Travelers stories

In France you can:

Spend quality time together:
Romance isn’t all about buying gifts and planning fancy evenings – often the most romantic thing you can do is simply be together. France has over 5500km of beautiful coastline (for example Calais’ ‘Côte d’Opale’, Normandy’s ‘Côte Fleurie’ or Brittany’s ‘Côte de Granit Rose’), that offer the most beautiful walks in any season. If you’d prefer to stay inland, France also boasts some amazing gardens that manage to turn the very landscape into breath-taking works of art (see the Château de Chenonceau by the River Cher, the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, or Claude Monet’s House and Garden in Giverny), so you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Take part in some unusual events together:
If going for walks isn’t your style, then consider the myriad of romantic events that France offers throughout the year; in winter Paris hosts an ice-rink outside the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville and a Poet’s Festival in Spring; for Valentine’s Day a small town named Roquemaure in the Gard region holds a free Lover’s Festival; and during July and August the gothic abbey at Mont St Michel holds a night-time tour.

Eat together:
Everyone enjoys romantic meals; and France is as famous for its love of good food and wine as it is for its love of romance. Even in Paris the restaurants cater for all tastes and all budgets; during the day you can visit one of the many cafes which nestle comfortably amongst the impressive architecture and after dinner you can share one of the decadent desserts with a glass of local wine.

Marvel at the sights together:
The Eiffel Tower at night is really all that needs to be said for this section; but just in case you remain unconvinced, check out the marvellous engineering accomplishment that is the Canal du Midi in Toulouse, or the fascinating Promenade des Anglais in Nice, or the imposing The Château de Versailles in Versailles. You won’t regret it.

Travel there incredibly easily:
If you’ve got good sea legs then all you need to do is make your way to one of the ports in south England and you can shop whilst you cross the channel on a ferry; the journey is not a long one and you’ll be watching the coast of France appear almost before you’ve gone in from waving goodbye to the cliffs of England. If you’d rather not brave the waves then simply board the Eurostar from London St Pancras, Ebbsfleet International or Ashford International and sit comfortably until you arrive in Paris barely two hours after – it’s even less travelling time if your destination is Lille or Paris, and the TGV will take you anywhere you need to go from there. You could even fly cheaply from airports across the UK, so there really is no excuse not to book a romantic holiday today – the food, wine, festivals, art and architecture are only one the other side of the Channel!

Written by Amanda Richardson of French Connections, the website for holiday accommodation in France including self catering, hotels, gites and bed and breakfast, plus useful information and discounted travel to France. Find out more about romantic holiday ideas in France by visiting www.frenchconnections.co.uk//en/guide/theme/150606-romantic-holidays-in-france

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A perfect holiday spot, Grand Bahamas Island is a stunning amalgamation of 700 stunning islands. The breathtaking scenic beauty makes it an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate oneself away from hustle and bustle of the busy city life. Imagine yourself on beautiful white sandy beaches, taking a sunbath. The idea itself is very refreshing.

However, the Grand Bahamas Island doesn’t restrict the enjoyment to nature and beach lovers only. It has something to offer for all kinds of visitors. You may unleash your sportsmen spirit and indulge in adventurous water sports, trekking, snorkelling, and boating. Try out anything that you like from rafting to fishing. You can also have fun with your family and take part in several water sports and excursion trips. Excitement and thrill comes naturally to Bahamas visitors. Once you visit and witness the pristine beauty of this island you are sure to visit it again.

The capital of Bahamas is Nassau. This is also the untouched natural beauty that leaves its visitors mesmerized. Bimini, Abaco, Andros, Inagua, San Salvador and Eleuthera are some other places in Bahamas that you cannot afford to miss. Make sure you arrange for a long holiday when visiting Bahamas, otherwise you will always regret leaving from there without exploring the whole island.

The panoramic views of the island are worth a click that will soon become a part of your memories for lifetime. Grand Bahamas Island is also a very popular holiday destination among honeymooners. Spend quality time with your loved ones and have a gala time with your family. With a wide assortment of activities available for tourists of all age groups and with different preferences, Bahamas is an ideal holiday spot for all.

Moreover, if you are still unsatisfied, you may go ahead and explore the lush greenery of the place. Three national parks graciously cover the entire island. Stalagmites, pine trees and pigeon plum trees add onto the relaxing natural surroundings of the place. So, come over and take refuge in this paradise on Earth. Pamper yourself and have refreshing vacation amidst greenery and scenic beauty where you sea breeze greets you every morning.

Enticing natural beauty, romantic white sand beaches, adventurous sports and unending fun, what more can you ask for? Grand Bahamas Islands offer everything that visitors wish to have in their ideal holiday destination. Now, don’t get late and book your tickets to Bahamas today! Approach a travel agent for a convenient trip and to ensure that you do not miss out on the best things that Bahamas has on offer.

So, what all you need is a break away from the monotonous schedule of your everyday life and fly away to immerse yourself in the exotic Bahamas beauty. Search for a good travel package online to explore the Grand Bahamas islands within pocket-friendly budget.

The rejuvenation offered by Bahamas to its visitors is just unparallel to the spirit of any other vacation spot and this will surely last for a long time in their minds.

This article was written by Suzane Gray

Suzane Gray has been offering Bahamas travel and vacation packages advice for quite some time. To find discount Bahamas vacation package, Freeport Bahamas, Grand Bahamas Island, Bahamas golf vacation and that best suits your needs visit www.gobahama.com

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I have been asked the question “where is Barbados”, quite a few times from people that have read The Barbados Blog and have been intrigued by life in Barbados and what the island has to offer. So for the benefit of all those that are not too sure where Barbados is situated in the world, let me educate you and show you where it is.

Barbados is a fairly small island situated in the Caribbean region of the world. The island is actually located in the Atlantic Ocean to the east of the other Caribbean islands. The exact location of Barbados is 13 ͦ North of the equator and 59 ͦ West of the prime meridian; the Island lies in the Southern Caribbean region.

The closet neighbours to Barbados are Saint Vincent & the Grenadines and Saint Lucia to the west and Trinidad & Tobago to the south. Barbados is also fairly close to the continent of South America and is only 270 miles (432 km) northeast of Venezuela. Barbados is 1599 miles (2573 km) northwest of Miami.

There we have it, my personal directions to the beautiful Caribbean Island of Barbados.

This article was  written by the Wandering Scotsman, who can be found at the Barbados Blog and Barbados Photo Blog.

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The sword fighting Madrid feels like a never ending party, calibrating the joy of life. Spain, after being trapped under a totalitarian regime for the most of the last century, feels like country born again, becoming a vivid player on the world stage, its growth unseen since the 16th century, when playwrights and painters would travel to preform at Madrid’s royal courts. A crossing point for Iberia, the Spanish capital of Madrid as become a city with a large hunger for art music and epicurean joys.

When you first arrive in Spain and Madrid, and the first breath of fresh cool mountain air reaches your lungs, the first thing to strike you is the large empty beautiful sky’s legendary in the famous painting of Spain. “From Madrid to Heaven (Or “De Madrid a cielo” in Spanish.) is the saying of the area, andif you enter the Two thousand foot high castilian plateau, it really does feel as if the heavens are reaching down to touch you. Perfect can be the only description of this area of grey spired 16th century Hasburg churches, and the red tiled Medejar churches which made Madrid the famous capital it is today.

One of the main attractions of the Spanish capital is the artistic collection that can be found inside the many galleries that cover the capital. King Carlos one, who lived 58 years, is the main reason so much of Europe’s art came into possession of Spanish galleries (at that time most of Europe was under some kind of Spanish control at the time of his rule, and this is why many French, German, Italian and Dutch artist now have their works of art inside the Spanish galleries. There are tens of galleries all around the capital, containing thousands of pieces of art, more then any person could hope to look at and contemplate in a lifetime.

Noways Madrid spread far eastwards into the 19th century area of Barria de Salamanca and compasses Northwards to the houses of Chamberi and chamartin. But it is the old Madrid that should be explored in detail on foot, the center of Madrid. Between the midtown forest and the royal Palace is the area known as the Parque del Buen Retir. These neighborhoods are a brilliant stage to show Madrid’s greatest resources, the people of Spain. Whether at play or work their constant energy drives the town into a great holiday experience.

When To Go

As the highest capital in Europe, Madrid is hot in summer and freezing in winter, with temperate springs and autumns. Especially in winter — when steamy café windows beckon you inside for a hot caldo (broth) and the blue skies are particularly bright — Madrid is the next best place to heaven.

With the highest altitudes of a capital in Europe. Madrid can be boiling in the summer and freezing in the winter, with average autumns and springs. Surprisingly for some, the winter can be the best time to visit, with restaurants that can beckon with hot beverages and foods against the cold weather, and the breathtakingly clear blue sky above can make Madrid seem like a heaven on earth for travelers

The next part of this guide will cover a guide about a short stay to Madrid.

This article was created by international-travel-guides.co.uk

This article was written by Paul Benjinks

About the Author:

Paul Benjinks is a 32 year old American who has just started writing guides on the hundreds of countries he has visited on the website International travel Guides

As long as this bottom text remains you may use this guide for any free online purpose.

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The beaches of Kos are one reason that everyone takes their cheap holidays to Kos. You can visit Therma, Kardamena and Lambi Beaches. Lambi Beach has sunbathing chairs and umbrellas if you want to stay out of the direct sun. There are many restaurants and little cafés around this beach within walking distance. It is always nice to have a place to relax and enjoy the day. At Kardamena Beach, you can swim or do some snorkeling. Therma Beach is where you go if you want to feel the healing powers of the hot springs. You can enjoy a dip in the mineral water and then take a swim in the sea.

The three main attractions in Kos are Archaeological Museum, Roman Ruins and the Castle. The museum has a huge collection of artifacts and many exhibits that date back to the early history of Kos. You will see many statues and artworks from earlier centuries. The Roman Ruins are three temples called Dionysus, Hercules and Aphrodite. There is also a gym and pool area to enjoy. The castle is something you should see because of the beauty of the architecture. These attractions are interesting to see.

The restaurants of Kos are going to make your taste buds happy. The cuisine is very good and there are some restaurants that serve cuisine from other countries. The Ampavris looks a little less than appealing from the outside, but inside, will be amazed at the food choices and tastes. Adonis Taverna is a nice little place to eat and enjoy some conversation with the locals. Baltics is located near the beach and provides delivery right to the water for you. Then there is Rodanis, which is family run and has very good food. For the most part, all the restaurants have delights to offer visitors.

If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy some music and a few drinks, you will enjoy your cheap holidays to Kos. The nightlife is amazing and everyone enjoys a good time out on the town. The Fashion Club is a younger crowd with disco. Here you will find DJ until the late morning hours. Haman Club is a great place to see some of the live bands in the area. The Bar Vision is not only a great place to listen to music, but it is a place to see some incredible views of the area and harbor.

The hotels in Kos are always nice. The accommodations may you feel welcomed and comfortable. You will see that most of Kos is set up for the comfort and pleasure of the visitors. They do take pride in having the best accommodations and fine dining. You will have a very enjoyable time when you visit Kos. The people are friendly and the area is beautiful. If you get a chance to visit Kos, you will see just how friendly everyone is and how much they enjoy visitors chatting and having fun with them. They all enjoy company and good times.

This article was written  by Jessica Nielson

About the Author:

Visit cheap holidays 24 for quality holiday guides to some of the most popular holiday destinations throughout the world. Want more information on what you can do on a holiday to Kos? Read our holiday guide to Kos The Beauty Of Kos.

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If you will be visiting Corfu on holiday this summer and fancy taking a break from the beaches and the bars, you will find there is plenty on offer to see and do. This is a guide to some of the most popular places of interest in Corfu for holiday makers.

If you are embarking on your first holiday in Corfu, Corfu town should probably be your first port of call. Corfu town is the commercial and cultural centre for the Corfiots and is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets. The town is dominated by a sixteenth-century fortress which offers splendid views over Corfu town. The shops found in Corfu town are diverse and plentiful with many of the shops selling good value jewellery, local ceramics, leather goods and sculptures crafted from olive wood. Also worth a visit in Corfu town is the striking Saint Spiridons church, where the mummified remains of Corfu’s patron saint Spiridon lie, with the exception of the four occasions during the year when his remains are paraded around Corfu town. Holiday makers visiting the church must dress respectfully and it is essential that women keep their shoulders covered and men wear t-shirts.

One of Corfu’s top attractions for holiday makers is the Achillion Palace, situated in the village of Gastouri in Eastern Corfu. Built in 1890 in the architectural style of Pompeii, Achillion was constructed as a summer palace for the Empress Elizabeth of Austria. The palace is an impressive, picturesque building both inside and out and features perfectly landscaped gardens filled with artistically sculpted statues of the Greek Gods. The palace is also famous as being the birthplace of Prince Phillip and appearing in the James Bond film, ‘For Your Eyes Only’.

On the west side of the island you will find Paleokastritsa, considered one of the most beautiful spots in Corfu. The area consists of six bays surrounded by steep cliffs and it is possible to hire a boat to explore the sea caves surrounding the bays. The seventeenth-century monastery built on the headland is one of the main attractions of the area and visitors should be sure to venture inside to view the famous ceiling carving of the ‘tree of life’. Again, visitors should ensure they are appropriately dressed. Around the headland you will find the Marina which will be of particular interest for the nautically inclined as it draws some extremely lavish yachts in the summer months.

The highest point on the island, Mount Pantokrator in the north east is nearly one thousand metres tall. If you have arranged holiday car hire you can drive to the summit to enjoy the views over the whole of Corfu, with Albania and Italy both visible on a clear day. The road leading to the top of the mountain passes through the village of Strinalas which is well worth stopping in. At the peak you will find Pantokrator monastery, rebuilt in the seventeenth-century on the site of an older Angevin monastery.

This article was written by Harry Lawrance who  is an experienced writer based in the UK.

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For a country that encompasses an area of over 10.5 million square miles, it is no coincidence most people know very little about Russia, aside, of course, from textbook blurbs of Tsarist rule, Mongolian raids, bloody revolutions and snowy, desolate Steppes. The mere expanse of the Russian border makes the country a more versatile destination than any other place in the world. Visit the arctic zone and navigate through sub-tropical regions without ever leaving the country! A closer look and a few tips can subdue your fear and pique your interest to travel to Russia.

Western Russia: Travel to Russia’s Heart and Soul

Western Russia includes Moscow, St. Petersburg, Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) and the Black and Caspian Seas, making this region the commercial and political core of the nation. Initially the capital of Russia, St. Petersburg was built by Peter the Great and is filled with both haunting and enchanting remnants of a time past. St. Petersburg is certainly the most European and best preserved city, adorned with stately architecture and regal cathedrals that echo of a romantic and prestigious era. In the early 20th century, the capital moved away from the European border to Moscow where the Kremlin, Red Square and Lenin’s Mausoleum (where you can view his embalmed body!) stand as testaments to Russia’s rocky history. In the Southwest, Volgograd is traditionally accepted as the origin of the Russian Empire and was fortified in the 1500s to protect tsarist Russia’s southern border from Cossack and Viking pillages. With these bases covered, leave the crowds behind and head east into a land with a history all its own.

Travel Russia from Europe to Asia

There is nothing quite like seeing six thousand miles of land in a single trip. The epic journey aboard the Trans-Siberian Railway is for those who consider the journey to be just as magical as the destination. The longest continuous rail line on the planet takes you from metropolitan Moscow through vast steppes and the Siberian taiga, the largest remaining forest in the world, to finally arrive in the commercial bustle of Russia’s main Pacific port city, Vladivostok. Three alternate routes and several extensions into European and Asian nations have also been constructed and provide more options to travel Russia’s breadth.

Many travel restrictions have been lifted since the 1990s and it is now possible to arrange overnight stays in many of the fascinating towns and breathtaking landscapes along the way. Make sure to spend a moment in the Siberian town of Ulan Ude, Russia’s main Buddhist center, and visit the Tibetan Buddhist monastery that has been restored since the oppressive rule of Stalin. The Baikal Lake region is also a very popular stop and a perfect place to be immersed in the natural beauty of Russia’s heartland. Baikal Lake is the oldest in the world, estimated at 25-30 million years old. The lake region is home to over 2,500 animal species including a unique Siberian species of freshwater seal and thousands of migratory birds.

Accessibility is the new attitude toward foreign tourism in Russia. A society that has long been closed-off, particularly to westerners, is now ready to embrace curious visitors with open arms. There has never been a better time to travel Russia!

This article was written by Frank Johnson who can be found at Discount Airfare to Russia

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China is a land of ancient wonders. It’s so different from the norm of western travelers that a first visit there can be a bit intimidating. Today, we will become acquainted with some basic traveler information on China. We’ll talk about the time of year to go, when to avoid China and some points of interest.

Times to Go

China can get pretty cold in the winter. For instance, Temperatures in Beijing are average highs of 40F and lows of 14F. In Hong Kong, the temperatures are more bearable58 F 75 F. The summers can get a little warm for some, but it’s the best time of the year to visit China. Temperatures can reach 90 F in Beijing and Hong Kong.

When To Avoid China

The worst month to travel in China is February. In early to mid-February, the Chinese hold their Spring Festivalwe also know it as Chinese New Year. February is when most Chinese either take a vacation or limit work time. Therefore, the country is crowded with travelers and businesses are closed or operating during limited hours.

Festivals

As with many countries, festivals are held throughout the year at various locations within China. We already talked about the Spring Festival, which is something to experience if you don’t mind being overcrowded.

The Harbin’s Ice Festival is held in Zhaolin Park. It starts in the beginning of January and runs through the end of February. This ice festival is a spectacle that features huge ice sculptures of legendary figures and animals. It’s held at this time of the year, because the temperatures a freezing. The average temperature will be around 20 F. If you like the cold, or can stand it, this is one festival to check out.

If you are interested in visiting the Birthplace of Confucius, check out Qufu. Confucius’ birthday, which falls on September 8, is a celebrated event. It’s also home to many Confucius points of interest, such as the Confucius Temple.

China is full of great travel points. Don’t try to tackle them all in one visit. Pick an area and savor the moments while you are there. Beijing is in the north and Hong Kong is in the south.

This article was  written by Jason A. Martin  

About the Author:

Jason A. Martin is the owner of a travel & vacation guide website at TourismJunction.com. You can find more China travel articles at the site. He also operates a travel china site at ChinaTourist.org.

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One of the problems about going on holiday is that chances are if you want to go somewhere, so does half of the world. Whereas it’s great to visit different countries around the world, it can get a bit frustrating if you’re faced with thousands of tourists everywhere you go.

One of the tricks is to know all of the best places that haven’t been discovered by tourists yet. Be prepared however that researching this is likely to be a time consuming process because you should be looking at places that you have never heard of before. This isn’t to say that you should go to a country in the middle of no - where though. Some of the most popular holiday destinations in the world have plenty of areas that remain unspoilt and undiscovered.

One of these places is somewhere you will find whilst on a Cuba travel expedition. Pinar Del Rio is located on the Western tip of Cuba and is one of the most beautiful regions on the island. Here you will find awe inspiring mountains, endless countryside and traditional Cuban towns that you won’t find in many other areas during Cuba travel.

To those who know it the area is well known for their tobacco and coffee plantations. The Vinales Valley is one of the places where you can see a tobacco - growing heritage and while you’re there you can go on scenic walks and visit the caves.

Along the coast there are some small islands which have beautiful beaches. These are rarely visited so this is definitely the place to go if you are looking for some peace and quiet during your Cuba travel experience.

If you are a regular fan of Cuba travel you will know that it isn’t usually hard to find somewhere to stay. However, because Pinar Del Rio is more remote than other parts of the country and not many tourists go there, it is important to pre book your accommodation before you get there otherwise you could find that you are stuck for somewhere to stay.

No doubt that any form of Cuba travel wil