The Countries of the Balkans

The Balkans is a diverse cultural and geographical region. In this area of Europe you will find, spectacular lakes and mountains, skiing and great beaches, beautiful rivers and medieval castles. In most of the English-speaking world, the countries commonly included in the Balkan region are, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Romania. Sometimes, countries like Moldova, Slovenia and Turkey are included.

The Balkans, also referred to as the Balkan Peninsula, is a region of southeastern Europe. The region takes its name from the Balkan Mountains, which run through the centre of Bulgaria into eastern Serbia. "Balkan" comes from a Turkish word meaning "a chain of wooded mountains".

The Balkan Peninsula may be defined as an area of south eastern Europe surrounded by water on three sides: the Adriatic Sea to the west, the Mediterranean Sea (including the Ionian and Aegean seas) to the south and the Black Sea to the east. Its northern boundary is often given as the Danube, Sava and Kupa rivers.

Here are some of the interesting countries you can visit in this region:-

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a beautiful country, bordered by the River Danube in the north and the Black Sea in the east. There are mountain ranges and sparkling lakes.

Sofia is the capital city. And on the Black Sea coast there are long hot summers with the beaches to match at Varna and Burgas beaches Varna. If a winter holiday in the snow is more to your taste, then Bansko is the resort for you. The village of Bozhentsi in rural Bulgaria was proclaimed an architectural and historical reserve in 1964 and is part of UNESCO's cultural monuments.

Other popular attractions include the 10th century Rila Monastery and the 19th century Euxinograd chateau.

Croatia

Croatia is famed for the sapphire waters of the Adriatic that gently lap onto its stunning beaches and into the secluded coves. There are medieval castles to take your breath away and eight areas in the country have been designated national parks.

Among the World Heritage Sites are the Old town of Dubrovnik, the Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian and the historic city of Trogir.

Montenegro

Montenegro's mild Mediterranean climate boasts an average of 240 sunny days each year with some of the finest beaches imaginable. While the mountains of Montenegro include some of the most rugged terrain in Europe.

The Tourism Masterplan of Montenegro (a 3 year plan started in 2007) is also paving the way for a national development program for nature based tourism, especially hiking and biking, with new infrastructure and services.

Slovenia

The beautiful country of Slovenia correctly holds the crown of the "Green Heart of Europe" it touches the Alps and borders the Mediterranean Sea.The nation's capital, Ljubljana, proudly shows its Baroque and Art Nouveau influence. The Skocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site are worth the visit alone.

A national symbol of Slovenia is Mount Triglav and the Triglav National Park named after it. It is part of the Julian Alps that supplies water to two large river systems, the Soca and the Sava, flowing to the Adriatic and Black Sea, respectively.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia has also become an increasingly popular skiing and Ecotourism destination. Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the last undiscovered regions of the Southern Alps, with vast tracks of wild and untouched nature attracting adventurers and nature lovers.

The central Dinaric Alps are loved by hikers & walkers, containing both Mediterranean & Alpine climates. Whitewater rafting is something akin to a national pastime, with 3 rivers including the deepest river canyon in Europe, the Tara River.

Next time you consider a holiday in Europe, consider the Balkans. You will not be disappointed and it could be the start of a long-standing love for the region.

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Enjoyable Norway Holiday

People in cities-when given a vacation-usually crave for places that can offer them new experiences. If given a free time to getaway, most people would want to experience a new world where they can see sights they have never seen before, a new world where they can experience activities they have done before, and a new world where they can truly enjoy everything it can offer. All these and more could be experienced during a Norway holiday.

A new world of fun, excitement, relaxation and appreciating natures can be synonymous with Norway. A Nordic country in Europe, Norway has been hailed as the best place to live on Earth because it has a very small population and it has been endowed with natural wonders. The country has folksy, warm, and inviting style that welcomes all kinds of visitors. Located near Sweden, Finland and Russia, a holiday in Norway is a perfect getaway to those who are consumed by the toxicities in the cities and of modern life, in general.

Norway, with its capital city Oslo, has become one of most favorite places to visit by people hailing from different places and from different walks of life. This is because it offers conveniences and attractions that cannot be found in the city or in other modernized countries.

The major difference of a holiday in Norway is one can enjoy exciting activities back dropped with wonderful stretches of pristine mountain terrains. The exquisite and enchanting sights of nature are what draws hundreds of visitors yearly and is what brought many people back to relish the place.

Making the most out of the trip

Norway is a spectacular place from sunrise to sunset. It serves as a perfect playground for activities such as sailing, fishing, windsurfing, dolphin watching, horseback riding, shopping and golf, and other leisure activities. The country is not just a fantastic place at daytime but also at night time because it offers a night life that bursts with life through fine and fun dining, dancing, and music of your choice.

The most visited cities, aside from the capital Oslo, include Trondheim, Bergen, Tromsø and Stavanger. Whether you are in Eastern, Southern, Northern, or Central parts of Norway, you will find places and enjoy activities that will make the most out of your holiday vacation.

Aside from its wonderful fjords, what makes a holiday vacation in Norway great is that it is a premiere vacation spot where wilderness is in its natural state. However, climate should be a major consideration when going to Norway because there can be extreme temperatures.

It is best to go there from mid-June to mid-August where the climate is at its best. It is during these times where there is more accessible public transportation and accommodation is relatively cheaper. The moderate temperatures during these months also make it a perfect vacation spot for families, group of friends and college students looking for the ideal place to wind up during their holiday vacation.

To make the most out of your trip, it is a must to consider not only the weather or climate but also the list of activities that you plan to do or places that you look forward to visit.

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Nature Holiday in Serbia

The possibility of holiday activities in Serbia and attractions are big and there's something for everybody. There are a lot of significant historical places, untouched nature, spas, rivers, caves, ski resorts,world heritages protected by UNESCO. In every part of Serbia you will discover places, which are worth visiting if you want to travel Serbia.

Nature holiday, that means outdoor nature activities. No matter where you spend your holiday in Serbia, sport lovers can take part at nature activities like tracking, mountain biking, horse rides , or guided climbing tours through amazing mountains in east and south-western Serbia. National Park Tara with its untouched nature is ideal for people who want to enjoy in amazing scenic lookouts. Mostly of them are accessible by care. The most spectacular is Biljeska Stena.

Many rarely species of birds live in Canyon of River Uvac. The most impressive is griffin vulture. Watching them in their native habitat is unforgettable. For every season there are appropriate outdoor activities. In the winter Serbia offers snow activities. There are some ski resort. The most famous is Kopaonik - on of the highest mountain in Serbia. There is snow since December to April.

Other one is Zlatibor, which doesn't have professional ski tracks like Kopaonik, but offers amazing landscapes and interesting places to visit - caves, monasteries, waterfalls, train museums. Since 2008, there is new ski resort in Serbia - Stara Planina. It has not finished yet. At the moment there is only one ski track, but a lot of tracks and hotels are under construction so for some years it will be probably the most popular ski center in Serbia because of beauty of Stara Planina Mountain.

There are 2 airports: in Belgrade and city of Nis (220 km from Belgrade, and 80 km from Bulgaria border). The best season to visit Serbia for summer outdoor activities is April - September, for winter activities December - March.

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Slovakia Vacation

During these troubled times, when many of us are having to count the pennies, it is a good idea to look at different holiday destinations, where you can get the best possible value for your money, and so are not worrying the whole time how much your trip is costing you.

This is partly why Slovakia is becoming more and more popular as a European holiday destination, as there are a number of reasons why it is a great low-cost alternative to the likes of Austria, France and Italy.

Low cost flights into Bratislava and Poprad - Tatry

A number of the low-cost airlines now fly into Slovakia from all over Europe and it is possible to pick up return tickets to Bratislava or Poprad-Tatry for less than 100 Euros.

High standard cottages and holiday homes at a great price per person

While the better class of hotels can be quite pricey, it is possible for a family or a group of friends to stay at high standard self-catering accommodation for a great price per person. Always check out the off-season prices for the best deals!

Delicious food at incredible prices

Eating out is one of the top reasons why Slovakia is such a great value holiday destination. Restaurants serve good quality food at a fraction of the cost back home. The same goes for drinks, especially local wines and the excellent Czech and Slovak beers.

Getting around on a budget

Whilst there are no real savings to be made on hiring a car in Slovakia, Public Transportation can be ridiculously cheap and the country enjoys a good infrastructure. What's more, as a general rule, trains, buses and trams all run on time.

Great value sporting activities, tourist attractions and cultural events

The natural beauties of Slovakia are such that there is plenty to do and see all year round, whether you are skiing during the winter season, enjoying sporting activities in the summer, or simply sightseeing throughout the year. What's more, you are able to do so much without having to spend a whole lot of money.

There really is so much to do and see in this undiscovered gem, in the heart of Europe. And there really has never been a better time to visit Slovakia.

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The Wonderful Culture Of Romania

The beautiful country that is Romania can also boast of a strong cultural heritage. This culture has emerged as a consequence of its distinct geographical features and its eventful history. It is a Latin country, where the flavors of the Roman past are still evident, but on the other hand, it follows the Orthodox Church.

Romanian culture displays the telling influence of both Classical European and Oriental cultures. It is also a country, where pastoral traditions have given birth to a rich and down to earth popular culture. The centres of evolution of urban culture in Romania were churches and the royal courts. Urban culture of the early years generally dwelt around discourses on religion, morals and justice in the monasteries and courts. In the early years of the 18th century, Dimitre Cantemir earned great renown with his writings on the Turkish Empire.

Traditional culture was already vibrant at the time, and an example of the rich folklore of Romania is evident in the ballad "Miorita", which is taught in junior school to enlighten young Romanians about their cultural heritage. The story is deeply rooted in Romanian belief in destiny. It is about three shepherds, two of whom turn against the third out of envy. They even planned to kill the third shepherd. He gets to know of the murder plot from a magical sheep in his flock, but instead of taking steps to save his life, he gets reconciled to his fate with stoic fatalism. The only wish he has is that if he is done to death, he should be buried in the meadows to be forever in proximity with his herd and his loyal sheepdogs.

Romanian culture was also enriched by the cultures of various races that ruled over the country down the ages. It has been a cultural melting pot, where elements of Roman, Hungarian, Austrian and Turkish influences are clearly visible. During the 19th century, students from Romania used to visit France to study at universities in that country. Consequently, there is some French influence on Romanian culture.

Romanian culture is also spread across the population of the country. Chances are the person on the street will accurately recite from the works of their national poet, Mihai Eminescu. They could possibly relate the plays written by Ion Luca Caragiale, the most renowned of Romanian playwrights. Romanian society of the time with its absurd pomp, noisy hypocrisy and widespread corruption was captured brilliantly by the sardonic pen of Caragiale. His literary works have stood the test of time. They seem even more relevant today, particularly in the context of present day politics in Romania.

Then there is Ion Cranega, the master storyteller in the genre of children's literature. He penned the famous book called "Childhood Memories", a classic which is a must read for all Romanian children. It is said that all young people can find a bit of themselves when they read this universal book for children.

Literature is not the only arena, where Romanian culture has shown its prowess. Romanian genius has made its mark in fine arts and performing arts as well. Painters like Nicolae Grigorescu, sculptors like Constantin Branusi and musicians like George Enescu have been the toast of the connoisseur and the layman alike. Georghe Zamfir has cast a spell over the world with the sound of his pan flute.

The god fearing people of Romania are proud of their cultural heritage. They make every conceivable effort to keep this heritage alive among future generations. They make sure that Romanian children imbibe this culture from their early days, whether in the form of folk ballads that their mothers sing softly as they lull the babies to sleep, or the classical arts and literature that the young ones are taught at school.

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Business Travel Jobs

For those keeping their eye out for business travel jobs, there have been several events in 2010 that have given consultants and managers food for thought. The field is unpredictable by its very nature; there can sometimes be little warning before a problem overseas requires attention, or a new opportunity must be taken advantage of with an early meeting a long journey away. Travel managers, however, can never assume all will go as planned during these trips. Take a look at some of the events which affected the industry during 2010, and how they might affect the future of corporate travel.

Volcanic Ash

One of the biggest disruptions for travel in 2010 was the eruption of Eyjafjallajokull, a volcano in Iceland, which caused the most significant closure of European airspace since the Second World War. For weeks, many people simply couldn't fly for a myriad of technical and legal reasons concerning the volcanic ash which was released over European airspace. Those looking for travel jobs would be wise to take note of the ways businesses adapted to the restrictions - making use of online conferencing programs like Skype and using long-distance train and ferry travel as a substitute. Many businesses found that their air travel wasn't quite as critical as they'd first assumed. The most important lesson the volcanic eruption taught those in business travel jobs was to always have a back-up plan for travel arrangements, and a back-up for the back-up!

Snow Problems

At the beginning and end of 2010, heavy snowfalls in Europe left many airports and airlines struggling to cope. While the eruption of Eyjafjallajokull couldn't have been predicted by those working in the industry, regular occurrences such as snow during the winter months should factor into business travel planning in 2011. It was Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport, which was the most affected because - as its critics noted - it had done the least to prepare. A lesson for those in travel jobs in 2011 is not to assume major transport hubs will be 'ever-ready' whatever the weather - they are as susceptible to misfortune, and even closures, as smaller transport hubs.

Future Developments

With new transport security developments on the horizon in 2011, it remains to be seen what impact they will have on business travel jobs. In October 2010, the US Transport Security Administration introduced controversial new full-body scanners. Many air passengers saw them as highly intrusive as operators were able to see through clothes. When those in travel-related jobs need to deal with urgent or short-notice travel arrangements, avoiding such stringent security procedures may not be an option, and so the preferences of those embarking on the journey must be taken into account.

While 2010 threw up many challenges for the travel industry, there will always be a necessity for efficient travel arrangements. Those looking for travel jobs could learn a few lessons for the year ahead by examining the problems faced by travellers in 2010.

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Ski Holidays in Slovenia

Skiing is a great sport for all ages. If you are new to the slopes, you may be looking for recommendations for good ski resorts you'll enjoy. This guide will help you choose the best Slovenian ski holidays and resorts for people new to the sport. If you're budget-conscious, you may want to take a look at the Slovenian ski resorts too... they are very affordable.

While skiing has never been a cheap sport, by the time you have bought your clothing, booked your vacation and rented the equipment you require, added all those extras like insurance, skiing lessons and a lift pass, you may feel you need to take out a loan. You may be asking yourself if it is really worth it.

Hold tight to your ski poles... even with a low budget you can enjoy nice ski holidays if you're willing to do a bit of shopping around for bargains, make an effort to eat frugally while you're there, and can make your own travel reservations when needed.

Andorra has always been the most inexpensive place to ski in Europe... but not anymore. Since it joined the European Union, prices have soared. At the same time, this duty-free principality has spent over £112 million over the past few years to build new lifts and make itself a four- or five-star vacation destination. Someone has to pay this bill... and it is the tourists.

If you're a skier looking for a less expensive ski option this season, check out Slovenia. It is one of the top destinations in eastern Europe. One could say, that Slovenia has got a corner on the budget holiday market. The ski resorts are establishing themselves as major destinations in the budget ski vacation market with their excellent skiing, modern amenities and beautiful scenery. These resorts are in particular suitable for beginning skiers, and they charge very reasonable prices.

Whether you're traveling with family or by yourself, this is a place you won't want to miss. Slovenia offers terrific slopes for beginners and those looking for something different than they normally ski. It has something for everyone! The ski resorts are few, but fantastic. Some ski slopes face beautiful pristine lakes, others offer incredible mountain scenery. Courses are varied enough to be safe for beginners, yet challenging enough for intermediate skiers. You'll find Slovenia's resorts to be quiet and relaxing as well, unlike some of the other more well-known resorts around Europe.

Slovenia's most famous resorts are Kranjska Gora and Maribor Pohorje, the site of several international races. Since these slopes are not as high in altitude as some of the neighboring resorts in the Alps, if you want to be assured of adequate cover you may want to wait to see before booking your reservations. While this may seem a bit of a hassle, remember, this makes the slopes easier to reach. The lower center of Kranjska Gora is around 800 meters (approximately 2624 feet).

Slovenia's highest ski resort is Mount Kanin... touching the sky at 2,000 meters (approximately 6561 feet). It is covered in snow until the spring. The Kanin Ski Center is close to both Austria and Italy, so tourists vacationing here can pick up a seven-day pass that allows them to ski for free for two days at the Austrian ski resort of Arnoldstein and the Italian resorts of Sella Nevea and Tarvisio.

One of the most modern ski resorts in Slovenia is the Cerkno Ski Center - my favorite slovenian ski spot. Situated at 1,300 meters (approximately 4265 feet), it has modern snowmaking equipment and the only covered chairlifts in Slovenia. It is also the best equipped slovenian ski resort for families. The Cerkno Ski Center guarantees snow for 70 days every season. It is close to the towns of Gorenjska and Primorska.

Bohinj has a private lake with ski slopes above it. The resort of Vogel, which can only be reached by cable-car, is the biggest and most sophisticated in Slovenia.

That was my Top 5 slovenia ski holidays recommendation for you. Are you looking for excellent downhill skiing? Then let me mention also Krvavec, a slovenian ski resort near Ljubljana, which occupies a meadow on the Kalska range.

Vacation Rental Trip to Bulgaria

Bulgaria offers pleasures for each one's taste. Thinking of an active holiday? Bulgaria has it - swimming, skiing, riding, climbing, hunting, fishing... Thinking of relaxing - amazing nature, sunny beaches, healing spas, monasteries and churches, hospitable towns and villages... Ancient culture, endless beaches and an emerald sea, high mountains with marvellous gorges and caves, clear lakes and rivers full of fish, wide valleys, healing springs, ancient culture, hospitable people, tempting cuisine and wines, diverse flora and fauna...
Rent holiday home or vacation rental in Bulgaria (http://bulgaria-vacation-rentals.com) and enjoy your stay!
All accommodation places in Bulgaria have been categorised according to the 5-star international system. Privatisation has had a favourable impact and today the country is proud of hotels and restaurants that meet the modern world standard.
When you are ready for that once in a lifetime experience of an Bulgarian vacation, consider a private home rental for your source of lodging. Hotels can be nice, but staying in a private home rented for the occasion can give you a chance to see the real Bulgaria. Explore the countryside, walk into the village and visit with the residents, and see what it feels like to actually go home, to a cabin or villa at the end of the day, living as the Bulgarians do. Or, try a beach house if that suits you or an apartment if you prefer a more urban setting. Getting to know the local people by living among them for an extended stay of a few weeks will give you a chance to learn some of the language, or if you already speak Bulgarian to brush up on your skills. It will also give you a chance to learn local history in a very unique way, from the people themselves. You will appreciate all of the similarities of Bulgarian culture with your own, and learn to appreciate the differences as well. The Bulgarians are a wonderful, friendly people with a rich culture and history. Taking the time to live among them, getting to know them as friends and neighbors, is truly an experience you will always remember.
Private homes for rent to vacationers in Bulgaria can be found in various price ranges. If you are looking for luxury, there are villas available. If something more rustic suits your taste and budget, then smaller homes and even old farmhouses are available to appeal to all tastes. Just as an example, one property includes two bedrooms, queen size beds, kitchen, laundry area, bathroom, central eat and the satellite television, telephone and VCR that most tourists are used to having. Imagine though the coziness and comfort of coming back to the house after a day of sight seeing to sit by the fire place, drinking a glass of a local wine, having a light dinner of pasta, and enjoying the peace and quiet of your surroundings. Staying in a hotel in a major city will certainly show you the tourist hot spots, but staying in a private home will show you the real Bulgaria.
There are so many wonderful places to visit in Bulgaria like: 
- Nessebar - beautiful small town on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast a few hours south of Varna. Another one of Bulgaria's many UNESCO world heritage sites. 
- Sozopol - together with Nessebar these are the two sea towns with traditional houses and ancient dig sites. 
- Bansko - a beautiful old village in the Pirin mountains with refurbished homes, stone wall, and cobblestone streets, but increasingly overtaken by resort hotels. Good place for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. The birthplace of the Bulgarian revival movement. If you want a true mountain village experience, there are a few other villages nearby from which to choose. In the beginning of august an annual Jazz festival is being held in the town. Skiiers and Snowboarders could find BanskoSki useful.


No visa is required for entry for citizens of the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
However, foreigners have to register at the police after 72 hours. If you have booked with a travel agency, this will be taken care of. If not - usually, your hotel will handle the necessary paperwork (ask). If you do not stay in a hotel, you will need to go to the police and take the tedious task of registering on your own. Especially for UK and US citizens, Bulgaria is really cracking down on this. Failure to register might mean a 2000 Leva fine (about $1200 US). Also take care that you have an entry stamp in your passport, otherwise your exit could be quite troublesome.
Bulgaria offers tourist attractions all around the year. Most popular are summer seaside resorts, along the entire Black Sea coastline. In winter numerous ski resorts are there to attract tourists. There are many spa, treking and historical destinations that offer incredibly rich variety of experiences.
There are hundreds, maybe thausends of mineral water springs around the country, so this is something you'd better taste and drink. Ayrian and boza are two traditional Balkan non-alcoholic beverages.




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Visiting Istanbul

If you're travelling to Europe, train holidays are a wonderful option for stylish and luxurious travel - but their secret advantage is that they often arrive straight into the heart of some of the most intriguing cities in Europe. One of these is Istanbul, a feature on many holiday wish-lists, and the largest city in Turkey. For travellers interested in discovering the culture and delights of the 5th largest city in the world (by population), and who only have a day or two to explore the city before boarding the train to their next destination, there are a few must-see places in Istanbul which should not be missed.

Istanbul Archaeology Museum

If your interest in Europe is not just limited to the beautiful countryside rolling by, then there's no better way to unearth a little of Turkey's history for yourself than by a visit to the Istanbul Archaeology museum. Established in 1881, it's one of the largest museums of its kind in the world, and contains more than 1,000,000 archaeological pieces from a diverse range of areas - the Balkans, the Middle East, North Africa, and even Central Asia. It's a fantastic place to lose yourself in and become immersed in some of the fascinating history of Europe - train holidays can be even more enjoyable with the knowledge of the land's past along the way.

The Grand Bazaar

One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar consists of more than 58 covered street stalls and 4,000 shops. Opened in 1461, it quickly became well-known in Istanbul for its jewellery, pottery, spice, and carpet shops. For all kinds of people travelling through Europe, train holidays or not, it's an amazing place to visit and begin appreciating the Turkish culture - as well as being a wonderful location to find a bargain and a souvenir or two before continuing your journey.

Turkish Baths

For the truly discerning traveller, nothing can surpass the experience of a genuine Turkish bath - the Turkish variant of a steam bath or sauna. For rail travellers in Europe, train holidays do feature all the comforts of home, but there's something to be said for truly immersing yourself in another culture.

In the Turkish bath the treat will begin by relaxing in a warm room, heated by a continuous flow of hot, dry air. Bathers then move to an even hotter room before splashing themselves with cold water. After a full body wash and a massage, bathers finally retire to a cooling-room to relax and refresh themselves for the next stop on their journey.

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Enjoy Your Spanish Vacation

If you're going on a vacation and you want to stay in Spain, then what better place to stay than Spain holiday villas? Not only do they provide you with a beautiful location to take your vacation in, but they also provide you with the best prices so you will have more money to spend on souvenirs and gifts for everyone back home than on renting the villa to stay in. This is something that will save you money, and still give you a beautiful vacation at the same time. Find out a little more about the Spain holiday villas that they have available.

These villas are one of a kind, and perfectly decorated to give you only the best while on vacation. Choose from a number of villa styles and sizes to fit your vacation needs. This includes larger villas for the family, or perhaps a small quiet villa for the couple.

If you prefer to be closer to the beach than choosing a beach front villa might be the option for you. Look out the window at the peaceful ocean front with white sands and breathtaking beach views. Who wouldn't want this type of setting to spend their vacation time in?

Of course, if you would rather not spend your days admiring the beach from one of these Spain holiday villas then you can also rent one further from the beach. This could provide you with beautiful woods and landscapes and all of the seclusion you might need to have a wonderful time with the one you're with.

This is perfect if you're a couple wanting a few days of rest and relaxation away from the normal duties of home. There is no way you want to miss out on one of these beautiful Spain holiday villas that just might fit what you're looking for in a vacation.

As for activities nearby, you will have plenty to do. There are many places to shop in the towns to bring everyone back a present from your trip. You also have excursions that might be of interest either on land or in the water depending on what you find more exhilarating.

An adventure and dream vacation awaits. All you need to do is find the perfect place to sleep when the time comes. This is where Spain holiday villas can come in, and you can feel right at home in one of them. Bring the one or ones you love on vacation, and enjoy all that Spain has to offer you.

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A Cheap Holiday in Portugal

If you are looking for go someone cheaper, yet far more sophisticated than the majority of the Algarve, then Faro, the capital of the region is your number one bet. There are some real gems in Faro for you to have a cheap holiday in Portugal.

Where do most people go in Portugal when they visit the Algarve?

Generally, tourists from the UK will visit one of the following destinations: Albufeira, Portimao or Quateria. But why? These places are ridden with British owned restaurants and high rise buildings. If you really want to see Portugal for Portugal, then do not visit these places, instead, visit Faro.

Why is Faro cheaper to visit than the places named above? Because there are less tourists. Ultimately, the more tourists there are in one place, the higher the locals will charge. Now you may think that having a slightly cheaper hotel means you will be getting a bargain holiday in Europe. NO! This is one of the biggest mistakes ever: This is like paying for a £10 a night B&B but then eating in the Ritz.

Going on a cheap holiday in Portugal is not about finding a budget hotel and low cost flights. It is getting the whole package cheaply. This includes you spending budget.

So when it comes to finding a cheap holiday in Portugal, simple go off the beaten track and visit the more Portuguese places. Places such as Faro, Olhao and Tavira are great little towns that are full of pure Portugal. Get hunting for that cheap holiday in Portugal.

Just remember that you need to find a location in Portugal where few tourists go. "The lower the number of tourists, the cheaper your holiday will be"

Holiday destinations in France

The beautiful region of Alsace Lorraine in France offers many exciting finds. Here we offer a guide to this part of France including its climate and gastronomical delights

Alsace–Lorraine has 7 departments consisting of; Haut Rhin, Bas Rhin, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, Moselle, Vosges, and covers the North East of region of France

Weather: The climate is very similar to the south of England, with cool winters and warm summers, but rarely extremes of temperature. The rainfall is quite high, with highest rainfall being in May and June.

The Region: Alsace-Lorraine has managed to maintain a strong identity, despite its extremely chequered history. The area, and various parts of it, have been alternately German or French many times over the centuries. Lorraine has a French language tradition, whereas Alsace has more German-speaking citizens, but the whole region has been part of France since 1945.

Nancy is the old capital of Lorraine, and Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace. Strasbourg is the home of lots of industry, but is still a charming city, with timber-framed houses leaning together and over the streets. The old buildings in this whole region are reminiscent of gingerbread houses!

The landscape of this beautiful area encompasses green fields and stacks of vineyards, which usually offer wine tastings. Other visits range from the sombre, thought-provoking and disturbing concentration camps of the 2nd World War, to the fascinating Kronenburg factory in Strasbourg - we will all know that it has been there since 1664!

Gastronomy: The food and drink of Alsace-Lorraine has a lot in common with that of its German neighbour. Alsatian wine is not to be missed! The whites tend to be exceedingly floral and fruity, which make them very satisfying to drink on their own, but with enough punch to go with most foods. Food-wise, Alsace-Lorraine is the home of sauerkraut, or ‘chou-croute’ in French. The French love this dish, which is more than simply pickled cabbage. It usually comes cooked with a whole selection of other goodies, and it is very worthwhile to try. Other local food to look out for includes the famous quiche Lorraine, foie gras, sausages, beer and the amazing pastries to be found in the bulging windows of incredible patisseries.

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Traveling With Pets From the US to Western Europe

Traveling with pets from the US to Europe is easy to do once you are able to understand the ins and outs of the system, and once you know what to expect. First, there are a few questions you need to be able to answer about your trip in order to ensure smooth sailing for you and your pet (and in order to even make your reservations).

Make sure you plan your trip well, and know exactly which cities you will be stopping over in, visiting, and for how long you will be staying. You will also need to check any restrictions your airline(s) may have, and provide crate dimensions. You may even be able to take your pet into the cabin, depending on its size.

It is also necessary to get information about traveling to the European Union with your pet from individual country embassy websites. This way, you will have all of the information you need about every specific country you will visit, and there is no risk of misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the information provided.

Just like any human being, pets will also need a passport in order to travel to Europe. These are found on embassy websites, and these passports are a certification from your vet that your pet is up-to-date on vaccines and healthy. Also, your pet will need a microchip when going to the EU.

Financially, there are several costs to consider when traveling to Europe with your pet from the US. A ticket for a pet is usually around $200 from the United States, and a visit to the vet can vary in price. Expect to pay another $50 when sending health documents and passports to be stamped. And finally, crate prices can range from anywhere between $50 to $400. These costs cover the basic necessities, but toys and treats should also be considered into your final tabulations.

Customs officials may not check your paperwork every time, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. Covering all of the basics, and more, before you set off on your travels with your pet will ensure a successful trip to Europe. Paperwork may seem like a hassle now, but it will make for a positive traveling experience later. Good planning and being well-prepared will reduce the risk of potentially very stressful situations for both you and your pets.

Learning how to travel with pets to anywhere in the world can be easy. There are cities worldwide known for being pet-friendly, and books to learn more about accommodating your pets. You can keep your animal companions happy while on the road or while they are waiting for your return from traveling.

Traveling with pets, or finding accommodations for them when they cannot travel with you, does not have to be a difficult process. The right resources and information can provide for a smooth transition for both you and your pets. Remember, good planning and preparation will benefit you in the long run.

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Visiting Wales

Wales is getting more attention than it used to with many high budget UK TV programs being made in Wales, notably 'Doctor Who', 'Becoming Human' and the hilarious 'Gavin and Stacey'. But media aside let us not forget about the beautiful and enchanting countryside of Wales. My favourite way to enjoy Wales is in a campervan, so read on to find out why...

The north coast of Wales is the home of some of the fun seaside resorts like Llandudno and Conwy with large family campsites that your children will love, the resorts of mid Wales such as Aberystwyth are a little less commercial and very beautiful. You can choose from 'holiday camp' style campsites or more rural and peaceful sites further inland.

The possibilities for 'wild camping' in the more rural parts of Wales are pretty good, although I'd always recommend you stay 'on site' at least every 3 days. Bearing this in mind it is well planning your campervan trip ahead of time. In this way, you have an easier time in making all the aspects of your trip, just that little bit more smoother. Check into the company you plan for renting a motorhome first for choosing the perfect model for you and your family. Consider the sleeping space you will need and the space you might need for the kids. It helps to have rough idea of whereabouts you are going to go as some country lanes in Wales can be a bit on the narrow side and this might be worth considering when you think about the size of van you want to rent.

Many homes come complete with everything you need for cooking a great meal. You will only need to worry about supplying the food. Cookware and cutlery is included in the rental of many motorhomes. Check also about the bedding you may need to pack. While some camper hire companies provide bedding, there are those that do not.

Arrangements for your camper hire can be made easily online. You may get a look at the variety of models available to you through video for making sure you know what you are getting in advance. Once you have made the arrangements for rental, you can then begin to check out the many destinations in Wales waiting for you and your family.

Pembrokeshire and Brecon Beacons are perfect camper destinations. These are national parks that offer you a taste of the welsh country like no other place can. You should also look into the camping sites that are on offer for campervans at Snowdonia. Making your way across Snowdonia from mid Wales up towards Anglesey can indeed provide a fruitful and enjoyable experience. Being able to come back to the comfort of your camper is an added benefit particularly if you get caught in some proper 'Welsh weather'.

Start making your rental arrangements today for the Welsh experience you will never forget. By taking a campervan, you can take your time in admiring the scenic views of castles and green valleys. You can also take your time for shopping or dining out between camping destinations.

Can Playing Mini-Golf Be Educational for Kids

It is a well-known fact that for children, play is learning. This is exceedingly demonstrated when kids play mini-golf. There are so many educational benefits that for kids, it should be called "maxi-golf!"

The most apparent benefit is the physical activity of playing mini-golf. It has been said that a golfer can burn up to 350 calories in one hour of playing golf. Children may or may not need to burn calories for weight loss, but they do need to burn off energy so that they can concentrate during times of quiet study. Playing mini-golf gives kids the opportunity to walk off the energy, swing a golf club, chase a ball, and chase their friends around the course. The walking is constant enough that it can provide a good solid cardiovascular workout for a typical child. Swinging a club works the large muscle groups in the arms, while squatting and bending work the large muscles of the legs as well. Obviously where a mini-golf course is concerned, the larger the better when it comes to a good physical workout for kids. The best physical activity is possible if the course also has multiple levels that must be reached by climbing steps, and inclines. Look for a large multi-level course if you want to provide the maximum physical benefits for your children. The other major advantage of kid courses it the fact that most are outside. Kids need the fresh air and sunshine, and a mini-golf course is one great place for them to receive this needed health benefit. An added value to the physical activity is the good night's sleep a kid will get after playing an afternoon of golf.

There are educational benefits also when children play golf. First and foremost is the hand-eye coordination required to play. This translates into better reading and thinking. Secondly the logic required for kids to adjust their swing as they shoot for the target also helps children learn to think. They also unconsciously acquire decision making tools at the same time. Adult interaction will exponentially increase the learning benefits of kids playing golf. The best mini-golf courses have themes, usually a geographical or historic theme. Even those that have a theme set in fantasy or fiction lend themselves to creative thinking. An adult, be it teacher or parent can - with creative questioning- cause a child to imagine, create, and dream as they observe their surroundings. By asking questions throughout the game about the surroundings, an adult can help the child become intentional with observation. Later, creative writing assignments can springboard from an afternoon of golf. Even math skills can be taught strategically. Using the 'par' for each shot, a kid can perform simple math; addition and subtraction based on their shots, or more sophisticated mathematical functions such as probability and percentages. Mini-golf is often therapeutic for those kids who have trouble concentrating. The very nature of playing golf demands a higher level of concentration.

An overlooked benefit of kids playing mini-golf is the social skills that can be built. Kids are naturally competitive. But golf is about competing with oneself, eliminating the feuding that can often happen with team competition. Kids playing in a group have ample time to socialize and interact with each other as they wait for those ahead of them to play through. It also teaches patience and tolerance, especially with a savvy adult's guiding comments.Playing mini-golf with the kids can bring families together because it allows time for real conversation away from television, computers, and cell phones. Parents should take advantage of this by refraining from using their own cell phones. Teachers who bring their entire class to play may find unlikely friendships forming as children mingle together, often talking to kids other than their usual best friends.

There's just something about a beautiful day, friendly competition, and fantastic surroundings that promotes physical, mental and social activity. Parents take your family. Teachers take your class. Mini-golf provides all this for kids.

Useful Tips When Trying to Save Money on a Family Holiday

Family holidays are one of those things that people are always going to look to have and even during the height of the recession in late 2000's, families were still making sure that their family holidays were factored into their budget. As the economy has slowly started to improve, an increasing number of families are once again looking to see where they can go on holiday and they have plenty of options available, it just depends on what you are looking for and how much you have to spend. These two aspects are the most important and will dictate where you can realistically go.

Book Early

Many people think that last minute deals are the best but in reality, even though some a beneficial, the best deals can be found when you get online. The holiday parks in the UK, for example, have some great deals on Easter and summer breaks at the moment and families can bag themselves a bargain. By booking early you can also by more choosy in what you pick as you have time to make a decision instead of having to choose under pressure, this is likely to save you money in the long run.

Think Local

If you are looking to save money on your next family holiday, the best thing is to visit a destination locally. You may think that this is going to spoil the fun but it could do the exact opposite as places such as the UK holiday parks have some amazing entertainment, sports and activities on offer so that you and your family can have the best family break ever whilst saving a pretty penny as well. You will also save on the hassle and expense of travelling long distance as well as the hassle it can cause when travelling with toddlers.

Look for different Accommodation options

When travelling abroad you make a point of choosing the right location so why do anything different when travelling in the UK. There are some excellent self accommodation options available meaning you can shop for some ingredients before hand or at a local shop and make your own food there. This is going to be a bit more difficult and parents may not want to cook on their family break but you can save some money by doing so, so it is just a matter of weighing up the pros and cons of cooking and saving money or eating out and paying more. It's up to you.

Protaras Cyprus

It's no surprise to learn that Cyprus is one of the Mediterranean's most popular holiday destinations when you realise just what the island has to offer - 340 days of sunshine a year, a heritage dating back to 7000BC, impressive archaeological sites plus plenty of lively touristy hotspots. With so many assets, who wouldn't want to take a private villa holiday on this Mediterranean island? Renowned for its friendliness to visitors, the island is also blessed with a plethora of quality holiday rental villas and apartments - ideal for family holidays in Cyprus, a firm favourite with British families on the hunt for a typical Cyprus beach holiday with plenty of activities.

One of the most popular tourist areas in Cyprus is vibrant Protaras - it boasts a calm and crystal-clear sea and is protected from the wind. There you will find a great choice of shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, and a lovely sandy beach in Fig Tree Bay which stretches along the coast for miles. There is a huge choice of restaurants in Protaras to choose from including Italian, Indian and Thai, but definitely not to be missed are the open air seafood restaurants where the freshly grilled fish are some of the best you'll savour.

The beaches in Protaras are amongst the best in Cyprus too, so the area is a Mecca for tourists and Cypriots alike especially at weekends, so you'll also find plenty of watersports to choose from including paragliding, jet-skiing, diving, windsurfing and waterskiing. Should you want to "get away from it all" for a day, head north to explore isolated coves and south for snorkelling or diving around the rocky coastline. As for shopping in this part of Cyprus, you'll find the best bargains in designer merchandise (tax free prices) in nearby Agia Napa, as well as some good jewellery and leather buys.

As for activities in Cyprus for children, take them to the water slides and pools in the Ancient Greece-themed Aqua Park with aptly-named features - Poseidon's Wave Pool, Aphrodite's Bath, and the Odyssey River. Kids will also love the larger amusement park in nearby Agia Napa which features attractions for children aged from toddlers to teens.

Diving around the east coast of Cyprus is the bees knees... the beaches are surrounded by reefs, caves and canyons where you'll discover a diverse range of colourful fish. Experienced scuba divers will find diving beyond the reefs even more exciting - expect schools of barracudas; needlefish, underwater pinnacles and the largest wreck in the Mediterranean.

Protaras is set up with excellent self catering accommodation including luxury villas with private pools, cheaper apartments and a range of hotels along the beach.

You might be wondering when would be the best time to visit Cyprus... you'd better bear in mind that summers are pretty hot from May until October, after which the island cools down. There's still lots of sun between October and December though, and little rain, and if you visit Cyprus in December and January you will enjoy an average of about six hours of sunshine a day.

Elite Villas in Cyprus is a holiday rentals specialist websites advertising 10 luxury villas with private pools in Protaras, Cyprus.

Greece Travel Guide

Whenever the exciting thought of spending your vacations or weekends comes to your mind, don't think much just plan your trip to the scintillating country Greece. There are many fabulous and eye catching attractions worth visiting. This travel guide will lead you to all the tourist destinations which are relevant to visit and all the hotels which are cheap and best to stay and spend your vacations fully.

Greece is popular for the calm and soothing beaches, Rocky Mountains, natural flora and fauna, lavishing restaurants, bright colorful days and exciting nights. The most outstanding aspect of Greece is its great ancient history. The history of Greece is very important to know and enhance your knowledge. The historical monuments reflect the whole Greece culture and civilization. The well known historic city Athens which is also the capital of Greece has many historical monuments and architecture telling about the ancient history. There were three basic kinds of civilizations that use to rein in Athens around 3000 B.C. i.e. Minoan, Cycladic and Mycenaean. There are many historical monuments like Acropolis tower, Parliament building, Theatre of Dionysos and many museums, churches and other architectural buildings.

The country of Greece is also renowned for its vast, calm, sandy beaches and islands. The clean and tidy beaches of Greece spice up your trip and you can fully enjoy here. This Greece travel guide will tell you the most famous beaches of Greece and they are Balos beach on Gramvoussa Island, Banana Beach on Skiathos Island, and Egremni beach on Lefkada Island and many more. All the beaches have a scenic beauty and visitors are fond of them.

The Greece travel guide also covers all the famous hotels, restaurants and bars depicting their locations and features. In Greece many kinds of classy hotels made for your stay like Apollo, Liberty and Myrmidon hotel in Aegina, Crowns Plaza Athens city center, Life gallery, and Royal Olympic in Athens. All these hotels are good in facilities and prices both. Restaurants like Hard Rock Café, Spondini Restaurants etc. serve delicious multicuisine food like fried fishes, cheese dishes etc. for the tourists and guests.

This Greece travel guide is also resource for the entertaining events that are conducted in Greece like the music concerts, film festivals and sports tournaments. The Panathinaiko Stadium is one of the oldest stadium and thousands of Olympic Games have been conducted in this stadium. The modern Olympic game was first time conducted here only. Thessaloniki also presents the all time film festivals for the guests. Many corporate events also occur in Greece like the events occurring in parliament building and at other places.

This Greece Travel guide is a resourceful guide which is very useful for the people planning their trip to Greece. I hope there are all the basic and relevant information required at the time of coming to Greece.

Bulgaria vacations

The picturesque country of Bulgaria is a very popular European tourist destination thanks to its rich and diverse culture, stunning landscapes, ski slopes and beautiful black sea resorts such as Sunny Beach, Sveti Vlas and Albena. Well over seven million people call Bulgaria their home; over a million of these people live in Bulgaria's capital of Sofia, which has numerous cultural and architectural attractions for tourists. Bulgarian apartment rentals and vacation rentals by owner have become very popular over the last ten years as more and more people come and enjoy the relaxing and beautiful nature of Bulgaria.

Bulgaria makes up part of the Balkans in the south east area of Europe and it shares its borders with five other countries including Romania, Greece and Turkey, not forgetting the Black Sea. Bulgaria apartment rentals are very popular in Black Sea resorts such as Sunny Beach, which is a major Bulgarian seaside resort which is home to around 800 hotels, 130 restaurants and countless bars, clubs and tourist attractions. Sunny Beach holiday villa rentals and apartment rentals are very popular in the summer months for people looking to lay on the glorious beach in the sunshine and enjoy the thriving nightlife. Tourists can also enjoy numerous water sports in the area and the resort is very popular with tourists from Germany, Scandinavia, Serbia, Ireland and the UK.

If you may think Sunny Beach could be a little bit too crowded or lively, the nearby resort of Sveti Vlas could be the answer, it is much quieter and is more orientated towards a relaxing beach holiday, although continuous development of the area is making it more popular with tourists and could even grown to the size of Sunny Beach. There are numerous St. Vlas apartment rentals available; some are very luxurious which can cater for your every need. Other popular seaside resorts include Albena and Varna.

Vacationing in Bulgaria is not all about the Black Sea resorts, Bulgaria possess some amazing cities such as Sofia which offer a more cultural and architectural experience to show you the real Bulgaria. The country is also very popular with skiers, many ski resorts such as Samokov and Bansko which become heavily populated with tourists in the winter months. You could say Bugaria has a little bit of everything throughout the year.

Top Places to Visit in London

London is a massive city with a lot of offer, there are hundreds of places which must be visited by tourists however as we can mention all of them we will mention just a few places that you must visit in London, we will show you some of the best places in one of the cultural hubs of the world.

1. Leicester Square 

A vibrant landmark and entertainment hub. This is where all the movie premiers in London are held, it has numerous cinemas including the famous Odeon and Empire cinemas. There are a lot of eateries, cafes and bars also around the square which include London's only Haagan daaz and Ben and Jerrys ice cream parlours.

2. Oxford/Regents Street 

Oxford Street is Europe's busiest shopping street which is one and half miles long. Both these streets are connected by the very famous Oxford Circus and are major shopping areas. They are home to numerous departmental stores and flagship stores. Every Christmas the roads are lit with lights which is a sight to see.

3. Piccadilly Circus 

A famous public place which is also a road junction, most famously known for its flashing advertising boards. This junction also connects Leicester Square with Regents Street and also has the famous London Pavilion.

4. Trafalgar Square 

Another Square in central London which has the Nelson's Column, the square is surrounded by statues and sculptures. The square is very large with notable buildings around it, which include the South Africa and Canada Houses.

5. City of London 

also known as the Square Mile is the financial and business hub of London, ranking as one of the leading financial centres in the world. There are many landmark skyscrapers here which include the Gherkin, Tower 42, Heron as well as many smaller towers like the Bank of England, St Paul's Cathedral and many historical buildings.

6. Hyde Park 

This is the largest park in central London and one of the royal parks. The park is famous for its speakers Corner as well as having the Kensington Gardens next to it.

7. Mayfair 

This is one of the wealthiest areas in London, the rents are some of the highest in the world here and it has some of the most expensive shops in London, there are lots of Designer stores, tailors and expensive bars and restaurants.

8. Canary Wharf 

The second financial district after the City of London. Canary Wharf is covered with skyscrapers and houses the world leading financial institutions. the major buildings there are One Canada square, which is the tallest building in England and has a number of other shiny glass towers.

9. Covent Gardens 

Is a district with the famous fruit and vegetable market. It also has the Royal Opera House which is worth a visit.

10. London Eye 

This is a big giant wheel which is 135 meters tall. It is the tallest such wheel in Europe and was the tallest in the world when made. It is visited by 3.5 million people every year making it the most popular tourist attraction in London.