United Kingdom to Marseille

January 11, 2010 by Tom Martens  
Filed under Travel

Marseille is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in France. There are flights from the UK to Marseille from both London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Marseille Provence Airport is the city’s main airport and is the fourth largest airport in France. Expect to see both tourists and business travelers crowding its terminals. The city also has an excellent public transportation system.

It is located on the south east coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea and is the largest commercial port in the country. The old port area that was popular prior to the’70s oil crisis has been redeveloped with an investment from the European Union.

The old port area is now home to restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels and other businesses and is primarily used as a private marina. The new port area is north of the old port area, and 100 million tons of freight pass through this port each year. The majority of the freight is petroleum. The city is a major center for trade and industry with excellent transportation infrastructure, including its port, airport and roads. It is one of the main entry points into France, making it popular with immigrants, especially those from Italy, Spain and Greece.

With its location on the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille has mild winters and hot summers. The coldest months of the year are January and February, with July and August being the area?s hottest months. Harsh, cold winds blow into the city from the Alps in the winter and spring.

The city also boasts Marseille Provence Metropolis, the second largest research center in France. The research center employs thousands of scientists.

But besides all the industry, UK travelers will find no shortage of museums, theaters, shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants in Marseille. Lovers of theater will be especially pleased by the wonderful repertoires of le Gymnase, the Teatre Toursky, and la Crie?. The opera season runs from September until June.

Like every other region of France, but perhaps a little more so, Provence is known for its incredible food. Local favorites include pastis, a popular liqueur made with anise and spice, once made with the now-banned absinthe. Other local favorites are aioli (mayonnaise) served over hard boiled eggs or fish, tapenades over grilled meats, panisse, navette, and the flavorful boiling bouillabaisse. Restaurants make all their dishes with local ingredients chosen because they are intensely flavorful. Many of these establishments can be found in the previously mentioned Old Port area, also the site of a fish market. The Old Port area is beautiful after sundown, and a wonderful destination for a romantic evening, but entirely safe for UK visitors.

Beautiful architecture can also be found in the city, including the Abbey of Saint Victor, one of the oldest places of Christian worship in France, the Museum of Old Marseille and the Phare de Sainte Marie, a lighthouse on the inlet to the Old Port.

With all that the city has to offer to visitors, it is easy to see why Marseille is growing in popularity with travelers.

Tom Martens is the content coordinator for Bestukflights.co.uk the UK’s premier flight and travel comparison portal which includes a detailed section on Travel and Flights to Marseille


The Roughest Guide To Ibiza

November 19, 2009 by Tom Binns  
Filed under Travel

Ibiza is the most western island of the Balearic Islands, and human habitation dates from at least 5000 BC. If all you know of Ibiza is the trashy TV show that play on Satellite TV then you’re in for a bit of a pleasant surprise when you come and visit. Ibiza is hilly and has sandy Calas and rocks and the most beautiful beaches and sandy shores of the Mediterranean.

Although there are plenty of hotels on Ibiza and more recently a few more four and five star hotels have sprung up. I recently stayed in a three star apartment hotel in Cala LLonga, El Pinar and I was very impressed with how clean and well kept the place was. If there are a few in your party one of the best ways to get the most out of your Ibiza holiday is to rent a car.

Ibiza weather is superb, with over 300 days of sunshine per year. However if you arrive in May-June and September-October you’ll find the weather is still good and you won’t have to deal with crowds of drunken holidaymakers. The weather or more unpredictable can be nice through November.

San Antonio on the west coast of Ibiza is a great place to come on holiday ” this beautiful bay with its lovely beaches, spectacular sunsets and Mediterranean sunshine is very attractive. San An tends to be spoiled by the English in football shirts. There are plenty of English bars and greasy spoon cafes to help the English feel like they never left home. You can spot the English as they trudge around too hot and red with sunburn.

Ibiza is not only the best party getaway in Europe but also an extraordinary holiday destination to enjoy one of the best times of your life. I would recommend the island to anyone

Tom Binns set up the Sail Boat Business ibiza boat charter


Ibiza – A True Paradise Island

November 15, 2009 by Tom Binns  
Filed under Travel

Ibiza is famous the world over for being a party island, but it has a lot more to offer to visitors than just dancing away to the most famous DJs. As with all the Balearic Islands, it is a dependency of Spain and is the closest to the mainland at just over 100 miles away. It has around 125 miles of majestic coastline that is dotted with numerous tranquil coves and stunning beaches with perfectly clear water and golden sand.

Accommodation ranges from cheap and simple budget rooms to deluxe resorts and hotels, these can all be found both close to the shore and miles inland. The main tourist season is during the European summer at which time the lodgings may be full to capacity so it is best to book as far in advance as possible.

Ibiza’s fame skyrocketed during the’90s when the dance music scene really began to take off. Now you can find some of the best clubs and bars in Europe. Thousands of visitors both young and old enjoy the social life that is unmatched. Apart from the nightclubs there are many other attractions. You can choose to spend a leisurely few days relaxing in a rural stone cottage and exploring the numerous walks near to almond and olive groves, as well as taking time to experience the pine forests, salt lakes, and historic buildings.

Ibiza town is the largest on the island and has a unique charm that mixes a medieval feeling alongside superb restaurants and bars.

Ibiza is a perfect destination at any time of the year. It has an average of 300 days of sunshine and very little rain. The days never get too hot as there is usually a gentle and refreshing sea breeze. Many tourists are now discovering the charm of the island in winter.

The pace of life throughout the island is very laid back. All your stresses and worries can be left behind at the airport.

Tom Binns skippers the ibiza boat charter


Have A Ball Of Time In Amsterdam City Breaks

October 11, 2009 by Craig Walker  
Filed under Destinations

If you are stuck at work and waiting to get out, why not take a break. Holidays and breaks motivate you and make us all feel refreshed. It does not matter if it’s a one night getaway or a few days off, it’s worth it. Take a Amsterdam City break and go wild.

Many couples celebrating their honeymoons and anniversaries just love the short stays in the city. If you live around, you do not have to take time off work. You could just have a weekend break. If you love the city life and metropolitan holidays, Amsterdam will take you by surprise.

Some visitors come here for a few days and leave with the hope that next time they can spend more days. The city has interesting places and exciting things to do all round the year, whatever the season. Families, teenagers, young couples and senior people love holidaying here.

Since years Amsterdam is a notable city on the map of Europe and continues to be. The secret to this is the never ending excitement on offer. You never know when the night has finished and the day has started. People just drown themselves in the magic of the city. If you are tired, just relax in the cool cafes or take a walk around the city.

Like any other holiday, you can find restaurants, museums and natural beauty. Amsterdam has a great combination of man-made fun and natural elegance, which blend in together to make a great holiday. Even the government seems to go easy here and that tops it all. You will have plenty of crazy and cherished moments to go home with.

Amsterdam is considered has one of the most hospitable and multicultural city in Europe. With great flight and hotel deals, you can experience all this. If you are tired, lonely or bored, an Amsterdam City break is just what you need.

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Lakes And Mountains Holidays In Italy – The Alps, Lake Garda And Lake Como

August 17, 2009 by Gordon W Brown  
Filed under Travel

The lakes and mountains holidays in Italy are very beautiful and most can be found near the Alps in Northern Italy. One of the largest lakes in Italy is Lake Garda located between Milan and Venice. This lake was originally formed by the glaciers. Lake Garda has many resorts and hotels along its shores as it is a very popular tourist destination.

Not to be missed at Lake Garda is the ancient fortified town of Sirmione. This town contains a great mix of the old and new as not only is there a fortified town but there are also several spa complexes and many restaurants, hotels, bars and fashion boutiques. Other historical spots include Scaliger castle, built in the 13th century and the villa of the famous Roman poet Catallus. For those looking for relaxation and rest you can visit the sulfur spring on the end of the peninsula and for some fun Gardaland is very close by.

Another lake known for its beauty is Lake Como. This lake is close to Lake Garda and is only about an hour from Milan. There are many beautiful gardens and villas to visit as Lake Como is known for its lakeside villas. Some villas that should not be missed include Villa Carlotta, Villa Serbelloni, Villa Melzi, Villa del Balbianello and Villa d’Este. If possible you should make arrangements to view the interior of the villas as well as the gardens.

The lakes are a lovely spot to visit in Italy because the climate is always mild even in the hottest part of summer. There is much to keep you occupied, as there are water sports to be found all over the lake. The towns themselves offer an excellent chance to relax and explore.

Right by the lakes is the Italian Alps. In the distance they can be hard to miss and are even more impressive up close. During the spring and summer you will be stunned by the fields and fields of flowers found in the Alps and the winter offers many opportunities for some world class skiing. A famous tourist spot in the mountains is Trentino.

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The Ancient History of Barry, South Wales: Part One

June 3, 2009 by Owen Jones  
Filed under Travel

Much of what we know or have supposed about Barry and the Vale of Glamorgan, in which it is situated has been gleaned from the buildings found there, many of which have been badly neglected for too long. There are also legendary stories, such as that of Joseph of Arimathea, who traded tin in Glastonbury, just across the channel and who was one of the first missionaries to this part of the country.

Tradition has it that the father of Caractacus took his son on a journey to Rome, where they were converted to Christianity. Later, they returned to the Vale of Glamorgan with Bran The Blessed, the missionary. It is a fact that Christianity was a popular belief there early in the Fourth Century and that south Wales sent several bishops to the Council of Rome.

Saint Baruch’s Church on Barry Island is one of the oldest places of historic religious interest in the region, but unfortunately, it too has been allowed to become dilapidated. Barry Island was one of the most important places of monastic interest in south Wales and around. The ancient Viking strongholds of Steep and Flat Holms also housed monks and Saint Illtyd’s Seminary in nearby Llantwit Major, which taught 2,200 disciples, was closely linked to it too.

There was an ancient Roman fort and accompanying naval dockyard on Porthkerry Point, which had obviously jutted out further into the sea than it does now and later a castle was built on their ruins. There have been found many wolf and deer bones between Sully and Barry – enough to show that they had existed there in great numbers. There have also been a large number of findings of arrowheads, flints, needles and coins, proving that people were there to prey on them too.

Barry Island was first known as Baruchs Island after St. Baruch, who was found drowned, washed up on the beach in 700 AD. He had drowned on his return from Flat Holm, where it was customary for Saints and religious students of the seminaries to spend Lent.

He and Gwelches were disciples of Saint Cadoc at that time and on their return to the island, they realized that they had forgotten their enchiridion or religious manual. St. Cadoc made them do back to fetch it. Neither men returned alive. St. Baruch’s most acclaimed student, St. Illtyd was educated there.

The island at Barry has had several names including “Island of the Saints” and “Insular of Peiros”. St. Peiro was St. Illtyd’s successor as leader of the seminary and St. Samson’s mentor. St. Doeninas was the leader of another abbey on the island at nearby Friars’ Point.

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UK Flights to Middle East

June 1, 2009 by Graham McKenzie  
Filed under Travel

The Middle East has had a mixed reputation in Europe. On one hand it has rich and prosperous lands with oil, but then there are also the troubles which plague the continent. The Middle East covers Iran, Turkey, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

The region which is called the Greater Middle East comprise the Afghanistan, and Algeria, the region considered the ?Horn of Africa? comprise Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea. Undoubtedly, this is the land of great culture, which lures the European tourist, though it is always recommended that you do good research before coming here. Take care of all the safety concerns. Provided that you tour with a trustworthy tour operator, you are ensured of a safe trip.

Number of flights to your desire destination is depend upon the destination which you have choice. Take an example of Dubai; it is a very well known city of Middle East for Brits so you will find competition between Airlines to provide better services in lower rates. Other places yet, such as Iran maybe have restricted number of flights and it isn?t suggested that you trip to this place without a good tour organizer. Virgin, Qatar Airlines, KLM, Continental, and Emirates are the chief airlines which operates their flights to different locations of the Middle East.

Keep in mind, that these being Islamic countries, follow strict rules and you must observe certain social regulations; like keeping legs and shoulders well covered in public areas, though rules differ depending on the place you visit. Dubai is a place which is liberal and comfortable with UK tourist, but countries like Iran are stricter. You must check with the up to date security measures before travelling with a UK passport, as this may not be appropriate for entering all Middle East countries.

The Middle East is a very hot area and a lot of it is desert. Some of the areas are subject to droughts but there are still fertile areas with forests and greenery, depending on where you visit. In the summer, the weather reaches up to 40 degrees Celsius; sun protection is a must if you visit and be prepared for a dusty type of humidity.

The Middle East is well worth exploring; the country of Jordan which is one of the more modern cities. There is plenty of architecture and food which may be familiar to the European tourist, such as kebabs, and ethnic dishes.

Dubai has plenty of shopping arcaded and lovely beaches; pubs and bars are also there for people to enjoy, thanks to the liberal drinking laws, though being an Islamic country, there are prayers held many times in a day. Dubai also offers several art galleries exhibiting Arabic artefacts, so you can explore this if you are tired of beaches. Israel is home to several churches, and also many bible lands to visit; you will find here the Tower of David Museum, Yad Vashem, Baha?I Shrine Rockefeller Archaeological Museum, and Gardens in Haifa, among others. Try out the traditional food of Israeli such as bagels, pickles, and kebabs.

The city of Israel on the other hand, has several churches and the bible lands, to explore; here you will also find popular attractions which include The Tower of David Museum, Baha?I Shrine, Rockefeller Archaeological Museum, Yad Vashem, and the Gardens in Haifa. You may also try out the regional cuisine of Israel, the bagels, pickles, and kebabs.

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Overview of UK Flights to Europe

May 23, 2009 by Graham McKenzie  
Filed under Travel

Flying to different locations all the way through Europe has been trendy with UK travellers for so extensive because of the propinquity Great Britain has to its neighbours. In today?s circumstance when people are worried about the staggering economy and credit crunch, it?s obvious that holidays in Europe come across are the cheaper option than going far. The diverse locations serve as beach vacations, as cultural holidays or romantic breaks of time. You are free to explore Europe to your heart?s content.

Going to Europe from the UK is easy and economical. There are lots of choices depending upon which place of UK you are in. First you will have to select your destination, as prices are cheap and options are many. Many people prefer going to a new place. If you do online booking, this becomes easier as you enter your travel day and total number of people travelling along with the airport you want to fly from, and then you can choice from the locations available.

If you select to go for a destination in Europe then this is as simple as there are several budget airlines like Easyjet, and BMI Baby. These fly to short distance locations in Europe and are thus quite cheap. There are some luxury airlines such as British Airways which offer flights to Europe. It is not necessary to choose a luxury flight for short distance travel as it is not utilized properly.

Much sought after tourist destinations in Europe include countries like Italy, France, Spain, and Germany. These countries house plenty of airports and you will get one closest to the city, which you want fly to. France has Paris, and several other northern and southern territories. Spain has major cities like Madrid, and also the popular Holiday Islands, boasting sand and sun. Many UK flights will travel to these destinations because they are so well-liked.

Don?t forget about other beauty spots like Bruges in Belgium, Prague in the Czech Republic. Well known for having stunning architecture, there are regular flights to these locations not to mention an abundance of accommodation throughout the year. Prague has one main airport that is modern and accepts flights from British Airways, Easyjet, Jet2 and BMI Baby to name a few meaning there are plenty of cheap flights to this location.

There is also Scandinavia, a beautiful part of Europe filled with history and lots of quirky cultural traits; this includes Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland. You need to search a little harder for flights to these locations but they are by no means impossible; Easyjet and Finnair both fly to Denmark, as does British Airways. I you specifically want to visit one of these locations go directly to the airlines website and search for the location so you know whether or not you are wasting your time.

Travelling to European destinations is in rage because it is easy, fast, and lucrative. With a British passport, the citizens of UK can any part of Europe without any visa issues. For good bargains, look for last minute and cheap airlines. Do not overlook to see the precise last minute packages on websites such as the lastminute.com, as they help you locate a cheap deal for flights and hotels, saving you botheration and time, when you are in hurry. With so much of options available?exploring Europe is a must!

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UK to Naples

April 8, 2009 by Tom Martens  
Filed under Travel

UK travelers wanting to visit Naples as their primary destination should try booking flights from London, which offers the best availability and lowest fares. The city’s only airport receiving international travelers is Naples International Airport. Located in the south of Italy, and the capital of Campania, Naples lies halfway between the volcano Vesuvius, which buried the ancient city of Pompeii, and the Phlegraean Fields. Naples is an ancient city, over 2,800 years old. It enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with long, hot, dry summers and short, mild, rainy winters.

Naples is famous for its music. It was the place where the mandolin and the romantic guitar were both invented. Neapolitan musicians also have made strong contributions to folk standards and to opera.

This southern Italian city is home to many museums, notably the Naples National Archaeological Museum, regarded as one of the most important repositories for artifacts of the Roman Empire. The museum displays many of the antiquities discovered at Herculaneum and Pompeii, as well as some pieces from the Hellenistic period and the Renaissance.

Probably the most important museum in Naples, however, is the Museo di Capodimonte, a museum and art gallery. The gallery features paintings from the thirteen to eighteenth centuries, including major works of Luca Giordano, and Jusepe de Ribera of the Neapolitan School, and also works by El Greco, Caravaggio, Titian, Raphael, and Simone Martini.

The majority of Neapolitans are Catholics, and their city is home to the Archdiocese of Naples. The Cathedral of Naples is the site of the annual Miracle of St. Januarius, the city’s patron saint. In this miracle, the dried blood of Januarius is said to turn to liquid when brought close to his relics. The annual miracle is regarded as sacred by many Neapolitans.

But the one thing almost every for around the world knows that originated in Naples is pizza. The procedure for making pizzas is strictly regulated by Italian law. The pizza is traditionally baked in a wood-burning oven. The ingredients in the dough must be type “00″ flour with the addition of type “0″ yeast and natural water. The sauce is to be made from peeled tomatoes or fresh cherry tomatoes, along with sea salt and extra virgin olive oil. Another world-renowned Neapolitan dish is spaghetti. Neapolitans eat their spaghetti with a ragu. The cuisine of Naples, like all of Italy, is known for its use of local fresh ingredients. The city is also famous for its gelato dessert, and for limoncello, a popular lemon liqueur.

The history of Naples goes back at least 2,800 years, and the city is even older than Rome. It has survived the Etruscans, the Greeks, the Romans, and the Plague, and a succession of kings from Spain and France. As it has survived, it has changed and thrived. If you are already planning a visit to Italy, visit Naples, too. The city has much to offer, especially its fine food and wine, and visitors will be more than just happy they made it a stop.

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United Kingdom to Milan

April 1, 2009 by Tom Martens  
Filed under Travel

There are several flights from the United Kingdom to Milan, which is located in Italy?s Lombardy region. There are three international airports in Milan: the Malpensa International Airport; the Linate Airport; and the Orio al Serio Airport. Milan also has an excellent public transportation system, which makes it easy for visitors to get around the city, and includes taxis, buses and a subway system.

Milan?s winters are damp and cold, while its summers are hot and humid. Expect to see snow in the winter. Summer and fall are pleasant and popular with tourists. Expect bigger crowds and higher fares if you visit during the peak travel season. Keep this in mind when planning your trip.

Milan is a large business and financial center and is home to the Italian Stock Exchange. In fact, Milan?s economy is almost as large as the economy of the entire country of Greece. Industries based in Milan produce cars, textiles, chemicals and heavy machinery, among other products.

Milan is enjoying a construction boom as the city prepares to host Expo 2015, a world’s fair. The theme of Expo 2015 is Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life. Much of the city is being rehabbed as Milan plans to show off during the expo.

Lovers of fine food enjoy Milan, which offers a wonderful cuisine, like the rest of Italy, but with its own touches. Rice is used instead of pasta, and there is very little tomato or tomato sauce. Milan produces the very-popular salamis and gorgonzola cheeses. Popular and well known local favorites include risotto and osso buco.

Milan is also a world fashion capital, hosting Italy’s Fashion Week shows. The city is home to what many believe to be the world’s first shopping mall, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in the Piazza Duomo. As you walk the streets of Milan you will see Gucci and Prada, Armani, and Versace, each establishment a financial powerhouse as well as a fashion leader.

Art lovers and artists also flock to Milan, the city where Leonardo da Vinci painted his famous The Last Supper. Milan is also home to some of the most famous and beautiful architecture in the world, including the Milan Cathedral, which is the third largest cathedral in the world. The La Scala opera house and its museum are also located in Milan.

And while Milan is better known for art and fashion, it boasts a rather large literary scene as well. The great novelists Ugo Foscolo, Guiseppe Parini, and Alessandro Manzoni all wrote while living in Milan. And Milan’s creativity spills over into the media, as well. Milan is the headquarters of many of Italy’s media companies, including several newspapers, radio, and TV.

With its beauty and business savvy, Milan is an attractive destination to travelers. Good food and wine, interesting culture and a rich history make Milan a must see destination when visiting Italy. There is truly something for everyone in Milan.

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