Getting To and Around Eastern Europe

Visiting Eastern Europe is an enjoyable step back in time and a top travel destination. Here's the scoop on what you need to consider when trying to get there.

Eastern Europe has been open to travel for roughly 15 years following the fall of the Soviet Union. Much to the delight of travelers, Eastern Europe has proven to be an incredibly beautiful and charming slice of old world Europe. From Prague to Budapest and everywhere in between, Eastern Europe offers much to be admired and prices are cheap.

Catching a plain to the far east of Europe isn't particularly difficult, but it really depends on the exact destination you are trying to reach. Most countries are reached by first stopping in Western Europe, but direct flights can be found depending on your departure location.

The high season is summer, which means prices can be a big concern if you have a tight budget. This may not bother you. If it does, the key to flying on the cheap is to shop across all the online travel sites. They offer dramatically different prices, even for the same flight! Determine a general range of dates you want to leave and come back. Then start hunting. Flights leaving after midnight can be significantly cheaper than flights during normal hours. Since you will be sleeping anyway, it makes sense to save some bucks.

There are two other pricing options that can save you a bundle on high season rates. Consolidators purchase bundles of open seats from airlines for flights that aren't traditionally full. You can save significant money, sometimes as much as fifty percent, buy purchasing from consolidators. The biggest savings occur when you buy from them at the last moment, but you risk all of the seats being sold.

If you are flying during the high season, you can also get a steal by booking a seat on a chartered flight. Chartered flights are small airlines that typically only fly during the high season. They tend to be a bit amateurish, but are definitely cheap. I've paid as low as $450 for a round trip booking to Budapest when an online booking would have run me over $900. If you go charter, try to upgrade to first class while booking in. For $75, I was able to do so on a flight from Paris to Los Angeles. It was the best $75 I ever spent!

Flying domestic in Eastern Europe is not for the faint of heart. The planes are a bit old and, well, they aren't always known for reliability. Most people simply hop on a train. If you must fly domestic, find a local resident to buy the ticket for you. Prices go up significantly when foreigners walk in the door, as much as triple the normal price.

Eastern Europe receives top marks as a travel destination. After 15 years of freedom, jumping a plain to the location of your choice shouldn't be any more difficult than any other location.

Rick Chapo is with Nomad Journals - makers of travel journals to preserve your travel experiences.

Advice For Backpackers Going To Europe

Backpack in hand, you are ready to head to Europe for some fun and sun. Here is some advice for backpackers from someone who has done it multiple times and made the mistakes.

In my personal opinion, spending a few weeks or months backpacking in Europe should be a mandatory task for every person. Admittedly, it can't really be called a task since you will love every minute of it. Having backpacked Europe more times than I can count, here are some of the lessons I learned which can help you.

The first piece of advice is to limit the number of things you take. Europe is not located on a far away planet. If you can buy it here, you can buy it there. This includes items such as soap, socks, toothpaste, disposable digital cameras and guidebooks. I guarantee that you will take too much junk with you. Don't. One or two pairs of shoes, shorts, one pair of slacks (to get into museums and churches) and a couple shirts is all you need. If you need anything else, you can just buy it there.

There is a lot to see and do in Europe, so most people want to maximize their time. One way to do this is to travel and sleep at the same time. Yes, I am talking about the night trains. When moving from one location to another, try to take the latest train and sleep during the trip. You only have a set amount of time. Taking this approach will keep you from wasting valuable daylight hours on the road.

One of the key pieces of advice I can offer you is to use your common sense. If you wouldn't walk down that alley or into that establishment at home, why the heck are you going to do it in Europe? Europe is very safe and the people are friendly. That being said, every location has its rough spots. Avoid them. Particularly in the Eastern European countries. Trust me on this one!

To maximize your experience, it is best to get off the beaten path. When you visit a city, spend at least a day in a town outside of the city limits. You will discover the real nature of the country. Tourists are fewer, so people tend to be interested in talking with you. There are always a group of older men sitting in a café. Join them and you will be laughing for hours. I did this in Austria and ended up speaking a week in a little village called Halstatt. One of the best times I ever had.

When it comes to tips backpackers and Europe, this final piece of advice is very important. Do not try to see everything. Stick to one country for two weeks, but no less than one week. This lets you get the most out of the visit.

Yes, there are other countries, but you will just have to come back again to see them. Poor you.

Rick Chapo is with Nomad Journals - makers of travel journals to preserve your travel experiences.

Student Travel - Backpacking In Europe

For the fortunate few, life isn't complete without a backpacking trip through Europe. This right of passage is believed to further the maturation process of college students, according to sociologists. Of course, others have opined that copious amounts of alcohol, sun and Amsterdam have something to do with it. Regardless of your purpose, you still have to figure out what to take.

Backpack – Getting In Touch With Your Inner Mule

Obviously, the first critical item is your backpack. While one doesn't need to buy the $10,000 Himalaya Turbo Pack, you should also avoid the $12 blue light special. So, how do you pick a happy middle ground?

The best method for picking a backpack involves three phone books. Select/swipe/borrow three yellow page books from neighbors/friends/enemies and hit your local sporting goods store. With the books, head to the backpackapalozza section of the store and pick out a few sturdy/cool/outrageous rigs. Stuff the phone books in, adjust the straps and go for a walk. Now break out into a run to simulate future dashes for trains/ ferries/ toilets and make the sales people nervous. These steps should quickly reveal the perfect pack.

Now, you may have read other publications suggesting highly technical ways to select a backpack. Trust me, until you have run for the last ferry from Italy to Greece, you have no idea how to pick a pack. The three phone book test solves this nicely.

What To Take

There are a few mantras that every person should chant before packing for Europe. These chants were developed originally by the little known, Oh-My-Back Monks of Southeast Asia. The "OMB" Monks were known for traveling half way to far off cities, turning around, returning home and then traveling the full way to said cities. Religious experts opined as to the deep metaphysical meaning of such trips. They were later embarrassed when the monks revealed the back and forth nature of the trips was due to forgetting something, often whether they had turned off the iron. Nonetheless, such chants have become the guiding light of experienced backpackers.

Let us slowly and clearly chant together,

"I will pack only that which will not result in me being hunched over like a Sherpa."

"Remember, I can pick it (lower voice) toothpaste, book, soap up over there."

"I will not stuff thy pack to the point of bursting, for thy damn zippers always break/get snagged/refuse to work."

"I will learn humility through wearing incredibly wrinkled clothes and shall not bring an iron."

"I shall bring only one guide book, not one for each country that I MIGHT see."

"I accept that I will come home wearing something I didn't take and will have lost/traded/burned much of what I did take."

For female travelers and, okay, the occasional male,

"I will not bring high heels or a gaggle of make-up."

Admittedly, chanting these mantras will not bringing you immediate enlightenment. Fret, not. You can always throw items away or send them home in a box to your parents/friends/parole officer. For the resourceful backpacker, it is not unheard of to send particularly smelly/discolored/toxic clothing to an ex-girlfriend/ex-boyfriend/little brother. Follow these practical guidelines and you will soon happily be speaking in a loud voice to make foreigners understand you.

The Evidence

This is the hard part for most travelers to wrap their minds around. You will forget those special moments of your trip when you met the hunk Sven or babe Svenetta from Sweden and had a romantic evening/danced the night away/got arrested in Ios/Ibiza/the airport. Maybe not immediately, but you will eventually forget.

You will also forget or lose the contact information of people you meet, despite meticulously writing it down on the back of a coaster/napkin/your hand in a bar/poetry reading/jail at three in the morning. Surprisingly, said coaster/napkin/hand often survive the night/day/weekend and get deposited in your already trashed backpack. Of course, their presence is often forgotten when you later put a Oktoberfest mug/wet towel/toothbrush in. The extra padding at the bottom of your pack is specifically designed to deal with the decomposing result. Still, the information is gone and so is your future with Sven/Svenetta.

To properly record the magical moments of your trip, you must take a diary or journal. Don't worry, you can burn it later before you get married/your parents get nosey/you have kids. You want a journal in a water/beer/sweat resistant case. Of course, I prefer a Nomad Travel Journal, but just make sure you take something. When you have some extra time in the bus/train/jail cell, you can record how you got there and the people you met.

Trust me, when you, Sven/Svenetta and your nine children are sitting on the porch, you will greatly enjoy reading your journal.

Of course, that assumes you didn't burn it.

Rick Chapo is with Nomad Journals - makers of travel journals to preserve your travel experiences.

There Is Still Snow - Find Best Late Deals

If the winter is coming to end, there is still snow if you have missed the season. Europe is the best to go to if you are looking for best late deals. Here are some of the locations where you can still find a bargain and plenty of snow. Look here for the best snow and the best deal.

Val Thorens, France

This is Europe's highest resort and therefore a safe bet for good snow. But you need to hurry because the season closes on May 08. There is a nice restaurant Montana Residence for good food where the Chef offers fusion food: home-pressed foie gras with Szechwan pepper. Yum. Stay at the Navotel Val Thorens from April 27. For two adults and two childres sharing a room will cost you £386 for four nights. That is good value for money.

Sainte Foy, France

This resort was accessible only to trekkers as most motorists saw only the road signs from Bourg Saint Maurice to Espace Killy. A new lift this winter has now opened up an area of the mountain. The new terrain has made Sainte Foy a good all-round resort, albeit to grumbles from experts in the know who don't want to share these glorious slopes. You can hire Chalet le Sapins for seven nights from April 13 to accommodate a family of four for only £2,810. The cost includes transfers and lift passes.

Meribel France

Skiers have heard of Meribel and most have been there. It is the world chalet capital and yet it has something interesting. The new La Ferme sleeps 16 and is in the Mussillon area of the resort. It is close to centre and only 100m from Dick's T-Bar. Every room has its own facilities and flatscreen television. There is also a fitness area on the lower ground floor with an exercise bike, rowing machine and treadmill. For seven days chalet board starting April 14, you pay £535.

Pragelato, Italy

This resort was built for the Turin Winter Olympics last year but was not open fully until this winter. This is the best for families as it has an excellent children's club, gentle nursery slopes and several child friendly restaurants. It is a small resort at one end of the extensive Milky Way ski area, most famous for the lively resort of Sauze d'Oulx. Scott Dunn is offering seven nights for the price of six for the remainder of the season. Seven nights half board cost from £1,250pp based on two sharing.

Krasnaya Plyana, Russia

This fledging resort in the Caucasus Mountains has a well-established heli-operation in February and March, plus limited but interesting terrain reached by veteran chairlifts from December to April.

Riksgransen, Sweden

Late-season snow sports far to the north of the Arctic Circel climax with a Midsummer's Day party. In April/May, the lifts open until after midnight and the helicopters fly until 3 AM. There is good-value heli-skiing and boarding.

© 2006 Harish Kohli. Harish Kohli is an avid traveller who likes to share good adventure travel ideas with others. He is also CEO of AwimAway.com where he can help tailor-make an experiential or adventure holiday for you.

What To Do On Your Holidays In Moldova

Moldova was part of the U.S.S.R before it was separated from this country and became an independent republic on August 27, 1991. Bordered by Romania and the Ukraine, this country is a democratic nation with the President as the head of the country. Moldova has been infiltrated by the Russian forces for a very long period of time.

It is a member of the United Nations and aspires to be a member of the European Union. Moldova has been invaded by a number of rulers owing to its importance as a strategic location. Initially it was under the rule of the Dacians and then it was occupied by the Huns and the Mongols.

The Cricova Winery is situated 15 kilometres from the capital city of Chisinau, this winery is famous for its exotic wines internationally. This winery is an amazing place which is located underground with an intriguing maze of roadways. The damp and cold climate of this subversive winery contributes exclusively to the pristine quality of the wines that are produced here.

This winery produces wines according to the famous French method of Methode Championoise which is a refined process only followed by some wineries in the world. This method which was started and popularized by the French recluse Dom Pierre Perignon consists of fermentation and a maturation period of the wine bottle for a period of at least 3 years.

Acorex is another beautiful winery located in Moldova and it boasts excellent vineyards where you can become bewitched with some exotic rare wines at very reasonable prices. Maintaining international standards, the Italian wine-makers in this vineyard produce first-class wines in three exemplary lines of Legenta, Reserve and Selected to woo the wine connoisseurs. You can organize a tour here via private travel agencies. A cheaper way of visiting this area would be to travel by bus.

Milestii Mici Winery is very unique; it has 50 kilometers of underground wine cellars where damp conditions and low temperatures offer an ideal environment for the wines to be stored.

The Alexander Pushkin House and Museum was the residence of famous Russian poet Pushkin who was sent for exile in Moldova for 3 years. He wrote many of his famous poems such as The Gypsies, The Faithful Greek Woman Does Not Cry and The Black Shawl during his stay here. Pushkin was considered a member of the coterie of the leading Romanian writers.

Codrii Reserve is a great place to visit. It is bristling with natural beauty, this reserve houses rare species of flora and fauna which can enthral tourists. You can see 1000's of authentic species of plants. Approximately half of Moldova's floral population can be found in this reserve. The Reserve is categorized into three parts, a high-security zone, a buffer and an intermediate zone for the different species of wildlife. Permission to visit this place is specially required.

Direct Holiday Bookings has a great selection of Holiday villas in Moldova. They also offer all the advice and information you could possibly need when you are booking a holiday villa in Moldova.

What To Do On Your Holidays In Luxembourg

Hectic work schedule and no time for luxurious activities? Is life getting dull and boring? Surely you need a break from all the day in day out activities. Why not take a vacation? Have you ever been to Luxembourg? It is the perfect holiday destination for all you nature lovers and sport enthusiasts.

Luxembourg is extremely popular with tourists who choose to go on holiday for a long weekend break or a long weekend of sight seeing as well as families who come to speak a week or two here.

Luxembourg is commonly known as Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and it borders France, Belgium and Germany. It is very small but one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Rolling hills and untouched forests make it a magnificent and glorious place for spending your holidays.

Luxembourg's weather is pleasant, known to have mild winters and cool summers. Sometimes, however the weather is quite unpredictable. Thundering and cloudy weather is not unusual here and rain is fairly common. There may be light to heavy rainfalls in March, April and May although the weather conditions are mostly erratic. You need to be prepared for all weather conditions when holidaying in Luxembourg.

There is a lot to explore in Luxembourg as it is also known as the city of myriad faces. The museums mirror the rich history and heritage of the country. Planning a holiday includes hiring a knowledgeable travel agent who should have the experience and knowledge of the history of the country. The majority of the population in Luxembourg speaks German and French, the guides generally speak a variety of languages including English. The history and culture of Luxembourg is truly fascinating, it has numerous museums and galleries where you can delve further into the history of this country.

There is no shortage of accommodation in Luxembourg, there are luxury self catering apartments and holiday villas that are available to rent direct from the holiday home owner. Tourists choose to rent a holiday home or holiday apartment and use this as a base to explore the local sites and attractions. It is recommendable to check availability and price of these rental homes, there are rentals available to accommodate all budgets.

Luxembourg is a well developed city and there are a huge number of activities there. It is an ideal location for sports enthusiasts. Some of the activities available include rock climbing and water sports. Snorkelling and diving are popular amongst tourists. Food is another important factor here, and you must try out the local cuisine while on holiday here. Wine tasting is another popular attraction in Luxembourg and tours are available, the south east of the country is the main area for wine tasting.

Direct Holiday Bookings has a great selection of Holiday villas in Luxembourg. They also offer all the advice and information you could possibly need when you are booking a holiday villa in Luxembourg.

Europe's Top 5 Horse Riding Holiday Destinations

5. Horse Riding Holiday Cheshire, UK

What with the so called "Credit Crunch" and our nation's economic instability, people feel as if they have to look after all the money that they have, and even the notion of going on a luxury holiday may seem ridiculous, but have no fear, www.equestrian-escapes.com has the perfect remedy to this irritating problem. Some of the world's finest riding opportunities can be found right here at home in the UK, so whether you're an experienced rider or you just think that it looks like fun, there is always a fantastic holiday available, at a very reasonable price. Cheshire is home to beautiful woodlands and scenic riding trails that run through some of the most picturesque scenery that the UK has to offer, and if that's not enough, Equestrian Escapes even offers a "Horses and Chocolate" package, in which you can ride to your hearts content and then indulge in heavenly home made truffles!

4. Trail ride and training in Spain

Epona Equestrian Centre, located just 20 minute from Seville airport, is based within the walls of a stunning 16th century Hacienda. Here you will find over 65 horses and ponies, a vast array of stables and horse arenas, as well as an outdoor swimming pool, comfortable bed rooms with all the modern facilities and an enormous scenic garden. The fantastic thing about this holiday is that it contains a huge variety of activities to take part in, such as hacking through wonderful olive groves and eucalyptus trees, watching fantastic riding demonstrations at The Royal Riding School in Jerez, as well as benefiting from the professional lessons that are available from the Epona staff. The difference between Epona and many other holiday resorts that offer horse riding is that Epona is designed for genuine equestrian enthusiast, not just tourists who fancy a bit of riding in the sun.

3. Ride Lusitano Horses in Portugal

If your idea of a perfect holiday is to sit back, relax and just enjoy the sun, then this holiday probably isn't for you, but if you get your kicks from partaking in wonderful riding opportunities, in an area of extreme natural beauty, surrounded by likeminded people then you've found your perfect holiday! The equestrian centre is home to Nuno Baptista, a national horse riding judge, member of the Portugal national dressage team and head instructor at the centre, who will be available to give you pointers on your riding, and for the more adventurous of you, he can even teach you how to drive a traditional Portuguese horse carriage. If fast paced thrills aren't your idea of a good time, then various scenic hacks through the beautiful Portuguese cork and olive trees that surround the equestrian centre are available. All of the horses here are pure bred Lusitanos, which means that they are bred and trained to the highest standard for your riding pleasure. The equestrian centre is also home to many fantastic facilities, including an indoor arena and an Olympic sized outdoor arena, so if you take your horse riding as seriously as you take your relaxing, then this is the perfect holiday for you!

2. Horse Riding on the beach in Spain

Needless to say, riding a beautiful horse across a sunlit Spanish beach, sitting in a hugely comfortable traditional Spanish saddle is an experience that is very hard to top. Galloping across a beautiful, deserted Tarifa beach, with the salty air flowing through my horses' mane is definitely an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Tarifa is a lovely little town, which is made wonderfully accessible by being located close to Malaga, Jerez and Gibraltar, and it is home to some of the finest riding and dining that Spain has to offer. The fact that large areas of Tarifa are designated as National Park means that the scenery and wildlife are largely unspoiled, as if they have been saved there especially for your pleasure. Tarifa is also home to some of the most unique riding experiences available in Spain, such as a fantastic ride across sand dunes and through cork forests to reach the hidden town of Paloma Baja, an area almost completely unknown to tourists. If that hasn't convinced you enough, then you will be pleased to learn that there are many other activities available in this wonderful area of Andalucia, such as windsurfing lessons, kite surfing lessons, whale watching and even a day trip to Africa!

1. Horses and Italian Castles

What could be better than fabulous riding opportunities, good food, fine wine and the fantastic surroundings of a 16 century castle? In my opinion there isn't an equestrian holiday available that sounds more appealing than equestrian-escapes "Italian castle hideaway break". As you may have already guessed, your lodgings for the duration of your stay are not a bog standard hotel in the middle of a busy town; you will be staying at a breathtaking Italian castle, located in a wonderful area of the Italian countryside an hour and a half from Rome. The riding trails that are chosen are both hugely scenic and historic, and they take you through beautiful old farming areas, alongside amazing volcanic lakes and through stunning towns, such as the fortified village of Orano. If staying in a castle doesn't quench your thirst for historical masterpieces, then you can also take up the opportunity of exploring the remains of an ancient Etruscan village in the nearby vicinity. Despite this busy schedule, you will still have plenty of time to relax by the pool, and indulge in the local delicacies, such as fine cheeses and wines, which in my opinion makes this holiday the perfect equestrian getaway for any rider, young or old!

I am a travel enthusiast and i am aiming to travel around the World on horse riding holidays. I initially got hooked by looking at the website www.equestrian-escapes.com and seeing so many different horse riding holidays. I didn't know which to choose so i decided to do a variety.

A Guide to Family Holidays in Europe

Many of us love to travel, but for those of us with families, things tend to get a little rough. However, many will be pleased to know that Europe is very family friendly and there are many places to take the kids and you for a relaxing much deserved holiday.

For starters, Paris sounds like an ideal place. Many people associate this place with lovers and couples only, but Paris has opened its doors to become more family friendly as the year's progress on. If Paris sounds like a good idea to you, then the words Disneyland Paris would sound even better to the kids. Whisk your family away to this magical experience set in the heart of Paris, France. The weather is more or less the same as England's weather, so go when the sun hits if you don't want the rain or snow to damper things, but for those who are willing to brave the weather conditions in Jan – March, they'll be well rewarded with little to no queues, free nights and free kids deals, which I think would make the parents a little happier, no doubt.

Right next to France is the host country of the next recommended destination, Rome. Rome, which is the capital of Italy, has always been one of the most talked about cities to visit with its great historical value and beautiful surroundings. The best way to sightsee through Rome is on foot which is perfect for families with kids who want a easy-going holiday. Children get to have fun everywhere, whether it's throwing a coin in the Trevi and making a wish or admiring the roman soldiers or even feeding the pigeons, children would be constantly occupied which makes for a happier family vacation.

If you're looking for a relaxing beach holiday, look no further than Crete, Greece. Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and boasts beautiful beaches, cheap family friendly accommodation and amazing food. Parents get to sip on a glass of wine while the kids are entertained in children clubs, sit by the beach or even take your little ones swimming in the shallow waters that are perfectly safe for some family fun. And if you are looking to pair relaxation with a bit of a cultural trip for yourself and the kids, exploring Crete and its impressive remains, beautiful churches and palaces will certainly fulfill that without disappointment.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Accommodation in Lisbon and target="_blank">Affordable Vacation Rentals.

10 Ideas for Family Holidays in Europe

European holidays proffer a potpourri of destinations for holidaymakers to enjoy. Families can expect to have a fun-filled, memorable excursion should they decide to take a European holiday vacation. Here are some tips to make your vacation a success.

1. Make a trip to Paris, the city of love. Paris has always enchanted the true-blooded ancient art inclined families. If you happen to be one, head straight to the Louvre, a place revered by medieval art history lovers. Apart from housing the legendary ‘Mona Lisa’ it has an enormous collection of 18th century masterpieces ranging from paintings and sculptures to an assortment of other collectibles. It is a good idea to get the “Museums and Monuments Card” from the tourism office for unlimited visits if you plan on visiting museums and art galleries during your stay.

2. To give your children a special treat, include Disneyland Park, Paris in your travel itinerary. This is your chance to enjoy adventure and action packed rides at the park that are fun for the whole family. Children can get to meet celebrated Disney characters and watch the magical cinematic illusions at the Walt Disney Studios as well.

3. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, the tower over the Cathedral, is an original and architectural masterpiece. It has fascinated voyagers since long due to its mysterious design. This is certainly a must see place cultural, historic and architectural indulgence is on your wish list.

4. Take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Titlis in Switzerland. Apart from seeing the country’s highest mountain peak, you can also take in a variety of breathtaking scenes from 10,000 feet above sea level. The ride lasts for 45 minutes and is very enjoyable.

5. If you want to mix art and religion with some pleasurable sight-seeing, the Sistine Chapel in Rome is an excellent option. A celebrated work of art, it showcases the exceptional aesthetic proficiency of Michelangelo.

6. Enjoy the Amsterdam City canal cruise and witness marvels of Dutch history and culture. The cruise offers travellers a view of the famed historic canals and old cities situated on its banks along with some visually captivating scenery. Dinner is also served aboard these cruises apart. Musical Cruises are also available for those who love music.

7. The kids are guaranteed to love this one. A visit to the chocolate factory at Hanau is a must when you are travelling with young children. Get a firsthand account of delicious chocolate being churned out and sample some of the best varieties of these dark treats.

8. Take a trip to Innsbruck and the Swarovski Crystal Factory (Wattens, Austria). Here you can shop for rare and exquisite pieces of crystals apart from witnessing the making and polishing of the crystal artwork.

9. If you are planning to rekindle some romance, Venice beckons you. Take your partner for the famous boat ride over St. Marks Square and enjoy the magnificent sights of roman architecture in the form of the Basilica, Ducal Palace and the Bridge Of Sighs.

10. Nature lovers will enjoy the Rhine Falls, a massive waterfall situated in Zurich. You can also take the cogwheel train to the Jungfrau peak and visit Interlaken (situated between two lakes), the picturesque town where numerous Bollywood films have been shot.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Family holidays in Europe & Amsterdam family holidays.

10 Best Holiday Parks in Europe

Holiday Parks are slowly becoming one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe and some of the best holiday parks in the world are located in the European continent. These are one-stop tourist centers that offer their guests a chance to relax and have fun. These parks offer lodging, adventure activities and resort facilities. Listed below are some of the most popular and successful holiday parks in Europe.

1. Cliff House Park - This park offers its guests accommodations in Thorpeness, Aldeburgh, Southwold, Dunwich and Suffolk. They have something for everyone and visitors can enjoy great meals, caravan holidays and affordable home rentals. Here, visitors get a chance to enjoy a great luxury outdoors vacation.

2. Ruda Holiday Park - Ruda Holiday Park is located in West country, England. This is a beachside park that offers their guests timbre lodges, camping, touring, caravan holidays, beachside cottages and many more beach activities. They also have a swimming pool complex that boasts of a 230-foot flume.

3. John Fowler Holiday Park - This park is the best holiday park in the vicinity of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. Guests to the park are treated to breathtaking scenery of the English countryside. They also have beautiful beaches and offer many beachside amenities and luxury facilities for visitors.

4. Broad Haven Park - Broad Haven Park offers its guests excellent camping grounds and caravan holiday services. They are known for their excellent food and top-notch park services.

5. Le Val de Cantobre - This park is located in Aveyron, France. Visitors to the park can enjoy some of the best sceneries that France has to offer. They can also take advantage of the campsite and cottages for lodging. The park is also home to a medieval farmhouse where guests can experience a sample of medieval farm life.

6. Baia Domizia Park - This park is located in Naples, Italy. It is one of the most popular holiday parks in Italy and guests can enjoy the beautiful sights, pristine beaches and fantastic views of the nearby mountain ranges.

7. Trevornick Holiday Park - Located in Cornwall, England, Trevornick Holiday Park is a great destination for families and groups of tourists. The park is conveniently situated near the Hollywell Beach, where guests can partake in swimming, surfing and other water related activities. A mini golf course and funfair is also located in close proximity to the park.

8. Playa Montroig Camping Resort - This is one of the best holiday parks in Spain. The Playa Montroig Camping Resort is located in Tarragona and it allows visitors to camp amidst lush tropical gardens. The Tam-Tam Eco-park is also located close by.

9. Ferienparadies Natterer See - Located near the Alps, Ferienparadies Natterer See is one of the best holiday parks Austria has to offer. Guests can participate in activities like tobogganing, curling, and langlauf.

10. Troytown Farm - This holiday park is situated in St Agnes, Sicily. One of the finest Italian parks, Troytown Farm provides visitors the chance to enjoy activities like camping and hiking in a beautiful scenic setting.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing European holiday rentals and Holiday accommodation Barcelona.

Austria - What To Do When The Snow Melts

For many of us, our image of Austria is of stunning mountain ranges, covered in snow. That's probably the reason that the ski season is the peak time for tourists to visit Austria. But if you want to see a different side of Austria, and avoid the worst of the crowds of tourists, why not visit in summer?

Vienna is certainly a beautiful city, with something to offer almost every traveler. But there's another area of Austria that is worth visiting in the warmer months - the Salzkammergut, or Lakes District. It's located east of Salzburg, and is a picturesque region dotted with more than 80 lakes amongst the mountains. If you want to do some hiking, indulge in some water sports or just relax, then this is the place for you to go.

Bad Ischl is at the heart of the Lakes District, and so makes a great base for you to explore the whole region. It's easy to access from other parts of Austria and Europe, and there's a wide variety of accommodation to suit every taste and budget. Once there, it's also possible to get around the district by either bus or train, although having your own car does make it easier to explore any out of the way places.

Bad Ischl has always been a spa resort, and nowadays is also a very popular place for retirees. Interestingly enough, it's also the place where World War I was declared in 1914, which hardly seems in keeping with its laid back and relaxed image. Still, Emperor Franz Josef had his summer residence here, and he was visiting when events took a turn for the worse at that time. Nowadays you can still visit his villa on a guided tour, or visit the photo museum that used to be his wife's teahouse.

Hallstatt is also worth a visit, mainly because of its interesting history. It's now a UNESCO World Heritage site, with evidence of human occupation from as long ago as 4,500 years having been found there. It's also a breathtaking location - the village clings to the side of a mountain, right beside a beautiful lake. Salt mining in the mountains above the village was the main source of industry for the village for many centuries, but nowadays tourists are a more common sight than miners. It's a great destination for a day-trip, but it can also be interesting to stay overnight and see how things change when all the visitors are gone.

There are also some interesting places to visit close by, including the Beinhaus, or Bone House, which is located near the village parish church. It contains a collection of decorated skulls from around the 15th century. You can also visit the Giant Ice Caves, although these are mostly stone, but they are magnificent anyway! You can also take a funicular ride to the Salzbergwerk (Salt works), which is worthwhile just for the ride.

There's plenty more to see in the Lakes District of Austria, including Wolfgangsee, a very popular lake close to Salzburg. So give yourself plenty of time to explore, and you'll return home having experienced a side of Austria that most people never get to see.

Author of this article is Gordon Philips. If you want to find out more about great places to visit in Austria, click over to Gordon's site at Travel Austria Info Zone.

Austria - A Wonderfully Historic Indulgence

When you mention Austria, many Americans automatically think of Arnold Schwarzenegger. After all, it's his home country. But even though Austria may have some sort of "spiritual" link with California thanks to one of their most famous modern-day sons, the reality is that Austria is nothing like the west coast of the USA. And thank goodness for that - why travel so far just to find something the same as you left behind?

Austria is very much a country of mountains and snow. If you're looking for sunny beaches, forget it - Austria is an inland country of Europe. It's also a wonderful way to get a feel for culture and traditions that have long since ceased to exist in many other parts of the world. And, of course, who can resist the wonderful tastes of schnitzel and apple strudel?

Although it's the historic and natural beauty of Austria that attracts visitors, the reality is that there are also many modern elements in the Austria of today. That's what makes it such an interesting mixture. The best place to start is undoubtedly Vienna, with its amazing legacy of the Habsburg dynasty. There are galleries and museums, gorgeous architecture and amazing palaces. It's also full of creative energy. If you only have a couple of days to spend in Austria, then you may find that spending it all in Vienna is the best option.

With a little more time, you can branch out and explore some other parts of Austria. Of course, all 'Sound of Music' fans will want to check out Salzburg. You can go on a tour of the numerous locations used in the movie. Salzburg is also famous as the birthplace of Mozart, so there's plenty here for fans of the more classical side of music.

A visit to the mountains of Austria is something you will never forget. Innsbruck is the center of a large skiing area throughout the Tirol region, and is guaranteed to warm the heart of any mountain and snow enthusiast. The best ski season is from Christmas to late February, with good snow available on either side of those months. If you want to see the glory of the mountains in the warmth of summer, then visit in May or June. It will certainly be a lot quieter then.

Visiting Austria for a day or two during a whistle stop tour of Europe really doesn't do it justice. Although I've mentioned a few highlights, there are so many more wonderful places to visit if you really want to get a true feeling for this stunning country. So give yourself plenty of time to explore, and you'll be well rewarded.

Author of this article is Gordon Philips. If you want to read more about travelling to Austria, click over to Gordon's site at Travel Austria Info Zone.

Getting to Croatia. A Visitors' Guide

Croatia is a beautiful country in Southern Europe. It possesses a fascinating history and is home to some of the most stunning sights in the world. The local culture will also impress you. Moreover, it is a shopping haven. It is quite easy to get to Croatia. Visitors have a choice of travelling by air, train or bus.

By Air - Croatia has several airports. Some cater to mainly domestic and regional flights, while others are more international. The busier airports include Dubrovnik Airport, Pula Airport, Split Airport, Zada Airport and Zaghreb Airport. Croatia is quite accessible by plane. If you are from places such as Amsterdam, Berlin, London, Madrid, Milan, Moscow, Paris, Munch, Prague and Rome, you should be able to catch a flight to Croatia quite easily. Visitors can also take Ryanair to Triest, Italy, before taking a bus to Croatia. This is quite a popular travel option. Whatever it is, be sure to choose the airline that best suits your needs in terms of location and cost. Be sure to confirm which airport your flight will be landing at.

By Train - There are both direct and indirect train routes to Croatia. If you are from countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, Italy or Greece, you will be able to take a direct train line to the major Croatian cities. If you are from any other European country, you can still travel to Croatia using an indirect train route. The main railway providers are EuroCity and Intercity. They provide different routes and their tickets are priced differently. Many visitors prefer to take the train as it gives them the opportunity to travel in leisure and to enjoy the beautiful sights and scenes along the way. Moreover, it is a less expensive form of travelling compared to taking a flight.

By Bus - If you are coming from Italy, Bosnia, Montenegro, Hungary or Austria, you may want to reach Croatia by bus. There are two daily buses from Venice that will land you in Pula. It is a five hour journey with pit stops in Trieste and Rovinj. As for the other locations, there are both local and daily buses. The journeys all have pit stops, and you will find the service to be quite efficient as you do not have to leave the bus to pass the border. Immigration officials will board the bus to check your passports, and this involves minimum fuss.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Croatia holiday rentals and holiday rentals worldwide.

A Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Croatia

Croatia is a little country which borders between Hungary, Slovenia, Montenegro and Bosnia. Though not as famous as their bigger European country counterparts, Croatia is one to definitely visit at least once with its beautiful lands and Mediterranean feel.

When visiting Croatia, why not start at one of the most famous tourist attraction called the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site. These lakes, located between Zagreb and Zadar are definitely worth the visit, as even just the pictures themselves seem breathtaking.

The Plitvice National Park encompasses 16 lakes, divided as the 12 upper lakes and 4 lower lakes. All the lakes however are renowned for their distinctive colours and changes all throughout the year, varying between baby blue to emerald green and even greyish, depending on the light and minerals. Walk or take hikes throughout the lovely park and fret not if you feel hungry or feel like spending the night there as 3 hotels, restaurants and small food kiosks are found easily for your convenience.

Another place, or well, city in this case, to visit would be Dubrovnik. Many will tell you from their experiences here that this historic city here is one of the gems of the Adriatic. The best part to visit would be Dubrovnik's old city, with its beautiful marble paved floors and cobbled streets. Walk along the walls and behold the beauty of the city from 25m up and realise why the locals sport the term "if you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik".

Just a little bit up north of Dubrovnik lies the city of Split which holds the next attraction that's well worth a visit. The Diocletian's Palace, located right in the heart of the city is together with the other 2 mentioned attractions, a UNESCO world heritage site. Within the walls of the palace itself are cobbled alleyways, residential apartments, modern shops and restaurants made from local limestone, roman relics and the stunning cathedral. The Diocletian's Palace has that "city within a city" feel to it, but it's ever charming and adds to another page in Croatia's history book.

While you're in split, take the time to explore the second largest city in Croatia and head on toward the Archaeological Museum as well if you're a lover of museums. This museum is the oldest in Croatia and it displays many artifacts from prehistoric times, early medieval ages and the Greek colonial period. If you have a few days on hand, rent a car and head for Brela Beach, a 15km drive away. Voted the best beach in Europe, no words can truly describe the beauty when you see the crystalline waters lap the shorelines and coves.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Croatia vacation rentals and vacation accommodation worldwide.

A Guide to the Beaches of Croatia

The beaches of Croatia are often the main attraction in this beautiful country, which is no surprise that when summer time comes around, beaches are crowded everywhere. However, having a rough idea of the beaches of Croatia in general might save you both time and help you in planning the perfect beach vacation you came to enjoy.

Zlatni Rat – One of the most famous Adriatic beaches, Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn Beach) is over 500 yards long and is located in Bol on Brac Island. Well known for its distinctive shape (a really sharp triangle) that juts out into the sea, the Golden horn's beauty is probably its main draw. Another unique and rare thing about this beach is that the tip of it chianges directions according to the wind and waves, so if you've been here once and it was a certain angle, chances are it'll be different the next time you arrive!

Paradise Beach – The crystal clear waters that lap the fine sandy coastline of paradise beach are what draw the tourists and locals alike here year after year. With its shallow waters perfect for families and beginner swimmers, pine trees that offer shade during the summer and just plain old beauty, its not hard to see why this place resembles Paradise. Located about 12km from the town of Rab, Paradise Beach has been honored with the blue flag award and is arguably one of the best beaches Croatia has to offer.

Brela Beaches – Brela Beaches are renowned throughout the world, even if you don't know the name, you might have seen it on postcards and magazines. Entered into Forbes "top 20 beaches of the world" list, the two best beaches to visit in Brela would be Punta Rata and Berulija. Both of these long white pebbled beaches have been awarded with a blue flag and are family friendly as well with lifeguards and life saving equipment all within reach. Both these beaches also handle the disabled and offer various on site chianging and catering facilities.

Peljesac Beaches – The beaches on the Peljesac Peninsula are untouched, picturesque and some of the most romantic beaches in Croatia. Head for the Beautiful Vucine beach in Zuljana; a real hidden gem within a gorgeous setting of crystalline waters and porcelain sand or Trstenick in Vodice; a secluded beach perfect for that sunset walk with your loved one.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Croatia accommodation and world vacation rentals.

Thinking About Croatia Property Investment

When Croatia signed the EU Stabilization and Association Agreement in 2005 its chances of accession to the European Union were massively boosted; as a direct result, foreign direct investment began to flood into this stunningly beautiful south-eastern European nation immediately.

With its sublime stretch of Adriatic coast, Croatia has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of Europe. The war in early 1990s swept back the flourishing tourist industry and little by little visitors are flocking back to its string of coastal and island resorts. Best of all, is that Dubrovnik. And indeed Croatia has remained, in essence, a holiday paradise place, that has so far escaped the extremes of mass tourism.

Since Croatia has been becoming ever more popular as a holiday destination lately, foreign investments and interest in purchasing property, or real estate, in the country has also risen quite suddenly especially in recent years. The popularity of Croatia in terms of interest in buying property in Croatia is very understandable, when looking at the suburb geographical location of this Southern European country.

Croatian land and house prices in the country are still very favorable compared to other European ones. Especially on the Dalmatian islands where properties such as beautiful Croatia stone houses built in the traditional style. In other beautiful Croatia historic towns such as Dubrovnik, Hvar, Zadar or Korcula there are also excellent real estate and property purchase opportunities to acquire prime location real estate at reasonable prices. Interest of foreign investors in buying Croatia property, including the small islands, grew up very quickly two years ago. Until then foreigners did not trust that this was a market worth investing.

Property in Croatia has risen in price by over 20% per annum over the last two years. This fact reflects increased popularity that Croatia now enjoys as a holiday home and profitable property investment base. This dynamic is supposed to continue, particularly as Croatia is being considered for get full EU membership by 2009. With the region's newfound stability and substantial new investment in infrastructure, such as motorways, hospitals, etc., all the forecasts are that Croatia property is set to rise in value quite considerably.

After several years people spending their holidays in Croatia have become more familiar with the country and are/will be more than happy to buy property in Croatia like houses, apartments etc. Nowadays number of people seriously interested in property for sale in Croatia is showing a sharp increase, the number of real estate agents offering properties in one of the beautiful provinces is rising as well. This includes both Croatian real estate agents focusing on the international property market and international operating firms.

The popularity of this trend just serves as a highlight of the quality of the property developments being undertaken across Croatia and the depth of international interest that exists in the Croatian real estate sector. The Croatian property investment market seems to offer the impossible - a mature emerging market - and any international real estate investor searching for exciting opportunity should not miss the opportunity to invest into the rising star that is Croatia.

The author of this article is Diana Hillary, researcher studying international property markets, foreign investments to Croatia property and other hot spots.

A Guide to the Museums and Galleries of Croatia

Croatia boasts a large number of museums and galleries spread across the major population centres of Zagreb, Osijeck, Split and Dubrovnik, the result of its rich cultural and political heritage.

The Dubrovnik Museum is located in the Duke's Palace where it hosts up to 15,500 cultural and historical exhibits. Visitors can view 17th-19th century furniture, uniforms worn by dukes and councilors, garments worn by aristocrats, and so on.

The Maritime Museum offers a view of maritime history for Dubrovnik and Croatia from its location in the Sveti Ivan fortress. A Dominican monastery and a Franciscan monastery store jewellery, paintings, embroidery, sculptures, manuscripts, incunabula and music notes. The patron saint of Dubrovnik St. Blaise is venerated in the Dubrovnik cathedral's treasury, where his relics remain in safekeeping along with numerous paintings and artworks. At the Rupe Ethnographical Museum, one can see traditional occupations and the rural architecture of Dubrovnik as well as national costumes and handmade textiles.

Dubrovnik is also home to the Art Gallery, Luza Art Centre and Sebastian, where many exhibitions are staged over the course of the year. In Zagreb, the most popular galleries are the Strossmayer Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, Ethnographic Museum and the Mimara museum, the last of which hosts nearly 4,000 priceless items.

The City Museum of Split was originally a part of the Town library in the Bernardy palace. Once separated, the museum collection was exhibited in six rooms of the Bernardy palace. The museum was completely separated and opened in 1992, hosting items that showed the urban, cultural, historic, artistic and economical development of Split.

The Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments is the only Croatian museum engaged in the research, collection, presentation and study of material and spiritual remains of Croats from the Middle Ages. The museum hosts a collection of approximately 20.000 objects including stone monuments from early Croatian churches. The early medieval epigraphic monuments from the 9th–12th century bear inscriptions of names of Croatian.

The life and art of sculptor Ivan Meštrović is presented in a gallery named after him, set in a villa designed by him at Meje. It was built as a studio and family before being donated to the city of Split. The permanent display holds 202 works of art, although the gallery possesses a total of 811 items. Some of these include sculptures in stone, bronze and wood; paintings; and drawings and sketches created by the artist throughout his life.

In Osijek, the Museum of Slawonia is one of the oldest, most significant museums in Croatia. Established in 1877 in honour of "the free and royal city of Osijek," it houses a vast collection of money, weapons and medals donated by renowned antiquarian and wholesaler Franjo Sedlaković.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Croatia accommodation and world vacation rentals.

Getting to Cyprus. A Visitors' Guide

Cyprus is a Mediterranean island with many exotic charms. Even though it is situated close to the Middle East, it is in fact a European country and is part of the European Union. Although northern and southern Cyprus has been historically in conflict with each other, open hostilities has long ceased and many tourists head to Cyprus every year to have their idyllic holiday getaways.

By Air - Visitors who fly to Cyprus will land at Larnaca International Airport, which is situated on the fringes of the town of Larnaka. There are quite a number of airline services which fly to Larnaca, but the most active and major airline at this airport would be Cyprus Airways. Visitors from places such as London, Frankfurt, Manchester, Rome, Amsterdam and Paris can usually find a Cyprus Airways flight that brings them directly to Larnaca. Visitors flying in from the Middle East will also find it fairly easy to get to Cyprus due to geographical proximity. However, do take note that due to the political situation and historical enmity between south Cyprus and Turkey, you will not be able to fly to Turkey from the south. While there are also other airline services that fly to Cyprus, most of these flights are scheduled to leave at night or in the early morning and thus may be slightly inconvenient. Visitors taking such fights are recommended to check with their hotels to confirm if they are able to check in early. Otherwise, you may be stranded until morning which is when check-ins are usually done.

By Boat - If you are from Greece, you may want to consider taking a connecting ferry to Cyprus. This ferry service is available from Piraeus, Rhodes and Ayios Nikolaos and will land you at Limassol in Cyprus. You can also take a connecting ferry from Turkey, which is available at Tasucu and lands you in Girne. Although there are no ferry services from Israel and Egypt, there are mini-cruises which are available at certain times of the year. Such mini-cruises can also take you to Cyprus from places such as the Greek Islands, Lebanon and Syria.

Travelling to North Cyprus - If you intend to go over to North Cyprus, you have the option of landing in Turkey before heading over to North Cyprus. You can also land at Larnaca Airport in South Cyprus and cross over the border. Although passing through the border may take some time, it is still possible and quite a number of visitors do it. You are highly recommended to use a taxi service to get through the border. Not all taxis may want to cross the border, so it might be a good idea to book a taxi in advance.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Cyprus holiday apartments and vacation rentals worldwide.

A Guide to the Beaches of Cyprus

Cyprus is divided into the northern and southern regions, and though they both differ in a certain way, the beauty seen on their beaches is never more the same.

Starting out with the northern part of Cyprus we look toward Kyrenia and the beaches surrounding. Sunset beach, located just 5miles from Kyrenia, would be an easy first choice, with well protected waters ideal for families with children. Alagadi turtle beach is also a good choice for those with children as their shallow waters go up to a well distance. What's most popular on this beach are the turtles which come to lay their eggs during the summer.

Some of the more popular beaches in the north like Diana, Escape and Acapulco beach hit the mark with plenty of services available as well. Water sports are easily available for those who don't wish to just to leave with a tan. For the young party goers, they'll be happy with Escape beach as during the summer open air night parties are held on the beautiful beach with music by great European Dj's.

For a much more secluded beach feeling, Karpaz Peninsula and Famagusta beach fulfil your wishes. Both beaches are said to be the best in Northern Cyprus with miles of golden sand and fantastic waters

Some of the most beautiful beaches in the country are said to be found in Southern Cyprus though, with the most famous bit being the coast of Ayia Napa. The beaches of Aiya Napa are considered to be the finest, with full facilities on almost all the beaches. Nissi beach, or Nissi Bay, which is 3km west of Ayia Napa, is visited by thousands each year for its sheer beauty. A little further up would be Pernera beach, located in the middle of Vathia Gonia and Katsarka beach. Pernera is famous for its fine golden sands and shallow waters and for good diving and snorkelling. Other famous beaches along Ayia Napa include Limnara and Konnos beach, the latter said to be the most picturesque beach on the island.

Limassol beaches are my "must go to "place as well. Unlike Ayia Napa and Kyrenia beaches, Limassol sand is dark and course and the shorelines are pebbly. However, it's just as beautiful as any other. Curium beach for example is said to have an unparallel beauty, with its rough and wild waters in contrast to its calm and gentle beach. If you want a less crowded beach, try Ladies Mile or Pissouri Beach which rarely gets overcrowded and lets you walk along the dark golden sand with your loved ones as the waves gently caress your feet.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Cyprus vacation rentals and vacation accommodation worldwide.