Take a Different Approach to Your Summer Holiday

When summer comes around, we usually reach for the same travel brochure or website and look for something similar to what we did the year before. A holiday on the beach in Spain, lying by the pool in Portugal or wandering in the hills of France are usually on the menu for the summer holidays, but why not try something different?

Below are a few options to consider if you fancy a slightly different break for this year’s holidays:

Trekking in the Himalayas

For the more adventurous out there, a trekking holiday in the Himalayas is a fantastic way to get away from it all, see beautiful sights and experience one of the world’s most incredible creations. Trekking in Nepal has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people doing the hikes to raise money for their chosen charity. It won’t be the easiest, most relaxing holiday you’ve ever had, but it could well be the most rewarding…

Golfing in Dubai

As with most things, Dubai has become one of the premiere places to go on a golfing holiday. With guaranteed weather, some of the best courses in the world and all the luxury you could ask for, golf holidays in Dubai really do have it all. The best thing is that it also has plenty to entertain the rest of the family who aren’t golf enthusiasts. With beaches, breathtaking architecture, trips into the desert just some of the things to do, the non-golfers won’t find themselves bored whilst you work your way around the back 9.

Travel Through Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe is a beautiful collection of countries with loads to see and do. And the best thing is that it is all so close and so well connected, so it’s easy to hop between countries and see an amazing amount in just a week or two. If you get an interrail ticket you can hop on and off most trains, though it might be just as cheap to pay individually depending on what route you take. With the opportunity to see stunning places like Budapest, Lake Bled and Dubrovnik, it’s no surprise this is such a popular choice. So there you go, rip up your ticket to a holiday by the pool this year and try something a little different, it could be the best thing you ever did… This is a guest post from Tom at Navigator Travel who offer great value world travel insurance, perfect wherever you choose to go…

Why a UK Break Beats Going Abroad

With so much excitement around the Olympics this summer, there’s no better time to be exploring the UK and sampling the fantastic places to see and things to do. Olympic fever put the spotlight of the world on the UK and everyone rose to the challenge, with events, celebrations and parties happening up and down the country. So when better to explore your homeland then when it is reaching for the stars to impress the world?

Here’s why you should be staying at home this summer:

Fantastic Destinations

The UK is packed full of fantastic places. From the cosmopolitan capital of London, to rural magnificence in the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District, from historic cities like York to gorgeous beaches in Cornwall, the UK has the lot. Outside of England, Wales boasts the stunning Snowdonia National Park and glorious north coast to explore. With luxury self catering in North Wales easy to come by, it’s a perfect place to mix the outdoors with some creature comforts! Venture up to Scotland and you’ll find more stunning cities in Edinburgh and Glasgow which will provide enough entertainment themselves. Keep heading north though and you’ll find some of the world’s greatest coastline which will take your breath away. Just pray for some sunshine…

Stunning Accommodation

The UK is packed with beautiful accommodation which spreads from budget B&Bs to luxury group accommodation in holiday homes up and down the country. Wherever you are visiting, whatever your budget constraints, you will be able to find somewhere quintessentially English to enjoy your stay. Hanging out with local B&B owners and learning about the area might be your idea of a fantastic domicile, though you might prefer a luxury stay in one of London’s most elite hotels. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it here on UK shores.

Wonderful Tours

If you’re not the kind of person who wants to walk down the road and not know where they’re heading, then a tour might be a better idea for you. And fear not, there are plenty of fantastic tour operators in the UK who can take you around every conceivable destination in exactly the way you want to go. They will tell you everything you need to know about everything you want to see and all the history behind it. Us Brits are pretty keen on stuff like that you see… If that’s not good enough reason to drop everything and start exploring the UK now then I don’t know what is. Stop worrying about the good old British weather and pack everything you need to cope with any eventuality. No weather should be bad enough it stops you seeing all this country’s got to offer. And, if you’re lucky, the sun might just shine and you’ll find yourself on the west coast of Scotland thinking you must be in the Caribbean!

This is a guest post from Tom at Top Backpacking Destinations

3 Great Places for an Adventurous Family Holiday

Planning the annual family holiday always throws up difficult questions. Do you go somewhere just to keep the kids happy or should there be something for the adults too? Are you looking for a holiday by the pool or something a little more active? Do you stick to Europe or venture further afield?

For those families who fancy a break from the norm, we’ve put together a few options below which will offer both fun for the kids as well as interest and intrigue for the elder statesmen of the family!

Morocco

Morocco is becoming a much more common destination for family holidays and it’s no surprise when you’ve had the opportunity to sample the delights it has to offer. From the winding alleys in the souks of Marrakech to the expansive views over the Atlas Mountains, Morocco really is a country of huge diversity and beauty. If the mountains aren’t for you then you can venture to the sand dunes of the Sahara desert or the fantastic surf on the west coast. With fantastic accommodation options to match any budget, from a luxury hotel in Marrakech to tents in the dunes of Erg Chigaga, there really is something for everyone of any age.

Russia

A destination which has seen its difficulties over the years, Russia is starting to reappear on the tourist map with vigour. With the upcoming World Cup and destinations like Moscow and St Petersburg capturing the imagination of European tourists, Russia is now a great place to consider for a family break off the beaten track. These two cities offer so much to see and do and the opportunity to sample a different culture and open the eyes of your children who likely haven’t seen far beyond their own town or city. Moscow hotels vary from small boutique Russian offerings to lavish luxury boudoirs and everything in between, ideal for families looking for accommodation which falls into their budget. If you fancy a slightly more active city break with the kids, Russia should be high on the list – just don’t forget your jumper!

Germany

Germany might not seem too far off the beaten track, but it doesn’t get anywhere near the amount of interest for family holidays as places like Spain, Portugal and France. This might be because it doesn’t really fall into the beach holiday category, but it still has plenty to see and do for all ages. It certainly isn’t short of fantastic cities, with Berlin, Munich and Hamburg challenging any city in Europe in the entertainment stakes. Venture into the countryside and you will find quaint villages, flowing hills and friendly people more than happy to entertain you and the family. The Germans love their football too so if your kids like their sport then they won’t be short of opportunity to sample a football match. With a wealth of family hotels, Germany also provides accommodation requirements so you can easily take your pick.

So if you’re thinking of something slightly different for this year’s family holiday, consider the 3 destinations above for a bit of intrigue, excitement and alternative entertainment.

This is a guest post from Tom who writes for the online publication 'Abroad in Spain'.

Guest Post: Top Five New England Inns

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This is a Guest post from Noella Schink - who is a travel writer from Portland, Maine, a New England city she wouldn’t trade for the world. She loves to get away from it all with a night at a luxury hotel, inn or B&B whenever she can, and then delights in writing about her experiences!

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Nowhere else in the country ~ 

                           Offers the idyllic charm of a New England Inn:

Personalized service, thoughtful amenities and small town quiet await you at these classic northern escapes.

Maple Hill Farm Inn —11 Inn Road, Hallowell, Maine This renovated farm house just outside of Augusta boasts a working farm, hundreds of acres of nature trails and the biggest solar array in the state!

You’ll love the outdoor Jacuzzi and sauna after a “tough day” of relaxing in your plush room (outfitted with flat screen TV, DVD player and artfully chosen antiques).

There is a common kitchen area where you’ll always be greeted with fresh baked goods and coffee, as well as “the pub,” a cozy nook perfect for a nightcap, chatting with new friends or watching the Red Sox game. Touted as the one of the best inns in Maine many years running, owners Scott Cowger and Vince Hannan really go above and beyond in their attention to detail. Maple Hill Farm is a welcome relief from the chaos and bustle that takes over the coastal region every summer.

The Wentworth Inn —1 Carter Notch Road, Jackson Village, New Hampshire An impeccable example of the heyday of New England resorts, the Wentworth Inn is truly grand, in traditional European style. There are smoking and billiard saloons, a gilded ballroom and luxuriously appointed bedrooms with cozy crackling fireplaces, all tucked in the picturesque White Mountains of New Hampshire. Wildcat Ski area is right down the road for the adventuresome types, or if it’s summertime, you can make use of the miles of serene, wooded hiking trails around Jackson village or the award winning 18 hole golf course. Dinner at the onsite restaurant will tickle even the most discerning palate, as Chef Brian Gazda is prestigiously trained and focused on locally sourcing almost all of his ingredients.

Three Stanley Avenue —3 Stanley Avenue, Kingfield, Maine Perfect for a quaint, romantic escape, Three Stanley Avenue will transport you back to a simpler time. Built in 1900 by the younger brother of the Stanley Steamer twins, the inn has simple Victorian décor, luxurious clawfoot tubs but no televisions! Stroll down the charming Main Street of Kingfield, relax in the gazebo or enjoy a world class “Maine Cuisine” meal at the restaurant next door, aptly named One Stanley Avenue. Tucked in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain, it’s the perfect accommodation if you want to ski during the day and then come home to peace and quiet at night. You’ll love the unfussy attitude of the locals and the warm hospitality of owner Dan Davis, who has worked as executive chef and innkeeper since 1972.

Captain’s House Inn —369-377 Old Harbor Road, Chatham, Massachusetts Built in 1839, this famous B&B is a Cape Cod staple. Touted as one of the top ten most romantic inns in the country, its luxe amenities and impeccable service are second to none. The Greek revival style house is surrounded by peaceful gardens, winding walking trails and that sought after fresh sea air. You’ll be charmed by the quaint furnishings, working fireplaces, flowery wallpaper and old-school atmosphere within. Lounge in an Adirondack chair in the sunny yard, challenge your companions to a game of croquet or make for the waterfront where scenic cruises along the coast are the perfect vantage point for admiring Cape Cod. Just make sure you’re back in time for full English tea in the afternoon!

The Mayflower Inn —118 Woodbury Road, Washington, Connecticut This seemingly idyllic country inn offers more than meets the eye. Pamper yourself with a full menu of decadent spa treatments, dine in elegance worthy of the Hamptons yet still enjoy the tranquil New England location. The property’s guest suites offer four poster beds, cushy lounges and even an al fresco terrace overlooking the garden. The nearby Steep Rock Nature Preserve is a beautiful area of walking trails, bird watching and natural serenity, or if you prefer more active days, you can kayak or canoe along the Shepaug River. End your day with an artfully crafted meal of fresh local produce and even fresher seafood in the award winning dining room.

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Have you some interesting travel news, experiences of places to share? Get in touch - we'd love to house a guest post from you on our travel blog!

Guest Post by Elle-Rose Williams; works for No1 Traveller as their resident traveller writer. If you can’t find her at work… she’s probably travelling!

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The best New Zealand Adrenaline experiences

Many people come to New Zealand for the beautiful landscapes the clean air and the breath taking scenery. And whilst all of those things are more than fantastic – there are many of us who flock to this little country because of the adrenaline activities on offer. The country is more than perfect for those who admit to being an adrenaline junkie – with each city and town here offering their own unique take on adventure.
The truth is – it doesn’t matter where you planning to visit in NZ – as you’ll find something to satisfy your adrenaline needs in every town and every city. This country offers such variety and such diversity that you’ll never be short of ideas or things to do. But you might need a little help deciding which you’d prefer – so we’ve put together an awesome list to get you informed!

Queens Town

Queenstown offers the most diverse range of activities. You could probably spend weeks here just trying something new every day! The town has all sorts of incredible activities that will please both the adrenaline expert of the novice. Expect to find:

• Skydiving
• Rafting
• Bungee jumping
• Luge riding
• Helicopter flights
• Climbing
• Sailing
• Skiing (dependant on season)
• Snowboarding (dependant on season)
• Heli-skiing

Queenstown has an awesome nightlife too – it’s known as a bit of a party destination and has a reputation for late nights and lots of drink. So if you’re a fan of adrenaline and a fan of partying – this is without a doubt the place for you.

Auckland

As the capital of New Zealand, this is where most of the population of New Zealand actually live. You’ll find a great variety of activities here – not as many as Queenstown, but enough to keep you going! In Auckland you’ll find:

• Auckland adventure Jet
• Bridge Bungee
• Bridge Climb
• Canyoning (40 minute drive)
• Sky Jump
• Sky Walk

Auckland is an exciting city with lots of other things to do in-between all your adventure activities! There are some great shops for shopping in, some wonderful restaurants and great sights to see. You can also have fun exploring the other parts of the city’s suburbs too, which are a short drive out of the city.

Wellington

Wellington is a great city, full of life and full of character. There aren’t quite as many activities here for the adrenaline seeker – but you won’t be short of exciting activities and there are certainly some fantastic things to do and see. One of the main attractions in Wellington is sailing – so that should be your priority when visiting Wellington! There are all sorts of sailing trips available – from kayaking and canoeing to big ferry rides and whale watching.

A perfect group sporty holiday in the sun

Guest post by Laela – member of www.hooleytimesocialevents.com

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Laela: "I am a Belgian woman working and living in London and I am a member of Hooleytime, which organises Group Holidays, Adventures and Events. I find it a great way to meet new people and join organised group events and holidays. 

Last year I went on a Villa & Watersports Holiday to Greece with 15 other Hooleytimers and had a brilliant time – I’m booked into the next one this June and am counting down the days with the miserable British Spring that seems to be passing us by!

Although I only knew a few of the members on the holiday, it is such a chilled out and welcoming group that I immediately felt very much at home. The place was amazing with such wonderful weather, breath-taking landscapes and the clear-blue ocean. We had plenty of choice in our activities: tennis, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, waterskiing, group fitness sessions, beach-volleyball – not much time for sunbathing, although I did manage a few rose fuelled long lunches with the gang at the Club!

Hooleytime had rented a gorgeous villa a short walk from the Club and also some rooms in a local B&B, for those members who wanted some ‘me’ time and who didn’t always want to be in the thick of it.

We spent most of the days at the Beach and Watersports club and split the evenings between BBQ’s at the villa, parties at the club and local restaurants. There were other groups of professionals in other villas, whom we partied with in the evenings and competed against sailing – but the best thing of the holiday was to be part of such a lovely group but also to be able to nip off and read a book, have a nap in the shade or go for a windsurf or sail without anyone minding.

I find that in my early 30s – my options are limited with potential holiday ‘partners in crime’ - the old holiday groups have diminished with less of us without family ties and with the income to go on such a holiday, so Hooleytime is the perfect solution for me!"

3 Great Restaurants In Agios Sostis

3 Great Restaurants In Agios Sostis 

 Anyone who has ever been to Agios Sostis knows that this place is about as picture postcard perfect as anywhere else in the Peloponnese. Situated on the southern end of the island of Zante it has that perfect 'village' feel where you feel totally relaxed as soon as you set foot here, and what better way to relax than to start the morning in a typical taverna watching the sun rise whilst drinking a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

Alternatively, you can kick back in the evening over a Meze and a glass of Ouzo or two, followed by some fresh fish, caught right out of the bay. Many people come from all over Zante to dine here and it is no wonder because there are some great restaurants situated here. So with this in mind, lets take a look at some of the best.

Ole Ole Restaurant 

The Ole Ole restaurant is a great beach front family run taverna. With patrons Andreas and Roberto Liveris they endeavour to make sure that you will have a meal to savour. Dine on the vine covered terrace and take your choice from some fantastic authentic Greek fayre. Dishes include Gemista (stuffed vine tomatoes and peppers), catch of the day (oven baked or pan fried) served with a simple Greek Salad, Mousaka and a selection of mezes. They also have a good selection of wines. This place has been getting some rave reviews of late and is well worth a visit.

Boomerang 

If you want a restaurant with views to die for, then you cannot get any closer to the ocean than this. The Boomerang with it's picturesque side terrace is open for breakfast lunch and evening meals. It has a good selection of authentic dishes including Calamari, which are freshly caught from the bay and it also has an 'eat as much as you like' barbecue twice a week which is really good value for money. Don't be surprised if the host has you up dancing on the tables at the end of the night.

Veranda 

This restaurant is managed by the Hotel Mykonos Star, but you don't have to stay at the hotel to eat here. It is in fact open to all. The Veranda has a superb beach front location and isn't as busy as some of the other more popular restaurants. However that has to be in its favour as it is positively charming. The food is authentic Greek cuisine with generous portions and the staff are very courteous. What better way to wind up the day than with a lovely meal and a glass of something cold watching the sun set over the bay. There are plenty of other restaurants and tavernas in Agois Sostis each one serving great simple fresh food, and these are just the pick of the bunch. In fact, deciding where and what to eat may be a difficult choice to make but one in which it could be fun sampling everything that this stunning place has to offer.

For more information about the greek getaway of Agios Sostis then check out http://www.sunshinezante.com.