Yep, it’s time to book your summer holiday.

Perhaps surprisingly, though, increasing numbers of holidaymakers are taking advantage of their time in the sun by using the period away to make life changing decisions.

Photo by Claire (Europe Explored)

In fact, research shows the warmer weather allows strung-out Britons to wrestle with life’s big choices such as changing careers, getting married or having kids. The report also claims that, with the pressures of everyday life removed, holidaymakers are free to plan and change any aspect of their life they’re not content with.

But there’s far more to consider before setting foot on the aeroplane, waving manically from the window and jotting down everything you plan to change from the beach.

For example, have you thought about how you might get to the airport? No? Well let’s do that now…

Picture the scene: your flight is at 6am. You’re rushing around getting kids ready, jamming suitcases shut as your other half has seemingly packed provisions for an Arctic expedition, and you’re stressing about finding a suitable parking space when you reach the airport.

However, all of that stress (well, most of it) can be alleviated with a few simple clicks of a mouse.

Valet parking from I Love Meet and Greet allows you to drive your car straight to the terminal where it will be collected by a professional driver and parked in a secure compound. This convenience allows you and your family to reach check-in within minutes without worrying about a parking space.

Large parking place by thienzieyung

Nothing could be easier.

Additionally, on your return, your car will be delivered back to you at the terminal – and this lets you get back on the road for home safe in the knowledge you’ve made some great decisions.

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Alonzo Zeringue was bitten by the travel bug at an early age. Since then, he’s rarely been able to stay in the same country. Alonzo has contributed this guest post on behalf of I Love Meet and Greet – number one for airport parking in the UK.

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Ice hotel by bjaglin

What Is an Ice Hotel?

What started as a seasonal display of man’s artistic and creative power over ice has turned into a booming resort business. Constructions methods vary, but typical construction includes stacking and forming sculpted blocks of ice and snow. Some hotels start by sculpting around metal frames and remove them as the ice hardens. Walls can be up to 4-ft thick in some places, to help support the weight of all that ice.

Isn’t it Freezing?

The walls, beds, furniture, and bars are 100% ice in a typical ice hotel. Some may even have restaurants and other amenities. One need not worry about freezing one’s you-know-what off, as the bathrooms are located off-site in a much warmer location. Inside, one can find temperatures ranging from 17 to 23 degrees Fahrenheit, so layering warms blankets and fur lined clothing is a must if one wants to make it through a night.

Where Are Ice Hotels Located?

Ice hotels are now located in a number of traditional cold weather climate locations. The Scandinavian countries, Canada, Russia, Romania and a few other places are where a traveller can typically find these icy fortresses.

The first, and arguably most popular, would be in the village of Jukkasjarvi, Sweden and was built in 1989. This one is open from December through April and prices start at $185 per night. The only ice hotel in the Americas would be in Quebec, Canada, and is open from January thru March. The Quebec ice hotel, like a few other locations, even has a ice chapel for wedding ceremonies.

Norway has the Kirkenes Snow Hotel, the Ice Lodge, and the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta. Romania is also relatively new to the ice hotel scene, opening up a hotel in 2006 next to Balea Lake. This one is open from December thru late April / Early May. In Finland, they have constructed an entire snow village near the Levi ski resort. There is also once in Kemi and Sinetta.

Ice hotel church, Ice Hotel Church, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden by bjaglin

So Which Hotel Is the Best?

Each Ice Hotel has different features and amenities making it truly a unique experience. The Swedish location, being the oldest, has the most activities. Whether it’s snowmobiling, skiing, or a winter forest adventure, Sweden has everything one would expect.

For those looking to save a few dollars, Finland’s is the least expensive, coming in under $100 per night. In Norway, the ice hotels win for remoteness and having the best locations. The hotel in Alta is right on the Arctic Ocean, so one could actually request an Ocean View room.

Some people like to go off the beaten path, and one could do that at the Lapland ice hotel. Near the Russian Border – it a several hundred mile drive, and really gives one the feeling of “being one with nature”.

What Should One Expect Before and During a Stay?

This ice hotel review suggests that first and foremost one needs to read up on what the hotel does and does not provide. For example many hotels will provide blankets, sleeping bags, and other cold weather dress. Some might be (BYOWS – Bring Your Own Warm Stuff). Listen to the hotel’s advice!

Be sure to only commit to one night at a time, especially if this is one’s first time. If the cold temperature turns out to be too much to get a good night’s sleep, one would welcome the option to check into a warmer hotel. Make sure all party members know what the stay entails. The experience shouldn’t be diminished by lesser committed individuals who don’t have ice water in their veins.

Ice hotel, Sweden by Rubén Laguna

Conclusion

Assuming global warming doesn’t doom this business within the next few decades, ice hotels are a unique way to stay overnight in a cold location, making it seem even more exotic and adventuresome than it already is.

People are always looking to be a part of the next big thing in travel, and ice hotels sure are a way to pad one’s travel resume. The bragging rights alone are reason enough to experience an ice hotel. For those looking for a complete winter experience, immersing oneself into the season – morning, noon, and night – an ice hotel is the way to go. From the adventure seeker to the individual looking to chill in luxury accommodations, ice hotels have it all!

Guest Post by Baltic Travel Company – Baltic tours, Holidays, Cruises and Travel in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.

The post Why Stay in an Ice Hotel? appeared first on Europe Explored.

Some can be pretty obvious, but there are also those gems that not many people think or know about and are just waiting for you to discover. The likes of Spain and France can offer busy, vibrant locations, but others such as Corsica and the Greek Islands can allow for a slightly more laid back approach to holidaying. Just remember to look for great currency exchange rates when you buy currency, as it will make the trip much more enjoyable knowing that you’ve got the best rates of foreign exchange.

On the Island of Crete, Greece by Wolfgang Staudt

Spain

Mainland Spain is possibly the most popular tourist destination in Europe and the main reason is very likely because the country offers so much versatility in terms what you can do as a family, a couple or as a group of friends.

Thanks to the country being so vast, there are numerous options of where to go, whether it be out in the countryside or a city break in Madrid or Barcelona and there’s always the endless amount of beach resorts. As if that wasn’t enough, Spain’s Balearic Islands consisting of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza, as well as the Canary Islands, offer so much more and can offer great coastline environments, but that little bit quieter than the mainland.

The coast of Mallorca, Spain by Andrés Nieto Porras

The UK

Although it may not be known for its stunning summers, the UK still offers some superb locations to visit. The British Isles has a wonderful array of destinations on its coastlines that include Cornwall, Devon and North Yorkshire towns such as Whitby and Scarborough.

The Scilly Isles and the Isle of Wight also make a visit worthwhile, whilst the likes of Wales and Scotland can offer a completely different feel to mainland England. Other notable locations include the Lake District, The Cotswolds and Norfolk.

Scilly Isles, UK by Tom Corser www.tomcorser.com

Corsica

Some may think that it is impossible to both avoid mass tourism and have a wonderfully beautiful location to holiday in Europe, but the tranquil island of Corsica can offer just that.

All 600 square miles of the island are unspoilt and delightful to behold and doesn’t suffer from being overcrowded like other Mediterranean islands. As well as beautiful coastlines, Corsica is also adorned with massive mountain ranges that can often take your breath away, as well as numerous lush forests and glacial mountain lakes.

Beach in Corsica, France by Luciano

The post Forget the cold, start planning your next European summer holiday appeared first on Europe Explored.

Enough Space, Space, Space

One of the worst things to experience is to share the beauty of a majestic paradise with a crowd of people. It is hard to appreciate its splendor and elegance if you will be surrounded by chatting groups that disturbs the silence of the place, unless of course you are accustomed to these festivities.

Photo by William Murphy

Moderate Climate

It is not too cold nor too hot in Limassol during December. Although the evening may require you to wear a wrap up, it is still more manageable especially for elders who find it frustrating to bear the pain of the cold weather. Children may miss the fun activities in the snow, but there is always the beauty of the beaches that will keep anyone entertained during the day.

Yummy Treats for Everyone

Just like other towns, Limassol has its own treats to offer to visitors who wish to share the Christmas spirit in their midst. Gala dinners are prepared with lots of dancing and music extravaganza for everyone to enjoy. The tables are spread with kourambiedes (biscuits that have been covered with icing sugar), koulouria (traditional sesame bread), and melomakarona (unique buns that are drenched in honey syrup). Roasted turkey will also be served and additional sweets celebrating this joyous occasion. In any case, the Christmas celebration remains the most grandiose festivity for the region.

Intimate Holiday Moment with Family

Cypriots typically spend their weekends with the immediate family, but when its Holiday then they all go for a big family gathering where everyone goes to the house of their parents to celebrate. As a tourist or a guest in Limassol, you will not experience this sort of tradition but reserving a room and a buffet service from a five star hotel in the region will make you feel more than at home. You will be served with the best local cuisines as you sing Christmas songs with fellow tourists who wish to enjoy some serene moments in Cyprus.

Those expecting for a busy nightlife will be a bit disappointed, but if you have reserved a Limassol car hire then you can maximize this opportunity to visit all the historical places and the magnificent natural attractions of the region.

Frederick Rice enjoys celebrating the holiday season in Cyprus to stay away from the colder temperature in Europe. He never fails to secure an elegant vehicle from Privilege Rent a Car to guarantee he will always have the perfect holiday in its midst.

The post Christmas Holiday Experience in Limassol, Cyprus appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo by admin

Sun

The sun can do a lot of damage and since it is so easy today to avoid these kinds of problems, why not take the right precautions? If you are going to be spending a lot of time in the sun, be sure to wear sun tan lotion with an adequate SPF factor. Just a few minutes of direct sun can cause a burn which can lead to dry, damaged skin, or worse, skin cancer. The heat of the sun is another danger to be wary of. Even if you are in the best of health, if you exert yourself extensively in the hot sun, you can suffer from sunstroke. Limit strenuous activities in the direct sun, make sure you drink plenty of water and get in the shade every chance you get.

Food and drink

Food poisonings are rare, but it never hurts to take precautions when it comes to the food you eat during the hot weather. With all of the great and convenient types of coolers, from individual thermal bags to keep you lunch in to big boxes for the whole gang, there is no reason to take any chances. Keep meats and salads chilled at all times, and throw away any food that has been sitting out in the heat for more than a half an hour. As for drinks, outside of milk or drinks made from milk, you don’t have to worry about them going bad with the heat. What you do have to worry about are alcoholic drinks. Fun in the sun and alcohol go together in a lot of people’s minds, but it is actually a dangerous combination. Alcohol dehydrates the body, and in the heat your body needs to be well hydrated at all times. Alcohol also raises the blood sugar level, making you more prone to heat strokes on a hot day. Finally, alcohol impairs your judgment, and driving home from the beach or a barbecue after one too many is a recipe for disaster.

Creatures and critters

Bugs and other critters are out in force once the weather warms up, and you need to protect yourself from them. Most of the time, it is just an inconvenience to be in a buggy and end up with a rash of mosquito bites. But often it can be more serious than that.  Use an insect repellent if you plan on being outdoors, especially in or near a wooded area. Remember that standing water is an incubator for mosquitoes, so avoid it. If you are stung, putting some of the insect repellent on the sting will usually stop the itch. Avoid scratching, since you can easily get an infection, especially since you are outdoors and your hands may be dirty.  Fire ants can really do damage to your skin, especially because you won’t even realize they are on you until after they have started biting you. Be careful to watch for the telltale mounds and avoid walking near them. Another living danger in the summer months is the presence of snakes. Depending on where you live, you may have dangerous poisonous snakes in your area.  Copperhead snakes and rattle snakes are poisonous and usually hide in underbrush or low lying water. Do not step into heavy vegetation, or wade into unknown waters when you are out picnicking or fishing.

Enjoy the summer, but keep it safe!

Want to know what’s the best background check service for conducting investigation on suspicious individuals? My article might help.

The post Summer is Here! Get Ready to Enjoy It appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Debarshi Ray

In truth there are an equally large number of people all over the world who prefer colder destinations. From explorers to mountain climbers to athletes who ski and snowboard their way to that coveted adrenaline rush. They don’t get as much publicity though, probably just because those photos aren’t quite as stunning or appealing.

In much the same way, cities like Helsinki, Finland don’t receive as much attention (at least here in the United States) as many more popular southern destinations like Italy, Greece or Australia do. The biggest mistake you can make when planning a vacation though is to make a decision based on a photograph. Beauty is so much more.

Assume that you are planning a vacation to Helsinki though. What is there to do amidst all the snow and cold weather? Turns out there is much more than you think and guess what? It’s not as chilly as one might imagine either. In fact it is a very charming city and all you have to do is be willing to give it a chance to impress.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Leo-setä

The Fortress of Suomenlinna is one of the most popular places to visit and is only a couple minutes away from Helsinki harbor. It has received the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the military architecture and was used as a fortress to defend the city from Russian attacks in the 1800’s and during the century before from other attacks.

If you are at all religious, or just appreciate great architecture and design, you will be impressed with the infamous Rock Church located a few minutes outside the city center. There is no admission fee and on the weekends you’ll usually find special events and concerts that are open to the public. This goes hand in hand with the Cathedral of Helsinki where you’ll find a charming Christmas market during the early winter months.

If you love to explore the outdoors you’ll love the Sibelius Monument, 600 metal organ pipes that have been welded together to create one of the most amazing pieces of outdoor art in the world. There are also places like Esplanadi Park which is quite small but located right in the middle of the city for easy access.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Christine

If immersing yourself into the local culture is your thing then you’ll no doubt appreciate the extensive lineup of festivals that call Helsinki home. The Finland Lantern Festival is held here to make the Chinese New Year, Helsinki Pride Week is held in June and December marks Independence Day in Finland.

Perhaps most interesting is just exploring the city via its public transportation options. The Tram goes almost anywhere you would want to visit (and is especially useful in bad weather) and last time we checked Nr. 3 passes the most important sights (at least according to that guidebook in your luggage). The ferry is also an excellent option.

Traveling to Helsinki can really be one of the most rewarding vacations of your life if you are open to new experiences. Who would have ever imagined that forsaking the sunny beaches of Florida or the magnificent coastlines of Italy could be so amazing? Everyone in Helsinki already knew.. add yourself to the list.

View 5 great activities in Helsinki Finland in a larger map

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