http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php Copyright 2010, Find Airlines te@findairlines.net Find Airlines te@findairlines.net en-US SPHPBLOG 0.4.8 http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080715-131027
Though it's technically part of the Mediterranean, Mar Menor has character all its own. It is often referred to as a lake. One taste of the water though, and its true nature is revealed. Its high salinity makes floating a breeze. Combined with Mar Menor's famous "Black Mud," it is believed to possess therapeutic qualities. The enclosed shape and 70 km coastline also make it a natural water sports area. It's year-round warmth and 315 days of sunshine make it an ideal place for professional athletes to practice.

La Manga is primarily a holiday resort area, though it is inhabited by locals year-round too. It has been favored as a home-away-from-home since ancient Phoenicians began establishing summer residences there. Today it is a getaway for both Spaniards and foreigners alike.

One of the best ways to get personal with the natural beauty of La Manga del Mar Menor is by cycling. Bicycles (both street and mountain varieties) are a common sight on La Manga strip. Avid cyclists may be able to take in the entire strip in a day's time. If travelers find it impractical to bring their own bikes, they can rent from various locations.

Bicycles can be hired for as little as one day, or for a week at a time. Tourists are limited only by their enthusiasm and energy levels. Cyclists can choose to ride the roads or take in the more technical trails in the area.

For the casual biker, guided bike tours are offered regularly. Those who are less inclined to engage in trail riding can get a good workout while seeing the sights. Plus, taking part in a guided tour means that visitors have the support of an expert biker. Additionally, they will be able to learn about the area at the same time. Helmets, locks and maps are typically included in the rental cost. This applies to both individual rentals and group cycling tours.

Another alternative to cycling is seeing the area by quad. This may be especially appealing to those who prefer motorsports over manpower. It also offers visitors a way to enjoy an off-road adventure without the effort of pedaling. Quads can be rented almost any place that bicycles are available.

Visitors who are booking an all-inclusive Spanish holiday are encouraged to reserve bikes and quads ahead of time. Spots on guided tours should also be booked ahead of time. This helps ensure travelers do not miss out on the opportunity to see La Manga by bicycle. The "Little Sea" of Mar Menor is a paradise for bikers of all ages and skill levels.

By: Michael J Lee
The La Manga Club Resort is one of the worlds great holiday vacation and leisure resorts and offers over 2000 luxury Spanish Holiday Villas set on 1500 acres of breathtaking Spanish countryside. La Manga Resort has activities for the whole family including, golf tennis, horse riding, cycling, beaches, childrens club etc.

If you would like to receive the La Manga Resort Guide and have the chance to Win a Free Holiday for one week for 4 people to La Manga please visit the website.]]> Spain http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080715-131027 Find Airlines te@findairlines.net Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:10:27 GMT http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080715-131027 http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080522-235459 This was my first time across the pond, so to speak. When taking the train into Italy from Munich, Germany, I noticed how the landscape had changed, from urban sprawl, to towering jagged mountains, to soft rolling hillsides. In Italy, the land seemed lush, and the buildings were...well....lets just say...well loved. Well loved is a maternal term. Mothers use it to describe their children's preferred toy, favorite pair of jeans, beloved blanket, etc. The child's favorite item was once a picture of perfection, beautiful and clean, and now, it looks like something you would fetch out of the garbage. But in your child's eye it's as beautiful as the day they received it. That sums Venice up for me.

When walking through the modern train station and down the sprawling steps to the vaporetto (water taxi) I was very tired and hungry. Then boarding the boat, I noticed how packed it was. So many travelers, business people, families, all crammed on to a wet, smelly boat. The stench of fish encompassed the boat. That pretty much stifled any appetite I had brewing. The murky water was nasty looking and the weather was rainy. Not what I had in mind for the most romantic city in the world. As we floated down the Grand Canal, I noticed that the buildings looked, for lack of a better term and using my 6 year-old daughters terminology, gross. Yes, gross. They appeared to be in a severe state of decay. The mortar is falling out from between the bricks. The plaster is crumbling and exposing the bricks underneath. The paint is peeling. My first impression was the city looks like a sea-side slum. I was in a state of complete and utter shock. I couldn't believe for a moment that this sight I was taking in was supposed to be romantic? Are you kidding me? I've seen neighborhoods in Gary, Indiana that looked more romantic than this place. Much less, I'm on a stinky, smelly boat, packed in with 100 other people who look so depressed that at any moment they may decide to take matters into their own hands and jump overboard. I felt I was drifting along on a pointless journey in a glorified slum.

When we reached our stop, I trudged off the boat and began walking through an endless maze of sidewalks, alleyways and narrow corridors. Oddly, my mood was lightening with every step. As evening arrived, I was completely in love, with Venice, of course. My husband, his sister, her husband and I took an evening stroll through the streets of Venice on our way to dinner. This special city had definitely grown on me by this time of the day. My spirits were lifted, and my mood was perky. The weather had shaped up as well. It had stopped raining, although the streets were still wet. I can't help but call the sidewalks, streets and vice versa. For the record, there are no cars, bicycles or scooters in Venice. There are only two modes of transportation: feet and boat. That's it. Because of this the city is so quiet. You can hear someone cough several blocks away. Venice is built on an archipelago, a chain of 118 islands, formed by approximately 150 canals in a shallow lagoon. The walk ways (a.k.a. sidewalks and/or streets, whatever you choose to call them) are built above the water, all the while they're seamlessly attached to the buildings that they travel to. By walking the streets, you would never know that you were only feet, sometimes inches above the water. You can't see it, you can't hear it. The only time you see the water is when crossing a bridge or when you're on the bank of a canal, unless, of coarse it's high water season, which is when we visited.

In the fall, the water levels of Venetian Lagoon rise, flooding most of the outlying streets. The city provides risers on which to walk to avoid the water. Many tourists, however, enjoy rolling up their pant legs and walking through the water anyway. There is a much debated topic in Venice as to whether the city is sinking or the waters of the lagoon are rising, perhaps a bit of both. Although seeing old staircases under water on the Grand Canal suggest the city is sinking.

As my first day was drawing to a close, my scowl was a smile. My looming grey cloud of grouchiness was pleasantness. I even spoke a bit of Italian to a Venetian. I held my head high, straightened my back and smiled as I asked him, "Dove il bagno?" I felt so impressed with myself. I have spoken Italian to an actual Italian. How sophisticated am I? That was until he answered me in a seemingly endless stream of words that to this day I can not decipher. But for a moment I felt Venetian! Then as I walked a few yards down, I asked another man the same question. This time my back was not so straight and my head not so high, but I managed to utter "Dove il bagno?" He kindly answered in English, pointing and saying that there was a bathroom on the next street over.

The previously decided "severe state of decay" has rapidly become in my mind a vision of beauty, almost too beautiful for words. I can't describe the feeling I had when I was walking around the city. I began to realize that Venice had to literally fight for all that it is today. Due to its geographical location, on the rim of the Adriatic Sea, Venice was invaded numerous times over hundreds of years. And she has remained in tact. Sure a few walls have paint peeling and a little mortar missing, but she is still here as one. It's almost as if the deteriorating walls say to all who see them, "You may try to invade me, take my riches, and capture my people, but I will still stand."

The endless shops in Venice are such a treat. Every popular fashion designer has a modern, sleek store, which is in contrast to the ancient facade of Venice. The city is known for handmade Venetian masks, as well as so many other trades like glass making, handmade lace and hand crafted paper. Venice is famous for so many things; the gondolas, St. Marks Basilica, Venetian Film Festival, The Venice Art Biennale, simple yet elegant foods, and yes, romance. But, I believe the most treasured aspect of Venice is the architecture. At first it was the architecture that put me off, but in the end it is what draws me back and tugs at my heartstrings. Venice may be sinking, crumbling, peeling and falling to the lagoon, but the rustic, romantic nature of the city will take your breath away.

By: Kris Shebel
Christina "Kris" Shebel has been writing short stories and poetry since childhood, most recently for a private school as their Public Relations Liaison. Writing is a creative outlet for Kris to share her snappy, chatty writing style and quirky sense of humor with others. She lives in rural Michigan City, Indiana with her husband and their daughter and enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs and two cats. To learn more about the author, please visit http://www.myspace.com/krisshebel.]]> Italy http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080522-235459 Find Airlines te@findairlines.net Fri, 23 May 2008 04:54:59 GMT http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/comments.php?y=08&m=05&entry=entry080522-235459 http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080510-201538 There are certain particularities of behavior in slavic culture.

There are several rules which may help you during your stay in Ukraine.

Knowing them it will help you to overcome communicational barriers and to socialize with ukrainians easier. Ukraine is a European country which makes the way of life of its people and the behavior rules more or less predictable to the foreigners. National traditions are very strong in Ukraine, having a unique impact on the mentality of people and the etiquette in Ukraine.

When you are invited to visit somebody's house, usually, you are expected to bring a small gift with you. It is very common in Ukraine to bring gifts when coming to people. It can be sweets (Ukrainian love sweets), a bottle of wine, or a bouquet of flowers. If there is a small child in the family, you may provide him/her with a small present too.

Be prepared to take off your shoes when entering the house (you may be offered to put on slippers instead).

Don't be surprised if hosts propose you to wash your hands. Many people in Ukraine are very cautious about hygiene.

When shaking hands make sure that you took off your gloves (it is very inappropriate in Ukraine to shake hands with your gloves on). Do not shake hands through a threshold, in Ukraine it is believed that it may bring bad luck.

Ukrainians are known for their generosity when feeding others. Be ready to try all the meals offered by hosts. Turning down food may be considered rude, although if you really do not eat some kinds of food no one will force to eat it.

It is accepted to wear casual dress coming to someone's dinner. At the dinner be prepared to give toasts, guests are often asked to do it.

Make sure that the flowers you bring are of an uneven number. Ukrainians are very cautious about that. According to the Ukrainian beliefs, you bring a bouquet of even number of flowers only to dead people (to funerals or to a cemetery).

Be ready to share your snacks or cigarettes with people around you if there is such an opportunity (at least, offer it to them, they may not always take it, but this is a kind of important ritual too).

At business meetings the dress should be conservative. It is good if you have a Ukrainian side on you business card in addition to English.

In public transport give your seats to mothers with children, elderly people, or disabled people.

Do not put your thumb between your fore and the middle fingers, it is considered to be a rude gesture.

When visiting Orthodox churches women should cover their heads with scarves or kerchiefs and men must take off their hats.

Good luck and remember that, in general, Ukrainians are very hospitable and assisting people (there are some exceptions, of course, as elsewhere), the most important thing is to behave friendly and naturally and people will pay you back the same.

By: Marina Pristinskaya
Discover Ukraine Network - travell to Ukraine and establish connections with Ukrainian people
http://www.discover-ua.com.ua]]> Ukraine http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080510-201538 Find Airlines te@findairlines.net Sun, 11 May 2008 01:15:38 GMT http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/comments.php?y=08&m=05&entry=entry080510-201538 http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080428-234441 Baza is the capital of the northern part of the Province of Granada, and festivals take place here that are unique in Spain, such as the famous Cascamorras. Archaeological remains tell us that man has lived here since prehistoric times. The well-known Dama de Baza was found in one of the Iberian burial sites in the area, and the Moorish baths are among the most complete in the country.

Baza is believed to be one of the oldest of all human settlements in Spain. The town and its surrounding area has a rich and varied architectural, historical and archaeological heritage, having been home to many different cultures down the centuries and back to pre-historic times. Its town centre was declared a Historic Centre in 2003, and in its narrow winding streets, especially around the walled medina area where the Alcazaba was built, we can see many remains of this rich and ancient past.

Approximately 20,000 people live in the municipality, situated to the north of the province of Granada. Its archaeological sites, such as the Iberian-Roman town of Basti and its ancient burial sites, in one of which was discovered the famous Dama de Baza, and its Moorish Baths all make this one of the most important archaeological and historical towns in Andalucia.

From the point of view of the environment, Baza offers a contrast of landscape which ranges from its mountain range, declared a Nature Park in 1989, to almost desert landscapes in the area known as the Altiplanicie, with an oasis of green between the two, which is La Vega. But the region is also known far and wide for its own particular type of domestic architecture, which is the house cave. Many of these ancient dwellings, which were used in the past by farmers, cattle breeders and miners, have now been adapted for rural tourism.

Baza has an important architectural, archaeological and historical heritage, the result of the many different peoples who lived in this area over the centuries, ah of whom left something of their culture behind them. Although little remains of the Alcazaba de Baza these days other than sections of wall and sorne towers, in its day it was an impregnable fortress. Its walls were built in three phases: the first in the 11th and 12th centuries, the second in the time of the Nazari occupation and the third by the Christians in the 16th century. It is located in the heart of the old town centre, dominated by the old medina.

The palacio de los Enriques is a magnificent example of a Renaissance palace designed in the style of an Italian country villa, and as such it is unique in all of Andalucia. It was ordered built by Enrique Enriquez and his wife Maria de Luna, aunt and uncle of the Catholic Monarchs. Work on the palace began in 1506, and since then it has been extensively restored. Inside can be seen sorne excellent examples of Mudejar armoury, all extensively decorated with Renaissance motifs.

The Real Posito was built in 1762, during the reign of Carlos III, and it still conserves its beautiful patio surrounded by galleries. On the main entrance we can see the royal coat-of-arms and that of the corregidor (the local chiefmagistrate) and the mayor. Inside, besides being a grain store, works of theatre are also held. This was also once the headquarters of the Economic Society of Friends of the Baza Country during the last quarter of the 18th century. The Moorish Baths in the town are particularly well preserved, dating back to the 13th century. They are a magnificent example of urban baths of the period, located beside the mosque in the old area of Marzuela (the present barrio of Santiago). A visit to the Moorish Baths is a must for any visitor to the town.

As one would expect, there are numerous churches in the town, the most outstanding being the Iglesia Mayor Colegiata. One should also see a monumental fountain situated close to the Puerta del Peso, on the royal Lorca road, which was designed in the form of lion and human heads. There are many local festivals throughout the year in the town, the most outstanding of them being the Festival of El Cascamorras. It was declared to be of National Tourist Interest in 2006, and begins every year on September 6, from six in the evening, kicking off what has become one of the most popular traditional festivals in the entire region.

By: Rudi Van Der Zalm
With more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry Rudi van der Zalm is the founder of one of Europe's most popular websites for rural holiday apartments in Granada, Spain. A wide selection of country houses and lodgings can be found at http://www.rural-tour.com]]> Spain http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080428-234441 Find Airlines te@findairlines.net Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:44:41 GMT http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/comments.php?y=08&m=04&entry=entry080428-234441 http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080413-210445 Shopping in Brussels is bound to be an exhilarating experience, as you will find yourself spoilt for choice. Brussels has over a hundred main shopping districts, each with hundreds of shops. You will not even know where to begin! Hopefully this guide will be able to help you.

You must make time to visit the Galeries Saint Hubert-Sint Hubertusgalerijen. It is the world's first mall, and here you can find books, apparel, food and even take the time go go for a movie. Other popular malls in Brussels include Westland Shopping Mall as well as Basilix Shopping Mall. Nieuwstraat, meanwhile, is Brussel's main shopping street. All along this street you can find little shops that sell clothes and many other goods. Waterloo Laan features designer stores such as Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vitton and many others. If you would like to find some Belgium lace, which is loved by people all over the world, then head for Grand' Place-Grote Markt where you will find several shops selling it.

In general, Brussels is particularly famous for two main things: its chocolate and its books. Marcolini and Wittamer are two popular chocolate shops. The Belgian chocolates, in particular, are of excellent quality. If you would prefer to sit down and have a chocolate experience, then head for Maison Renardy, which is a café featuring excellent chocolates that you can even sample before buying.

If you are a book lover, then Brussels is definitely the place for you. From comics to rare books to secondhand books, you will be sure to find a bookstore that delights you. Comic lovers should make a point to visit De Slegte and Brusel, two comic stores that keep an extensive and frequently updated collection. De Slegte also features many rare books. Other popular bookstores are Filigranes, the largest bookstore in Brussels, as well as Sterling Books. For those on a budget, be sure to head to Pele-Mele, a second-hand bookstore that will amaze you with both their prices and their large collection of books.

There are also numerous other interesting shops that you should try and visit. Beer Mania is a beer shop that stocks around 500 types of beer. Many of their beers are highly recommended. Even if you do not intend to buy anything, you will enjoy the experience that the shop offers you and can have fun browsing and sampling the beers. Senses Art Nouveau is a shop that features reproductions of famous art nouveau items. These make for excellent gifts and souvenirs.

By: Orson Johnson
Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Brussels holiday accommodation Brussels holiday accommodation & Worldwide Holiday Rentals Worldwide Holiday Rentals.]]> Belgium http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080413-210445 Find Airlines te@findairlines.net Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:04:45 GMT http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/comments.php?y=08&m=04&entry=entry080413-210445 http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080325-020648 Prague seldom visited by tourists until the 1989 is now one of the most popular visited destinations in Europe. Millions of people from all around the world visit the city every year - almost three and a half million in 2004, according to official figures just released by Czech Tourism. Prague was the sixth most visited city in Europe last year, with the greatest number of tourists coming from the United Kingdom.

The capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague, is situated in the very heart of Europe, on a place that has been an intersection of continental merchant routes since time immemorial. It was the seat of Czech princes and kings from the tenth century A.D. In the mid-14th century, Prague was the centre of the Holy Roman Empire and Europe's third largest city in terms of population. As part of the Hapsburg monarchy, Prague remained the capital of Czech lands, which became the strongest part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in terms of economy during the 19th century. Prague was developing as an important centre where Czech, German and Jewish cultures met and mingled. Following the establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1918, Prague became the metropolis of the new country. It experienced a growth of its territory and a great building boom. Currently, Prague is a large city of more than one million people, spreading over almost 500 square kilometers. Following the social and economic changes in 1989, Prague enhanced its historically strong ties with other cities in Central Europe, and has gradually been gaining a continuously improving position within the continental structure of big cities. Prague therefore deserves its recognition as being a high quality city.

Because of such a big amount of tourists visiting Prague, the range of hotels in Prague is provided for all budgets from comfortable, low-cost hostels, to the most luxurious hotels in Prague. You can find fast efficient services and the largest choice of accommodation in exciting Czech Capital - Prague. Professional expertise is an absolute must when visiting the beautiful City of Prague - and elsewhere in the Czech Republic. Good translation of your personal requirements in Prague hotels is paramount for a successful and enjoyable stay.

Walking in Prague you will be impressed by a unique complex of old buildings dominated by the world-famous Old Town Hall with its Astronomical Clock and apostles, the monument to the preacher Jan Hus, the church of St. Nicholas, the Týn Church, and a number of palaces. You are in the very "historic heart" of the town.

Through one of the typical narrow Old-Town streets, full of ancient houses and palaces, cafés, shops, and galleries, we will walk towards the Charles Bridge, which was established in 1357 by the Roman emperor and Czech king Charles IV at the place of an older bridge. Here you will enjoy the unforgettable view at the beautiful panorama of the Prague Castle and the St. Vitus Cathedral. Relishing the walk along the bridge, crossing the Vltava river, you will reach the Lesser Town, situated below the Prague Castle complex. We will pass the Lesser Town Square with its representative buildings and the church of St. Nicholas, a historical building from the 18th century. Then we will walk up the famous Nerudova street all the way to the Prague Castle. At the Castle, which is surrounded by royal gardens, you will find the Old Royal Place with the Vladislav Hall, the with picturesque houses from the 16th century, the St. Vitus Cathedral from the 14th century, and the ancient royal stairway.

By: Angelina Adams
Angelina Adams is an independent writer, researching prices of different hotels in Prague, its pros and cons.]]> Czech Republic http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080325-020648 Find Airlines te@findairlines.net Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:06:48 GMT http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/comments.php?y=08&m=03&entry=entry080325-020648 http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080311-234910 Being the epicentre of European politics, Brussels may not immediately spring to mind in the same way as Paris or Rome does when planning a short European break. Housing both the European Commission and the Council of the European Union, not to mention international organisations such as NATO, Brussels is indeed a bustling business and political hub, but it is also a historical and cultural hotspot.

Founded around the turn of the 10th century A.D., Brussels developed quickly into a commercial centre, largely due to its location on the shores of the river Senne. This, in turn, lead to the creation of some wonderful Gothic architecture such as the St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral which still stands strong after almost a millennium, and the Abbey of la Cambre which was initially founded in 1196.

But much of historic Brussels was destroyed in the 19th century to make way for a newer and more modern city. Of the remaining old city, there is La Grand Place, the central square that is beautiful and bustling in equal measures. There are many bars and chocolate shops around this area and is a great place to sit and watch the world go by.

For culture vultures, Brussels offers almost 100 different museums, some of which are grand in scale, others a little more humble. One of the more quaint museums is the Rene Magritte Museum. Situated in the former home of the famous Belgian surrealist painter, this museum can only accommodate 20 people at a time, but it provides a fascinating insight into Magritte's life, displaying original paintings as well as artifacts such as furniture and personal belongings.

Then there is the Atomium, a large iconic structure consisting of 9 steel spheres each of which are connected by long tubes. Originally built for the 1958 Brussels World Fair, it has often been referred to as the Eiffel Tower of Brussels. Visitors traverse between the large spheres via escalators, and there is a variety of fascinating exhibitions and artifacts, each providing insight into life in the 1950s.

Of course, a fundamental asset to any city is its accessibility, and Brussels doesn't disappoint. The city itself is comprehensively serviced by an underground metro system as well as buses and trams. And for international visitors, flights to Brussels from London are plentiful, taking around an hour.

Brussels is an accessible, bustling, business and political hub that also manages to retain a strong sense of history and culture. Situated only an hour from London, it is a worthwhile alternative to other clichéd European city destinations, making it the perfect place for a weekend break.

Disclaimer:
The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.

By: Adam Singleton]]> Belgium http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080311-234910 Find Airlines te@findairlines.net Wed, 12 Mar 2008 04:49:10 GMT http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/comments.php?y=08&m=03&entry=entry080311-234910 http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080304-185648 If you are starting to plan your vacations and holidays for the summer, why not have a look at what Greece has to offer. Greece has a huge selection of beautiful destinations for your holidays and vacations, and is one of the most popular in Europe.

With the magical Greek islands scattered all around the blue waters of the Ionian and Aegean Sea, you will easily find an island to suit your exact tastes and requirements. Whether you are seeking a destination where you can simply relax and unwind, or one where you can take part in a range of activities, Greece has exactly what you need. The islands of the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Ionian and others each have their own unique beauty and charm, and offer the perfect setting for your Greek vacations.

With some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Greece is the perfect destination for those seeking to escape the cold and gray, and step into blue skies, hot sunshine and a friendly and hospitable atmosphere for which the Greeks are renowned for.

The city of Athens is the entry point to a high number of visitors to Greece. However, if you are planning on flying to Athens and from there taking a ferry boat from the port of Piraeus over to one of the stunning Greek islands, it is worth considering spending a day or two in the city, so that you can see the famous sights, stroll around Plaka and Monastiraki in the evening, and experience the city that shaped the Western world.

Though Athens is often referred to a city of pollution and overcrowding, it is actually one of immense charm and beauty - you just need to scratch the surface a little, and the real, glistening Athens will soon appear right before you.

Mainland Greece also offers a great selection of unique and beautiful destinations. From the Peloponnese in the South, to Epirus in the west, Thessaly and Pelion in the East and Macedonia in the North, wherever you plan to head to in Greece, you will find a landscape of immense natural beauty, and the perfect setting from which to experience all that Greece has to offer.

During the summer months of July and August, the temperatures are at their peak, and the heat can be pretty intense at times. August especially is an extremely busy month, and one when most Greeks also take their vacations. If you are planning to visiting Greece during the summer, it might be worthwhile visiting in either June or September, when the heat is still comfortable, and many of the popular destinations are yet to be overtaken by tourists and visitors.

Greece is a truly special country, and one that offers so much. From the ancient temples, museums and archaeological sites, to the beautiful sandy beaches, whitewashed houses and a perfect combination of blue sky and seas, you will find yourself in true paradise, and enjoying the holiday you have always been dreaming about.

By: George Kostanza
You can find a huge selection of travel guides and information about Greece and the Greek islands at http://www.aroundgreece.com

George Kostanza writes about Vacations in Greece and the Greek Islands exclusively for the Around Greece travel portal. If you plan to visit Greece, and are looking for Hotels in Greece, visit AroundGreece.]]> Greece http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080304-185648 Find Airlines te@findairlines.net Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:56:48 GMT http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/comments.php?y=08&m=03&entry=entry080304-185648 http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080302-213756 Lithuania is the fastest growing tourist destination in Europe. Summer is the best season to visit the Lithuanian cities and experience the beauty of beach life of Lithuanian seaside. Visitors can avoid the tourist rush during late spring and early autumn. If, visitors are targeting to experience the night life and restaurants only then perhaps weather does not matter.

Vilnius is one of the main Lithuanian tourist attractions. It is situated at the crossroads between Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and Western Europe. Gediminas Castle and Cathedral Square are prime sights of the city. The Old Town of Vilnius also has historical significance and it is enlisted in UNESCO world heritage list in 1994. Vilnius has been targeted to transform into capital of European Culture up to 2009 which will be a great achievement for the city in modern time.

Another, tourist attractions in Lithuania is Curonian Spit and Palanga. Curonian Spit can be recognized as the major separation line between Curonian Lagoon and Baltic Sea. It has been speculating that Curonian Spit was formed approximately 5000 years ago. On the other hand, Palanga is a seaside resort town. There is myth about the name is that it is named after a beautiful priestess who had promised the god to guard her virginity for the whole life but it could not happen and after the death of her husband 'Kestutis', she returned to this place and served the god until she died. Today, visitors can get here pagan's shrine. Some famous tourist centers of Palanga are Church of Saint Marie, Zemaiciu alka, Pajurio Regional Park, Sea Bridge, the street of J. Basanavicius, Birute hill and museum of Amber.

The major pilgrimage site of Lithuania is hill of crosses. Its religious significance was recognized on September 7, 1993 when Pop John Paul II visited this place and declared it as the place of hope, peace, love and sacrifice.

Druskininkai is situated at the estuary of the Nemunas River. The USP of this place is its beautiful landscape which is amalgamation of rivers, lakes, hills and forests. It is also known as 'spa town' which was honored by czar Nicholas I of Russia in 1837. The first water park of Lithuania is also in the credit of Druskininkai. The city is also a prime centre of historical museums and galleries. 'Druskininkai poetic fall' is a very famous annual event of the city.

Thus, Lithuanian tourist attractions are perfect combination of art, culture and trendiness which have capability to attract visitors of different tastes and interests. If, someone is looking for spirituality then 'hill of crosses' may be the perfect choice. Similarly, Vilnius is offering balance between trendiness and historical legacy and everyone should have faith upon the administration as the city is targeted to be the capital city of European culture. The great Myth attached with Palanga may attract various tourists. Even, Curopian Spit has capability to proof itself as a heritage hub. Although, in spite of various environmental concerns; it is in the UNESCO's World Heritage List under cultural criteria 'V'.

By: Gagan Makin
Author is an associate editor of http://stayreslithuania.com - The website offers exclusive information of online reservation of Hotel in Lithuania. We also provide information about attraction in Lithuania, Lithuanian tourist attractions, Lithuanian tourist attractions.]]> Lithuania http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080302-213756 Find Airlines te@findairlines.net Mon, 03 Mar 2008 03:37:56 GMT http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/comments.php?y=08&m=03&entry=entry080302-213756 http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080301-224107 The City of Plymouth, which is located on the South West coast of England, is becoming extremely popular with tourists from around the world. Today there are plenty of Plymouth attractions that one can enjoy during a visit to this historic city.

The city is famous as being the place where the Mayflower with the Pilgrims onboard sailed from to journey to the New World. It is at the base of the West Pier you will find a white archway, which was erected back in 1934 and commemorates the spot from where the Mayflower sailed. On top of these, you will see both the flags of the United Kingdom and United States flying each day.

The archway that was built in 1934 incorporates into it the granite monument that was originally erected on the site back in 1891. More commonly, you will find that today this particular site is referred to by locals as the Mayflower Steps or the Memorial Gateway. Along with this attraction, there are plenty of others one can visit during your time in Plymouth and below we take a look at some more.

1. National Marine Aquarium - This is one of the best aquariums in all of the UK and is located near to the center of Plymouth harbour area. Along with freshwater fish, this attraction has a large number of seawater fish that one can view. Plus there is the Shark Theatre where you can go and watch the sharks that the place houses being fed. Also, it has the facility available that allows you to walk directly under the sharks as they swim around in their holding tank.

2. Prysten House - This was built during 1940 and is now a working museum. Inside you will find a model showing what Plymouth looked like during the 1620's. Plus it also houses tapestries that depict how the English colonized America. As you enter the house, you will see a gravestone for the Captain of the US Brig Argus who died on the 15 August 1813 during a battle in the English Channel.

3. Plymouth Gin Distillery - This is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city and it has been here that for more than 200 years now the distinctive Plymouth Gin has been made. It is the house where all the Pilgrims who sailed from England to the New World would meet before boarding their ships.

Today you can take a tour around the building and included within the ticket price for this of all the interesting Plymouth Attractions is you get to sample the drink that is made here. So why not spend some time in this attraction and many others discovering more about the history of this city.

When you stay in Plymouth, it's worth considering the historic Plymouth Hoe. This is a bustling area of the city and - as you would expect - is quite maritime in nature. Elsewhere is the city there is a wide range of guest houses and hotels to ensure that you find somewhere to suit your budget.

By: Simon Haughtone
Book your next hotel in Plymouth from this extensive list of Plymouth hotels and guest houses.]]> England http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080301-224107 Find Airlines te@findairlines.net Sun, 02 Mar 2008 04:41:07 GMT http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/comments.php?y=08&m=03&entry=entry080301-224107 http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080228-180717 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]]> France http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080228-180717 Find Airlines te@findairlines.net Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:07:17 GMT http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/comments.php?y=08&m=02&entry=entry080228-180717 http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080226-110953 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.]]> Spain http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/index.php?entry=entry080226-110953 Find Airlines te@findairlines.net Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:09:53 GMT http://traveleurope.findairlines.net/comments.php?y=08&m=02&entry=entry080226-110953