If you are going to rent your property out when you and your family can’t be there then it’s important to research the most popular places and the places that will bring you the best income. If you have a small budget then it will make it hard to purchase a property on the beachfront of a central tourist attraction so your budget is a big thing to take into account.

Grasmere, The Lake District, UK by Richard Barrett-Small

When you’re thinking about investing in a holiday home there are a number of things that you should take into account such as, where do people you know like to go on holiday?, would you prefer to be near a beach or a city?, will your property be close to pubs and entertainment?, will the property be preferred by young or older people? And will the property be easily accessible? There are many popular areas throughout Britain that become home to holiday makers every year; some of the most popular include, the Lake District, York, Kent, Isle of Wight, Yorkshire Dales and Moors, Snowdonia, Anglesey, the Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh. Of course there are many more popular destinations but, for a getaway, these are usually the first places that people will think of.

Because these areas are popular, the property can also be pretty expensive which can be a huge let down to buyers with a low budget. If you wish to buy a home in one of these areas but the budget won’t stretch then a nearby town or village is usually your best bet as although these are popular with the tourists that visit the main areas, the house prices are nowhere near as high. Although your property may not be in the centre of the tourist world you don’t want it to be too far away as this will be a put off for potential rentals. You should make sure your property is easy to get to via public or personal transport and it shouldn’t be more than a 15 minute drive from popular tourist spots – after all, how many people want to spend their holiday driving?

David Sprice shares his interest on Internet Cottages and what they have to offer as a holiday escape.

The post Advice On Buying A Holiday Home To Rent In The UK appeared first on Europe Explored.

Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day) – a national holiday, Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Jeroen

Really Amsterdam is not for the faint hearted. Do not be surprised if you see people smoking pot on road, gays moving hand in hand in the malls and the erotic sights in red light districts of the city. Some get a cultural shock of sorts when they arrive in Amsterdam, but for those who are on the lookout of delicious foods, Amsterdam is a paradise. People in Amsterdam have an easy view of life. Enjoy food in all possible ways and make merry no matter what tensions you are facing in life.

One thing to keep in mind when you arrive in Amsterdam is to look for apartments. Yes, staying at apartments in Amsterdam is not just inexpensive, they are more spacious than hotel rooms and a tourist can relax in style with a lot of privacy in these apartments. Of late, people are getting attracted to apartments as they provide a chance to come close to the local people and culture and so the situation is same whether we are making a reservation for apartments in Lisbon or apartments in Milan in Italy.

Many believe Amsterdam to be a shopper’s paradise. It is true but Amsterdam is also a great place for the foodies if they know where and at what time to be in for some really delicious foods.

Elf – for great food and panoramic view of the city

Elf is a great café, more so because of its location. It is situated at the top floor of a building close to Central Station that allows the tourists to relax in style to have a glimpse of the city while having their food. Whether it is brunch, breakfast, lunch or dinner, come to this 11th floor restaurant that becomes a great nightclub at nights.

De Waag

If you want unique ambience with great tasting food, come to De Waag. The building has great architecture and is very old. It was built in 1488 to be precise, and till a few years back the building served as headquarters of Dutch Mail. More suited for brunches and for sudden cravings for tasty foods, you can come her to have tasty soups, steaks, sandwiches and salads.

Sumo

Unlimited Sushi and more for just 25 Euros make this restaurant a very popular one. There are some who feel that it is perhaps quantity over quality but once they have tasted the sushi over here, they realize they are truly getting their money’s worth.

The post Amsterdam for Foodies: See the City with a new Perspective appeared first on Europe Explored.

Castle of San Angelo and the bridge, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

Sightseeing

There will never be a shortage of places to go or see when visiting the city. Rome is a living and breathing tourist attraction. An old fountain or historic church will always be there to welcome any first time visitor. Thousands of years of history have filled the city with some of the world’s most beautiful structures. A simple glimpse of these places is enough to transport anyone to another time in history. The Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Pantheon and Spanish Steps are just some of the must-see places to visit. Creating a travel plan with each of these places location in mind helps minimize travel time and lets you cover more places. Hiring a tourist guide for example helps you

Shopping

Italy is known for its designers, whether it’s the latest car design or the latest fashion trends from Milan, shoppers will find Rome to be a haven. Looking for a Bargain? Then visiting the Spanish steps or centro storico will give you a glimpse of some of the country’s biggest and upcoming names in fashion.

Weekday shopping hours are from 3:30 to 7:30 pm and 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM during weekends. Italians also take their coffee breaks seriously so be ready to wait for a few minutes in the afternoon. There are also avenues in the city lined with shops selling high-fashion brand names at discount prices. Talking to a local could help you get the best bargains and inside scoop for the city’s hidden treasures.

There are also a number of flea markets for buying souvenirs. Porta Portese in Trastevere is one of the most popular hunting grounds in the city. You could also give Testaccio’s food market or Campo de’ Fiori to get a better look into what the city has to offer.

Museums

The Vatican Museum is home to the world’s most beautiful art pieces. Located at the northwest corner of the city, it showcases works by some of the best Italian artists like Raphael, Caravaggio and Michelangelo. Other notable museums to visit include the Capitoline Museum, Musei Vaticani and Galleria Borghese. The Vatican requires a dress code for visitors entering the Sistine Chapel, Basilica di San Pietro and Musei Vaticani. Be ready to allocate some of your touring day’s for visiting these museums and arrange your travel plans accordingly.

St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican / Photo by admin

Entertainment

The city is not only home to art pieces from the past but also hosts some of the best performing artists in the world. Rome by day is a sight to behold and could only be rivaled by its nightlife. There is always something for everybody. Restaurants and cafes lining the city’s streets will be a perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway. Theatres are some of the best in Europe. The Auditorium-Parco della Musica is a large venue that regularly shows live performances. Trendy bars and night clubs give visitors some of Europe’s best nightlife scenes.

This is an article by Suzzane who works for Rome Apartments.

The post A Traveler’s Must Do Guide When Visiting Rome | Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

Pyrenees Mountains, Spain by Alex Alishevskikh

Many would want to prepare for this important event in their lives, and they would often look up information on the Internet to help them organize everything they’ll need for this trip.  One of the most reliable sources of information you can look up on the Internet is a Camino de Santiago forum.  There are loads of them to be found online, and they would certainly provide you with all the information you need.  Below are some facts which you may come across upon visiting the place:

• While the path of going from the French area of the Pyrenees Mountains to the town of Santiago is quite a long one, people don’t have to worry about the possibility of encountering bandits or gangs.  In these modern times, the path has been made safer, considering that it has become a modest tourist attraction among devout Catholics all over the world.  Of course, there will still be some challenges to be hurdled, such as traveling with heavy backpacks or even sleeping amidst the presence of bedbugs.  However, one who is truly dedicated to following the path of spiritual enlightenment will not be fazed by these things.

• There is a slow pace when traveling along the Camino.  In fact, many people who go in pilgrimages would often find themselves meditating in areas they encounter.  These areas include the vineyards, cornfields and lush forests in the area.  Hilltops are abundant with such majestic scenery; the path leading to the destination is one that many people will find relaxing and highly breath-taking.

• The trail is one that can bring together many devout Catholics from all over the world, including cyclists, backpackers and hikers.  These pilgrims are not only on their way to attaining spiritual  contentment, but area also blessed with a wonderful trekking experience that makes for a highly welcome change from the busy living of urban society.  Apart from that, the pilgrimage itself will bring them altogether a lot closer to being one with God.

These are just some of the facts that any aspiring pilgrim will come across on a Camino de Santiago forum on the Internet.  With these facts, one can be prepared of what lies ahead in the journey for spiritual satisfaction.

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. Check out Camino de Santiago forum for more details.

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1. Prague Castle and Charles Bridge

The best picture of the Prague Castle and Charles bridge can be taken from the Bridge of the Legions (Most Legií) close to the National Theatre. Its very popular alternative is renting a boat or water bike in Žofín Island and take pictures from the waters of Vltava river.

2. Prague Bridges from Letná Park

Another place that is ideal for breathtaking pictures is Letná park, located on a hill situated just beside Vltava river. If you are looking for some quiet place with amazing views of Prague, then include Letná Park into your itinerary. Here you can also taste some of the best Czech beers as there is a beer garden as well. Letná park is the second largest park in Prague (just after Stromovka) and is easily accessible from the city centre even on foot.

3. Charles Bridge from Malá Strana

In fact there are numerous places where you can take amazing pictures of Charles Bridge from but there is one secret place that you will be really surprised with. Furthermore it is likely that you will not be disturbed by anybody as this place is quite hidden and unknown and use to be totally free of people. It is located at the bank of Vltava river, in the courtyard of Franz Kafka Museum on Malá Strana. Here you can also see popular tourist attraction – fountain of two pissing guys, which makes people laughing. Our place is on the right side of this fountain. Go to the very right corner at the river and you will be amazed. Best time to come here is in the evening, or in the dusk.

4. Old town square from Old Town Hall Tower

Very popular place for taking pictures of Old Town square and its surroundings is a tower of Old Town Hall, right above Orloj (Astronomical Clock). It will not be hard for you to find this tower, you just need to follow the crowds of people which certainly take you to Old Town Square.

So now you are aware of the places in Prague you need to visit with your camera, the last thing you have to do is to find some Prague boutique hotel and there will be nothing else that could stop you from getting really memorable and unique experiences.

Photos were taken by admin.

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Chapel at King’s College, Cambridge, UK by seier+seier

Famous sights

The majority of visitors to the city probably don’t realise that punting on the Cam is not just the best but pretty much the only guaranteed way to get a really good look at all of the famous colleges along the river. Because the land is all private property and there isn’t a tow path that follows along the banks of the river, you can’t walk the course of the Cam through the city centre.

Admission fees

Every Cambridge college charges an entry fee to visitors. The combined cost of these, if you were to visit all the colleges you see on a punt tour would be more than the price of a ticket for the same punt tour. Additionally to of this, the colleges are not open to visitors at set times of the year, such as when the students are studying for their exams.

Choice of punt companies

There are a several companies offering Cambridge punt tours from the very large to the not quite so.

Cambridge River Tour

Cambridge River Tours is an independent punt tour operator set up by two punt chauffeurs with many years experience of working on the river Cam, that has been in business since 2005 .

The guides who give the tours are experienced and knowledgeable whilst still being and friendly and fun, all of which means you will have a wonderful time.

Once in a lifetime

Whether this is your first visit or one of many, a trip on the river Cam is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lives. They will help make sure your trip is one to remember for the right reasons.

Groups of any size can be accommodated, from individuals and couples to hen parties, large tour groups and any one else who wants an experience to remember.

From their modest start operating just two of the traditional small punts, they have built on their knowledge and experience to offer trips on the more comfortable and stable 12 seat ferry punts.

Looking to find the best deal on punting in Cambridge? Then visit Cambridge River Tours to find the best deals for you.

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Bristol Cathedral / Heather Cowper

The scale of business grew and grew, until there was a small harbor built. Bristol waters were treacherous and the ships that docked there were subject to huge currents, that often resulted in the timber of the ships getting damaged. Because of this sailors had to reinforce their ships, and it quickly put Bristol on the map for their ship craftsmanship. The harbor is still in use today, and it makes the perfect destination for you to visit and learn more about UK history. One of the most famous ships in the UK- the SS Great Britain, which was the first iron hulled propeller-driven ship to travel over the Atlantic. It’s now rested in Bristol, and you can visit the ship. It’s a very popular tourist attraction within Bristol.

Of course with all the ships and the great harbor that Bristol is home to; it’s no surprise that Bristol was notorious for pirates. The city was home to many a pirate, and today; the streets are still the same! If you’re into history, then you’ll be able to find yourself taking a step back into time with a walk around Bristol.

The famous UK soap casualty was filmed in and around Bristol, so if you’re a fan of the show you’ll be able to set foot in the city where it was filmed, until 2009, when the show hung up its production line. The show was filmed in an old warehouse in the city, and numerous places in and around Bristol!

Bristol is home to many museums, and you can find yourself entertained for days by visiting some of them. In fact, it’s home to the Clifton suspension bridge museum, the Bristol museum and art gallery, and Blaise’s castle house and museum. This is just a selection of the museums you can visit when in the city. There are others that will have you flabbergasted and spoilt for choice!

Of course, like any other city, Bristol is also home to many events, including the recently hosted Olympic flame torch- and the shopping in the city is fantastic. It’s home to many a UK retailer where you can just let your shopping devil let rip, and you can shop until you drop!

And when the day is done, Bristol is home to some of the best hotels. Including, the Doyle hotel in Bristol. Where you’ll be able to kick off your shoes and rejuvenate ready for the next day’s sightseeing and shopping!

The post Consider a stay At the Doyle Hotel in Bristol the next time you’re looking for a UK getaway appeared first on Europe Explored.

The bridge stretched local fishermen here in late April to September for more than 200 years, just for the salmon fishing season, but now there are very few salmon left. Therefore it is now only tourist attraction that is open for the whole year.

However, with approx. 250.000 visits a year it is one of the most visited attraction in United Kingdom.

View Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge – one of the best tourist attractions in Northern Ireland United Kingdom in a larger map

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Parc Asterix is based on the stories of Asterix and Obelix – who are famous French comic book heroes (the Gallic warriors). They lived around the year of 50 BC, and fight successfully against Roman legions with the help of a magic potion. Parc Asterix offers more than 30 attractions, especially the large variety of roller coasters and 3 different performances.

Among the favorite characters from comic books and movies you can experience the adventure on a bobsleigh and the turbulent water flow. You will find here also the Dolphinarium, classic Gallic village, and if you will have a good luck, one of the Druid offers you a magic potion.

In the complex there are also sections devoted to ancient Greece, Roman Empire and the Vikings. There is a roller coaster La Trace Du Hourra that transports you to ancient times in a speed of 60 km/h. For those of you who are more adventurous there is a roller coaster Goudurix, where you will be several times upside down. Another interesting fun is a wooden roller coaster Tonnerre de Zeus, which can ride at speeds up to 85 km/h. The track was even named the best wooden roller coaster in Europe.

Parc Asterix is open during the summer season from April to August almost daily from 10:00 to 18:00. You can visit it also throughout the whole year, but at first check the opening calendar at their main website to ensure it is open.

Very close to this park you can enjoy fun also in France’s and Europe’s most visited tourist attraction – Disneyland Paris, which is only approx. 30km far.

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Protected Landscape Area of the Eastern Carpathians was established on July 9, 1977 with the original area of 96 810 ha. Part of the area was included in the National Park of Poloniny in 1997 and the rest stayed as Protected Landscape Area of the Eastern Carpathians with only 25 307 ha. Best preserved parts of the Eastern Carpathians are protected as national nature reserves.

The area is characterized by rich forests, which are a major component of eco-stabilizing the country and a suitable environment for flora and fauna bound on the forest environment. In the small protected areas are still preserved natural fir beech forests located on flysch slopes of Laborecká highlands.

Natural forest stands are also suitable environment for protected and endangered animals, which live here, like wolf, bear, otter, Ural owl, black stork, black woodpecker, lesser spotted eagle and other species.

Protected Landscape Area of the Eastern Carpathians follows the border with Poland. It stretches from southeast to northwest, in the Low Beskydy.

There is Europe’s largest complex of beech forests and native forests in the Eastern Carpathians. You can enjoy there beautiful and wildlife forests, but various national cultural monuments as well. The greatest tourist attractions are wooden churches.

Protected Landscape Area of the Eastern Carpathians is suitable for activities like hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding and skiing in winter.

THE MOST INTERESTING PLACES
Snina Stone (1005m above sea level) providing spectacular views of the surrounding of Snina.

Marine Eye – the largest volcanic lake in the Slovak Republic, is under Snina stone. It is one of the most beautiful natural lakes in the Slovak Republic.

Astronomical Observatory – located in Kolonica village – is equipped with the largest astronomical telescope in the Slovak Republic.

CULTURE
You can visit the main and essential festival of the region Snina, which is the presentation of local folklore (at the turn of August and September). The name of festival is “Podvihorlatský folklórní festival pod Sninským kamenem”.

Or visit Snina fair which held annually on the anniversary of the first written mention of the town Snina (in September).

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