Variety is Key To Beach Life In The Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands are home to some of the most popular party destinations in Europe. Less than a three hour flight and you can be partying in the sun, cocktail in hand. But when the sun comes up and the music dies down on these party isles, what else is there to do? On a holiday to Majorca you’re surrounded by beaches and harbours. Whether climbing through caves and surfing, or soaking up the sun whilst catching up on some much needed sleep, the hundreds of beaches around Majorca aren’t short on variety.

Magaluf Madness

Magaluf has to be Majorca’s party capital, famed for its strip of bars at Punta Balena. Home to the legendary BCM and now Mallorca Rocks, Ibiza Rocks’ little sister, Magaluf is buzzing with activity 24/7. The resort was built around the long stretch of sandy beach, meaning you’re never far from the sand and sea.

Playa de Magaluf is the resorts main beach, measuring over 1km. Its golden sands are dotted with sunbeds and parasols ideal for the morning after the night before. The nearby restaurants and bars offer up hangover cures and hair of the dog, for those ready to get into the party mood again. Pedalos can be hired on the beach to escape the heat of the sun, those feeling brave enough should peddle over to Lizard Island just off the shore. For the adrenaline junkies of the group there are banana boats, snorkelling and kite surfing.

How To Get There

To make the most of Magaluf visit during the summer months, when the resort is at its liveliest. Transfer time from Palma airport is roughly 25 minutes, a taxi will cost you around €40 alternatively a public bus is around €5 and will take about 90 minutes dependant on where you’re staying.

Three in One – Palma Nova

 Neighbouring the party capital lays Palma Nova, Majorca’s original tourist resort. The party scene here is not as in-your-face as in Magaluf, with a cosmopolitan collection of bars and clubs. By day there’s a variety of water sports available, and a mini golf course surrounded by palm trees. The three beaches of Palma Nova are connected by a pedestrianised promenade, lined with bars and restaurants.

Playa de Palma Nova is the largest beach of the resort, and lies between Palma Nova’s two other beaches. With over 4km of white sands and a purpose built promenade running alongside, it’s perfect for spending the day enjoying the Majorcan sun. The nearby restaurants offer a range of food, from McDonald’s to authentic Spanish tapas.

Head towards Magaluf and you’ll find Playa de Son Maties, a haven for water sports fanatics. The jetty offers a range of activities, including water-skiing and wind surfing. The calm waters at Son Maties are ideal conditions for serious wind and kite surfers, attracting thrill seekers throughout the year.

The beach of Carregador is the quietest of the three, ideal for escaping the crowds. After a long night sampling Palma Nova’s lively nightlife Playa des Carregador is the perfect hangover remedy. 300m of white sand, clear waters and unspoilt views make this a relaxing spot for a little R&R. Fantasia Golf is set close to the beach, an 18-hole mini golf course which would make a great change to a day at the beach.

For more info on holidays to Majorca and beaches in Majorca visit lowcostholidays.com.

Guimarães – European Capital of Culture 2012

Located in the country’s northern district of Braga, the city of Guimarães is full of beautiful monuments and world heritage sites. Combined with its mouth-watering food, it’s always fund to wander through the backstreets at any time of the year and this year is particularly special for this fascinating place. As the very first capital of Portugal and birthplace of its first King,  it has been awarded the status of cultural capital for Europe in 2012. Portugal is so easy to get to and there are lots of reasonable flights, so don’t miss out on seeing this fabulous city in it’s special year!

City Life

Take a guided city tour on arrival or stroll the town as your leisure; either way you will feel like you are back in medieval times! Guimarães is one of the largest tourist centres in the region and its historical centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the city’s complex mix of music, fine arts, theatre, dance, architecture and food and watch the many shows that take place daily in celebration of the 2012 Capital of Culture.

Guimarães Castle

Take time out to visit this unique landmark which is representative of the birth of Portugal, with the city often referred to as the ‘the cradle city’. The Countess of Portugal, Dona Mumadona Dias, built this fort in the 10th century to guard against the attack of Normans and Arab invaders and it became the official royal residence in 1139 when Portugal became independent.

Portuguese Food

The old town has several quaint courtyards and squares brimming with cafés and restaurants, with a pronounced diversity of style and fare. If you want to try traditional northern Portuguese cuisine, there are some excellent hearty dishes on offer, from caldo verde soup to alheria sausages and plenty of salt cod! Most restaurants will serve you a ‘couvert’, similar to a small tapas appetiser, consisting of paté or olives – delicious.

Dukes of Braganza

The Dukes of Braganza had their own place to call home. The Palace of the Dukes is a well-conserved, medieval Palace (built in the 15th Century) and a must see when visiting Guimarães. Part of this Palace is used as a museum featuring beautiful Persian and Flemish tapestries, paintings and art objects. It is also considered an official residency of the President of Portugal.

Weather

Guimarães is located in a valley with the surrounding hills bringing  cold winters but the summers are gorgeous! If you are travelling in February then you can expect temperatures of around 15°C rising to 25°C in the summer months. Perfect for an early summer holiday! Keep a lookout for a cheap flight and get to see the city of culture for 2012.

England for Great Countryside

London is so often the focus for visitors to England, that it’s easy to forget that there are some really spectacular places outside the capital city. There is so much to see across Britain, from stunning coastlines to breath-taking landscapes, highlands and lakes. Here are few ideas for enjoying the natural beauty of England, Wales, and Scotland.

Coastline

For such a small land mass the UK has some wonderfully varied and spectacular countryside! You have places like the Isle of Mull,  Scotland, Cardigan Bay, Wales, or the coastline of Scarborough. There are miles of coast and there are a range of country cottages founds in gorgeous villages, hamlets and hilltops that provide a great base for exploring the coasts of the UK.

Forests

A little further inland you’ve got acre upon acre of ancient forests.  Galloway Forest Park in Dumfries is particularly good to visit. One of the largest natural forests is The New Forest, some 2.5 hours drive from London. You can see the wild ponies, deer and badgers going about their business, and there are plenty of old pubs and resturants to enjoy a breather.  If you enjoy activities – Grizedale in Cumbria and Cannock Forest in Staffordshire is a great start, for hHistory – Epping Forest in London and Coed Craig Ruperra in South Wales, Myths and legends – where else but Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire and Pressmennan Wood in East Lothian and for wildlife – Burntollet Wood in County Derry and Beckmickle Ing in Cumbria.

Lakes

Heading to the Lake District is the easiest way of getting a good view of some of the most stunning waterways in the UK – and its easy to combine it with trips into the countryside, where you can wander along the river paths, and watch the moss laden waterfalls churn the water into a boiling mass. Lake Windermere is quite well known, but Buttermere is often considered to be the most atmospheric and beautiful of the lakes.  Up in Scotland there is Loch Lomond,  just 14 miles from Glasgow,  or Lake Vyrnway in Wales which is a stunning place for wildlife and bird watching.

Hillsides

All that rain means that the UK is usually a green and pleasant land.  Take a trip north and stay in one of the local Yorkshire cottages to fully enjoy the rugged landscape of the Yorkshire Moors, one of Englands great National Parks. The Peak District, Derbyshire – a little further south,  is known for its marvellous walking opportunities.

Highlands

Don’t forget the Scottish Highlands. If culture, wildlife and walking is your sort of thing, then make sure that you find room a visit to the Highlands when planning your holiday to the UK. The landscape is huge – massive hill ranges, with mile upon miles of unspoilt, peaceful countryside.

Some Health And Safety Travel Tips

Booking, packing and arranging your travel to and from the airport are the primary things you need to do if you’re travelling abroad for a holiday; however, preparations shouldn’t stop there. There’s a host of other things you need to consider before you embark on your trip and these include taking measures to prevent, or at least minimise, your risk of common travel ailments such as motion sickness, diarrhea, allergies and insect bites.

On Line Pharmacy

Seeking advice and medication from the Lloyds Online Pharmacy can help you tackle these ailments and ensure that your holiday runs as smoothly as possible. If you are traveling by car, sitting in the front seat and opening the vehicle’s window at regular intervals to allow fresh air to circulate can help if you tend to suffer from travel sickness. If you’re travelling by ferry, you may want to sit close to the middle of the vessel, focusing on a fixed point and when flying, sitting near of the wing of the plane may help with sickness issues.

Keep Your Hat On

Depending on the climate of your holiday destination, you may need to keep out of the sun for prolonged periods of time to prevent heatstroke and to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water, avoiding caffeinated drinks that can dehydrate you further. You should take the same precautions if you get sick with diarrhea while you’re away, but it’s always better to reduce your risk of diarrhea in the first place by avoiding unbottled water, uncooked meat, raw fruits and vegetables and unpasteurized milk products.

Holiday First Aid Kits

For allergies and insect bites, pack any medications that you use on a regular basis and an antihistamine to use if you encounter an allergic reaction. Check in advance with your doctor that you don’t require any travel vaccinations for your holiday before you depart and take a first aid kit with you for emergencies. Finally, don’t forget to have a suitable travel insurance policy in place to protect you financially should you need hospital assistance; failure to do so could mean you have to fork out significant medical costs and could potentially have your holiday ruined.

Get The Most Out Of Your Trip To France

Most children love going on holiday, and they’ll  love going on holiday toFrance. As well as being conveniently close to the UK and accessible via a variety of forms of transport, it is a country with much to offer children, both socially and educationally. If you’re planning an Easter or summer getaway with your children, here are five good reasons for choosing France.

Great Beaches

There’s nothing quite like the traditional family bucket-and-spade holiday, and France has something for everyone on that score. If you’re just on a short break or don’t want to travel too far from home, try the stunning, windswept beaches of Normandy and Brittany.

Language Skills

It’s a holiday – but how about making it a fun educational opportunity as well? If you’d like your children to learn French London or even learn another language,  colleges like St. George’s offer courses which could provide the basics. They could then go on to practise their new-found skills in France. For children, French is one of the easier languages to learn as much of the vocabulary is similar to English. It is also one of the most commonly taught in schools, so giving them a head start when they’re young could be a great advantage later on.

Good Food

France’s biggest export is its food, and the country is known for its commitment to using high-quality ingredients, with very tasty results. If you’re sick of the supermarket culture that pervades the UK, use a French holiday as a chance to show children how food should be. You can buy fresh bread each day, take them to the many fascinating French food markets, eat well in local restaurants and your children will develop an appreciation of new flavours and food experiences.

Open Spaces

France has roughly the same population as the UK, in around twice the land area. That means that there are plenty of opportunities for children to run around and enjoy the great outdoors in France. Head up into the Alps and let them enjoy exploring wildflower meadows and fresh mountain air or enjoy some of the country’s great rivers such as the Ardeche or Dordogne, where there are plenty of opportunities to take part in child-friendly watersports such as family kayaking.

Fascinating Cities

French towns and cities have lots to occupy the curious child. Many have plenty of gardens and parks, such as the Jardin des Tuilieres in central Paris, where you’ll find sculptures, fountains and free deckchairs. Narbonne for instance, has a maze of medieval streets to explore, and Caen has spacious well-preserved castles – fantastic places for experience a great family holiday.

Swap The Road Trip For A River Trip

Europe is a large, diverse continent. Unlike the US, it is comprised of dozens of different countries each with their own cultures, traditions and customs. The best way to see this beautiful region is by travelling through it. Although you will no doubt want to see its greatest cities, such as Vienna, Rome, Paris and Prague, you’ll also want to see the bits in between that make Europe so special.

Rather than hiring a car and tiring yourself out driving from A to B stopping at various places in between, hop aboard a river cruise and sit back, relax and watch the world go by in style.

River cruising is not what it once was: an elitist holiday that cost a fortune and only really appealed to wealthy, older travellers. These days, river cruising is far more accessible and a lot more affordable. OK, so it’s not the cheapest holiday you’ll ever go on, but everything is included, from the food to the entertainment and once you’ve taken into account the sheer number of places on the itinerary, a river cruise actually works out at great value for money.

River cruise is also ideal if you are looking for a romantic break. Unlike a road trip you won’t get tired, lost or even bored staring at endless miles of motorway. You can cruise along Europe’s greatest rivers, such as the romantic Rhine, in a luxury river-view suite.

Avalon Cruises has been offering Rhine River cruise for decades. It is one of the best providers of river cruise holidays on the market and its itineraries take in all the things you could possibly want to see on a Rhine River cruise.

Great Value

So why is a Rhine river cruise so romantic and great value for money? Firstly, you will cruise past some of the most remarkable, stunning landscapes in Europe. The Rhine flows all the way from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea coast of the Netherlands. You’ll pass by snow-capped mountains and gushing waterfalls; open winelands and lush green pastures; medieval castles, country mansions and prehistoric fortifications; through historic towns, cities and quaint villages and you’ll even cruise through the Rhine Gorge which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique landscape and micro-climate. Find out more about the Rhine Valley here.

Additionally, on a typical Rhine river cruise you’ll call in on some of the regions most captivating and exciting cities such as Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Mainz and Heidelberg. You’ll also wander through Germany’s Black Forest and enjoy private lectures and wine tasting tours. None of that comes with your typical European road trip!

30 Unmissable Sights, Shops, Streets And More From Australia’s Liveliest City

With cheap flights to Sydney available all over the web it’s never been easier, or more affordable (DialAFlight prices start from £646!), to get this exciting and vibrant city.  There’s no need to bore you with any more of an introduction.  This is a mission: we’ve got one of Australia’s most famous cities, three days and 30 tasks to complete. Get ready, get set…. go!

Day 1 – Outdoors

Start the morning at the Bondi Baths (1) on the cliff overlooking the city’s most famous surfer hang out. After your swim, run up to the restaurant (2) for a hearty breakfast, then down for a surf and a photo opp on the promenade (3). Then cycle over to the Spit Bridge where you can hire a kayak (4) and paddle to Balmoral Beach (5) for a stroll along the old tram track. Take lunch at the Bathers Pavilion (6) enjoying the Esplanade’s best view of the water. Kayak back over to Sydney Harbour and head to the bridge, where you can swan past the suits and instead do the BridgeClimb (7) to the top of this amazing structure. Grab corn fritters and other Aussie fare at Bill’s in Darlinghurst (8) then head to Circular Quay for sundown (9) before taking the ferry over to Cockatoo Island (10), just 8 minutes long, where you can camp for the night.

Day 2 – City Slicker

After an adventure under the stars, take the ferry back to civilization and enjoy a coffee at Quay (11). But don’t be tempted by the food, just enjoy the view – we’re heading to trendy Newtown (12). Wander through Erskenville Road to café Sophia’s (13) for French toast and a huge smoothie. Then we’ll zip back on the subway to the Sydney Fish Market (14). Devour at the Blackwattle Deli (15) and feed the pelicans (16) – and if that’s half the fight it should be, get the boat to Doyles (17) in Watson’s Bay. Then walk through Sydney Harbour National Park (18) and finish back at Darlinghurst, near Bills, with a drink at YU-Bar (19), followed by Vietnamese at Libertine (20).

Day 3 – Eclectic – Cheesy – Catch-up

Wake up with a run near Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for a stunning morning view of the Harbour (21). Breakfast at Café Morso  (22) then take a relaxed stroll down on Jones Bay Wharf (23). And then – it has to be done – a boat trip through the Harbour waterway (24), stopping off at the Opera House (25) for photos. Climb the Sydney Pylon Lookout (26), then head to Harbord for Koko’s Pizza (27). Finish up with a digestive wander through Haymarket (28) until you reach Mamak (29) – one of the city’s best, and most authentic no-frills Malaysian restaurants, and finish up with a drink in the lounge bar of the Haymarket Hotel (30).

Top Mobile Apps for the Big Apple

With the modern age fusing together with our everyday lives, there is now a Smartphone application for just about anything. Going to any new destination is an exciting experience, but what if you are visiting a country that does not speak your language, or you simply do not want to walk around with an awkward guide book that advertises yourself as a tourist. Knowledge is king and when you can download local travel information, into the palm of your hand, within a matter of seconds, it got me thinking. What are the best mobile applications for those who want to tour around New York City? All applications mentioned here can either be downloaded for Android or Apple operating systems.

NYC Way – Everything NYC

Rated has one of the Top 5 Travel Apps, this powerhouse of an application is a must for anyone even thinking of going to New York. It packs in over 60 applications from street vendors, nightlife, tourist attractions, subway stations, the garbage collection schedule, to everything in between. But the best thing about this app, is that it is 100% free.

Languages: English. Category: Travel. Price: Free.

New York Subway Map

As essential as any app could be when travelling around NYC, you need to know where you are going and how to get there. This application can be completely customized between your daily life of work and social engagements. Touch the stations tabs or follow them on the map, you always have the most up-to-date information with this app.

Languages: English. Category: Travel. Price: Free.

NY Times – The Scoop NYC

Want to know what events are going, which restaurant to try out and where to have a coffee or even plan a day trip. Then this regularly update application from The New York Times is the perfect app for planning your time in New York. One feature I really like about this application is that Sam Sifton, restaurant critic, has shared his 50 favourite restaurants and bars!

Languages: English. Category: Travel. Price: Free.

MoMA – The Museum of Modern Art

If you are like me, then trying to understand modern art on my own is a pointless effort, I need someone or in this case, something to explain it to me. Cue the arrival of the MoMA app that provides you with an audio guide and gives you information on one of the world’s finest collection of modern and contemporary art.

Languages: English. Category: Education. Price: Free.

Explorar – The American Museum of Natural History

This app comes loaded with exhibit tours and has the option to create a custom tour, plus if you get lost in a maze of history, you can use the built in GPS to locate your position. With its built-in navigation, you have precise directions to any exhibit you want, and at the same time it gives you a complete overview of the history.

Languages: English. Category: Education. Price: Free.

The article was written by Steven, a travel writer & blogger for Nycvacationrentalsonline.com, providers of over 350 New York holiday apartments for rent.