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20. Jan, 2010

Getting about in Cornwall

Getting about in Cornwall

beach-cornwallWhereas package holidays might take care of everything for you, including all of your travel arrangements, they also force you into a strict, rigid, set plan of what your holiday will be like, governed entirely by your tour operator. Making your own decisions regarding your trip can leave you much, much happier, as long as you’re sure to properly plan before hand, and ensure that you know what you’re getting yourself into.

Accommodation, activities, weather and so on are not normally things that people overlook, but travel once you’re there is left until the last minute more often than you’d think. It’s a real shame as well, as if you’ve decided to book a more intimate holiday, perhaps in a hotel with a loved one, then shoddy travel arrangements can really ruin the mood. Family cottage holidays don’t have the travel pre-planned either, and little Jeremy and Ron are going to drive you mad with wailing if the travel arrangements are less than satisfactory.

So what can you do to alleviate this? Well, depending on where you are you have plenty of options. From my experiences in the UK (mostly in Cornwall, in the South West), I can say that travel is easy there as long as you spend the time preparing. Train, plane, coach, or car are all available, and booking early is a possibility in all cases. Almost every service also allows you to view schedules or even book online if you want to, making the whole process as hassle-free as possible.

The train lines in the UK are generally very good, though planning for delays is for the best, especially if the worst does happen. Many smaller lines also branch of the main one, meaning that once you’ve taken the main line down to Cornwall, you can get a smaller train to near your Sennen Cove cottage, for instance.

Plane flights in the UK can get you around, but I always find it actually takes just as long as getting a train, what with check-in times, and then getting transport to and from the airport. If you can rent a car whilst you’re abroad then that’s great, but longer journeys may still be better if you utilise a bus or train.

15. Oct, 2009

Five must-do activities in London

londonnightbigben2Planning a trip to London? Wondering what to do, but don’t know where to start? Then look no further than this top five guide.

1) ‘Visit a Museum’.

With London playing host to over 300 world class museum and many of them free, the only difficult part is which to choose. Whether or not you’re a budding Einstein, you can’t go wrong with a visit to London’s Science Museum. Set over five floors and covering topics from space exploration, medicine and technology, you can guarantee the museum offers something for everyone.  Hands on activities, simulator rides, or a trip to see an IMAX promise to delight visitor’s young and old.

2) ‘Sightsee’

Spend a few hours wandering London’s breathtaking streets and you’re guaranteed to take in many a famous landmark. A trip to Buckingham Palace to take in the regal residence is an absolute must see. The changing of the guards takes place daily, and is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Who knows, stick around long enough and you might just see the Queen. Either way, taking in the stunning architecture you’re sure to feel like Royalty.

3) ‘Hit the shops’

Credit cards at the ready for a trip down London’s bustling Oxford Street. The heart of the capital’s shopping district, whether it’s a major high street store, local boutiques or some window shopping you’re after, if you don’t find it on Oxford Street, you won’t find it anywhere.

4) ‘Get away from it all’

Escape the hustle and bustle with a trip to one of London’s beautiful gardens. Basque in the sunshine beside the soothing sounds of the Diana Princess of Wales memorial fountain, situated in the southwest corner of Hyde Park. The perfect way to relax after a hard morning’s sight seeing.

5) ‘Watch a West End show’

A West End show captures the very soul of what a trip to London is all about. From modern musicals to contemporary classics, there’s a show out there made for you. Make the most of your trip by booking a London theatre break package, including tickets to a show of your choice and a trip in a nearby hotel.  The perfect end to a perfect trip.

09. Oct, 2009

Holiday in Prague

charles-bridgeThe gorgeous city of Prague, famous for its turbulent history, lovely architecture and frothy beer has become a top destination for world travelers interested in the historic heart of Europe. Prague is one of the most exciting cities to visit in Europe and boasts numerous attractions in an intriguing Old World setting that many visitors find difficult to leave, attractions that include the massive Prague Castle complex- spanning over a thousand years of history, the National Theater-a true national treasure built from the pockets of Czech citizens, the world-famous Astronomical Clock and Wenceslas Square-the stage for the Prague Spring of 1968 and the Velvet Revolution in 1989.

To make your stay in Prague truly magical you can stay in one of the city’s many luxury boutique and design hotels, which are centrally located in Prague’s Old Town or Lesser Town, and are situated in meticulously renovated historic buildings.

Or if you wish, you can choose a fully serviced apartment in the center of Prague, perfect for families who need more space, or a world-renowned hotel chain such as the Four Seasons or the Mandarin Oriental. Prague offers a large variety of accommodation for all budgets and tastes.

Prague’s Old Town is home to Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock and the intimidating Gothic Tyn Church, the Art Nouveau Municipal House and many shopping options including an open-air market. The Lesser Town of Prague has a more residential feel to it, being home to various embassies, which are located in beautiful Baroque palaces as well as secret gardens with courtyard cafes, the magnificent Baroque St. Nicolas Cathedral and the omnipresent Prague Castle looming majestically above the city and the winding Vltava River.