With the Red Light District and specialist cafes commonly associated with the city, the location may not come across in the best of light. Yet Amsterdam is far more varied and is actually a place of rich culture with some truly amazing scenery and interesting history for tourists to enjoy. If you’re planning a trip to the city then here are five things you might not know:

Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Chris Yunker

1. Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in Europe

When it comes to crime rates it may surprise you to find that, contrary to popular belief, Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in Europe. Many people are under the impression that Amsterdam is a dangerous place to go but this is just not the case.

While the crime policies may be viewed as more lenient towards certain activities, the violent crime rate is actually pretty low. According to data from 2010, violent crime rate for Amsterdam was 35.14% lower than the national average for this type of crime.

Crimes such as pick pocketing do happen but occur fairly infrequently. Crime rates may be slightly higher in areas such as downtown, areas south of downtown and some areas in the western side (including at some of the high rise projects) but even here the risk of crime is minimal.

2. There are more canals than in Venice

Did you know that there are more canals in Amsterdam than there are in Venice? Amsterdam also has approximately three times more bridges than Venice too which may come as something of a surprise.

Beautiful and traditional Amsterdam apartments overlook the winding dreamy canals that caress the city so perfectly and they are one of the city’s most serene and fascinating features; more than earning it the title of ‘The Venice of the North’.

Amsterdam canals, The Netherlands by Christian Lendl

3. Amsterdam is ideal for a beach break

You are never far away from a beach while in Amsterdam; there are many different forms of transport that provide access to nearby beaches. If you fancy feeling a little sand beneath your feet, there are several urban beaches within the city or you could even travel to Zandvoort for a relaxing break away from the city.

With its golden sandy dunes and clear blue water, Zandvoort plays host to many international windsurfing and catamaran racing competitions. Add in some quirky little beach cafes, you’ve got a great, entertaining afternoon in the sun!

Amsterdam beach, The Netherlands by Amy Bonner

4. There are more bikes than cars

You will see cars very infrequently throughout Amsterdam as there is very little need for them. As a result, parking can be somewhat expensive and difficult to find. The public transport system within Amsterdam is simply excellent but many people use bicycles to get around and it is thought they outnumber cars dramatically. In fact, as many as 60% of inner-city trips are claimed to be made by bike.

Bikes in Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Christian Lendl

5. The best architecture is in the Red Light District

While the Red Light District becomes somewhat lively at night, it is certainly a place that should be visited at least once. During the day the area is quite exquisite and there is a free walking tour that will allow you to see the stunning architecture and scenery while learning some of the history of the area.

Amsterdam Red Light District, The Netherlands by William Beutler

Amsterdam is an attractive, romantic place to visit with some surprising features, so why not take a trip and see what else you can learn?

Written by: Sheryl Lovenkrandz – a freelance blogger who loves to write about Amsterdam travel.

The post 5 Things You May Not Know About Amsterdam appeared first on Europe Explored.

Meribel, France by Leo-setä

What is a catered ski holiday in Meribel?

A catered ski holiday will normally mean that everything you need is covered on your holiday. A little bit like an all-inclusive vacation you can expect flights, accommodation and most of the time, food!

Due to Meribel being such a large ski resort, you will find a range of different types of accommodation to suit your needs. From gorgeous little chalets to 5 star hotels. What you choose is completely down to you, but for the full skiing experience it is recommended that you stay in a chalet for at least a few of the nights!

In a catered chalet in Meribel you can enjoy the luxury comforts of wood burning fires and fur rugs to keep your toes warm at night! Staff will prepare meals for you in many catered accommodation packages so you do not have to worry about cooking on your holiday!

Some packages may also include your lift tickets and entry to various entertainment venues located on the resort. It is best to speak with your ski holiday provider to find out exactly what is included in your catered holiday.

Meribel itself is situated at the centre of the Trois Vallees which is the World’s largest ski area. There are several neighbouring small towns and villages nearby that you can explore when taking a break from the slopes. Make sure you grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants away from the resort, for a truly French gourmet experience.

If you have time then you simply must visit the Vanoise National Park, which offers a wide range of scenery, wildlife and plants to experience.

Meribel, France by Leo-setä

Skiing in Meribel

Whether you are a complete beginner in terms of skiing, had a few lessons, or are an expert; there is a slope, chute or piste to suit your level of skill.

Altiport is the area you should start with if you have never been skiing before, or are rusty on the slopes! You will find a range of blue trails that will help you get to grips with this fun and intense sport. There are plenty of guides, schools and teachers that can assist you with any questions or queries you may have when it comes to skiing.

Saulire is a mixed use area, meaning that it caters for all types of skiers. There are a few blue and black trails but mainly a lot of reds that are suitable for intermediate skiers.

Tougnète is another mixed area that will give everybody the opportunity to shine. A number of blue, red and black trails, chutes and slopes are available here. As well as on-piste and off-piste terrains that you can try out your moves on!

Mont du Vallon is the area that attracts the most expert and professional skiers. Although intermediate levels are welcome here, you may find the steep runs a bit too advanced for yourself. Mont du Vallon provides one of the most gorgeous backgrounds for skiing, so check it out if you can!

Meribel in France is not only one of the World’s largest ski resorts, it is also one of the most popular. This is due to the amount of different types of skiing opportunities which appeal to beginners and experts alike.

If you are planning a catered ski holiday to Meribel then ensure you take a few days break from the slopes in order to explore the neighbouring towns and villages. There is also plenty of entertainment available in the form of shopping, restaurants and night-life!

Author Bio:
An article by Nathan Griffiths who tries to ski as often as possible and particularly enjoys the slopes of Meribel.

The post A Beginner’s Guide To Catered Ski Holidays In Meribel, France appeared first on Europe Explored.

Amazing view from villa in Tuscany, Italy by Jeremy Vandel

Tuscany is a well liked vacation spot due to its elegance and rental fees. Moreover, it provides numerous choices to possess a fantastic holiday. The spot is full of background scenes and lifestyles such as historical ancient monuments and structures that offer additional scenery to Tuscany.

Tuscany, in Italy is one of the most appealing vacation spot and the area is using its wealthy artwork and lifestyle along with the fine eating places. The restaurants and the hotels offers first call quality food to their customers in affordable prices. The rental fees are one of the important points which are quite affordable and the reason for spotting huge crowd of visitors. The accommodation are available at affordable prices only if you book it though advance payments and book it before you arrive there. On the spot booking may be bit costly and it is better to stay within the villas than in hotels.

Villas in Tuscany makes an appealing holiday choice for those who want to stay for long. The villas offered by Tuscany are well furnished and holds all the functionalities and features for the visitors. The modular kitchens and a big parking lodge with a beautiful swimming pool allures the visitor to stay for more time. Moreover, the window scenes are quite attractive and beautiful to make them spend the whole day in their villas. The tourists can even save their money by cooking themselves at villas. The kitchen is fully furnished with all the accessories to prepare their own meals. Their proprietors may need the monetary increase so that they provide these types of inexpensive holiday villas throughout the springtime, summer time as well as fall months.

Cypress trees and Tuscan hills by Mike of Surrey

Self catering holidays are the best options for those who want to spend some quality time with their families. These villas in Tuscany tends to be through custom occur impressive landscapes. These landscapes frequently possess the fair insights from the Tuscan sceneries along with rich eco-friendly surroundings. The panorama is the main reason for leasing Tuscany villas. These sceneries provide the most calming sites to the earth and the location is unquestionably an appealing location for anyone who is buying tranquil vacation.

If you’re truly inspired to go to this meticulous stunning world famous place then does little exercise to search upon the internet as well as guide vacation Tuscany villas within Italy to have a memorable experience.

Resource Box: Anna is a person with a passion for writing. She has written many articles on various topics as villas in Tuscany, for more information you can check her other blogs.

The post View Panoramic Sites Through Tuscany Villas In Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo by Gidzy

That’s why it’s such a good idea to get out there and enjoy your weekends this summer by seeing more of what the UK has to offer. A lot of visitors from abroad are drawn to Britain because of its gorgeous green countryside, rolling hills and quaint rural villages – something that many Brits themselves have barely scratched the surface of in terms of travel and discovery!

It’s worth taking the example of the biker community in Britain when it comes to seeing more of the unique spectacles of wild Britain. Bikers tend to be really active at the weekends and in holiday periods during the summer when they can get their bikes out and go roaming the countryside, enjoying the nice weather and taking in whatever sights they can find.

The journey

The key is to take pleasure in the journey. The fact is that holidaying in Britain is only partly about the destination and your trip may just take you through some of the most stunning parts of the country. Bikers always plan their routes with the scenery in mind and they often throw in a few stops along the way so that every journey is a little more rewarding and a little more of an experience.

Fit more in

Trips, holidays and weekends away are always more memorable when you fit more into them. The great thing about travelling around Britain is that you have a fantastic opportunity to explore from the moment you step out your front door – there is no taxi to the airport, no long wait in the departure lounge, no tiresome flight and transfer, there is only the open road and the promise of bucolic spectacle whatever the weather.

If the British climate can sustain a community of bikers committed to a fuller experience of the country in which they live, then anyone can enjoy the rivers, lakes, forests, moors, hills, valleys, cliffs and plateaus that Britain is famous for. It only takes a little research to throw up a whole host of possibilities whichever part of the country you live in, so next time you get the urge to travel and see new things, channel the spirit of the Great British biker!

Iain Rimmer is a keen biker, often writing on behalf of Club Promoto

The post Follow The British Biker And See More Of Your Own Country appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo by admin

Turn Up the Music

The usual pastime is listening to the radio; this engages you and actively keeps your attention.  It allows your mind to work and keeps you alert to your surroundings.  There are times when it may not be appropriate to get involved with listening to the music because you may not be concentrating on the other drivers around you.  If this happens, it is OK to switch to another channel or just turn the music off.

Educate Yourself

For someone who is not into listening to music, they can bring their favorite book on CD.  This is great for someone who likes to be intrigued and entertained.  It should not overpower their concentration and like before, if it does they can turn it off.  This also includes learning a language.  It is simple to listen and repeat the words without losing control.  Depending on the distance, you might be able to learn a few phrases.

Enjoy the Scenery

A person with a camper or RV is able to stop and look at any site that interests them.  The flexibility of a road trip is nice, because it is more relaxed than flying or being on a train.  You are able to stop and buy something or use the facilities at any moment.  It is more relaxing for some and more preferable.  The greatest part of having one of these vehicles is that you are able to sleep in them as well.  Some people can sleep in a car, but it is not as roomy and accommodating.

Travel in Comfort

A RV is made to house someone wherever they may be.  For someone who is spontaneous, they are able to stop at campgrounds and relax.  This is great if they get sleepy; it is better to take some time for rest and be safe.

RVs are considered safe for the most part and are recommended by many.  They offer a place to stay and transportation for the cost of one.  This is great for anyone on a budget, because they are able to go on the trips they want without saving for years.  Accidents can happen and usually at the most inconvenient times; it is essential to take care of the damage right away.  You can visit an RV collision company and a professional will assist in their repairs.  Usually the work is done within a couple days, depending on the damage, and then you are able to be back on their way and having fun.

Archie Johnson is a freelance blogger for RV Renovators, an RV collision company in AZ.

The post How to Entertain Yourself on a Solo Road Trip appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo by admin

Package Travel Regulations Act Guidance

For many people, a real break from the daily stresses of everyday life requires a complete getaway from the local scenery. This way, everything can be physically left behind and individuals can look forward to a dream holiday. Unfortunately, all too often and too quickly a dream holiday can turn into a nightmare. Sometimes an unfortunate turn of event is unavoidable, but with proper knowledge of the Package Travel Regulations Act definition a certain number of precautions can be made. In short, it is in a traveller’s best interest to be aware of the law that protects them from discrepancies of purchases made from travel agents. The Package Travel Regulations Act protects consumers by allowing them to claim compensation for any part of the holiday that differs to what was agreed upon on in the contract, thus keeping travel agents in check.

Precautions

Consumers need to be responsible for reading and understanding the entire contract before signing and making a deposit. A travel insurance policy should be purchased before departure to ensure that a customer is compensated for a cancelled holiday in case of illness or injury. These insurance policies also cover for lost and stolen items, luggage and money as well as transport delays that are outside the jurisdiction of the Package Travel Regulations Act.

The Duties of a Travel Agency

If an essential part of a holiday is changed before the departure date, according to the EU Package Travel Regulations Consumer Act protection, the travel agent is duty bound to inform the consumer. If the change is found to be unacceptable to the consumer, they can choose to cancel (and be fully reimbursed) or change their holiday package. If changes or discrepancies only become apparent while the consumer is on holiday, consumers legally have the right to claim for compensation from the travel agent. Consumers can also claim for a refund of any extra expense incurred because of the change, thus as a consumer it is important to keep all slips and receipts to prove the extra expense. Financial compensation can also be received for any moral or stress related damage caused by a discrepancy, as outlined in the Package Travel Regulations Consumer Act.

Package Travel Regulations Consumer Act Exceptions

According to the Package Travel Regulations Act, consumers may not claim compensation for any changes made to a holiday package that are out of the control of the travel agency, such as alternative arrangements caused by bad weather, natural disasters, strikes or transport breakdowns.

Please note that this article is for informational use only. In the event of a claim professional legal advice and expert Package Travel Regulations Act consultation should be sought.

Penny Munroe is an avid writer in travel related news and topics. Articles range from comprehensive hotel reviews of the Westin Dragonara in Malta, to selecting the best insurance for your holiday.

The post Consumers Know Your Rights: EU Package Travel Regulations Act appeared first on Europe Explored.

1. Visit Rialto Bridge

If breathtaking views are what you are searching for head straight for Rialto Bridge. A visit to this breath will yield views of the Grand Canal. Best of all, it won’t cost you a dime to take in the scenery.

Rialto Bridge, Venice, Italy / Photo by admin

2. Window shopping

Even if you don’t have a dime to spend in the expensive stores in Venice, window shopping can be an enjoyable experience. Many of the shops look like glass museums and are beautiful works of art.

3. Take a walk

Take a trip back to the 15th century by taking a walk down the winding streets of Venice. There will be countless sites to see along the way so be sure to bring your camera along.

4. Visit the churches

While some churches in Venice do charge a fee for entry to help maintain the property, others are free! San Vidal is free and open to the public. Not only will you see the magnificent structures of the churches, but many of them boast famous historic artwork.

Church in Venice, Italy / Photo by admin

5. Free concerts in the churches

While visiting the churches in Venice, look for signs that announce free concerts. Many times the churches will offer concerts or music for free of charge. Plan your trip accordingly.

6. Take an island trip

It will cost you a little money to get to the islands but once you get there, exploring the islands is free. Sightseeing in areas such as San Michele or exploring is free. You can also visit Murano Island, the birth place of famous murano glass and learn more about the World’s finest glass sculptures.

7. Visit the festivals

If you are Venice during a festival, this can provide tons of free entertainment. From a parade of boats to the Festival of San Marco to Carnevale di Venezia wearing handmade masquerade mask, choose to plan your visit during a festival to help save you money when trying to find things to do.

Festivals in Venice, Italy / Photo by admin

8. Museo della Musica

Choose to visit the museum of music to view a collection of instruments and find information about making violins. If music is a passion of yours, this is sure to be a free venue that you will love.

9. Visit the Jewish Ghetto

This is the historic area where the term “ghetto” came about. Walk on the very same roads as the thousands of Jews who were forced into segregation. You can see the areas where they lived and also visit synagogues in the area.

10. Visit the Parks of Venice

While you will certainly find more stone in this beautiful city, there are a few parks that still have some greenery. Take a stroll through the parks or have picnic. Spend the day relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

11. Tour the Art Galleries

While many of the galleries will cost you money to visit, there are some that are free of charge. The Contini Art Gallery is one of the galleries that you can enjoy for no cost to you.

12. Visit the beach

Visiting the beach in Venice can be quite expensive if you don’t look for areas that have free access. Walk along Lido until you find a point of entry that won’t cost your money.

If you are planning a trip to Venice in the near future, use the list of 12 free things to do in Venice to help you make the most of your trip without spending tons of money. While Venice is an expensive city, if you know where to go and what to do, you can spend very little money enjoying the beautiful city. The sites and scenery of the city alone are enough to appease even the pickiest of tourist. What will you do in Venice?

View 12 Free Things to Do in Venice Italy in a larger map

The post 12 Free Things to Do in Venice | Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

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.

The post How to Ensure You Have a Fantastic Holiday in Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.

Visitors can experience the thrill of a hidden and beautiful upside down world, made of breath-taking scenery, rich in extraordinary concretions, where the silence is broken only by the dripping of the drops of water that bring the constantly changing complex to life.

There are two adventure trails – the blue trail (for those over the age of 12) and the red trail – which allow small guided groups to pass through underground passages, narrow pathways and shafts and admire splendid rooms concealed from the gaze of “normal” tourists.

The basic admission is 15,50Eur / person.

View Grotte di Frasassi – one of the most spectacular Karst complexes in the world – Italy in a larger map

The post Grotte di Frasassi – one of the most spectacular Karst complexes in the world | Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

Blue Grotto, Malta by Chris Brown

Those who travel to the Blue Grotto will also be able to see Filfla, which is a small island inhabited by numerous types of exotic lizards. There is no doubt that these sea caves are a very popular travel destination for tourists who like to go scuba diving or just want to admire the breathtaking beauty and idyllic scenery that the Blue Grotto has to offer.

In this area there are a number of amazing sights to see, including the tall cliffs which tower above the Mediterranean Sea, the waves below hitting against them. The unique emerald lighting and exotic landscape of this entire area is what draws so many people to it year after year. Late in the day it is not uncommon to see visitors swimming in the caves, as well as traffic jams of rowboats just outside the grotto.

It is also considered as being one of the most picturesque places in all of Malta so if your next way is waving through Malta do not leave this place unexplored.

The post The Blue Grotto – the sea caverns on the southern coast of Malta appeared first on Europe Explored.