Cyprus coastline by Anton S.

If there’s one thing above all else that Cypriots are proud of, it surely has to be the warmth of the welcome they offer to visitors. Wherever you have been in the past, the chances are you will be pleasantly surprised by how pleased the locals are to show you just how friendly they can be. This is one of the reasons why a great number of visitors from all over the world return to Cyprus on an annual basis.

The climate on this beautiful Mediterranean island is the envy of a great many other holiday destinations. In the summer, the days are warm, long and wonderfully sunny, yet even on the hottest days it rarely becomes uncomfortable because of a cooling breeze that’s often in the air. And when the winter months come along, the temperatures are still high enough to make life comfortable for everyone.

Get a proper taste of Cyprus

In most restaurants on the island, especially around the tourist resorts, you’ll find a wonderful selection of local and international options on the menu. Although you may want to try something a little familiar on some occasions, be sure to choose something typically Mediterranean at least one or twice on your vacation. As you might expect from an island nation, fish dishes feature prominently, so try the gilt-head bream or the delicious calamari.

For most people, a holiday to Cyprus offers a much-needed opportunity to relax, if only because modern life seems so hectic nowadays. Because we are always rushing from one place to another in our daily lives, the restorative effects of an annual summer vacation should never be underestimated. A cool drink, a comfortable sunbed, a good book and a beautiful view of the ocean – what more could we ever need?

Needless to say, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy for those who are in the mood for something a little less sedentary. Cyprus has a number of golf courses to offer, for example, as well as some stunning cycling routes. Another favourite option is to hire a car for a few days in order to explore the island. With a rich heritage all around you, you’ll find plenty of fascinating places to visit.

David Showell has visited Cyprus on several occasions. He works for http:/www.carrentals.co.uk.

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Since the Olympic torch was put out in London, it seems that those who had enjoyed welcoming the whole world into their iconic city just couldn´t wait to get away. The surge in holiday bookings, especially for the month of September, has been quite impressive. It seems that the masses are following the sun at all costs, even if it means kids have to miss school.

London Olympics, England, UK by Dan Davison

The fun is over, let´s get away

Brits are well known all over the world for enjoying a good party, and when the Olympics took a hold of their homeland in the peak of the summer, they just didn´t want to miss all of the excitement. But the rainy summer didn´t seem all that glamorous anymore, once the Olympic crowds had withdrawn, and September holiday bookings skyrocketed soon after.

According to a survey by Travelex, Brits will take 5.7 million trips in September. On the other hand, the number of people who revealed that they hadn´t taken their accustomed summer break during the school holidays this year amounted to a significant 45%, while nearly 25% mentioned the desire “not to miss the Olympics” as a reason for not having gone away earlier, and 23% added that it was their first time taking their holidays in the month of September.

Ironically enough, a Travelex survey from earlier this year revealed that 1/3 of traveling Brits had booked a holiday to escape the Olympic hullaballoo, and over 10 million altogether were planning to try to avoid the “chaos” by traveling abroad. It would seem that not all of those plans actually crystalized, and the locals did join in with the Olympic spirit after all.

Follow the sun

The top destination of choice for Britons going away in September is Spain, which maintains its unrivalled popularity due to closeness, pricing (one upside of the Iberian country´s economic crisis, in terms of attracting tourism), nice weather, natural beauty and guaranteed fun, both day and night. Next up are Turkey and Egypt, two countries that attract those who are not only interested in sunshine, but who also possess a flair for the exotic.

While the last week has seen some sunshine and high temperatures in some parts of England, the forecast for the coming weeks is bleak for those staying, and convenient for the masses flocking to Costa del Sol and Majorca, as strong winds, courtesy of Hurricane Leslie are set to hit Scotland, and heavy rains are expected all around.

Holidays for all ages

A surge in holiday bookings was in fact expected, as July had been extremely quiet at the offices of travel companies all over the UK. But bookings have greatly surpassed predictions, especially in the over 50s group, whose travel plans are not affected by the school year. According to a survey by Saga Insurance, this age group´s preferred destination for September 2012 is Italy, closely followed by Greece, Turkey and France.

The endless summer

It appears that Brits of all ages will follow the sun, and the fun, whatever chance they get. They partied it up during the Olympics like few nations could, and nearly half of them are partying it up right now on some beach in Benidorm or Ibiza, stretching that summer to make it last as long as they can. Given the choice between Southern Spain´s paella and sangría in the sunshine, and a dreary English rain, who can blame them?

Article Written by L. Toulson on behalf of https://www.theluxurycruisecompany.com/luxury-cruiselines/

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Santiago de Compostela, Spain by Alquiler de Coches

• Every place in the world has its own gastronomic pleasures to provide to guests from other places, therefore it makes perfect sense for travelers and holiday makers to try out the edible goodies of Galicia.  It is simply recognized for the unique set of seafood, with octopus being the main attraction.  Of course, this is very much like a slippery version of calamari, which can be off putting to some people.  However, there are also some other dishes that one can try out.

• There are a few events that can prove fascinating to curious guests, and one of them is the Queimada.  This is a traditional practice in which one engages in a bit of drinking with the rest of the locals and other travelers.  At the same time, it is also a ritual which is intended to fend off evil spirits.  This can be quite entertaining to say the least, and one would certainly learn a whole lot about Galician culture.

• Of course, since one would travel to Galicia to enjoy the best experiences that it has to offer, it would be suitable to take a trip to Santiago de Compostela indeed.  For many of the locals, they would have to travel straight from their homes, while pilgrims and hikers would start off their journey to the town from the French regions of the Pyrenees mountains.  It is a 500 mile walk, which can prove quite challenging for some.  However, the minimum distance that one can travel in order to be recognized as following “the Way of Saint James”, is 100km.  it would usually take travelers 3 to 4 days, and they would be treated to a certificate that congratulates them for making it that far.

There is so much adventure awaiting tourists, and it can even prove to be an experience unlike any other. These are just some of the things that one should get involved in when they’re planning to do the El Camino.  The spiritual gratification and fulfillment from traveling to Santiago will certainly have an impact on people’s lives for the better.

Leslie loves hill walking and writing his routes on the web.  He has been running the main Camino de Santiago and Walking in Scotland site since 2006. Click on El Camino to know more interesting facts.

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Photo by admin

Why would it benefit me?

Be it an active holiday, or a cultural tour, everyone wants to get the most out of their holiday. If you choose to travel with a local company, you are immediately put in front of local experts, people who have lived there all their lives and know the area like the back of their hand. These are the people who can take you to places not featured in that well-worn guide book!

If I’m on holiday then for sure I want to see the great landmarks in that area, but I also want to find the best restaurant frequented by the locals, where the best curry or fish soup can be found – why wouldn’t you?! It is this very local knowledge which, for us, can make or break a holiday.

Does it help anyone else?

Ok, so we love the local travel, but we’re not the only ones to benefit from it. By actively choosing the local operators it is far more likely that the money you spend stays in the community, that it supports local businesses, and isn’t leached into the pockets of rich Western shareholders. It’s fair to say, that many places charm is brought about by the people who make the place what it is – the local people!

Positive impacts don’t stop there though. By choosing a local company, whether it be a Nepali Teahouse or a surf shack on a Mexican beach, you are recognising the local culture and customs that have shaped the area over millennia. If we are moving towards a world where every hotel is the same, trying to match what we are assumed to desire from a hotel, we are losing cultures of hospitality and we are losing the charm and personality that can come from a local, independent business. By choosing those local travel options you are saying ‘Yes, this is a culture we want to explore and experience’.

How do I really make a difference?

The thing is, the blame doesn’t lie with the big corporations – they are merely supplying the demand we as consumers have created. By choosing to stay with a large hotel chain you are reinforcing the impression that this is what should be supplied.
By travelling locally you are supporting the work local people are doing, encouraging their enterprising spirit and communicating to them that they are creating a desirable product – this is something that should be encouraged!

So there we have it – travelling locally really can be a great experience, and not just for you. In this interconnected world in which we live, it is up to us all to help preserve heritage and local environments. What was once a distant place is now coming ever closer, becoming our local. Next time you’re on the lookout for a holiday, have a think about whether travelling with a large international company is what you really want. Dig around, explore and help make the world a better place!

At Much Better Adventures we are trying to find the world’s best local, independent and ethical adventure operators!

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Patrick Nouhailler

Of course, there is nothing more symbolic of Paris than the Eiffel Tower.  If you are looking to create a romantic evening for you and that special someone, consider basing a dinner date and tour of Paris around the Eiffel Tower.

Dinner at the Eiffel Tower is an experience that no one will ever forget.  The tower boasts of two restaurants.  One is on the ground level and offers traditional French cuisine; plan ahead and make reservations because there is usually at least a two week wait.  The décor is eclectic, and the dress is somewhat formal.  Patrons should wear something nicer than jeans and trainers.

The second restaurant is located on the second level of the tower and is also a level higher in cost, atmosphere and attire than the ground floor restaurant.  Expect to pay a premium for everything from drinks to entrees.  However, if you are looking to create an unforgettable evening, it will be worth every penny.

The second level of the Eiffel Tower offers a view just as magnificent as the view from the top, yet you are protected from the strong winds and other elements that a visit to the top brings with it.  Not to mention, there is almost no wait to reach the second level, whereas the wait to attain the highest level can knock the romance out of the most elegant pair.  Therefore, visitors will not be missing out by staying closer to the ground.

Following your Eiffel Tower dinner, a lazy boat ride down the Seine will be the finishing touch to your night.  As the boat winds down the river, you will see locals dancing along the banks of the Seine as sumptuous music fills the air.  The dark river will stretch before you as you become ensconced in the atmosphere that is so uniquely Parisian.  As the boat winds back up toward the Eiffel Tower, the tower will erupt in lights that sparkle and twinkle before your eyes.  You will be breathless as you take in the symbol of love and romance that seems to light up just for you.

Nestling into the arms of someone you love will never feel as decadent as when you are gliding down the Seine on one of these Paris tours.  When your holiday is over, you can look back with joy and sigh, “We’ll always have Paris.”

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Palermo Cathedral in Sicily / Photo by admin

1. Have a basic knowledge of Italian

It can be helpful to know at least a few words of the language. While you will come across English speaking natives, knowing some of the language can help you have a more pleasant experience.

2. Invest in a Travel Italy guide book

Read up on all the places to go and see beforehand. Knowing what to expect will help you avoid the unexpected!

3. Keep your money safe

Just as if you were visiting cities in your own country, you want to ensure that you have your money and your valuables safe and sound. Don’t carry too much cash on you at one time and leave your valuables in a safe place.

4. Take the train

The train can be a cheaper alternative to taxis when traveling in Italy. Take the train to save some money.

Train in Italy / Photo by admin

5. Realize that the culture is different

Things that you find rude in your home country may be acceptable in Italy. If someone seems rude, just forget about it. Addressing the locals because of rudeness will make matters worse for everyone.

6. Realize that dress codes will be enforced

Depending on where you travel, you may be expected to dress the part. When entering churches or other venues, you may be required to dress modestly.

7. Have a plan of action before you leave for your destination

Know the places that you are going to visit and find out enough information about them that you can make a plan of action for the days you want to visit them while on your trip.

8. Know how to shop

Shopping can be quite expensive in Italy. Get tips for how and where to shop. For example, you want to avoid shopping on main streets in Italy that mark prices way up.

Market in Palermo, Sicily / Photo by admin

9. Go with the flow

Italians will expect that you agree with and follow their way of life. They have many different customs such as eating lunch after 1 p.m. and dinner after 8 p.m. Do you best to go with the flow so that you don’t stand out like a sore thumb.

10. Mingle with the locals

If you are having trouble navigating through the city, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Locals are often more than welcome to help foreigners out. They can give you helpful advice such as where to eat.

11. Smaller cities first

If it is your first trip to Italy, you may want to visit the smaller cities that aren’t as overwhelming. Save the larger, more populated cities for a time when you are more familiar with the country.

Small town of Cefalù in Sicily / Photo by admin

12. Realize that lines will be long at popular tourist destinations

Plan plenty of time to visit popular places such as the Colosseum. These are locations that everyone wants to see and you can literally expect thousands of people to visit this area. This can put you waiting in line for hours so be prepared.

13. Expect rain and sunshine!

You want to be thoroughly prepared. Realize that the weather can change on a dime.

14. Go during a time when a festival is going on

. Festivals in Italy are popular. This is a great time to visit the area and can provide tons of things for you to do.

15. Be prepared to walk

You will do lots of walking in Italy so be sure that you bring comfy shoes and hiking sticks for the occasion. Don’t be surprised if you choose to walk rather than take other modes of transportation as getting around Italy isn’t always an easy task.

Visiting Italy for the first time can be quite overwhelming. Use the tips above to help make the most of your experience. These tips can help you make important decisions about your trip.

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Tuscany landscape / Gabriele Cantini

Airfare is usually the largest concern. Fortunately, there are so many options and airlines now that you just have to do a little homework to find a deal. Sign up for daily deal newsletters; there are many companies that will comb through flight deals and email them directly to you automatically. Some airlines, however, won’t publish their prices anywhere except on their website. Compare your email savings to the airline pages to find the cheaper source. You can use flight cost predictors as well if you want to track changing fares and try to nab the best one. A last resort should be a bidding or blind cost-naming site. While you can get really amazing deals with these tools, you’ll have little control over the flight times or details. If you’re part of a small travel group, this might be best for you. But if you’re traveling with children or many others, don’t gamble with the air travel.

The second largest cost of a vacation is usually accommodations. But if you’re looking at expensive Tuscany hotels, you’re not only wasting money, but you’re also wasting the culture of Tuscany! Tuscany is a countryside region of Italy that is famous for its lush landscapes and stunning villas. But though you may feel intimidated by the airy, luxurious architecture, most villas are actually for rent. It may seem surprising, but Italian homes are not just for celebrities and locals; you can relax in style with Tuscany villa rentals. Just like regular rental homes, villas are available in all sizes and can hold your group whether you’re as few as a couple or as large as a family reunion. These are fully furnished homes, so you’ll have access to a kitchen and private bathroom: Just remember that an Italian kitchen can be quite different from what you’re used to. Look at all of your options before you rent a villa. It’s best to compare between rental companies or property managers and web sites that let you book directly through the owner. There will be many options, so make sure you take everything into account.

Amazing sitting area at the villa in Tuscany / Jeremy Vandel

Don’t worry about spending money once you’ve settled in; Tuscany has numerous cheap activities. If you’re an outdoors person looking to enjoy the famous mellow Mediterranean weather, then the beaches won’t disappoint. The most famous beaches are Versilia, Pisa, and Livorno, which have been awarded by the Foundation of Environmental Education. If you’ll be staying in Tuscany for a while, there’s no reason you can’t see all three!

Especially if you’re traveling with a family, you might want to make sure that you experience some culture and education. Fortunately, most of the museums and landmarks are either free or very cheap! You can visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but Florence is the star when it comes to art. Don’t miss the Uffizi, famous for housing paintings by Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli.

Don’t fret about transportation either; Italy has a cheap and efficient train system, and you can easily explore all of Florence on foot. The countryside, littered with medieval fortresses and villages, can be explored by hiking or biking. Save money by skipping the tour group and you’ll find that discovering the countryside on your own is much more exciting.

If you combine the savings from discount airfare, Tuscany villa rentals and experiencing all that Tuscany has to offer on your own, you’ll be able to afford the trip of a lifetime without spending your life savings!

Matt Papa is a professional inbound marketer, discussing Tuscany villa rentals, who guest blogs for a variety of online publications. Matt is a part of an elite team of writers who have contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites, including Reuters, SEOmoz.org and The Washington Post. Follow him @MattPapa77.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Dennis Jarvis

Location, Location, Location

By checking out the location of your proposed accommodation and also checking out a few reviews which are plentiful on the internet, you can make sure that your hotel, apartment or guest house is the most suitable for you and your party. If you are a family with young children, the last thing you want is a hotel next to a nightclub blasting out music till the sun comes up. Likewise, if you are a group of friends looking to party hard, you do not want to be in a resort which is full of families who will complain about your partying. By using some of the many review sites on the web, you can make sure that the location you choose has everything you need to enjoy your holiday, whether it be beaches, attractions, scenery or nightclubs and bars.

Try Using The Lingo

It can be a little daunting going to a foreign country where everything is new and you don’t understand the language. If you try to pick up some of the language and try out a few words, you will be surprised at how this encourages the locals to communicate with you. Even if it is just saying “hello” and “goodbye”, “can I have the bill please?” Or “can I have two cold beers please?” by making the effort you will get a much friendlier response in general.

Weather

Spain has a very varied climate, being the second most mountainous country in Europe, it has some excellent skiing and snowboarding resorts in the north of the country, or if the cold is not your thing then it has a plethora of locations in the south which has a warm climate year round. In places such as Tenerife you get an average of over 2800 hours of sun a year with an average temperature of around 24°C, more than enough for the sun worshipers out there.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by shortCHINESEguy

Party Like The Locals

Spain is one of the party capitals of Europe and the locals love a good fiesta. It may be worthwhile considering timing your trip to one of the major festivals so you really get to soak up the atmosphere and culture of this beautiful country. You can check out the Semana Santa festival in Seville, Malaga, Valladolid or Leon which happens the week leading up to Easter Sunday or San Fermin (Pamplona Bull Run) in Pamplona in early July. There is even the Tomatina Tomato Fight which happens on the fourth Wednesday in August in the Valencian town of Buñol. By timing your visit to one of the spectacular festivals you can certainly make sure you have a visit to remember and learn how to part like the Spanish do.

Attractions

Spain not only has some of the best beaches and resorts in Europe, along with some of the most famous festivals in the world, it also has attractions galore for all discernible tastes. You have the moon like landscape in Tenerife, the majestic Pyrenees, or you have museums abundant such as the Prado Museum in Madrid, or world famous architecture such as the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s unfinished Cathedral in Barcelona. There are also water parks all over the coastal region of Spain and also the islands so you will find it easy to cool down and have some fun families and groups of friends alike.

Conclusion

By doing a little bit of homework before booking your next holiday to Spain, you can make sure you save yourself a few headaches and make it the most memorable experience to keep you coming back year after year. After all how can 23 million people be wrong!

This article was written by Andy Wright on behalf of Travel Republic. Travel Republic offer some of the best Holidays in Spain available. Andy is a seasoned traveller having visited many of the world’s travel destinations and enjoys submersing himself in the local culture to gain the true experience of the country he visits.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Wolfgang Staudt

Walking Tours

If you’ve just landed in Barcelona and you’re looking for a way to get acclimated, a walking tour could be the perfect way to get your bearings. Several companies in Barcelona offer free walking tours. The catch? You’re supposed to leave them a tip; however, the amount of the tip is entirely up to you. Try Travel Bound Barcelona Free Walking Tours, Barcelona Free Tours, or Runner Bean Tours. 

Museums

Many museums in Barcelona charge a nominal fee to enter, but some of these museums waive their entrance fees during certain times of the month. If you’re a fan of Picasso, the Museo Picasso offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month, and after 3 PM every Sunday. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya also has free admission on the first Sunday of the month. The Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona has free admission on Wednesdays. 

Food

In many cities and towns in Spain, it’s customary to get a free tapa with your drink. In a pricey city like Barcelona, though, you’ll usually have to pay for your tapas most places. Fortunately, the city also has plenty of places where you can go to get complimentary tapas with your drinks on certain days. On Sundays, get a complimentary buffet with your drink purchase at Bar No Sé. On Tuesdays, check out Sesamo for free tapas tastings. For cheap tapas any day of the week, Txapela is the place to go. This cozy tavern offers a wide variety of freshly prepared tapas, all under two euros a piece. 

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jordi Cerdà

Accommodation

A great way to really immerse yourself into the new culture is to eat with the locals. Find out what it is they eat daily and at least sample it. With so many different foods to try in Barcelona you’d assume it would be really expensive to try them all but some foods require a lot of home-based cooking to really taste like the traditional dishes so for example, there are plenty of places you can enjoy a Catalonian meal in the area, but why not consider renting an accommodation in Barcelona and making your own dishes in your temporary kitchen! Rented accommodation can work out much more cost effective if you’re planning to stay for more than a couple of days and you save loads by cooking your own meals.

Barcelona’s Great Outdoors

Parc Guell is a fascinating, gorgeous park that Gaudí left unfinished. It’s filled with Gaudí’s signature interesting architecture, as well as beautiful fountains, statues, and a museum. While the museum on the park’s site charges a small fee to enter, the rest of the park is free. Another free, beautiful place to escape the city is Barcelona’s Botanical Gardens. The gardens offer a variety of plants, flowers, and trees for visitors to enjoy, as well as an excellent view of the city. Nearby Montjuïc Magic Fountains offer another great view of the city, as well as the beautiful fountains that change shapes against the backdrop of the Palau Nacional.

Markets and Shops

Las Ramblas is Barcelona’s most famous street. This pedestrian street is filled with street performers, locals, and visitors from around the world, with shops, hotels, nightlife, and restaurants lining its sides. You can wander past La Boqueria, an open-air market offering produce, meats, and flowers, as well as restaurants serving food and drinks. It’s free to browse the market, but food and drinks are relatively cheap. Also check out the Port Vell Antique Fair. It’s free to look, but there are plenty of cheap bargains to be found.

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Orava Castle, Slovakia by Wojsyl

The Castle itself was constructed at the site were an old wooden fort had once stood during the Mongol invasion. The old Fort unfortunately did not survive the invasion, and soon after was replaced with the Orava Castle, which stands today. And while the Castle has undergone a number of reconstructions throughout the centuries, the most extensive reconstruction occurred back in 1611.

Unfortunately, as the centuries went on the Castle eventually fell into disrepair until the early 1800s when it was burnt to the ground completely. However, thanks to the extensive efforts of the government as well as locals, another major reconstruction effort began shortly after the end of World War II.

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects about the Orava Castle is that of the entrance to the Castle. There are three levels of the Castle, which includes lower, central as well as upper parts. As a result, anyone who enters the Castle will have to walk through a tunnel under which the Castle’s dungeon can clearly be seen beneath. The highest part is on a steep rocky limestone cliff 112 m above the Orava river. Middle part consists of medieval buildings – Corvinus Palace and the Palace of Ján from Dubová village. The lower castle is particularly Thurzo Palace and the castle church where some members of Thurzo family are buried, the older tower and terrace. On this terrace there was a summer theatre for several years.

Today the Castle itself serves as a Museum to not just the Castle, but also to the archaeology of the region, the history of the settlements along the Orava River as well as the nation. There are countless exhibits that can be found throughout the Castle including a regular theatre and street performers. One of the most interesting aspects about visiting the Orava Castle is that it is open in the night-time to allow visitors to have a truly enchanted experience.

The basic admission is €5 – €6 and often include also the fencing duel or several music concerts from the previous periods. If you are planning your trip to Slovakia, do not forget to visit Orava castle, you will be surprised how nice it is.

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