France, in particular, is one of my most favourite places in Europe and ever since I was introduced to the charms of Paris on a language trip I’ve been well and truly hooked. Since I left school I’ve been all over the country, including: the Cote d’Azur, Brittany, Normandy and the Alps all of which have left me hungry for more.

So, with our Prime Minister’s tub-thumping comments in mind, I’d like to remind him why France, and the rest of Europe, are simply sublime and why the thought of opting out of the EU should be considered as foolish as crossing the Channel in a bath.

Menton, Cote d’Azur, France by Berthold Werner

Food

For many, French cuisine is as good as it gets and from croissants and baguettes to gateaux and petit fours, eating your way around the country is an amazing experience not to be missed. Regional variations allow you to taste a new flavour of France very day and the very thought of seafood along the west coast is enough to send me into raptures. Restaurants, cafes and bistros all provide a sumptuous array of talent and if we’re opting out of French gastronomy then book my ticket for Paris, right now.

Markets

As with travel to any foreign country, the chance to visit the local market presents an object lesson in languages, customs and, ultimately, culture, because this is where the produce of the land meets the people of the streets. Rural stalls, selling freshly made jams and spreads, or cobbled town squares where meats and cheeses are on display, you name it and you can buy it at the market. There aren’t many more interesting ways to spend a morning or afternoon and as soon as you get your first whiff of a French market, you’ll be in for a treat.

Walks

The French countryside is blessed with myriad walking trails and from the mountain peaks of the Alps to the flower-festooned meadows of Provence, grab your knapsack, favourite stick and put your best foot forward. If you’re a fan of fresh air and gentle exercise then there’s no finer option and just check out the ski resorts during the summer months if you fancy enjoying picnics on lush green hillsides. France also boasts a criss-cross of rivers and, walks by the waterside along tow-paths or well-trodden banks, are an excellent idea if you’re hoping to work up an appetite.

Boats in Fécamp, Upper Normandy, France by dynamosquito

Canal boat

As mentioned, France has so many rivers and canals that it barely knows what to do with them other than making them look extremely pretty. One fantastic idea, if you are thinking about taking advantage of French waterways, is canal boating and lazy Sunday mornings, on-board le boat, are as totally delightful as they sound. Following the course of a river can take you past numerous landmarks and sights and mooring up for the night is an exciting and relaxing alternative to looking for a hotel.

Sightseeing

Of course, Paris is packed-full of iconic sights with the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame all up there on the ‘must see’ guide however, explore a little further afield and you’ll find many more. Fairy-tale chateaus, historic beaches and the vineyards of Bordeaux will all leave you in no doubt as to why sightseeing is a countrywide experience as opposed to only city based. If you must sightsee in a city then check out Avignon and Lyon which both have some tremendous examples of ancient architecture as well as loads of museums and monuments.

Biog: Chris can’t wait to return to France and thinks opting out of the EU would be the equivalent to filling in the Channel Tunnel.

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La Coruna airport serves the A Coruna province of North West Spain which forms part of the Galicia region. The capital city, also named A Coruna, is located approximately 8km from the airport, so a hire car can transport you swiftly between the two. Galicia is not as tourist-driven as some other areas of Spain, making prices comparatively low and this also extends to car rental costs. Having your own vehicle whilst visiting the area will allow you to fully explore the beautiful countryside and historical towns and cities, whilst also saving you money on public transport costs. Collecting your hire car direct from the airport is very convenient, particularly for families or other large groups and for those visiting on business. Most of the major car rental companies have facilities at the airport, including Avis, Alamo, Budget and Europcar.

La Coruna airport, Spain by Marcus

Booking Online

There are a number of ways to find companies offering car hire for La Coruna airport online and a simple search on Google (such as “car hire Spain“) will return many pages of results. If this seems a little overwhelming then price comparison websites will do a lot of the hard work for you, providing easy options to narrow down the search to your requirements and directly compare particular companies and deals. When you find something you are happy with, simply click through to the relevant page and make your booking. Alternatively, if you have been recommended or prefer to use a specific company, you can go directly to their homepage to book your car.

Benefits

Online booking is very fast and simple and you will usually be e-mailed all the details relating to your purchase for easy reference. There may also be the option of amending any details of your booking prior to departure, but be sure to check for any additional charges. Booking in this way gives you as much time as you need to select the right vehicle for your needs and budget, without feeling unduly pressurised. Most companies also have a wider choice of vehicles available online, compared to booking on arrival at the airport. In this way, you can be sure of all the usual benefits associated with car rental, such as freedom and independence, with the additional reassurance of knowing that the car you want will be ready and waiting for you on arrival.

Online booking of rental cars is by far the most convenient way to arrange your transport from La Coruna airport, providing the best prices and widest range of options to truly make the most of your stay in this beautiful part of Spain.

AUTHOR BIO
Shirley Jones writes regularly for a range of travel websites and blogs, covering many aspects associated with this field. Particular areas of interest include finding the best holiday deals on tickets, accommodation and related travel requirements in Europe (e.g. cheap car hire Spain, car hire for La Coruna Airport) to help UK-based consumers make the most of their money in this top holiday destination.

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Brecon Beacons, Wales, UK by Nigel Swales

This region of the UK has an abundance of beautiful countryside, stunning coastal paths and soft, sandy beaches. There are also many interesting castles and historical sites waiting to be explored.  South Wales has long been a popular choice for families on holiday in the UK. There are many great holiday caravan parks and campsites to choose from in the region and they are always popular places during the summer months.

Reasons to Take a Family Holiday in South Wales

Why do so many families come to South Wales every year for a getaway? There are many reasons why this part of the world is so popular with families on holiday. Here are some of the reasons why South Wales is such a great family getaway destination:

• Amroth Castle is located in South Wales. This unique and beautiful historical 18th century house was constructed on the site of an original Norman fortress and makes a very interesting and educational day trip for kids of all ages.

• South Wales has many opportunities for active holidays, such as hiking, swimming and more. If you have kids who love to explore the outdoors they will have a great time here.

• South Wales does not have a high crime rate, so it is a very safe place to bring your children on a holiday.

• As it is only a short drive or train ride away from anywhere else in Britain, you will not have to take a plane to get to your holiday destination which saves you time and money. Also, sometimes flying with young children can be stressful so staying in South Wales will let you avoid this.

• This region is home to the Brecon Beacons national park which covers a third of the area and contains the highest mountain south of Snowdonia; Pen y Fan. This is a beautiful place to show your children the wonders of nature and take some impressive family photographs.

• With so many holiday caravan parks and camping sites in South Wales, there is a lot of selection and your family will be sure to find somewhere that suits your needs and budget. Camping can be a lot cheaper than staying in a hotel as well as being a fun and memorable holiday experience.

• All of the national museums within Wales are free to visit and great fun for families. Your kids might enjoy visiting the National Museum in Cardiff, the National Waterfront Museum or the National Roman Legion Museum.

• Cardiff, Swansea and Newport offer a good selection of high quality restaurants so that your family will have plenty of choice when it comes to where to eat.

• Every summer plenty of family-friendly festivals take place in South Wales, such as the Cardiff Festival. These events include live music, food, entertainment and children’s activities and are great fun for kids of all ages.

• The big sandy beaches of the West Shore are the ideal place for a classic British seaside experience. Your kids will love making sandcastles and swimming while you relax in the sunshine.

These are just a few of the reasons why South Wales is such a popular destination for family getaway. Why not consider booking a trip this summer with your kids?

South Wales is an ideal place to take the family on a holiday and here are the reasons why so many people love Kiln Park Camping.

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Rutland Water – Leicestershire / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by NotFromUtrecht

Rutland Water is a 4200 acre park set in some of the most beautiful countryside in the Midlands. It is a nature reserve and conservation area so there are plenty of interesting plants and animals to see whilst you are there. The park has 2 visitor centres and a range of nature trails and cycling routes of different lengths. The Rutland Circular route is one of the most popular as it offers an exciting glimpse of the half sunken Normanton Church. In total there are over 23 miles of cycle paths at the reservoir for you to enjoy.  When you fancy a change from cycling, Leicestershire has a number of attractions including the National Space Centre, Belvoir Castle and Foxton Locks.

Huguenot Canterbury / Photo under public domain created by SuzanneKn

The Viking Coast Trail is a 27 mile loop on the Isle of Thanet. Contrary to its name, Thanet is no longer an island but sits at the most easterly point in Kent. The route passes through a number of traditional Kentish villages and extremely pretty churches. You can do as much or as little of the route as you like. If you want to do something shorter then you could try the 9 mile stretch of the route that goes from Ramsgate to Reculver along the sea wall. Other local activities include a fun mini-golf course, a leisure centre and an enchanting shell grotto.

Chipping Campden – Cotswolds. This route from Chipping Campden to Moreton-in-Marsh is a lovely circular route of 30miles. This route can be challenging in part especially around Batsford Park and Kineton Hill but it is very scenic and extremely enjoyable. You will find yourself meandering through leafy woodland, secret valleys and historic villages on this route. It is worth mentioning though that a small section of this route runs along a busy road which would be unsuitable for child cyclists. Other points of interest include Broadway tower, Moreton Falconry Centre and the Cotswold Farm Park. All of which would be a fun break for tired legs!

Cotswolds Panorama Fields / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Saffron Blaze

Vicky works alongside Cotswold Country Cycles. She loves outdoor activities including cycling, horse-riding and walking.

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Castle Coch

Located in the village of Tongwynlais just north of Cardiff, Coch Castle is favoured for its ideal fairy tale resemblance. Visitors are attracted right away by the fluted towers and charming drawbridge. Built upon the ruins of a former keep, the castle represents more of an impressive work of art than a military fortress. Designed in a Gothic Victorian style, the castle also features a beautiful ornate interior. The Lady Butte’s room is well worth checking out with its mirrored ceilings. From the top of the battlements, visitors can get splendid views across the Cardiff area. Surrounded by lush woodland, the castle grounds offer several walking and cycling trails and picnic spots.

Photo released under public domain. Source: wikipedia

Carreg Cennen Castle

Located in the village of Trapp, a few miles south of Llandeilo is the spectacular castle of Carreg Cenne. The castle is well noted for its strategic defence position atop a steep limestone cliff. Human remains found at the castle area have presented evidence of people living at the site as far back as prehistoric times. Rich in history, the castle has seen its share of sieges and battles and even being damaged during the War of the Roses. Visitors can tour the square court surrounded by high towers, the drawbridge and even explore a cave tunnel beneath the castle. Stunning views of the area can be seen from the tower and battlement tops.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by zingyyellow…wish I could bend space/time

Caernarfon Castle

Built in 1284, this Norman castle is one of the most popular attractions in Wales. The architectural beauty, hexagonal towers and imposing presence set it apart from other castles. It was here that the fourth son of Edward I was born and crowned as Prince of Wales. The castle was used in 1969 for the investiture of Charles, Prince of Wales. The castle features everything one expects in a castle from its lovely turrets, towers, interesting passageways and murder holes. From the tower top, visitors can see across the Menai Strait with its elegant suspension bridge and lovely countryside.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Bladeflyer

Pembroke Castle

Located in the west of Wales, the castle is well noted for its significance in Britain’s history as the birthplace of Henry VII. Founded in 1093 by Roger of Montgomery, it was also the residence of the Earl of Pembroke. The castle is so huge that it can take up to a half of a day to tour it. Here, visitors can explore corridors and rooms featuring tables that depict the history of the castle. Wander the outside grounds and feed swans at a nearby pond.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Wendy Mann

Conwy Castle

Located on the north coast of Wales, this beautiful castle was originally a stronghold built by Henry III and later replaced by King Edward I. Built on a high rock precipice, the castle is said to be haunted by an earlier resident. Featuring high curtain walls and eight round towers, the castle presents a dominating presence. Climb to the top for incredible views of the area. Children can learn about the castle’s history through a children’s trail and interactive displays.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Phillip Capper

Written by www.worldwidetravelguide.co.uk

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Roser Goula

Northern Costa Brava

Starting in the north Figueres and Cadaques are the main towns of the area stretching up to France. Figueres is a beautiful Catalan town with an interesting architecture and plenty of warmth. The town is most famous for its Dali museum which is the world’s best collection of Dali’s and absolutely un-missable. Dali was born in Figueres and the museum is the most popular in the whole of Spain. Beyond the museum the ramblas are a great place to stroll and while away your afternoons while enjoying the fantastic cafes and street culture of this great town. Cadaques is also tied intimately to Dali and is a beautiful fishing village with a much more sedate and peaceful way of life for you to enjoy.

Outside of the towns the north of the Costa Brava has beautiful countryside with the area around Cap de Creus being fantastically beautiful. Inland the medieval capital of the region Girona is spectacular and a beautiful town with exceptional architecture.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Roser Goula

Central Costa Brava

The central areas of the Costa Brava are the most popular with beach tourists. The main areas between Palamos and Pals are the favourite haunt of locals from Barcelona and tourists. The central coastline is really just a tourist attractions with Costa Brava villas, hotels and luxury resorts lining most of the coastline and somewhat ruining the local atmosphere. That said there are still some places to escape the tourist crowd and some beautiful beaches. If you head a little further inland though you can enjoy the stunning scenery of this fantastic region and a much more local atmosphere.

Southern Costa Brava

The southern Costa Brava takes us further into the concrete jungle and the traditional hotel and beach villa holidays Spain has to offer. It’s much more lively this end of the Costa Brava strip with the area around Lloret de Mar being the most vibrant and boisterous. The sun, sea and sands are undoubtedly the biggest draws and there are some stunning beaches and beautiful resorts to enjoy. However, if you want local culture you will again have to head inland for the main part as the southern coast is one of the most popular tourist regions. Nevertheless this shouldn’t put you off as the area is still beautiful and it’s a lot less crowded and more beautiful than the neighbouring Costa del Sol.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Andrew Hurley

From the Arab period you can see well preserved Castillo de San Miguel and the towers, protecting the city against enemies approaching by sea. The towers are preserved in almost perfect condition today. From an earlier Phoenician Period comes the necropolis Puente de Noy. During excavations in the years 1979 to 1993 were discovered 132 tombs, which provide convincing evidence of ancient inhabitants of this place.

Quite a lot monuments date back to the period of Roman domination. Those include the Aqueduct and Cave of the Seven Palaces, which now serves as an archaeological museum. From this time you will find also the Monks Tower and even Factoria de Salazones de Pescado (Salting FishH Factory).

Encarnación church was designed by famed architect of King Philip II., Juan de Herrera. The author of its tower then became a Granada’s native Diego de Siloé, who mainly participated on the most part of the Cathedral of Granada.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by NoelWalley at en.wikipedia

Approx. 40 minutes from Almuñécar you can visit Peña Escrita natural park where you suddenly find yourself almost in paradise. You will see beautiful countryside surrounded by mountains on one side and sea on the other. It’s a great tip for a nice walk, when you go around wonderful nature that is full of various animals and birds singing.

Beaches

Beaches are very natural and not as commercial as they are on the Costa del Sol.

Playa de Cantarrijan
This beach lies exactly on the boundary of two provinces, Malaga and Granada. You can get here from the national road No. 340 and you have two options. Either you walk down the path that is steep and sometimes you come across a smaller gradient, or choose the second one, which is milder but longer.

Playa La Herradura
It is 2100 m long beach. From both sides is protected by foothills of La Punta de la Mona and Cerro Gordo mountains.

Playa del Muerto
Do not be intimidated by the title (in translation beach deceased). The name is probably derived from the peace and quiet to be found there. It is a small beach (280 meters long) which you can enter by following an artificial rocky road.

Playa de San Cristóbal
One of the most famous beaches of this area lies to the west of Almuñécar. Besides the beach you can go to several bars and restaurants and enjoy some of the excellent local cuisine.

If you did not choose any from these beaches, you certainly do so once you get there. There’s a lot more!

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Marcel Janus

The area is popular tourist destination thanks to the beautiful countryside and unspoilt nature. Allgäu Alps with an altitude reaching more than 2000 metres above sea level are popular places for winter sports. Its highest point is Großer Krottenkopf with the hight of 2,656 metres above sea level, however, Nebelhorn is the most famous peak reaching an attidue of 2,224 metres.

Allgäu is one of the most popular tourist areas and winter resorts in Germany. For Alpine skiing lovers, there is a large selection of well groomed slopes – and it does not matter whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier with high demands. Most of the slopes are artificially cared and such they have enough snow until the end of March. After skiing you can drink in one of the cozy cottages, cafes and pubs, or lately at night in one of clubs.

You can choose from a number of skiing resorts that include Adelharz-Breitenstein Lifte, Alpsee Bergwelt, Balderschwang, Bolsterlang/Hornergruppe, Breitenberg, Buronlifte Wertach, Fellhorn – Kanzelwand, Grasgehrenlifte, Grunten, Halblech, Hornergruppe/Fischen, Hörnle, Hündle-Thalkirchdorf, Luggi-Leitner-Lifte Scheidegg, Oberjoch Bad Hindelang, Oberstdorf/ Nebelhorn, Oberstdorf/Sollereck – Hollwies, Ofterschwang, Scheidegg, Schwäbeleholz / Sonthofen, Steibis, Steibis-Hochgrat, Tegelberg, Thalerhöhe Skilifte, Weiler/Simmerberg.

In the eastern part of the Allgäu is located famous Neuschwanstein Castle. Allgäu is also known for the dairy industry. One of the best known product is Hirtenkäse – herdsman’s cheese.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Michael Mertens

Every year it holds several big events that remind the story of Dr. Frankenstein and his monster. Castle of Frankenstein lies hidden in the beautiful countryside. You can get here quite easily by a transport from the modern metropolis Frankfurt am Main. Frankenstein’s Castle was built in the mid 13th century by Count Konrad Reiz von Breuberg. Later there was built a hospital but from the late 18th century this wonderful medieval building began decay. The real glory of this place then came with the mentioned novel written by Mary Shelley.

During your visit in the Castle of Frankenstein in Mühltal you will certainly enjoy a big amount of adventure. It will be very interesting for the lovers of nature and historical monuments as the beautiful scenery can be found everywhere around castle.

Regardless of the name and history associated with the Castle of Frankenstein, people still make weddings in the chapel in ruins. But the best time to visit Castle of Frankenstein is probably October, when the castle holds Halloween party.

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Porticcio holiday resort which is situated in one of the most beautiful bays of the west coast of Corsica has become a popular destination for water sports lovers from all over Europe. You will find a wide and long sandy beaches here lined with numerous restaurants and bars. There is also the only water park on Corsica nearby. Visitors can go diving, sailing, surfing, water skiing or playing tennis. There is also a sailing school. Very popular here are Porticcio ship cruises.

Tips for your trips

The advantage of the site is that you can easily get to Ajaccio and other parts of the southern half of the island. South of the capital of Corsica, Ajaccio, you will find one of the most beautiful bays of the west coast. It is right opposite the Bloody Islands (Les sanguinaires) in the Ajaccio’s bay, protected by guard towers Capitello a Frassu. There are numerous hiking trails and mountain biking trails. Very attractive are the central parts of the island with picturesque villages and beautiful countryside of Corsica’s National Park.

The most romantic way how you can get to Corsica across the sea, is by ferry either to Bastia in the north or to Bonifacio or Ajaccio in the south. If you have a luck, you can see some dolphins around the ship.

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