Wild Junket » Short Getaways

Rural Tourism: Unique Ways of Exploring the Countryside

Nellie Huang — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:26:00 +0000

Since getting bitten by the travel bug, I’ve been introduced to rural tourism on several occasions: olive-picking in Southern Spain, staying at an eco-lodge in the mountains of Guatemala and experiencing farm life in Western Australia. Rural tourism is a way of exploring and immersing in nature – and it often leads to surprising and unusual finds. I’ve become a huge fan of rural tourism, especially after setting up our base-camp in Spain. For those sharing the same interest as I do, here are some unique ways to explore rural tourism.

Eco-Lodges and Farm stays

With more people becoming eco-conscious, green hotels and lodges are popping up all over the world: Besides the usual self-catering country cottages, there are many unique eco-accommodation on offer these days from tree houses to Mongolian-style yurts. Farm stays are also a popular option in Australia and it gives you the chance to mingle with locals and get a good feel of their rural lifestyle. You can often combine these stays with vacation packages to explore various faces of a country.

Culinary Experiences

From olive-picking to wine-tasting and truffle-hunting, there is no shortage of culinary experiences in the countryside. What better way to get a good feel of a country’s gastronomy than to understand where they come from and how they are produced. During a recent trip to Tuscany, I had the pleasure of visiting Azienda Agricola Spazzavento, a farmhouse that grows/produces rich,organic foods. I sampled home-grown tomatoes, olive oil and cheese; the flavors were outrageously tasty and remarkably fresh.

Walking Holidays

Walking allows us to explore our surroundings in a more intimate way – we can take in the details of the scenery, and new panoramas are constantly around the corner. Walking holidays can be guided or independent, depending on your preferences. Combining a few days of walking with eco-stays make for excellent ways to explore places like the Picos de Europa in Spain, the Italian Cinque Terre and the Atlas Mountains in Morocco.

Holistic Retreats

Eco-living and wellness often go hand in hand. With an increase in eco-consciousness comes a rise in awareness of spiritual and psychological wellbeing. Whether you are a stressed-up blue-collar workaholic or a long-term spiritual traveler, holistic retreats provide an uplifting experience and a rejuvenating break. Holistic retreats are conducted in rural areas due to the tranquil setting and natural surrounding. They can range from yoga retreats to meditations courses and body-cleansing programs.

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The Undiscovered British Isle: Jersey, UK

Nellie Huang — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 20:58:15 +0000

Almost 100 miles away from mainland Britain lies a group of gorgeous, sun-kissed islands. The archipelago, known as the Channel Islands, are far south of mainland Britain yet only 14 miles from the coast of Normandy, France. With its location along the French coastline, it’s hard to believe you’re in British territory. This week, after taking a look at London, we’re going to explore more secrets of the UK.

The Channel Islands

Steering clear from the summer tourist trail, the Channel Islands are far from being a tourist hotspot. Few people make it here and those who do are often blown away by the natural beauty of the isles: think turquoise beaches, hiking trails and sun-kissed shores. Blessed with a temperate climate, the islands see mild winters and cool summers, perfect for outdoor travelers.

The Channel Islands are an archipelago of British Crown Dependencies made up of various tiny isles, among which Jersey stands out for its impressive landscapes and nature. It’s easy to see why Jersey is the most popular island for visitors.

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, you can get gorgeous sea views from virtually every point on the island. Jersey’s terrain is sculpted beautifully by nature, featuring a plateau sloping from long sandy bays in the south to rugged cliffs in the north. Dramatic valleys cut through the island in a north-south direction.

The coastline is unpredictable: ranging from majestic cliffs to wide sandy beaches to secret rocky coves. What’s most intriguing about Jersey is its tide: the island actually grows and shrinks twice a day as the tide ebbs and flows in excess of 12 m – one of the highest tidal ranges in the world.

What to see in Jersey:

Albeit small in size, Jersey is packed with historical monuments, museums and stunning bays and beaches. The imposing Mont Orgueil Castle stands majestically above the Gorey Pier and offers a stunning view of the coastline. History comes to life at Mont Orgueil Castle, which for 600 years protected Jersey against French invasion. Explore the network of staircases, towers and rooms to discover hidden treasures.

Built on a rocky islet in the sweeping St Aubin’s Bay, the Elizabeth Castle retains a strong sense of regal grandeur despite centuries of presence. The castle is accessible at low tide by foot or the castle ferry which will transport you across the bay to and from the castle.

The Jersey War Tunnels tells the true story of the Occupation of Jersey during World War Two. The tunnel complex, formerly known as Höhlgangsanlage 8 (Ho8), is made up of a series of galleries detailing Occupation history. It is one of the island’s most popular tourist attractions as well as an important site of heritage conservation and interpretation.

Thanks to its proximity to Normandy, traveling to Jersey is relatively convenient and easy via budget airlines. There is a myriad of hotels in Jersey to suit travelers of different budgets – from the plush L’Horizon Spa and Hotel to the humble and affordable Beachcombers Hotel. It’s a matter of time before travelers discover this gem of an island, so be sure to get there before the others do!

Photo Credits: images by Paula Funnell.

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Top 6 Cities to Visit in the U.S.

Nellie Huang — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 19:31:00 +0000

From the monumental Statue of Liberty to the stunning Grand Canyon, the United States is blessed with countless attractions, natural wonders and a mixture of cultures and ethnicities. But most of all, it’s home to some of the greatest cities in the world. Some of these cities are well-known for their urban culture, while some boast the most vibrant beach culture. Whether you’re a culture vulture or a holidaymaker, there is a city for every type of traveler. Let’s take a look at some of the best cities to visit in the United States (based on my own opinions).

1. New York City

The Big Apple is America’s pride and joy – a massive metropolis chocked full of ethnic districts, charming restaurants and attractions. New York is perhaps the most photographed and filmed city in the world, with its sprawling skyline appearing in thousands of movies and series. Sometimes known as the capital of the world, New York has also inspired countless classic songs. When in New York, the first thing that most tourists do is climb to the top of the Empire State Building for a 360degree view; then wander through the nightlights of Times Square and mourning the loss of lives at Ground Zero.

2. Las Vegas

A city designed for hedonistic pleasures, Las Vegas is a giant entertainment centre packed with the best casinos, resorts, spas and restaurants. Sin City is a fantasy land for many and a perfect weekend escape destination where you can while your time away on slot machines and shopping malls. But Las Vegas is not all about casino games. Las Vegas’ proximity to unique national parks such as Grand Canyo, Red Rock and Death Valley makes it an attractive travel destination not only for party goers but for nature lovers as well.

3. Miami

Boasting rich Latin American flair, Miami stands out for its unique ethnic districts and exotic flavors. Some say that amidst its colorful Art Deco architecture and laid-back atmosphere, it’s easy to forget that you’re in the United States. The miles of sandy beaches in Miami are lined with trendy hotels and chic restaurants, making the city one of the sexiest in the country. If you’re looking to party like there’s no tomorrow, you can’t go wrong in Miami.

4. Los Angeles

Best known as the City of Lights, Los Angeles is a multi-faceted metropolis that springs one surprise after another for regular visitors. For first-timers, it may appear flamboyant, flashy and charismatic thanks to the snazzy Hollywood district and Sunset Boulevard. But explore a little more and you’ll find the true Californian spirit bursting out from every corner of LA – the sun-kissed beachside boulevards of Santa Monica and the bohemian enclaves of Venice Beach.

5. San Francisco

Packing both picturesque countryside landscapes and groovy urban culture into one city, San Francisco is a perfect travel destination for everyone, whether you are a city girl or an outdoors-lover. The cosmopolitan city is home to the lively Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Golden Gate Bridge and numerous gardens and parks. Let’s not forget the city’s trademark steep hills and vintage trolley cars. What’s best is the city’s dramatic location along the bay. Almost every point along the coast of San Francisco offers astonishing views of the area.

6. Seattle

Charming and aloof, Seattle has an air of mystery and subtle charisma – a characteristic that gives it an edge over its rival cities. Flanked by the Cascade Mountains to the East and the Olympic mountains to the west, Seattle stands at the base of Mount Rainier and is surrounded by stunning landscapes. Driving through Seattle on a clear day has been compared to floating on a cloud in an emerald sky. Seattle has been voted by many as one of the world’s best cities to live in, it’s easy to see why with its friendly atmosphere and easygoing vibes.

Photo credit: All photos from Creative Commons Flick by Stuck in Customs except Miami (by wmiami) and Seattle (by mtoo).

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Uncovering Croatia’s Little Secret: Pula

Nellie Huang — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 21:02:00 +0000

Turquoise bays, stunning beaches and fairy-tale-like cities: Croatia has earned itself the reputation as Eastern Europe’s sweetheart. Sadly, Croatia is no longer Europe’s best-kept secret since the influx of tourists seeking low prices and unexplored territories. But don’t despair – dig a little deeper and you’re sure to find something worth your while in Croatia. This week’s guest post by the travelsupermarket team gives us the lowdown on Croatia’s gorgeous historical town of Pula.

Situated to the east of Italy in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia has adopted many of its neighbor’s architecture and cuisines after the peninsula of Istria was conquered by the Romans in 177BC, and to this day Pula still has many monuments from the Roman empire still standing, in tribute to the history they helped form. Pula became part of Croatia, when Italian residents fled back to their native country during the war, leaving local Croats to make the city their own.

Getting to Pula

There are regular flights from London, Manchester and Edinburgh – you can get there within a few hours. But if you want to save a bit of cash on your flights, you can fly to one of the country’s smaller airports from the likes of Dublin.

Things to See in Pula

Let’s face it; you don’t go on vacation to sit in a hotel room so get out and see what Pula has to offer, and you’ll find that there is more than enough to keep everyone in the family busy for the duration of your holiday. Aside from the Roman architecture that populates the city, there is so much more to do including visiting museums, soaking up some sun at the beach, race against your friends & family at the speedkarting track or discover the local marine life at the aquarium.

No trip to Pula would be complete without visiting the huge Roman Amphitheatre, which was once home to gladiator battles, but now takes its place as a concert venue that has hosted the likes of Pavarotti, Jose Carrerras, Elton John, Sting and Jamiroquai to name but a few. The Pula Arena is the 6^th largest remaining arena from the Roman Empire, and the only one that still has all four side towers intact, along with the three Roman architectural orders still taking pride of place in the amphitheatre.

Flickr photo by Andreas März

The Temple of Augustus, the Gate of Hercules, the Golden Gate and the Forum are just a few of the other many Roman structures still standing in the area, while there is also the Archaeological Museum of Istria, home to many Roman artefacts discovered by locals over the years.

Croatia holidays are not just about history; there is so much more to the city. The port of Pula once thrived on its shipping trade, whereas nowadays you can head down to the Marina and admire the boats and yachts on display, while enjoying dinner one of the cafes and restaurants by the waterside.

Photo from Wikipedia

If you have children to entertain, then look no further than the aquarium. Children under the age of 3 don’t have to pay an admission fee, while entry for adults costs around £7 to see marine life from the Adriatic Sea, turtles, tropical saltwater fish and poisonous sea organisms, along with exhibitions that change regularly, often showing photographs taken underwater to, and there’s also a marine education centre for the children.

The Green Garden race track is also a cheap and fun day out; where you can race against your family other people on holiday. Prices differ depending on what size engine you choose, but expect to pay between £7-15. Green Garden also offers paintball and local safari tours.

If you want a different day out, then book a boat trip and visit the Brijuni Islands. Boats run daily from a small town just outside Pula called Fažana, and can be booked easily booked through your hotel or the tourist information office in Pula.

The Brijuni islands are a national park, consisting of 14 islands, but only two can be visited and you must be part of an organised excursion. There are dinosaur footprints, local wildlife featuring over 250 bird species, quarries and the resting place of the owner of the Brijuni Islands. Trips include a tour of the islands and a mini safari.

Photo from Wikipedia

Food and Drink

For those of you who want to try the local cuisine, three recommended restaurants are Galeb, Milan 1967 and Valsabbion, where much of the food is inspired by Italian dishes, along with Austrian and Hungarian influences on the Croat’s cooking. Seafood is no stranger to any menu, with Frogfish, sea bass and clams a popular choice among locals. If you want to try a traditional Croatian meal, then be sure to order buzara with Kvarner scampi.

Flickr photo by Intiaz Rahim

Other traditional dishes include fritaja and omelette; made with asparagus, truffles and dried sausages, or a thick local soup called maneštra which consist of beans, garlic, potatoes and bacon, accompanied by either chickpeas or corn. If you don’t want to try anything new, then you can order an Italian dish such as gnocchi and Fuži, which are both prepared with eggs and flour, and sauces made with onions, chicken and tomatoes.

Residents of Pula take pride in their local wine, as the region is the countries leading producer of top quality wines. If you’re after a red wine drinker, then a glass of Teran will go down a treat. The most popular white wine is Malvasia, while there are also other regional wines such as Borgonja and Hrvatica.

Croatian truffles which grown locally in the heart of Istria, and are rare outside of the region should be sampled, as it is unlikely you will anything else remotely similar anywhere else and the restaurants will laud you for asking for their delicacy.

Photo from come-to-adria.com

Transport in Pula

Pula has an extensive bus & rail network; buses are fairly cheap with most short journeys costing around £1, although there may be an additional charge for your backpack, so ask the driver if it is ok to bring a bag on the bus, some may say no, while others will just wave you on. If you are charged for your bag, it will only be a small fee of around 25p.

If you want to hop on a train to Zagreb for the day, a return ticket is around £28 (depending on the exchange rate), or if you wish to venture further and check out Slovenia, a train runs once a day to Ljubljana at around 9.15 each day, with a return costing between £25-30. Ferries to Trieste and Venice in Italy run daily from the main port.

If you decide to rent a car for a few days, please be aware that the speed limit in Croatia is a maximum of 55mph in most places, and you could end up with a large fine should you get caught speeding.

Car hire in Croatia is no more expensive than anywhere else in Europe, but be aware that if you hire a car in Croatia and drive into Serbia (or vice versa), you could become a target for locals as they are not too keen on their Balkans neighbors.

Local Information

Croatians speak English as a second language, don’t expect all restaurant staff to understand what you are saying, so try and learn a bit of the local lingo – you will endear yourself to those you try and converse with.

Pula enjoys a nice warm summer, as temperatures hit 28 degrees. Should you need to contact the British Embassy during your visit, their contact number is 385)(1) 6009 100.

Finally, the currency in Croatia is the Kuna (HRK). £10 is equivalent to 86.84 HRK.

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Paradise Renewed: Thailand’s Ko Samui

Nellie Huang — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 16:51:21 +0000

The sea was a shade of aqua blue, the sand pale pearly white and the surrounding foliage a blanket of emerald green. There was silence except for the sound of the lapping waves. I was on the island of Ko Samui and the last thing I had expected to find: tranquility.

It was all around me – everyday I awoke to a view of the turquoise sea; I would spend the day watching the water-buffalo swim before me and by evening, the ocean lulled me to sleep. At Upni Duniya, I saw a side to Ko Samui that few could imagine – laid-back, languid and unspoiled.

Samui is after all Thailand’s biggest island and it has been known as a backpacker’s party island for years. As a traveler seeking offbeat destinations, I had avoided it like a virus for decades. Having been away from Southeast Asia for the last two years, I hesitated when I was offered the chance to visit Ko Samui. Was I ready to face the tourist-clodded beach towns and disturbing signs of sex tourism?

I decided to give Ko Samui a shot and clearly it won my heart over. Beyond the raucous streets of Chaweng, I stumbled upon rare patches of quiet fishing towns, endless fields of coconut palm tree and remnants of its heritage and culture. The strings of charming villages and empty beaches definitely outweighed the few gritty towns that have given Samui its bad reputation. Those seeking to steer clear of the crowds, these are some offbeat towns and beaches.

Baan Taling Ngam – The Virgin Coast

The Virgin Coast, poised on the unspoiled South-West corner of the island, runs for miles without a single resort in sight. Due to its craggy shoreline, there is minimal construction here; instead you’ll find wide sweeps of coconut plantations and forests that cover hill slopes rendering the area extraordinarily green.

Taling Ngam has seen the least change of any area on the island, as though time has stood still. Many traditional wooden Southern style houses can be seen still standing in compounds with other out-buildings of the whole extended family. The rivers and bays harbor long-tail boats that bring in a daily catch of fish, while shellfish are collected by hand along the shore.

Choengmun Beach

Choengmun, a town that retains a tinge of authenticity, is home to a quiet bay and the massive Buddhist Kuan Yin temple. The temple itself is a reason worth visiting Choengmun for. With less than ten resorts stretched out across the turquoise beach, Choengmun makes an excellent base for those seeking tranquility. In the town market, chowhounds will be able to feast on colorful street food and outrageously flavorful local grub.

Ko Tao

Among the 450 islands that dot Thailand’s shoreline, Ko Tao is said to be one of the most beautiful isles complete with white sandy banks, sparkling clear sea and the ubiquitous longtail boats. Thanks to its proximity to Samui, many visit Ko Tao and its neighboring Nang Yuang Island (pictured below) on a day-trip. In recent years, it has attracted a loyal following of scuba divers and curious backpackers. Its convenient location close to the party isle of Koh Phangan puts it on every Thailand beachbummer’s itinerary.

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My trip was made possible by Upni Duniya and Thailand Medical Blog Contest, but all opinions are my own.

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Top Ten Travel Tips: Rome – Italy

Nellie Huang — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:03:35 +0000

Italy: a country bursting with so much passion and romance, few can resist its charms. It holds a special spot in my heart – a place where I fell in love with Alberto, all over again. Romance aside, the plethora of historical sights and cultural experiences Rome has to offer is endless.

From Roman Gladiators to Renaissance artists, Rome’s streets are crammed so full of history that it’s often impossible to fit everything into one weekend break – and that’s before we get started on the delicious Italian food that no visit to the city is complete without tasting. Luckily, Hotels4U.com resort manager, Gregg Walker is an expert when it comes to the Eternal City. From ice-cream to the Illuminati, his top tips will ensure that you have an incredible Roman holiday.

Image provided by hotels4u.com

1. Follow The Path of the Illuminati

If you’re a fan of the books or films by Dan Brown why not follow the path of the Illuminati and take an Angels and Demons tour around Rome? On your tour you can step into the shoes of Robert Langdon and attempt to crack codes and solve mysteries at the Altars of Science, whilst learning behind-the-scenes information on some of the historic buildings and monuments mentioned in the book.

2. Shop For Unique Food and Souvenirs

The flea markets are a great place to find original gifts and souvenirs. Here you’ll find almost everything under the sun and can practice your haggling skills. Browsing the famous piazza, Campo dei Fiori, means you can taste delicious and authentic Italian foods, cooked right in front of you. This market is where most Italians like to stock up their kitchen cupboards.

Flickr image by Storm Crypt

3. Discover The Bones of 4,000 Monks

For something a little more unusual, visit the Capuchin Crypt, which is located underneath the Santa Maria della Immacolata Concezione Church. This small space houses the bones of 4,000 monks, which have been artfully arranged to decorate the walls of a few tiny chapels. It’s open Friday through Wednesday from 9:00am until 12:00 noon and again from 3:00pm until 6:00pm, but it’s closed on Thursdays.

4. Skip the Queues at the Coliseum

No trip to Rome is complete without a trip to the Coliseum, but if you want to avoid the lengthy queues skip the ticket office and buy your ticket from the Forum instead, where the queues are much shorter and admission includes access to both attractions.

Image provided by hotels4u.com

5. Make Like Audrey Hepburn

Pretend you’re Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday (or Gregory Peck) and hire a scooter to transport you around Rome. This way you can avoid public transport, give your feet a rest and enjoy the freedom and excitement of seeing the City of Fountains in a different way.

6. Give The Pope a Wave

Why not go and say hello the Pope? Well, you probably won’t get that close, but you can catch a glimpse on Wednesday mornings, where he holds a general audience in St Peter’s Square; otherwise it takes place in the Sala Nervi audience hall. Be sure to tour the Vatican too.

Flickr image by Juan Rubiano

7. Discover the World’s Best Art

Have your breath taken away by some of the most stunning paintings in the world. Go to the Capitoline Museums (housed in palaces on either side of the city) to be acquainted with incredible creations by old masters such as Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and Caravaggio, and Bernini’s infamous statues.

8. Eat Italian Gelato

While you’re in Italy, you need to eat some ice cream, and not just any ice cream, but the tastiest in Rome. To sample some of this infamous gelato, make a turn for Il Gelato di San Crispino. Some say it’s the best ice cream in the world!

Flickr image by mtlin

9. Don’t Worry Over Your Taxi Transfers

Travellers worried about airport transfers to and from their Rome hotels can breathe a collective sigh of relief – taxis now have fixed fares to and from the airport which you can ask for upfront to ensure you are not getting overcharged.

10. Enjoy a Free Night Out

In the summer and during the Christmas and Easter periods there are many free concerts, so research what’s on before planning expensive evening activities.

This post is part of a monthly Travel Tips Series sponsored by www.hotels4u.com, where you’ll find Rome hotels suitable for all tastes and budgets.

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Off the Beaten Path: Hong Kong

Nellie Huang — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 10:27:34 +0000

Today’s sponsored post brings us alittle closer to home, the vibrant, dynamic city of Hong Kong. Riding on a tram to the top of The Peak, catching the Star Ferry across the harbour, gawping at the incredible skyline and shopping at one of the many markets are all must-dos when visiting Hong Kong. But if you want to come back knowing you saw a side to Hong Kong not every tourist did, you need to get off the beaten track.

Hike Up Smuggler’s Ridge

In the heart of the New Territories, an area dense with protected country park, Smuggler’s Ridge is a stretch of low peaks with vertical drops on each side, offering panoramic views over the bustling metropolises of Kwai Chung, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin, along with the long stretch of Ting Kao Bridge and the distant peaks of Lantau Island on one side, and the sparkling Shing Mun reservoir and verdant hillsides of various mountains on the other.

Photo from Hongkong Tourism Board

What really marks this hike as special though, is its history, which can only be truly appreciated if you ignore the signs warning ‘Danger. Desolate trench. Do not enter’. Do this and you will discover the remains of Shing Mun Redoubt. Constructed during WWII, the redoubt is formed by a series of underground bunkers and pillboxes connected by cement passageways that formed the key part of the Gin Drinker’s Line, an 18km-long string of defense positions along the hill separating Kowloon from the New Territories. The tunnels are named after famous London locations by homesick soldiers, and the inscriptions remain – ‘Shaftesbury Avenue’, ‘Regent Street’, Piccadilly’, and ‘Charing Cross’, and the main command post of the redoubt, ‘Strand Palace Hotel’.

Discover the Hidden Beauty of Tai Long Wan

This involves another hike, however it is one on which you are constantly rewarded by stunning views, empty trails, and, at the end of it, the beautiful Tai Long Wan beach. White sand, turquoise sea, rugged headland, and usually not a soul in sight. This is truly one of Hong Kong’s best-kept secrets and an ideal place to escape the crowds and noise of the city.

Photo from iloho

Do Tai Chi In the Park

If you’re an early riser, or if jet lag has forced you to become one, visit one of Hong Kong’s many urban parks to see elderly ladies and wizened old men doing their morning exercises, often to traditional Chinese music. Various types of Tai Chi may be performed, some with huge red fans, others with ornamental swords, but all of it absolutely captivating. It’s a tranquil way to start the day in an otherwise manic, bustling city. Try Kowloon park if you are staying in a Tsim Sha Tsui hotel, or Victoria Park if you in a Hong Kong hotel on the Island.

Flickr photo by rayparnova

Wander Around Hong Kong’s Local Markets

Hong Kong is justifiably famous for its markets selling clothes, bags, shoes, antiques, and furniture but its wet markets are just as fascinating and show a side of Hong Kong life that you might otherwise miss. The Chinese often visit the food markets daily to stock up on fruit, vegetables, fish, and meat, and the produce is so fresh that it is often still alive up until the point that you buy it, when it is killed, gutted and chopped right in front of your eyes – a trip to the wet markets certainly isn’t for the squeamish!

Flickr photo by msmccomb

Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei in Kowloon have good wet markets, whilst Central has one of the largest and Causeway Bay’s is worth a trip purely for the fact that it is located just one block from the glitzy Times Square shopping centre, full of designer stores and swanky restaurants. Here is a great example of Hong Kong’s extraordinary mix of old and new, traditional and modern.

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Quirky Weekend Breaks from the UK

Nellie Huang — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 08:42:26 +0000

Today’s sponsored post brings us all the way back to the UK where Europe’s delectable cities are just a short hop and jump away. While living in London 5 years back, I used to grab every opportunity I could to travel in the region – spending one weekend in Munich, the next soaking in history in Athens and another lounging by the beaches of Barcelona. Thanks to the extremely affordable budget airfares and free airport parking, going on short weekend breaks are easy, cheap and fuss-free. Here are some quirky ideas for a short weekend getaway from the UK:

Malta

As a popular summer destination, Malta is chocked full of stunning bays, turquoise bays and charming medieval towns. It is reminiscent of Sicily, Italy, yet retains a strong sense of its own identity. Skip Valletta and head straight to the charming town of Gozo instead and you’ll find a taste of authentic Malta. Easyjet offers return fares from Manchester to Malta from as low as £90 return (taxes not included). To park Manchester Airport, Holiday Extras provide a comprehensive selection of packages. Check online for the full airport parking fees.

Flickr photo by eurodrifter

Latvia

Located next to the Baltic Sea, Latvia is a rare gem that’s waiting to be discovered by European travelers. Few know about its charming coastal towns, eclectic medieval cities and rich nature, which is what makes it all the way attractive. Ryanair flies from Bristol to Riga, the capital of Latvia, with prices starting from £14.99 (taxes not included.) Holiday Extras provide you with a good range of Bristol Airport parking, simply pre-book on-site or off-site parking and avoid lengthy transfers and additional hassles.

Morocco

Washed in gorgeous colors and studded with chaotic bazaars, Morocco is a sensory overload. As one of my favorite countries in the world, Morocco has so much to offer to a traveler – from beautiful beach towns to desert landscapes and vibrant cities. Easyjet and Ryanair and several budget airlines fly from London to Marrakesh and Casablanca in under 3 hours.

Iceland

It’s unfortunate that Iceland is close to bankruptcy, but this is good news for travelers. What used to have the most expensive McDonalds in the world is now cheaper than before, and prices are definitely more affordable now. Iceland Express and Iceland Air can fly you straight from the hustle and bustle of London straight to the glaciers of Reykjavik.

Flickr photo by Stuck in Customs

Norway

Stretching from the cosmopolitan capital of Oslo to the fjord country of Trondheim and the arctic circle, Norway is blessed with some of the world’s rawest landscapes ever seen. It comes as a surprise to many that it’s just a 3-hour flight from the UK and you don’t have to break a limp to fly there for a weekend! Ryanair flies straight from London Stansted, Liverpool and Newcastle to Oslo, airfares starting from £19.99 one way (taxes not included).

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Berlin City Guide For Independent Travelers

Nellie Huang — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:06:00 +0000

Today’s guest post by Escapio.com brings us back to Europe and gives us a peek into Germany’s hip culture hub, Berlin. Compared to many of Europe’s capitals, Berlin is just coming into its own with regards to tourism. Appreciated by many who live here as western Europe’s last urban wilderness, a unique mix of down-to-earth culture and ultra modern city living is in motion.

For first time visitors, there is so much to see and do once you’ve managed to leave your stylish boutique hotel. Whether your interests are in art, architecture, sightseeing, nightlife or nature, here are some tips to get you started with entertainment and activities for the ultimate Berlin trip.

Visit Historical Sites

Berlin suffered heavy damage during World War II and many important historic areas of the city were destroyed – one of which is the Gedächtniskirche, a memorial church on Ku’Damm. The present building, which consists of a church with an attached foyer and a separate belfry with an attached chapel, was built between 1959 and 1963. The damaged spire of the old church has been retained and its ground floor has been made into a memorial hall.

A massive regeneration plan was put in place in the later part of the 20^th century and many of the churches, public buildings and landmarks were rebuilt as closely as possible to the original 17^th, 18^th and 19^th Century styles, like the Hotel Adlon and other buildings around the Brandenburg Gate.

Modern Architectural Marvels

Many of the historic sites you visit in Berlin are actually only a few decades old and you will not find many truly old buildings. Berlin is nevertheless an attractive city with some very impressive architectural features to enjoy. The must-see modern architectural sights include the Hauptbahnhof (the amazing new main railway station) and Potsdamer Platz, which features many of Berlin’s best modern structures like the Sony Center. There is also a vibrant shopping area along the famous Kurfürstendamm, which was the center of former West Berlin.

Outdoors

Berlin has a great zoo and aquarium which are ideal places for a family day out. Berlin also has some lovely green spaces like the huge Tiergarten park and old Tempelhof airfield – ideal for cycling, walking and picnics.

Flickr photo by possessus

Nightlife

Berlin’s contemporary nightlife has cropped up from a raving punk scene which took over derelict buildings and wasteland in the 90s to party 24/7. Now, the city continues to have a very lively and diverse scene and, with the influx of investment, some of the best restaurants, nightclubs and bars are in the world.

Flickr photo by DanferbPhoto

Prices are unbelievably reasonable and this is a great place to enjoy a wild night out on the town or relax with friends in a cozy café, restaurant or catch an art house film. If you fancy a bit of evening culture then Berlin also has many world class theatres, concert halls and live music venues with events on all year round. Berlin is known for its open vibe and you can find some very unusual nightclubs and events from Fetish themed balls and burlesque shows through to ultra glam drag clubs.

So don’t waste a moment, pencil in at least four days and make sure you indulge in this diverse city’s incomparable lifestyle.

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Top Ten Travel Tips: Marrakech – Morocco

Nellie Huang — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:57:00 +0000

Visiting Marrakech for the first time can be an exciting and magical experience – from exploring its labyrinth-like bazaars to sampling its outrageous cuisine. Trying to cram them all into one holiday can be a stressful experience and its often hard to know which activities and sights you should prioritize: which is why these Marrakech travel tips from Hotels4u resort manager, Gregg Walker, are so helpful – you’ll be making the most of this majestic Moroccan City in no time!

1. Steam & Scrub Up

Take a traditional Hamman and Gommage – it’s a hot steam room accompanied by a good old fashioned scrub. Not only will you feel as clean as whistle, and wonderfully relaxed, you’ll feel 10 years younger too.

For the uninitiated, it can also be quite an interesting cultural experience.

2. Find Marrakech’s Hidden Gem: The Kasbah

The Kasbah also known as the old town, is just like a film set. It’s important to keep your eyes open as there are so many hidden gems around every corner – from stunning architecture to excellent little Riads serving the best in local cuisine.

3. Take A City Tour

A city tour is an excellent way to find your bearings in Marrakech – they are reasonably priced and will show you the highlights. Then you can then go back and explore your favorite places at your own pace.

4. Enjoy Free Activities On Offer

Enjoy the free activities evening at the Place Fna El Jemma – as the sun goes down, this place hots up. Watch it change from a sedate daytime square to a full on Marrakech experience. Noise, sights and smells never to be forgotten can be found here.

5. Try Local Cuisine

A trip to Marrakech would not be complete without enjoying the best of local cuisine. Tajine, Cous Cous, Pastilla and wonderful fragrant salads usually form part of a local meal. There are so may restaurants to chose from, some of the best are in the hidden Riads.

6. Have A Great Night Out

For the best night out, start with pre-dinner drinks at the Piano Bar in Les Jardines De Koutoubia, to feel like you’ve stepped back in time, then wonderful food at one of the world class fashionable restaurants in town. Taxi’s all the way but make sure you set the price before you get in.

7. Go Shopping

The whole city is a shop! Stock up on local souvenirs, but remember to barter as it is most certainly expected. Herbs and spices from a Berber Pharmacy will always be a talking point at dinner parties, trinkets, candles, Arabic clothes, you name it you can get it. You can even ship larger items home to avoid those excess baggage charges.

8. Know Your Transport Options

The best way to get around is either on foot or by taxi. Make sure you get the prices before you get into a taxi to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Organised tours are also a great way to see Marrakech and the surrounding area.

9. What To Do If Money Is No Object

Stay at one of the best 5 star Morroco hotels in the city, take cocktails at La Mamounia, have a private driver to take you to the Pacha complex, eat top class food and dance the night away under the stars at Africa’s largest nightclub.

10. Other Things To Consider

For longer stays, consider a day trip further afield – perhaps the picturesque fishing village of Essouira or the nearby Atlas mountains. December is the film festival – keep an eye out for international film stars. In winter it can get cold at night so make sure you have some warm clothes. In summer expect it to be HOT!

This post is part of a monthly Travel Tips Series sponsored by www.hotels4u.com, where you’ll find Morroco hotels suitable for all tastes and budgets.

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