Luxury Travel Lifestyle

Short Haul Flights - Hard Hitting Polar Bear Video

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:22:00 +0000

A short hard hitting video featuring polar bears falling from the sky to drill home the message that short-haul flights are having a massive impact on the climate.

Can I afford a gap year?

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:09:00 +0000

Much has been written recently about the cost of university, and the increasing number of young people put off by higher education due to the thought of so much debt after graduation. However, as the new term kicks off this month, it is clear that the recession has made the application process even more competitive as more mature students enrol, at the same time as jobs are cut, pay is frozen and more people find themselves without work. So what are the other options after college or sixth form?

Of course, a gap year has long been an acceptable way to spend time after secondary school in order to build up your ‘life experience’ and to enjoy some well-deserved freedom. But with so much concern about debt, can you really afford one? The easy answer is probably yes, but you must plan and budget carefully.

Whether you decide to volunteer close to home, or want to fly to the east coast of Australia, it is likely that you will need to save up some money for the experience. Of course, earning is one thing, but saving is quite another and it is important that you are taking enough money from your monthly pay and putting it somewhere safe. The more research you can do on this at the moment the better as the best savings accounts available tend to be fixed term – meaning you are more likely to get good returns if you leave your savings alone for a certain amount of time.

Another positive boon to your funding could come from tax. If you are only working for a few months before leaving and not working for the rest of the year, you may be eligible for tax back. If you earn £6,475 or less over a year you do not need to pay tax.

Once your funds are in place you need to estimate how you want to access it, and the currency (or currencies) you are likely to use. Internet banking is a great way for travellers because it is free and is available 24 hours a day. After you know what currency you will need and where, it may also be worth considering a prepaid credit card – despite the bad reputation there are certain credit card options available that are free of debt risk and allow you to take out foreign currencies abroad for no charge.

The next plan is to budget the trip. If you are travelling abroad it is becoming increasingly important to take out travel insurance – and it is a good idea to research specialist gap year cover. If you are planning any special activities such as extreme sports, ensure that these are included on your policy also.

Discover the UK's best-kept secret – roam free in natural North Devon

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:29:00 +0000

Be crowd-free as much as carefree in the expanse of unspoilt coast and countryside that is North Devon.

This spacious chunk of the West Country offers shores lined with broad, far-reaching beaches, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve dune system of Braunton Burrows. The Taw and Torridge estuaries stretch inland towards the greenery of Tarka Country while Exmoor National Park provides a wilderness rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Dotted around and within these areas are traditional market towns, rural hamlets, fishing villages and secluded properties in which to base yourself for a break. Classic Cottages, the UK’s leading independent cottage holiday company, has over 600 properties in the West Country and more than 50 in North Devon.

“The West Country is one of the most popular parts of the country in which to holiday and yet North Devon is still relatively undiscovered,” comments Simon Tregoning, Managing Director of Classic Cottages. “The area’s natural attractions are outstanding and developments such as Damien Hirst’s restaurant in Illfracombe are helping to put North Devon on the map.”

Try one of these country cottages in Devon from Classic Holiday Cottages (prices are for one week):

Orchard – situated in a hidden dell less than a mile from the beach and surf of Westward Ho!. Spacious, tastefully furnished and with a touch of glamour, the enormous kitchen-dining room forms the centre of the house. Sleeps ten – from £83 pp.
Swallow Cottage – close to Tunnels Beaches at Ilfracombe: four tunnels hand-carved in the 1820s which lead through to sheltered beaches and a tidal Victorian bathing pool. Formerly a barn, Swallow Cottage now provides reversed-level accommodation, with bedrooms on the ground floor and a spacious living area above. Sleeps six – from £74 pp.

Dipple Cottage – originally a watermill, it takes its name from the river bordering the farm in which this cottage is located. An open-plan living room opens out on to a patio with views over meadows. The historic fishing village of Clovelly, with cobbled streets and a 14th century harbour, is a few miles away, as is the town of Bideford, rich in maritime history. Sleeps four – from £80 pp.

Taw Valley Cottage – a renovated farm worker’s cottage, this spacious, detached property is set in a large garden with views over the Taw Valley. Visit Barnstaple, whose Pannier Market dates from Saxon times, and sells local produce. Taw Valley Cottage is conveniently located for outdoor activities in Exmoor National Park. Sleeps six – from £56 pp.
Larkworthy Cottage – on three levels with slate and oak floors, oak fittings, a garden with grassy terraces plus a patio with country views. Deep in rural Devon, Larkworthy Cottage is handily placed for cycle rides and walks along the Tarka Trail near the River Torridge. Sleeps four – from £83 pp.

North Beer Byre – located on a 350 acre dairy farm, this attractive detached cottage is comfortably furnished and a delightful getaway for a family. The beaches of Bude and Sandymouth Bay are a short drive away. Sleeps four – from £83 pp.

For a copy of the Classic Cottages brochure or for more information on North Devon and other luxurious West Country getaways, contact 01326 555 555, or visit www.classic.co.uk.

Vermont USA - An unusual but great summer destination

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:04:00 +0000

By Sarah Maple

When it comes to American holidays, the modest northern state of Vermont is usually associated with the winter season instead of the summer. But whilst the state is an excellent ski destination when the snow arrives, during its continental summers, Vermont becomes the land of summer camps, swimming holes and country hikes. So what does The Green Mountain State have to offer?

Vermont is located in the north east of the country and borders with New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Canada. Making up around half of its western border however, is Lake Champlain. Named after the French explorer, the founder of Quebec City stumbled across the Lake from the north exactly 4 centuries ago this year. Consequently, 2009 is the perfect year to visit the inspirational lake and the islands scattered upon it that make up Grand Isle County.

The flavour of Vermont is multicultural and diverse, with an unsurprising French influence. Yet, one of the most intriguing resort options has its roots in Austria. The Von Trapp family (their story made famous in The Sound of Music) fled to Vermont in 1942 and opened a ski-lodge eight years later. Today, the Trapp Family Lodge near Stowe offers mountain biking and hiking trails, a fitness centre, and tours for the whole family - all amidst the wholesome nostalgia of their legacy.

Please continue reading here

Gower: UK holiday destination for 2009?

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:58:00 +0000

With research recently published by Post Office® warning of the costs of ‘must have’ items for UK holidaymakers, it might be that ‘staycationers’ will need to save money on other areas of their holidays. Travel is likely to be a big cost to some, but the Gower Peninsula in Wales is conveniently located to get to efficiently and cheaply from many parts of the UK, yet is far enough away to offer a uniquely new experience – and it is beautiful to boot.

The research published by travel insurance specialists, Post Office®, shows that in order to keep summer car journeys peaceful and stress-free, parents are set to spend hundreds of pounds on travel toys, neck pillows and iPods – leaving little money left over for the travel itself. However it is fair to say that the journey to the Gower Peninsula is anything but boring. If the kids aren’t awe-struck by the three-mile long Second Severn Crossing, then they may well be impressed by the impressive southern Welsh countryside and the hard-to-pronounce town names.

The Gower was the first place in the UK to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956. It has since become famous for its dramatic and well-kept coastline that is popular with walkers, bathers and those in search of surf. To the north of the peninsula, the village of Penclawdd is famed for its cockles that thrive in the Burry Estuary and are shipped all over Europe. As a consequence of the village’s thriving food industry, Penclawdd market is award-winning and definitely worth a visit.

The most south western point on the Gower is home to the small village of Rhossili. The five kilometre long bay, known as Llangennith Sands, is an area of interest for more than just beach activities. The Beacon is the highest point on the Gower, and gives a good vantage point of the surrounding area including the dramatic Worm’s Head and the number of shipwrecks visible at low tide.

To the south of the peninsula, Oxwich Bay and the adjoining Three Cliffs are known for their dramatic geology and golden sands – in fact, the latter beach was once named Britain’s Best Beach by the BBC in 2006. Three Cliffs is also overlooked by Pennard Castle, a 12th Century Fort fit for exploration on your way to the beach. And to continue further east, will eventually lead you to the eighteenth largest retail centre in the UK: Swansea.

Most Expensive Homes

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:09:00 +0000

Take a look at this collection of the world's coolest most expensive homes. This is sourced from Cool Pictures website featuring most expensive homes

Southhampton, Village Oceanfront Sanctuary New York - $80m
The interior space of this 13,500 square feet home runs across four stories and contains nine bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, four powder rooms and a movie theatre.

The home is situated between a pond and the ocean giving it a unique position, and there is 1,000 feet of shore front and 1,000 feet of pond front.

Villa La Leopolda - $500m
Formerly the home of Bill Gates, but now belonging to really rather rich Roman Abramovich, the Villa La Leopolda in Nice, France would set you back roughly £250,000,000 ($1/2 a billion).

Its 10 acres of lush, garden-filled grounds require an astounding 50 gardeners to look after it along with the best home insurance that money can buy.

Mikhail Prokhorov, Russia’s richest man had to pull out on the much reported deal to purchase Villa Leopolda, a $750 million estate in Côte d’Azur, the South of France after seeing a good portion of his amassed fortune lost in the current global recession.

The much reported sale was widely speculated over around August last year and now it seems that all the excitement has been for nothing. But the saga continues as the current owners of the villa simply refuse to hand Prokhorov back his initial deposit of €44 million.
Even though his lawyers are seeking a refund, they might be out of luck since the French law states that purchasers lose their deposits if they pull out after the sales agreement has been signed.

Since having set new property records with this deal last summer, the French Riviera went nuts with the news leaving many property owners excited at the prospects of selling their own nearby homes.
However, much has changed since then and the latest development in the Villa Leopolda story clearly indicate that even billionaires suffer from the current financial situation, leaving them with millions of dollars in losses.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the wealth magnate denies all the stories as gossip saying that Prokhorov is refusing to do any business unless the French authorities apologizes to him for accusing him of procuring prostitutes for a party in 2007.

Ira Rennert House, New York - $170m
The billionaire found of the Renco Group, Ira Rennert, owns a place in Sagaponack, New York, and at 63 acres of grounds, is considered by many to be the largest residential compound in the whole of America.

The house itself has 29 bedrooms, 39 bathrooms, as well as the usual gigantic dining room, sport courts and bowling alley and contents insurance to cover it all. The property is valued at roughly $170,000,000-180,000,000.

Updown Court, Surrey, England - $140m
With neighbors like Elton John and the Queen of England, Updown Court in Surrey is going to be a rather decadent household. Launched with a price of £70,000,000 (roughly $140,000,000).

Containing 24 bedrooms, each with a marble en-suite bathroom, and an underground garage, the property is estimated to cost around £250,000 ($500,000) a month to run, not to mention the cost of the house insurance!

This property even has it's own website: www.updowncourt.com

And check out the video of this amazing home:

Donald Trump House, Florida - $250m
Donald Trump owns this 18-bedroom waterfront palace, which is listed as costing £125,000,000.

Situated in Florida, Trump says it’s location in Palm Beach is “the richest community in the world” and it doesn’t seem like he’s joking! We also doubt that he's one to settle for cheap building insurance, either!

Check his house out...

Tree Ponds, New York - $75m
In Bridgehampton, New York, there sits a $75,000,000 estate that has its own golf course!

Called “Three Ponds” due to the fact that it has, er, three ponds (each stocks with an ample supply of fish, which are hopefully included in the home insurance), and the expansive grounds also house 14 different gardens, each with their own theme!

Fleur de Lys in Beverly Hills, California - $125m
This $125 million estate was modelled after Louis XIV’s palace at Versailles, France. It encompasses 45,000 square feet and took five years to build in all. It all came to fruition when Suzanne Saperstein accumulated five acres in the 1990s.

What was once a dream became a reality and today Fleur de Lys features a 50-seat screening room, an nine care auto garage with a treasured collection of automobiles and a library filled with first-edition books.

Jacobean Manor, Greenwich, Connecticut - $90m
The manor sits proudly on 40 acres of rolling green hills, broken only by lawns and meadows to provide ample privacy for the owners.

The 14 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms are spread over 21,897 square feet. Features such as marble floors, vaulted ceilings, limestone walls, bay windows and wood panelling impress the ficklest of visitor.

There is also a 52-foot long indoor swimming pool. Ah yes, the manor is priced at a hefty $90 million. It is advertised on LuxuryRealEstate.com

Tranquility” Lake Tahoe, Nevada - $100m
Situated on the tax-free side of Nevada’s Lake Tahoe, this 210-acre property is owned by Joel Horowitz, the co-founder of fashion label Tommy Hilfiger. He built the property from scratch.

The house is made up of 20,000 square feet of living space and modelled after a northern European mountain home. It also has a 3,500-bottle wine cellar, an indoor swimming pool and atrium, as well as a 19-seat movie theatre, ensuring constant entertainment, even if snowed in. It is worth $100 million.

Eurasia Estate, Moscow, Russia - $100m
No list is complete without a bit of Russian flavour.

This property consists of an 11,700-square-foot manor house, as well as two 4,000-square-foot guest houses and a massive 91,000-square-foot recreation centre that features a pool, Turkish and Russian baths, a gym, sauna and lounges. Eurasia is worth $100 million.

Hillandale, Stamford, Connecticut - $95m
You will be forgiven to think you are looking at an English country manor when you see Hillandale. With a stone construction, hedged and manicured gardens, a grassy tennis court and distinctive chimneys, this 20,000-square-foot residence has eight bedrooms and 10 bathrooms.
Hillandale is so big that the property straddles the New York-Connecticut border. The grounds also include four guest and staff residences and two barns, all connected by five miles of private roads. The price tag is $95 million.

BootJack Ranch, Pagosa Springs, Colorado - $88m
The ranch includes a massive 3,100 acres of land. This luxury property is much more than a working ranch. The main house alone is 13,800 square feet and has four bedrooms and four bathrooms.

Further, outlying guest cabins and lodges can host up to 50 people and bring the total interior space up to 77,000 square feet.

In addition, there’s a 12,000-square-foot spa and aquatic centre. Just the right thing to soak your weary feet at the end of a long working day. That is if you can part with $88 million.

Heathrow Expansion: Opposition and supporters get vocal during May

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:41:00 +0000

May has seen some of the most vocal behaviour from both sides of the Heathrow expansion fence since the government agreed to support the plans in January. The debate became heated during a month in which UK airport travel figures reported a significant fall in numbers, averaging 7.3 percent across the country and a 3.9 percent fall for Heathrow itself. But does the recession look to halt any of BAA’splans?

On Saturday 16th May Heathrow was subjected to a “Euro Flashmob” in which expansion protestors arrived at the airport adorned in fancy dress singing popular Eurovision hits, such as Just a Little Bit by Gina G and Congratulations by Cliff Richard. With the protest tied in with the Eurovision Song Contest, the flash mob was orchestrated by the HACAN group via the website euroflashmob.eu.

However, later in the month also saw a considerable backlash against these protests from numerous significant companies and businesses in the UK press (telegraph.co.uk). BT, Diageo and Tate & Lyle all stated their support of the expansion and new runway. Paul Walsh, from Diageo, said: “A third runway at Heathrow is essential for UK competitiveness, particularly as we strive to meet the challenge and opportunity of the emerging economies of Africa, Asia and Latin America.”

The statement was an intriguing response to the Euro Flashmob. John Stewart, chairman of HACAN, admitted:”This was a fun event with a serious purpose. It showed that the opposition to a third runway will just not go away. But it also showed just how much opposition there is to the growth of airports across Europe. European campaigners gave ‘nul point’ to airport expansion.”

Despite the opposition to the expansion from Europe, as well as the refusal for certain supporters to admit the difficulties presented by ongoing Euro-wide protests, Heathrow’s proven resilience and reputation as the UK air travel hub (as well as boasting other first class facilities such as Heathrow airport parking) during the recession will be nothing but positive. Most other airports (other than Edinburgh) have seen more traffic declines, with Stansted in particular having to cut back on spend and investment making expansion at Heathrow even more essential.

Cheaper Petrol Makes for Cheaper Holidays at Top European Destinations

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:38:00 +0000

New research published by Post Office® shows that petrol and diesel prices have plummeted in Europe – making certain holiday destinations even more enticing as the UK weather continues to disappoint.

As the pound continues to make gains on the euro, many holidaymakers still considering a last-minute trip abroad will welcome news that fuel is cheapest on the continent. Switzerland came in as cheapest for petrol at just 91p per litre. Additionally, Austria proved the cheapest for diesel at just 83p per litre – having fallen 18 percent year on year.

However, the report also highlights which countries are the best value overall – with both Spain and Austria proving the most pocket-friendly. Those driving in these two countries will find the average price to be just a penny more than Switzerland, whilst diesel is much less. By comparison, the Netherlands was the most expensive – with full averaging around 34 percent more than the aforementioned cheap three.

The UK however is not far behind. Despite there having been a 19 percent decrease in fuel prices over the last year, the UK is the only country out of 12 where diesel is more expensive than petrol. This means we have the second most expensive diesel costs after Norway, yet petrol is 10 percent less here than it was a year ago.

Sarah Munro, holiday and travel insurance specialist at Post Office® commented: "Sterling is recovering just in time for the holiday season and combined with the price reductions for fuel and car hire, UK drivers can get more miles for the same money. Whilst price reductions introduced since last year are make motoring holidays an attractive proposition, tourists need to check the price of unleaded petrol compared to diesel to ensure they don’t get caught out."

However, it is not just fuel which is tempting people abroad last minute. Munro continued: "This year’s report shows more evidence of price cutting activity to boost tourism in popular European summer holiday resorts. The huge drop in car hire costs in both Portugal and Greece is great news for UK tourists and is another factor that should be taken into consideration when choosing a holiday this year.”

Saint Gothard Pass Switzerland

Post Office® Report Finds Massive Cost Variations at Top Summer Destinations

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:36:00 +0000

Beach Barometer 2009*, the latest report by Post Office® has shed new light on the prices UK holiday-makers are likely to be paying for ‘must have’ items this summer. The research shows wild variations in the cost of products, such as beach towels and lilos, from country to country.

The research shows that despite the fact that almost half of UK tourists are looking for ways to reduce their holiday costs, families heading to resorts abroad may get stung by hidden costs – and this is something they may be even less prepared for as the pound slowly rises in value.

The report focused on six key ‘must have’ family items typically bought on holiday: large beach towel, jelly shoes, bucket and spade, lilo, ice-cream, and a one hour pedalo/kayak ride. In Greece, for example, parents will pay as much as £56.50 for the same six items, whilst in Croatia their total cost would come to just £19.41.

However, Post Office® insists that there is still good news for parents wary of high prices. The value of the pound is continuing to increase, getting over nine percent more euros than earlier in the year – whilst the travel insurance sector and the cost of package holidays remain very competitive.

Additionally, sightseeing cost on the continent are proving particularly kind to the pocket. Some of the biggest attractions in Bulgaria and Cyprus cost less than £10 for the family. Mont St Michel, one of France’s most visited sights, is free to enter – though tourists are warned of the prices within its shops.

Sarah Munro, travel specialist at Post Office®, commented: "We found that while a family meal costs around £57 in Brighton, it would set UK tourists back much less in Croatia and Bulgaria - and least of all, £31, in Spain. More good news for holidaymakers is that the French government has just slashed VAT on restaurants to 5.5 per cent from 19.6 per cent. This means that a €10 lunchtime menu in France, which would have cost almost £10 earlier this year, is now £7.50 - quite a saving when you have a family to feed."

The report also highlighted that savings can still be made before you even set foot abroad. Munro continued: "Our research revealed that some UK tourists are thinking more carefully about buying currency in advance when rates are better - but the amount lost by leaving it late still adds up to a tremendous waste of hard-earned money. Families who want to stick to a budget should consider putting their cash on a prepaid card like the Post Office Travel Money Card, so that they can track their expenditure."

*Research by Post Office® and published here: www.postoffice.co.uk/beachbarometer2009 - Post Office® offer a range of travel and money services including foreign currency exchange, life insurance, as well as home insurance and car insurance. For more information visit: www.postoffice.co.uk

New Post Office® Research set to make Last Minute Trips Abroad even more enticing

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:11:00 +0000

As if the perpetual rain isn’t enough, Post Office® research published last month has given UK holidaymakers another reason to consider travelling abroad last minute this summer. Alongside the growing strength of pound sterling against the euro, the report found that the cost of car rental, holiday resorts and fuel on the continent is making a trip overseas just that bit more tempting.

Post Office® examined car hire costs in 20 countries with the USA showing some of the highest prices – especially for unleaded vehicles. By comparison, Portugal has seen a 21 percent year-on-year drop and now boasts the best value for hire cars, with Greece and Sweden close behind.

This means that at around £101, Portugal’s overall average unleaded motoring cost is just 38 percent of the amount in France – which averages £264.10.

The cheapest place for unleaded petrol is Switzerland at just 91p per litre. Yet, Austria and Spain are better value overall due to the cheap price of diesel in each. In Austria the average price of diesel is just 83p per litre – and Spain isn’t far behind.

By comparison, the UK proved to be the only country where diesel costs more than petrol, even though fuel has dropped by 19 percent over the last year.

If this is seen as a positive point for ‘staycationers’, Sarah Munro, holiday and travel insurance specialist at Post Office® reminds holidaymakers of other abroad bonuses. "This year’s report shows more evidence of price cutting activity to boost tourism in popular European summer holiday resorts. The huge drop in car hire costs in both Portugal and Greece is great news for UK tourists and is another factor that should be taken into consideration when choosing a holiday this year.”

However, Munro also offered some advice for holidaymakers considering driving abroad, she said: "While motoring tourists can make great savings by choosing destinations with lower fuel or car hire prices, they should remember to buy their travel money in advance of their trip. By no means all petrol stations accept credit card payment and so it is wise to carry foreign currency purchased in the UK where the exchange rates are likely to be lower than at an ATM overseas."

Top 10 UK Car Drives

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:45:00 +0000

UK top 10 best car road drives - forget speed cameras, roadworks and traffic jams: blow away the cobwebs with the best British country drives. Stuck in a rut of the daily commute? Leave the hustle and bustle behind and head for the British countryside. Even in these congested times, the UK has plenty to offer in terms of scenic drives and cracking roads; you just need to know where to find them. Here we show you the route to happiness with the top ten British country drives…

1. Hebrides
It may take a bit of effort to get there, but the Isle of Skye is an unspoiled haven within the Inner Hebrides.

Take the A87 from Portree - it skirts the coastline round the island and turns into the A855. There are numerous single-track roads for the really keen, while the harbour at Portree is perfect for a few snaps. There’ll be something for drivers and sightseers alike.

2. Northumberland
The North East has more than its fair share of rugged coastlines and spectacular scenery.

Start at Berwick-upon-Tweed (taking in the view of Lindisfarne) and head south to Alnwick. Pick up the B6431, which turns into the B6432, skirting Northumberland National Park. Stop for a brew at Farlam Hall in Brampton and marvel at the feat that is Hadrian’s Wall.

3. Lake District
The Lake District’s twisty country lanes are a driver’s delight - if you can avoid the peak of summer.

The B5289, just outside Cockermouth in Cumbria, loops around Derwentwater to picturesque Keswick. Stretch your legs with a walk through the Lake District National Park, then head south to Hardknott Pass - the steepest road in England. You’ll end up in the Victorian town of Ambleside for a well-deserved cuppa.

4. Peak District
Perfect for a family getaway, Britain’s first national park offers magnificent views of peaks and valleys in almost every direction.

To get the most out of them, you can’t do much better than the A57 from Glossop. Wind your way over the Moorland for miles, keeping an eye out for the Ladybower, Howden and Derwent Reservoirs. Finish up at Bakewell for, you’ve guessed it, the essential Bakewell Tart! If you’re taking little ones with you, take a look at Confused.com’s Guide to Keeping Kids Happy on Long Journeys.

5. Isle of Wight
This often-overlooked nugget of seaside delight is only half an hour from the mainland.

The Military road runs across the south coast of the island, following the sea cliffs as they look out over the English Channel. Rising and falling, they’re ideal for a slow cruise or an enthusiastic sprint. The road itself was part of the Palmerston Forts, built in the 1860s, in response to the perceived threat of French invasion.

6. Cotswolds
Burford, just 16miles west of Oxford, is one of England’s prettiest medieval towns.

The 1000 locals will welcome you as you partake in the delightful high street and quaint shops. From there, pick up the B4425. You’ll enjoy a fabulous fast and flowing open road for almost 15 miles before you reach Cirencester. Unwind and explore the weekday markets and renowned Corinium Museum.

7. Suffolk
Situated in the east of the UK, Suffolk offers some architectural delights, while the rural roads provide some challenging routes once you head off the beaten track.

Castle Hedingham

Follow the A12 south out of Ipswich, through the delightful Vale of Denham, before heading to Sudbury and picking up the B1058 towards Castle Hedingham. This, and the subsequent B1053 and B1057, loop around Saffron Walden – explore Audley End, one of the most ostentatious Jacobean houses in England.

8. North Wales
Find yourself in the right part of Wales and you can enjoy some of the best roads the UK has to offer.

Start at Bala and take the A42122 through the heart of Snowdonia. Head through Porthmadog and Pwllheli along the south coast of the Lleyn Peninsula, then back up along Caernarfon Bay. If you’re really keen, head north to Anglesey, and try out its race circuit, which looks out over the Irish sea.

9. Dorset
Take pleasure in the stunning views on offer in Dorset. Enjoy the traditional seaside town of Weymouth before following the coastal road up to the A352, visiting the iconic Lulworth Cove.

Gold Hill, Shaftsbury, Dorset

Head into Poole and explore its natural harbour, the second largest in the world, before looping back along the A35 through Tolpuddle to Dorchester - the home of Thomas Hardy and the Dorset County Museum.

10. Cornwall
A part of the UK not to be missed, head south along the coast from Bodmin to Lizard Point, and across to Land’s End. From there, drive north through the popular beaches of St Ives and Newquay.

For one final flourish, follow the A30 out of Bodmin again and head over the challenging moor roads, but be prepared for the Brown Willy effect: a localised weather phenomenon that brings heavy rain and flash flooding. Check out the amazing Cornwall Sunrise if you get the chance!

Country roads may take a bit of negotiating. Before you leave the hustle and bustle behind, make sure your car insurance is up to date and you’re covered for breakdown.

If you are searching for a new car you should check out car classifieds from americanlisted.com, new and safe classifieds.

Enjoy South West - My South West

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:18:00 +0000

Favourite View
Choosing a favourite view is easy. It’s the view from the closest bit of coast to my home on the Lizard in West Cornwall. Church Cove at Gunwalloe, just a few hundred yards across Mullion Golf Course, is the quintessential Cornish cove but also has a tiny church backed into the headland flanking the beach.

It is a beautiful place but we have another link with this special part of Cornwall going back more than 30 years. In our family, the headland into which the church cowers is called ‘Decision Point’, because that is where my parents made the decision to move our life down here. So it was really where Classic Cottages was born. They started with just four fisherman’s cottages and we now have a portfolio of some 680 holiday homes spread across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. As we celebrate our 30th year in business, I am very grateful that, standing on the cliffs looking across to Land’s End, my parents decided to make that bold step.

It is easy to get complacent about the place we live in, but I walk or run that piece of coast almost every day and, whatever the weather, it always reminds me how lucky I am.

My South West Speciality
Fresh mussels from the Helford River, plucked from their host rocks with my own hands, cleaned and potted that day; how could it get better than that?

We have come a long way in the south west over the last 20 years. Touring the food tents at both the Devon and Cornwall County Shows bears testament to the incredible energy, imagination and enthusiasm of the local food producers. Back in the ‘old days’ we could not have shone a light on the standard of food in the south west, it simply would not have passed the ’credibility test’ with our guests. But now we promote local produce and gastronomy as another great reason to come to the south west and book a Classic Cottage. The likes of Messrs Stein, Caines and Oliver have been enormously influential in shining the spotlight on our part of the country, but the real progress has been made in the village shops, local pubs and restaurants where the high profile hype is backed with consistently high quality food and produce wherever you go.

My Own Personal Haven
A recent episode of ’Coast’ covering Cornwall included a scientific study of the quality of the light in St Ives. A sample of air from London was pumped through a piece of filter paper and compared with the air from St Ives. Unsurprisingly the London filter was filthy and the St Ives one pristine. But it did highlight one of the things I like best about living in the south west. It is the sense of open space, big skies and fresh air. The same applies whether I am on the cliffs or trudging across Dartmoor. This sense of freshness and vitality is at its strongest when I am on the sea or, even better, in it. As a mid-life-crisis surfer, there is nothing I like better than sitting in the still water beyond the breaking waves on an autumn evening following the setting sun as it drops behind Land’s End – closely followed a rude wake-up call from ‘Mother Ocean’ as she shakes me out of my reverie and refreshes me with a well targeted wave.

Sum up the South west
There is no doubt that, down here in the south west, we are all shaped in some way by the special nature of our environment. But there is an implicit assumption that, because we live in such a great ‘playground’ all we ever do is play. There is so much more to the area than chocolate box villages and rural idyll. Scratch the surface and everywhere you look you will find pockets of enterprise and innovation.

We do not have a core business, so we each have to find our own niche. It is that bit harder, but I also think that the variety of activity means that it is healthier. Looking at my own business, it would be easy to classify us as just another tourist business, but we have a collection of more than 25 people who are all specialists in a range of roles including marketing, building web sites, programming, inspecting properties, and customer relations. Classic Cottages is not unique, there are many businesses like us throughout the region, all with their own expertise, competing on national and international stages. So it is not all play, our surrounding also gives us the energy and inspiration to be quite good at work too.

Simon Tregoning is managing director of Classic Cottages, a specialist letting agency based in Helston in Cornwall. The agency markets more than 600 high quality self catering holiday homes across the south west and this year the family run business is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Go to Classic.co.uk and you will find a great selection of quality holiday cottages, country cottages and pet friendly cottages.

TIP: Check out the Classic Holiday Guide for things to do in the South West: Holiday Guide Cornwall, Holiday Guide Devon, Holiday Guide Somerset & Holiday Guide Dorset

Top 5 Beaches in Cornwall, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:35:00 +0000

The Marine Conservation Society has recently released their Good Beach Guide for 2009. The guide is taken from data compiled over the summer of 2008 and includes England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Island, as well as The Channel Islands and The Isle of Man. With many UK tourists opting to save their travel money and head to our own holiday resorts this summer , I thought I would compile my top five beaches in Cornwall.
(All of the following have been recommended by the MCS as having excellent water quality).

5. Trebarwith Strand
Trebarwith lies on the north coast just over two miles from the popular destination, Tintagel.

Trebarwith Strand Beach, Tintagel

Often regarded as one of the nicest stretches of coast in the country, the quality of water and waves make the beach a great destination for surfers. However, keep an eye on the tide times because the beach can be completely submerged at high tide, causing a high risk of being stranded on the rocks.

Map and Directions to Trebarwith Strand

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4. Mother Iveys Bay
More family friendly and just as breathtaking, Mother Iveys Bay retains its quality despite being popular with tourists.

Mother Iveys Bay Beach, Padstow

Being near Padstow is another plus, whilst the surf is often also good. The beach gets its name after Mother Ivey, a white witch who is said to have cursed a local field in anger for Harlyn’s starving villagers.

Map and Directions to Mother Ivey

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3. Maenporth
Just around the corner from the busy harbour town of Falmouth and its beaches Gyllingvase and Swanpool, the beach at Maenporth is more sheltered and famed for its gently sloping bay.

Maenporth Beach, Falmouth

Situated on the south coast, the area is not known for its surf but it does offer facilities that are sometimes hard to find at the nicer spots in Cornwall, such as car parking, the Cove restaurant and toilets.

Map and Directions to Maenporth

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2. Sennen Cove
Lands End is the most westerly area of mainland England, and Sennen Cove lies just north, boasting golden sands and crystal clear waters. The beach is popular with surfers and bathers but also benefits from its impressive length.

Map and Directions to Sennes Cove

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1. Porthcurno
Sheltered by high cliffs and offering a funnel shaped beach, Porthcurno is often considered number one by tourists and locals alike.

Porthcurno Beach, just off Minack Theatre

Dramatic geography and clean waters proved so beautiful, that Rowena Cade decided to build an open air theatre to overlook the bay as a backdrop. Subsequently the beach is very popular with visitors who are also drawn to the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum.

Map and Directions to Porthcurno

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A travel money card is great!

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Fri, 22 May 2009 08:46:00 +0000

Since the birth of the travel money card and its increased availability as another method to pay for items when abroad, the global economic crisis has plunged sterling into a state of impressive weakness and the travel industry into uncertainty as to whether any UK holidaymakers will even bother going abroad this summer. So could the travel money card be the saving grace for those who want to hit the Eurozone this August?

April saw a trend amongst banks that quickly became reported in the national press. Amongst others, both The Northern Echo and The Independent outlined the introduction of bank charges on credit cards used abroad - ranging from 0.81 to 2.99 percent of the transaction value from names such as Nationwide and Thomas Cook Financial. The moves were seen as a direct response to the tumultuous economic climate and the ongoing need to make a profit wherever possible.

Travel money cards are increasingly being seen as a viable alternative to credit cards because of a number of reasons. Unlike standard credit and debit cards, travel money cards do not incur charges when used (provided your card is allocated to the correct country, region, continent), yet are still allowed in the same shops and outlets that any Visa and Mastercard would be used.

However, for all their similarities, there are some differences also: travel money cards are not connected to your bank account but are instead charged (or topped up) via bank transfer online, SMS or over the phone - in much the same way as a pay-as-you-go mobile phone.

This top-up method is not only convenient, but is also becoming noted for its added security. Losing a credit card abroad is a massive hassle because if it gets into the wrong hands, your entire bank account is available - however, a travel money card ensures that the rest of your savings are not at risk whilst you are on holiday. Additionally, if your card is stolen and reported promptly any money will be instantly transferred back to your account.

As it becomes increasingly expensive to spend money abroad, and whilst sterling remains at a low compared to the euro and dollar, the convenience and safety of travel money cards seem set to entice holiday spenders into a new age - and one that ensures your pennies go further.

Buy travel insurance, travel money and check foreign exchange rates at Post Office®

Moving to the coast? Why home insurance can sometimes make that sea view a little less tempting

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:49:00 +0000

Although the property sector might not be the most buzzing market at the moment, homes which offer a little something extra, such as a cliff-top location, view down the estuary, or glimpse of the surf, are always going to be sought after – and more likely to be bought at a higher price than their view-less equivalents.

With many sources reporting that the market is on the turn, many who have long considered leaving the city, or buying a second home on the coast will now feel the pressure to start their hunt before prices increase too much.

A recent Halifax survey taken over 10 years between 1996 and 2006 found that house prices rose considerably quicker on the coast in comparison to those inland. Perhaps the best example for the difference was Falmouth on the south coast of Cornwall, where prices rose by 316 percent when the average across Britain was 186 percent.

It is no secret that the reason for the popularity, and the subsequent affect on house prices, comes from the views on offer at coastal properties. In an article at telegraph.co.uk, Graham Norwood writes about two properties in Cellardyke, Fife, one of which had views of the North Sea whilst the other had none. Of course, the former sold for far more at £400,000 compared to the latter at £195,000.

Perhaps surprisingly, properties that are located in picturesque coastal locations can sometimes mean certain considerations when it comes to such necessities as home insurance. Despite the often sparkling reputations of areas that are not urban in character, according to the Daily Mail, opportunist thefts have increased by as much as 63 percent in some rural areas – with extreme increases occurring in North Wales. Additionally, where buildings insurance is concerned, in some cases companies will refuse policies for buildings in particular risk from flooding, or at the least offer very expensive premiums.

In spite of the downsides (The Telegraph also mentions how damaging sea spray is to paintwork and subsequent maintenance costs), I anticipate that coastal areas will see the quickest rise in prices when (or if) the market settles into its climb. And, although this might be bad news for those who live on the UK’s coasts, with Sterling in such a bad position abroad I wouldn’t be surprised if second-home interest in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset increases quicker than we may have known it to before.

Beijing and its attractions

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:21:00 +0000

This year the global economic situation is causing UK tourists to consider travelling further afield than the Eurozone on their doorstep. The reason is quite simple, once they have dealt with such necessities as travel insurance and accommodation, few, if any, of their neighbouring tourist destinations is likely to offer much value for money for the weakened Sterling in the wake of the credit crunch. For some who are eager to visit the historical and architectural sights associated with such infamous European cities as Paris, Rome and Venice, such places will now be off-limits. Luckily however, the East has many equivalents, for example Beijing.

Beijing has been described by National Geographic as: ‘An epicentre of tradition with the treasures of nearly 2,000 years,’ and this is by no means an understatement. However, one thing that is a little harder to distil into so few words is the unique wonder of some of its sights.

One example is the Beijing Ancient Observatory in the Dongcheng District, which exists due to the Yongle Emperor’s title meaning ‘Son of Heaven’ spurring a heightened interest in the skies by the astronomers of Ming and Qing. Today visitors can still walk amongst ancient instruments such as the Quadrant and Theodolite and explore the many astronomical exhibition rooms.

For a historic natural attraction focusing on phenomena a little closer to home, Beihai Park is an imperial garden in the Xicheng District and has been there for over 1,000 years.

Beihei translates to ‘Northern Sea’, a name that reflects the fact that more than half of the park’s 171 acres are covered in lakes and ponds. Additionally, the gardens are also noticeable for the abundance of imperial and elegant architecture as exemplified by The Yong'an Temple (Temple of Everlasting Peace, the largest building in the park) and the intricate Five-Dragon Pavilions.

Approximately six kilometres south east of Beihei Park, the Temple of Heaven is situated in the heavily populated Xuanwu District. The Temple (or Altar, as it is known literally) is a Taoist complex dating from the early 1400s and at its heart includes the three-tiered, and circular, Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests constructed from wood without the use of nails. The entire structure has been built in strict accordance to philosophical teachings, which is noticeable in its layout and the inclusion of such features as the Echo Wall which stretches for 193 metres but can reverberate a whisper for its entire length.

Alongside Beijing’s many sights, the most intriguing and awesome man-made structure could well be the Forbidden City. This imperial palace complex is the largest in the world, and is located in the centre of Beijing. As an attraction, the Forbidden City is notable for its sheer size and architecture, but it is also now home to the Palace Museum containing numerous artefacts from the Ming and Qing imperial courts throughout the last 5,000 years. Since becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the palace has undergone some restoration, alongside increased commercialization which has since been criticized by the Chinese Media.

Destination Strasbourg

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Tue, 12 May 2009 09:23:00 +0000

By Tim Ware, British Guild of Travel Writers

It's early afternoon and the latest star in the French Railways' constellation - the TGV Est high speed train - is pulling out of Paris.

Leaving the Gare de l'Est, an easy 10 minute walk from the Eurostar terminal at Gare du Nord, the scenery gives way first to elegant suburbs and finally to open country, the sleek train gathers pace on its two hour 20 minute journey to Strasbourg, France's easternmost city, 300 miles away on the banks of the Rhine.

Before we know it, we are cruising at speeds of up to 200mph. The view through the window is typically French: first, meadows on which plump cattle graze, then the vineyards of the Champagne region and, finally, as we approach Strasbourg, the neat valleys and gently rolling hills of the Vosges.

The extraordinary thing is that, for the most part, you're unaware of travelling at high speed. Only when the train passes beside a motorway is it apparent that you're journeying on Europe's fastest train.

You travel in style and comfort. The carriages are spacious and the seats wide (no travelling with your knees touching the seat in front here) and, unlike travelling by air, you can feel smug about leaving a negligible carbon footprint. You've done your bit for the environment.

The TGV Est - or le Train Grande à Vitesse Est Européen to give it its full name - takes high speed in its stride. At 200mph, the ride is relatively silent and smooth; even in the buffet car, the cup of coffee in front of you stays put on the bar top.

Soon we're pulling into Strasbourg. The very name conjures images of the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and bureaucratic largesse. Well, yes. But there is much more besides. The capital of the Alsace region is a city of considerable style and charm.

In fact, I can think of few more pleasant places in which to spend a weekend. While it is undeniably a city, it has more of a country town feel about it. Crossing hump-backed bridges into the Petite France district, ringed by the river Ill, you're surrounded by half-timbered buildings, once the home to tanners, millers and the like. You could almost be in a medieval town in the Dordogne.

The best way to orientate yourself is to take a mini cruise. For a fiver or so you're provided with a one-hour trip through the city and downstream to the European Parliament buildings.

On the way the cruise boat travels along the Ill past high-gabled houses and old warehouses, some of which have been converted into hotels and waterside restaurants, negotiating several locks.

The centre of Strasbourg is cosily compact. We base ourselves at Hotel Maison Rouge, a three-star establishment whose reputation is built on traditional comforts rather than modernity. Our room is a good size and overlooks the rue des Francs-Bourgeois, our stay punctuated by the reassuring clank of trams passing in the street below.

The hotel does not have a restaurant (except for breakfast), but as it is slap bang in the middle of the city, and no more than a five or ten-minute walk from anywhere you'll want to visit, it's ideal.

Top of your list of 'must sees' should be the great 12th century Gothic cathedral, one of the finest in France, whose pink sandstone tower is visible from anywhere in the city. Climb the 332 steps to the cathedral's viewing platform and you're rewarded with a great vista of the old city and, in the distance, the Vosges in the west and the Black Forest in the east.

Also worth seeing in the cathedral is the enormously complicated astrological clock, built 1842, whose crowning performance of the day - the striking of noon at 12.30 - that being 12 o'clock Strasbourg time - attracts hordes of visitors.

Across the river the place de la Républic is a reminder that people living here have had to get used to a shifting border, changing their allegiance over the years from France to Germany and back to France again.

The square is lined with vast German buildings put up during the post 1870 Imperial Prussian occupation and in the middle is a war memorial showing a mother holding two dead sons in her arms - one killed by the French army and the other by the Germans - a situation unlikely to arise again under the new European unity.

The shifting border has had its effect, too, on the local cuisine: meals are a mix of German generosity and French finesse. The signature Alsace dish is choucroute - sauerkraut cooked with goose grease and smoked pork, with ham and sausages added. For around £12, at Maison Kammerzell in the city centre I enjoyed a tasty and filling dish of three kinds of fish - cod, salmon and smoked haddock - served on a bed of sauerkraut.

Contrary to expectation, restaurant prices in Strasbourg are not steep by British standards. There are many places where you can enjoy a well-cooked three course meal for less than £10.

For gourmets, there are around 80 Michelin-starred restaurants in the area. Thanks to the new TGV Est service, you could theoretically enjoy lunch in Strasbourg and be in Paris in time for dinner. Now there's a tempting proposition...

Factfile: Travel from Waterloo to Strasbourg, via Paris or Lille, with Rail Europe, the best place to buy cheap train tickets online. Fares start at £89 return in standard class, travelling on Eurostar and the TGV. Further details from Rail Europe 08708 304 862, or call at the Rail Europe Travel Centre at 178 Piccadilly, London W1. Rooms at Hotel Maison Rouge (00 33 3 88 32 08 60, www.maison-rouge.com) cost from around £60 a night. Further information on Alsace from the Alsace Tourist Board 00 33 3 89 24 73 50, www.tourism-alsace.com and the Strasbourg Tourist Office, 00 33 3 88 52 28 28, www.ot-strasbourg.org or, in the UK, Maison de la France (French Tourist Office), www.franceguide.com, 09068 244 123.

Cruise Control: The Best Luxury Cruise Lines

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:38:00 +0000

Trying to determine which is the best luxury cruise line is a little like trying to deciding which is the the best Beatles song. It is virtually an impossible task. There are so many good ones, and all offer something a little different that set them apart from the others. With that in mind I have compiled a list of 3 of the best luxury cruise lines operating today.

See who made the cut below:

Seabourn Cruise Lines - In operation for more than 2 decades now this company has become synonymous with the word luxury. Like the other players in the ultra luxury market Seabourn's ships are small. In fact they are so cozy and exclusive that the company actually markets them as The Yachts of Seabourn, and life aboard feels like a day at the club rather than a cruise at times. They are world renowned for their fine dining, and a meal served here wouldn't be out of place in one of Europe's finest restaurants. If you are looking for exclusivity and privacy you can't do much better than Seabourn.

Regent Seven Seas - This small cruise line is known for delivering both comfort and superior technology. Egyptian cotton linens are standard in all their suites, and if you want to get your entertainment fix and stay connected to the rest of the world while at sea Regent has you covered. Flat screen TVs, DVD players, Bose stereo systems, Wi-fi internet access, and even onboard cellphone service are all included.

Crystal Cruises - Speaking of exclusivity, Crystal Cruise Lines only offers two ships in its fleet, so booking passage may be a challenge indeed. However, if you are one of the lucky ones to experience a Crystal cruise you will agree that it was well worth the inconvenience of securing a ticket. Known for their ability to offer ocean liner amenities on small ships, Crystal really stands head and shoulders above its peers. Food and wine are top-notch with exotic culinary options including sushi bars! Crystal even caters to families and is one of the few ultra luxury cruise lines to include children's activities on its ships.

This is just a sampling of the best luxury cruise lines operating today. Others like Silversea and Cunard are good as well, and offer high end all-inclusive cruise options that can put the big lines like Disney, Carnival and Princess to shame. Time to book your honeymoon?

You can find more cruise info on european-cruise-guide.com

What Mexico has to offer

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:29:00 +0000

Mexico is the most popular tourist destination of the Latin Americas and the eighth most popular place for tourist arrivals in the world. As a consequence of the recession, the country is sure to be at the top of the list for more Brits in 2009 – and is already being included in “tips to save money during the summer” style articles (alongside cheap travel insurance and cheaper plane fares) in the British press (specifically: The Telegraph). So what do The United Mexican States have to offer?

The wonders that are the first thing that come to prospective visitors are Mexico’s historical attractions. Mexico was once home to the Mayan civilization and some architecture, from about 1000 years ago, is still impressively intact. Chichen Itza is a site that has been open to the public for over a century and includes a great number of temples and buildings including the pyramid El Castillo, The Temple of The Warriors and the El Caracol observatory. Additionally, there are more Mayan sites on the Yucatan Peninsula on the Eastern coast, most notably the walled city of Tulum.

Chichen Itza

Far more can be seen within the modern-day cities of Mexico also. Aguascalientes is home to the biggest festival in the country, The San Marcos Fair, and also boasts a wealth of Baroque architecture with the Guadeloupe Church and Government Palace. The capital, Mexico City, is located in the South and boasts the heritage sites, The Historic Centre (including National Palace and the Templo Mayor) and the “Floating Gardens”.

Aside from the many historical and cultural draws, there are a number of resorts popular with tourists in Mexico. Famous spring break destination, Acapulco, is known for its beaches, water sports, nightlife and the picturesque island of Roqueta. In contrast, the isolated Cabo San Lucas on the Baja California peninsula has pristine beaches and rock formations at its Lands End. In the North Western part of the country is Puerto Penasco, a town popular with tourists from Arizona and home to the Pinacate biosphere reserve.

The largely unspoiled country also has many natural attractions which appeal to tourists. La Bufadora is the second largest blowhole in the world and can shoot water up to 80 feet in the air every minute. The phenomenon is more unique due to it being something of a marine geyser, that is caused by sea water flooding into an underwater cave, and suddenly pushing it upwards, accompanied by a dramatic thunderous noise. For those of a less geological and dramatic nature, the Copper Canyon in the Chihuahua region is home to rolling hills and a national park.

Travel Money Tips for summer 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:13:00 +0000

At the Airport, on the High Street, or Online? Where to get your foreign currency. As you probably know and are tired of hearing, the pound and the euro are at near parity with each other – a fact that is all the more distressing when we remember that one pound was worth about €1.25 just a year ago.

Subsequently, those of us lucky enough to have the savings for a holiday this Easter will no doubt be most inclined to search around for the best deal on their foreign currency. So what are the pros and cons of buying at the airport, on the high street, or online?

At the Airport:
As a general rule, leaving the purchase of your foreign currency until you reach the airport is not considered good practice if you are hoping to find the best deal.

In a recent article at telegraph.co.uk (3rd April), it is highlighted that the reason for the extra charges incurred when purchasing your travel money at the airport is due to a number of factors: such as the cost of rent, the cost of employing staff, and the price of having money in stock.

Logically then, these costs are likely to be much higher within the competitive and 24-hour bustling environment of an airport – and this is reflected in the price. So, whilst airports might be very convenient, if you’re eager to save on you foreign currency it is certainly best to buy before you get there.

On the High Street:
Alternatively, heading into town and purchasing your foreign currency on the high street can be much better for your pocket – leaving you with more to spend once you reach your destination.

The possible benefits of not having to pay as much for property rental, and not having to employ staff around the clock, no doubt contribute to the cheaper costs on the high street.

You might also expect travel money that is available on the high street would be subject to similar forces that affect other products there – and subsequently driving the costs down. However, this isn’t strictly the case – or at least it isn’t advertised as such. Yet, one of the strongest benefits of buying you foreign currency face to face is that you are usually given the opportunity to negotiate a better price if you can prove that there are cheaper deals to be had elsewhere.

Online:
All the costs associated with shop rental, staff employment, and looking after money are instantly reflected in online prices, and so it makes sense that purchasing your travel money via the internet and checking foreign exchange online can get you the best deals.

Those who consider doing so should not be deterred by worries of not receiving your money in time, as some companies allow you to buy your currency online as late as midnight the day before you fly, then you simply pick it up at the airport before you board you plane. Similarly to the high street, more online vendors are allowing negotiations of a better price if you can prove better deals available elsewhere.

Discover New York City and San Francisco

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:40:00 +0000

When people think of New York City, one of the most populous cities in the world, they rarely think of the amazing amount of natural and green areas incorporated into its design and planning. In fact, the big apple contains over 28,000 acres of parkland, and a further 14 miles worth of beaches. With the number of visitors increasing each year since 9/11, as well as airlines increasingly offering flights to New York from Europe, the city is set to get ever popular. So for the visitors who are considering a visit but are daunted by the relentless bustle, here is a guide to the natural side of New York City.

Well, this article wouldn't be right without it. Central Park has been an official land mark since 1963, but has since grown to include more than just trees and grass. Today the 843 acres boast lakes, ponds, tracks, ice rinks, and even an outdoor theatre. The park receives over 20 million visitors every year which is the most for any park in the US, despite the fact that there are many more that are bigger in size. The park has a carriage horse service, is host to music festivals, and even has its own all-volunteer ambulance service.

Central is not the only significant park in the city, Brooklyn is also home to its own sprawling green area. Prospect Park is slightly smaller, at 585 acres, buts its Long Meadow is considered by many to be one of the biggest urban meadows in the country. Prospect is also home to its own zoo which houses porcupines, sea lions and red pandas. Yet perhaps one of its most unique attractions is the former home of Edwyn Clark Litchfield's decadent Italiante Mansion - Litchfield Villa.

The New York Botanical Garden is located on the Bronx Park and draws over 800,000 visitors a year. The garden was founded in 1891 by Nathaniel Lord Britton after he saw the Gardens at Kew, London. Some of the trees on the premises are more than two centuries old, and make up a collection of flora that is incredibly divers, including: tulips, wetlands plants, and tall beeches.
Wave Hill is a smaller 28 acre estate located in The Bronx. The site, popular with horticulturalists, overlooks the Hudson River and is made up of colourful and visually stimulating gardens. There are two houses on the site, the most famous being Wave House which has seen many famous tenants including Mark Twain and Darwins Bulldog, Thomas Henry Huxley. The gardens are also used for beekeeping, and include an aquatic garden and a Conservatory.

San Francisco is one of the most populous in California. Since the California Gold Rush and the city's establishment as a centre for finance and commerce, biotechnology firms and micro-businesses have come to be founded in the area - with Silicon Valley just a stones throw away. Despite this, the driving force behind San Francisco's economy is tourism, made up of millions of visitors a year who want to visit the place that is the subject of so many songs, movies, books, and other forms of popular culture. With European airlines offering flights to San Francisco, 2009 makes this city of culture more accessible than it has ever been.

The Golden Gate Bridge is often regarded as the definitive structural icon of San Francisco. Construction took four years from 1833 to 1937, and when it was completed it was the longest bridge of its kind in the world. It has since been surpassed in length, but still remains a uniquely breathtaking attraction. Additionally, there are many other architectural and structural sights in the City, such as the quaint "Painted Ladies" Victorian houses, and the city's very own cable car system.

For those eager to delve for a little more deeper history than what is on the surface, there are many museums to be visited. The Museum of the African Diaspora and the Contemporary Jewish Museum offer an interesting insight into the culturally diverse background of the city. There are also many more underground attractions that have developed from the city's inherent liberal politics, such as The Antique Vibrator Museum, and the UFO, Bigfoot and Loch Ness Monster Museum.

Additionally, there are many art galleries displaying local and international art. The Museum of Modern Art is no doubt the most popular. Opened in 1935 and situated on Third Street, the museums is dedicated solely to 20th Century art and includes work by Jackson Pollock and Marcel Duchamp. The M. H. de Young Memorial Museum and the Asian Art Museum both display more historical works from other corners of the globe, with exhibitions including Egyptian and Chinese artefacts respectively.

San Francisco is also know as a centre for music and festivals. Aside from being the subject of many famous popular songs such as I Left My Heart in San Francisco and San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear flowers in Your Hair), music is very much ingrained within the soul of the city and the area has pioneered many sounds and given rise to many pioneering artists, such as Jefferson Airplane, Santana, Dead Kennedys, and Faith No More. The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival is a free music festival held in the Golden Gate Park every year since 2001.

Disneyland Paris - Not just for the kids!

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:19:00 +0000

Disneyland Paris: A short history

When Walt Elias Disney first penned a cartoon of a scrawny mouse back in the early 20th century he could never have imagined the size of the business empire that would be built on the back of Steamboat Willie - Disney Studios' first significant animated short.

As well as the successful animation and film subsidiary the Disney Corporation now boasts a multi-national presence encompassing TV, retail, sports franchises and of course theme parks. A worldwide phenomenon, the closest park to the UK is the one at Disneyland Paris, currently celebrating its 15th anniversary. Armed with the strap line "Where dreams come true" the complex was opened in April 1992 to a glorious fanfare and undisguised derision in equal amounts, with a significant number of French individuals and organisations turning up their noses at the perceived uncultured attraction.

After finally recording its first quarterly profit in July 1995 the Disneyland Paris resort has gone from strength to strength and now attracts in the region of 13 million visitors each year, making it one of Europe's biggest tourist destinations. The resort, situated in the Marne-la-Vallee some 20 miles outside Paris, features not only the two theme parks but an entertainment area, golf courses and themed hotels spread over some 140 acres. The resort was situated near Paris for various reasons but one of the main attractions was that an estimated 70 million Europeans were within a four-hour drive with a further 300million able to reach it with a flight of two hours or less, making for a massive potential market.

But, as already touched upon it's not been an easy ride for Disneyland Paris. After the idea of developing a European park was originally mooted in the early 1970s there was an initial list of over 1,200 possible locations throughout the continent.

This was eventually whittled down to four locations in France and Spain and at that point Paris was the least favourite. However, a combination of stiff Mistral winds and hard bedrock and a general lack of confidence in the Spanish infrastructure ruled out the other three locations in Northern Spain and the south of France leaving Paris to pick up the big prize.

Since the resort opened its doors on April 12th 1992 it has been in a constant state of flux with numerous different attractions and hotel rooms being added over the years. Landmarks in the development have included the addition of Space Mountain in May 1995, the park's first quarterly operating profit in July of the same year, and the opening of a second park - Walt Disney Studios - in March 2002.

The amount of hotels rooms on site has grown steadily from 5,200 at opening and the total is projected to rise further to a staggering 18,500 by 2017. All on-site hotels are themed to areas of the USA, with Hotel New York, Newport Bay Club, Sequoia Lodge, Hotel Cheyenne and Santa Fe all surrounding Lake Disney. A further Disney hotel, the Davy Crockett Ranch, is located outside the resort perimeter in woods but guests of the park aren't compelled to stay in Disney properties and instead can opt for one of the seven well-known, independent hotels on the fringes, all of which operate free shuttles to the parks' entrances.

With even more hotels planned the future looks bright for Disneyland Paris. It now draws the visitor numbers that will ensure continuance well beyond its 15th Anniversary Year.

Getting To Disneyland Paris From London

Disneyland Paris is a wonderful place for family vacations, and getting to Disneyland from London is as easy as ABC. The most popular way is through Eurostar, because it is the cheapest way compared to flights, and you will arrive right at the location. So, there is no need for the hassle of getting another type of transportation to get there once you are in Paris.If you are travelling as a family, this is the best choice for you. Eurostar is simply a reliable and trusted method of transportation to Disneyland.

Eurostar offers travel routes from many cities such as London, Ashford, Lille and even Marne La Valle. The journey to (as well from) Disneyland is full of surprises. Don't be surprised to learn that Disney crews are available to help you plan your Disney trip on the train, and you can even get your tickets while you are on board the train. Your kids will get free activity packs, so they are occupied on the train while anticipating the fun in Disneyland. You can buy cheap train tickets online at Raileurope.co.uk. Just take the Eurostar to Paris!

Apart from booking train tickets online and traveling with the Eurostar, you can drive your own vehicle to Disneyland. This option will require you to go through the Eurotunnel. The Eurotunnel is the best way for motorcyclists to cross the channel, too. It is also the fastest way to cross from Folkstone to Calais in just 35 minutes. There is no need to worry about the service as it operates 365 days a year. The prices include vehicle and passengers. You will be able to cross the channel in a breeze. There is nothing much to worry about except passing through customs - but that won't be a big problem.

If you insist on travelling by plane, you can take flights from British Airways or Air France to Paris Roissy or Charles de Gaulle. Flights are usually more costly than any other mode of transportation and if you think you can afford this, perhaps this is the best way for you to travel. Otherwise, you might want to consider the others before you book your flights. Remember you are going to spend a lot of money in Disneyland - both in actually getting inside the park and for food, souvenirs and perhaps accommodation.

When you have arrived at the airport in Paris, you can either hire a car so you can drive to Disneyland, or get the shuttle bus. The shuttle bus is available every 15 minutes to an hour, and it travels to six hotels around Disneyland. Otherwise, you can use public transportation (such as train), for example Regional Express Railway, to get to Disneyland.

On the other hand, you can try the Norfolkline as well. It operates cross-channel ferries between Dover and Dunkirk.

The journey will take an hour and 45 minutes, so be prepared for a breezy - but safe - journey. Each of the transportation modes mentioned has its own pros and cons. You will just have to pick the best for you and your family when you are going on a family vacation to Disneyland Paris!

By Daniel Johansson and Fred Ramsbottom

Sydney for Nature and Animal Lovers

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:41:00 +0000

Sydney, Australia is the most populous city in the country and is visited by almost 3 million international visitors a year. Sights such as the Opera House, as well as having great accessibility with the city airport receiving cheap flights to Sydney from around the globe – the area is at the least a likely stop off point for travellers who are considering going even further. Aside from its arts and cultural assets though, Sydney’s unique location means it can offer a wealth of nature-related sights all within a close radius of the city.

The Royal Botanic Gardens are a popular attraction within the city. They were founded in 1816 by Lachlan Macquarie, a military officer who became governor of New South Wales, and is thus responsible for much of the shaping of Australia since. A botanist, Charles Fraser, was employed soon after and fully established the first scientific institution in the country. Today the gardens also include a herbarium, a tropical house, and another green space called The Domain.

For a more wild natural experience, the Blue Mountains National Park is located about 80 kilometres west of the city. The park is made up of The Great Dividing Range and four rivers (Wollangambe, Grose, Cox, and Wollendilly) that cut through them causing some spectacular geography. Some of the more popular attractions include The Three Sisters standing stones, the spectacular Wentworth Falls, and the Neats Glen rainforest. It is also possible to explore the area much deeper with guided activities such as canyoning and mountain biking.

Sydney is also home to two zoos, Taronga Zoo and Sydney Wildlife World. The Former was opened in 1916 and now houses over 2,600 animals and over 300 species including giraffes, elephants, and platypuses. Since the 60s conservation and education have been at the centre of the zoo’s vision seeing the addition of a veterinary centre and friendship farm. Wildlife World is enclosed and houses smaller species, as well as being connected to the Sydney Aquarium.

There is much to be seen for animal lovers outside of captivity. During the winter and spring months, migrating Humpback whales are visible off the Sydney coast. Tours are popular during April and December and the huge majestic animals can be seen feeding and breaching if you are really lucky. Other whale varieties such as Southern Rights and Killer whales can be spotted. Common and bottlenose dolphins are also frequently seen along the Sydney coastline.

By Sarah Maple

Going Abroad? Euro Zone Vs The Rest of the World

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:36:00 +0000

As we gradually move into spring and the Christmas holidays become distant frost-tinged memories, more and more of us are starting to discuss where we’d like to spend our holidays this year. The current economic climate has certainly had an effect on where and when we are likely to travel in 2009, with a weak pound and an extremely competitive travel insurance market to consider, is the rest of the world really a cheaper destination than the Euro zone?

In a recent report by Mintel, the consumer and market research company found that although the recession has affected many, for much of the country the effects have been significantly less ‘severe than perceived or expected.’ They also found that despite the exaggerated affect of the economy on the travel industry, many of us are still considering overseas travel, and being more inclined to travel outside of the Euro zone.

Since we moved into 2009, many articles have been written of the benefits of travelling to destinations that lie just outside the Euro zone, such as Turkey and Croatia respectively. The pound still retains some strength against the lira and the kuna, and in terms of tourism pros – both of these are destinations experiencing an increase in popularity due to investments in accommodation and self-promotion over the past few years.

Turkey is all its glory

Similarly, these destinations prove well financially due to their relative proximity to the UK in comparison to the rest of the world. However, in terms of travel insurance, destinations outside of the Euro zone typically call for higher premiums and so travellers should take this into account. In a recent press release form a top insurance provider, discussing the Mintel findings, it seemed obvious that one of the factors that is keeping the travel industry certain that 2009 won’t be such a bad year is the fact that the more people who travel further, the more insurance they are going to pay.

Many insurance companies are pointing out the benefits of annual travel insurance, particularly for those who are considering going abroad more than once. Yet, in order for those planning one trip to save money on your holidays this year, it will take the weighing up of three primary factors, including: distance, the exchange rate, and whether you are inside or outside of Europe. Once these have been considered, I expect that Europe may well look, at least, almost as enticing as it always has done for us.

The Lesser Known History of Saint Patrick's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Parker) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:48:00 +0000

Like all good Saint's days, Saint Patrick's is shrouded in mythology and speculation which does little to harm his reputation as being a real swell guy to raise our glasses to. The legend of the snakes is perhaps the story that is told most often when the 17th March rolls around. And why shouldn't it be? After all, it has the inherent themes of danger and heroism similar to what we would find in a Hollywood movie (Samuel L. Jackson anybody?).

The problem is there is no evidence that snakes ever existed on Ireland after the Ice Age, and that this legend probably refers to the banishing of druids because of their serpent symbolism rather than any literal adders hiding in the grass and relentlessly striking fear in the heart of Irish. Or what about the case of the Pelagianists? Another belief (again represented by snakes), that those who sin, along with the rest of humanity, are completely responsible for their actions and no-one is subject to divine influence. An idea that probably wouldn't sit too well with a missionary who based his career on a "vision" he'd had in his twenties.

And Saint's day celebrations don't just turn up. It wasn't announced on Patrick's death that from that day forth his sainthood would be celebrated. This is where Luke Wadding enters the equation. In fact, it was his work over a millennium later that undoubtedly led to us celebrating Saint Patrick at all.

Wadding was an Irish Friar born in 1588. As you might expect, he also did a lot more for the cause of international Catholicism than people might realize. A keen historian, Wadding had an integral part in the education of young priests and students, becoming president of the University of Salamanca (Spain's oldest university) in 1617. Several years later, he dedicated his time to collecting funds in order to establish the Irish College of Saint Isodore (called the Pontifical Irish College, today) in Rome, and after that he founded the Ludovisi College.

As for his work for recognising the importance of Saint Patrick, this is a more complex and intriguing process than one might expect. It was during his time at the College of Saint Isodore that Wadding taught the importance of setting aside a feast day for Patrick. By this time in history, every day of the calendar year had been linked with a saint (a tradition that had stemmed from celebrating the original martyrs) at some time. In order to deal with this, the Roman calendar was refined to retain fewer saints restricted to specific days. It is when one acknowledges how widely celebrated the non-martyr (for this, his type of feast day is ranked secondary or 'memorial', usually an optional celebration compared to the obligatory 'solemnities') Saint Patrick, is today, one can truly accept the importance of Wadding's influence on the church, and society, today.

Top Tip: If you are looking for cheap flights to New York to take part in the big St. Patrick's Day Parade klick here for cheap flights.

New York, New York - so good they named it twice.

What does Saint Patrick’s Day mean today?

Unless you’ve been hiding under rock over the past few years, you have probably noticed that St. Patrick’s day has been celebrated with increased zeal each time it rolls around. Celebrated on the 17th March (sometimes it is moved by the church, though will not be again until 2160), the date is said to be that of St. Patrick’s death and is a national holiday inn Ireland. But what does the celebration really mean today?

Religion
For many, St. Patrick’s Day still has many religious connotations and is an opportunity for Catholics to attend mass. If the 17th happens to fall on a Friday, some bishops allow the privilege to eat meat from which Catholics usually abstained. In terms of religion himself, St. Patrick was a Christian Missionary abroad and subsequently taught other Christians the best way to preach to pagan cultures. He is said to have converted thousands to the faith.

Green
Interestingly, St. Patrick was actually more famed for wearing blue. Instead, the relationship between the modern celebration and the colour green is said to have derived from the phrase ‘the wearing of the green’, which means to wear a shamrock (a long-time sign of Irish nationalism). St. Patrick often used the shamrock as a symbol to demonstrate the holy trinity during his preaching to non-Christians.

Alcohol
Today, St. Patrick ’s Day is widely associated with drinking typically Irish alcohol, including: whiskey, Guinness stout, Baileys Irish Cream, and Irish Coffee. Realising the great potential of the tradition making increased sales in Irish goods, alcoholic drinks marketers have tried to promote their brands with particular incentives on and around the 17th March year on year. Guinness seems to have led the way, with merchandise and token schemes successfully enticing many revellers to drink excess amounts of the famous dark stout in celebration.

Parade
Many cities across the world host their own St. Patrick’s Day parades. In the UK, the largest goes through Birmingham, but London and the small Scottish town of Coatbridge also have their own. In Chicago USA, the river is dyed green, and in 1966 environmentalists protested at the tradition affecting the river’s goldfish population, forcing the ingredients of the dye to be changed. The volcanic island of Montserrat, which was founded by Irish refugees, also celebrates the 17th as a national holiday.

By Sarah Maple