Yep, it’s time to book your summer holiday.

Perhaps surprisingly, though, increasing numbers of holidaymakers are taking advantage of their time in the sun by using the period away to make life changing decisions.

Photo by Julo (Best of European Union)

In fact, research shows the warmer weather allows strung-out Britons to wrestle with life’s big choices such as changing careers, getting married or having kids. The report also claims that, with the pressures of everyday life removed, holidaymakers are free to plan and change any aspect of their life they’re not content with.

But there’s far more to consider before setting foot on the aeroplane, waving manically from the window and jotting down everything you plan to change from the beach.

For example, have you thought about how you might get to the airport? No? Well let’s do that now…

Picture the scene: your flight is at 6am. You’re rushing around getting kids ready, jamming suitcases shut as your other half has seemingly packed provisions for an Arctic expedition, and you’re stressing about finding a suitable parking space when you reach the airport.

However, all of that stress (well, most of it) can be alleviated with a few simple clicks of a mouse.

Valet parking from I Love Meet and Greet allows you to drive your car straight to the terminal where it will be collected by a professional driver and parked in a secure compound. This convenience allows you and your family to reach check-in within minutes without worrying about a parking space.

Large parking place by thienzieyung

Nothing could be easier.

Additionally, on your return, your car will be delivered back to you at the terminal – and this lets you get back on the road for home safe in the knowledge you’ve made some great decisions.

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Alonzo Zeringue was bitten by the travel bug at an early age. Since then, he’s rarely been able to stay in the same country. Alonzo has contributed this guest post on behalf of I Love Meet and Greet – number one for airport parking in the UK.

The post It’s time to make a decision… appeared first on Best of European Union.

Summer

If you love the sun then this is the ideal time of year to head off to continental Europe. Any country in Europe is beautiful during summer time. The main problem with travelling at this time of year is that the prices tend to be at their highest level. You can get around this by looking for last minute deals or by checking out self-catering holidays. If you choose to go self-catering then the money you save by cooking in your accommodation might be enough for you to make more of your time there and enjoy an unforgettable trip.

Sunset in Sicily, Italy / Photo by admin

Winter

There is a lot to be said for getting away during the coldest months of the year. For a start, if you head off from the north of Europe to the southern part then you will feel a pleasant rise in the temperature once you get there. Apart from that you can usually get hold of cheaper European holidays in winter. Finally, this is a great time for anyone who is interested in seeing some traditional Christmas markets, going skiing or taking lovely strolls around snowy streets while wrapped up in warm clothes.

Spring

The warm weather comes early in places like the Mediterranean coast, so if you want to avoid the really high temperatures and the big crowds then this can be a fantastic time to head to somewhere like Spain or Italy. Prices are often reasonable during the spring season and it is an especially good time to go camping. If you have a look at a specialist site like Keycamp then you will see the variety of things you can in and around a campsite at this time of year.

Autumn

This is when the summer usually starts to die out in places like the UK, but the sun tends to still be shining brightly in more the southerly countries of Europe.  A smart move can be to soak up some sun at home during the summer and then go abroad to places like Berny Riviere in France, Lake Garda in Italy or Catalonia region in Spain to enjoy even more of the good weather when autumn comes knocking. If you hate the thought of the cold weather starting to bite again then this can be a clever way to extend your summer a little bit longer.

Which European country would you really want to go to and on which season would it be best to go there? Share your thoughts!

The post A European Holiday Can Cheer You Up During Any Season appeared first on Best of European Union.

Although the weather will not be as hot in the wintertime, it will still be between 17-20 degrees during the day time in this region of southern Portugal. If you find temperatures of 30 degrees uncomfortable then this time of year might actually be a more enjoyable time for you to visit. It will not be hot enough to work on your tan every day but it will still likely be one of the warmest places in Europe. There might be a few rains during your holiday and the temperatures will drop in the evenings, but there are many advantages to visiting the Algarve in the winter.

First of all, you will be able to get the cheaper off season rates at many of the hotels and resorts which will save you a lot of money. There will also be fewer crowds so that you will not have to search for hours to find a vacant sun lounger or wait for a table at a restaurant. Although some of the local businesses will have shorter hours or might close during the winter months, there will still be plenty of selection. This is also a great time to visit the Algarve with kids, because the lack of crowds will make it less hectic and much easier to travel.

Another advantage is that while everyone else is enduring the freezing cold back home, you will be enjoying the pleasant temperatures and sunny days of the Algarve.

If you are planning a getaway to the Algarve this winter, here are some ideas of what you can do while you are there:

Go Golfing

The weather in the Algarve is warm enough to golf all year round and you might find it more pleasant to tee off in these cooler temperatures rather than the peak season heat. There are many excellent golf resorts in the area such as Monte da Quinta Club, Four Seasons Fairways and more which offer beautifully manicured professional courses.

Go Hiking

The weather will be just fine for hiking around the beautiful Portuguese countryside. Explore the winding country lanes and discover waterfalls in the forest, olive groves and picturesque seaside fishing villages. There are many coastal cliff walks all along the stunning Algarve coast, but these can sometimes be dangerous so always follow the marked path.

One of the best places to hike in the Algarve is the Ria Formosa Natural Park. This protected wetland is one of the most significant natural habitats for birds in Europe and many different species stop here on their migratory routes. There are several guided walking trails throughout the park that you can explore.

Listen to Some Live Music in Algarve, Quarteira, Portugal by run4unity

Take a look at the event listings in the area that you are staying and try to catch some live music while you are in the Algarve. Many pubs and restaurants might have performances of Fado, which is a traditional Portuguese style of hauntingly beautiful folk music about life near the sea.

Enjoy the Food

Of course, no trip to the Algarve would be complete without sampling the delicious food that this part of the world has to offer. Seafood is especially delicious in the Algarve as it is so fresh in this coastal region. Another tasty dish is Piri-Piri chicken which is tender barbecued chicken with a fiery North-African influenced spicy coating. No matter what the weather is like outside, you can always spend hours lingering over good food and wine with friends in a welcoming local restaurant.

A holiday in the Algarve in the off season can still be packed with fun, so why not check out some of these fun activities during your winter getaway?

If you are visiting Four Seasons Fairways or another Algarve resort this winter, here are some off-season activities you might enjoy.

The post Things to Do in the Algarve in the Winter | Portugal appeared first on Best of European Union.

Evening in Venice – just before the great storm / Photo by admin

Most Romantic Time of Year to Visit

Venice, or Venezia, as it’s known to the locals, has the best weather in late spring and early summer. Unfortunately, that also makes it the busiest, most crowded and most expensive time of year to go. Skip summer altogether, as the heat and the smell from the canals is decidedly unromantic. Autumn is a possible alternative as the weather cools and the crowds thin. However, it also marks the start of high water season which can sometimes be inconvenient – and wet. The best bargains and fewest crowds can be found during the winter, but be ready to bundle up since winters are indeed cold. On the bright side, snuggling up to keep warm can be very romantic.

Most Romantic Things to See and Do

While just about any activity can be romantic if you’re in love, there are certain things to see and do in Venice that are particularly romantic. From gondola rides to simply losing yourself in the city, the following is a list of the most romantic things to see and do in Venice:

Romantic evening in Venice, Italy / Photo by admin

Go for the Gondola

It may be cliché, but no romantic visit to Venezia is complete without a gondola ride. However, for the most romantic experience possible, it’s good to keep a few things in mind:

• Gondola rides can be expensive. Gondola fares are set, but do get more expensive at night or if they are booked through an agency or your hotel. They are also more expensive the longer they are (average is 40 minutes) or if your gondolier sings (not all do). The fare goes down significantly if you share your gondola with other riders, but that’s not terribly romantic.
• Venice is divided into six neighborhoods. For a more secluded (and possibly less expensive) ride, board a gondola in one of the less busy neighborhoods.
• If you simply cannot afford a gondola, try a traghetto instead. A traghetto is similar to a gondola (though not as romantic) and will take you across the Grand Canal for less than a dollar.

Evening in Venice, Italy / Photo by admin

Sunrise, Sunset

There are several things to do in Venice that are exponentially more romantic when done either at sunrise or at sunset. Here’s just a partial list of the best dawn and dusk has to offer:

• Walk the city at sunrise – While it may be hard to want to get out of bed before dawn, the effort is well worth it. The streets are quiet and empty as the locals are setting up for another gorgeous day. As sunlight begins to flood the city streets, grab a latte at a local café and relax as the city comes to life.
• St. Mark’s Square – This location is magical at both ends of the day. Travelers and romantics in the know recommend dancing in St. Mark’s Square at dawn as one of the most romantic things a couple can do in Venice. If it happens to be close to evening, climb Giotto’s Campanile (bell tower) for a stunning view of the city at sunset.
• Take a twilight photography tour – Walk the city’s most beautiful sites and photograph them while they’re bathed in romantic swatches of color and light. Make sure your tour includes the Bridge of Sighs, a romantic location in its own right.

Lost in Venice, Italy / Photo by admin

Touch a Heart

There is a street in Venice, Sotoportego dei Preti, where those seeking love can find a heart in an arched stone entryway between two houses. Sotoportego dei Preti might be hard to find but legend has it if you’re in a relationship and you touch the heart together, your love will last forever.

Venice is, in a word, romantic. Losing your map and losing yourself in the city is one of the most romantic things you can do. Let the city take you where it will and let your heart lead the way.

Contributing blogger Cora Righton lives for romance, having chased it down the streets of Italy for most of her adult life.

The post In Love In (and With) Venice appeared first on Best of European Union.

Photo by admin

Nobody wants their holiday or business trip to begin badly with confusion and hassle when it comes to parking. As with many other things in life, the key to minimising these kinds of issues is to prepare. Preparation and planning are actually the solutions to most things when it comes to ensuring that you have a smooth and straightforward trip.

Use Online Facilities

By far the most straightforward way of booking airport parking ahead of your day of travel is to use the internet. Not only will this cut down on hassle, but it is also likely to save you a significant sum of money. Going away knowing that you paid extra because you could not be bothered to book ahead is not a nice feeling to take with you.

Some specialist providers offer parking booking services, whilst it is also possible to sometimes book with the airport’s own website. There are often a great variety of prices, so look out for the cheapest options, which are often in what could be termed less convenient locations. This can save a few pounds when you are working to a tight budget.

Whilst prices, of course, vary according to the time of year and occasionally other local factors, as well as the duration of your stay, it is possible to make some significant savings by booking ahead. A typical saving in this sort of situation would be from around half off to two thirds off the usual price.

Check the Distances

Some parking at airports is off-site and requires a short bus journey to reach the airport itself. This may well be slightly cheaper, but you will need to consider your personal requirements. If you are travelling in a group, especially one of which young children are a part, it may well be more straightforward to park on site. Consider your needs and make the most cost effective choice based on making travel as efficient and easy as possible.

A number of companies that provide parking services at airports offer discount deals in tandem with commercial partners, such as credit card companies. Checking carefully whether you qualify for any of these deals can also save you significant amounts of money.

Other reductions can also be found by carefully scanning the services offered for midweek deals and occasional offers. By timing your travel well, you can make significant savings this way and offer some real help to your budget.

By paying close attention to every aspect of planning your trip, it is possible to make really significant savings. Plan ahead, peruse offers carefully and prepare every aspect of your trip in advance. You will find that you not only save money on parking, but your trip goes much more smoothly too.

AUTHOR BIO
Shirley Jones and attended the local grammar school. A business traveller of several years standing, her articles are published on a wide range of websites and blogs. Experience has taught him the pitfalls of airport parking and what good advice can be found online about car hire from Cost.co.uk.

The post Tips on Saving Money on Airport Parking by Booking Online appeared first on Best of European Union.

Tower Bridge, London, UK by Trey Ratcliff

1. One of the things that you first have to get straight concerning London is the fact that there are very few off-season periods. No matter what time of year it is, travelers are coming from around the world in order to visit this historic city for one reason or another. Because of that fact, you’ll not find many times of the year that the London hotels aren’t busy, and some times of the year there aren’t any bookings to be had.

2. The next most important thing that you need to know about booking London hotels is the fact that there is a large variety of different ones stretched out all over the city. If you’re looking for the most posh hotels in London, then you’re going to want to check out the offerings in the middle of the city, or Central London as it is known, as this is where all of the luxury hotels reside. These hotels are only for those individuals who have the budgets to afforded, as you won’t find anything better in regards to luxury, comfort, and overall decadence. If you are able to swing it however, chances are you’re going to have an experience that you won’t soon forget as you will be catered to by a plethora of luxurious services that only these posh hotels offer. Many of the amenities include spas, swimming pools, and the finest of fare from world-class chefs.

If you don’t have the budget to afford one of these posh and exclusive hotels in London, then you might be better off opting for one of the more affordable options that will provide you with nice accommodations at a price that is affordable. This will allow you to spend the remainder of your vacation money on traveling around London and seeing all the sights. None of these affordable options are going to be located in central London, but if you search around Ealing, Finchley, or Dockyards, you can usually find one to suit your budget.

If these moderately priced hotels are more than what you want to afford, then you might be better off searching the outlying areas of the city where they have many of the budget hotels. These are great because they allow you to rent a room for not even half of what you would need to pay for one of the more expensive hotel rooms. The downside of renting out one of these rooms is the fact that the majority of sights that you’re going to want to see in London are quite a distance from these locations so you will have to spend a lot of time traveling around in order to view them. This really shouldn’t be that big of a deal however if you are limited on the amount of money can pay for a hotel room.

3. In order to book one of these cheap hotel rooms in London, there isn’t any need to go visiting every one of them, as the majority of them all have their own website today. All you have to do is look them up online and make an inquiry on how much the rooms are and whether or not they have any rooms available. All of these hotels are going to allow you to book one of their rooms on the web, so finding a room isn’t going to be that difficult as long as you have a credit card and Internet access.

4. While there are not many instances in the London tourist season that would be considered the off-season, occasionally you can get lucky and find a hotel that is offering an online deal for their rooms during their off-season. If you are able to score such a deal, you can save a lot of money on the cost of your room and spend it on other things.

5. Another great way to find some budget or cheap hotels in London would be to put either of those terms into one of your favorite search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. Doing that is sure to provide you with a number of listings of websites that offer services for finding the best deals on hotel rooms in London that will fit into your budget.

If you would like to know more about our range of services please stop by at outlet4holidays.com

The post Considerations When Locating A Hotel In London | United Kingdom appeared first on Best of European Union.

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 Best of European Union.

Cottage in Longparish Road, Wherwell / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Anguskirk

Location

Cottage holidays can be enjoyed in very different parts of the country. Many holidaymakers opt for Devon, Cornwall and the Cotswolds for their flat scenery and wide range of cottages and homes, while others prefer the more mountainous Lake District. Decisions can often be made in terms of how isolated a trip you want to enjoy, or whether you prefer to be close to a major town or village. Cottages in Sussex are recommended for the latter, as they offer quick access to London. By contrast, the rural Scottish Highlands can give you great peace and quiet in the Northernmost part of the country.

Timing

When you choose to book a holiday cottage will make a big difference to the overall experience. Christmas bookings tend to go very fast, and need to be booked far in advance to avoid both high costs and places selling out. This approach is particularly important to take if booking on behalf of a large family or a group of friend. Many holiday cottages also tend to sell out around school holidays and bank holidays, so check your calendar beforehand. You might also find that some holiday cottages can be booked during off peak season at a reduced cost.

Manor House at Great Dixter / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by antonychammond

Local Activities and Features

It is always important to look into whether a holiday cottage can offer any specific features and activities. A cottage might be self catering or catered, or might include special bathroom and living room facilities like a hot tub or video games. At the same time, the cost of a holiday cottage may or may not include charges for Internet use. When viewing a holiday cottage, try to think about whether you can access any specific local activities like horse riding or sailing. It is also worth exploring the potential of a day trip to a neighbouring village or town.

Family and Pets

Many holiday cottages will have specific rules about the number of children and pets that can be brought to a location. Problems might arise in terms of having the facilities to cope with a lot of small children, and visitors may have to bring their own equipment. However, by checking ahead and doing your research, it is possible to see unique parts of Britain, while enjoying the best facilities and activities of an area.

Habs is a traveling enthusiast working with Cottages Direct. I love taking breaks in the UK and abroad. But most of all, I love to share my vacation experiences.

The post Holiday Cottages – A Great British Holiday! appeared first on Best of European Union.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by John

If there is one piece of advice I would give you before even leaving the driveway to venture to pastures greener, it’s check your camping kit thoroughly beforehand. I have too often just thrown everything I thought I needed into the back of the car and whisked off only to have a few nasty surprises when I reached the camp site. So here’s my top 10 hints and tips – not be ignored!

1. Take out and check your tent and groundsheet – time consuming but worth it. Chances are you packed it away in the rain at the end of last season and the ground sheet will be covered in mud. Make sure all the ropes, poles, pegs are there and don’t forget the rubber mallet.
2. Gas canisters for the stove – make sure you have full ones not a bag of empty or half full ones. If you go early in the season it will probably be cold on an evening so if you have plenty of gas you can at least light the stove and huddle round it.
3. Check your pots, pans and kitchen equipment. There was probably the temptation to just take it home dirty after the last breakfast with the intention of washing it all up at home. Best intentions rarely happen so you’ll probably find the frying pan with layer of fat nicely growing mould.
4. Your sleeping bags should have been stored indoor over winter, but  if you were foolish enough to leave them in the garage I would unroll them and make sure a family of mice hasn’t taken up residence in the cosy comfort of you sleeping bag and left you a few little surprises.
5. Give the BBQ a quick check as the grill bit you put your food in probably has remnants of last year’s burger and sausage still attached. Make sure you remember to take new briquettes too as last year’s could be damp.
6. Always make sure you check the essential items are still in the camping kit and they haven’t been removed i.e. bottle opener/corkscrew, tin opener, box of matches, kettle.
7. Take the time to blow actually blow up any inflatable beds before you leave. There’s nothing worse than waking up on the floor the first morning as your bed has perished and you have a slow puncture. If you have one of those battery operated bed inflators remember to check the batteries are still ok too otherwise you’ll be purple in the face and very out of puff!
8. Remember the lighting – candles or rechargeable light / torch. Rechargeable doesn’t mean it will be magically rechargeable either – you do have to actually charge it before you leave!
9. Open up and sniff inside the water carrier. If you have left it wet from last year it may be mouldy and very smelly.
10. Toilet paper – always take a spare few rolls as we all know campsite facilities are hit and miss and you don’t want to be caught short so take you own!

Maria is what they like to call a later in life convert to camping, and while she embraces the great outdoors, she does enjoy a little pampering when she gets home!

The post Camping Season 2012 Begins appeared first on Best of European Union.