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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.

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Cruise from Seil Island / Tim Kelly (aka Aleister Kronos)

One of the most difficult decisions to make, however, is when it comes to where you visit if you’re looking for a quiet retreat in beautiful surroundings – and this isn’t because Scotland doesn’t have many of these areas, but because it has them everywhere!

From the northern coastline right down to the English border, if you’re looking for somewhere to completely unwind and relax, Scotland is without doubt your place.  But where exactly?

Well, you can’t go far wrong with the Argyll coast.

Where is the Argyll Coast?

Covering the south western part of the country, the Argyll coast, unlike other parts of Scotland, is known almost solely for its sheer natural beauty above all else and although the islands in the area are well-connected by road and ferry crossings to the county’s bigger cities, they’re worlds apart when you’re actually there.

Iona west coast / Phillip Capper

Plus, with just 90,000 people scattered throughout the whole region (that’s approximately a quarter of the population of Edinburgh, but in an area of land that’s 30 times bigger), it very often seems as though there are only a few dozen people near you – at most – wherever you are.

What to See on the Coast

So what should you expect from the Argyll coast area of Scotland?

With 26 inhabited islands, lots of dramatic coast lines is one of the most notable expectations!  From awe-inspiring cliffs to wonderful, gentle beaches, paddling in some of the areas many crystal clear bodies of water will take you away to a completely different part of the world.

And with quaint towns and villages offering the ability to sit back and soak in the relaxed pace of life wherever in the area you’re visiting, the simplicity of life just oozes out and it’s impossible to not be absorbed by it.

Easdale Island / nz_willowherb

If you fancy something a little more physical, however, try ambling along one of the many well-laid out paths in the area.  Some away from the beaten track for the more adventurous, but just as many available for everyone to enjoy, for some, walking isn’t fun or exciting in anyway – walk around the Argyll coast, however and it’s almost guaranteed you won’t want to stop.

If you’re planning on basing your Scottish stay around relaxation, you really can’t go wrong if you head to any part of the Argyll coast.  Fantastic coastlines, a beautiful, serene atmosphere and enough breathtaking scenery to give you completely different views of the country every day of the year, the Argyll coast really is the ‘Secret of Scotland’ – and possibly the best kept secret the country has.

Matthew Bettoli writes for Cottages and Castles who provide the perfect Argyll Islands accommodation for your next holiday.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jaroslav Kuba

Near the waterfalls is located Mumlava shed – a restaurant. Falls are easily accessible on foot or by bike along the asphalt road, an access for motor vehicles is not allowed, so you will not be disturbed. From Mumlava waterfalls you can continue to Vosecká shed.

In the surroundings of Harrachov you can find more rivers offering the similar phenomena, such as waterfalls, but they certainly can not be compared with Mumlava waterfall. Its height reaches up to 8 meters and is 10 meters wide. The waterfalls are different in every season, so whether you come in summer, or spring, or any other time you will see them always in a different form.

On the way to Mumlava waterfalls you can visit the mining museum, which is accessible throughout the year. Or you can hike to any of the countless wonderful places in Krkonoše National Park.

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Kolossi Castle was probably built already in 1210 by the King Hugh I of Cyprus, also known as the Knight Hospitaller who built the main residence here.

Later the castle became the center of the order of the Knights Hospitaller and Templar Knights. In the years of 1425-1426 the castle was damaged after a large invasion of Mameluke raids. In 1454 was at the place of original castle built a new castle. It was built by Louis de Magnac whose coat of arms can be still seen on the eastern walls of the castle.

In 1933 the castle was reconstructed. The castle is now open all year round and is accessible by a small drawbridge. Following the stone staircase it is possible to get to the roof of the castle, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surroundings.

Already in the days of knights the castle was a place of production of a delicious sweet wine known as Vins de la Commanderie, one of the traditional Cypriot brands.

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The Navagio beach can only be reached by boat.

Access from the mainland is not possible, you have to take a boat at the island of Zakynthos. But you can ask also the local fishermen, who – at a lower price – also take you to the beach. Do not go there in the big waves. Then you can see the Navagio beach only from a distance of several hundred meters, because ships cannot enter the narrow inlets during the big waves.

From the cliff above the beach you can enjoy the view of the Navagio beach and surroundings. The most pictures are taken from this view point.

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Koprova valley is a 12 km long valley with numerous side valleys. It is situated between the Western and High Tatras under the western slopes of the dominant peak Kriváň (one of the Slovak symbol). Koprova valley and the surroundings of the peak Krivan do remember the old mining tradition, especially associated with gold mining activities.

Hiking trails along Koprova valley allow tourists to admire the waterfalls and lakes. It is possible to ascend to the saddles and to the Kôprovský peak. At the lower part of the forested valley, the trail is created alongside the Kôprovský stream.

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At the far shore of the lake you can also visit a majestic Bled Castle.

Bled lake, Slovenia by Mirci

Lake Bled

Lake Bled is considered a symbol of Slovenia. We can find it at the eastern edge of the Julian Alps. Bled is not just a tourist center, but it’s also a spa center with a promenade. There are lots of opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, renting a boat or visiting the thermal pool at nearby hotel Adriatic.

The town dates back to the Habsburg Era, to the early 19th century. The first spa hotel was built here in 1858 by a Swiss doctor Arnold Rikli in relation to its specialization in “Natural Healing”. This first hotel had certainly an important effect on the further tourism developing in this village. Bled is a climatic spa resort with thousands of visitors annually. The local “procedures” include fresh air walking, sport and hiking.

Bled Castle, Slovenia by Sebastian Bergmann

Bled Castle (Blejski Grad)

The castle is situated right on the 140 m high cliff above the Bled lake. In this Baroque castle you can visit a museum focusing on history and culture of the town and surroundings. Its archaeological part shows the history of the region. The castle is open all year round and the basic admission is €8. Further information about Bled Castle you can find on a very nice website here.

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In 1987, the rock was declared a nature reserve and the smallest protected area in Europe, because it covers an area of ​​4,5 square kilometers. There is a number of endemic species of plant and animals such as sea gulls and falcons.

Peñón de Ifach is a distinct visual attraction on the Mediterranean coast, reaching a height of 332 metres.

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