Beautiful Places To Inspire You

It is well known that Italy is full of beautiful and historic cities. With an incredibly rich heritage, fine medieval architecture and a huge range of artistic wonders, Italy is truely inspirational.  Here are three cities to visit for artistic treasures. Before you finalise arrangements,  have a look at exchange rates online , and don’t forget to pack your paintbrush and palette.

Rome

Rome has more works of art per square meter, than any other city.  With so much variety, it would be worth compiling a schedule of places to visit to ensure that you see as much as possible.  Featuring high on that list should be the Galleria Borghese, home to one of the world’s most extensive art collections.  The Galleria Borghese  has a number of Caravaggio paintings,  although two famous ones have gone on loan to Scuderie del Quirinale – these were David with the Head of Goliath, and John the Baptist.

A trip to the Borghese is essential – it’s a beautiful building in itself, with stately rooms, and mosaic floors. There are some stunning sculptural pieces here, such as the sculptures by Bernini,  particularly the  Apollo and Daphne sculpture, showing the nymph as she transforms from a woman into tree with her fingers becoming leaves and the figure of Apollo, taking flight. Its breathtaking to see it – the marble is so fine it resembles silk.

You will need to book ahead, since number are limited, and you’ll have a few hours to wander the galleries. Tickets can be booked online at www.ticketeria.it. Monday is closing day.

If you like your art a little more contemporary, head over to the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna for work by Van Gogh, Monet and Cezanne.

Venice

Built on water in the middle of a huge lagoon, Venice is a city that exudes beauty and romance. Throughout the city you will find countless galleries, exhibitions and museums, among which is the Gallerie dell’ Accademia, which remains of one Italy’s most  prestigious and grand art galleries. Located on the south bank of the canal, the Accademia houses a stunning collection of Venetian masterpieces, spanning five centuries of art and comprising four principal collections. These include Renaissance, Ceremonial Paintings, Byzantine and International Gothic and Baroque Genre and Landscape.

Florence

Considered one of the most important centers of Renaissance art and architecture, you will find a wide range of artistic marvels throughout this beautiful city. There are over 60 art galleries and museums to be discovered here, including the Uffizi Gallery, where you’ll find the famed Venus by Botticelli as well as work by Da Vinci. Afterwards, make your way to the Gallery of the Accademia di Belle Arti to catch a glimpse of Michelangelo’s David, or head to the Duomo cathedral for magnificent views over Florence.

Take A Trip Off The Beaten Track

If you are thinking about Spain Holidays and want to take off over the next few months, here are a few places to visit to give you a taste of what’s out there.

Valencia

Valencia has a Biopark, which is an animal friendly, ecologically aware centre, open to visitors. The park has been sectioned and the landscaping is superb, so you can “visit” the savannah grasslands and Madagascar – which is where the beautiful lemurs will stare you out! Children love this place, since you get to see to wild animals in an environment which reflects their real environments much more than most zoos.

Seville

Seville has The Alcazar Gardens, where you can enjoy the lush greenery and summer evening concerts. Seville Cathedral is huge, and everything in it is larger than life. It also has a Bell Tower, which you get to by climbing up about 35 steeply sloped ramps! Visit the Old Cigar Factory Building where Bizet’s opera, “Carmen” is set and wander along the riverside down to the Expo Seville site, which has plazas, fountains, museums and cultural venues.

Jerez

Jerez, going deeper into Spain, has a strong history of sherry production and is home to traditional Flamenco. The old town in Jerez is made up of tiny alleyways, leading to lilac tree lines squares. Come evening, entire families come out to eat, and sing the evening away over a couple of bottles of good red wine. The Jerez Flamenco Centre and Museum is marvellous – an old building with a library full of flamenco films both old and new, a cinema, and a dance school. There are also gardens, Arab bath houses, great tapas bars, and local clubs where flamenco kicks off at around midnight. The sherry houses (bodegas) are fascinating too – and your entrance fee includes a sampling session of the range of sherry available from the Bodega store. Children will love the Equestrian Centre where the finest Spanish horses display their incredible balance, strength and appitude for dance!

Get Active In Central Spain

La Pedriza is close to Madrid, and it’s known for its great walking with Granite Mountains to test your fitness levels. Or try Avila, which has glacial mountains. From the giddy heights of the top, you can look down on a lagoon, sitting in the hollowed out bowl of the mountain.

South Coast Spain

For uncomplicated family fun, head for the south coast, where you have Malaga, Costa De Sol, and Fuengirola.   The coastal resorts in Andalucía are geared up for tourists, so there are plenty of eateries, English is widely spoken, and getting around is easy. There are all the usual seaside recreations on offer such as water parks, cable cars, trips into the mountains, and fast boats over to The Rock of Gibraltar and North Africa. Malaga is sophisticated, with beautiful stores, authentic eateries, a Picasso Museum, a Contemporary Arts Centre, and a Castle overlooking the town. Further down the line is Fuengirola, which although built up, has some really excellent restaurants to discover in the streets immediately behind the main road, which overlooks the long beach. And you can go up into the shady hills to visit Mihas, where there is a wonderful Wine Museum….with a little restaurant set deep into a cool courtyard. Perfect for a glass of chilled, dry sherry and a dish of local olives! Take a stroll up to the old Bullring, which is something of a rarity – its more square than round, and the views from the high seats are spectacular.

Spain has so much to offer that you’ll have new and wonderful experiences every day of your trip.

UK Staycations Are The Way Forward

It’s increasingly attractive to consider the benefits of a holiday in the UK. Not having to wait at the airport, or queue up for ferry boats is a real bonus when precious holiday time is short. When you want an uncomplicated break, there’s plenty of choice available; each region of the mainland has unique attractions and a wide range of accommodation styles such as leisure parks, hotels, cottages, and lodges. UK Holidays are ideal for people with young children, older people who have seen and done it all, or those who just want a quick break from the daily routine. Mainland Britain has so many quirky, hidden and interesting places to visit – wherever you are based, there will be a list of things to do – here’s just a few little known gems to temp to you to explore the mainland.

Central England – Secret Wiltshire

Box Tunnel, built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel is found in Box Village. An engineering marvel, it was one of the longest railway tunnels in the world for many years. Each year, on his birthday, 15^th April, the sun shines all the way through the tunnel. Bath stone was found during excavations and huge mines were excavated leaving giant caverns behind and during WW II, a subterranean city was created, housing communication centres, ammunition stores, and safety bunkers for the government, and the Royal family. Christopher Wren was born in the village of Knoyle. Silbury Hill is the largest man made mound in Europe and was constructed about 4,000 years ago! The worlds oldest photograph was taken at Lacock Abbey in 1835. The site is now owned by The National Trust and young people will enjoy a visit to Lacock Abbey since the cloisters were used as schoolrooms in the Harry Potter films!

East England – Norfolk

Norfolk is known for being very flat – so cycling and walking is easy! Norfolk is the home of Colman’s Mustard, where they have a specialist shop in Norwich. In the 16^th century, immigrant weavers settled into the area, and brought specialist skills with them, and Canary birds. Norfolk canary birds were well known for their colour and song and the local football team is still known locally as The Canaries. Edith Cavell, the nurse who helped hundreds of allied soldiers escape from Belgium during WWI, was born and buried in Norfolk and Viscount Nelson, Englands greatest naval hero was born in Burnham Thorpe. Beautiful Houghton Hall, near to Kings Lynn is open to the public. It has peacocks and white deer, and the biggest collection of model soldiers in the world, is still housed in the stables.

North England – Northumberland

People in Northumberland are known as Geordies, because it’s main town, was the only place to support King George I against Jacobite rebels during the 1644 civil war. The worlds first electric light bulb was demonstrated in Newcastle and the first electric lightbulb company in the world was set up in Benwell, Newcastle. The Black Gate in Newcastle also houses a museum for Bagpipes – something of a rarity! Bamburgh Castle is a mighty fortress, great for exploring. Alnwick Castle is the third largest inhabited castle in England. The Battle of Flodden took place in Branxton, and the area is thought to be haunted, so it has a pull for ghost hunters. Newcastle is a full of life, so you can sample every type of restaurant and entertainment going – but the countryside and gorgeous coast line are easy to access too,  so you can have a really varied holiday in this part of the world.

Magic And Mayhem In The Old Towns Of Morocco

“We just came back from the other world, from the old town medina” commented a man sipping his drink on the table next to ours,  “ what a difference there is between the old and new town”. I had to smile to myself.  Yes, he was right, Marrakech and Morocco holds quite a few surprises for many tourists traveling to this destination for the first time.

Why Is Morocco So Different?

The Imperial cities of Morocco are divided into two parts – the old city, called Medina and the new  town. The newer cities were built when the Frech governed Morocco, and generally, these are modern place. Some of them have very interesting Art Deco architecture and there are no high skyscrapers blocking the skyline, not even in Casablanca. You will see modern, airconditioned restaurants, night clubs, clothing shops and  supermarkets – even McDonalds eateries!

On the other hand, the old medinas are places where the cities originated. These areas  have small, narrow, cobbled streets, passable only on foot or on a donkey. Donkeys are used as the key form of transport in the old town, because they fit through the narrow streets. They are esential when it comes to moving all kinds of goods through the city. The streets are lined by many souks (markets), where you can buy some astonishing souvenirs, such as hand woven rugs, leather bags, little morrocon leather shoes, decorated with gilt, sequins and beads.

Stay In A Riad

There are many homes built in the traditional  Moroccan style, in the old towns. Externally, they look alike, plain and unadorned, but inside they tell a different story. Many of these homes have been converted into Riads.  A Riad is a type of hotel or Guest House. They have rooms built around the central courtyards with windows facing the courtyard. Many years ago, they preserved privacy, particularly for women. Many have internal pools with fountains and green plants, which thrive in the shade. These Riads provide traditional and authentic accommodation and for anyone travelling. For lone explorers, they are very much recommended, since they are often family run.

Market Life

There are plenty lovely squares and old mosques in the old towns. The most famous square is the Djema El Fna Square in Marrakech,  and you’ll see all life here – street dentists still pull teeth here, in full view of cheering spectators. You can have your hands decorated with  henna or just listen soak up the colour and scent of this thriving, bustling market.

During your travels in Morroco,  you will enjoy a huge range of eateries, from up market restaurants to fantastic street food – make sure its piping hot! You’ll get better at haggling as you go along, and traders are happy to encourage you to try your hand at bartering. And of course, don’t be shy when it comes to Belly Dancing – this ancient art form is enticing – and its also great fun to let your hair down, and if invited….join in!

Its what makes travel to Morocco authentic and unique – new sights, smells and experiences.

Take Out Cover And Enjoy Your Travels

You’ve planned, saved and you’re shortly to set off for the adventure of a lifetime – your Gap Year has arrived! You’ve put in many hours of research, planning your route, reserving places to stay, and booking in for some fairly radical sporting challenges…bungee jumping in New Zealand and surfing in Australia. It’s great to be testing yourself and taking on physical challenges, but when you’re away from home turf, you want to be sure that if you a have problem, you’ve got some recall andaccess to some reliable, practical help. Insurance isn’t exciting, but a few minutes of your time now could save you time, energy and a lot of money on your trip.

Cover For Sport

Taking out gap year travel insurance is going to be a wise move, whether you are travelling for fun, undertaking voluntary work, or completing a course of study. From the moment you start your journey, you and your possessions (and your travel arrangements!) can be protected from the mishaps that often come along, in spite of the best laid plans.

Think of it – you get to your destination in one piece; you’re feeling pretty good about life. In the first week of your voluntary placement, you have an accident on the farm you’re based at, and need to go for medical treatment. With insurance, any costs incurred can be recouped and if the situation turns out to need something extra, you’re covered and, worst case scenario, you can access help to get home.

When you are away from home, you often have the opportunity to try out new things, such as fantastic sports like scuba diving or white water rafting and there is nothing like the rush of taking a free fall sky dive! Landing, on the other hand, is another matter – most of the time of course, all is well, but the occasional problem can be remedied with the help of your insurance.

Personal Belongings

Most people now have access to variety of electronic gear. It’s part of everyday life for the majority of young people travelling to have a mobile phone, a computer, or electronic book system. They cost quite a bit to replace and we are increasingly reliant on them to keep up to speed with what’s going on in the big wide world. If you lost or damaged your personal belongings, it would be easy to see it as a disaster, since these items contain so much information that is important – so cover would at least enable you to replace the items! You can upgrade your travel policy to get your personal items insured which could save you a small fortune from your travel budget.

Flexible Cover

There are flexible policies available which even offer you the chance to come back home for a few weeks. You might find your course has been cancelled on your arrival, and you can be reimbursed a set amount, up to £1,000 in the event you have no course to go to! Cover is available for anyone between the ages of 16 to 45 years, so whether you are a spring chicken, or a more mature traveller, getting your insurance cover sorted will take no time at all, and then you can get on packing your rucksack!

Beat The Post-Wimbledon Blues With A Tennis Holiday!

Novak Djokovic has bagged his first Wimbledon title and Britain’s biggest tennis event is over for another year. If you are missing the sounds and sights of the tennis courts, you might be thinking about dusting off your racquet. A tennis holiday could be the perfect alternative to a knock about on a rainy UK court. You can enjoy a holiday, get super fit and have fun playing tennis.

Playing tennis for three hours a week can burn off in excess of 1,000 calories. By improving your racquet skills on a regular basis, you can get fit and stay fit. Competitive tennis is also reported as burning off  more calories than aerobics, inline skating, or cycling. Physical exercise improves concentration and stamina, so an active sports holiday in a great setting could be just the ticket for summer. Tempted?

European Tennis Resorts

If an overseas tennis break takes your fancy, there are plenty of activity holidays on offer, providing fantastic tennis facilities in resorts in Greece, Portugal, Sardinia and Corsica. The Lakitira Beach Resort and San Agostino Beach Resort, both in Greece, boast 21 tennis courts and 10 tennis coaches between them. In addition the Ocean Club Beach Resort in Portugal has a specialist tennis centre with 5 tennis courts and resident coach – an ideal place for learning new skills and improving your serve.

Tuition is available for complete beginners through to club and county level players, and coaching can be provided which is really helpful when there’s a group of balanced ability students, or if you prefer tuition on a one-to-one basis, there is individual tuition for players aged four years and upwards.

Off Court

There are friendly tournaments and evening social matches throughout the week. Off-court , you can enjoy a leisurely drink with your tennis partners. And for families, there are some great complimentary childrens clubs which are available for kids aged 2-17 years. Using the Kids Clubs means adults can relax and enjoy their time on the court, knowing that their children are safe and happily occupied. A sports focussed holiday is perfect for making new friends and contacts and giving your energy levels a real boost.

Everybody wins with a tennis holiday!

Tartans, Bagpipes and Fantastic Adventures!

Scotland is one of the most underrated holiday destinations in Europe.  There’s something for everyone, including great campsites and mountains for adventure holidays, cottages  for short-breaks and fantastic family entertainment to keep children and adults captivated.

Scotland  has 790 islands including  the Northern Isles and the Hebrides. Most of these can either being flown to, or you can take a car on a passenger ferry. Public transport in Scotland is slow paced, but reliable,  easy to use. So its no problem to take your car or hire a car at Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport.  Whether you’re looking for golden sandy beaches, wonderful woodlands or majestic mountain scenery, Scotland has it all. Some of the popular attractions Scotland has to offer include:

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe

‘Edinburgh’ is the largest comedy and performing arts festival in Europe and takes places every August for three weeks.  It is held in Edinburgh and thousands of performers take to a multitude of stages all over the capital city to present a wide variety of shows. Theatre, opera, musicals, exhibitions, music, dance, comedy and other kinds of events ensure that your tastes will be catered for! There are also loads of childrens’ events, including theatre, storytelling and magic shows, plus hundreds of jugglers, stilt-walkers and buskers. Staying true to the history of the festival, anyone who wants to perform and can find a venue to host their show, is included in the festival’s programme. So should you feel like putting on a performance of your own, you are welcomed to sign-up. Find out more about the festival and get tickets at www.edfringe.com.

Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park/Edinburgh Zoo

Located in Stirling, this is one of the most fun and exciting family days out in Scotland. Take a boat trip around the chimp island and experience the wonderful sea lion show.  Bears, lions, tigers, bison, elephants, rhinos, zebras, giraffes and camels are just a few of the interesting and exotic animals which are sure to make this a memorable holiday experience for the younger members of the party. If the Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park leaves you yearning for more, with over 1,000 rare and endangered animals, the Edinburgh Zoo has much more to offer. Find out more at www.blairdrummond.com.

Durness Beach/Pease Bay

Scotland has wonderful beaches. Admittedly, you should not expect warm waters, but there are beautiful sandy stretches and wildlife scenes,  walking routes and picnic spots. Of these, Durness Beach, referred to by locals as ‘The Secret Beach’ was noted as Britain’s most beautiful beach by The Guardian in 2009. Despite that, it remains a beach that few know about and even fewer are willing to tell you about. To get to there, head due east from Smoo Cave Hotel in eastern Durness until you reach the cliffs, and then follow them south to the beach. It’s less than a mile. With toffee-coloured rocks and smooth desert-like sand, this beach provides a private beach experience (perfect for families) due to the secrecy surrounding its location. For those who prefer a more active beach experience, Pease Bay is another popular place. Its long sandy beach is ideal for chilling out – its got a great atmosphere too.

Chanonry Point/Fort George

Chanonry Point is one of the most popular on-shore locations in Scotland for viewing Dolphins. No camera or binoculars are necessary as the dolphins can be seen from close quarters as they fish and play just off Chanonry Point. Visitors also have the opportunity to visit Chanonry Point and Fort George, an 18^th century Fortress with one of the best artillery fortifications in Europe.

The People’s Palace

The People’s Palace is a historic Palace which tells the story of Glasgow through a collection of historic artefacts, paintings, prints, photographs, films and interactive computer displays, providing an educational as well as an interesting and engaging experience.  This attraction will provide everyone with great insight into how Glaswegian society has evolved over the years. Visitors are also welcome to wader among the exotic winter gardens.

Castles

Scotland also has many marvellous Castles.  Adults can enjoy the architecture and the insightful guided tours, while children can make the most of their freedom on the high walkways and secret passages. There are quite a few to choose from, some of the best include Stirling Castle, Dunrobin Castle, Kelburn Castle and Cawdor Castle.

Most visitors to Scotland arrive in one of its four international airport; Edinburgh, Glasgow, Glasgow Prestwick and Aberdeen. Unless you are staying in one of the main cities, public transport can be a little limited and limiting. Visitors can pre-book car hire from their destination airport for the duration of their holiday.  Take the opportunity to spend time driving through beautiful landscapes – better than the morning rush any day of the week!

Going Away But Don’t Want To Leave The Car?

Living in a big country? Thinking of relocating for the summer and want to take your own vehicle along? Then auto shipping is what you might need to consider. It’s becoming more common among summer holiday makers, who might want no want to drive from one end of the country to another. This is a particularly useful service, if you have a special or adapted use vehicle. Auto shipping services can help bring your vehicle from home to your summer base – quickly, safely and affordably.  Here are a few key tips to keep in mind when preparing for your shipment.

Insuring Your Vehicle

Although many auto shipping services guarantee safe and reliable transportation of your car, it is better to be safe than sorry! Insure your vehicle before shipment. Some companies are required to offer Carry and Cargo insurance; others offer extended insurance plans. Thoroughly investigate the insurance offered by the company. Find out what is covered and what is not covered, how much damage you are covered for, and what else you need to do to be completely insured.

Storing Other Moving Items In Your Car During Transportation

Some auto shipping companies allow you to pack items in the car, and some don’t. It is best to find out what your company’s policy is for transporting other items in the car. Keep in mind that the items you put in your vehicle may not be insured even if your car is.  Do you have a piece of furniture to bring to your summer home? You might just be able to bring it along if it fits in your car instead of spending the money on shipping furniture.

Inspecting Your Car Before Shipment

Before your car is picked up for shipment, assess and record any damages to the vehicle such as scratches and dents. Take photographs and make sure you keep a set somewhere safe. When your car is delivered, you should go through the same inspection process to check for any damage that might have occurred during shipping. On the rare occasion that there is damage, you should note the damages before you accept the car. This will be a big help in supporting any insurance claims.

By keeping these factors in mind, you will be ahead of the game come the day of your auto shipping date, and fully protected from any unfortunate mishaps, making your summer traveling more enjoyable! Safe Shipping!

Submitted by Transit Systems, Inc. (TSI) who provides moving and shipping services. TSI specializes in ground shipping services, including small moves and long distance moving assistance.