Saturday, April 18, 2009

An Enchanting English Tour

In this brief article we shall see some enchanting spots in England other than London, which has been dealt with separately.

England, Wales and Scotland as one political unit now, offer an astonishing variation in tourist delights. We have spread across the whole of United Kingdom not only castles and abbeys of breathtaking beauties but such places of interest as Shakespeare's birth place, many spas, busy harbors, mines, sea resorts, palatial mansions of medieval lords, churches, race courses and beautiful natural settings such as mountains, lakes, forests and beaches.

If in Wiltshire, you could gaze with wonder at the Stonehenge, a world heritage site, the cathedral at Canterbury will make you thrill with wonder at the grand architectural grace it offers. While Bristol offers you the marvelous Suspension Bridge as an attraction, Dover is noted for its castle and white cliffs. Oxford is a busy commercial city these days but is one of the oldest centers of higher learning in England and Europe, the other older institution being Cambridge University at Cambridge. Liverpool is noted for its beautiful museums and currently famous for its musical groups. Nottingham is justly renowned for its association with Robin Hood and there is a legendary castle there as well. Portsmouth boasts of a great naval dockyard while Railway National Museum is a must at York for every visitor.

Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham are some places eagerly looked forward to be visited by art lovers and their charm is universal. There are a number of places like Cornwall noted for ecotourism. The South West England has plenty of spots for those who delight in adventure tourism as well as those who love nature's bounties and places of total relaxation. In fact while metropolitan London has its own charm, the rural England is no less attractive for its varied hues by way of lakes, gardens, forests, mountains and sheer rural settings.

One important factor to be noted is that there are plenty of tourist guide bureaus operating in England. The help they offer is proverbial. Individuals or families or groups of visitors whatever the category is, could get round the year discount benefits and group benefits and on line booking facilities are available. England is a perfectly safe place for the tourists and the tourists are naturally absorbed at the variety of relaxations they could enjoy. Hotels, suites, dormitories, etc. are available to suit the needs of people with different tastes and needs.

There are lots of London hotels all around UK and you can easily find a cheap London hotel to lodge that meets your budget. Hotel discounts can be available under 100 dollars. Luxury London hotels can cost several hundred dollars and up. There are modern hotels as well as very old ones from 1800 era with modern amenities. Those who like the traditional ambience with modern comfort will love these hotels.

England is a 'must' in any tourist's itinerary; it is not its political past alone but cultural and religious past and delightful trade that has given England an enduring place in the minds of the people throughout the world.

Author is a marketing strategist specialist having great knowledge on Travel and Tourism. To find out cheap hotel deals and hotel discounts visit http://www.hoteltravelexpress.com

A Sweet Swedish Holiday

A Swedish holiday is a rare opportunity to be totally lost in the beauty of nature in its manifold variations. You have the vastness of the sea with all its innate grace, stunning forest areas, great lakes in different parts of Sweden, besides excellent wine and dine places in Stockholm. Nobody returns disappointed after a sweet Swedish holidaying.

Stockholm itself is renowned both for family outing and individual lazing around. The seven islands that make up the city offer endless shades of nature's beauty, to be enjoyed and savored. The city itself is seven hundred years old but modernism is a way of life here. Here itself you have the breeze of Baltic Sea, quiet lakes, parks, cultural extravaganzas and fine food. You have of course great museums to satiate your thirst for knowledge as well. It is often said that Stockholm never sleeps and you must have the right frame of mind to enjoy that side of Stockholm as well. There are unbelievably beautiful spots in the grand islands and you are advised to walk and lose yourself in the breathtaking natural charms of the area. Huvudskar, Ridderholman, Djurgardslanalen and a host of other places are sheer delight for giving solace to mind. Besides there are royal palaces and other places of sight seeing.

Southern Sweden offers you a retreat to the pastoral setting with great, bountiful forests and lakes and natural settings. One can have one's own cottage and the vast expanse of the sea as companion, or settle for a few days opposite one of the countless lakes which would give you a feeling that you own the lake! There are enchanting cities too beckoning for a boisterous delightful spending of the evening and through the night! Skane, Torekov are the towns that would treat you as their spoiled kids!

Should you choose Northern Sweden, you will be rewarded with great Alpine heights, incomparable meadows and nature's silent majesty. You would choose to permanently live there and perhaps would have no regret for such a decision either! And don't forget that this is the land of Midnight Sun either.

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden and in no way less bountiful than the first one in offering varying shades of nature's grace and charm.

There are restaurants, discount hotels, dorms, star facilities in many places besides isolated cottages and car trips around the verdant green pastures. Hotel accommodation facilities for booking online are available. Cheap hotel deals are available everywhere in Sweden and it is advisable to compare the prices of different hotels and look for the facilities they offer to the guests The expenses are not much compared to Paris or London and if only you have the temperament to admire nature in its zenith of grace, Sweden takes the cake.

Author is a marketing strategist specialist having great knowledge on Travel and Tourism. To find out cheap hotel deals and hotel discounts visit http://www.hoteltravelexpress.com

The Romance of Romania

Despite a rough political passage in the preceding decades, Romania today offers the visitors the charm of naturally endowed interesting spots coupled with great hospitality. From what is referred to as "Transylvanian Alps", the tourist has the choice of Black Sea Beaches as well.

While history-inclined would find their meat in some of the relics of Early Roman and subsequent Byzantine Empire heritage sites, the present dispersion of population in Romania is such that the rural charm overwhelms. Nearly fifty percent of the population still has the rural foundations and, having preserved their rural heritage, give the world the delights of folklore and a dozen other diversities of engrossing pastoral atmosphere.

Apart from Alpine climbing, Romania is studded with natural thermal spas. While the former will whet the appetite of rugged work of the conscious tourists for the passion of mountaineering, the latter are a perennial source for physical relief. The contrast is striking but satisfying to the respective hunters of delight. In the recent years a number of casinos have come up to cater to those with risky instincts to satisfy their goals.

Danube Delta, Carpati Mountains and Prahova Valley are some other attractions besides of course the capital city of Bucharest. The mountains and valleys are still the preserves of natural settings and one is lost in the pristine silence of the nature as opposed to many mechanical aberrations elsewhere. The whole range of valleys and mountain peaks are a solace to nature lovers who are totally immersed in the peaceful atmosphere. There are Dracula tours in Transylvania while walking and trekking tours to many places of incredible natural splendor are also arranged economically and in an organized manner by a number of agencies.

The diverse rural cultures in such areas like Maramures, Bucovina, Crisana, Banat, Oltenia and Muntenia are a source of inspiration to rural living and admiration for natural habitations. You have almost all varieties of travel here, cars, trains, buses, etc. Thousands of cheap hotel deals abound throughout Romania to take care of the visitors according to their tastes and budgets. One is equally impressed with the delights of the palate and wine in Romania. The tourist will be surprised at the plethora of festivals and folklore abounding in the place. There are no shortages of castles or historical monuments either.

Though many of the millions of tourists right now are from neighboring areas it will just be a question of time before people from all over the globe make it a bee-hive for tourism. For it has the charm and potential for such an attraction.

Author is a marketing strategist specialist having great knowledge on Travel and Tourism. To find out cheap hotel deals visit http://www.hoteltravelexpress.com

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Luxembourg Still Retains the Old World Charm

Luxembourg is among the most fascinating tourism destinations for those attracted by the old world charm inherent in stonework and their rich cultural heritage. The Old City attractions will hold you in awe once you step in Luxembourg.

Some of the places to see at Luxembourg include Boulevard Royal, Cathedrale Notre-Dame, Musée d'Histoire de la Ville de Luxembourg, Place d' Armes, Musée Nationale d'Histoire et de l'Art, Le Natur Musée au Grund, Place d' Armes, Musée Nationale d'Histoire et de l'Art, Le Natur Musée au Grund.

Boulevard Royal like the Wallstreet is the hub of financial institutions. Earlier, in the old times, the site was the main moat of a fortress in the old town. Cathedrale Notre-Dame dating back to the 17th century is best to be seen during and after Easter for the gala festivity. According to a legend Virgin Mary saved the city from the bubonic plague in 14th century in whose honor the city holds celebrations till the day.

A trip to Musée d'Histoire de la Ville de Luxembourg will open your eyes to the 1000 year history in an interactive manner combining ancient buildings and technological advancements of recent times. Place d' Armes can keep you occupied for the day with their sidewalk cafes and evening concerts, fast food restaurants, and flea markets.

Musée Nationale d'Histoire et de l'Art is an elegantly built glass and steel 18th century structure with an impressive collection of art pieces from different ages including the prehistoric ones. Le Natur Musée au Grund on the bank of river Alzette is also worth visiting here. This building is an early 13th century structure that was once a prison for women contains exhibits on environment among several other things, today.

Casino Luxembourg contrary to its name is not a gambling place but exhibits contemporary art. Palais Grand-Ducal dating back to 16th century is an architectural attraction showcasing Spanish-Moorish style of design and a beautiful façade.

Luxembourg is rich in history and has been accorded a world heritage site by UNESCO. The visitors, especially those that love history will love this city founded in 963 AD by the Count of Ardennes named Sigefroid.

The hotels at Luxembourg can be available at 55 Euros per room per night on the budget side. The hotels are mostly available in the higher price band of 75 to 170 Euros. They are often conveniently located and have courteous staff to take care of your needs. The hotels are equipped with modern amenities to make your stay comfortable.

Author is a marketing strategist specialist having great knowledge on Travel and Tourism. To find out cheap hotel deal in Europe visit http://www.hoteltravelexpress.com

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Oslo is a City of Winter Sports and Summer Fun

Oslo is endowed with natural beauty, history and culture to charm any visitor. Most of the visitors prefer winter season to visit Oslo when hills and mountains surrounding the city are draped in snow. It is the time when you will love to ski. Since the cold weather lasts for long skiing is quite a popular sport among the locals.

The city, surrounded by forests on three sides presents a picture postcard vista of city in snow white. You can ride on dog sledge through wilderness and enjoy the heavenly fun of your life.

Oslo is well known for winter sports, and the winter sporting activities go on in this city incessantly in which you too can participate. The place where the winter sporting fun goes on is the city's sporting headquarters, the venue of 1952 Winter Olympics.

Take a short ride away from the city centre and you will find yourself at the famed Holmenkollen. This is the Mecca of Ski jumpers. Test your grit here as this world famous center attracts the best ski jumpers from all parts f the world.

Holmenkollen Ski Festival holds a large number of sports before heralding the end of the winter sports season. There is a real thrill in participating in the huge jump. However, if the challenge of jumping from the enormous Holmenkollen appears daunting to you, you might like to join the group of spectators who watch those amazing actions and enjoy vicariously.

Nonetheless, you can always decide to go on a ski trek as there are a number of ski treks going on in the city. The famous polar explorer, Fridtjor Nansen is known to have practiced here prior to actually undertaking the great trek across Greenland along with Otto Sverdrup. This was the first expedition of its kind.

The summer in Oslo holds an altogether different charm, but no less exciting than winter for the visitors. Take a look at Oslo Fjord and you will find boats and yachts merrily sailing across. There are various activities and events going on the fjord that thrills the sailing participants and exhilarates the onlookers.

Apart from these fun filled activities, there are various places to visit at Oslo such as Akershus Fortress, the Royal palace, Vigeland park, and several galleries and museums. The strong Akershus Fortress is known to have repulsed the invading armies over the years. No wonder it is the prime city attraction. The Royal Palace appears surprisingly similar to Buckingham palace.

Spread across 80 acres along with 212 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland adorning the Vigeland park leaves a great impact on visitors. There is also the Vigeland museum here that must be seen for the complete experience.

There are a large number of hotels in Oslo so that you have a choice and you don't have to wait. You can get an instant confirmation on booking. Discounted hotel deals are also available on site booking. It is quite possible to get a decent three starred hotel at a budget price. These hotels have basic facilities like TV and internet connectivity, decent rooms, twin beds etc. However, it is advised to make your booking in advance.

Author is a marketing strategist specialist having great knowledge on Travel and Tourism. To find out cheap hotel deal in Europe visithttp://www.hoteltravelexpress.com

London Beckons

People flock to London round the year for its heritage attractions and also to see some of the great historical sites of this once Imperial capital. London has many fascinations even from contemporary tourist interests.

From Carnaby Street which is noted for its modern fashions is a great attraction. The street has shaped the fashions in dresses and other comforts in myriad ways. One would find it always crowded and curious tourists would lap at the display of the most fashionable items. The Charing Cross Road is a landmark for book lovers with great book shops which would delight a lover of books with its unending stocks unmatched for varieties. The Knightsbridge, however, caters to the exclusive taste of the very rich in fashions but strolling in the area is considered a 'must' for a tourist! Leadenhall Market and Leicester Square are two areas of slight antiquity, renowned for their markets.

There are monuments of great historical values. The Admiralty Arch, Queen Victoria Memorial and Wellington Arch are some famous ones. They are not more than 300 years old but historically very significant. The Duke of York's column dates back to 1830s and is an inspiring monument. The Trafalgar Square is the important Central London hub, a fitting placed named after Admiral Nelson won a remarkable naval war over Spain.

The British Museum, Horniman Museum, Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum, Fashions and Textiles Museum are but some of the grand houses where one would be lost at the massive knowledge that could be gathered. There are different museums depicting the growth of maritime activities. As stated earlier, there is no paucity of places from which inspiration on the heritage of humanity could be drawn.

Of course the Big Ben Tower, Buckingham Palace and cruises in River Thames are an integral part of a visitor's delight.

There is no dearth of accommodation facilities in London. There are great star hotels and good lodgings which offer nice comforts for staying and dining. Individuals and groups could find according to their budget right choices. Online bookings are available right now and apart from London visit to various places in England, Wales and Scotland are also arranged. The cathedrals, churches and other places of worship would be an invaluable addition. As a leading European Nation's capital and presently spreading modernism everywhere, London has its irresistible appeal to tourists from all over the world.

Author is a marketing strategist specialist having great knowledge on Travel and Tourism. To find out cheap hotel deal in Europe visithttp://www.hoteltravelexpress.com

Monday, February 16, 2009

Dublin is Abuzz With Activities

If Dublin is the next blip on your itinerary, be prepared for a very hectic and exciting tourism experience. The city is abuzz with intense energy and bubbling with life. You would hardly find a breathing space amid the hectic sight seeing through parks, and gardens, museums and theatres, libraries and historical buildings, churches and castles, heritage sites and galleries. The list is almost endless. The one place that is a must see is the Airfield House in its rural setting surrounded by enchanting garden along with café where you can sip coffee and marvel at the beauty of nature at the same time.

The Trinity College Library that retains The Book of Kells dating back to 9th century and decorated copy of the first four copies (in Latin) attracts hundreds of visitors every day.

There are libraries like the Chester Beatty Library that amaze with their variety of collections. They are supposed to have the earliest version of the holy Bible. They are famed for housing a rich collection of Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Islamic art apart from the richest collection of rare books rarely found anywhere else. This library and museum rolled in one is claimed to house the largest number of printed works including books.

The other places of interest are Christ Church Cathedral founded in 1030, Croke park, Dalkey, more than 150 years old Dublin Zoo, and Dublina.

If you are interested in history and understand a little of Ireland you must visit Croke Park to get a wonderful experience.

Dalkey, the 15th century monument that was once a tower house has been restored today. A tour of Dalkey will come with valuable historical information on history, culture and folklore. There are a number of bars, bistros and cafes at Dalky to sooth your nerves after a hectic and tiring day at Dalkey.

Dublin Zoo is today more of a historical site with a long and interesting history since its beginning in the 1830s. This zoo was designed to house as diverse animals of as different varieties as possible.

Dublin with a long history of a thousand years and the musical nightlife combined with a large number of bars and restaurants will keep you excited during your stay. Most probably you might never exhaust the attractions available to a visitor.

Dublin has a chain of hotels catering to all the needs of their clients and providing quality services. The hotels are in various star categories. In the budget range a last minute hotel deal can work out for as low as 33 Euro per room per night there by saving almost 85 percent. A three star hotel with discount can be available for 36 Euro per room per night thereby saving you 74 Euro or 67 percent. The hotels that charge 40 Euro per room per night have breakfast included in them. These are discounted price for two or three star hotels and their price indicated above includes all taxes.

Author is a marketing strategist specialist having great knowledge on Travel and Tourism. To find out cheap hotel deal in Europe visithttp://www.hoteltravelexpress.com