| Budget Travel Guide, South East Asia Travelling, Europe Travel Guide, Travel Blog UK

March 5, 2014
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Comments Off on The latest item that is always in my travel bag!

The latest item that is always in my travel bag!

As you all know, I try to travel as light as possible. I cut out anything that I think I won’t need or will weigh my bag down, there’s nothing worse than trekking from bus/train station to your hotel with a huge bag! Of course there are always items that you simply must travel with, without them we would be lost. My bag usually has the following necessary items in it; laptop, camera, passport, travel tickets and cash, of course there are clothes but I don’t think we need to remind ourselves that we need to pack them – well I hope not guys. Now there is one more addition to the above list, Bimuno’s TRAVELAID!

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You always here about these great new inventions that will help you with any stomach problems whilst on your travels and are always sceptical, I saw this one and thought it would be the same as the rest. How wrong I was! Travelaid is absolutely fantastic and perfect to put in your bag when you go off on your travels or for a short break.

Bimuno make a wide range of prebiotic goodness for all of us. Prebiotics help support your gut’s ‘good’ bacteria, and that in turn can help our bodies to get rid of all of the bad bacteria that can end up causing us problems.Their product TRAVELAID has been designed to help people that travel to avoid getting an upset stomach which could end their holiday.

We’ve all been there, we go to a new country which has a different culture and cuisine to the one that we are used to back home. Then one day out of the blue you can’t leave the hotel or guest house because you always need to be in close proximity to a toilet. It’s the best way to lose a day or two from your holiday, if you’re on a tight schedule that could be the difference between seeing one of the UNESCO world heritage sites and not – everyone wants to avoid that happening! Well, with TRAVELAID you have much less chance of that happening to you.

It could be easier to take, which makes it absolutely perfect for me because I sometimes get lazy when on the road. All you have to do is chew two pastilles a day, that’s it guys! There’s no mixing a powder in to your food or drinks, you just pop two of the tasty pastilles out of the pack and in to your mouth. You can then go about your day as you planned, it’s perfect. The guys over at Bimuno really have come up trumps on this one, the product is perfect for travellers in every way.

You will be able to find the Bimuno products at all good chemists. You can also find them online; the Bimuno website – www.Bimuno.com – you can find them on twitter @BimunoUK and their Facebook Page is always good to find out about the latest products, promotions and competitions.

February 18, 2014
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Comments Off on Top tips to travel Europe by train

Top tips to travel Europe by train

Travelling through Europe by train is one of the best things that you will ever do! It’s cost effective, comfortable and quick, that is why so many travellers choose to buy a ticket that will take them to every corner of the continent. With so many great sites giving you an insight into eurail it has never been easier to book tickets and find out all of the information you need. I have been fortunate enough to see Europe using the amazing rail network on offer, here are my tips for those that want to do the same.

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Finding the information you need

When you are travelling it can sometimes be difficult to find the information that you are looking for. When you are at a station look out for the information desk, the person at the desk may not be able to provide you will all of the answers you need if they are very busy. If you need to find out what time trains are leaving then look out for the yellow posters around the station. Always have faith in strangers, I was helped out by so many people along the way. People are nice wherever you are in the world, so if you are stuck just smile and ask someone nicely.

Buying your ticket

Some people like to buy their ticket as they go, if that is what you’re doing then you will need to head to the station early to do your planning. I prefer to organize everything in advance through TGV, it means that things are easier in the long run. It also means that you don’t have to worry about budgeting for travel when you are on the road because you have it sorted already.

Onboard the train

You will find yourself travelling long distances on trains, do not worry about eating because you will find that the long distance trains will have restaurants and cafes on them. It is a good idea to stock up from a local supermarket before you travel if you are on a tight budget. Pick up some simple food that will keep you going until you reach your final destination.

February 7, 2014
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Comments Off on Absorb the Milan Lifestyle

Absorb the Milan Lifestyle

Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world alongside London, New York and Paris. If you are visiting this fine city in northern Italy you can learn much more about fashion, shop until you drop but also discover that there is so much more to this fine city than fashion.

There is a fairly sophisticated tourist infrastructure in Milan and you will be able to get guides to introduce you to the finest sites so that you can spend further time exploring the things that really interest you. You can even get someone to show you the real fashion district. There is a walking tour based around Via Montenapoleone where you can see a host of fashionable shops and take a closer look without any pressure to buy.

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Introductory tours

Tours offer you the chance to see one of the finest churches anywhere in the world Milan Duomo, La Scala the world famous opera house, the San Siro Stadium which is shared by Milan’s two soccer giants, AC Milan and Internationale, and a location that is less famous, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

You can actually visit the San Siro and see the museum chronicling the history and achievements of these great clubs both of whom have been European Champions. Similarly you may want to look behind the scenes at La Scala if your interest is drama and opera. However the jewel in the crown is the church.

Da Vinci

The church may not be famous in itself but its contents most certainly are, Leonardo Da Vinci’s the Last Supper is painted on the refectory wall. There are huge crowds wanting to see this masterpiece and the best way to avoid long queues is to go on organised Milan Tours that can get priority for a group. Preservation of the masterpiece has always been a challenge and one of the limits put in place is the restriction of numbers allowed in to look at it at any one time.

Brera

Brera is the district of intellectuals and artists, the equivalent of Paris’s Left Bank and close by is a historic fortress, Castello Sforzesco which houses museums and art collections. This is a historical place with literature and antiques at every turn. There are bars and restaurants that you may see on an introductory tour that are worth coming back to experience.

Italians are known for their style and fashion sense and of course for their cuisine. Nowhere are these elements better represented than in Milan. Once you get your bearings you can spend your time exploring fashionable districts, learn more about the history and culture of the city and dine in fine restaurants. City holidays are sometimes not the best way to relax but in Milan you are likely to relax into the lifestyle very easily.

Image attributed to Freedigitalphotos.net Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee

January 25, 2014
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Comments Off on Quirky shopping spots around Newcastle

Quirky shopping spots around Newcastle

As well as its fair share of high street stores, Newcastle boasts some quirky and unusual shops, making it a fantastic place for a bit of retail therapy. Of course, you can pop to H&M or Debenhams anywhere in the UK, which is why I’m going to focus on a few of the city’s more quirky offerings.

High Bridge Quarter

What I love about shopping in Newcastle is that many of the city’s top independent stores are located in one area – High Bridge Quarter. This is not only a real mecca for shopaholics, but also one of the most historic parts of the city, boasting cobbled streets and old buildings.

The district is a hive of activity and it’s not only retailers who have set up here – there are a host of independent restaurants, bars and pubs too, so you can easily spend an entire day in the area without needing to go anywhere else.

It’s easy to get to High Bridge Quarter – which includes Upper High Bridge and Old George Yard – as it’s just a two minute walk from Grey’s Monument. If you want to find accommodation in the heart of the action, take a look to see what NewcastleGateshead has available.

Quirky stores in High Bridge

There are many amazing shops in the High Bridge Quarter, offering something for everyone. One place that all fashionistas should head to is Attica Vintage, where you’ll find a wide array of vintage clothing dating from the Victorian period right through to the 70s and 80s.

In addition to garments, Attica also sells furniture and accessories, so you can kit out your home with some stylish vintage pieces from whatever era you love. As if all that wasn’t enough to get you interested, Attica was named by Vogue as one of the best stores outside London in 2012.

Deep Vintage is another store that’s caught my eye as a great place for unique and exciting finds, with plenty of authentic vintage clothing on sale that will revamp your wardrobe. Deep has built up an excellent reputation since opening in 2004, so it’s a must-visit on your shopping trip.

However, High Bridge is a great place for more than clothes shopping – there are a host of other interesting outlets to be uncovered here. One of the most prominent is RPM Music, Newcastle’s oldest music shop.

You won’t find the standard chart toppers here, but you will be greeted by an amazing array of music from a host of genres, including indie, rock, soul, hip hop and funk. As well as CDs, this shop sells vinyl, music DVDs and merchandise like T-shirts. What’s more, it also hosts gigs, so you could just discover the next big thing on a visit to RPM Music. It’s also the place to come if you want to pick up concert tickets for most of Newcastle’s best music venues.

Take a break

If you fancy a break from shopping, there are some excellent independent cafes and restaurants to visit in High Bridge. You can pop into Blakes Coffee Shop for a caffeine boost, grab a beer at The Duke of Wellington, which is famous for its selection of real ales, or discuss the day’s shopping at Newcastle’s oldest pub – The Old George Inn.

Another option if you want a bit of time out from splashing some cash is to stop by BALTIC 39 – a hub for contemporary art where you can browse exhibits by local creatives and even see the artists at work in their studios.

December 21, 2013
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Comments Off on Visiting Vegas: Information for first timers

Visiting Vegas: Information for first timers

Millions of people flock to Las Vegas each year, whether it’s to get hitched, a stag or hen do, to gamble or to have a wild weekend, there is something for everyone in Vegas. The city is iconic and a place that everyone wants to visit, it has appeared in so many Hollywood blockbuster movies that the main attractions are familiar to everyone. If you haven’t seen vegas before then you can expect excess like you haven’t experienced before, casinos galore and the most famous strip in the world. It is a place where dreams are made, and where people head to have the time of their lives. To make sure that you have the best holidays to Las Vegas we have drawn up a list of some great advice for you to follow.

Wear the right clothes
Remember that you are in the desert so the weather is hot, very hot! You should expect that whilst it is very hot outside, when you head into the casino the temperature will be freezing due to the fact that the air con is working over time. Your natural instinct is to wear as little as you possibly can, but you should bring a jumper or cardigan with you to wear once you head inside. If you’re heading to Vegas during the winter months then remember that the desert also gets cold during the winter as well.

Always open
Vegas is open 24 hours so you’ll be able to eat and drink at any time of the day, you will always be able to gamble! The city doesn’t get quiet at any time really, there are always people out eating and enjoying themselves. If you feel the need for a midnight snack then you won’t have any problems finding a 7-11 to get whatever you need.

Drink plenty of water
One of the most important things you need to do is keep hydrated. We already mentioned that you will be in the desert so it is going to warm and may even be a shock to your system. The temperature hits an average of 105 degrees during the summer months. Make sure that you always have a bottle of water to hand, this is even more important if you have been partying and drinking lots of alcohol. If you have kids then you have to make sure that they are drinking water all the time. A lot of visitors suffer from heat stroke, this can easily be avoided if you are strict about your water consumption.

December 18, 2013
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Comments Off on UK Christmas Markets

UK Christmas Markets

One of the best Christmas traditions is wrapping up warm and going down to a beautiful Christmas Market for a cup of mulled wine, a mince pie and a look at some amazing & unique gifts. Originating in Germany, Christmas markets have been around since the 15^th century – being so popular back then that a priest wrote a letter of complaint that he could not hold the Christmas Eve service since “no one was present, as they were all shopping for Christmas gifts”

German Christmas markets have grown in popularity throughout recent years, so much so that almost every town and city holds their own. But with so many to choose from, which one do you go to for your festive outing. Zoover have created a list of some of the best markets in the UK, including information on opening times, the market size and some interesting facts to get you in the Christmassy mood. Remember, rent an apartment in London is the best way to save money

So enjoy and let us know which market you’ll be visiting this year:

Zoover collects thousands of holiday reviews from destinations all over the world, they provide information from travellers to give you everything you need for the best experience on your holiday. Zoover have found that one of the most popular destinations in 2014 will be Playa de las Americas (http://www.zoover.co.uk/spain/tenerife/playa-de-las-americas) in Tenerife, Zoover have all the reviews and tips to make this your perfect holiday.

December 13, 2013
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Comments Off on Gran Canaria: The Luxury Wind of Change

Gran Canaria: The Luxury Wind of Change

When it comes to cheap and cheerful holidays, Gran Canaria is the stand out island in the Mediterranean. With cute but budget hotels overlooking the beach, food stands everywhere you turn and the continuous heat of the sun right up until early evening, what more could you want from a holiday destination? Gran Canaria has been like this for a number of years, attracting millions of tourists every season with their all inclusive resorts and family orientated accommodation. However in the midst of all the scrambles for deck chairs and getting the last of the include drinks in before the bar closes, there’s a wind of change making its way across Gran Canaria, and its of the luxury nature.

Working to a Budget

As you stretch your view across the sands of Meloneras, a dramatic line of beautiful, luxury hotels have slowly been appearing, with fantastic balconies looking out to sea. Each are 5 star, with their own huge pools, spas, world class restaurants and marble receptions to welcome their guests. Surrounding these hotels are designer boutiques and boulevards, modern yet traditional. From a new pair of shades or swimming trunks to diamonds, gold and silver, this is a place for couples to treat themselves as well as a hub for singletons.

If you’re working to a budget, then the mega hotels in Meloneras will most likely be outside your price range during the high season. But if you’re looking to take a break on the off season, lets say a week in the February half term, then these luxury resorts could easily be in your price range, bearing in mind they’ll be deserted. Furthermore, for the best prices on flights during this time, be sure to book at http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/flights/Gran-Canaria-Island/for flights to Gran Canaria. Speaking of resorts, The Lopesan Baobab is another new kid on the block, and as soon as you see its expansive grounds it will instantly take your breath away!

The Lopesan Baobab

Situated around 300m from the beach, the Lopesan Baobab is a striking complex. Not only is it modern, but its also a feat of architecture unlike anything else in Gran Canaria. Much of the building is of African design, so it seamlessly fits in with the rest of the island, but its grandeur is particularly highlighted by the empty surrounding sand dunes. The only way to describe the entrance to this resort is ‘giant’, with a huge 50m roof stretching high above a raised walkway. Below the walkway are crocodiles and flamingos – models of course, but it’s the little things that make all the difference.

Inside the grounds of this luxurious resort, you’ll find nothing less than peace and tranquillity. The gardens are simply stunning, and there are even small areas of sand creating small islands; some even have their own waterfalls. With plenty of lounger space between the poolside and the bar, and a fantastic restaurant between you and the rest of the island, it’s a shame that The Lopesan Baobab is so utterly flawless – because you’ll find it hard to leave, limiting your experience of the rest of the island.

December 12, 2013
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Comments Off on Tips for a holiday in Kenya

Tips for a holiday in Kenya

Kenya is on the top of many lists of places that people want to visit, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole of Africa. People take a lot of time to plan their holiday of a lifetime and with good reason, if you want an expert to guide you through the booking process then check Kenya holidays with Thomas Cook. They will be able to talk you through everything on offer and plan your trip according to your needs. The sun will always be shining when you go to Kenya so you will get your much needed dose of Vitamain D. Here are some top tips to help you with your Kenya holiday.

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Camp where you can

If you’ve been on camping trips before then you will love camping out in the wilderness, if for some strange reason you have never spent the night in a tent then throw yourself into it and go camping in Kenya. The places where you will witch your tent will have facilities such as toilets, showers and food to buy.

Budget accommodation

If you are travelling on a budge then you should look in to the Kenya Wildlife Service bandas that are in national game parks. They offer great value accommodation for those that are looking to save extra pennies. The accommodation is kept clean and in order, the fact that they are located in some of the countries most famous national parks means that they re great value for money. Due to the fact that it’s budget accommodation you will have to bring your own food, that isn’t an issue because it is easy to heat up some food or eat sandwiches.

Book early

Remember that you will not be the only person looking to go on holiday to Kenya, both expats and tourists will be hitting the main tourist destinations so it is best to book your accommodation early to avoid disappointment. During peak times the accommodation and tours can fill up quite quickly, so don’t hesitate and take too long because your ideal trip might get booked by someone else.

Do your homework

If this is going to be a holiday of a lifetime then make sure read as much as possible whether it be in books or online. You need to find out as much as possible about the places you are going to visit and the route that you want to take. By doing your research, talking to friends and trawling through forums you will certainly find some hidden gems that you would otherwise have missed.

December 11, 2013
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Comments Off on Traveling in Europe; trendy neighbourhoods

Traveling in Europe; trendy neighbourhoods

People traveling Europe have to agree that each city has something special to offer. Some cities are known for they party scenes, some for great live music while others are offering great architecture, history and a lot of culture. That is the common knowledge. But what if you want to order some food? “Pommes rot-weiss” – What the heck is that you ask. Easy, that’s how Germans order their chips with ketchup and mayo. Or the drink of the city? Ever heard of Pimms? The English love it. It tastes like Ice Tea but has alcohol in it. Wouldn’t it be great to have a guide that provides you with some of the local knowledge?

Momondo designed this great interactive guide that will tell you where the trendy neighbourhoods are, what to eat or drink and where to go out.

November 24, 2013
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Comments Off on Witness the Grand National in person next spring

Witness the Grand National in person next spring

The world of horseracing is a mystery to the uninitiated, but there are some races and race courses that filter through to all people, no matter how little they know about racing. The Grand National, which takes place every April at Aintree, near Liverpool, UK, is one such race.

Everyone’s heard of it, and millions of people watch it live on the TV. And if you’re going to be in Britain when the The Crabbie’s 2014 Grand National takes place on 5 April next year it’s worth taking a trip up to Aintree for the race, so you can drink in the atmosphere on the day itself.

So if you’re planning to go and watch the Grand National, how do you go about picking the winner? Well, the Grand National is such a gruelling race that although 40 horses start the race, there’s no realistic chance that they will all finish, so it’s a notoriously difficult race in which to call the winner.

Sometimes, it’s best to choose the name of the horse you like best, as it will have as much chance as the rest of making it over the finish line first! But if you want to more scientific about it when you’re sorting through the Grand National odds on Betfair, bear in mind that it’s a handicap race so the weight plays an important part when you’re looking at picking a winner. Generally, you are unlikely to back a Grand National winner if you choose one of the top weights, although the winning weight has been creeping up in recent years. Also, look at the age of the horse – in recent years, winners have been between 8 and 11 years. These two factors should narrow down the field significantly. Then it’s a question of looking at what odds Betfair and other betting exchanges are offering on particular horses and deciding if you want to back a favourite or a long shot.

Of course, while you’ve taken the time to travel to Aintree, you should leave some time to look around the vibrant city of Liverpool. Home of the Beatles, and a city that has a rich maritime history, there is a lot to see and do in Liverpool. Combining a trip to Aintree with a couple of days in Liverpool is a great way to explore the North West of England.