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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Scheveningen, The Netherlands by FaceMePLS

1) Scheveningen, Netherlands

This beach may not be able to boast the highest temperatures or the most picturesque seafront, but there are plenty of water sports to take part in and a number of bars and restaurants. However, one of the most appealing things about Scheveningen is its location – you can easily have an early morning dip in the sea before visiting Anne Frank’s House in Amsterdam or one of the 17th century palaces in The Hague.

2) The Curonian Spit, Lithuania

The natural, largely unspoilt beauty of this Lithuanian beach needs to be seen to be believed! Unfortunately it’s a protected World UNESCO Heritage Site and sadly, as a result, there are certain areas that are a no go for tourists. However, the parts you can access are absolutely worth the journey, and this beach is a truly beautiful place to spend a day.

Curonian Spit, Lithuania by Tobin

3) Pembrokeshire, Wales

While you can never depend on good weather in Wales you can certainly depend on absolutely stunning scenery in Pembrokeshire. If you’re not convinced take it from the National Geographic magazine, which voted it the second best coastal destination in the world. It’s easy to fit in as part of a trip round the UK so there’s no excuse for not seeing the area for yourself.

4) Barleycover, Ireland

Again, this beach may generally be cold, but the beautiful natural surroundings in County Cork more than make up for it. This beach could be the perfect antidote to a hectic weekend sightseeing and sampling Ireland’s famous Guinness beer in Dublin, which is only a few hours away by car.

5) Pupnatska Beach, Croatia

The Dalmatian Islands off the coast of Croatia all boast delightful coastlines and, as a result, trying to pick out just one is mightily difficult. However, Pupnatska beach, on Korčula Island is a definite contender thanks to its sapphire waters, stunning white sand, and a friendly, laid back atmosphere.

Pupnatska Luka, Korcula, Croatia by Andrea Musi

6) La Rochelle, France

While the South of France boasts some mesmerising beaches, there are plenty of places on the western coast that can give the south a run for its money. La Rochelle is one such resort. What many people will love about a holiday incorporating La Rochelle is the fact that the area is steeped in history. Many holidaymakers will only feel comfortable sunbathing once they are sure they have explored the town and learnt about its rich history.

7) St. Brelade’s Bay Beach, Jersey

Gorgeous views, interesting trails, lovely restaurants… there’s little if anything to fault with this beautiful beach. And, even better, being on an island the size of Jersey means there’ll be another great beach around every turn. So take a wander and you could find yourself your own private piece of beach!

If you are taking one of the many Europe tours available, do make sure to add a beach into your trip. Europe’s architecture, art, culture, food and history are all wonderful of course, but everyone needs time to relax! And what better way to unwind and rest tired feet than on a beach with truly stunning scenery?

Written by Michael Palmer, a passionate traveller and experienced travel writer.

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Photo by admin

Every year we spend money and energy on looking good, yet we never actually get to enjoy the benefits of being fit. Yes, the clothes we wear may show our figure but secretly we all want to show off our bodies to other people. We might see celebrities in magazines going on holiday to tropical climes having the time of their lives. So when we work hard at our job and earn enough to pay our bills a bit of luxury once in a while is most welcome. The United Kingdom offers us everything besides good weather. We simply have no choice but to go to places such as St. Tropez or the Bahamas to bask in some much needed sunshine.

There is nothing wrong with working out, it is positive as it improves your overall physical and mental health. It gives you confidence and strength. So, if you are fit, when you go to the shops to look for all the things you will wear on holiday, you have no fear of choosing items to flaunt your body. Self confidence is very important and when you go on holiday you can be yourself without the negative impact of social pressure.

The most important thing to take when going on holiday, which will show off your beach-body to the max, is swimwear. Just think of Baywatch, a popular 80s and 90s American action drama series, could you see yourself as a cast member? We no longer need to wait for summer to have sun, we can fly wherever we want in the world and soak up some rays. When your body looks how you want it to look, that’s the time you need to share it with the rest of the world.

An amazing body needs to be accompanied with swimwear that complements its figure. Be bold, brave and confident. Your yearly efforts will be rewarded; it’s simply a short flight away without too much luggage.

The sun doesn’t live in the UK, go out and chase it.

Michelle Casey writes beachwear articles on behalf of www.ukbeachwear.com.

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The four main islands, Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera, attract tens of thousands of families, couples and singles every year.  Ibiza has a reputation as a ‘party island’ and Majorca is top choice for families and golfers.

Menorca is not as commercially developed and is smaller, but it does have plenty to offer and because of its reputation for being unspoilt, many consider the island of Menorca to be far and away the best of the Balearics.

Son Xoriguer, Menorca, Spain by Freebird

6 Great Reasons to Visit Menorca This Year

Relaxation

Unlike its sister island, Ibiza, a week spent in Menorca will not involve falling out of thumping bars and clubs as the sun rises, rather worse for wear after sinking twenty-five shots of Jaeger bomb.  Although not quite as unspoilt as Formentera, Menorca still has a reputation for being the quieter island, which makes it perfect for anyone who prefers chilling out as opposed to dancing the night away and unlike Formentera, there are still plenty of other things to do if the mood takes you.

Beaches

Menorca is blessed with more than its fair share of beaches and with more than two hundred beaches dotted around the coast to choose from, sun-seekers come to the island for the opportunity to lie in the hot Mediterranean sun, far from the madding crowds typically found on the crowded sands of Majorca and Ibiza.  All of the beaches on Menorca are worth visiting, but one of the best beaches on the island is Cala Pregonda.  A stunning stretch of sand in the protected north of the island, Cala Pregonda is easily accessible by foot and although the beach lacks any modern facilities such as cafes and restaurants, it more than makes up for this with its idyllic location.  It does however attract nudists, so be warned: clothing is entirely optional!

Menorca coastline, Spain by Freebird

Dramatic Coastline

Menorca is famous for its rugged coastline and the towering limestone cliffs bordered by spectacular sandy beaches are stunningly beautiful.  The northern half of the island is the most dramatic and the section of coast between Punta Nati and Cala Carbó is particularly beautiful; the limestone cliffs loom over small coves and red sandy beaches, creating an idyllic setting.  To the east, the famous lighthouse of Cavalleria sits atop the highest cliffs on the island, which afford some spectacular views.

Culture

Menorca has a lot more to offer than fabulous beaches and perfect weather and keen historians will be able to spend their entire holiday exploring ancient stone monuments dating back to 2000 BC.  Many of the ancient settlements on the island are highly accessible.  Talatí del Dalt is only 4 km from the capital of Menorca, Maó and is well worth a visit; as is the capital, Maó, which has some fine examples of Georgian architecture dating back to the 18th century.

Talatí del Dalt, Menorca, Spain by David Font Mampel

Explore the Island on Foot

Menorca is relatively small compared to Majorca and Ibiza and thanks to the completion of a coastal pathway, known as the Camí de Cavalls, it is possible to circumnavigate a large part of the island on foot if you are feeling energetic.

The Camí de Cavalls is divided up into handy sections, each of which are about 10km long and of varying terrain.  The path is well signposted and is also suitable for mountain bikers and horse riders.  There are also a large number of other scenic footpaths along old bridleways and tracks snaking through the countryside, and even during the height of summer, it is possible to head out for a peaceful walk without seeing meeting any traffic or other people.

Back to Nature

Thanks to its plethora of important flowers, plants and animals, Menorca is a UNESCO classified biosphere reserve.

The island is great for bird watching and if you are lucky you could catch a glimpse of red kites, booted eagles, Egyptian vultures, peregrines, warblers and even osprey. The best place for watching birds is the S’Albufera des Grau Park, which is a short trip from Maó; there are several walking trails meandering through the wetlands, plus a few bird watching hides interspersed around.

If you have been looking for somewhere amazing to spend your holidays Menorca is a fantastic choice!

The post Six Reasons Why Menorca is the Best of the Balearics | Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.

Boat leaving Great Blasket Island by Deanna Keahey

The Blasket Islands are about three miles from the Irish mainland, but they feel a world apart. The people here kept the ways of a simpler time, due to both isolation and lack of money. They never had television or supermarkets. They never had movie theaters or gas stations. The islanders continued to live a simple life until they were forced by the government to abandon their homes, ensuring that the Blaskets would never move into modern times.

It’s never been easy to get to the Blasket Islands. In the old days, people used small, open rowboats called curraghs, to travel out to the island. People had to row back and forth for many reasons – to buy or sell livestock or other goods, to see a doctor or a priest, or even to carry the mail. It’s hard to imagine loading a cow into one of these little rowboats without capsizing it, but they did. Travel to the mainland was difficult in good weather, and dangerous or even impossible in bad weather.

Life on the islands depended largely on the sea. Not only did it determine when they could row to the mainland, but it also provided much of what they needed. Fishing was a mainstay for food, and islanders also gathered seaweed to fertilize the scanty soil on the island for growing crops. A shipwreck could provide an unexpected bounty – everything from timber for building to rare supplies. Wood was scarce on the island, so they harvested peat to make fires.

Blasket Islands abandoned village by Deanna Keahey

In the 1800s, there were about 150 people who lived here, but by 1953, the last inhabitants left the islands. The government of Ireland mandated that the last people should abandon their homes on the island, due to the difficulty in ensuring them public services such as health and education. Just a few years earlier, the islanders had an emergency when bad weather cut them off from mainland supplies for several weeks. With a dwindling population there (it was down to 22 people), the government decided it was best to move them ashore.

Today, you can take a ferry to Great Blasket Island, the largest of the group, where the most people lived. The town is now in ruins, but skeletons of many homes still stand. You can wander through the streets of town, or into the ruins of homes. It’s a reminder of how tough life was here, to think of a large family living in one of these small two-room homes. You can see where people launched their curraghs for fishing, the beach where they gathered seaweed, and the hills where the children hunted rabbits.

Roofless stone house by Deanna Keahey

You can walk all the way around the island if you want, with great views of the islands and the sea. A walk around the island can be sunny, brisk, or blustery – or all three, on different sides of the island. You can find the remains of a Napoleonic fort at the very top of the island, along with the best views of all.

Dunquin is the closest place on the Irish mainland, and you can catch a ferry from there to Great Blasket Island. Even today, the trip is dependent on weather, and you may find that the boats aren’t running if the sea is up. As you ferry over to Great Blasket Island, just think about rowing yourself across in a small open boat. That will give you a great perspective on life in the Blasket Islands.

Deanna Keahey is a lifelong traveler, who ran an international travel company for years. Today, you’ll find her out traveling, hiking, and exploring as much as possible. Deanna writes about travel products and cool travel ideas at Best Travel Clothes, and you can find her on Facebook, Twitter or Google+

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Stonehenge, England / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Danny Sullivan

UK families are now more likely to remain within our borders than journey to Europe or the Mediterranean. Last year, less than 60% of British families stayed at home, but this year we’re expecting over 10% more.

Financial influence has paid a large part in this turnaround, as nearly half of all Britons fear their job is at risk in the immediate future. Trips to the UK are, on the whole, cheaper than trips abroad and feel much safer an option, as a result.

The problems associated with air travel have also become more prominent in the public’s mind over the last couple of years. With the modern worries over our carbon footprints, increased security and the value of low-budget airlines in question, many holiday-makers are less willing to take to the air.

With the exchange rate of the pound in a less beneficial state than it previously has been, the general consensus is that traveling abroad no longer offers the value of money required. Staying at home now seems like an easier, less stressful and cheaper proposition.

Scotland landscape / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jack Shainsky

The beauty of the British landscape is also a massive appeal to those looking closer to home for their travel destination. Beautiful scenery has been the most important factor in location selection since 2009 and the BDRC’s first survey.

The good weather that has blessed the UK in the last couple of years has also had a huge effect on the appeal non-foreign holidays. In this year’s BDRC survey, nearly double the amount of people claimed that the weather influenced their decision to holiday here, than did in 2011.

The 2012 survey also suggests that that Scotland has now become the most popular area to holiday in. 28% chose Scotland as their preferred location, leaving the southwest in a close second with 27%. This is a reversal from the previous year, when the positions were the other way round.

The most sought-after destination for families is Cornwall, which proved to be a real favourite for families with children below the age of eleven.

The Highlands in Scotland are still the most popular region for UK visitors, however. In 2011, they received 13% of all bookings and this looks set to rise, with over 15% of all early bookings, this year.

Written by Jon for Hotel Shop, offering cheap breaks across the UK and beyond.

The post Why is Everyone taking a UK Holiday in 2012? appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Adam Jones

I think April will be a good time, before it gets too hot. The closest major city is Granada. I’ll be flying there, maybe with a break in Barcelona. Granada looks to be stunningly beautiful. I am staying two nights in the city and it will probably be in the Parador de Granada, although the Hotel Casa 1800 Granada is supposed to be very picturesque.

From Granada I could head by bus to Capileira, which is a small town that sits at the foot of Mulhacén, the tallest mountain in Spain. There is a Microbus service there. It takes travelers up the mountain on days with good weather. It’s actually becoming a rather popular tourist destination, so I’m not concerned about it being too isolated. I’d rather walk up the mountain, though. Apparently it’s not that difficult and doesn’t require any climbing equipment, just normal hiking gear.

I could take the bus to Beas de Granada (east of Granada). There is a fantastic one-way walk that leads back into the center of Granada. It’s supposed to be one of the best hiking experiences to be had in the Sierra Nevada. The route is about 30 kilometers atop a broad ridge, which might be a little long for me. I’ve also been warned to hike this path in May at the latest due to the heat.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Andrew Hurley

Another option is to travel in June or July. I could go from Granada to Trevélez (which is on the eastern side of Mulhacén) to climb the path to the Seven Lakes, but any earlier in the year and there’s too much snow. Most of the climb isn’t too difficult and I’ve heard that the waterfalls are amazing. It leads up to a place called the Seven Lakes (Siete Lagunas). I’m probably going to choose this one.

There’s actually quite a few other hikes, like a hard one called Vereda de la Estrella. I could also hike from Capileira to Trevélez, but not in winter. There’s so many choices!

One of the other great activities that you can do around the mountainous countryside of Spain is mountain biking. The hilly terrain and dry conditions lend themselves perfectly to this pursuit and there are no rules against doing this.

This article was written by John Davies who enjoys blogging for Thomson Al Fresco holidays. He has travelled around most of Europe, camping with his family most of the way and he enjoys nothing more than sharing his experiences with other bloggers and travellers alike through guest posts.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Danny Chapman

Last year 18,000 people gathered by and on the bridge at 6am to listen to a traditional hymn sung from the Magdalen College tower by the Magdalen College Boys’ Choir. It became a tradition in the 1970s to jump off the bridge but Oxford City Council are strongly advising against doing so this year as it can be extremely dangerous, but especially so this year because of the drought and low water levels. In 2005 40 people were hurt jumping from the bridge costing the NHS tens of thousands of pounds, but last year went off “without incident” so everybody is looking forward to this year’s celebration.

At the beginning of May the city of Oxford takes on a very Pagan feel as Morris Dancers come out in their flowers, bells, abd their handkerchiefs or batons. There are several versions of the Morris Dance depending on which part of the country you are in, for example in Yorkshire there is a version using swords; or along the Welsh-English border the men paint their faces black and have feathers in their hats instead of flowers. Its origins are thought to be Moorish, dating back to the mid-15th century when the Moors were in retreat from Spain, and the dances were held in honour of the Spanish monarchy. Nonetheless, it is now recognised as a very English celebration. Here’s a short video of some Oxford men in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZHgYX6dRrs

If you’re lucky enough to catch the good weather you could take an official guided walking tour following in the footsteps of Inspector Morse, the city’s most famous fictional detective. You could also take one of the other themed tours which include CS Lewis & JRR Tolkien, or the Gargoyles & Grotesques Tour of the fantastic stone creatures that adorn the churches and ancient buildings, meant to scare away evil spirits.

Oxford also has one of the most famous universities in the world, and is the oldest in the English-speaking world having existed for over 900 years. It’s made up of 38 colleges each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most famous are Christ Church, whose Great Hall inspired the design for the hall at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies, the Magdalen tower dominates the High Street, and the crypt at St Edmund Hall has a spooky atmosphere second to none.

The historic Bodleian Library is the largest university library in the UK with over nine-million printed books. You’ll be in good company when you visit as the footsteps as five kings, 40 Nobel Prize winners and 25 Prime Ministers have been heard walking through these halls.

Hotels in Oxford have a class that credit this historic city, and if you can find a place to stay close to the city’s old centre, even in one weekend you’ll have ample time to see the best it has to offer.

Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article links back to https://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/macdonald-randolph-hotel/

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Hungarian Snow

Another interesting mountain range is Börzsöny which is protected by National Park of Duna-Ipoly. It lies at the Slovakian border, above Budapest, and includes also popular Hungarian towns of Visegrád and Nagymaros.

The park is also famous for many castles and forts. It is a pleasant, mostly forested landscape that waves together with the banks of the Danube and Ipoly rivers, interwoven with series of waterways and wetlands. Only in the Börzsöny mountains there are more than 335 different springs and streams. This area is one of the least accessible parts of Hungary. There are no roads, but you can get there by the narrow gauge railway which is also interesting and popular technical monument here. Of course, the best way how you can get to know the landscape is on foot, but be careful, some parts of the park are not accessible at all due to protection.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Tamas Ring

Most features of the landscape were created by volcanic activity, there are an extinct volcanic cones, steep ravines or bizarre rocks. Fourteen million years ago these places were occupied by the great volcano, about 1400 meters high. After the eruption, the central part of the volcano failed down, so today we can see the remnants of the crater. The highest point of Börzsöny mountain is Csóványos peak with a height of 939 metres above sea level, offering a panoramic view of the region. However, there are also other peaks and hills where you can enjoy beautiful views, such as Hegyes-Tető with the great vista of the Danube. In good weather conditions, you can even see the Slovak High Tatras mountains from some hills.

The area a home to many rare and protected animals, especially reptiles, amphibians and birds including several species of eagles. There are also wild cats and martens. It boasts also a varied composition of plants, including the relics from the post-glacial period.

Börzsöny Mountains are not very visited areas, in comparison with Balaton, Budapest or any of the Hungarian thermal aquaparks. But the prices here are reasonable and the romantic local scenery is an alternative for less demanding, but interesting holiday – especially for hikers and cyclists.

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This magnificent lagoon is one of the most beautiful places for scuba diving in the world and once you get there you certainly find out why. In good weather you can ask the local fishermen or use any boat service to take you through the tunnel where you can see the caves and dramatic cliffs, and two other natural attractions – The Azur Window and Fungus rock.

Azure Window is the famous natural rock arch, which towers majestically over the coast. The Maltese people call this, about a hundred meters long stone slab, which lies on two pillars, Tiega Zerga.

Another natural attraction is Fungus Rock – a cylindrical block of rock. Fungus Rock is currently uninhabited, but in the 17th century it was an extremely important site, because there is growing the specific mushroom with the Latin name Cynomorium coccineum, which have medicinal effects. The mushroom comes from North Africa, and this is the only place in Europe where such mushrooms grow. This can help in the treatment of stomach problems and hemorrhoids. It was used as an aphrodisiac and diminished bleeding. It has powerful disinfectant effects.

Knights of St. John guarded this rare mushroom very carefully, and who tried to steal it, was often sentenced to death. Between a rock and the mainland there were ropes and the mushrooms were transported to the mainland by cable cars. Coast guard tower Qawra was built on the island just to protect this site.

Between the Inland sea and Azure window there is a small chapel of St. Anne which was built in 1963 on the original site of the old church. If you continue further to the south along the coast, you find the Crocodile Rock.

During the years there were too many tourists coming to see Dwerja Inland Sea in Malta which contributed to the degradation of this place and left an impact on the environment.
However this site is really unique and probably doesn’t have a competitor in Europe.

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