Glastonbury: UK

Whilst festivals such as Reading/Leeds and T in the Park have mounted serious claims to being the UK’s ultimate festival, the history which precedes Glastonbury and its huge attendance still lands it as the number one UK festival. Known for bringing in the biggest headliners, (some of them much unexpected) there is always an eclectic mix of music and performances on display. Rumours for the 2013 headliners include veterans Fleetwood Mac and The Rolling Stones. Tickets are known to sell out as quickly as you can blink, so it is worth monitoring the site to find out when tickets go on sale. You should also pack some wellingtons or heavy duty footwear as it is known to be a victim to torrential rain.

Mud at Glastonbury festival, UK by Joanne and Matt

Benicàssim: Spain

One distinct advantage of attending a music festival in Spain in the summer is the opportunity to watch some of your favourite bands in near perfect conditions. Whilst Spain does get very hot in the summer the festivals close proximity to the coast provides strong breezes to alleviate the intensity of the heat. It has continued to gain popularity over the past few years and people from all over Europe travel to attend the festival. It takes place in a town on the outskirts of Valencia and most people tend to fly in, but a road trip through Europe and over the Pyrenees mountains is also an option for those who want to visit other places en route. Most recent notable acts include The Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, Kings of Leon, Sigor Ros and Bob Dylan.

Benicàssim Festival, Spain by Renzo Giusti

Outlook Festival: Croatia

Croatia has become a popular European destination mainly due to its great summer climate and the fact it has its own domestic currency which makes local products cheaper for European travellers. Outlook festival has become one of the biggest dance festivals in the world and is renowned for having a diverse range of dance music represented across its stages. It is located in Pula, Croatia which rests on the southwest of the country. There are a number of beaches near the area which makes it a popular festival choice.

Before you begin your journey overseas it is worth investing in a prepaid travel card. Unlike cash you get the benefit of extra security and the ability to monitor your finances online and plan your holiday budget.

About the author: Adam Porteous writing on behalf of ICE. Click here for more information on their prepaid travel cards and travel money offers.

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Colosseum, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

Europe offers endless ways to be explored, and every ‘flirtation’ has nothing to do with the other just like every destination, so the only tough choice standing in your way is which way to go.

And since every journey has to start glamorously and also has to end up this way, Italy is probably the best introduction to Europe’s fascination and splendour being the most convincing representation of an ancient civilization that reached the peak of human abilities. And modern Italy knows how to cherish its rich historical legacy and how to integrate it into the contemporary vision of the country.

Rome is captivating with its fast paced daily life of a capital city and renowned remnants of ancient times scattered through the whole city. Roman culture made one of the greatest and indisputable contributions to the rich cultural life of the continent, and exploring its basis can only give us an idea on where the foundations of this culture lay.

Rome is the place to indulge yourself with la dolce vita pleasures: top notch food, wines and wardrobe renewal – exquisite boutiques of the Italian designers; fluffy ice-cream and foamy cappuccino are just a small part of the things that you can try out. The eternal city, as they call it, possesses eclectic mix of stupendous landmarks and dynamic lifestyle being among the most majestic and romantic places on earth. Similarly to the Ancient Rome, today’s Rome is also built upon seven hills. The central area is called Campo Marcio (named after the god of the war – Mars) and it is the place where the training of the army has been held centuries ago; currently the area is a treasury chest of some of the most eminent sights. Rome’s historical center is part of the cultural heritage of UNESCO with its splendid castles, Roman ruins, refined statues and centuries old basilicas.

Fontana di Trevi, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

What makes Rome more unique than other cities is its incomparable number of landmarks; besides the gorgeous remnants of the Roman Empire, Rome preserved several Medieval neighbours, intricately projected squares, vivid markets and, last but not least – Saint Peter Basilica in Vatican city, being the biggest, richest and most flamboyant church in Italy. Keep in mind that in order to enter its premises, you need to be dressed properly.

The Roman Coliseum is the biggest amphitheater in the Antiquity; it has been opened in 82 AD with festive games proceeding for 1000 days. The Coliseum is an architectural and engineering miracle, symbol of both Roman majesty and cruelty and a present for the Roman citizens. The spectators sat in accordance with their rank, social status and sex. The emperor himself had his own marble box on the first row; the senators used to take the seats with the best view around him. The next most attractive seats had been occupied by the richest and most influential citizens followed by the ordinary men; the women from the populace took the worse places in the upper sectors. The games started out as glorification of the gods but quickly lost their religious twang, and only the spectacle remained, often a bloody and a fierce one. Among the most popular were the battles between gladiators and between animals. There are also fights where animals tear criminals to pieces.

https://www.vacationhomes.net/vacation-rentals/italy/a8062.htm

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Buckingham Palace, London, UK by Roger Wollstadt

Looking for a place to stay, then look no further than the Dorchester collection of hotels which occupies the most prestigious acre and a half of real estate in the world. Its eclectic mix of contemporary style and 1930’s glamour along with its beautiful location overlooking the beautiful expanse of Hyde Park enables an ultimately luxurious label. Its award winning spaciously designed suites, restaurants and bars provide the perfect environment for those who wish to indulge and the recently transformed spa makes it a desirable destination for any visitor.

Strategically located in London’s exclusive Mayfair, The Dorchester is also within easy access of the city’s most famously elite shopping areas. New and Old Bold Street possess some of the most elegant shops in London with designer names such as Gucci and Armarni. A short walk away, the West End theatre and the Royal Opera House provide some classical entertainment for those fascinated by the creative arts. Interested in more rural aspects to experience, then the largest royal park boasts fine landscapes and a range of leisure activities to enjoy from tennis and horse riding, to boating on the Serpentine.

London’s most popular attractions such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and Trafalgar square are also close by although the excellent underground service allows easy access to most places within the city. By night, Mayfair and the surrounding area holds host to a prestigious array of fashionable bars where celebrities and even young royals are commonly known to hang out.  Funky Buddha, the Met Bar, Punch Bowl, and Mahiki are just a few of the trendiest hot spots, with VIP sections and top DJ’s. With beautifully designed interiors and sleek designs much like those in the Dorchester hotel, you can be assured to feel the upmost in extravagance and have the perfect excuse for a glass of bubbly or two!

This article was written by Alexandra, an experienced blogger and enthusiastic traveller on behalf of MF Airport Parking who offer an excellent Heathrow Airport Parking service at affordable prices.

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While you could easily spend a few months exploring the many corners of Krakow, should you be heading there just for a week, or even for a weekend, there are a number of key experiences that really should not be missed. I will now outline seven perfect ways to spend your time in this beautiful city.

1. People Watching at Rynek Glowny

Those that just want to sit and watch the world go by, would be hard pushed to find a better place in the whole of Europe. Krakow’s main square is not only the largest in Europe, it is also lined with over forty outdoor bars and restaurants. Regardless of whether you want to enjoy a light breakfast or an evening beer, you are sure to find the perfect place to sit and simply take in the scene. Day or night, the square is a hive of activity with an eclectic mix of both locals and tourists, bikes and horse drawn carriages.

Rynek Gowny, Krakow’s central Grand Square / Ana Paula Hirama

2. A Romantic Meal in Kasimeirz

The old Jewish district of Kasimeirz is one of Krakow’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan areas. At it’s center is, of course, a small square lined with bars and cafes but the real prize can be found in the many winding streets packed with quaint cafes and small art galleries. Incredibly popular with both students and tourists alike, no visit to Krakow would be complete without at least one night exploring this side of town. It is also the best place to go for romantic meal for two.

3. Explore the Hectic Nightlife

The two best places for a night out in Krakow are the Rynek Glowny area and Kasimeirz. The area around the main square is the part of Krakow that officially has more bars per square mile than anywhere else in Europe and there are countless clubs that don’t close until dawn. Kasimeirz on the other hand, while still offering it’s fair share of clubs, is known for it’s many chilled out student bars ideal for a few drinks in a significantly quieter environment.

4. Shopping at Galeria Krakowska

Located immediately next to the cities main train station, this shining example of just how fast Poland’s economy is growing immediately dispels any misconceptions that tourists may have about Eastern European cities. Encompassing three floors, countless fountains and an endless selection of designer clothing stores, those who love to shop will feel perfectly at home here. A wide range of dining options are available on the top floor, making the shopping center the perfect place for a relaxing day out.

Auschwitz-Birkenau, Oświęcim, near Krakow / Ian Rutherford

5. Explore Poland’s Tragic Past

Although Krakow offers visitors many illustrations of the atrocities of World War II, few are as harrowing as excursions to nearby Auschwitz. What remains of the largest German concentration camp has been open to tourists for many years and the wide range of tours available are both harrowing and highly educational. Although certainly not a pleasant day in the sun, a visit to this museum of one of humanities darkest times is not something that you are ever likely to forget.

6. A Romantic Walk Along the Vistula River

Culminating in the towering Wawel Castle, a stroll along the Vistula river is a wonderful way to spend a sunny day or a romantic evening. And thanks, to it’s convenient route, pointing the way from Rynek Glowny to Kasimeirz, the walk can easily be fit into even the shortest of visits to Krakow. Should you have the time however, why not hire a bike and really take advantage of the peaceful views on offer.

7. Visit the Tatra Mountains

The popular mountain town of Zakopane is just a two hour bus ride from Krakow and not only offers some fantastic hiking opportunities in Summer, it transforms into the most popular skiing resort in Poland each Winter. Many people are surprised to learn that Poland actually offers some tremendous skiing opportunities and unlike the Swiss Alps, a few days in the snow can be had on a backpackers budget. A word of warning however, don’t take the train which for some strange reason takes twice as long as the bus.

Zakopane in High Tatras / Ana Paula Hirama

This article was written by guest blogger and travel writer Nick. He writes for Cruise1st.co.uk.

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