Top 5 Museums and Galleries in Paris

Paris is known for its exquisite galleries and unparalleled museums. Here are the top five:

1. The Louvre Museum is world famous for its superb art galleries. Under its roof lie thousands of priceless classics as well as masterpieces of modern art. It is revered by all art lovers and is one place everyone must visit at least once in their lifetime. It only costs €10 to gain access and appreciate work from all the ages. There are antiquities from the Near East, Rome, Egypt, and Greece. There is a department completely dedicated to stunning Islamic art and sculpture, as well as masterpieces by infamous artists like Delacroix, Leonardo da Vinci, and Rembrandt. It is not an understatement to say that those on Paris flights will not have completed their trip without vising the Louvre.

2. The National Museum of Modern Art at the Centre Pomidou is the most well-known and important modern art museum in all of Europe. For just €12, visitors can learn about movements such as Fauvism, Surrealism, Cubism, and Abstract Expressionism. There are, of course, a huge number of works by the masters who created or sparked these important movements. Visitors can stroll through the pieces by Kandinsky, Miro, Picasso, Matisse, and other modern art pioneers.

3. The Palace of Versailles is actually visible to passengers on Paris flights that have begun their descent in preparation to land. Once the residence of King Louis XIV and his descendants, the Palace of Versailles is a gorgeous 18th century building that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for more than 30 years. It is quite possible the most extravagant palace in the world and has been a silent witness to centuries of world-changing events. Also called the “cradle of liberty” for its huge significance in the uprisings against King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and the rest of the French aristocracy, the palace is truly unparalleled.

4. The Musee d'Orsay is located just across the way from the Louvre, but it is worlds away in terms of its collections. The museum has the largest collection of paintings, decorative objects, and sculptures that were created from 1848-1914. The works of masters such as Monet, Degas, Ingres, Manet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh, and Gaugin fill room after room. The Musee d'Orsay showcases work from important art periods and movements, some of which are romanticism, expressionism, neoclassicism, impressionism, and art nouveau. The museum has recently acquired some new pieces, one of which is The Circle of the Rue Royale by James Tissot, a painting that has been named a “national treasure”.

5. The Grevin Wax Museum is a wonderful place to go for those who want to see what Paris really looked like at different times throughout history. Not only can visitors walk among life-size scenes of Joan of Arc burning at the stake, King Louis XIV holding court in Versailles, and the assassination of Henri IV. Other famous personalities include historical figures such as Napoleon and Mahatma Gandhi, and movie stars including Marilyn Monroe, Nicholas Cage, Shah Rukh Khan, and Charlie Chaplin. There are also wax figures of famous sports figures, politicians, entertainers, cartoon characters, and more. During their tour of Grevin, visitors can even learn about how wax statues are made.

A Guide to Berlin in the Summer

I used to be lucky enough to live in Berlin and, although the promise of snow and wonderful Christmas markets made winter great, summer was, without a doubt, my favourite time of year in the city.

Here are just a few things to get up to when the sun is shining in Berlin:

Go Bargain Hunting

You probably didn't know this, but the Germans seem to be a nation of bargain hunters. Every weekend in the summer, Berlin's pretty squares get taken over by flea markets and if you love nothing more than browsing quirky stalls and picking up odd souvenirs, I suggest you check one of these out.

My personal favourite was held on Boxhagener Platz (in Friedrichshain) every Sunday. Take the U-bahn to Samariterstrasse, walk down Mainzer Strasse and you'll pretty much be there.

Enjoy Brunch

Another wonderful weekend activity that can be combined with a trip to the Boxhagener Platz market! You can go for brunch at any time of the year, but there's something lovely about sitting at a table on the pavement in the sunshine. There are a host of cafes and restaurants on Simon-Dach Strasse (just a short walk from the flea market) where you can enjoy all-you-can-eat brunch, usually for under €10 (£8.40).

Take a Trip to Potsdam

There's nothing stopping you visiting Potsdam in the depths of winter, but it's a beautiful place to explore when the sun's out. You can take the S-bahn from the centre of the city, so it's not hard to get there, and then wander around its amazing collection of palaces and parks.

The architecture is stunning and there are plenty of wide-open spaces to lounge around in. I'd recommend taking a picnic lunch, finding a spot in one of the parks and just relaxing for a couple of hours.

Go to a Beach Bar

Yes, Berlin has not one beach bar, but several, despite being nowhere near the coast! A host of friendly establishments pop up along the banks of the River Spree every spring and stay there until the warm weather finally disappears, so pull up a deckchair, get a cold beer and enjoy.

If you're staying centrally, the most easily accessible is Strandbar Mitte, conveniently located behind Museuminsel. Personally, I'd recommend hopping on the S-bahn to Treptower Park and then strolling along the banks of the river until you reach Badeschiff.

Bring your swimwear as there's a pool floating on the river, as well as the open-air bar on dry land. The fun doesn't end when the sun goes down, either, as the venue regularly hosts concerts and DJs.

This post was written on behalf of idealshortbreaks.co.uk, a site offering inspiration and recommendations to help you plan the perfect short break.

Best Holiday Destinations in Northern Europe - Rocking in Riga

Over the last couple of years (having already had the privilege of travelling to many of the more famous and frequently visited holiday destinations in Europe such as Paris, Barcelona and Venice) I have been looking to expand my horizons somewhat, and travel to what may be considered some of the slightly less well known city destinations on the continent - and this is how my friend and I found ourselves in Riga earlier this month. Equipped only with a small amount of Lats (the necessary travel money for Latvia) and a backpack of warm clothes (an even greater necessity for visiting the Baltics in winter) we flew to the city on a voyage of discovery - perhaps not fully knowing what to expect. As we began our descent towards Riga we got a great view of the Baltic Sea and were amazed to see that it was completely frozen over in areas near to the shoreline. It was at that point we realised this was going to be a cold trip!

Arriving in the city it was easy to see why an increasing number of airlines are offering flights to Riga as a holiday destination and more and more people are visiting the city as part of their European backpacking trips. The old town area (or Vecrīga) is a UNESCO world heritage site and has to be one of the most beautiful and intriguing old town centres in Europe - offering up fantastic timber framed buildings side by side with Art Nouveau architecture. The city features an impressive Cathedral (sadly under fairly major repair works during our visit) with many other smaller quaint churches and historical buildings dotted around the Old Town area. Away from the main old town other more modern buildings of note we visited in Riga included the daunting presence of the Latvian Academy of Sciences and the city's towering TV and Radio mast (the tallest building in the entire Baltic region) which dominated the city skyline as we walked beside the banks of the frozen Daugava River.

At night - and particularly during the weekend - Riga really comes alive, with a host of great bars and restaurants offering everything a visitor could hope for in and around the main Old Town centre. For a great local meal at a very reasonable price B-Bar is well worth a visit, and if you fancy something a little quirky then check out Dada restaurant for some freshly made East Asian food in inspiring if not slightly confusing surroundings. During the week we found some great relaxed bars away from the main strip - but if you want to party hard with the local students you should try Shot Bar, which lives up to its name with a massive range of shooter drinks including many made with Latvia's deadly herbal liquor Black Balsam. If like us (being stereotypically English) you just can't bear to miss out on the football then Maloney's Irish bar is kitted out with multiple TV screens showing sport all day long, as well as serving some cheap and decent local and Anglo-American food.

Staying in Bournemouth Hotels? Make the Most of the Ocean.

If you are staying in one of Bournemouth’s hotels, than here’s our guide on how to make the most of Bournemouth’s biggest playground – the seaside.

Award Winning Seaside

It’s impossible not to be inspired by mile after mile of clean, soft, golden sand – Bournemouth’s breathtaking beaches are its biggest attraction by far.

Bournemouth beaches won no less than six awards at the 2006 Seaside Awards proving that Bournemouth has some of the cleanest, safest and best beaches in the UK. What better reason to choose Bournemouth hotels for your summer holiday?

Bournemouth Pier beach, Boscombe Pier beach, Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne, Durley Chine and Alum Chine all received awards, which were judged on water quality, toilet facilities, bathing safety, cleanliness, access, first aid, litter bins and environmental care.

Bournemouth Hotels

If you and your family like to be besides the seaside and you’ve checked in to one of Bournemouth’s hotels, than you’ll probably be spending a significant part of your holiday on the beach. The local beaches are patrolled by RNLI lifeguards but there are always some safety tips you should take into consideration. Last year they saved 27 lives and were called to 7,226 incidents. Here are some RNLI top tips:

• Don’t take inflatables out to sea – although great for the pool, the wind can blow them out to sea swiftly. Surf conditions can be dangerous too. If you do take an inflatable to the beach, make sure the line is connected to the shore, or held by an adult. Avoid altogether in strong weather.
• Rip currents lurk under the surface and can drag swimmers from the shallows to the depths. Always try and remain calm, fighting against a current will exhaust you. Make noise and raise your hand for help.
• If there are red and yellow flags on the beach, swim between them.
• Keep a look out for any safety signs.
• When in doubt, ask a lifeguard for advice.

Underwater Adventure

If you want to avoid the dangers of the real sea than you can certainly get enough thrills and spills visiting Bournemouth’s Oceanarium. One of the advantages of staying in Bournemouth hotels and spending a few days and nights in the town is the vast array of attractions for all the family.

It may seem surprising staying at Bournemouth hotels to find the world at your feet but Bournemouth’s Oceanarium takes you through the marine wonders of the world including the Amazon, Mediterranean, Africa, The Ganges, Great Barrier Reef, Hawaii, Key West and even…..The Abyss!

The Oceanarium is an interactive experience with feeding demonstrations, a walk-through underwater tunnel and exhibits exploring the mysteries of marine life from African land snails to Zebra Cichlids.

The beach and ocean make Bournemouth the biggest and best playground for children of all ages – book your stay in one of Bournemouth’s hotels this summer.
     
Beachlets.com specialise in beach cottages, villas and apartments worldwide and throughout Europe and the UK.

Vienna & Bratislava – Kilometres Yet Poles Apart

Separated in purely geographical terms by a mere 80 kilometres if travelling by road (perhaps around 55 kilometres “as the crow flies”) the 2 great European capital cities of Vienna and Bratislava offer the visitor 2 equally exciting and worthwhile tastes of European life that are perhaps to be considered “unashamedly” different to each other.  As a British backpacker taking the opportunity to spend a couple of days in each of these cities (divided by a brief yet exhilarating trip via a high speed boat along the river Danube - that I guarantee will surely beat any bus or train journey) I could not help but feel that somehow this was almost an unofficial “watershed” point between Eastern and Western Europe.

     The lasting memory of Austria’s capital Vienna for me was the sheer grandeur architectural styling of its “museum quarter” – during the day time a site to behold in itself from the area’s exterior, even if you were not to explore the many cultural and historical treasures that lay within the Modern Art or Leopold museum interiors. At night the museum quarter becomes a trendy place for local students to hang out and for backpackers to enjoy a local wheat beer in glamorous surroundings.

     Slovakia’s capital Bratislava while different in many ways to Vienne was none the less exciting to visit. The great attraction of the city is undoubtedly its old town area – for me one of the best (although not the largest) in Central and Eastern Europe. Packed with relaxed bars and restaurants all offering great drinks and food at extremely affordable prices, a visit to Bratislava’s Old Town is one that should not be overshadowed by more famous Old Town centres in Europe. Bratislava too holds an excellent castle –a must for any visitor – which towers on a hill above the Danube. Aside from offering a good visitor experience in itself, scaling the hill to reach the castle will provide an awesome view of the city.

Things To Look for in Travel Insurance

Everyone knows that no matter where your destination, travel insurance should be the first thing you pack when heading on holiday. However, with all the policies out there, it can sometimes be confusing to know exactly what you need when buying insurance.

Emergency medical and repatriation costs are a must with any policy. While the majority of holidaymakers enjoy their long-awaited trip abroad without incident, if something does go wrong travel insurance medical policies can provide invaluable help in a time of need. In an emergency money should be the last thing on your mind; not only do travel insurance policies cover medical costs in an emergency, they also pay for you to fly back to the UK if necessary.

Furthermore, those travellers that are worried about going abroad with a pre-existing medical condition can get cover for this. It is important to seek out a policy that will cover any treatment that could become necessary when on holiday due to a pre-existing illness to ensure you're not caught short.
Cancellation cover is another great feature of many policies, which is particularly important for travellers who have shelled out a lot of money for a top-notch holiday.

One aspect that all Brits should look for from their travel insurance is access to English speaking medical experts. Trying to access medical help in a foreign country can be difficult and daunting, but with 24-hour English speaking experts to hand, travellers can get all the help and support they need.

When picking a travel insurance policy, it is important to take into consideration what type of trip you are embarking upon. Different policies are available for different types of trip such as wedding or golfing, while a range of diverse activities also have various types of cover, that can often be added on top of a standard policy.

Driving Holiday Checklist: Five Checks You Need to Make

Heading abroad in your own car can be an incredibly effective way of seeing the sights. Not having to rely on public transport while you’re away can open up the opportunity to see and experience more of the country in question than you could have otherwise hoped for.

That said, taking your own transport comes with its own issues. If a train or bus breaks down while you’re away then it’s a minor inconvenience -- but if your own vehicle takes a turn for a worse then it could become a major headache working out how to get it back home again. To avoid such issues it’s an idea to double check a number of things before you set off.

Tyre Depth/Pressure

If you’re going to be putting in some major mileage during the weeks that you’re away then you owe it to yourself to check that your tyres are up to scratch. Grab a tread depth checking tool to ensure that the tread on your tyres is well within the legal limit -- and refer to your vehicle’s handbook to check that they’re inflated to optimum levels.

Oil and Water

Both of these might be something you generally take for granted but it’s vital that you check the levels of both before you set off -- and several times while you’re away. If you’re unsure of where your levels should be, don’t take any chances. Consult a professional at your local garage to give the all clear before you leave.

Local Laws

Remember that things like the speed limit or maximum legal blood alcohol limit may differ in your destination country than in the UK. Ignorance of local laws won’t be a good enough excuse if you get caught breaking the law, so read up well in advance.

Insurance details

Does your car insurance policy cover you in the country you’ll be driving in? If you’re not sure, get on the phone to your provider and find out. It may be that you have to pay extra to get covered while you’re away -- if so, don’t be tempted to skip it and save some cash. It really isn’t worth the risk.

Breakdown Blues

Similarly, your breakdown cover won’t necessarily stretch to the country you’ll be visiting -- although some providers will happily cover you in Europe, for instance. Check with the company you have cover with and extend your cover to the country in question if needs be.

Italy Amongst Best Holiday Destinations in Europe

Italy is a truly beautiful country to visit and offers a range of unforgettable holiday destinations -whether you are travelling to see the fantastic historical buildings you would find in the country’s capital Rome, the great shopping experiences available in modern Milan, the unique canals and side streets found in Venice or the outstanding natural rural beauty that typifies the region of Tuscany. Put together, all of these places make Italy one of the best holiday destinations in all of Europe.

     The country draws in visitors from all over the world for a wide variety of reasons – some will travel to Italy on backpacking trips, some on romantic breaks and others will visit Italy on family holidays. However, regardless of the type of holiday on which you are travelling, you are always going to need somewhere to stay.

     While backpackers may choose to find more budget accommodation such as a youth hostel, others may seek to stay in one of the stunning old hotels. If you are looking for accommodation in Italy, the best way of finding it is by searching online as this can result in great discounts and save a lot of time searching travel agents in the high street.

Stunning Beaches in Europe

Winter’s come-a-knocking but if you’re a sun worshipper looking to escape the wintery blues of home, here are some of the most stunning destinations in Europe to help you plan your next beach holiday.

Source: Creative Commons

You may be stuck in Coldsville at the moment, but keep your hot water bottle close and keep on dreaming of summer 2012. Here are some gorgeous beach destinations to keep your spirits up until the bitter weather blows over...


The Best Beaches in Europe:

Croatia

Croatia has grown into one of the more recent top party destinations for group holidays. But the country still maintains its dignity as a cultured and beautiful holiday location. The Blue Flag Baska Voda beach sits neatly in the breathtaking view of the Biokovo Mountains and Krka National Park is also a coveted hotspot of incredible beauty.

Bulgaria

Known worldwide for its golden sands, Bulgaria is still a place of unspoiled beauty. Because the beaches are closely monitored and regularly maintained, the area will hopefully remain unspoiled for as long as possible.

Greece

Myrtos beach in Kefalonia is one of the most dramatically stunning beaches around, a true picture of beauty and a wonderful melting pot of soft sands and limestone pebbles.

Top Winter Travel Destinations in Europe

Winter is a beautiful season for travel and some of the best holidays in Europe are during the colder season. Whether you’re interested in living abroad during the winter, or you just want a short weekend break, here are some of the most beautiful winter travel destinations...


1. Austria – the city of Vienna is a stunning centre of architectural beauty, and in the winter it is a treat for all of those who appreciate the romance of a cold winter’s day. Austria also offers various skiing locations with luxury chalets and cottages.

2. Finland – home to Lapland, Finland is truly one of the most beautiful winter holiday destinations in the world. It is also one of the few places on the globe where you can catch the breathtaking sights of the Northern Lights.

 
Source: Creative Commons
 
3. Germany – Frankfurt is home to the original Frankfurt Christmas markets. Here you can enjoy the sights of the annual giant Christmas tree and a variety of interesting market stalls. Enjoy a mulled wine as you watch the world go by or shop around for unique gifts and crafts which have been handmade by locals.


4. Iceland – Reykjavik is one of the strangest cities in the world, surrounded by landscapes which are just out of this world.

 
Source: Creative Commons

Renting Log Cabins with Hot Tubs – The Best Relaxing Holiday Possible

If your idea of a great holiday is kicking back, relaxing and enjoying time spent together with your best friends in beautiful natural surroundings - then renting out log cabins with hot tubs in fabulous locations right here in the UK may be the perfect break for you. Typically accommodating up to 7 people, renting out a log cabin can be a fantastic way of escaping all the stress of your job and instead having a long weekend off to put your feet up. You may choose to either spend a romantic weekend with your partner or as a group of friends, colleagues or classmates but you are sure to have a memorable and fun holiday right here in the UK.

     As the nights draw in here in the UK and winter is moving in, it may seem very tempting to take a holiday overseas during the winter – but renting a fully centrally heated login cabin featuring a beautiful warm hot tub will ensure you can beat the cold weather and stay snug and warm regardless of the time of year in which you choose to take your holiday. The modern styling of the majority of the UK’s log cabins also adds to your luxury holiday experience to make you feel all the more at ease in your stay.

Student Travel Insurance: What to Consider When Buying

As a student heading out to see the world, you quickly realize there are many reasons you need a flexible travel insurance policy that can cover many of the contingencies you may face while out on the road. If you are travelling for research with graduate programs online or travelling with a student group, it is important for you to be covered in an emergency.

Not only do you need adequate health coverage, but you will want to consider covering personal property so you can replace your valuables if they lost or stolen. You can even purchase a travel insurance policy that will refund your money if your trip is cancelled or you miss connections and find yourself stranded.

Existing Health Insurance Coverage

If you have existing health insurance, review it carefully to see what it does and does not cover when you travel abroad. Some policies are only good in the country of origin, while others offer limited coverage while you are traveling.

The more expensive health insurance plans often cover you when you travel but require main office approval to authorize treatment. You also need to check for provisions covering such extreme conditions as quarantines or emergency evacuations. In such situations, even if you are in good health you could be facing challenging circumstances where the right kind of coverage would make rescue services available.

Carefully go through the list of exclusions in an existing health insurance policy to see if there are stipulations about covering accidents while intoxicated or that prohibit participation in certain sports. Consider if you will have the resources on hand to pay the current deductible amount or if you should arrange to have it decreased in exchange for paying higher premiums while you are traveling.

Travel-Only Health Insurance Coverage

If you are traveling abroad through your college or university, they might have requirements regarding the type of health insurance needed to participate in their program. Consult with the student health insurance office since they typically offer flexible, low cost plans that can be tailor-made to suit the regions you will be visiting.

If your travel is not directly related to your school, or if your classes are online, you will want to find an independent insurance travel agent that offers health insurance packages that can be set for the specific dates and locations where you will be traveling. These policies can be piggybacked on existing health insurance plans to provide extended coverage only for those contingencies not covered by your primary carrier. Group contracts are awarded to insurance companies who specialize in international travel and extend to leisure activities that may be associated with a group trip.

Check the insurance policy to see if they offer assistance finding medical care in other countries. You may want to confirm that they will reimburse you for medical expenses like prescriptions so you have the option to pay cash up front.

Another factor to consider is pre-existing conditions caused by injury, illness or disease since most policies automatically exclude coverage. You have to sign a pre-existing condition waiver and purchase that part of the coverage in a lump sum before you leave.

Other Travel Insurance Policies

Along with the mandatory student travel health insurance, look into coverage for such nightmare scenarios as losing your passport and identification or having your luggage stolen in transit. You can also obtain travel insurance that will refund your money if your trip is cancelled or you have to return early because of an emergency at home.

Ideally, student travel insurance should be broad enough to cover all contingencies so you can seek and receive medical help, have lost or stolen valuables replaced, and have resources available in case your travel plans abruptly change, but you shouldn’t have to pay outrageous prices for most plans and can often get a student discount. Looking on online forums and insurance review sites can also help you look for highly recommended insurance options available.

Best Holiday Destinations in Europe: Edinburgh

Edinburgh is widely regarded as one of the best holiday destinations to visit in the UK and offers a fantastic mix of rich Scottish history, heritage and traditions fused with the latest ground breaking arts, comedy and experiences. Named as a UNESCO world heritage site in the year 1995, the city is famed for its varied architecture and cultural experiences. With attractions and buildings spanning its long and rich history, Edinburgh offers holidaymakers the chance to combine visits to medieval castles, palaces and buildings as well as impressive gothic styled churches which also find spaces standing alongside some truly stunning modern architectural creations.

     Edinburgh is also without a doubt one of the best holiday destinations in the UK to experience some superb and exciting live events that are sure to excite and intrigue the British tourist visiting the city for a weekend, as well as backpackers travelling across Europe and visitors to Scotland taking holidays from overseas. Such is the wide reaching nature of the appeal of events such as Hogmanay (Scottish New Year celebrations) the Edinburgh festival and Fringe, and the pomp and ceremony of its world famous military tattoo that those visiting the city should plan well ahead. Indeed, getting accommodation of any kind in Edinburgh during the festival season around August to September and during the new year is extremely difficult and may need to be booked as long as a year in advance in some circumstances.

     Accessing the city from the UK can be easily achieved by train, with the main station Waverly regularly accepting numerous daily services from across the country. If you are visiting Edinburgh from Europe or further afield it is possible to fly to Edinburgh international airports and then take a Edinburgh airport taxi into the city. The airport is the most popular and frequented in Scotland and takes in flights from around Europe and the rest of the world.

The 3 Best Travel Destinations in Europe

Europe is packed with fantastic places to go travelling, but there are certain places which have so much charm and such a wide range of attractions that you can’t help but go back. Below are my 3 top travel destinations in Europe that i will continue to return to time and time again:

Paris, France

Known as the city of love, but it’s so much more than that. Paris has everything; stunning icons, great food and all the attractions of a capital city. No matter what type of holiday you want to take, Paris will cater to your needs. Those wanting to sightsee and explore some of the most recognised spots in the world will be happy walking the streets from Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre. If you fancy a more relaxed break then you can wander through the beautiful parks, checking out the quirky fountains and stop off for coffees and hot chocolates all day long. Paris’ only drawback is the strain it puts on the purse strings, but even if you just head over for a long weekend you can guarantee a rewarding a stay. Sante!

Lake Bled, Slovenia

A stunning getaway for those wanting to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The town of Bled is tucked away not far from Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana and is based around the shores of the beautiful lake. If all you want is some peace and quiet set on a mountain backdrop the Bled is the place for you. For those who are ready to incorporate a bit of activity into their visit then hire a boat and row out to the island at the lake’s heart and explore the beautiful church which stands high on its crest. You can even ring the church bell...

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a city of two halves which it seems you can never fully explore. Every time you go back you will discover another corner of the city which you didn’t know was there, filled with great bars, noisy restaurants and packed with locals. There’s plenty you’ll find first time around as well mind. Split into Buda and Pest by the Danube, the city boasts beautiful Baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau architecture to satisfy anyone’s needs and enough parks to shake a stick at. The Danube itself is a great way to explore, hopping on and off as you please and cruising down river when you fancy resting tired legs. If you need even more rest and relaxation then the numerous Turkish baths will help on that front. One of the resident burly Hungarian men will even give you a rub down if you ask nicely. Once you’re suitably refreshed it’s time to hit the town and Budapest can match any city for a good night out, hence its popularity for stag and hen dos. No matter what you go for, Budapest will show you a good time.

  

This is a guest post from Tom at Top Backpacking Destinations – you can follow him on Twitter: @BackpackerBoy

Does My Breakdown Cover Policy Cover Me in Europe?

To do true justice to many of Europe’s more scenic and rural holiday destinations, either taking your own car (and thereby being all but bound to the consequences and limitations of travelling by ferry) or alternatively taking up the option to hire a car upon arrival at your destination is all but essential if you are to get the maximum enjoyment out of your trip. I would suggest that it is all but impossible to fully enjoy all the stunning natural beauty of some of the greatest European holiday destinations such as for example Tuscany, The Greek Islands, Ireland etc. without the freedom to drive off and explore these brilliant places and their unspoilt natural scenery without having a car at your disposal.

    

But what happens if the worst comes to the worst and you have a breakdown or mechanical fault with your vehicle? If you are based living in the UK, does your current breakdown cover policy cover you for travel overseas and in Europe? Are there any limitations to the length of period of which you are covered in such territories?  Such factors are key things to consider if you are planning on using your own car or hiring a car in Europe. If in doubt, it is highly recommended that you take the time to study your existing policy documents or contact your insurer directly to establish the limitations and terms of your breakdown cover.

    

There is nothing worse than having a dream holiday ruined by unforeseen problems, and unfortunately such things can happen to any of us. By establishing whether or not you are covered prior to departure you may save yourself a whole heap of hassle in the long-term. Even if your current policy does not cover you for breakdowns outside of your country of residence, there are now short term breakdown policies available that can for example, cover you for short holiday periods ranging from 1 to 30 days, based on which region of Europe to which you are driving. Investing in such as policy will give you greater peace of mind and freedom to enjoy your holiday and explore the rural reaches of Europe without the fear of being stranded should your car break down.

Why Getting Organised For Your Holiday Will Save You Money

With a long-awaited holiday on the horizon, it’s easy to let your excitement get the better of you. There are certain holiday essentials that can easily get overlooked as you get swept up in thoughts of lazy days on the beach or culture-filled walks around the city, so be sure to make yourself a checklist before you go.
While booking flights and accommodation will be the first things on your mind, you should also put some time into researching the best possible deal for travel insurance. Not all policies are the same, so don’t make the mistake of simply going with the cheapest option. Be sure that your chosen policy covers all angles – if you’re going skiing or snowboarding, for instance, then you may well need to take out a policy that has specific winter sports cover. Do your research and you won’t go too far wrong.

 Something else you should sort out well in advance of your trip away is travel money – it’s easy to pay over the odds for your travel money so look around for your best options before you go. Bowling up at the airport and changing your money on the day you fly is a sure fire way to pay the maximum as currency exchange companies based in an airport know that they have a captive audience. Search out your cheapest options online before you go to get the best deal.

For similar reasons, you should always pre-book your airport parking if you’re going to be leaving a vehicle there while you’re away. Search online for the different available options for the relevant airport and get it booked as early as you can to ensure you get a good price. If you turn up on the day and pay there and then, you’ll undoubtedly be paying more than you need to.

If you’re planning to hire a car in your destination country then once again it pays to book it online before you go. Prices will be significantly cheaper if you’re booking via the company’s website rather than turning up on the day, so seek out your best deal using the internet in the lead-up to your holiday. Similarly, booking activities such as attraction tickets before you go can often be a good idea as these are often available at a discount online if you buy in advance.

Best Holiday Destinations Outside Europe – New Zealand

If you are considering taking a holiday a little further afield than the confines of the continent of Europe this summer, there are of course many great places around the world to choose from. However, when it comes to those people who have a great sense of adventure, want to travel to distant lands and that have an undying passion for the great outdoors, why not think big and take the plunge and travel to New Zealand.

When it comes to unspoilt natural beauty, New Zealand has to be one of the best holiday destinations outside of Europe – and what better way to enjoy the scenery at your own pace and leisure than taking advantage of the services offered from many of the great campervan hire companies. Campervanhire New Zealand allows holiday makers the freedom to explore this great nation without constraint - and lets travellers reach the more remote locations away from the city. Take your time to travel across both the North and South Islands and explore the country and see the beautiful night stars. With stunning national parks that are just begging for a visit, you can enjoy hiking and other outdoor pursuits and at the end of the day you will always be sure you have a bed that travels round with you!

Best Winter Holiday Destinations in Europe

When looking for a fabulous winter adventure, why not consider activity holidays in Lapland, Finland where fun and excitement is awaiting the entire family on an adventure break. Visitors can plan a guided winter adventure that consists of snowmobiling, dog sledding and hiking through the beautiful landscape. Tourists to this winter wonderland will also have the unique experience of seeing and learning about reindeer.

Husky dog sledding is one of the more popular activities in Lapland. This is an adventure that will be remembered for years to come and makes for a great family experience. Not only will visitors have the chance to experience dog sledding, but they will get to see some of the most beautiful winter scenery in the world.

Lapland is the perfect destination for any family that is looking for great outdoor adventures on a holiday. From spending simple days hiking on snowy trails to the excitement of a snowmobile race, Lapland has so much to offer visitors. There are also many fine resorts in the area, so after a long, cold day communing with nature, families can retreat to a cosy fire for a night of relaxation.

One of the most exciting and unique experiences will be viewing the northern lights. There are guided tours in the evening that will take travellers to remote locations for a perfect view of the lights in the sky. A winter holiday to Lapland will be as exciting as it is relaxing and will make for precious memories in the future.

Umbria or Tuscany for your Next Italy Holiday?

When planning a holiday to Italy, one of the places you should ensure that you spend some time in is Umbria. This region is known as the “Green Heart” of Italy because of the vast rolling hills and it is this beautiful vista which has contributed to Umbria becoming one of the top holiday destinations in Italy.

While in Umbria, make sure to pay a visit to Perugia, an ancient capital of the region. This town has a lot of history much of which is still apparent from the ancient buildings and these now sit comfortably alongside many modern buildings including a University.  The city is also home to an internationally known Jazz Festival and a Chocolate Festival both of which should definitely not be missed.

Assisi is another ‘must see’ destination on an Umbrian holiday. Once a Roman colony, Assisi is known for being the home of Saint Francis and the tomb of the Saint can be visited at the Saint Francis Basilica which is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Italy.

If you are looking for a quiet and romantic Italian holiday, consider Tuscany. This is a region full of breathtaking architecture, beautiful landscapes and amazing Italian cuisine all of which make Tuscany a popular destination for newlyweds.  The romance of the area can be felt throughout the region and with the option of renting luxury Tuscany villas and farmhouses, you will surely find the perfect romantic getaway in Tuscany.

Italian holidays are becoming more and more popular every year and Umbria and Tuscany are likely to remain at top of the list for popular destinations for some time. Both have great qualities that make them amongst the best holiday destinations in Europe.

Tenerife or Gran Canaria for Winter Holidays in Europe?

Tenerife and Gran Canaria are both popular destinations for a winter holiday. Their all year round comfortable climates and abundant sunshine make them ideal choices when tourists are looking to escape the harshness of the winter at home.

Tenerife holidays in winter make for an interesting option because it offers a large selection of island houses that can be hired as holiday homes. Many of these homes are located on some of the best beaches in the area, including Playa Grande, Playa las Vistas and Playa Las Gaviotas. The beaches themselves offer useful tourist facilities and an array of water sports, making this a great location for families.

For those who don’t want to spend their whole holiday soaking up the sun, Tenerife is also a great place to explore Mount Teide, an active volcano. This is an experience that no tourist should miss on their holiday with the summit reminiscent of a lunar landscape.

The climate in Gran Canaria is warmer than Tenerife and is correspondingly one of the most popular winter holiday destinations. There are some beautiful beaches which are well served by local restaurants, bars and shops.  There are also conveniently situated golf courses and the nearby streets are quiet and quaint and house many small coffee shops and eateries.

Gran Canaria is known for having an active nightlife and is a great choice for younger visitors. There are many bars and nightclubs that come alive after the sun sets so when travelling on a winter holiday with a family, Tenerife may be the better choice because there are more family oriented activities and sites to visit.