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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