Archive for the ‘Traveling Tips’ Category

Brussels! Business and pleasure in the heart of europe

brussels streets

Brussels is a fine city, bursting with culture, amenities, food and beer. It is the perfect city to do business in because it presents you with the best of both worlds – everything you need to ensure you can work efficiently plus all you could want for entertainment during those non-working hours. Considered the Heart of Europe, Brussels is the capital of Belgium and provides a warm welcome for every business traveller – especially those seeking some quality free-time activities too.



Business
A city ideal for business, Brussels bird eye viewBrussels has an impressive infrastructure and support network that ensures companies can work without a hitch and business travelers can conduct their tasks with ease. In fact, each year Brussels is home to more than 70,000 registered meetings and exhibitions – and that’s because of the range of venues available.

Holiday Inn Meetings, for example, are designed for the professional so if you’re in Brussels for business, you should consider using the facilities. Whether it’s a fairly intimate meeting you want to arrange or a massive theatre-style conference for hundreds of colleagues, Holiday Inn can meet your needs. As food matters in Brussels, you can be sure of a hearty working lunch or breakfast during your meeting too.

Brussels also benefits from a central location, making it easy to reach from other European cities including London, Paris and Berlin. The links are excellent to major cities so you can hold meetings in Brussels in the morning and return home again in the afternoon, or simply enjoy a leisurely few hours meandering your way around the city.

As a compact city, walking is an option for getting around Brussels in a stress-free manner. Rather than waiting for a cab or fighting your way onto public transport, like you have to in London for instance, you can stroll from meeting to meeting. Plus, there isn’t the language barrier of many major business cities in Europe as most people in Brussels speak English and certainly business is conducted in English.

Brussels city center
Pleasure
When your meetings are over, why not discard your laptop and tie, pop on a pair of comfy shoes and head on out into the city of food, beer and culture?

If you enjoy food, Brussels will delight. And you don’t need to go to a fancy restaurant to be sure of a really good meal, either, as most cafes will serve delicious bowls of the classic Belgian dish mussels and chips. Other favourites include waterzooi soup, a stew-like soup traditionally made with fish and vegetables, and waffles. To top off your meal, you can choose between the 400 different types of beer that Brussels has to offer!

Brussels is also a paradise for chocolate lovers, where you’ll find streets lined with the finest chocolate shops in the world as well as a Chocolate Museum which lets you watch as the delectable sweet brown stuff is made right in front of you. After all, this city is home to famous chocolatiers like Godiva.

Of course, there’s more to this city than food and beer, and you’ll find ample activities to keep you busy for an hour or two in between meetings and also for whole days. There are museums, art galleries and fairs that are worth exploring, and cities like Amsterdam and Luxembourg are only a stone’s throw away and perfect for a day trip. In addition, the beautiful squares, historic buildings and sights are enough to make simply walking around Brussels a delight.

Barcelona, ​​a multicultural city full of surprises

barcelona city

Barcelona, ​​the largest city in Catalonia & the the second largest city in Spain is a wonderful attraction if you want to see the colors of life at full swing, Every corner has its own history. During a weekend in Barcelona, ​​you will experience a unique adventure and forget your everyday life. Barcelona is a Mediterranean cosmopolitan city, with a unique charm and elusive, is a city full of contrasts and surprises. Its atmosphere is warm and lovers of art, architecture and culture will not be disappointed either.

Plaza de Cataluna spain

Plaza de Cataluna, in the heart of Barcelona is connected to the beach by the famous Las Ramblas. Between this place and the port is the old city including the Gothic Quarter and the cathedral which houses many monuments of medieval beauty. Also, most museums, monuments and historic sites there.

Speaking of Barcelona forced to recall one of his most famous Gaudi, whose works are found throughout the city, You can also visit the Casa Batllo, the Sagrada Familia & Park Guell. Finally, the nightlife of Barcelona has no limits and it is impossible to express in a few words the warmth and energy you will find, You must enjoy it! The countless pubs, bars, nightclubs and restaurants combined with natural friendliness and openness of the people of Barcelona, ​​will make your stay in this city, wonderful and unforgettable.

For your stay, one of the most economical ways to lodge is to take a room any street hotel. However you can also opt for expensive cottages if your budget allows you. Here is must say that in any type of accommodation in Barcelona, they offers high class hospitality. In addition, you can also receive discounts on activities and tours in the city. I suggest you to use the map, photos and opinions to choose the hostel that suits you best before leaving for your holidays. Here are some photos of representing the chaos of life in Barcelona.

flower shop in barcelona A roadside flowers & gift shop in Barcelona city.

barcelona beachLovers of beaches and sun? Then don’t miss Barcelona which offers miles of golden beaches of fine sand, only 10 minutes from the city center. The famous beaches in Barcelona includes, Icaria Beach, Barceloneta beach, Playa Mar Bella & Beaches of Sitges.

Ibiza – More than just clubbing

Famous nightclubs including Space and Amnesia attract thousands of Britons every week to Ibiza. While Ibiza does indeed continue to be the epicentre of partying, it can offer so much more. The island is full of history, culture and hosts adventures to be had. We’ve put together a list of 5 things you should do on the island during the day, assuming you aren’t too hungover from the previous night out.

1. Visit Las Salinas Salt Lake
On the South of the island, visitors can find the salt fields, ‘Las Salinas Salt Flats’. In the summer, the salt-water lake evaporates leaving a pretty crystal sparkling layer, used for thousands of years.

2. Explore Dalt Vila
Located in the old town, a walk across a drawbridge will take you back in time. You will be immediately greeted with the Plaza. Wander around the cobble streets, however we’d strong recommend taking comfortable shoes.

3. Go Diving
Warm clean waters makings Ibiza the perfect place to go diving and those new to the sport should not worry as there is a number of schools around to learn. A cargo ferry sunk around five years ago, and is now open to the public to explore.

4. See the Coast by Boat
Ibiza has some stunning coastline, which deserves more attention than simply lying on the beach. A number of boat tours are available and if you’re feeling flush, yachts available to hire too.

5. Shop in the Markets
Ibiza has thriving markets where you can buy unique handmade items to remember your holiday by. Some of the biggest include the Hippy Market held on Wednesdays in the grounds of Club Punta Arabi and the Las Dallas market in San Carlos.

If the lure of an island with both culture and a party lifestyle is too hard to resist, visit Twenties Holidays, who offer various package holidays to Ibiza.

Benefits of planning your vacation in advance

Do you want to take a camping vacation with your friends or family, Or with your romantic partner? If the answer is true for either any of the above case, then its time you should start planning your holidays. If you do not have to start planning your vacation, you may want to think about how to do so soon. Here are some tips that could be helpful to you in having perfect vacations in less cost.

While it is good to know that you must think of your vacation planning in advance, you will be in May to ask exactly why you should. In all honesty, you will find that there are a number of reasons why you should start planning your next vacation in advance, and a number of advantages to do so. Just a few of those many reasons and benefits are outlined below for you.

Preparing your vacation in advance will help ensure that you are able to get a reservation for accommodation of your own choice. During holidays, it’s almost impossible to get cheap accommodation due to crowded market.  Camping is however a popular activity in this situation, especially during the spring and summer months. What does this mean to you? That means you’re probably one of the hundreds of people in and around your area who are interested in having a fun filled holiday, but however, In most of the places it is very unfortunate to know that many campgrounds are limited on the amount of space they have. To ensure that you are able to get a reservation vacation, you want to make your plans in advance.

In addition to making a reservation, planning your vacation in advance may also help you get a better camping spot. Looking at a map of the campground in question, you may find that perfect camping spot is located next to a lake or one that is near a hiking trail. With this in mind, however, it is important that you know that the longer you wait to make your vacation reservations, less than “prime”, campsites you have to choose.

Preparing in advance also allow you more time to choose, what kind of food you can bring in camping or hicking, You can also determine what type of recreational activities you can do like playing camres, hunting, boating etc.

Preparation in advance also means that care of your budget where you can get benefits from travel & accommodation discounts offered by many tour operators quite often. For example, ferryonline.co.uk compare live prices from ferry operators where you then book at the lowest fares. Their most popular destination of course are ferries to France and  most popular route is Dover to Calais. Certainly last year I witnessed a huge rise in ferry travel due to the Volcanic Ash saga and this year prices as with everything in this climate are very competitive with very cheap deals especially when travelling midweek.  Yeah I must say, Planning your vacation in advance is likely to improve your holidays trip. Have a lovely holidays :)

Santiago, A modern city to vist in Chile

With more than 6 million people, Santiago concentrates 40% of the population of Chile. This is a huge city, modern and Western. There are wide avenues and pedestrian urban highways, a light and diffuse disorder suspected to be related to pollution, large devices, buildings of glass, steel and concrete that give your head spin, a subway, giant advertising screens … And occasionally some old buildings framed by giant towers.

Large paved avenues (Plaza de Armas in particular) are motivated by small street concerts, exhibition of paintings and Sunday preachers shouting at the microphone to the glory of the Lord. In contrast, jugglers and other entertainers hairy, troubleurs of public recognition, attract the wrath of the Carabineros, even on small squares at the bottom of the parks.

The city is very different from other cities we have seen, no street vendors, old bus with their big black clouds and touts shouting at the window, to the Indian bowlers who sell their herbs in bizarre bewitching scents, the shoe shiners hidden (here they have a fee schedule). La Paz is really far away! I’m afraid for now, presence in Santiago do not allow us to say much more about this great city and more about Chile and its people, There is much i have in mind to write about this fabulous city.  keep visiting for further updates.

Travel insurance: what are the benefits?

I hope most of the people know what exactly travel insurance is & how it is beneficial for you if are traveling quite often, but however, in case you don’t know. This article is worth reading. Travel insurance is an umbrella term that encompasses several insurance benefits offered to a traveler before, during and after the trip. This catch-all like trip cancellation insurance, baggage insurance, personal accident insurance & so forth.

Why should you go for travel insurance policy?

Taking out a travel insurance policy is never an obligation. However, it is strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance if are traveling abroad, especially outside of Europe. In case of accident or illness, medical costs can be particularly expensive, and the question of their management is not negligible. Moreover, particularly in countries with low medical facilities, repatriation is very useful. About material insurance, such as trip cancellation, baggage, etc.., their interest is more subjective. In all cases, to overcome the risks of travel, buying insurance is essential to minimize financial loss.

Where and how to purchase travel insurance?

Travel agency: When you book your trip with a travel agency, In most of the cases they offer travel insurance to purchase a travel insurance policy. Generally, this contract is with an insurance partner in your agency. Taking out travel insurance in this way is usually the simplest solution & that best suit your trip.

An insurance company: You can choose to purchase travel insurance directly from an insurance company. Some insurance companies may offer you, in your usual insurance (comprehensive household type), an additional security assistance worldwide covering traveling (usually for a period not exceeding three consecutive months). If you travel regularly, this may be the most practical and least expensive.

The bank: Most banks offer their customers insurance attached to their bank cards, including travel insurance. However, it is necessary to find out precisely the conditions of use of such insurance, In most of the cases, such insurance only works if the payment was made with the card.

In all cases, when buying travel insurance, remember to check.
- Who needed to be insured and the insurance benefits, spouse, child, etc..
- The countries where your travel insurance works.
- The extent of benefits to which the insurance contract provides right.
- Which is not included in this insurance contract.

For more information about travel insurance click here.

Tips for affordable family vacations

Fining an affordable family vacation is not a difficult task; you need a little research & motivation. This is easily achieved if you follow these tips.

Find things close to home: Many people consider affordable family vacation without seeing there is something more beautiful nearer their hometown. Seriously! If you want to have affordable & lovely vacations, you do not need to go very far from thinking that you left your ordinary life. Find a place in your state that you have not done your holiday and have fun around that. This will save time and money driving or flying away. It can also be really happy to be near places where you can come back year after year for a family of fun and escape.

Choose housing carefully: When looking to stay to look beyond the cost. Find somewhere that is central to the areas where you go, it is reasonable options for food, and activities for children. One of the biggest money saver can be a place with a swimming pool for kids who love swimming. They can swim for hours, with the advantage of being free and burn restless energy. Some courses also have basketball, movies, walking trails and accessible. Another option to consider, which is quite heavy on the pocket is choosing a hotel for businessmen, with kitchen and common areas… & the best of the best option is camping if you & your companions could manage it easily; specially for joint family vacations, it’s a fun to do camping beside the lake or in the middle of woods, provided that the place is safe for camping. Just take your Camping Equipment & Sleeping Bags with you for a comfortable night sleep. For food you can enjoy hunting if you are good at it, or take a couple of easy to cook food items with you & chill.

Go as a group: Having friends who are also looking for an affordable family vacation? Go in groups. A great way to do this is to rent a condo or a house and agree on who will pay for this option works best if you know friends or family that you go with, because there is nothing worse than being stuck on holiday in an uncomfortable situation. The advantage of this approach is that you might be able to afford to go somewhere that otherwise would not have been an option because of cost.

Search for packages: Affordable family vacations are often easier to plan with packages. You can find packages for things like transportation and local attractions. If you go to a big city where there are many museums and monuments, should be examined in a case where a price is paid for admission to a group of them. Some packages must be purchased in advance and are limited by an expiration date, be sure to double check if this is the case in the morning before leaving.

Go to see family & friends: You may have parents or siblings in another state. Even if you thought of this as an affordable family vacation, you may have vetoed the idea because it not fun survey. This should not necessarily be the case. Instead of focusing around your vacation with extended family in progress, you can focus on the journey there and back, and only stay for a few days. Just to let family members know you are in the area and want to visit for a day or two. Then you can plan a trip to the slow and behind where you can stop having fun along the way sites.

Understand your tourism!

The changing needs of security and the continued growth of niche travel are some of the trends witnessed in the tourism sector after Y2K. The tourism industry in the United States, Europe & UK is booming like never before due to improved infrastructure, the increasing availability of flights, hotels and airfares are some of the reasons for increase in the trends of tourism. A growing number of wealthy travelers these days prefer to stay on the cruise to enjoy a long weekend in charge of the fun and excitement. The cruise industry is currently involved in the provision of opportunities to cruise and middle-income groups, a competitive vacation packages to nearby destinations.
In the coming years, the tourism will be in high demand as always. Travel preparation will always includes, a lookout for hotels and airlines, City Base Apartments, luxury beach cottages, Car rentals, travel guide & so forth.  All these aspects are therefore the important elements of any travel plan.

Talking about the current trends of traveling I must say, Connoisseur Travel in great demand in the recent years, Americans are particularly drawn to Connoisseur voyages, the most obvious example being the growing popularity of wine tours in the last decade. Instead of exploring secluded beaches, connoisseur travelers prefer to spend their time gathering information on their area of ​​interest can it be wine, antiques, jewelry, architecture, or historical artifacts.

As the tourism industry grows, travelers can expect better packages, and lower airfares. Online registration has become very competitive and better luggage courier services are offered. However, safety standards continue to remain a problem every year and you can also expect changes in the requirements for passports & visa processing.

Memories of Punta Cana visit

It is well known, the holidays are always too short! we returned yesterday afternoon after 9am flight, completely out of step with the time difference but really relaxed and happy with our week increased to Punta Cana.

Didn’t not go to the Dominican Republic, you would be disappointed as there is virtually nothing to see except the beautiful beaches and a people of great kindness. But I, who had never set foot in the Caribbean, I really loved the sand, turquoise sea and coconut trees.

I admit, this year our holiday was more than primary: eating, beach, sleeping, I am almost ashamed, but what feels good sometimes arise in a place without running from right to left does not deal with the passing of time, just enjoy. The only excursion that we made is limited to a day on a desert island overrun with tourists paradise.

Here I stop, I doubt that the story in detail of my vacation interests you, especially for those who have unfortunately no opportunity to leave for such places.

As a pro tourism, I’m pretty demanding on it and this time there was really nothing wrong! Just make sure that you are done with your preparations before leaving, like Outdoor clothing, Camera & tents. I think I do not hesitate to book again one of their offers, we must also say that their newsletters are so attractive! As for the tour operator organizing this trip, Again, I strongly recommend, and no, I do not work for them :)

The freedom of outdoor tour via train..

I am in UK this winter, & my traveling temptation are not hurdling me to go for outdoor travel this weekend despite the heavy snow fall & cold outside the house. In the United Kingdom, the trains are notoriously unpunctual, overcrowded and often smelly. Yet, despite these factors, more and more passengers take to the rails.

Train travel is for leisure. To look at the window in the campaign. Travel To play Monopoly. To put the world to rights with a glass of tea. If you get time to spend a long time on a train and you see what I mean. In the United Kingdom, you can travel between London and Inverses without changing trains. Not bad going for a trip of 448 miles. In crossing the continent, you can buy a Euro-star ticket that connects 68 cities and towns in the United Kingdom, France, Belgium and beyond.

If you are in search of a winter trip in UK via train, here i am to give you some suggestions. some of the longest direct train journey are from London to Burg St Maurice, that is a wonderful plave to visit if want to enjoy snow & skiing. this is the end station of ski resorts in French Alps. In summer, you must try traveling via train for Perpignan that is situated near Spanish border in the south of France. But if it still does not what you look for, why not climb aboard the Trans-Siberian Express. Entitled the longest train journey in the world, the Trans-Siberian Express joins the Sea of Japan to the Kremlin in Russia, covering a staggering 6,135,000.

I must say, The state of trains in the United Kingdom are probably much better than in Russia & most of the other developed countries in Europe.