Europe & Beyond

For The First Signs of Spring

February is the month for snowdrops. If you love spring flowers, why not book a few days leave,  plan a road trip and have a whistle stop tour of some spectacular gardens? It’s a great time to visit – no crowds and heaving car parks, and the warmish weather has encouraged many plants to show their colours early. You’ll be covering a lot of ground, on foot and in your car, so ensure you have comfortable shoes, check your car insurance renewal is up to speed and head for these beautiful spaces, for a spot of early plant hunting. If you are member of the Royal Horticultural Society, it’s free entry too!

Hyde Hall – Chelmsford Essex

There is always something new going on at Hyde Hall – where you can enjoy year round colour and interest. Take at look at The Robinson Garden for specialist plants – or Clover Hill has natural planting, with great ribbons of snowdrops and crocus.

Wisely Gardens – Woking Surrey

Wisely covers a  huge site, you’ll easily spend a day here and there is so much to experience, from the giant rock gardens, to the new lakeside planting schemes bamboo forests, bluebell woods, and giant magnolia trees. There are plenty of places to enjoy a break and, of course, if it’s really chilly, you can always visit the magnificent Greenhouses, which take you through a range of climates, from temperate to hot, dry desert. Wisely has an excellent library and resource centre and regularly holds specialist lectures, art exhibitions and local events, so you could find yourself being spoilt for choice here.

Rosemoor  - North Devon

Rosemoor Garden covers about 26 acres in all – and has a wonderful woodland area, with thousands of spring bulbs and primroses. The scent is heavenly! Although significantly smaller than it’s sister garden (Wisley) it is very well laid out, and the surrounding countryside is great too – you could stop off for a trip on Exmoor National Park, or head out for the beaches of Saunton Sands or Woolacoombe, both well known surfing spots.

Caerhays Castle – St Austell Cornwall

Caerhays is stunning – with open, airy gardens, with a castle, complete with circular turret. The surrounding woodland was the work of J C Williams, a keen gardener who funded plant hunting trips to China in 19^th century. Springtime sees the gardens smothered in spring bulbs, and there is a National Plant Collection of Magnolias to view – and of course, Cornish Cream Teas are on, offer should you start to flag.

Members of the RHS can visit from Gardens from 13^th February until June.

You could test your stamina and do all four gardens in five days, or better still, pick a couple to visit and take a leisurely look at the countryside as you drive along the way – you’ve got the rest of the year to pick up speed!

Vienna – For The Finer Things In Life

Vienna is a beautiful place to visit throughout the year and there is a plethora of different events and sights.  Here is a short list of some favourites places to see and things to do to whet your appetite. With plenty of flights available you’ll be enjoying the high life within a few hours of touch down!

Best Of The Ballrooms

Finally, it wouldn’t be right to visit Vienna without enjoying one of it famous formal dances.  The Vienna Medical Doctor’s Ball takes place in the absolutely jaw-dropping ballrooms of the Hofburg.  Just the building alone make its worth visiting – the decoration and architecture are second to none.  The ball raises money for a variety of good causes – a ticket is usually 100 Euro’s per person – steep but worth it!  However, if you are lucky enough to be a student and can prove it -  then you should be able to get a ticket for 35 Euro’s. It takes place on the 28^th January and has a strict black tie dresscode. If you are lucky enough to get a ticket remember your camera   to record the night – stunning surroundings, an excuse to dress up, fine food and drink.

Burggarten Vienna

Enjoy a meal with a difference at Palmenhaus.  This is set in the flower-strewn Burggarten which lays in Vienna’s Innere Stadt.    Here you will be able to take in views of the Imperial Palace through amazing glass walls.  Take a slow stroll around the grounds and enjoy unbelievable surroundings of palm trees and exotic plants while dining on some fantastic Austrian cuisine.

Palmenhaus is open from March until December and opening times and prices vary according to the day and season so always make enquiries ahead to avoid disappointment.

Vienna Dragon Boat Racing

If you like to take in a good competitive sport then the Dragonboat Cup is great to watch.  It happens across various dates in June and of course, it’s completely free of charge to watch.  Alternatively, anyone can enter, so if you have a team, you can pay 990 Euro’s to enter and compete to win the coveted Trophy Cup and a  cash prize.  This is a great competition to watch, with teams battling it out racing across Austria’s lakes at unbelievable speeds.  Its a buzzy atmosphere, with supporters dressing up and vendors selling refreshments as well as plenty of entertainment and music to all add to the feel-good factor.

Free Opera

Finally, if you prefer a cultural experience, then Opera Live On The Square takes place in May in Herbert Von Karajan Square.  All public transport leads here, so it’s a bargain night out!  This event is free of charge and allows you to watch open-air screen performances of  opera performances.  Bring a picnic, sit under the stars and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and performances. The shows are shown on selected days throughout May with a daytime showing at 4pm and an evening showing at 8pm. What more could you want? It doesn’t have to be expensive at all, and with a cheap flight to kick the whole thing off – you won’t be returning to an empty piggy bank either!

Bali For A Paradise Adventure

Bali is a paradise island. Lush rice terraces, temples, rain forests and beautiful coast line, draw in visitors who want to experience adventure, culture and relaxation on a grand scale. Balinese people are friendly and helpful – always ready to lend a hand to travellers going off road! Check out the cheap flights to Bali, and get planning for the trip of a lifetime!

Hiking Boots On

The Mountain Village of Kintamani can be found 1400 meters above sea level and from the top there are superb views of the landscape. If you love caves, take a trip to Goa Gajah, and see intricately carved  Elephant Cave, chipped out of the rock in the 11^th century,  alternatively, Gunung Kawi has tombs carved out the rock face of the gorge found on the Pakerisan River. To view them, be prepared for a nail biting descent through the greenery – cameras at the ready!

Village Life

Celuk Village is the home of Bali’s chief silver and goldsmith workers. Celuk jewellery is intricate and delicate and almost everyone in Celuk is involved one way or another, in the design, creation or selling of balinese jewellery. Ubud Village is  the place for budding artists and has a thriving dance and music scene. You can take traditional music and dance classes here, and they run everything from Kecak, Legong, and Ramayana Ballet – these dance styles are theatrical, intricate and physical challenging. Ubud is about 300 metres above sea level, so it’s cooler climate is great for getting active.

Wildlife

Batubulan is home to The Taman Burung Bird Park is perfect for bird lovers – there are over 250 exotic bird species living here from all over the world. The gardens are magnificent, brimming with tropical plants, water features and a Rain Forest aviary. The café here also encourages visitors to interact with some of the tamer creatures, so you can enjoy a drink with a feathered friend on your chair!

Hire a bike and undertake the Kintamani Volcano tour – the route takes you through secluded villages for an authentic view of Balinese life. Or visit Bedugal, where you can go into the tropical mountain rainforest. Bedugal is a superb spot for photographers – fabulous plants and wildlife surrounds you, but if you fancy seeing some major wildlife, then visit the Bali Elephant Camp, near the old village Carangsari. It’s also close to the Sangeh Monkey Forest – a winner with children! Pala Trees are found here – very rare on Bali, and there is an ancient moss covered Temple to be discovered, where the monkeys lounge in the heat of the day.

Beaches, Rivers and Dolphins

Jimbaran village is located south of the airport in the Teluk Jimbaran Bay. It’s a well known beach spot, but nearby Kute,  retains it’s traditions of night fishing and religious ceremonies – this has been their way of life for centuries.

If you really want to test your nerve, take to the boiling waters of The Ayung River, which is the major river in Bali. Aim for the West side where you can see monkeys, magpies, and swooping bats.

Tanjung Benoa and Sanur coastal resorts have plenty of opportunity for strenuous activity – jet ski-ing and of course, Parasailing, offering up fantastic views of the shore line and greenery beyond. If you like the water, but prefer a more relaxed approach, book a seat on a Dolphin Tour – and enjoy a close encounter with these magical creatures.

Bali has it all, beach life, the great outdoors, culture, fabulous food, history and fun. It’s a holiday for the senses – and this stunning place will make you want to come back again and again. And with cheap flights – it’s possible!

The Beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains

Ninety minutes drive out of Atlanta Airport, you’ll arrive in the fantastic Chattahooche National Forest, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia. Travel on  I – 575 and Highway 515 and you will find yourself gazing at some of Americas’ most beautiful and spectacular landscapes. To get there, you’ll need to check out the flights – a few minutes searching on the web will bag you a bargain. If you enjoy the outdoor life, you’ll be amazed at what you can experience on a trip to The Blue Ridge Mountains. When you arrive, make a stop at The Fannin Country Chamber of Commerce Welcome Centre – and find out whats happening in the local area. The Welcome Centre can found on No 152, Orvin Lance Drive in Blue Ridge.

What Can You See?

So where to start? One of the best ways to see the countryside is to take the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. It runs from March to December and on weekends until June 13^th and then daily through July. It’s 26 miles long and takes about an hour and half, plus some stop over time to explore – a really great day out. October is the peak month so for more information check out the timetable with www.brscenic.com.

Town Life

Blue Ridge and McCaysville are key towns in the area, and Blue Ridge in particular, is well known as being a show case for artists. There are lots of galleries, art events and festivals and for a full list of what’s going on take a look at the areas Events Diary. McCaysville  town, which spans two States – keep an eye out for the Blue Line which divides Georgia and Tennessee. The Toccoa River, flowing North, changes into the Ocoee River, making it’s way into Tennessee.

Outdoor Pursuits

There are so many outdoor pursuits to enjoy – you can try your hand at horse trekking to the nearby waterfalls, tramping on ancient Indian paths. Fish in the crystal waters of the Toccoa River and bag a trout in one of the best fishing spots in the whole of Georgia. Or if you want to keep dry and on two feet, try your hand at fruit picking at one of the Old Farmsteads such at Mercier’s, known for their delicious blueberry products.

If you enjoy music – there are accoustic sessions held along the Toccoa River at Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park every Thursday evening from Memorial Day to October – bring your violin, a fold away chair and a picnic and indulge in some of the finest mountain music you’ll ever hear. Take a Ghost Tour, or at weekends, visit the Drive In Theatre – again, opens from Memorial Day to October.

Bit of Background

Like much of America, the seasons are clearly defined. Spring is cool – but there can be highs of 60 degrees. Summer is pleasantly warm days and cool nights. Snow fall can be heavy in winter, with the mountains covered in immense blankets of snowfall.

The area has witnessed the arrival of white settlers in the late 1790’s,  the enforced removal of Cherokee Indians in 1838, and the fallout from the American Civil War. The railroad originally bypassed the County Seat, becoming more accessible from the 1920′s with the beginning of a new highway. This area is so huge – big skies, big valleys and mountain ranges – perfect for a real get-away holiday so once you’re on way with a cheap flight – you can leave the world behind and get hooked on mountain life.

New Events To Experience in Rome

If you’ve been to Rome a few times and are looking for a few new places to visit, here are a few of the top events that  Italians love but visitors rarely find out about! Airline tickets are out there now, so keep the mood upbeat for the year ahead, and get a break in beautiful Rome.

Alta Roma Fashion Show

Of course Rome is famous for its love of fashion and so where better to visit when in Rome than a fashion event?  The AltaRoma show takes place from the 28^th to the 31^st of January and combines traditional fashion shows with a host of additional events and performances to give it a real twist.  Here you can expect to see the most extravagant outfits and new fashions while at the same time enjoying new talent and unconventional side acts,  such as fire jugglers and amazing dance routines.  It really does make for an great day out. It is hosted at the Complesso Monumentale Santo Spirito which is in Saxia, Rome.  The easiest way to get there is to head towards the Vatican City and then follow the signs. Even if fashion isn’t really your thing, this show is a must!

Rome Independent Film Festival

The Rome Independent Film Festival, or RIFF to the locals is another annual event.  This runs through the month of March and allows you to enjoy productions from fledgling directorss and film makers wanting to make a name for themselves.  Some viewings are completely free of charge and there’s a dazzling array of  films genres – there really is something for everyone.  Check out the RIFF website for an up-to-date list of viewings available.

Rock In Roma Concerts

The Rock In Roma annual concerts take place during June and July, and are always held out of doors to embrace the warm weather. Previous concerts have included acts such as The Cranberries, The Chemical Brothers and Fabri Fibra, so you are sure to see top names here – it’s a fantastic atmosphere, hot music in the warm summer air. Concerts are held at the Ippodromo Delle Capannelle which is a stunning environment.  You can get there by using Line A on the Metro and getting off at Colli Abani.  Alternatively, you can catch Bus 664 that will take you to within walking distance of the entrance. Each different event has its own pricing, but tickets are usually between 23 Euro’s and 46 Euro’s with some concessions also available.  Just make sure that you book tickets quickly (online booking is available) since this is very popular with locals.

Rome is so accessible now – just a quick scan of the flight bargains will have you cheering on the New Year – holidays are still affordable!

Sunshine And Blue Skies To Lift The Spirits

While we all know the dangers of overexposure to UV rays, during the winter our bodies can crave the sun.   Sunlight levels increase Serotonin which makes you happier, while vitamin D prevent or improve conditions such as bone disease, muscle pain and high blood pressure.  If you are looking for relaxing winter sun, and don’t want to stay in the confines of a hotel, why not consider a luxury villa within a hotel resort? You will have space to relax and the hotel could include spa facilities, where you can be sunned, pampered and treated.

Private Island Paradise

Nothing is more relaxing than “getting away from it all” and what better way than holidaying on a private island? While major Caribbean islands attract the most tourists, the area includes many smaller islands, plenty of which are uninhabited – the Bahamas alone contains over 700 islands!

Where to stay: Look for resorts where you can enjoy privacy, without feeling secluded. Peter Island’s Spa on The BVI is one of the finest in the Caribbean.  The 1,800 acre private island combines stunning scenery of green hillsides which lead down to beautiful beaches and sparkling bays, with excellent sporting facilities, all set in a private environment. The spa hosts 12 treatment rooms, its own pool, steam rooms and private Jacuzzi right on the beach. Enjoy the best of both worlds, privacy and space in your own villa and pool, yet save the hassle of cooking with all meals included from the resort.  If you want to get out and explore further, choose the Crow’s Nest and Falcon’s Nest, which come with their own vehicle for exploring the island but also private staff including a chef.

For Some Sun Closer to Home

Egypt can offer spiritual getaways to help you relax and unwind. Throughout Egypt, yoga holidays are becoming increasingly popular. They give you concentrated time to focus on your practice and will help you rebalance your three cores and leave you feeling completely re-energised. Yoga can be practiced in some magnificent destinations such as Mount Sinai, or the Sinai desert.

Just five minutes’ drive from Naama Bay with a variety of restaurants, bars and shops, and ideally located for a number of fascinating excursions on land and sea, the Villa Marjina is a remarkable villa in a stunning location on the Mount Sinai peninsula. The villa is elegantly furnished in contemporary Egyptian style, with a superb range of modern amenities. The outside areas are superb too; the villa has its own beautiful private pool which is accompanied by a poolside mini-bar and showers, while shady pergolas overlooking the sea and the lawns dotted with tropical plants and trees are perfect for relaxed and informal meals and lounging.

Set in a beautifully green garden from which a short, stepped path leads to a private lagoon-side beach, the views are quite spectacular. The villa is located five minutes’ walk from the Sharm Sheraton 5-star Resort, the main hotel and its facilities, all of which are available to villa guests including a beautiful spa where you can relax and unwind and enjoy the 24-hour room service.

Combining Christmas Cultures in Santa Fe

If you are looking to experience a really different sort of Christmas, consider a trip to Santa Fe in America. Founded in 1607 by westerners – its real history begins with the Indians and there are still villages or pueblos surrounding Santa Fe, each with their own winter traditions. Festivals here are a blend of cultures – there’s traditional dancing and chanting, but there is a nod to European celebrations too so you’ll still have elements of a traditional Christmas if you want. Flights can be got for great prices right now, and a new Christmas experience might be just the thing to break away from those Christmas routines!

Farolito Lights

Christmas in Sante Fe is uniquely colourful, combining hundreds of years worth of traditions from Native American, Spanish and Anglo cultures. It’s sunny in the day, although cold, and can go down to about minus 7 degrees at night! Lights are everywhere – candles are placed in little bags of sand – and these decorate every ledge, staircase, square, fountain edge. The effect is stunning. There are big bonfires, and singers roam the streets. There are train rides through the snowy countryside and ski-runs for those needing a piece of the action.

The celebrations are at their height from 23^rd to 26^th December and there is lots to experience in those few days. Some of the most interesting and innovative art in America can be found on Canyon Road or around the central Plaze Square. Gallery owners open their doors and encourage viewers in with a glass of cider, which has been heated and spiced up. Great for thawing out to – while you wander round and look at the fabulous creations of steer heads skulls, rugs, and tapestry works.

What There Is To Do

You take out a ski-ing pass for a day, or get your walking legs for a hike to the Dale Ball Trails. Children will love the Christmas themed train rides, complete with cookies and hot chocolate and Christmas stories! There is a wonderful Christmas Performance held at the Loretto Chapel, before you talk the Walk of Lights. Street lights are dimmed or turned off, so the effect of the lights is really magical. You can attend a real Christmas Midnight Mass at St Francis Cathedral – a big event for locals.

There are some excellent museums, such as the Georgia O’Keefe Museum or the Palace of the Governors, built in 17^th Century. Sante Fe is the oldest US capital city, and has the oldest road – called the El Camino Real – running all the way to Mexico. Christmas is a busy time of year, so make sure you have somewhere to stay before you set off, and if you can, find a room with a kiva fireplace – perfect for curling up in front on a cold and starry night.

It’s a straight forward route to get to Albuquerque, the nearest airport and there are lots of international flights out there, so take a break from the routine – and head down Mexico way, for a fiesta filled Christmas!

Three of The Best From The Island of Madeira

Madeira is perfect for a winter break – you’ll get an average of 6-8 hours sunshine a day and its warm sun and blue skies are a much needed tonic for anyone who dreads the winter months in northern Europe! There are some great bargains on holidays and flights out there so head for the sun in this tropical paradise and enjoy some of the quirky and wonderful things to see and do!

The Best Madeira Wine Shop

Artur de Barros e Sousa Rue dos Ferreiros 109, Funchal

You are walking up the beginnings of a steep hill, looking for the elusive Medicinal and Aromatic Gardens when you are sidetracked by a touristy wine outlet…tempting, but just past it, on the right hand side, you spot a cobbled corridor, lined with barrels leading into a vine covered courtyard. You go in…the air is filled with the heady scent of sherry wine. There is a seating area, where you are invited to sample your favourite type of wine – be it dry, medium dry, medium sweet or rich. One sip and you are hooked. Artur and his brother keep this family run business going using traditional methods. They buy grapes in small quantities from growers all over the island, making vintage wines which are aged and developed through the traditional barrel method. The wine is heated naturally by moving the barrels through floors of the store house – the heat developing the complex flavours of the grape. They don’t sell their precious wine in shops, or as yet, abroad, but if you decide to buy, you will have a unique opportunity to drink wine of exceptional quality made with care, both for the grape and the grower. The brothers speak good English – and are always happy to settle in for a good chat over a glass. A great experience for lovers of fine wines!

The Best Tea House and Museum – Universo de Memorias

Be  prepared for a few surprises. The Universe of Memories is an eclectic collection of memorabilia acquired by ex Secretary of Tourism,  Joao Carlos Abreu. The Collection is housed in a beautiful building which is easy to miss! It’s located opposite the entrance to the Quinta da Cruzes Museum on Calcado do Pico in Funchal. When you go through the gates to House, there are patterned walkways, sweeping staircases, flower beds and exotic plants. The patio area, looks over the streets below and is covered in bright pink bougainvillea. Abreu travelled and collected widely in the course of his work;  you name it – it’s here. See the original bathroom now full of hats (what else?) and the Tie Collection Room – over 1000 are displayed under glass on the floors, walls and ceilings, stuck on with crystal tipped pins. It’s not a big house but  it’s crammed full with over ten thousand items to view – and the collection is still growing! A guide will accompany you, pointing out special items along the way.

The Best Mandolin Orchestra – Madeira

For an entirely different orchestra experience, try and see the Madeira Mandolin Orchestra, who play every Friday at the English Church in Fontal. It was established in 1913 and it is now the oldest Mandolin Orchestra in Europe. They have toured widely, and have been to the UK twice, touring with the Tenor Carlos Guilherme, with Conductor Jorge Salgueiro. They performed at St. George’s Chapel Windors, to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and it is hoped they will have a chance to perform at the Diamond Jubilee. Concerts are held in The English Church, Funchal, which has great accoustics, and the orchestra’s current youngest performer is 10 years old. It is mostly tourists who attend the concerts, but they are generally enthusiastic affairs with an appreciative audience and you can buy a CD for a momento.

Enjoy a trip to Madeira, with its uniquely laid back approach. It’s a three and a half hour flight to a tropical island, where the locals are happy to be helpful and not leave you floundering with the madeiran dialect. Book yourself a bargain holiday and flight with easyjet and relax in some warm winter Madeiran sun!