosphere.

What should you pack for your first ski holiday?

Thermals: Even though you are doing a physical activity, a good base layer will help you retain the warmth you’ve generated and keep you body temperature constant.

Sun block: You don’t usually associate sunburn snow, but just as UV rays reflect off water, they also reflect of the glistening snow, leaving you will a sun burnt face. Lips are especially vulnerable and can be painful when exposed to icy winds. Sunglasses or goggles are also useful. Goggles can be rented along with other equipment.

Wherever you decide to choose to go for your ski chalet breaks, the cold mountain air will be invigorating, the welcome warm, the food hearty, the scenery beautiful and you’ll return home fresher and fitter than when you arrived.

TGV European Rail Map

Updated TGV European Rail Map avalilable to download!!

2011-2012 Ski Fashion

Davos Ski

Good news! Winter is almost here. Temperatures dropped and snow already fell in some skiing areas. The new ski season is ahead of us now and we can’t wait to hit the slopes of the world again. However, a new ski season means new ski gear and fashion. Have everything you need for your next skiing holidays.

Let’s start with ski goggles and helmets, because safety is the most important thing when skiing or snowboarding. A few brands have specialised in that area like Giro, a Californian brand that focuses on safety and style. Giro helmets are either hardshell or in-mold construction: hardshell being cheaper but made up of a durable plastic shell that will efficiently protect your skull, while in-mold construction combines a tough polycarbonate outer shell with the helmet’s impact-absorbing foam liner which make it lighter and better ventilated. On top of that you can find them both in different colours and styles that will go with your ski outfit.

The Swedish brand POC also provides great helmets in flashy colours. All the helmets have been tested by the top sport athletes which is a proof of quality.

Once you have the helmet, you need the right goggles. Smith Optics specialises in eye protection and offers trendy goggles to choose from. No doubt you will find the right ones for next winter.

Ski clothing is as essential as safety. Famous brands such as Quicksilver have kept their new collection secret for now, but we noticed new ski fashion trends in other retailers. The technology is improving, and jackets can now be equipped with a watch, a compass or even a weather indicator. You don’t believe us? Rossignol did it. But that’s not all, the brand Voelkl imagined and created a new clothing line made up of Sympatex material. It fits your body perfectly, whilst allowing it to breathe, and last but not least, it is biodegradable!

More ski fashion is on the way now but with that selection of brands you already have an idea of what to get for your next ski holidays, for sure!

Don’t forget that there are many ways to go skiing in Europe, with airports and railway stations right in the heart of the Alps. Check TGV Train service to get the cheapest fares.

Interested in UK Travel? Read more articles on the blog.

Tie the knot in Tuscany – or thereabouts…

Rome, Venice, Florence – just saying the names of these wonderful Italian cities makes us think of art, good food, couture and, ultimately, romance.
So it’s fitting that when it comes to planning your dream wedding abroad that Italy, with its lemon groves, stunning sunsets, dreamy vineyards and Tuscan hills features right up there as one of the main contenders for the top spot.
However, although getting married in a foreign country is wonderful and often adds to the romance of your special day, the preparation for the event is no picnic. There’s certainly laws you have to consider for instance in certain countries such as France and Portugal they’ll expect you to have been resident there for at least 30 days prior to your nuptials. Happily in Italy there is no such law however you WILL need an official Italian interpreter for the vows.
You can check what paperwork you’ll need by contacting the appropriate embassy (i.e. that of your own country) in Italy.

Getting there

If you’re the type who keeps an eye on the travel news then you’ll know that, thanks to the the onset of budget airlines, it’s never been easier – or cheaper - to touch down on Italian soil regardless of where in the country your planned destination is.
Car hire is also available for driving around those Tuscan hills or the Riviera while ItaliaRail – the national railway is reliable and won’t break the bank.

Weather

Remember, being a Mediterranean country it becomes extremely hot during the most intense summer months of July and August. November to March can also be problematic due to the rain. That leaves May, June and September as the most popular months for tying the knot so bear this in mind when it comes to booking your reception.

Ceremony

You can have a religious wedding ceremony in Italy, provided you’ve had a civil one first. Roman Catholics have no such restriction as the Italian authorities regard catholic ceremonies as legally binding. Those who opt for just a civil ceremony won’t be disappointed by the splendour and atmosphere of the Registry Offices in Italy which often double as historical attractions.

Reception

You can imagine just how many gorgeous little restaurants and pavement cafes there are in Italy. However, for large-scale receptions it’s often better to look for one of the larger hotels such as the Holiday Inn who specialise in Matrimoni Sale (or wedding halls). Here they’ll also take care of the music, entertainment and catering for you, including the cake (and in Italy of course, the food is a main event in itself).
Booking your reception in a popular hotel means it’s also easy for your guests to simply troop upstairs to their rooms after celebrating with you.

Honeymoon

One of the most romantic spots of all is Venice where there’s always the possibility of your brand new nearest and dearest serenading you on a Gondola. Then again, a Tuscan farmhouse is hard to beat for sheer idyllic contentment. For beauty and elegance there’s the Italian Riviera. Need we go on?

Winter Skiing Destinations in Slovenia

Instead of staying in and wrapping up warm this winter, why not embrace the chill and head to Slovenia for a holiday in the snow? It’s not the first location you may think of for a holiday and because of this it remains quiet and unspoilt. Providing a wide variety of winter sports and activities, there’s sure to be something for all the family to enjoy.


Kranjska Gora

Located in the Julian Alps, Slovenia’s leading ski resort has plenty to offer; with ski instructors for skiers of all abilities (even for skiers with no experience at all), equipment for hire and all the snow you could possibly need, there’s no excuse not to brush up on your skills! If you fancy something a little different then why not try snowboarding? It’s said to be easier than skiing and it’s always fun to try something new.

If you’re a more experienced skier then take a tour of the 40 kilometres of cross country track that this resort has to offer; taking you through Kranjska Gora, past the Sava River and back again, not only will you have fun on the way you’ll take in some incredible, magical landscapes.


Perfect for families; with high class childcare, and activities for older kids, they can either learn to ski with Mum and Dad, or enjoy the company of other children. There are ice skating lessons for the little ones; so if you’d rather lounge back in a log cabin and keep cosy, there’s plenty to ensure the kids aren’t bored. Take the big-kid route and go sledding? A timeless activity, it’s one of the simplest and best ways to enjoy the snow! If the idea of board sports and skiing is a bit too daunting for you, there’s nothing better just having a snowball fight, or making a snowman.


Bohinj

Located at the edge of Triglav National Park, Bohinj is one of the most stunning skiing areas in the country, with its unspoilt scenery its home to the largest natural lake in Slovenia, Lake Bohinj.


Bohinj’s facilities are mainly for beginners and intermediates, so it’s the ideal location if you’re just starting out and for families too. With several villages scattered around the resort, you’ll be close to any home comforts that you may need; head to Bohinijska Bistrica if you need an extra jumper (or two), or souvenirs for relatives.


Head off into the mountains on one of the gondolas, which provide easy access to the pistes. Kobel is the largest and is located above the main village so it’s no distance at all. You could take a different route and head up to Vogel; even at an altitude of 1,800m there are nursery slopes for the beginners. If you don’t fancy heading all the way back down, you can simply soak up the breath-taking scenery, but with 25% of the slopes specifically for beginners, you could always give it a go! Also brilliantly suited to cater for young families, there are a wide range of alternative activities to partake in, such as ice-skating and sledding.


Unwind after a hard day’s skiing and head off to the low-key après-ski venues that are scattered throughout the surrounding villages. Bars can be found in most of the hotels, such as the Ski Hotel Vogel, which is just a short trip away at the top of the ski area – enjoy a cold beer or hot chocolate and relax whilst you take in these beautiful views. Indulge in a warming evening meal and sample some of the local rustic cuisine.


Krvavec

Located just an hour away, arrange car hire Ljubljana Airport and take the scenic route here. Recline in comfort at this quiet resort, perfect if you want to avoid the busier locations. Krvavec is situated only 25 minutes from Kranj so why not spend a day in this picturesque city and take a stroll around the 13th century Kieselstein Castle.


Back at the resort you’ll find 35 kilometres of pisted ski runs, reachable in just 7 minutes with the gondola, or slow the pace and explore this winter wonderland further while you amble around the scenic hiking trails. Of course, if you’d prefer to admire the view from afar, why not stay indoors and hire out a room at the Apartma Kokl, located within beautiful, quiet gardens, overlooking the River Sava.


If you love the winter and snow, go all out and hire an igloo for the night! Whether you’re on your honeymoon, fancy a romantic escape, or if you’re just looking to be a bit different, there are igloos for hire that come with beds covered in cosy furs you’ll be able to wrap up warm and enjoy the winter at the same time.


Whatever you decide to do on your winter holiday, ensure you make the most of it by visiting Slovenia; embrace the cold and enjoy the snow while it lasts!


Kranjska Gora

http://www.flickr.com/photos/brightblightcafe/3234118163/

pirano Bob

Lake Bohinj

http://www.flickr.com/photos/samandjo/5486252427/
sam and jo


Krvavec

http://www.flickr.com/photos/meteo/2098079782/

meteo Matej Pangerc

What to Look for in a Luxury Hotel in Yorkshire

All travellers get to a point where they have had enough of sleeping in 10-man dorms in grebby student hostels. Usually, most travellers will factor in a little bit of luxury to their journey – it may just be a couple of nights in a luxury hotel and a meal in a fine restaurant, but this is exactly what we need to rebuild our strength and push us on to the next leg of the journey.
The county of Yorkshire is a good place to have as your luxury stop. There are a plethora of luxury restaurants and hotels, all with stunning countryside surroundings, perfect for catching your breath and restoring your energy.
When you select a luxury hotel in Yorkshire, here are a few things you might want to keep an eye out for.

1. Surroundings

As we’ve already mentioned, there are some absolutely stunning landscapes to be taken in the Yorkshire area. When checking yourself in to a luxury hotel in Yorkshire, make sure you go for one set in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside.
It would seem a waste to splash all that cash on a luxury hotel if the surroundings do not match the inside decoration and facilities of the hotel. One of Yorkshire’s main assets is its countryside; why not really enjoy it by staying in a luxury hotel, in luxury surroundings.

2. Fine Dining

Great surroundings and a comfortable bed are one thing, but a high quality meal prepared by a world class chef truly is something else. You want the cuisine of your luxury hotel to also be up to a luxury standard.
Scope out the restaurant of the hotel you’ve got your eye on, on their website. Most luxury hotels are quick to boast about the food they serve up, so you’ll definitely be able to get a feel for the food they make before you make a decision to stay there.

3. Pampering

Last, and not least, you’ll need to make sure you’re going to get well and truly pampered at your luxury hotel Yorkshire. You might be in the mood for the full spa treatment, in which case you will need to ensure your luxury hotel can cater for your needs.
Others will want to squeeze in a bit of exercise during their stay at a luxury hotel in Yorkshire. If this is you, then a gym and swimming pool is an absolute must in your luxury hotel.

Unusual Days Out on UK Tours

It’s fair to say that today’s traveller is looking to do something outside of the normal tourist traps. UK tours that just encompass the usual hotspots are somewhat passé, travellers now want to get off the beaten track, experience something a bit out-of-the-ordinary.
If you are sick-to-death or plain don’t fancy Stonehenge, Edinburgh Castle or Buckingham Palace, then why not embark on one of these more unusual days out, when you’re out and about in theUnited Kingdom.

1.       Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island is about as ‘dawn sarf’ (down south) as you can get in the United Kingdom. The largest island off the county of Dorset is a hidden treasure in the UK, as well as being a destination that many tourists will overlook or miss.

The picturesque island is notable for being the first camp of the Boy Scout Movement in 1907, and was also used to confuse Nazi air bombers during World War 2.

2.       Go Ape 

If you’re looking for something a little more exhilarating then a day out to an island, then why not take your partner or your family to Go Ape. Go Ape is a self-defined ‘tree top adventure’.

You’ll use ladders, walkways, bridges, tunnels and rope to negotiate your way across the tops of various UK forests, all under the supervision of an expert instructor of course! It’s great fun, and the views aren’t too bad either.

There are 27 Go Ape courses all over the country, so no matter what route your UK tours are heading in, there is a high chance you’ll be able to factor in this pulse racing activity.

3.       The Dog Collar Museum

Strange as it sounds, this place actually exists! Currently exhibiting at the Leeds Castle in Kent, this collection of rare, historic and fascinating dog collars is a must for all dog lovers and indeed, history lovers. The collection spans five centuries and contains some of the most unusual dog collars you will have ever seen!

This truly is an unusual day out for any UK tours party – for more ideas on days out when travelling keep an eye on UK travel news.

6 quick tips for unusual, exciting and fun activities in New York

New York is known for its high buildings, shopping areas, monuments, Broadway shows, restaurants and many other things. Because of those things, New York is the spectacular and popular city it is today. But when you are staying in New York for over a month, it is quite common to want to do something different for a change. That is why I will show you a whole other side of New York. I have listed some exciting activities in New York.

Skydiving

For those who are looking for a courageous thrill. Experience a free fall over Staten Island. You will have a spectacular view of the Hampton Beaches, Fire Island and the Atlantic coastline. This will be an experience you will remember for the rest of your life. You will jump out of an airplane that flies 2 miles above the ground. There is nothing like that feeling of the moment you are about the jump. Your heart pounds, adrenaline is pumping through your body and you experience freedom like you have never felt before. And when you´re done, the only thing you want is to get in that plane again.

Helicopter tour

The most exciting and spectacular way to see the great New York City is by doing a helicopter sightseeing tour. You will have the chance to see the great New York City landmarks. For the kids, this will be an experience they will never forget. Flying over the great city of New York, you will see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, the New York bridges, the Statue of Liberty and other skyscrapers. New York City.

Six flax Darien Lake

If you are looking for a thrill, you should visit this theme park. It has 8 thrilling rides including some record breaking roller coasters when it comes to speed. This park has also lots of rides for children who are too young for the extreme roller coasters. The park has a great water park including  interactive water play structure, Flow rider, surfing ride, lazy river, activity pool, wading pool, hot tub, family raft ride,  tube and body slides.

Attend the skate board marathon

A first of its kind. It is a battle of fitness, endurance, and action.

The Adrenalina Skateboard Marathon is a 26.2 mile long board race set to promote health & fitness, as well as the lifestyle. The Start/Finish line will showcase an expo village where spectators and participants can purchase the latest and greatest in action sports and beyond. There will also be live music and other extreme sport demos.

NYC Balloon ride

A hot air Balloon ride is something that many may dream about for years, and remember forever. Whether you have chosen this adventure for you and your family, or for a special occasion, your experience will be unforgettable as you travel above the treetops and below the clouds.

Kayaking in the New York harbor

If you want to do something with a little more peace and quiet, just go kayaking on the New York harbor. You will have a beautiful view over the sparkling Manhattan and New Jersey skylines.

Article written by J.Besters, blogger and writer for apartime.com provider of vacation rental apartments in New York City.

French resorts ready to kick off

Winter season 2011-2012 is around the corner. Ski resorts are preparing to welcome you in the best conditions for the best ski holidays you’ll have all year!

This winter, the French ski resort of Châtel invested in a larger chair lift. Rochassons lift went from 2 to 6 passenger capability, which will carry 3000 skiers uphill in an hour. What’s more, to assure complete safety this lift is equipped with a safety bar. But that’s not all; Châtel also added 39 snow canons to ensure perfect ski conditions during the whole season. A new activity also appears in Châtel this season which is Airboard. There will be fun times to come on the slopes.

Val d’Isere also decided to invest in their facilities with now almost 160 slopes to ski on. The famous snow park, Valpark, now has a new chalet where you will be able to rest and eat between two jumps. Also for food lovers, the restaurant La Becca received its first star in the Michelin Guide, definitely a place to try this winter.

Les Arcs and its various villages have a lot to announce this season. Arc 1950 will open a brand new spa with baths, treatments and true relaxation as a great alternative to skiing. Arc 1600 replaced its two lifts with a brand new one. Novice skiers will also be able to ski on a new slope “Les deux têtes”.

Les Gets introduces Airbag Freestyle as well as a new boardercross named after Olympic champion Deborah Anthonioz who helped design it. It will also be able to host international competitions. Snow canons will provide more snow during the season if the weather isn’t up to scratch. Les Gets is also a great destination for original holidays; you can enjoy a meal for two inside a cable car, or even share starters inside an igloo.

While an airbag in Les Sept-Laux is ready to catch all the skiers and snowboarders willing to try crazy jumps in safety, Champagny en Vanoise reorganised its slopes from areas of Mont de la Guerre and Harakiri des Verdons. A new lift capable to carry 3000 people per hour has also been installed.

All the ski resorts in France are ready to start and the only part we are missing is the snow, but it will show up right on time this year! With brand new facilities and winter sports proposed, France is a great choice thanks to Eurostar it is easy to reach the Alps in a few hours on the train from the UK. There’s nothing like ski holidays!

Interested in UK Travel? Read more articles on the blog.

Experience the north of the UK with a city break

Although a large proportion of tourists coming to Britain probably think London is the only city worth seeing, northern cities like Leeds and Manchester have so much to offer and should not be forgotten.  With a wide range of shopping locations, cultural hotspots and loads more, here are a few ideas on where to go to get the most from your northern city break.

Things to do

With the Yorkshire Dales merely a stones-throw (or short train ride away), Leeds is perfectly situated if you do want to take a trip out, but there is also something for everyone in the city centre. For culture seekers Leeds has several options; art lovers will find The Henry Moor Institute and The Leeds Art Gallery which houses a world class selection of 20^th Century pieces, both situated on The Headrow. Leeds City Museum is a great place to visit for those interested in history and is perfect for a rainy day, along with The Royal Armouries which has a stunning collection of weaponry from all the ages.

Manchester also offers up a plethora of cultural and historical sites for you to visit. The Museum of Science and Industry is great for children and adults alike with lots of hands on exhibitions, along with the Imperial War Museum in Salford Quays and its striking architecture. The city also has several brilliant art galleries, the largest of these being Manchester Art Gallery on Mosley St and The Lowry, named after the famous painter who came from the city. Manchester has a thriving independent culture scene and smaller galleries The Whitworth and Corner House are both worth searching out.

Leeds City Museum

Shopping

Both Manchester and Leeds have some of the best shopping locations in the country and it is easy to lose a whole day just wandering round. Leeds’ Victoria Quarter is home to high fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton and Reiss as well as department store Harvey Nichols. Smaller boutiques can be found dotted around such as Each To Their Own.

The Northern Quarter in Manchester is a thriving community of independent record, clothing and art shops as well as some fantastic bars which we’ll get on to in a moment. Oi Polloi offers some incredible quality menswear that you won’t find anywhere else and Oklahoma is brilliant for those who like things a bit kitsch!

Bars and Clubs

The nightlife in these two cities is vibrant and ranges from alternative bars playing host to the best local talent to huge clubs with the latest dance music from around the world. Some of the best DJs in the world come to play at Leeds venues including Halo, which is a nightclub inside a converted church and The Cockpit attracts some of the biggest bands in existence. Those in-the-know head to Nation of Shopkeepers, where you can hear the freshest bands and electronic music from the cutting edge of the scene.

Similarly in Manchester, big clubs like Area 51 and Tiger Tiger attract the masses and big names, but the real gems are to be found in the smaller locations in the Northern Quarter and down Oxford Road. Hit and Run at the Mint Lounge is for the hardier electronic music fan and is always a late one, but a good one.  

Next time you’re considering a city break, think about Leeds and Manchester as you could be missing out on something amazing!

This was a guest article from One UK who specialise in apartments in Leeds

Secret Beaches Around the World

Secret Beaches

Beach holidays are beloved by nearly everyone--which can make finding an uncrowded shore nearly impossible at times. If you want to book cheap holidays that are on secluded and isolated beaches, visit one of these top secret beaches found across the globe.

Punta Malentis, Sardinia: You may have heard of the famed Sardinian beaches, and wonder how this one could be isolated. With so many beaches on the island, this one lacks the major amenities many beach-goers need. However, if you're happy just to enjoy the incredible natural scenery and have a secluded day on a white sandy shore, Punta Malentis is the ideal spot. Rocks over 15 meters in height surround the private beach, and shelter it from crowds.

Whale Island,Vietnam: This beautiful Vietnamese beach is a unique destination that won't soon be forgotten. The best place in the country to see whales and go snorkeling, the entire beach is often deserted, save for a few coconut trees. Without a plethora of cheap hotels, Whale Island is accessible by boat from the town of Nha Trang, and the only place to stay overnight on the entire island is a single building that offers accommodation and food.

Trang, Thailand: Although Thailand is home to several popular and popular beaches, Trang remains one of the least visited in the country. And even if there are a few like-minded visitors when you're there, the shoreline is long enough to accommodate plenty of people. In fact, with the sandy shores stretching almost 200 kilometers in length, you can easily spend the day without seeing a single person! Enjoy clear blue waters and sandy shores in complete isolation on Trang.

New Chums Beach, New Zealand: To get to this incredible destination, you will have to work for it! A 40 minute hike is required from a nearby more popular beach. This short walk means that few beach-goers make the journey, leaving the spoils of the white sandy shore to the dedicated few. A horseshoe shaped beach is protected by tall trees, sheltering the area and creating an incredible cove that looks like a lost world. Enjoy seclusion and privacy, only a short walk from beach amenities.

Praslin Island, St Lucia: In order to get to this isolated and peaceful destination, you will need to take a short boat ride from Praslin Village. The short trip is certainly worth it, and you will be rewarded with a stunning shoreline and plenty of hiking paths to enjoy. Rarely do any visitors come to the beach, and your most likely companions with be the abundant birds that call to one another at dusk.

TGV + Car Hire = Best option in Europe!

Europe is a fantastic place to visit either for a few months or just a few weeks. Getting around all of the different countries is made easy by its train system. It is true that you may miss many great attractions by taking the train; so why not split up your journey by hiring a car also! France is a country definitely worth exploring by car; you can stop by historic towns or head for the lively cities. You can return a car hire in Gare de Lille Europe station and from here get the high-speed Eurostar and TGV services that will take you through to Belgium and the Netherlands! Book both your car hire and train services before you depart for your travels; it saves waiting around and wasting valuable holiday time!

Brussels; the city of Jazz & Beer!

Every August Brussels springs to life with the sound of jazz music! Down in the heart of the city you will find a place called ‘Music Village’, it is hear that you can tap your feet to the beat of fantastic live jazz acts from around the world! Start planning your musical trip now and book a car hire in Brussels-South station, that way you can travel in style to your accommodation and visit a few attractions along the way! If you stay extends into the month of September then you can enjoy the famous Belgian Beer Weekend; sampling the brew from different breweries located across the country.

Spain's largest food fight: La Tomatina Festival !!

Take part in possibly the largest food fight ever, ‘La Tomatina Festival’!  People from all over the globe flock to the town of Bunol, near Valencia, to throw tomatoes at each; doesn’t that just sound fantastic! The juicy ripe tomatoes are thrown either by hand, water cannons, or catapults; in short any kind of throwing device will do! After the experience you can travel in a car hire to Malaga and soak up the Spanish cultural or relax from all the tomatoes throwing. After you have explore the city sights you can easily return your car hire in Malaga Airport and head back home. If you are looking for more UK traveller’s advice then read our great blogs.

Koninginnedag - Queen's Day

There's never a bad time to visit the Netherlands, as tens of thousands of visitors a year can attest, but if you've got the chance, Queen's Day in April 30th is an event not to be missed! The official celebration of Queen Beatrix's birthday (whose real birthday falls on January 31st), this day is packed full of exciting and colourful events, from the freemarkets all over the country, quite similar to large scale car boot sales, to the open air concerts all over the main cities.

In a city that boasts one of Europe's most acclaimed nightlife, Queen's Night in Amsterdam is an unforgeable experience that will keep you on your feet all night long!

And while you're in the Netherlands, why not take the opportunity to get out of the city and tour the countryside? Pick up a car hire in Amsterdam and explore the region, admiring the colourful fields of tulips that grace the landscape at this time of year! Remember that with Auto Europe's App for iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, you can book your car hire on the go, wherever you are!

Literary Easter - Remembering Shakespeare

April is possibly the best month out of the year to visit Shakespeare's hometown, just in time for the Bard's birthday celebrations! Drive a car hire to Stratford-upon-Avon and join the revelers as they walk the streets of Stratford dressed in period costumes to lay flowers on Shakespeare's tomb or toast the famous author's immortal glory over his birthday luncheon!

The RSC will perform a play at the Royal Shakespeare Threatre in the evening, but several other companies, amateur and professional, put up performances throughout the day! Take the opportunity to visit the house where William Shakespeare was born or Anne Hathaway's cottage.

And while you're in the area, why not drive your car hire to Birmingham for a day in the big city? Easter doesn't have to be all about bunnies and Easter eggs. This year, dare to be different ;)

Easter Around the World - Seville

Seville's Easter celebrations are some of the most characteristic around the world, boasting several events throughout the Holy Week that are bound to astound and marvel visitors. Tourists flock to the city during this time of year, drawn by the ancient traditions that go back to the Middle Ages.

See the procession of pasos and admire the wooden sculptures which depict scenes from the Passion, some of them quite ancient and of artistic merit. There are over 60 processions during the week, but the ones not to miss are the ones on Holy Thursday, when eerie cloaked figures fill the night of Seville in order to arrive at the Cathedral on the dawn of Good Friday.

While you're in the area, why not pick up a car hire in Seville and tour Andalusia? Discover Cadiz, explore Granada or drive your car hire to Malaga for a dip in the ocean! For all that it's only early spring, Spanish weather is generous and the Mediterranean waters already start to seem inviting! Beat the tourist crowds and enjoy the luxury of having the Costa del Sol beaches all to yourself!

Long Weekend Bliss

With the announcement of an extra bank holiday on April 29th for occasion of Prince William and Kate Middleton's Royal Wedding, you have the perfect excuse for a four day escapade! Make the most of the springy weather and set off to Southern Europe. It's still too early in the season for the tourist crowds to have already  flocked to the southern regions in a sort of migratory circuit yearly repeated, but the weather is inviting enough that you might even be tempted to go for a swim in the blue waters of the Mediterranean.

Pick up a car hire in Nice and tour the French Riviera, stopping by Cannes or Menton or even taking a trip to Monaco. If you prefer the Portuguese sun to its Gallic counterpart, picking up a car hire at Faro Airport will let you explore the amazing beaches of the Algarve and find out for yourself exactly what makes them such fabulous destinations! Don't wait any longer to start planning your mini-holidays! ;-)

Spring Time in Europe

Easter Time is the perfect time to explore Southern Europe, before the big crowds rush to all the popular tourist spots. For those on a budget, picking up a car hire in Spain for a week is a great way to save money, specially when travelling in a group. Hostels are also a great option for saving money, but camping might prove cheaper and will allow you to make the most of the absolutely fabulous Mediterranean weather.

Drive your car hire to Mallorca, discover Barcelona or watch the bull figths in Sevilla. Whatever your preference, your car hire will allow you the freedom to tailor your holidays to your own tastes. With exclusive Auto Europe's App for iPhone, iPad or iPod touch , you can even book your car hire on the go, wherever you are, whenever you want!

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