For those looking to a stunning holiday in Greece, the picturesque traditional resort of Aghia Efimia in Kefalonia is the ideal place to head for. Small, unpretentious, tranquil and welcoming, this resort is the perfect choice if you want to kick back and relax. Here is a guide that was kindly put together by the travel experts at Directline Holidays on things you can do in Aghia Efimia.
Beach life - Paradise Beach is perhaps the best known in Aghia Efimia, but it is quite small (20 metres long). That’s why, to really ‘hit the beach’, trips to the famous Myrtos Beach (only a 20-minute drive away) are a must. The journey there is a treat in itself: be dazzled by the dramatic countryside as you head for Myrtos feeling increasingly excited about the snorkelling and scuba diving you can enjoy in the clear water there.
Harbour Café Scene - Once back in Aghia Efimia, head for the harbour where you can kick off your shoes, sit back, enjoy a cool drink and then reflect upon your day. The harbour café scene is something that many tourists say ‘makes’ their stay in the village, with the relaxed atmosphere and friendly bars there making it a real draw.
Eating and Drinking - Although Aghia Efimia has a few Greek tavernas where good food is served, a delicious three-course meal in a waterfront fish restaurant is not really an option. For this, simply hop on a bus to Argostoli (which has restaurants aplenty), or other resorts, such as Sami, Fiskardo and Assos.
Get Out and Explore - For a break from the village for a few hours (and even as a chance to get an entire beach to yourself) you could hire a boat from Aghia Efimia and sail out to even the most seemingly inaccessible sandy coves.
Excursions - There are a number of excursion options available from Aghia Efimia which will help enhance your holiday overall. Among these are trips to the Melissani Lake Grotto and Drogarati Cave (near Sami) where the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites never fail to take visitors’ breath away. A ferry trip to the island of Ithaca, the mythical land of the famous Odysseus (Ulysses), could also be an inclusion on your ‘things to do on holiday’ list.
Many of us find ourselves somewhat strapped for cash these days, but the good news is that there’s so much to see and do on our own patch that there’s simply no need to go to the far side of the world looking for interest and excitement. People come from across the globe to see this sceptred isle, and here we have it all on the doorstep.
Wales is a case in point, a unique part of the UK with its own long history and traditions – yet easy to get to and, with its beautiful mellow countryside and excellent range of outdoor activities, great for family breaks. And if you’re after cheap city breaks in the UK, you’ll find that many Welsh towns are on the coast, and boast numerous lovely but affordable guest houses - letting you have (sorry) a whale of a time even if you’re on a relatively tight budget.
In southwest Wales, Gower is perfect for a budget break by the seaside. Apart from the great sandy beaches here there are attractions like the wreck of the Helvetia, washed up on the sands of Rhossili Bay, and you get great views across the surrounding land and seascapes from nearby Three Cliffs Bay. There are lots of rock pools exposed when the tide goes out to hunt down crabs, crayfish and other sea life, and there’s a great range of affordable accommodation in the immediate area.
In Swansea you’ll find loads of things to do, including a visit to Wales’s oldest museum, which houses - amongst other fascinating exhibits - an Egyptian mummy, and the National Waterfront Museum is just along the road, with exhibits on local industrial and maritime history. Both museums are free and have pleasant cafes for a light lunch. All around Swansea Bay you’ll find a wealth of historical attractions and entertainments. Shipwrecks, standing stones and medieval castles are the norm, and the Prom along the beachfront is great for a bracing walk in all weathers.
In Cardiff, the castle is one of the biggest attractions but also if you come here in July or August you’ll be able to catch numerous free events that are put on as part of the fabulous Cardiff Festival, which is centred on Cardiff Bay.
Camping is a big attraction for families, groups and couples, and there are many excellent campsites right across Wales, in mountainside, coastal and woodland settings. A few nights under canvas with modern facilities close to hand - but with an aura of pioneering excitement - is just the thing for adding an element of fun and adventure to any holiday. Trawsdir Barmouth and Graig Wen St in Snowdonia National Park, St David’s Park in Red Wharf Bay and Forest Fields in Builth Wells are just a few of the recommended ones, but there are plenty of others.
Wales is particularly good on the child-friendly attractions front, with the Welsh Wildlife Centre in Cilgerran and family activities along the Barmouth Quay especially popular. With great mountain-biking along the established trails at Coed Y Brenin, and collecting shells along the fabulous beaches of Shell Island in Cardigan Bay on offer, along with numerous other thrills and spills, you have all the makings of a really super getaway in wonderful Wales.
About the Author: David Elliott is a freelance writer who loves to travel, especially in Europe and Turkey. He’s spent most of his adult life in a state of restless excitement but recently decided to settle in North London. He gets away whenever he can to immerse himself in foreign cultures and lap up the history of great cities.
Photos via Flick Creative Commons
Berlin is a city rife with culture, history, and a bohemian attitude that takes a lot of visitors by surprise. It’s an easy city to enjoy on a budget, with plenty of free attractions to keep even the most frugal minded traveller happy.
If that’s not incentive enough to book those cheap flights, Berlin is a city bursting with great cheap eats. No matter how low your budget is, you’re sure to find some awesome food for a couple of Euros on the streets of the German capital.
Curry 36
If you’re set on seeing Berlin on a budget you’re bound to find yourself eating currywurst at least once, and you can’t say “Ich bin ein Berliner” unless you’ve sampled the wurst Curry 36 has to offer. Currywurst is steamed and fried sausage topped with curry powder and ketchup: it’s that simple, and that delicious. This little shack has queues of hungry locals in front of it night and day, and it has such a strong reputation that they’ve even launched their own range of official currywurst sauce.
Burgermeister
It’s well worth leaving your hotels in Berlin for a day out in Kreuzberg, and if it’s meaty goodness you’re looking for, look no further than underneath the U-Bahn tracks near the station. Of course, there are some vegetarian options too: the tofu burger is nice enough, but nothing can compare to the bacon laden Meistaburger. The chilli cheese fries are pretty good too.
Tadim Lamacun
Despite Angela Merkel’s declaration that multiculturalism has failed in Germany, there are some pretty great budget eats to be found once you start visiting ethnic restaurants like Tadim Lamacun, which specialises in the Turkish dish lamacun: basically a Turkish burrito. Thin flatbread is topped with minced meat, salad and sauce, then rolled into a burrito shape.
Miss Saigon
You can pick up a dish of delicious Vietnamese soup (pho) for around €6 at this modest little fast food joint. Like most great cheap foodie options, it’s popular with Berlin office workers. You might find yourself standing in a queue if you turn up at lunch time, but your first bite of the fresh, crunchy spring rolls will make it all worthwhile. Try the milkshakes, too: the coconut and avocado one sounds a bit strange, but the flavours really do work.
Rogacki
Back to German style food, this deli offers a lunch time platter of blutwurst, leberwurst, sauerkraut and mashed potatoes for €4.50. The sausages (blood sausage and liver sausage respectively) are somewhat of a delicacy, so if you don’t enjoy black pudding then it’s perhaps better to avoid this one and try something else on the menu, like the fried fish. If you do decide to go for it, you’ll be rewarded with a taste of real hearty German fare. Splash out on some weisbeer to cut through the rich flavours. Once you’re finished dining, browse Rogacki’s fine selection of 150 varieties of cheeses and over 200 cured meats; you’ll be spoiled for choice.
It’s important to research and look after your health when you’re visiting a country to take part in volunteer work. Companies like Projects Abroad PRO will help find you a worthwhile project which makes use of your professional skills. However, you’ll be no use to the host country if you don’t look after your own health and wellbeing. Here is some medical advice to follow before volunteering abroad.
Vaccinations
It’s important to prepare for your volunteer project by researching what vaccinations you need for your travels. Diseases such as yellow fever, rabies and dengue fever are common in other parts of the world. You often need to get vaccinated four to six weeks in advance, so make sure you leave yourself enough time to get organised.
You may also have to start yourself on a course of malaria tablets, if you’re going to an infected area. Be sure to read the instructions carefully because some of these tablets can make you feel ill if they’re not taken with food.
Drinking water
One of the easiest ways to get ill abroad is by drinking contaminated water. In areas with poor sanitation you should never drink tap water or brush your teeth with it. Also, beware of drinking ice cubes mixed in with drinks.
Bottled water is usually very cheap so make sure you stick to drinking that. If you want to treat your own water you can boil it before drinking it, or use a chemical disinfectant, like iodine, to kill bacteria.
Foreign food
A lot of travellers end up with some form of food poisoning from eating foreign food. In some developing countries animal waste is used as fertiliser, contaminating foods growing close to the ground. If you’re in one of these countries you should avoid eating salads and uncooked fruits/ vegetables, unless you know they’ve been washed and peeled.
Be careful of any food that has been standing out in the open for a while, and steer clear of unpasteurised milk and undercooked seafood. Although food cooked from street traders can be delicious, only eat it if you’re sure it has been recently prepared and is served on clean crockery.
Extra tips
Be very careful not to let your skin burn when you’re visiting a hot country. Skin cancer is a growing problem in the UK so it’s very important that you protect yourself from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Try and keep in the shade between 11am and 3pm or, if you’re in the sun, cover yourself up with a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses. Use the right factor sunscreen for your skin – this should be at least factor 15.
You should also take precautions against Deep Vein Thrombosis if you’re taking a long flight to get to your volunteering project. Make sure you get up from your seat and walk around to stretch your legs during the flight. Also, drink water regularly and wear loose, comfortable clothes.
It’s also very important to practice safe sex when you’re abroad. Take protection with you as the quality of condoms varies across the globe.
Travelling and taking part in a volunteering project can be a wonderful and inspiring experience so you don’t want to ruin it by not taking proper care of your health. Before you leave, make sure you know the numbers of the local hospitals and emergency services in the country you’re visiting, and research which diseases pose a threat.
As 2012 draws to a particularly dark and miserable close, it’s easier than ever for your thoughts to turn abroad and to sunnier climes. Thanks to Jet2holidays it’s also easier than ever to turn those thoughts into reality, and this winter, what could be better than to ring in the New Year in Spain?
That certainly sounds like a good idea. A cheap holiday deal can see you in the Costa del Sol within a couple of hours of taking off. Though we wouldn’t advise setting off with your heart set on sun, sea and sand at this time of year, if parties, good times and a touch of the exotic are what you look for then you will certainly find exactly what you want.
Spain, as with any other country, has its fair share of customs and traditions that make it a unique place to visit, and an even better place to unwind.
Family Traditions
For the Spanish, the Christmas period remains one fundamentally about family and tradition, with much of its strong Catholic population attending church services during the holiday. Parties and commercial presents take second place to nights in with the family, and Spanish children must patiently wait until the 6th of January for that new bike or games console, the arrival of the Magi, or the feast of the Epiphany.
Rather than a mince pie for Santa and a carrot for his reindeer, many Spanish children instead leave a clutch of grass for the Magi’s camels, and receive their presents not from Father Christmas but from the Wise Man Balthazar. However, the same rules apply – he knows if you’ve been bad or good!
Grapes to See in the New Year
The religious calendar means Christmas doesn’t get under way until the 8th of December, and continues on until well into the New Year. If the relentless adverts and dreary high streets of Britain are leaving you a little jaded, you might do a lot worse than a sabbatical to Spain in order to recharge your Christmas spirit. But if it’s a New Year you’re after, Spain has that covered, too.
One particularly well publicised tradition is one that is a particularly easy to join in with, and a delicious one to boot. As midnight approaches, make sure you keep a portion of grapes to hand, for as the bells strike twelve to ring in the New Year, tradition says that you must eat one grape on every chime. If you can keep up, you’ll have good luck for each month of the New Year.
Though Tokyo is known worldwide for its notoriously high prices, truth is, budget accommodation options can be found. It's all a matter of knowing where to look. During our latest trip to Japan, my husband and I stayed at Grand House Changtee Hotel, and not only they had affordable room prices but they were even located in one of the best areas in Tokyo.
Location
Changtee Hotel is located only 5 minutes from the Ikebukuro train and metro station. When we booked the hotel we had no idea what this neighborhood was all about, but we soon discovered this was one of the most interesting parts of Tokyo and one of the places most popular with the young and stylish inhabitants of this amazing city. Needless to say all the nearby streets are packed with restaurants, bars, shopping malls, pachinko (Japanese arcade games used for gambling) and even a cat cafe. You can find absolutely anything your heart desires here, from budget to luxury. But one of our favorite things to do in Ikebukuro was people watching. Japanese fashion is incredibly different from the Western one and absolutely fascinating.
Further reading: 3 Day Trips From Tokyo You Shouldn't Miss
Further reading: 3 Day Trips From Tokyo You Shouldn't Miss
The Rooms
Changtee Hotel has both Western and Japanese style rooms, and we picked one of the latest as in the limited time we had here we wanted to experience Japan in all possible ways. Our room had two futons, but they also have rooms for 3 or even 4 people, ideal for families or groups of friends. The room was basic, in Japonese style, with tatami on the floor and we had to take off our shoes each time before entering the room. This is a Japanese tradition meant to keep clean the houses and falling in line and interacting with the environment the same way the locals do was a fun and interesting way of experiencing and learning about Japan and its culture. Also sleeping on futons, though maybe not really for everybody, as futons are not exactly known for their softness, was pretty comfortable and supposedly healthier than sleeping on a super soft mattress.
The futons were wrapped by the cleaners every day, the Japanese way of making the bed, leaving us more space to move around.
The room also featured an air-con unit and free Wi-fi, and downstairs, next to the reception there were free water and tea facilities, a microwave and self-laundry facilities. The staff spoke good English, Japanese and Chinese and everybody was extremely friendly and helpful.
In the reception they have this board, which we believed to be a very cute idea, with the nationalities of the guests staying in the hotel on each given day, weather information and events. It happened that during the exact period we stayed at Changtee Hotel, the Ikebukuro autumn festival was going on and the receptionist pointed us to the nearby street where the festival was hold. We attended the parade two days in a row and we were absolutely smitten.
Conclusion
Due to its great accessibility and connections, this Tokyo hotel was our getaway to exploring the area and the nearby cities of Kamakura and Nikko. We also discovered that Tokyo is not that expensive, as we were able to find budget friendly accommodations for our trip. In addition to the great deal we got on the hotel it was very clean and quiet. The guests have the option to stay in a more traditional Japanese style room or the standard western style room without the hassle of having to change hotels. It also proved to us that Tokyo is not really as expensive as 'advertised' and that budget friendly accommodation can be found. More than that, this hotel is a clean and quiet one. And on top of it all, you have the option of staying in a traditional Japanese room and if you decide this is not for you, you can change to a Western style room without the hassle of changing hotels.
Blackpool was the first municipality in the world to have electric street lights. It was around 1879 when large part of the promenade was wired. By then Blackpool was already fashionable as people enjoyed coming to the city to spend time by the sea, enjoy the beaches, the calming water and plenty of great accommodation alternatives. Today Blackpool is one of the most important location to visit in UK.
Blackpool Tower
The Blackpool Tower is the main attraction of Blackpool since its opening to the public in 1894. As other towers in the world, this is also inspired by the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris and it has an impressive height of 158 meters. Visiting the tower is a unique experience, as before the elevator guests get to watch a 4-D movie about Blackpool. From there passing through a room filled with memorabilia and old newspapers you finally get to the top, to what is now known as the famous Tower Eye. Two levels are accessible to the public: fist level with a glass wall for panoramic views over Blackpool and the sea; and the second level for those who want to feel the wind from up high. But what I personally like here is the Tower Ballroom. It dates from the end of the 19th century and it's a jewel to be admired and enjoyed. These days the Empress orchestra and the smaller Empress Dance Band perform on regular basis for all music lovers.
Blackpool Zoo
The Blackpool Zoo is the home of 1500 animals from all over the world: Asian elephants, gorillas, lemurs, giraffe etc. The pride of the zoo are the African lions and the Siberian tiger. There is even a Sea Lion Pool with Californian Sea Lions, and next to them the penguins that are so adorable. Interesting is also the fact that the Blackpool Zoo houses a Dinosaur Safari. It's a walk through area with over thirty life-size dinos, including the king - the T-Rex. What I love most in the Blackpool Zoo is the Miniature Railway. I have been always found of trains, and this found is a hidden gem in an totally unexpected place - a zoo. Very nice and a must to try out, even if you have to pay a bit extra on top of the zoo's entrance fee.
Blackpool Illuminations
I mentioned earlier that Blackpool is proud to be the first municipality in the world to have electric street lights.. So of course if you make to effort to get to Blackpool you have to experience the city by night, to get to see the Golden Mile. I am talking in fact about 7 miles of promenade between the North and the South piers of the city. You can find here everything from fortune tellers to fish bars, but the name comes from the abundance of slot machines that you could find all around this promenade. What I like about this part of Blackpool is the fact that here you can find the official Doctor Who exhibition.
Consider yourself a connoisseur of fine foods? Melbourne, perhaps more than any other Australian city, offers an array of food options that is unrivalled. Between the cafes, restaurants, and increasingly – pop-up vans, you’re bound to find exactly what you’re after, no matter what it is.
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| Image courtesy of ultrakml/ Flickr.com |
If you’re planning a trip to Melbourne and food is high on the agenda, here’s a take on what makes Melbourne such a hub for dining.
A quick history lesson
The taste and appreciation for good food is bred in Australians, with original settlers fast establishing an interest in Anglo-Celtic recipes. As cultures from Mediterranean and Asian regions migrated, a wide range of new tastes - sophisticated and delicate - began to spread, it wasn’t before too long that cuisine from China, Greece, Germany, Lebanon, Thailand, Italy, Vietnam, and beyond started having a tremendous impact.
Fast forward to today, and the historical link to food is still running strong in kitchens across Melbourne. Whether it be the big and robust tastes, or delicate and sophisticated, Australia’s heritage is locked into the culinary fabric that’s served up in thousands of tables each day.
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| Image courtesy of melburian / Flickr.com |
Seafood Heaven
Seafood is everywhere, a popular ingredient in most homes and restaurants. The famous ‘Throw another shrimp on the barbie’ didn’t come out of thin air. The Australian shrimp industry is small but known for its quality. They have a reputation for producing and distributing the best shrimp and are exported to every corner of the world. The clean ocean provides the highest quality lobsters, prawn, tuna, abalone and more, making seafood a huge part of the food culture here. You can taste this quality produce anywhere, be it some fish and chips shop on the street or a pan-fried barramundi in one of Melbourne’s outstanding seafood restaurants.
Lazy breakfast
If a good sleep-in is your thing, there are more cafes than not that cater for those who enjoy the luxury of a late breakfast. Brunch – for some, is not just an occasional treat, but a way of life, and this is pretty obvious by the amount of eateries who keep the breakfast menu going right through the day (and sometimes, beyond!).
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| Image courtesy of ultrakml/ Flickr.com |
Notable mentions for breakfasts:
- Don Vincenzo, Fitzroy. They possibly have the best Salmon Florentine known to man. Big call, but we dare you to prove us wrong!
- Three Bags Full, Abbotsford. This hugely popular eating joint fills up quickly and often has you waiting outside for your name to be called just to get a seat, but this is for good reason – they rule the roost! This quirky place is divided up into three main sections: a large modern and vibey space that leads into a more intimate bridging room that finally opens up into an amazing bustling space, complete with interesting industrial décor and a large communal table made from a reclaimed bowling alley.
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| Image courtesy Nagarjun/Flicr.com |
Exceptional selection of Wines
Outside of the excellent dining experience in Melbourne, you’re in for a treat when it comes to the wine. Australia is one the five largest exporters of wine in the world. With regions such as Yarra Valley, King Valley and King Valley, you can easily spend a weekend checking out the grapes of Melbourne!
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| Image courtesy of limaoscarjuliet/ Flickr.com |
Coffee, of course
If there’s one thing Melbourne does well, it’s coffee. There are too many places too mention here, and the fact is there’s good coffee everywhere you go. A good starting point is the breakfast paces already mentioned, as they all do fantastic coffee.
Melbourne is one stunning and diverse city. It’s a brilliant place to live, but also there’s plenty on offer for those wanting a great weekend experience. Pack your bags and get ready to indulge the senses!
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