In springtime the Welsh countryside is surely one of the most beautiful in the world. There is a lush greenness unmatched anywhere in Europe and it’s very easy to see why the daffodil is the region’s official flower. They are everywhere, from the planted beds in suburban public parks to wild outcrops by the roadsides. Take a short hike through the hills and you’ll also see wild foxgloves, primroses, and dozens of other flowers in full bloom. There are crocuses in the open spaces and bluebells in the woods. Hiking is just one of the activities that bring visitors to Wales, and there are thousands of marked routes to choose from, ranging from gentle countryside meanders to full mountaineering experiences. The relatively gentle Brecon Beacons are perfect mountains for kids – a family with kids aged six or seven can […]
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Kendal Museum in Cumbria
Kendal is a small town located in the Lakes District of Cumbria with a rich history that attracts tourists. Located on the River Kent, it was once known as Kirkby in Kendal, but now is referred to as simply Kendal. It’s historically been a popular spot for visitors in the Lakes District, both because of its setting and its history. If you’re planning a visit you can book Cumbrian cottages and settle in just like you were a local, then spend your days setting out exploring the area. One popular spot to visit in Kendal is the Kendal Museum. Founded in 1796, the Kendal Museum features collections covering a variety of topics with a focus on history, archaeology, geology, and nature. The museum is divided into galleries, each featuring impressive exhibitions. The Wainwright Gallery – Named after a former honorary […]
Read MoreFestivals in Brighton: Party On
If all Olympics and Jubilee festivities of London are a bit too stuffy for you, get out of the city and head to Brighton, known as a premier UK hotspot for nightlife, music, and festivals. About an hour south of London, by train (the Jurys Inn Brighton is located not too far from the station), it’s easy to pop down for a day trip. But with so much to do, you may want to make it a weekend. Here are a few Festivals in Brighton to choose from: Brighton Festival – The second largest arts festival in the UK (the largest is in Edinburgh), the festival is full of parades, fireworks, theater, music, dance, visual arts (and lots more) all staged in venues around the city. One of the unique features of the festival is the Artists’ Open House […]
Read More10 Things To Do in St. Andrews, Scotland
Named for the apostle Andrew, the town of St Andrews is located on the east coast of Fife in Scotland and was originally founded as a religious settlement. Today it is widely known for its university and as the home of golf in Scotland (and the world), and is a popular spot for travelers as well as a site for conferences. Here’s a list of just a few things to see and do in St Andrews. Visit the University of St Andrews – The university is one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious and it is the third oldest in the English-speaking world. When in session, student enrollment accounts more nearly a third of the town’s population, so it’s no surprise that the university is well integrated into the community. The university has a great museum as well. Walk among […]
Read MoreRoyal London: 8 Royal Parks in London
A visit to London this year is sure to be full of hectic activities and adventures. The 2012 Olympics Summer Olympics will bring in athletes, fans, and visitors from around the world, and Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee has the calendar chock full of commemorative events and displays. You can easily find yourself wrapped up in a whirlwind of activities at a maddening pace. When you’re ready for a break, and a get back to nature moment, try visiting one of the 8 royal parks of London, most of which are an easy walk from your London location. Fair warning, they can be busy, crowded, places, but the opportunity to enjoy some beautiful grounds in the out-of-doors, can be a tonic to the traveler’s soul. The parks were originally 5,000 acres of hunting grounds for the royals. Later they became formal gardens, […]
Read MoreThrowing Three Coins in Rome’s Trevi Fountain
Fontana di Trevi, better known to most of us as Trevi Fountain, is Rome’s most spectacular and popular fountain. In a city with so many impressive fountains, that’s a pretty big claim. The Baroque-style fountain, designed by architect Nicola Salvi and completed in 1762, is located in a busy section of the city, not far from the popular Via del Corso. To get to the fountain you walk down narrow streets, some of which seem more like alleys than streets, to the historic center of Rome. There’s signage to help you find the way, and asking for directions will help get you pointed in the right direction, but if you find the noise gets louder and louder it means you’re getting close. When I first stepped into the Piazza di Trevi, its intricate sculptures, cascading water, and faded stones wowed […]
Read MoreThe Arc de Triomphe: The Triumph of Paris
Standing in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle (also called the Place de l’Étoile) at the western end of the Champs-Élyseés, the Arc de Triomphe is the largest triumphal arch in the world. It honors those who bravely fought for France, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars, and beneath the arch is the tomb of the unknown soldier from World War I, the grave marked by the very first eternal flame. The flame burns in memory of those who died, but were not identified, in both WWI and WWII. The English translation of the inscription reads “Here lies a French soldier who died for his fatherland 1914-1918.” It’s said that this flame was the inspiration for an eternal flame being placed on the grave of assassinated President John F. Kennedy. The Arc de Triomphe stands about 165 feet tall, […]
Read MoreParty Down in Ibiza
Located in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Valencia, Ibiza is one of the Balearic Islands (a regional governmental level in Spain) and is home to a port district that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But, let’s face it, what Ibiza is really known for is its party reputation – despite plenty of options for cultural and family travelers – so chances are that you’ll be doing plenty of partying during your Ibiza holidays. The nightlife is generally centered around Ibiza Town in the south, and Sant Antoni in the west. During the summer, the peak tourist season, top DJs and music producers head to Ibiza to make appearances at the clubs. Many of the prominent DJ’s have a performance circuit around the island, creating a way to present and try out new music. Music is generally electronic, […]
Read More7 Spooky Spots for a Haunted Halloween in London
The spooky, eerie, and downright creepy, take center stage in October as interest in the paranormal peaks for Halloween-time. If visitors are not too nervous to leave their London hotels, it’s a good time to explore the spookier side of London. Here are seven haunted sites in London to get you started: Tower of London – The claim is that this is the most haunted place in England, perhaps not a surprise as so many people lost their heads here. Literally. Do you think it’s true that the White Lady haunts the White Tower? And it’s said that the spirits of Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey (both wives of Henry the VIII) are said to haunt the Tower as well. The Bank of London – The location on Threadneedle Street is said to be occupied as a ghost named […]
Read MoreExploring the White Villages of Andalucia
When travelers think of the Costa del Sol in Spain, the first thing to come to mind is often American-style resorts. What was once a quiet coastline of fishing villages has expanded rapidly, resulting into what many would call over development. Yet this isn’t the only side of Andalucia. Venture away from the coastline and into the hills and you will find the region’s famous white villages. Stunning from afar, impossibly perched up on hillsides, they are somehow even more fascinating when you finally reach them after a series of hairpin turns on two lane roads. All you will need to explore is a rental car, a basic map, and an appetite, and with so many options, it’s fascinating and affordable. Once you arrive in each of the following villages, explore on foot and find a restaurant or tapas bar […]
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