Hoping to book a holiday in Greece? If you're considering visiting one of the Greek islands, you may well have heard of Santorini - a place that's particularly well known for its impressive scenery and sunsets. Since there are so many islands to choose from, though, you should get an idea of what makes each good to visit before making your final decision. Below, you can find out all about the appeal of Santorini.
Scenery and sunsets
We all have different priorities when we go on holiday. Some people want nothing more than sun, others seek culture, while other people prize activities over everything else. Santorini, with its incredible volcanic landscape, tends to suit holidaymakers who are after great scenery.
In fact, Santorini's really made a name for itself in terms of landscape, thanks in no small part to its blue-domed churches, whitewashed buildings, dramatic cliffs and incredible sunsets. It's these sunsets that draw a lot of people here - especially couples - and, if you want to get the best possible view, you need to know where to go.
Head up to the north of the island and you'll find the village of Oia. Full of lovely little tavernas, it's got a reputation for being one of the best places in Santorini for seeing the sun setting for the evening. Why? It has a brilliant uninterrupted view, which means you can watch the whole thing from start to finish without any landmarks getting in your way, and you also get great views over neighbouring islands. It's worth bearing in mind that this is hardly a well-kept secret, though, so you'll probably have to share the moment with quite a few other people.
The village of Imerovigli is another good choice if you fancy checking out the sunset, since it's the highest point of the caldera. In fact, this makes it great for admiring the view at any time of day, as it gives you probably the best vantage point across the island and out to sea.
Romance
Where better than an island famous for its sunsets for a romantic break? Santorini is almost unbelievably pretty, so it's no surprise that it's a magnet for honeymooners and couples.
While everyone's idea of romance is a little different, most of us generally look for luxurious accommodation when planning a special romantic getaway. And, as you may have guessed, Santorini has plenty of options in that regard. What's really nice about it is there are some seriously good hotels in a number of the most scenic little villages (including Oia, the one known for its sunsets).
An added bonus is that, since there are so many of these villages, it's not hard to find something close to the capital, Fira, that still exudes an authentic Greek atmosphere. Stay in the village of Megalohori, for instance, to be in the heart of the local winemaking industry, surrounded by beautiful vineyards and churches, and just ten minutes away from Fira.
Ancient sites
You don't have to be planning a romantic break to have a great time in Santorini, though. One of the most interesting stories about the island is the rumour that it is the Lost City of Atlantis, but whether the myth is true or not, there are some fascinating historic sites to explore, as well as some decent museums.Among the spots you should try to visit is Ancient Thira, where you can see temples, a theatre, mosaics and an old market place, among other things. The ruins include Roman, Hellenic and Byzantine structures, but it's been established that the site was first occupied in the 9th century by the Dorians.
The northern coastal town of Calais is a short ferry journey from the southern English port of Dover and is a popular destination for a weekend trip amongst families and elderly couples alike. A trip to this French town offers a cheap weekend getaway with a number of historic and beautiful sites to see.
Getting to Calais
A Dover to Calais ferry for two, or for two adults and two children can be booked at less than £100 should you book a month or so in advance, even during the school summer holidays. The journey is approximately 90 minutes long and the ferry provides comfortable seating and entertainment during your boarding. A quicker alternative is the EuroTunnel.
Staying in Calais
For a little more than £100 when booked in advance, you can get a hotel in Calais for a family of 4. There are several hotels around town, all nearby the historic landmarks and tourist attractions across town.
Calais Sightseeing
Calais Town Hall
The Calais Town hall in the heart of Calais is perhaps the most-impressive attraction that this coastal resort has to offer. This Town Hall boasts wonderful architecture and an elegant clock tower. The front garden is well-maintained and hosts artwork throughout the year. On a recent trip, work by Laurence Jenkell was on display, as shown in the photo below.Parc Richelieu
A short walk away from Calais Town Hall, the opposite side of the Jacquard Bridge stands Parc Richelieu. This impressive park hosts the Calais War Memorial at its entrance, alongside 5 flying French flags. The park itself is beautiful on the inside, with a miniature fountain, perfect for a rest or relaxation during a hot summer’s day.
Fine Arts and Lace Museum
Located adjacent to Parc Richelieu, the Calais Fine Arts and Lace Museum plays host to work from Rodin, Pablo Picasso and Dubuffet. For an entrance fee of €3, you can see plenty of artwork, including an insight into how Rodin’s famous Six Burghers of Calais masterpiece came about.
War Museum
Fort Risban
One of the closest attractions walking from the ferry terminal is Fort Risban. Situated along the coastline, there isn’t much left of this fort that came under siege from Edward III of England’s army in 1346, but remains an historic part of the coastal town and is nearby two monuments worth visiting.
Calais Lighthouse
Not far from Fort Risban and also near the coast stands the tall Calais Lighthouse. Viewable from a distance away, a walk from the fort to the lighthouse will take you pass the Bassin du Paradis and a couple more monuments. For a €2.50 entrance fee you can climb all 271 steps for a pleasant view over the Channel and town from the top.
Monuments
Calais plays host to several statues and monuments across town. Some of these pay tribute to wars, others to disasters and local heroes. Rodin’s Six Burghers of Calais monument outside of the Town Hall is perhaps the most famous. Others include a War Memorial, Remembrance Monument and one of inventor, Joseph Jacquard. There’s plenty of history in this town.
With a beach, historic landmarks and beautiful parks, as well a cheap and easy destination to visit if you’re making the trip from the south of England, Calais is a good option for a family looking for a weekend break on a budget.
With so much choice, finding somewhere that little bit special to spend your summer holiday should be a fun and rewarding experience. But when your choice of getaway is dictated by a strict budget, sometimes your dreams of jetting off to paradise turn into the same old holiday on the Costa Blanca. That’s not to say the Spanish coast should be sniffed at; but after the umpteenth holiday there it’s time for somewhere a little different.
And where better than the bewitching sights and ancient cultures of Egypt? Here you’ve got a vast range of holiday experiences rolled into one - with mesmerising beaches and crystal clear waters by the coast, and some of the most important historical sites known to humankind. What’s more, low cost Egypt holidays are readily available through numerous tour operators which not only takes the stress out of getting there, but takes the pressure off your pocket too.
Or for somewhere completely different, which places the emphasis firmly on family fun, Florida is hard to beat - and all inclusive USA holidays are a great way to save money. If you’re planning to spend time by the pool and in the theme parks, and if you don’t want the hassle of cooking or preparing meals, all inclusive holidays are a great solution. All meals, snacks and drinks are included which can actually help you to save money while you’re there - and means you won’t have to worry about overspending by eating out at night. And if you plan to spend the odd day out exploring, many all inclusive hotels or resorts will provide you with a packed lunch too.
So whatever you want out of your holiday, you can always find somewhere that little bit special to suit both you and your pocket.
Images via Flick Creative Commons
Wedding season is almost upon us. If you’re the lucky bloke who has been given the job of Best Man, it’s about time to start planning the stag party.
Cheap hotels from Travelodge are a cost efficient base for whichever city you choose to travel to. Keeping the costs low on accommodation will attract more of the stag’s mates to participate in a weekend away; the more the merrier, that’s the ultimate goal.
Manchester is a top spot for stag parties. The centre is filled with pubs and clubs for evenings on the town, while there is plenty of daytime action – from indoor paintball to go karting – to keep groups occupied.
If you’re looking for a laugh early evening, check out Manchester Theatres such as the Opera House and The Lowry Theatre for comedy shows. Famous faces regularly book in at these venues which are all within close proximity of cheap hotels from Travelodge.
Why not head to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for a stag party that will never be forgotten. This annual event takes place from 3-27 August, ideal for weddings which are planned for the August bank holiday.
In addition to the extensive entertainment line-up, Edinburgh also has an excellent nightlife scene thanks to the central location of Edinburgh University.
During the day get the lads together for a session of clay pigeon shooting, a round of golf or even a flight on a hovercraft.
Just as you’d expect, stag parties in Newcastle are as fun as they first sound; but as well as the infamous nightlife in the area, activity options here are plentiful.
Race to the finish line on rough terrain as the lads test their driving skills with off road racing. Alternatively place your bets and book a night at the dogs.
Images via Flick Creative Commons
Cheap hotels from Travelodge are a cost efficient base for whichever city you choose to travel to. Keeping the costs low on accommodation will attract more of the stag’s mates to participate in a weekend away; the more the merrier, that’s the ultimate goal.
Manchester is a top spot for stag parties. The centre is filled with pubs and clubs for evenings on the town, while there is plenty of daytime action – from indoor paintball to go karting – to keep groups occupied.
If you’re looking for a laugh early evening, check out Manchester Theatres such as the Opera House and The Lowry Theatre for comedy shows. Famous faces regularly book in at these venues which are all within close proximity of cheap hotels from Travelodge.
Why not head to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for a stag party that will never be forgotten. This annual event takes place from 3-27 August, ideal for weddings which are planned for the August bank holiday.
In addition to the extensive entertainment line-up, Edinburgh also has an excellent nightlife scene thanks to the central location of Edinburgh University.
During the day get the lads together for a session of clay pigeon shooting, a round of golf or even a flight on a hovercraft.
Just as you’d expect, stag parties in Newcastle are as fun as they first sound; but as well as the infamous nightlife in the area, activity options here are plentiful.
Race to the finish line on rough terrain as the lads test their driving skills with off road racing. Alternatively place your bets and book a night at the dogs.
Images via Flick Creative Commons
The capital of Spain is a city filled with ancient palaces, historical museums, large parks and shop lined streets. There are many cheap alternatives to the costly tours around the city, and travellers on a budget will be able to enjoy the city without paying an ojo de la cara, an eye, as the locals say.
The city's three main museums, the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen Bornemisza, form the Golden Triangle. The permanent exhibit at the Prado has free admission from 18.00 until 20.00 on weekdays, and from 17.00 until 19.00 on weekends. The Reina Sofia has free admission from 19.00 until 21.00 during the weekdays and is free during the weekend afternoons. There are discounts available for students and teachers.
Palace Gardens
A short walk from Madrid's geographical centre, the Plaza del Sol, and a couple of minutes from the touristy Plaza Mayor, visitors will find the Royal Palace. The Palace's gardens are the Sabatini Gardens, where during the summer months locals and visitors can enjoy many live concerts for free.
Around the City
Madrid is a large city, and the high concentration of historical landmarks near the city centre makes it an easy destination for walking tours. Most visitors choose to stay at a hotel near the centre and then walk along the Gran Vía, one of the city's main streets, towards the Mayor and Plaza de España, and from there enjoy a walk in the Debod Temple, a park with an ancient Egyptian temple.
The Retiro
The Retiro is the city's largest park. These ancient Royal gardens are located in the centre of the city, between Atocha station and the Puerta de Alcalá. Access to the park is free and there are many gardens, fountains and statues to explore. A boat ride in the park's pond costs around 4.65€ for 45 minutes, and bikes can rented at a rate of 10€ per two hours.
Transport
Madrid's transport system links the city with the small historical towns in the region. Taking a train and renting a car may be out of the budget for a day trip, and buses are cheaper and take around an hour to most destinations. There are buses that cost 3.20€ one way from the city to the ancient monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial, and a round trip ticket to Segovia costs 12€.
Food
The centre is filled with tourist traps that charge high prices for authentic food, which does not mean that local restaurants should be avoided. In the smaller streets in the historical centre visitors will find traditional restaurants where the menu del día, a lunch that includes a starter, a main course with a side dish and bread, drinks and dessert, costs between 10 and 12€. One place to check however is Sobrino de Botin Restaurant, listed in the Guinness Book as the oldest restaurant in the world (you can read a very good review of it here). And if your budget stretches a bit more, the Madrid food Tour is fun to join too, as are other Madrid tours what might greatly help you put things into perspective.
Breakfasts in traditional bars cost around 2.50€ for a coffee and pan con tomate, bread with olive oil and fresh tomato. For those who want to enjoy some cañas with appetizers in the afternoon, there are several 100 Montaditos restaurants around the city, where there is large selection of montaditos, small baguettes, which cost around 1€ each.
One cannot visit the city without enjoying its nightlife, which starts with the traditional tapas. Tapas come free with drinks, and the more beers and sangrías one buys, the wider the selection of tapas, which range from olives to chopitos, tiny fried cuttlefish.
About the Author: Marina is a marketing geek and a polyglot who has lived in several countries, having travelled internationally for the first time at the tender age of three. Currently living in Madrid, she is soaking up on Spanish culture and browsing through travel deals to far flung destinations.
Photos by 1, 2, 3 & 4 via Flickr Creative Commons
Photos by 1, 2, 3 & 4 via Flickr Creative Commons
New York is not one of the most popular vacation destinations for nothing - it's unique shopping, sightseeing and atmosphere cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the world. However, once you've exhausted yourself out on the tourist hotspots and your wallet can't take any more retail therapy, it's time to satisfy your inner geek and stimulate your intellectual mentality by heading to some of New York’s most nerdiest places! Note: You do not have to be a geek to enter but oh it is so much cooler if you are!
The Rose Center for Earth and Space
If science and astrophysics is your thing then no trip to New York is complete without a visit to the Hayden Planetarium. Geek or not, no-one could fail to be awed by the vast spectacle of stars on array at this renowned museum. A customized Star Projector projects a simulation of the Big Bang onto a state-of-the-art glass ceiling. And it's only $15 for entrance!
Midtown Comics
New York has a prestigious comic book history, being the home city of giant comic publishers Marvel and DC. With the best range of graphic novels, comic books and manga in New York City, the estimated number of books housed in their premises comes to over half a million. It's not just about books - they also supply trading cards, models and toys, manga soundtracks and DVDs. You won’t just find look-a-likes of the cast of The Big Bang Theory here, oh no, this place is filled with locals, business men, housewives, tourists and children all wanting to re-live a piece of nostalgia from their childhood and create new memories. It may be free to have a look around but how much you spend is totally up to you.
 |
The American Museum of Natural History
Otherwise known as AMNH, this is one of the most renowned and celebrated museums in the world. With twenty five buildings and forty six exhibition halls housing over thirty million artefacts; the constantly rotating specimens on display means that no two months are the same. Make sure you check out the 94 foot long model of the blue whale in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. Adult tickets cost $19, but students get a five dollar discount.
The Apple Store Fifth Avenue Gallery
This glass cube is a landmark in its own right - the striking entrance invites visitors into its subterranean haven for Apple geeks. Open twenty four hours a day, (yep they take this seriously!) It's a great place to test-drive the latest innovations from Apple. Whether you want to watch a movie on the latest, slimmest iPad or participate in a workshop on how to get the most out of your new iPhone, there's something even Microsoft fans would like to do!
The Barcade at Brooklyn
This Brooklyn classic combines the two great loves of any true geek: quirky alcohol and classic arcade games. Swing on by and immerse yourself in the retro old-school atmosphere. This is a must-see for anyone who misses the old school. Entrance is usually free, and each game costs only a quarter to play. Embrace your inner Space Invaders fan or challenge someone to a Street Fighter match - every visit is different.
Neutral Ground
If social gaming is your thing, stop by this LAN haven for every multi-player game under the sun. Whether you want to enter a trading card tournament, take part in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign or classic online gaming; entrance is free and food can be delivered! A great place to make new friends - and a great way to finish off your trip.
For more geek travel tips, Hostelbookers have created their very own Geek Travel Map with tips from top celebrity geeks!
If you are travelling on a budget you will find many cheap New York hotels around the Manhattan and Brooklyn area.
Booking your flight ticket in advance
To get the best deals on plane tickets, the best thing is to book in advance. There are certain weeks during the year, where tickets are cheaper - this is usually so off tourist season. Besides, flights are cheaper when they take place in the middle of the week (Tuesday or Wednesday). Also, don’t forget to look for more than one possibility, since prices vary depending on the airline, whether there are connections or not, what time the plane leaves, etc. If you have the possibility of choosing between taking a flight or a train (especially in Europe) consider the latter, as you will be able to take all your luggage with you without having to pay for extra baggage, and if you travel during night time you’ll save accommodation money, as people generally sleep on the train. Another advantage of trains is that, unlike what happens in airports, you don’t have to be at the station three hours in advanced to check in. If you take all these suggestions into account, you are likely to save some money.
Choosing the best Accommodation
Luckily for all of us, when it comes to accommodation there is a lot of competition, everywhere; this translates as better options for every different pocket size and taste. You can start searching for a place to stay online. There are websites that allow you to find the best deals according to your needs, meaning that you can filter results by selecting how much you’re willing to pay, whether you want a room for yourself or shared, etc. Some of the cheapest places to stay are usually the hostels, which can actually be a lot of fun especially for those in their twenties. In general you share a room with other people (prices vary depending on the number of people per room) sleeping on bulk beds. If you are the brave kind of person, you could check out websites where real people offer a traveler “a couch to crush on” for a few days.
Knowing the Language
Believe it or not, previous knowledge on the language spoken at the place where you are travelling can save you money. How? Well, in many different ways: firstly, the language allows you to understand signs and directions –when you ask for them. Say you were to take Russian classes in London: this would allow you to comfortably commute by public transport, which is always cheaper than taking a cab. Besides, in some places, cab drivers charge you more when they realize that you are a foreigner. Of course, this doesn’t always apply to taxis. If you don’t know the language, you are most likely to go to a restaurant especially for tourists (which are far more expensive than restaurants for locals), or pay an expensive guided tour (which many times you could do by yourself). People take Chinese courses in London to make the difference between a traveler and a tourist.
Ponte Vecchio is one of Florence’s oldest bridges, located on the pedestrianized south of Piazza Della Repubblica towards Palazzo Pitti. It is quite a spectacle as unlike most bridges upon it is 3 stories of shops, some even built outwards form the bridge so they are hanging over the water. The shops used to be mainly butchers up until the 16th century, until Ferdinando I de’ Medici ordered them to be replaced by jewellers and goldsmiths. This was because the butchers would tend to be malodorous and be akin to casting there unwanted remains into the river, which you can easily imagine would not be pleasant.
The bridge still stands today as it was in 1345, and was the only bridge to survive the retreating Germans of the Second World War in 1944. They instead blew up the medieval buildings at either side to prevent access. The only major change that has been made since is to the Corridoio Vasariano, which is an elevated covered passageway joining the Palazzo Vecchio on one side of the bridge, to the Uffizi and Palazzo Pitti on the opposite side. Designed by Vasari for Cosimo I in 1565, it was a kind of private corridor for the Royal Medici family to pass over the bridge unhindered and out of contact with the people they ruled. It was designed and built with small windows to ensure such privacy. However Hitler with his friend and fellow dictator Benito Mussolini decided to have new larger windows put in, as to enjoy an expansive view of the rolling river Arno. Today the corridor is closed for restoration.
Built very close to the Roman Crossing, Ponte Vecchio’s precursor the ‘Old Bridge’ was the only crossing in Florence over the River Arno, up until 1218. The current bridge was built as the result of a flood in 1345 which destroyed the Old Bridge. In November 1966 the bridge narrowly escaped destruction again as the River Arno burst its banks, against all odds holding the monstrous weight of the water and silt.
I think culturally it is a good omen of longevity for Florence that the bridge has been through so much and is still standing. It is one of the most famous images in Florence, an unmistakably distinct landmark. In the middle of the bustling market town it straddles the river, steeped in history like a wise guardian. At night the shut shops look like suitcases over the bridge, and it is a beautiful artifact to behold on an evening stroll or ‘passegiatta’ along the mystical banks of the River Arno. A more recent tradition which has begun to happen is the locking of padlocks to various parts of the bridge, but especially around the railings of the statue of Benvenuto Cellini next to Ponte Vecchio . This has been practiced before in Russia and Asia, and is rumoured to have been started by the padlock shop owner at the end of the bridge. It is said to symbolize a lovers bond; by together locking the padlock and casting the key down into the water it is said to make the bond eternal. The romance only adds further to its charm, a destination not to be missed on a visit to Florence.
About the author: Bill has a taste for Florence ever since his first holiday there over 20 years ago. He highly recommends HouseTrip when looking for a place to stay here.
Images via rayced and -Jerome-
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
