Photo by New Brunswick Tourism / License: Creative Commons

Due to the unpredictable Scottish climate, the golfing season in Scotland usually runs from April to August. Although the PGA Centenary Golf Course is one of Scotland’s most famous courses, golf enthusiasts can choose from a range of scenic courses during their trip to Scotland. While most golf ranges also offer accommodation, many visitors opt to stay out with the resort and take advantage of the day passes offered by most ranges. Make sure you get a handicap certificate and an introductory letter from your local golf club before you travel to Scotland.

If you want to experience the best golf that Scotland has to offer, make sure to visit these top golfing ranges:

Royal Troon Golf Club

Founded in the year 1878, the Royal Troon Golf Club has grown to be one of the finest championship courses in the world. The course is home to some of Scotland’s most competitive golfing events and has hosted the Open Championship on eight occasions. The 123 yard 8th hole known as “The Postage Stamp”, is the shortest and one of the most difficult in the history of the Open Championship. Be careful not to get distracted by the stunning views from the course, on a clear day you can see Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran.

Loch Lomond Golf Club

A must see for nature lovers, the Loch Lomond Golf club lies on 7,100 yards of parkland on the banks of Loch Lomond and offers golfers spectacular views of the Scottish Highlands. Visitors should look out for the historic Rossdhu Mansion on the estate grounds and the ruins of Rossdhu Castle behind in the 18th hole. Unfortunately, as one of the most exclusive clubs in Scotland, you must either be able to afford the joining fee of £75,000 or be invited to play by an existing member.

Cruden Bay Golf Club

The Cruden Bay Golf Club in Aberdeenshire is a magnificent 18-hole championship course that allows golfers to put their abilities to the test. The rugged tertian is home to blind shots and major elevation changes. World-renowned golfer, Pete Dye once described the location as “outsized, non-conformist, unpredictable, flamboyant.” Yet, the picturesque location, views of Slains Castle and surrounding attractions such as the Donmouth Local Nature Reserve, makes the course a firm favourite amongst golfers from across the globe.

Turnberry Golf Club

The Turnberry Golf Club in Ayrshire is home to the Open Championship’s legendary Ailsa course where the the famous “Duel in the Sun” match between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus occured in 1977. The course comprises of numerous bunkers, small lakes, fairways, and high fescue grasses. Golfers should look out for the course’s most iconic feature, the functional lighthouse that offers stunning sea views. The course attracts visitors from around world who are eager to experience the cliff-top location.

Fiona writes for Moness, luxury 4 star golf & spa resort in the heart of Perthshire.

The post Scotland’s Top Golf Ranges appeared first on Best of European Union.

Old Town harbour at night, Dubrovnik, Croatia by hozinja

There are so many awesome places to visit and fabulous things to do in Croatia that you would never be able to pack them all into one trip. However, while you’re there, don’t miss out on these three outstanding places and activities.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is among the most romantic cities in the world. The southern-most point in Croatia is even more romantic than Paris. It’s surrounded by the clear, beautiful waters of the Adriatic Sea. The walls of the city were built in the medieval period. During the Croatian War of Independence, Dubrovnik was bombed heavily from 1991 to 1995. Most of the wreckage has been repaired, but you can still see residual mortar damage and bullet holes in the stone houses. While you’re in Dubrovnik, check out the Bell Tower. Bronze statues on top of the tower strike a gigantic bell on the hour. Rector’s Palace is home to a Croatian historical museum. Placa Stradum, also called Old Town, is in the center of the city. The perpendicular streets are lined with tourist shops and sidewalk cafes. Many of the buildings date back to the mid-1600s. At night, Placa Stradum is filled with people enjoying the pleasant weather and the excitement of the city.

Marina Kremik

After visiting Dubrovnik, go to Marina Kremik for a Croatia yacht charter from “The Split,” which is right in the center of the coastline. You’ll never forget leisurely sailing across the crystal clear Adriatic waters. Marina Kremik sits in a picturesque bay surrounded by vineyards that are hundreds of years old. These are the vineyards that produce the famous Babic wine. Kremik is one of the nicest ports in the entire world. It is well-lit and secure. If you love the sea, you will absolutely love Marina Kremik. The Kornati National Park and Split Airport are only about 30 km from the marina. Kremik has shopping, a seaside restaurant and all the facilities you need to sail around the Adriatic Sea.

Mljet, Croatia by Bruno

The Island of Mljet

The third must-see destination in Croatia is the Island of Mljet, which is famous for world-class SCUBA diving. Mljet has underwater caves, coral reefs and an abundance of unique, exotic sea life. It is home to the largest stony coral reef in the entire Mediterranean Sea. The elongated island is parallel to the Peninsula of Peljesac and directly across the Mljetski Channel, which is only eight km wide. Mljet is very close to Dubrovnik. Some people believe that Mljet is Homer’s fabled island of Ogygia, which was mentioned in his epic tale “The Odyssey.” It is where the goddess Calypso enchanted Odysseus and kept him as her lover for seven years when he traveled home from the Trojan War. There is a cave near Babino Polje that resembles Calypso’s lush hideaway. It is uncertain whether Mljet was Homer’s inspiration, but it is beautiful enough to be a mythical paradise.

Jesse Dugan and his team of expert writers guest blog for sites all over the web in several different categories. Follow him @JesseDugan

The post 3 Things You Must Do When Visiting Croatia appeared first on Best of European Union.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Will

In fact, many people who went on holiday in places like Thailand often complain about their accommodations. That’s why you should be careful when you book your hotel room or any other accommodation on the Internet, as some hotel managers put some beautiful pictures on their website that are far from reality. In addition, if you’re disappointed with your booked accommodation there’s no guarantee of getting your money back.

In order, to avoid that kind of rip off some people choose to go and spend their holidays in places that were recommended to them by friends. For instance, many British people spend their holidays in Majorca for its stunning beaches and vibrant night life. Therefore, if you’d like to go there,you can ask your friends if some of them have already been there and thus they will be able to give you some tips on the places to go and also those that you should avoid. However, if none of your friends have been there, don’t forget that the world has become a global village, therefore you can still try to find some information from your Facebook friends. In fact, some might be able to give you some valuable information.

You can also avoid summer rip-offs by going to places where tourist rights are protected by the authorities, and this is the case for all EU countries. However, as people say there’s no place like home! In fact, you can also look for good places to go in the UK. For instance Scotland is a good place to spend your family holidays.

For those who like bathing in the sun you can go down to the South of England in Devon for instance, as Devon is full of lovely places to visit especially in the city of Dartmouth. In fact, whether you’re a group of friends, a family or even a couple you will have great fun in Dartmouth. There are a lot activities ranging from attractions, river and sea activities, shopping and so on. In addition, you don’t need to worry about accommodation as you can book one of the lovely Dartmouth holiday cottages.

Dartmouth cottages are known for their great comfort and the great location. However, if you’re still tempted to go and spend your holidays abroad, then be very careful of the different rip-offs of the holiday industry.

The post How To Avoid Summer Holiday Rip-Offs appeared first on Best of European Union.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by jim crossley

Spanish sighs and France’s finest

Spain’s most cosmopolitan and vibrant city, Barcelona is awash with art, culture, sport and music. Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, the extraordinary cathedral that is still being built today, is just one of the enduring symbols of this amazing city. Its other great cathedral is the Nou Camp, the home of Barcelona FC. Hop on one of the city’s tour buses to soak up as much of Barcelona as possible so you can make the most of any stop here.

Considered by many as the jewel of the Med, Palma de Mallorca is a stunning fusion of Roman, Spanish, Catalan, Moorish and contemporary culture. Its mighty cathedral dominates the city centre where cool bars and top-class restaurants are filled nightly with the rich, the famous and the ordinary holidaymaker. Its narrow, cobbled streets are a treat, particularly for shopaholics.

The romantic allure of the French Riviera remains undimmed after decades at the top of every celebrity’s holiday wish list. Nice has stunning beaches and shopping to die for but is also a cultural oasis, too – second only to Paris in the number of museums and art galleries it has. Make time for a stroll and a refreshment on the Promenade des Anglais.

The celeb count is always high in Cannes, too, particularly during its world-famous film festival in May. This once sleepy fishing village is now one of the most glamorous spots in the world and you simply have to perch at a street café by the marina to people watch. Explore the winding streets of the old town and enjoy a spectacular view from the castle ruins at the top.

Africa meets Europe in dazzling fashion in Marseille where the sights and sounds of that continent mingle with French natives, creating a tantalising mix just like the seafood that’s mixed to make this city’s famous fish broth, bouillabaisse. Explore Roman ruins and wander through markets selling local produce and more exotic sights, smells and sounds of North and West Africa.

La dolce vita

Mere words cannot adequately describe Rome, the Eternal City. It’s probably easier simply to list some of its outstanding attractions and give you a hint of why you must make the most of every single moment in this extraordinary place. St Peter’s Square and the Vatican, the Coliseum and Circus Maximus, the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps – history is literally around every corner. They say all roads lead to Rome. Make sure you’re on one.

The tiny island of Capri, off the west coast of Italy near Naples, is four square miles of stunning beauty. Take the funicular from the Marina Grande to the main town and enjoy the best Italian coffee at a café while people watching. Capri is renowned for its sky-high prices but sometimes you simply have to splash out!

The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is quite simply art, culture and architectural heaven. Its museums and art galleries are world class, particularly the Galleria degli Uffiz, which is so busy you’ll need to book in advance. Don’t miss the Duomo di Firenze, the city’s enormous cathedral – climb Giotto’s Tower next door for the best view of the cathedral dome.

Balkan beauty

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik’s magnificent city walls and Old Town survived the Balkan conflict and today this Croatian city is one of the must-visit stops on any Mediterranean cruise. Walk the city walls and marvel at the mediaeval fortress; take the cable car to the top of Mount Srd for amazing views over the city and the sparkling Adriatic beyond; and wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town, shopping for bargains.

Greece’s capital, Athens is a sprawling metropolis where the monuments of Ancient Greece nestle alongside the trappings of modern life. The Acropolis and Parthenon remain proud symbols of Greece as the birthplace of modern civilisation, while the Monastiraki district is packed with cafes, restaurants, bars and shops.

Guest post provided by Bon Voyage one of the leading online suppliers of top quality Mediterranean cruises.

The post Mediterranean Ports to Ensure You’re Visiting when Booking a Cruise holiday appeared first on Best of European Union.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Denis Egan

Anglesey is an island joined to the Welsh mainland by two bridges, so it’s easy enough to get on and off. To the mainland side, there’s the wonderful scenery of the Snowdonia National Park. You can climb its highest peak, Mount Snowdon (1,085 metres above sea level), and get back down again in one day. There’s even a restaurant at the top, and a railway that goes right to the summit, for when you’re not feeling very energetic. And, to the west of Anglesey, there are regular fast ferries to Ireland, so you could even include a trip to Dublin in your holiday.

So, what about Anglesey itself? There’s a wealth of things to do and see when you stay on the island. If you and your family love wildlife, there are few better places to visit in the British Isles. Birds and marine life around the coast are spectacular and varied. Seabirds, like razorbills and guillemots, nest on the rocky shores each year. And, there’s even a colony of the parrot-like puffin, one of the most charismatic of birds. You might experience the amazing peregrine falcon. If you’re lucky enough to see it dive on its prey, you’ll witness the world’s fastest animal in action.

The island’s coasts are rugged, but between the rocky outcrops there are stunning beaches. It’s more about adventure and exploration than sunbathing. But, when the sun shines, you’ll enjoy an unspoiled beach experience, unmatched by any tropical paradise.

Cycling is the best way to get around the island, both for your enjoyment and to preserve the tranquillity of Anglesey. You can hire bikes locally, and there are designated cycle routes all over the island. It’s the ideal way to enjoy Anglesey’s scenery and nature.

Along the way, you’ll find children-friendly pubs. These are great places to stop, quench your thirst, and have lunch in a relaxed atmosphere. If rumours are true, you might even bump into William and Kate at the Beachcomber Café, in Benllech.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Lyn Gateley

If history is your passion, Anglesey has a very interesting past. It wasn’t always so peaceful, as the tale of Beaumaris Castle tells. This is a near-perfect example of fortification, and for good reason. Beaumaris Castle was part of the “iron ring” built by King Edward I, designed to keep the unruly Welsh in his firm grip.

And, the attractions of Anglesey don’t end there. Children can enjoy a wide range of activities, from the creative arts to horse riding along the shores. And, there are plenty more sporting opportunities as well. Anglesey attracts surfers from far and wide, but there’s golf and sea fishing to be enjoyed as well.

There’s really no excuse to be bored on the island. Anglesey offers so much, your only problem will be deciding what to do. No wonder William and Kate made it their home, it’s remote and quiet enough, yet buzzing with life and fun.

Written by The British Travel Guide

View Anglesey – Welsh island where You’ll Never get Bored United Kingdom in a larger map

The post Anglesey – Welsh island where You’ll Never get Bored | United Kingdom appeared first on Best of European Union.