When going on your first driving holiday through France, traveling at your own pace, stopping in quaint villages and historic towns to experience the local French food and staying in family run guest houses or hotels can just add more excitement to the whole holiday experience.

When touring by car obviously means that you will need places to stay and there are so many different options to choose from, but this can be a great way of getting into the heart of the country and experiencing the true traditional France whilst on your driving holiday.

The roads are very well maintained, especially on the toll roads that have fantastic lay-bys and the service areas are also of excellent quality, which makes the experience when traveling through a lot easier. And even when entering the local villages, the roads are still very good quality, far better than some other countries we have been in, yet just remember that you will be driving on the right hand side of the road!

But when you are driving through France there are a few things you need to be aware of.

Did you know that the legal age to drive in France is 18 years of age and even if you have a full license from another country and you are under that age, then you are still not allowed to drive in France? And every passenger must wear a seatbelt and it is illegal for a child under the age of 10 to be in the front seat.

You must always stop at a zebra crossing, which is enforced by law and when going through a town you will find a lot of them, but you should be very careful when you are the pedestrian, as the French do not seem to obey this rule as much as they should!

Watch your speed! If you are stopped for speeding you can be fined on the spot and the fines have to be paid in cash there and then, which can be quite expensive. If you cannot pay or you are traveling more than 25km/h above the speed limit, then your car can be impounded and you could end up with a very hefty fine or even lose your license, so be careful, especially when on the toll roads, as you do not want your driving holiday to come to an abrupt end!

The motorways are 130km per hour, but this is reduced in bad weather down to 110km per hour and on duel carriageways and main roads the same rules apply where the speed limit is reduced in bad weather. A duel carriageway is 110km per hour and main roads are 90km per hour, with the periphery being 80km per hour and towns or minor roads being a maximum of 50km per hour.

The French Government do publish information on exactly where speed traps are located and this is one of the reasons why it is illegal to have a radar detector fitted to your vehicle. Also, with the amount of satellite navigation systems available such as TomTom, you will find that many have a warning system for speed cameras, but it is also illegal to have this facility on, otherwise you could end up with a hefty fine if you are caught out!

In bad weather, fog etc, even during the day, it is compulsory to use your lights but you do not have to keep your lights on during the day at any other time.

Obviously you must have deflectors fitted to your headlights if you have a right-hand drive vehicle and by law you must have a set of replacement bulbs and a warning triangle with you at all times. But it is always advisable to check the regulations prior to your holiday in France, as they do change from time to time and a good place to access this information is the AA website.

You also need to have a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher with you and because in France the law states that if you are the first on a scene of an accident, you must stop and provide assistance, these may well be required! And in the event of an accident you would need to call the police, which is accomplished by dialing 17 and they will also dispatch an ambulance or the fire brigade if these are also needed.

You will no doubt come across the term La Priorité à Droite, which basically means that the vehicle coming onto a road has priority from the right. This is even the case when a minor road is entering a main road, so do be careful, especially when in the towns and villages as you would need to give way, even if it is you on the main road.

Officially this rule no longer applies unless clearly sign posted yet it still causes confusion and in Paris it is still widely practiced. So you could end up feeling like you are being cut up, even though this may have been how the French were taught to drive when the Priorité à Droite rule was still widely used!

Yet by generally planning your holiday prior to traveling, this will give you more peace of mind and will help you to locate all the tourist attractions that you want to visit whilst on your holiday in France. Also, when it comes to shopping, most places shut for at least two hours each day and most hypermarkets, etc are not open on a Sunday, whereas museums and other attractions are, so you can make general plans for your whole trip.

Plus if you use a route planner such as Microsoft AutoRoute, it can provide you with lots of other information as well, like being able to calculate how long it will take you to travel between one place and another, and you can also find numerous different hotels, petrol stations, restaurants and even cash points to name but a few!

The other good thing about using a route planner, is that if you do not have a sat nav system, you can get fantastically indepth maps that will take you directly to your desired destination without getting lost, and yes, getting lost can be fun, but it can also be daunting if you do not know the area.

But with these few general rules out of the way, just enjoy the experience, the beautiful scenery, the French wine and food and have a great family vacation, whilst on your driving holiday in France.

By: Martyn Davis
www.placesinfrance.com
Martyn Davis European Traveler, Author, Photographer and Business Development Manager, For all your French holiday needs and travel guide to France, with tourist information, landmarks and attractions - Driving Holidays In France

MarineLand

Garcilaso de la Vega, 9 - Costa d'en Blanes 07184, Calva, Mallorca.

Marine Land is a popular marine zoo that has been running for thirty-five years. Located at Costa d'en Blanes beach, the park features bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, sharks, exotic birds and penguins. There are daily dolphin and sea lion shows, a large aquarium, and an aviary containing exotic birds and reptiles. Kids will also love the mini water park, with its Pirate Galleon and water slides.

Marine Land is only about ten minutes' drive from Mallorca's capital, Palma, so it's easy to get to if you hire a car. You can park your hire car in Marine Land's car park.

Opening hours: 9:30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. 9.30am to 5.30pm, Saturday and Sunday.

WesternPark

07182 Magaluf, Mallorca.

This Wild West themed water park has many thrilling rides to choose from, including the Tornado, Kamikaze, Hurricane and the Big Hole water slides. There is also a jacuzzi, a water rafting ride, a wave pool and two mini water parks for younger children.

There are also daily sea lion shows throughout the year, and you can watch divers perform in Oliver's Water Show. There are a number of food outlets throughout the park, and a gift shop, all of which feature a Wild West theme.

Western Park is about 15 minutes' drive from Palma, and you can park your hire car in the car park at the entrance.

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm, May, June and December. 10am - 6pm, July and August.

Golf Fantasia

Calle Tenis, 3 07181 Palma Nova

Golf for all the family! Golf Fantasia is a crazy golf course situated near the sea-front at Palma Nova. Take your pick from three 18-hole courses, featuring waterfalls, caves and lakes. In keeping with the golfing theme, there is a '19th hole snack bar' offering a full cafeteria service for hungry children and parents.

By: Elena Price
Mallorca has an excellent road network, so hiring a car makes getting to these attractions easy. You can also use your hire car to visit some of the island's beaches, golf courses and other attractions. If you consult a Mallorca travel guide before visiting the island, you can plan your holiday to make the most of your time there.

Aberdeen situated on the North East coast of Scotland is well known for its clean and friendly atmosphere, and the clear cut lines of its architecture emphasized by the strong and sparkling granite buildings. Despite it conservative exterior, Aberdeen is a city that enjoys a good time with so much to see and do there both in the day as well as in the night.

Since the oil boom that began in the early 1970's with the discovery of "black gold" in the North Sea not far of Aberdeen's coast line, the city has developed more of a cosmopolitan flair with visitors from all over the globe arriving since then to work in and support Scotland's thriving oil industry. The money that the oil boom has brought to Aberdeen and its surrounding areas has been well spent in improving the city's facilities and the quality of life in the North East of Scotland is among the highest in Great Britain.

Aberdeen is Scotland's third largest city and the Aberdonians know how to let their hair down. There are pubs and night clubs a plenty and even on the coldest winter night the streets are throbbing with night life

For the tourist or the business traveler, there is a fantastic choice in first class restaurants to suit every taste and palate as well as hotels for every budget. Aberdeen's Union Street is the main thoroughfare in city, and boasts some of the finest shopping in all of Scotland if not all of the UK.

Aberdeen is known as the center of the Grampian highlands and an ideal central base for planning a tour or a business trip of the region. No matter if you are visiting the region for business or pleasure, take the time (but not the car) to travel the famous Malt Whisky trail. This is a day visit to eight of the most well known Whisky Distilleries that dot the region. It is a tour that takes all day, escorted by a tour guide and a "tee-total" driver for an unforgettable experience of tasting Scotland's most famous export.

Indeed Aberdeen and the highlands of the Scottish North East is a veritable Aladdin's cage of tourist attractions. There are breathtaking views of the rugged North Sea, fishing villages with their whitewashed houses. For the lovers of castles you can take a trip to visit the Queens Scottish residence, the magnificent Balmoral Castle amongst others. The Grampian region also offers alot for the sporting enthusiasts including skiers' trekkers and golfers.

Renting a car can be an economical way to travel around Aberdeen and the Grampian region. There are a few major car hire companies operating in the city, with some firms even offering discounts for rentals of three days and over. Car Hire in Aberdeen usually comes as a 'fully inclusive' package which includes unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver, passenger indemnity insurance and cover for third party, fire and theft - but not usually insurance excess. To rent a car anywhere in the United Kingdom, you must show a full driver's licence and a credit card in the driver's name. Cars are usually rented to customers between the ages of 21 to 70 years. Many people are reluctant to hire cars and drive around the city with Aberdeen's center can be congested and parking a problem. Taxis are not expensive and are readily available around the clock, and take a lot of the pressure out of traveling around the center of Aberdeen city. Hiring a car is a great idea if you want to use Aberdeen as your base for a three day minimum travel experience around the Grampian region.

By: David Muldoon
Whatever you decide, Aberdeen has it all and looks forward to welcoming you For information on car hire or car rentals in Scotland's third largest city visit EveryCarHire at Car Hire Aberdeen.

Need to get out of the fast lane for a few days? Doolin located in country Clare, close to the world renowned Burren, is a fantastic place to visit. Better still there's lots to do. This article describes just a few of the many attractions in the area.

The Burren: The name Burren comes from the Irish word "Bhuireann" which means a stoney place. Stoney it certainly is: 300 sq. kilometres of limestone covered countryside. However, it is not as desolate as it sounds. Rare Mediterranean and Alpine plants flourish side by side. A guided tour is a must. Unless you are a botanist, you will be astounded by its rocky beauty but without a guide you'll miss the incredible flora. If you're feeling energetic there are many mapped walks across the Burren.

Aillwee Cave: if you have children you should visit Aillwee cave. Jack McCann a local man originally discovered the cave and investigated it by candlelight. However, Jack kept his find secret for decades and only showed the cave to others in the 1970's. The cave was opened to the public in 1976 and extends for at least 1 km underground. This hugely impressive cave contains waterfalls, stalagmites, stalactites, brown bear bones and lots more. Surrounded by a forest walk with a restaurant on site, it's a half days entertainment in itself.

Cliffs of Moher: The cliffs of Moher tower over 200 metres above the Atlantic Ocean. There's a new visitor centre with an excellent Cliffs of Moher interpretive display -"Atlantic Edge". The virtual reality cliff face show - "The Ledge" - should not be missed. After that a walk along the cliff edge gives outstanding views of the cliffs and Atlantic. Don't worry it's walled and safe for kids.

Cliffs of Moher boat trip: drive to Doolin pier and you can book a boat trip to the base of the Cliffs of Moher. Once there you cannot but be amazed at the sheer size and rugged beauty of the cliffs. The tourists on top of the cliffs are but distant specs and you can get a close up view of the bird population of Atlantic Puffins, Gulls, Guillemots, Shags, Ravens and Choughs. You can also book trips to the nearby Aran Islands from Doolin pier. These trips range from a ½ a day to an overnight stay.

Doolin pubs: The pubs of Doolin have been a breeding ground for world renowned traditional Irish musicians. There are three traditional pubs McGanns, O'Connors and McDermotts in Doolin. All have lots of traditional music and home cooked food. Kids are allowed until 9:00pm.

The Burren Perfumery: a most interesting visit with all the flowers and herbs that form the basis of the perfumes and soaps locally sourced on the Burren. There's a small tea room and herb garden.

The Burren Interpretive Centre, Kilfenora: there's an excellent "walk through time" Burren exhibit, a video, craft centre and tea room.

A visit to Lahinch beach on a summers day is reminiscent of Hawaii with surf schools the length of the beach.

Liscannor Stone and Rick Shop: full of precious stones, semi precious stone, local stone and lots and lots of prehistoric fossils. As you drive back from one of the other many attractions in the area you can just call in to have look! But beware you'll probably emerge with a 10,000 year old fossil souvenir!

The best thing about all of these attractions is that none is more than a half an hour drive from Doolin. Doolin can be very busy in the summer but it's great place to visit and lots to do. You could consider a few days away outside the bustling summer season and if you are lucky enough to get good weather a great time is guaranteed.

By: James Cahill
http://www.hotelexpress.ie
James Cahill works with Hotel Express. Hotel Express is the largest Hotel Discount program in the world and works with small and medium sized businesses who want to reduce the amount they spend on hotel rooms and the time they waste booking them. With 4,500 hotels contracted at 50% off Rack Rate, 10,000 hotels contracted at 10% off Internet prices Hotel Express saves its cleints millions of Euros every year.

Switzerland is a wonderful country with a lot of eye catching attractions. The fantasy and attractions of the place has never failed to attract the tourists throughout the entire globe. It is a dreamland destination, where the tourist can witness unparallel sights of attractions like the panoramic mountain peaks that always remains masked under snow throughout the year. Switzerland travel provides a wide range of opportunity to witness the astounding natural treasures of the next paradise on the earth.

Switzerland is a developed country and the living standards of the Swiss people are of high standards. The literacy rate in Switzerland is 100%. The Swiss Alps, lakes, glacier mountain peaks are some of the attracting features of Switzerland. Travel to Switzerland to enjoy hiking in the Swiss Alps. One can find a lot of people crowded in Switzerland at the time when glacier starts to melt. The Schilthorn, Piz Gloria, Jungfraujoch and Zermatt are some of the astounding Swiss Alps that have captured the heart of numerous tourists throughout the entire globe.

The alpine scenario of the Mount Pilatus in Lucerene is very magnificent. While availing Switzerland travel, enjoy the fascinating journey to a height of 7000 feet on a cable car. The glacier mountain peaks in Jungfraujoch that remains covered with snow throughout the year is popularly known as the "Rooftop of the Europe". Don't get bewildered if you find a village on these mountain peaks. Enjoy the adventurous activities like skiing in Matterhorn, which is situated in Zermatt.

Apart from the natural treasures in Switzerland, the tourists can witness marvelous architecture from the medieval to the modern period. The old splendid monuments, forts and castles, cathedrals and heritage churches add to the cause of attraction to the place.

Travel to Switzerland, where you can witness high mountain peaks that provides an opportunity of refreshing tour in Switzerland. While witnessing these fascinating places in Switzerland, you can ensure a comfortable stay in luxury hotels in Switzerland There are wide varieties of hotels in Switzerland. The tourist can stay in a 3-star, 4-star, or a 5-star hotel, according to his budget. These hotels provide a comfortable stay with all modern amenities to the guest. So, never fail to avail the opportunity to visit Switzerland.

By: Anup Kumar
http://www.tsitours.com
http://www.switzerlandflexitours.com

The holiday center for visitors to the south coast of England, the city of Bournemouth's seven miles of sandy beaches draws visitors from all over the UK as well as Europe. The city is renowned for its temperate climate, its warm and friendly population and it's seemingly never ending list of tourist attractions catering for all tastes as well as all ages.

Bournemouth in the county of Dorset is perfect for a family holiday, with plenty to do to keep the kids amused all day long. What could be better than a day on the beach, with the clear blue waters lapping in around a myriad of pleasure activities organized by the local council such as the daily sand castle building competition for kids of all ages. If you are feeling a bit sporty there are always volleyball competitions to compete in to burn of any excess energy.

The Waterfront Entertainment Complex situated right on the shore provides some of the most up to the minute electronic entertainment as well as a traditional funfair with all the fairground attractions that are so much part and parcel of a typical English holiday resort. For those of us who enjoy gardening, then Bournemouth offers probably the largest and most spectacular setting in the South of England with more than two thousand acres of award winning and beautifully tended gardens and parks to stroll through.

Shoppers love visiting Bournemouth and its Victorian architecture houses a very wide choice of all the leading high street stores as well as privately owned boutiques and designer stores. The city's proximity to France and French culture can be readily felt in the choices of goods for sale. Fir those who just want to sit back and watch the world go by, then The Square is the place to be and be seen. For lovers of night life, there is so much to do and see in Bournemouth, from excellent restaurants, discos and night clubs and bars. And if you want to join in to one of Bournemouth's famous all night beach parties all you have to do is turn up.

In recent years, Bournemouth has become the host of some major international conferences, since the opening of the Bournemouth International Centre center in 2004. Visitors from abroad especially enjoy the added bonus of attending a conference in the pleasant seaside town of Bournemouth, and enjoying all of its facilities. The BIC also hosts regular pop concerts with some leading UK bands and artists from yesterday and today. To add a "sporting" flavor in recent years, Bournemouth has had the honor of becoming the venue for the annual UK Professional Darts Championship, and is widely tipped to become the venue for the World Championship finals in the not too distant future.

What makes Bournemouth such an attraction is its relative proximity to London, which can be reached either by road or rail. In addition most UK and European connections cab be reached through the city's international airport.

Renting a car can be an economical way to travel around Bournemouth and the South Coast region. There are a few major car hire companies operating in the city, with some firms even offering discounts for rentals of three days and over. Car Hire in Bournemouth usually comes as a 'fully inclusive' package which includes unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver, passenger indemnity insurance and cover for third party, fire and theft - but not usually insurance excess.

To rent a car anywhere in the United Kingdom, you must show a full driver's license and a credit card in the driver's name. Cars are usually rented to customers between the ages of 21 to 70 years. Many people are reluctant to hire cars and drive around the Bournemouth's city center can be congested and parking a problem. Taxis are not expensive and are readily available around the clock, and take a lot of the pressure out of traveling around the center of the city. Hiring a car is a great idea if you want to use Bournemouth as your base for a three day minimum travel experience around the South Coast region.

By: David Muldoon
Whatever you decide, Bournemouth has it all and looks forward to welcoming you For information on car hire or car rentals in Bournemouth city visit EveryCarHire at Car Hire Bournemouth.