[Guest Post] Enjoying the Charm of Chilly Winter London

London, the UK’s cosmopolitan capital, is a vibrant and modern city which also holds thousands of years of history. This “global city” is an international hotspot for culture, music, fashion, politics, finance and trade and you can feel the buzz of its importance as you walk down its busy streets. There is so much to see and do in this enormous metropolis, from world class restaurants to medieval castles to Westminster Abbey to Big Ben, the London Eye and the West End Theatre District. There is truly something in London for everyone.
Most tourists visit London during the summer months, as they seek the sunny summer days and pleasant temperatures. In the wintertime, England is wet, dreary, cold and often rainy. However, winter can be a great time to visit London for a number of reasons. First of all, due to the low demand the cost of your travel expenses will be a lot cheaper and there will be much fewer crowds. Also, this city has a certain misty, brooding charm in the wintertime and there are still plenty of great things to do.

What to Do in London in the Winter

Here are just a few of the great experiences that you can have when visiting London in the wintertime:

• Go ice skating on the moat of Tower Hill or at Somerset House. There are also plenty of temporary ice rinks which pop up during the winter around London. 
• London’s museums are some of the best in the world, such as the National Museum, the Tate London and many more. Best of all, many of the museums are free. 
• Get out of the rain and see the sharks and fish at the London Sea Life Aquarium or the interactive exhibits at the Science Museum. 
• To warm yourself up, sample a sumptuous cup of hot chocolate from Notting Hill chocolatiers. 

Book Your Travel to London With A Travel Agent

When you are planning your winter getaway and booking flights from Hong Kong to London, be sure to book your trip through experienced travel agents in Hong Kong. Not only will your travel agent be able to help you save money on your travels by finding the best deals on hotels, flights and accommodation, they will also be able to set up your idea trip by arranging those amazing travel experiences that it is difficult to find when booking on your own.
Also, when you book your flights via Flight Centre, you are guaranteed to get the cheapest flights to London thanks to the “Lowest Price Guarantee”. If you see a cheaper flight offered anywhere else, you can simply bring it to your Flight Centre travel agent and they will be able to beat the price by $10 as well as offer you a $100 gift voucher for future travel.
This savings will mean that you have more of your travel budget left over for spending on a warm Shepherd’s Pie and a pint of lager in a cosy pub after exploring London on a chilly winter day.

A quick shout out to UK travel bloggers

Help!!!! Can anyone recommend a great basic budget but lush hotel stay in the Yorkshire region?

Hi guys, just a quick request for anyone who's been touring the UK hotel scene...
Me and the missus are planning a quick budget hotel stay in the next month or two to belated celebrate our wedding anniversary - yeah we need 'us' time 'off from the kids'!

So we're looking for somewhere in the Yorkshire area of Britain, anything that can tick the hotel stay checklist here would be absolutely perfect!

Budget: £45-75 a night
Hotel Room Facilities: What we need in the room ~

• Comfy kingsize bed
• Big Bath
• Think Walls
• Not bothered about a view!

Our Requirements for Hotel Facilities:
(In order of importance)

• Chacuzzi
• Turkish Bath / Sauna
• A place to get a bit of pampering treatment like massage / pedicure etc at an extra cost of course
• A swimming pool would be a plus

Does anybody know of any classy stay aways nearby?

Please leave me a comment if you have any recommended suggestions! I may post about them too!

[Guest Post] Summer Vacations at the Pridwin

Guest post contributed by Kevin Caldwell, a traveler who enjoys sharing his experiences with others. He also built grandoleopryhotels.com to help travelers find affordable hotels near the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. 

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Reading a novel set in a European 1920s summer takes you to wonderful places. You can practically see the lovely water, taste the exquisite cuisine and feel the bubbly champagne rolling down your throat. Unfortunately, traveling to Europe is quite expensive, especially during the more popular travel months of the year. However, you can remedy this problem by visiting the Pridwin located on Shelter Island, out east on Long Island.

Back In Time

Upon driving up to this beauty, you'll immediately be transported back into time with modern amenities of course. The lobby looks nothing like the stark, cold lobbies so many hotels have. Instead, it is delicately adorned in soft blue and white shades really bringing you back to a different era. Shortly upon entering the Pridwin, you'll realize that many of the employees are from Europe. Once again, the scene is set for that perfect vacation. The Pridwin has three separate floors. Please be advised that no elevator exists in this hotel, so please ask about special accommodations if one of your guests is unable to tackle the stairs.
The rooms are not overly large, but they are clean, comfortable and well-kept. The size of the rooms really does not matter though as you won't be spending much time in it at all. The pool is open from the morning until the early evening hours, and lunch is served for a couple of hours. You're also able to order drinks from the bar, and the servers will run them out to you. Take a dip in the pool and then get a tan as you enjoy a pina colada or margarita. Going for a swim is not a necessity at all, and many guests simply sit poolside watching others splash around as they themselves enjoy an excellent novel and a cold refreshing beverage.
What else is there to do but sit at the pool all day? Well, the Pridwin is located right on the beach. The beach is small and private, so you need not worry about lugging supplies all over the beach. Although many people do stay at this hotel, it's not overly large so you aren't fighting for space on the beach. You also have the option to go kayaking or paddleboarding. The attendants are stationed on the beach to help you with the equipment and to show you how to use it properly and in a safe manner.

Food That Cannot Be Beat

Meals at the Pridwin simply cannot be beat. The breakfast buffet includes both hot and cold items, and a special usually exists. One of the favorites is a "make-your-own parfait" station, at which you can put on whatever toppings that you want. If you choose not to have lunch at the pool, you can eat in the restaurant. Both indoor and outdoor dining options exist, with most of the guests choosing the latter. Dinner is simply exquisite and finer food will likely never enter into your mouth. Specials vary by day, but you can be sure to always find something delectable on the menu.
A beautiful bar sits just inside the doors leading to the outdoor dining area. Sit at the bar itself, or relax on one of the comfortable couches. If wine is your specialty, the Long Island Wine Country is not too far away. You'll need to take a quick ferry ride over to Greenport or the Hamptons, depending on which wineries you would like to visit. Greenport and the Hamptons are both very nice areas to walk through during one of your days of the stay. You might choose to dine in one of these places as well.
For whom is the Pridwin suitable? The answer is pretty much everyone. Many families go there, and their children enjoy days spent splashing in the pool and playing at the beach. You'll also see a number of couples ranging in age. Not too many young couples frequent this establishment. Although it is much less expensive than a vacation to Europe, the price is still on the higher end. For those who are able to afford a vacation to the Pridwin, it is truly an enjoyable experience.

[Guest Content] Brits and Their Holidays - InfoGraphic

[Guest Content] Thanks to Amber for emailing me this guest content today! 

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Interested in contributing your holiday knowledge and experience to this blog? Get in touch!

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This infographic has been created for Voyager using information from several sources, including Direct Travel Insurance, the Office for National Statistics, The Telegraph the Association of British Insurers. This infographic in particular depicts key stats and information on British holiday goers, including some facts about staycations, most visited countries and trip costs.

Brits and Their Holidays

55.7 MILLION Holidays Booked in 2011 by  People from the UK!

[ Guest Post ] I handpick my holiday - says Melissa

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[Guest Post ] About the Author: Melissa Foy

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Melissa represents WhereInRio, a luxury real estate and rental agency based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. [view blog] She can be reached at melissa@matterofform.com.

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The Great Rental Debate

When I’m booking a holiday, I tend to leave the hotel booking to anyone else to choose and organize. This lack of conviction on my part has led me to find myself staying in 5 star hotels, cosy B&B’s, student hostels, homestays and tents (exotic in Northern India, but cold and miserable in West Wales..)

Whilst I enjoy a lavish hotel as much as the next girl, the comfort of a holiday rental villa or apartment always keeps me coming back for more. I agree that staying in a 5 star hotel may feel like the ultimate luxury, but the inclusion of staff, receptionists and caretakers can intrude on the sense of indulgence. By choosing a vacation rental during your holiday, you are treated – not only to the same amazing views you can get in a hotel – but also to privacy, comfort and a sense of individuality that cannot be beaten.

Another reason I love staying in a rental is the opportunity to basically customize the size and décor of my accommodation to my mood. Unless you’re forking out for a penthouse suite, chances are your hotel room provides enough space to sleep and relax, but little else. So why would I chose to stay in the same surroundings as everyone else in the building,? Especially when I can handpick my holiday rental property based on my exact needs, taste and personality.

For the price of a room in a 5 star hotel, you are able to secure a vacation rental property of your choice, and often for less than you would pay for the equivalent length of stay in a hotel. Also included in the price of your rental accommodation is your sole use of available amenities on site – so no more rushing to the pool in the morning to secure a sunlounger – the whole area is yours. There’s no need to huddle around the fireplace in a hotel lobby – the one in the living room is all yours!

Whilst upmarket hotels are often located in the most well connected parts of town, with the best views and nearest access to attractions, holiday rentals are usually embedded within communities, giving you the chance to feel like a local, wherever you choose to stay. Whether you are staying in a private or agency rental, the owner’s local expertise will prove indispensible as you explore your surroundings during your stay. Blending into the local crowd is my number one reason to keep coming back to rentals. Tourist? Moi?!

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Do you blog about travel? Want to write for us? Fancy contributing guest posts and sharing your travel experiences and hotel stays abroad? Comment about your pitch and application below! 
I'll endeavour to get in touch! Leave your contact details or blogger ID at your own discretion. We do not have a guest posting policy setup on Get A Hotel Room as yet - FYI - we prefer the personal touch, the  top 5 type list format is not ideal unless it offers immense resources or practical guide information.

Discovering the Magic and Adventure Behind the 49th State

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 AUTHOR BIO:

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Alaska holidays and family adventure holidays are just a few of the many types of travel options that Idania Silvia has written about on blogs and websites. It is Sue's sincerest desire to help travelers step out of their comfort zones without any significant risk.

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Vacationers are likely to rediscover their love and passion for traveling once they sign up for the best Alaska tours. Alaska is a perfect destination for adventure holidays because of its eclectic mix of natural and man-made attractions. Most of these activities are something even kids will enjoy.

Do's and Don'ts for Traveling to Alaska

Before anything else, make sure you remember the following when preparing for a trip to Alaska:

1. The weeks between mid-May and mid-September are the best time to visit Alaska.

2. Layered outfits are the best things to pack for Alaska tours. Make sure your outermost layer is something both breathable and waterproof to keep you sufficiently protected from the state's typical weather, which ranges from rainy to chilly.

3. Alaska is a state in which you will frequently have to travel by water, going on board cruise ships or riding small boats and everything in between. If you are the type to get seasick, make sure you have medication for motion sickness ready. For overnight journeys by water, choose the cabin you will be most comfortable in and one that is designed to reduce the chances of passengers suffering from seasickness.

4. Prepare extra money to try out at least one sightseeing tour by plane. Many consider it the best way of exploring Alaska.

5. Bring mosquito repellent if your tour includes traveling by water or tours to the wilderness in the summer.
  

What to Enjoy from Alaskan Family Adventure Holidays

Now that you know how to effectively prepare for an Alaskan tour, here are some of the most popular activities that typically make it to an itinerary for this type of travel package.

1. Water Activities: Your choice of water craft is almost as extensive as what you would expect with land-based vehicles. Aside from the usual cruise ships gliding past enormous and majestic-looking fords, in addition to charming ferries taking you for a ride on picturesque lakes, you are usually given the option to enjoy sea kayaking amidst glaciers, taking a water taxi in Kenai Peninsula and having a whitewater rafting adventure if the season allows it. Canoeing is also a popular choice.

2. Land Activities: There is much to do once you are on land again. In Alaska, some of the most popular land-based activities include taking the aerial tramway in Alyeska Mountain, going mountain biking and maybe watching a demo for dog sledding and trying it if you wish.

3. Parks: If it is the natural beauty of Alaska you wish to see, its parks are the best places to catch more than a glimpse of it. You get to stay in the likes of Denali and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and also enjoy scenic hikes and nature walks in a Great National Park.
  

Other Activities to Enjoy in Alaska

If you have the time and budget to spare for family adventure holidays

, you should also consider trying optional but fun activities such as a float plane trip and ice climbing. Even if you are not much of an outdoor person, try camping in highly recommended sites. In such cases, meals are usually inclusive with your tour package for Alaska holidays.

Since Alaska is not part of continental U.S., it is not surprising that only a few Americans ever have the chance to visit the 49th state. Even so, that does not mean the country's "last frontier" is not worth exploring. In fact, you will probably find yourself suitably surprised once you see the heavily packed itinerary this particular state alone has to offer.

African adventures combining sailing holidays for singles

Think of Africa and a picture of untamed wildlife and dramatic landscapes springs to mind. But as well as offering the ultimate safari experience, Africa is the ideal destination for thrill seekers, sailors, sun-seekers and those with an eye for the spectacular, the unexpected and the breathtaking.

Africa is a magical place on a scale which allows for the most incredible variety. Its diverse landscapes and natural beauty, its abundance of wildlife and warm-hearted people who welcome visitors with open arms, Africa will enchant and captivate from the moment you arrive.

This vast continent of stark contrasts, the second largest and second-most populous continent in the world, is home to 1 billion people and for many visitors it is the people they will remember as much as the incredible experiences and amazing sights they have encountered on their African adventure.
Most vacationers head to this continent of plenty for an African safari holiday. They come seeking that
holiday of a lifetime and leave finding it exceeded their expectations.

Safaris, stunning scenery, sailing and sun

Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe all offer safari holidays, each with their individual characteristics, but all guaranteeing a superb safari adventure.

The most exclusive and expensive safari destination is Botswana with very high standards of safari accommodation and some quite exceptional game viewing in some of the private reserves.

The first country to buck the safari trend, Kenya is home to the iconic Masai Mara which still attracts enormous numbers of tourists. Kenya caters for the mass market and combines safaris with affordable beach holidays. With the warm waters of the Indian Ocean this is also an ideal location for those seeking sailing holidays for singles.

Namibia attracts visitors more for its dramatic scenery than the wildlife. The Skeleton Coast and Sossusvlei offer some outstanding landscapes but for game Namibia cannot compete with its neighbours, nor does it claim to do so.

Possibly Africa's most well known safari destination with the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro and Ngorongoro Crater topping the lists of must-see attractions, Tanzania is also a great place for walking safari's and for combining a safari with a beach holiday in the fascinating city of Zanzibar.

Zambia is another ideal country for walking safaris, although the safari season is a short one – May to October. Neighbouring Zimbabwe too has some excellent value safaris and is a great location for canoe and boating safaris. It also boasts some incredible camps and outstanding lodges which combined with some of Africa's best game viewing make this land-locked country an unbeatable safari destination.

For a totally different and unique experience jungle safaris in the remote region of the Congo Basin offer an opportunity to track lowland gorillas, forest elephants and Ba'Aka pygmies.

South Africa is also a haven for game seekers with some fabulous game reserves, the most well-known of which is the Kruger National Park. The astonishing wildlife and spectacular scenery of this jewel in South Africa's crown, make it an unmissable destination for those with an appreciation for the sublime.

Most visitors can't wait to return, they leave Africa intrigued and enlightened and if they don't manage to get back they will most likely spend the rest of their lives dreaming about it.

AUTHOR BIO:
Idania Silvia is a freelance writer who regularly contributes to a number of mainstream press, travel and holiday websites and blogs. Before she got married she experienced many sailing holidays for singles  but now she enjoys them with her husband and four children who each share her wanderlust for the world. Her last adventure was an African safari where she encountered breathtaking scenery, extraordinary people and the most incredible wildlife.