This city, not unlike Venice, was founded on and is still centred around waterways, with many residents still residing on boats moored on the ancient canals. Yet this city has moved on with the times and is one of the most forward moving cities in Europe, building a reputation in many areas – some of which it might rather not be known for.
Sex is a big attraction in Amsterdam, but mostly due to the curiosity shown by tourists over the finite number of sex workers in the city’s Red Light District. In fact not many people come to Amsterdam with just one purpose in mind. Cannabis is something else that many people choose to explore in this city, and Amsterdam is unique in hosting cafes where it is legal to smoke marijuana.
Amsterdam has a rich cultural aspect to it, with many museums and galleries, including a big institution devoted to Van Gogh. There is also a fantastic restaurant and bar scene, while young people stay up until the early hours of the morning in the trendy clubs dotted all over the city. Tourists also regularly bump into musicians performing traditional music in unexpected locations.
In fact Amsterdam is a city with a little bit of something for everyone, and tourists tend to have a great time. Most people leave the city with good memories and a firm understanding of why the city is so attractive. It could be the general buzz to the place, or the quirkiness of the Dutch, but Amsterdam has remained one of Europe’s top tourist destinations for decades.
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An ocean going cruise is luxurious and comfortable by definition, but for those who expect a little more there are plenty of ultra-luxurious cruises to pick from. You can truly experience the thrills of upper-crust entertainment and red-carpet treatment on a vessel that offers expansive spas, large suites and multiple gourmet restaurants.
Cruise ships used for luxury holidays tend to be a little smaller than the mass-mart ocean liners. A smaller, more luxurious ship often devotes less space to cabins – fewer cabins, not smaller cabins – and more space to communal areas, spas, entertainment and dining.
Suites on luxury cruise vessels can be absolutely enormous, with some featuring multiple rooms, as well as private staff. It is not unheard of to see grand pianos, plunge pools and private decks in suites that command the highest prices.
Excursions are also a cut above what you would expect from bigger cruise ships. In fact luxury cruise lines often offer their passengers bespoke excursions tailor made to the preference of individual groups of passengers.
The dining experience is, of course, one of the top attractions of ultra-luxury cruises and you can expect varied menus served with the highest level of visual appeal and with a selection of wines that is second to none.
Ultra luxury cruises really cater just for those who expect the best in life. They may be more expensive and a lot more exclusive, but you will be rewarded with the experience of a lifetime.
Choose holiday rentals for a great family holiday
> Posted by channel in Travel Destinations, Travel Tips
Rather than buying a package deal holiday for your next getaway, why not rent somewhere instead? You could rent a cottage in the English countryside or a villa in Spain, or in another country of your choice.
The idea of renting holiday accommodation rather than going for a holiday package deal is attractive to many people. If you holiday in the UK or take your car onto the continent you can utilise it for day trips. You can also cook for yourself, saving money from your holiday budget for other things. Following is a guide to the things you should consider when choosing to rent a property for your next holiday.
Where to go
Do you want to stay in the UK or go to another country? Going to another country might mean that you can’t take your car. This might be seen as a blessing by some people but to others a real disadvantage. A car can be a great bonus if you pick an area of great natural beauty in which to stay. Exploring the Lake District or Cornwall for example is a great pleasure by car. If you want to explore the more remote parts of Scotland a car is almost essential.
You can of course take your car across the Channel utilising the excellent Eurotunnel service or one of the car ferries. This would allow you to explore a country of your choice from a rented property.
When to go
High season is more expensive no matter where you decide to go. If you wish to save money you could go during the autumn or spring months when the weather is slightly chilly but not bitterly cold.
When to book
If you have specific requirements then you should book early to get exactly what you want. If you are not too fussy about the location of your holiday cottage or villa you could wait for a last minute deal and book only a week or two in advance.
A Quick Guide to Hong Kong
> Posted by channel in City Guides, Travel Destinations, Travel Guides, Travel Tips
One of the last colonial outposts in the world, Hong Kong was finally declared independent from Britain in 1997 and handed over to China. It is located on the south-western coast of the giant Asian nation, right at the mouth of the Pearl River Delta. Hong Kong is an unparalleled urban spectacle – a mix of East and West in a metropolis that has much to reveal.
Hong Kong has a rich trading history, and more recently has emerged as an Asian financial hub. Hong Kong itself is built on a very small land area and, due to this, sports some of the highest buildings in the world, with a city vista that is almost completely dominated by high rise office and residential buildings.
Tourists are attracted by both the spectacular look of the city and the intense lifestyle, be it buzzing daytime markets or the crazy night life scene. There is never a boring moment in this city that just keeps going and going. Due to its British past it remains easy to access for tourists from around the world that may struggle with a city like Shanghai.
It is surprising how much tourists will find in a city with such a small footprint. Hong Kong has a multitude of museums, entertainment parks and modern shopping malls. There is even plenty of opportunity to enjoy natural scenery, and the city has taken care of its natural beauty very well, with Victoria Peak providing both a spectacular view of the city and a great outdoor experience.
The island of Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States and a tropical island that lies east of the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. Well-populated at over four million people, it is still a relatively undiscovered holiday location, but one that visitors invariably say was an incredible experience.
Over 3,000 square miles in size, Puerto Rico has everything from caverns and caves to mountains, lakes to oceans to rain forests. The capital city of San Juan is where the majority of the island population lives, and where you will find stunning examples of colonial architecture and history. More modern diversions are also available, including casinos, shopping and dancing. Puerto Rico’s location near the equator gives it a mild climate year-round, making it a wonderful destination, even during the summer months.
When you visit Puerto Rico, do take a day to visit or hike in the El Yunque Rain Forest. Supplying most of the fresh water for the island, this idyllic spot boasts stunning orchids and huge trees. This is where Ponce de Leon thought he’d identified the long-sought Fountain of Youth, and while that fountain was never located, you will come out of the forest feeling much refreshed.
Although history is everywhere on the island, it is most concentrated in the capital of San Juan. Old San Juan has been re-created as the colonial walled city. The streets are still narrow, but walking through the colourful plazas and stores is a true delight.
Isla Verde is the resort area of the island, with pristine white-sand beaches and every amenity you could think of. The town of Condado is hip and urban, with a pulsing beat of youth and cutting-edge activities.
Since you will very likely not be able to see everything on the island during your holiday, concentrate on the area that offers what you most enjoy, whether that is history, sun worship or nightlife. Your time on the island will seem magical and you will be counting the days until you can return.
Self catering holidays in Spain is still a favourite with thousand of holidaymakers, and it is hardly surprising given the volume of rentals and the quality of villas in Spain.
The weather is also a big factor; in the Southern Costas, sunshine is almost guaranteed even in the winter months.
Villa holidays in Spain are a cheaper and more informal option for families, with most of the facilities one would expect from a hotel holiday.
Some villa rentals will include car hire, which takes away the hassle of having to hire a car separately. Many will come with maid service, which will take care of the basic cleaning of floors and work surfaces, and bed making, and with a two week booking bed linen and towels are changed. Some companies offer babysitting facilities for an extra charge, which gives parents the chance of a night out sometimes.
Villas in Spain nearly always have a swimming pool, or access to a communal pool which, given the climate, is almost a necessity. This is one reason why villa holidays are so popular with families.
Holiday villas away from the crowded beaches can offer all these facilities, as well as providing the right ingredients for a relaxing holiday in the hills. Nothing could be more pleasant than to sit on your patio on a quiet evening, watching shooting stars in an unpolluted sky – with a glass of the local wine, of course.
As many parents look for new holiday experiences to provide fun for all of the family, you may find that Mediterranean cruises are the perfect solution. Sun, sea and sand are the perfect antidotes to long days at work and school and these voyages include entertainment for all ages. With a wide range of destinations on offer, providing both cultural and exciting experiences, an entire family, whatever their ages, can find something special from a Mediterranean cruise.
A number of travel options are available for cruises in the Mediterranean, with holidays that can either fit into a short half-term break or be taken over the extended summer holidays. Cruises to the Canary Islands are particularly popular and with 11 night voyages leaving from Southampton, are relatively accessible from most parts of Britain. Featuring destinations such as Lisbon, Gran Canaria and Tenerife, there is a wide choice of activities onboard and onshore, allowing for family fun through the entire cruise.
While onboard their cruise ship, families will find plenty of child friendly services, including restaurants, pools and entertainment. In addition to the sun and local sights on offer when the ship is in port, frolicking in the surf and playing in the sand is never far away. The historic city of Lisbon offers ancient stories to spark children’s imaginative minds and the famous Madeira cake can be enjoyed on the island of its origin.
With so much to do, a cruise can be the perfect answer for anyone wanting a family friendly holiday. With a range of pleasurable and cultural experiences, all members of the family will always have something to keep them happy.
Whether you’re looking for culture, shopping, food or romance, Paris is the ideal place for city breaks. The capital of France is easily accessible from all major airports as well as by train through the Channel Tunnel, and car ferries from England.
There are many historic attractions in the city, including the Eifel tower, the Arc de Triomphe, on the famous Avenue des Champs-Elysées, the Louvre and the cathedral of Notre Dame. All are easily reached using the city’s buses or the Metro system. A river cruise on the Seine is a must-do in order to experience Paris at its best – especially in the evening when the city is illuminated.
The Paris Left Bank is worth a visit to see the numerous book stalls and to visit the haunts of famous literary figures.
If you want to take children, there are many family deals available for Euro Disney or Parc Asterix, which include travel, hotel and park tickets.
Paris, of course, has excellent nightlife. There are many venues for live jazz performances on the left bank, such as the Caveau de la Huchette in a medieval cellar that has been hosting live jazz for 60 years. The world famous Moulin Rouge offers a full evening’s entertainment of cabaret.
For those who love art, the Louvre is the place to see about 35,000 works of art, from Greek and Roman antiquities to Renaissance paintings. This is where you can see Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Mona Lisa. Another great art gallery is the Musée d’Orsay, which houses impressionist paintings.
If two weeks in a Spanish villa is beginning to become a bit ‘old hat’, there are some seriously different holiday lets to be found for your next holiday.
Do you have a train enthusiast in the family? A company in Cornwall are offering self catering holidays in a railway carriage. The carriages, a travelling post office and a luggage van, have been tastefully renovated to provide cosy accommodation for up to six people in the larger carriages; inside they have all the modern amenities associated with self catering.
What about a tree house that awakens the child in us? Taking a holiday in a tree house is becoming popular; there are more on offer in France than in the UK right now, but doubtless there will be more available in 2011 as the word spreads.
A deluxe tree house is available near Taunton in Devon which offers eccentricity with comfort. It sleeps up to five people, has a hot tub, a wood burner for chilly nights and with its exquisite furnishings, is rated 5-star boutique accommodation.
French tree houses are more numerous, and somewhat cheaper, being aimed at the eco-aware family.
One of the major camping companies has installed tree houses on six of their traditional camp sites in popular French holiday regions. This is a real back-to-nature experience; the houses are built with regard to the environment, with no electricity or modern innovations.
There are many more self catering innovations in the leisure sector, so there is no excuse for a boring holiday.
River Cruising in France
> Posted by channel in Cruise Locations, Travel Destinations, Travel Guides
France has some fabulous rivers, and it is a popular destination for holidaymakers looking for a relaxing cruise.
The Rhone is one of the major rivers of Europe, flowing for 500 miles from the Swiss Alps to the Mediterranean. Travelling on the French section of the river is the ideal way for wine loving holidaymakers to discover the most famous wine producing area of France
Most Rhone cruises begin on the Soane River which flows into the Rhone, and the wine growing region of Burgundy. No cruise misses a visit to Beaume and its famous Hospice de Dieu, at the heart of Burgundy wine production.
Leaving Burgundy, the next stop will be the city of Lyon and its fine cuisine; the next important site is Avignon, the city of the Popes; followed by Arles with its perfectly preserved Roman amphitheatre and Van Gogh connections, and the marshlands of the Camargue, the home of flamingos, wild white horses and bulls.
Since the first hotel barge was launched in the 1960s, barge holidays have become increasingly popular, and France has canals galore.
One of the most popular is the Canal de Midi, carved out by the innovative engineer Paul Riquet. Work on this 240 mile waterway began in 1665 and links the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean.
Typically passenger-carrying canal barges are small – a maximum of 16 passengers, but the service is personal, and the onboard food of gourmet standard. If you like to take your holiday at a very slow pace, this is the cruise for you.