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Activity Breaks to Enjoy Through the Year

Tue, 27 Aug 2013 04:37:23 +0000

SKI HOLIDAY IN FRANCE

There are few ski destinations that can compete with France. Its ski regions are extensive and varied, not forgetting the varied all-year-snow locations. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the perfect ski resorts: you can choose from traditional village resorts to the modern interlinked ski resorts.

The most popular ski areas in France are the three valleys: Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens. Ski chalets in Meribel and the other areas are stunning but only if you can afford it! Other areas include Val de Isere and Portes du Soleil. The three valleys are ideal for all levels of skiers; they consist of well kept mixed ability pistes that allow groups or families to ski together. Kids are also included in fun activities such as swimming and dog sledging.

The newly introduced Paradiskis nestled in the high French Alps also has charming qualities. Its interesting pistes that run through the snow and spangle down to the lower level resorts of Montalbert and Villaroger; pick between a ski adventure in the lunar landscapes or delve down the fabulous woodlands. Fly in with Lufthansa and arrive in style…

GOLF HOLIDAY IN TURKEY

Turkey is a desirable destination for most travelers. Its rich history, diverse cultures, fine sandy beaches, and the welcoming range of golf resorts make it a top on the list activity destination.

The Antalya region of Turkey offers the best beachside golf courses specifically on Belek. The Lykia Links course is highly rated in this region: it expands beautifully in the green grassy estate of Lykia and has fabulous 18-hole layouts. It is well laid and complete with a fresh water lake and natural sand dunes.

Gloria old is also an unforgettable course with spectacular views of the Taurus Mountains. Additionally, it provides a wonderful amphitheatre for golf and its classic designs will always make it remain on the top of Turkeys greatest courses. It is extensive with the 1, 5 and 3, 2 requiring your skills over water and continues delightfully through lush green pine woodland and a collection of seven lakes. The greens are highly maintained and have extensive practicing facilities, so ensure you leave your golf holiday in Turkey a pro.

WALKING HOLIDAY IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

For mind blowing beauty, massive green of classic English landscapes then the Scottish Highlands will definitely be an option for you. When you set your feet in this region you feel like you are in a scene from a movie; it is unbelievably magical. The weather though is unpredictable so pack warm clothes before you set off.

You get to choose to trek in the wilderness and explore off the beaten path or enjoy coastal walks. Walk through the Shetland Isles and discover the hidden natural beauty of diverse landscapes and fascinating wildlife under the melodious chirping of birds typical to this region. The Shetland archipelagoes are awe inspiring; over 100 islands jutting above the waters off the coasts of the Scottish mainland. Be inspired by the amazing birdlife at the Sumburgh Bird sanctuary and learn about the intriguing history of the Vikings at Jarlshof. You will be satisfactory refreshed by this walk.

Release the shackles of home and go travelling

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:13:24 +0000

Many of us want to go travelling and experience different cultures, but the trappings of everyday life can pen us in and hold us back. With the mortgage, friends and family, it can be very easy to put on hold what you really want to do with your own life in order to keep everyone else happy.

This very nearly happened to me, but after much work, I managed to find a solution that let me set sail and find myself, while also keeping everyone else in my life happy. One of the main concerns from my immediate family when I mooted the idea of going travelling for a while was that I would not come back at all. With this in mind, I felt that ensuring I still had something at home to come back to would not only provide myself with a bit of security should my trip not go as planned, it would also go some way to reassuring my worried mother that I intend to come home at some point!

With this in mind, I decided to let my house as a holiday home. This meant that my mortgage was covered for me while I was travelling, allowing me to put any lingering financial worries from home out of my mind and concentrate solely on making the most out of the experience.

I returned from my travels around Europe, South East Asia and South America completely inspired, and decided that I wasn’t going to return to my old stuffy office job from back before I left. Instead, I have set up my own business in the hope that after the first few tough years have passed, I should have a few more opportunities to get away and travel to get myself inspired all over again.

As you can see, I know first-hand how difficult it is to drop everything you know and live without responsibility for a few years in a far-off land. When I returned from my adventure, the house I had worked hard for was still in perfect condition, and I returned a new man full of fresh ideas and with a new-found vigour for life. So if you are struggling to decide whether you are told old to go travelling or have too much to lose, take my advice and just do it! You won’t regret it.

5 things to do in Essex

shayn — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 21:05:11 +0000

Essex is a non-metropolitan county located northeast of the city of London. This county is visited by well-known artists like painters and horticulturists from all over the world to witness its diverse landscapes. The flora and fauna of this county is perfect just as it is. It boasts many remarkable nature reserves with numerous gardens that are all worth your visit. Lively coastal towns with remote beaches are seen in Essex, but there is more to see and experience in this beautiful county. Read through to get more information on what to do when visiting Essex.

Layer Marney Tower

Layer Marney Tower is made from a rare mixture of brick and terracotta. The tower dates back from the 1520’s which was created by Henry the 1^st of Lord Marney and was constructed in the first half of Henry VIII’s time in power. Layer Marney Tower has been considered as the tallest Tudor Gatehouse in all of Great Britain. It has just opened its gardens to the public dating from the 1^st of April until the 30^th of September 2012 with a small admission fee. It is a Grade II listed building in English Heritage sites. You can also book your wedding ceremony and have your reception in the tower itself. This tower will surely take you back in time when visiting.

Colchester Castle

Colchester Castle is the largest and last surviving example in all of Europe. The building of this infrastructure began between 1069 and 1076 and stopped in 1080 from the fear of the Viking invasion and completed around 1100. This castle is made with massive vaults from the ruined Temple of Claudius and signifies the largest Norman Keep in Europe. It is now a historic place and made to cater tourists from all over the world to witness a castle built to last for a lifetime. It’s best to spend a day and explore with family and friends to experience how Colchester evolved in 2000 years.

Hadleigh Farm

A commercial farm owned by the Salvation Army in Essex. You can experience and learn how to be involved in its environmental and social progress while visiting. Hadleigh Farm is popular for its tea rooms where they serve great food with a very local ambiance. The farm also has animals like ponies, pigs and goats that your kids can play. They also sell local produce for a very reasonable price. So, why not visit and enjoy a day in a great green environment.

White water rafting at Lee Valley Park

You can visit the White Waters at Lee Valley Park, if you are an adrenaline rush seeker. It expands 26 miles along the river banks of Lee, starting from Ware in Herthfordshire going through Essex until the Thames of East India Rock Basin. If you choose a relaxing day, you can also enjoy exploring the vast acre of land in this park. They also offer some activities such as kayaking or canoeing. Once you are there, for sure you will be tempted to do these activities, so better be ready and get your trip pumping for a day of fun!

RHS Garden Hyde Hall

RHS Garden Hyde Hall is a 360 acre garden. This Essex garden has been an inspiration for its visitors across the globe. It offers an array of different plants and landscaped gardens that surely will captivate your green thumb. They also host events like farmer’s markets and Grow Your Own talk which is about learning how to grow and use herbs. This place is very educational for tourists who are fond of their gardens back home and best for landscapists who want to learn more about their profession. Surely, it won’t disappoint you as the scenery can also be a memorable picture built to last in your thoughts.

5 free things to do in Paris

shayn — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 11:30:19 +0000

Paris is known to be the most idealistic art city in the world making it to be one of the most expensive to travel to. That doesn’t mean you can’t find another route going away from all the pricey temptations. This city can offer you the sweetest escape for the lavish Parisian luxuries without spending a single dime. So read through to know the 5 free things to do in this magnificent city.
Attractions
One of the most famous attractions that Paris is known for is the Eiffel Tower. Surmounting it can be quite pricey, but having the sight from below makes a whole new experience. You can have picnics on the ground while having the Tower as a perfect background while enjoying a glass of wine and the scenery with the locals. At night, the Tower reveals 20,000 glittering white lights every 10 minutes of each hour that makes it a shining shimmering splendid occasion. If you have a taste for history, try not to miss the Notre Dame Cathedral. This basilica is the masterpiece of French Gothic architecture generating it to be the most popular and visited attraction in Paris. You can enjoy a whole day of taking photos in this site without any admission fees.
Arts
The Louvre is one of the most recognized buildings in the world as it is the home of Mona Lisa. The admission to get in is free every first Sunday of the month and visitors under the age of 25 can visit on Friday nights without any cost. Another tourist-desired art museum is the Musée d’Orsay located opposite to the Seine. This museum exhibits the finest of Impressionism and is most visited by artists around the world. Entrance fee is waived every first Sundays and for kids under the age of 18. It also houses the best paintings of Renoir, Sisely, Van Gogh, Pissaro, Degas and many more. Visiting these sites can make you admire art like no other.
Food/Drinks
Get free and tasty couscous in Les Trois Frères every Thursday nights and oriental soup on Sunday nights. This popular local spot has been well-known for over 20 years catering locals and tourists from everywhere across Paris and the world. If you’re still hungry the next day, head on to Le Taïs, as they offer couscous for free every Friday and Saturday evening. You can also watch out for the annual week wine and food tasting events of which most are free. This event starts middle of November hosted by Le food. Guess Paris can not only give you the best sites but also give you a taste of a Parisian complimentary sustenance.
In the open
Walking in the shady and overgrown vines of will take you back in time. It also features the Naumacherie, a famous pond fringed by a Corinthian colonnade. Try not to miss the Jardin Du Luxembourg, a modelled garden in the Latin Quarter that also contains the 1861 Medicis fountain plus numerous 19th century statues that shows off the past era of the city. Locals are fond of this peaceful garden too, as they stay here to relax on a quiet afternoon away from the busy streets of Paris.
Theatre/Music
If you’re a music lover, a concert free of charge is offered by the American Church in Paris catering classical music and blues every Sunday at 5pm. This concert starts from September to November and January to June. Radio France also makes 180 free concerts a year; you might be lucky to join this unique event and hear the best music of Paris and see the best of the national philharmonic orchestras and choirs. Tickets for this event are handed out 30 minutes before it starts, so be sure to stay close to the entrance to get the best out of this musical experience.