Archive for the 'England' Category

Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest runs between the 22^nd of September and the 7^th of October, 2012 and has been held annually in Munich for 200 years; a sign of its continuing popularity!  Beer lovers have 14 beer tents to choose from and it is not just beer-drinking that goes on in the tents, as there are crossbow competitions, dancing, music, and super food such as pigs knuckles and dumplings to sample.  But it is the frothy beers which are the main attractions — sink a few of these and you will soon stop wondering why Oktoberfest, despite its name, begins in September.

Flight prices to Munich nearly double during Oktoberfest.  Flying from Gatwick is generally the cheapest option.  Travel companies like FHR offer cheap Gatwick parking to help you offset the additional costs of flights.

Essen Beer Festival, Belgium

Beer festivals are a big part of the summer calendar, however they do not have to be held at this time of year.  The people of Essen in Belgium know how a good pint of beer can provide warm cheer.  They hold a Christmas Beer Festival each year.  In 2012, the date to note in your diary is the weekend of the 15^th and 16th of December.  When you attend the festival be sure to sample a Belgian Trappist monastery beer.  If the beer you drink has a Trappist certification you can be certain that it has been brewed in a monastery, that monks have helped brew it, and that the profits from your purchasing one will support a monastery and/or the community it serves.

Belgium is the home of 6 of the world’s 7 Trappist monastery breweries and the hoppy beers produced at these magical places are sure to crop up at the Essen Beer Festival in December.

Cambridge Beer Festival, England

Held since 1974, this is not Britain’s biggest beer festival (London’s Great British Beer Festival scoops that honor), but it is the longest-running beer festival.  And it has such a gorgeous setting — a massive marquee erected on Jesus Green in Cambridge, which attracts up to 32,000 visitors.  The queues at the cheese stalls rival the queues at the beer pumps.  Delicious cheeses make you thirsty for a pint and a pint makes you hungry for cheese and so on.

Stuttgart Beer Festival, Germany

There is no need to rush your beer at the Stuttgart Beer Festival, as it lasts 17 days!  Also known as Cannstatter Volksfest, it is, behind Oktoberfest, Europe’s second-biggest gathering of beer lovers.  It begins on the 28^th September, 2012 and the sipping of fine alcohol takes place in 7 marquees, 2 wine tents, and numerous beer gardens.  Outside there are Ferris wheels, bumper cars, and white water rafts.  The festival’s Fruit Column is seen by many as the central gathering point of Cannstatter.  This is a 26-metre high wooden pillar decorated with fruit which serves as a delicious reminder that this magnificent Stuttgart event is not just about drink.

Prague Beer Festival, Czech Republic

The Czech Beer Festival will take place between the 17^th May and the 2^nd June, 2012 and, as ever, will take place in Prague.  With 70 brands of Czech beers on offer there should be something for everyone and the festival’s website states that “200 girls and boys in Czech national costumes will be your servers”.  As the beer tent has a total seating capacity of 10,000 there should be one server for every 50 beer drinkers.

Things could get a little busy, though Prague is such a great place for beer drinkers.  The city started brewing beer in its monasteries centuries ago and still has a vibrant brewing scene today.  If you fancy taking a break from the beer tent there are lots of ‘brewpubs’ to visit in this scenic city.

James Christie writes for FHR who provide great deals on airport hotels and parking.

While you may think of Paris or Venice as a typical weekend break location, there are an ever increasing number of holiday makers and couples making their way to London for a weekend away.  This post will share some ideas for making your next trip extra special; covering food, entertainment, and some alternative places to stay.

Dining

For a fantastic dining experience, you will struggle to find much better than Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley.  The lunch menu, available at a very reasonable £38 (around $50) is perfect for savouring the delights of this incredible restaurant without having to pay for the full A La Carte dinner menu.  This 2 Michelin star set menu options include the likes of Scottish Lobster, Sea Bream with Watercress, and a wonderful White Chocolate Ice with Red Currant.  Certainly one to ‘wow’ your taste buds.

For something a little different, why not consider Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, the location is just near Hyde Park.  Created as an off-shoot to the popular Fat Duck restaurant, this culinary roller-coaster serves up ‘meat fruit’ which consists of pate, curiously shaped like fruit (from a recipe dating from c1500), or cod in cider which dates back to from c1940’s.  Blumenthal has brought back traditional English foods kicking and screaming into the 21^st century dining rooms.

Meat Fruit

Attractions and Entertainment

Why not venture up onto the London Eye at night see the stunning panoramic views of the capital?  Originally a temporary structure in the city, the London Eye location on London’s South Bank is now a firm favorite destination for visitors from around the world.  The tickets can be bought on the day or be booked in advance to avoid queuing.

Accommodation

Instead of a boorish hotel room, why not rent a luxury home for your romantic getaway?  Rental homes from onefinestay allow you to ‘live like a local’ in a central city location.  Fitted out with the amenities of a hotel, but with the charm and character of a real home, this could be a perfect place to stay on your vacation rather than a cookie-cutter hotel room.  Guests can expect fluffy white towels, fresh bed linen, and a complimentary iPhone filled with guides to the local area to use during your stay.  The phone can also be used to make free local calls, should you need to make arrangements while you are in town.

For something a little less boutique, why not look up a couch to ‘surf’?   If traveling alone, this can be a useful (and free) way to stay in London.  Couchsurfing.org is a popular site for backpackers to find a place to stay for a night or two.  Commonly, you will require some participation in the community to build up references, meaning hosts can see if you are a suitable guest.

When it comes to an escape, nothing has quite the lure as a trip to the seaside.  Taking a trip to a beach that is not on everyone’s radar can provide both excitement and seclusion that can rejuvenate the soul.  It is easy to find a list of popular beach destinations that thousands of people flock to every year, however if you are looking for something a little less crowded, here is a list of the top 5 seaside escapes throughout the world that are truly hidden gems and will not disappoint:

Rodrigues, Mauritius

These beautiful beaches are so off the beaten path that Prince William has used this area as one of his low key beach escapes for the last several years.  This small island off the coast of Mauritius is surrounded by amazing stretches of sand making it easy to find your own private paradise.   To explore the beaches that are listed as some of the most pristine in the world, you will need to hike through the stunning lava rock landscapes experiencing the natural fauna and sea shells. Once you get to the beach, your footprints will probably be the only ones dotting the soft white sands.

Cornwall, England

This area is found on the south west peninsula of England making it possible to never be more than 16 miles from the ocean.  It has the longest stretch of coastline in all of England with over 300 beaches to choose from.  The north coast will provide large expanses of windswept sand where you can watch kite surfers play in the waves.  The southern coast is scattered with secluded coves and sheltered bays to make a fun Cornwall beach holiday you will always remember.

Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

This small island has the ancient Indonesian charm that Bali had before it was discovered and overrun by tourists.  This island is near Lombok and there is no motorized traffic allowed here.  To get to your own seaside escape, use a bicycle or you own two feet.  This hidden gem offers diving, fishing, snorkeling, swimming, and warm, soft sands to melt your cares away.  When you need to refuel, just hit one of the many ocean side cafes that surround the island.

Molokai, Hawaii

If you want to see Hawaii the way Captain Cook saw it when he first arrived to this tropical paradise, then Molokai will deliver.  There are no buildings taller than a palm tree and not a single traffic light to be found; you will able to experience a dream vacation of your own.

Playa Medina, Venezuela

This hidden seaside escape is a 10 hour drive from Caracas, which would explain why this gorgeous sandy cove is untouched by large crowds.  Just rent one of the bungalows and enjoy the privacy you deserve.

To me, the magic of traveling begins the moment I walk into my intended hotel.  I am not like a lot of travelers who believe that one’s hotel experience is not of significance, since the majority of one’s journey will be spent exploring outside the hotel’s front doors.  While I do lose myself in the world of travel when I am abroad, I also care deeply about my accommodations and spend quite a bit of time researching the best choice/s for my trips.  Over the years, I have developed a strong passion for boutique hotels, especially ones that offer an incredible personal attention to detail and service.  In this post I explore three unique boutique hotels in England:

Hope Street Hotel

When looking for hotels in Liverpool, look no further than Hope Street Hotel.  What is unique about this hotel is that it is located within a gorgeous historical building that was built in 1860 in the style of a Venetian palazzo.  The rooms are spacious with a contemporary design —  along with these rooms that are so luxurious that you will never want to leave them is a restaurant, The London Carriage Works, with world-class dining.  Another perk of the hotel is that it is only steps away from the best shopping and sightseeing in the city.

The Berkeley

A favorite of celebrities when visiting London is The Berkeley.  What is unique about this hotel is that retro movies are played on a big movie screen for guests on its perfectly manicured rooftop garden no matter what season of the year it is.  The hotel is located in the fashionable district of Knightsbridge.  The rooms are designed to impress and any need, want, or desire can be met by the staff.  The hotel also houses two of the city’s finest restaurants: Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley and Koffmann’s.

Malmaison Oxford

Christmas in London is a pretty special time of the year.  While the unpredictable British weather may not always produce a flurry of snow in December, the city nevertheless well and truly enters into the spirit of things over the festive period and has a host of seasonal events that prove incredibly popular with residents and tourists alike.

With a plethora of different accommodations — ranging from hotels and hostels to Tower Bridge apartments and penthouse apartments London — there are options aplenty for anybody keen to head to the English capital in the build-up to Christmas or to welcome in 2012 in style.

London is transformed into a winter wonderland in November and December, as various temporary ice rinks crop up in some of the most iconic parts of the city; such as in Hyde Park, Somerset House, or right next to the Natural History Museum.  The rink at Somerset House is particularly enchanting as the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye loom large on the horizon.

Speaking of the London Eye, one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world forms the centerpiece of a stunning firework display when ‘Big Ben’ chimes to signal the start of a new year.  In fact, the whole of the South Bank stages a firework and light show extravaganza to rival any of their counterparts around the globe on December 31st.  Imagine what an amazing moment it would be to experience this in 2012 on the banks of the River Thames with thousands of other revelers.

A number of high-profile free carol services take place throughout London and they give people of all ages the chance to come together and belt out a few timeless classics.  Trafalgar Square is one such venue set to stage a sing-a-long with a difference and will be decked out with a huge tree and eye-catching decorations.

If you have kids, to keep amused then fear not because Santa will be taking time out from his busy schedule to appear in grottos like the world-famous grotto at Harrods, while he will also be on hand to dish out presents and plenty of seasonal cheer at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.  As well as a grotto and ice rink, there is also a Christmas market and circus, meaning there is fun to be had for all the family.

No trip to England during the festive season is complete with taking in a pantomime.  Going to watch one of these musical comedies is quite unlike any other theater trip you will have ever experienced in the past.  Last, but no means least, remember to check out the Christmas lights on Oxford Street, Regent Street, and in and around Covent Garden.

If you are looking for a getaway-from it-all kind of break, then you certainly will not be short of choice in the UK.  It boasts some of the most beautiful vacation spots in the world, but where exactly is worth a visit on your next travel adventure?  Well, here are a few ideas to get your globetrotting juices flowing:

The Lake District in the North West county of Cumbria, England is one of the most visually stunning locations in the world.  The true beauty of the Lake District is definitely one of those things that have to be seen to be believed, so make sure you take your camera with you.  The accommodation Windermere includes some of the most delightful little cottages in the Lake District and there is no better way to enjoy the very best of England.  After a long day of walking in the hills, you will be grateful for the chance to put your feet up in front of a log fire for the evening.

Of equal beauty, minus the multitude of lakes, is the Peak District, which can be found between Manchester and Sheffield in the center of the country.  This place gives the Lake District a run for its money in the scenery stakes and attracts visitors from all over the world on a regular basis.  Its close proximity to some of the UK’s best cities to visit only serves to make it even more attractive.  You can get active climbing rocks, abseiling back down them, and even going inside them by caving, but if you would rather relax; pack a picnic and lay down the blanket amongst the hills and trees.

Moving south, we come to the Cotswolds in the Somerset and Gloucestershire areas.  The Cotswolds, an area which is often affectionately labelled as the “Heart of England,” actually spreads throughout a total of six counties.  It not only has the countryside to match the Lake and Peak Districts, however it also has some of the quaintest towns in the country.  For over fifty years now, this part of England has been recognized as an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,” which is certainly not an easy title to come by.

If England does not tickle your fancy, then the Scottish Highlands most definitely will.  Moving away from the country theme, Edinburgh cements its place on this list as one of the most delightfully picturesque cities in the world.  It is beautiful in a wholly different way to the English and Scottish countrysides, thus your camera is still an absolute necessity.  One thing is for certain: the architecture and culture that fills the streets of Edinburgh will stay with you for a very long time.

Due to it being a bustling and vibrant city, you are never short of something to do and see in London.  But what about when you are visiting with your significant other?  Rome and Paris are the obvious choices for a romantic getaway, however with its chic bars, intimate restaurants, and luxurious hotels, could London be fast-becoming one of the most romantic cities in the world?

Amongst favorite romantic restaurants in London is The Little Bay Restaurant, a small but wonderfully intimate dining experience, where you will be served only the freshest food from its a-la-carte menu.  The Gourmet San is also a great place to take a loved one to dinner, with its candlelit tables and exquisite food.

After all of that fine dining, you could experience one of the most luxurious London nights the city has to offer, by booking an evening Chocolate Ecstasy Tour and discover the finest English chocolates washed down with a crisp glass of wine.  You even get to sample the Queen’s favorite chocolate!

For somewhere to stay, check into The Draycott Hotel, a grand Edwardian building just next to Sloane Square in posh and upmarket Chelsea.  Rooms come with Victorian antiques, working fireplaces, and four-poster beds; creating a quintessentially English stay.  The Bingham Hotel is also a couples’ favorite, with a Michelin-starred restaurant and a whirl-pool in every bedroom.  At night, you can sit by the River Thames with a glass of Pimm’s, watching the sunset across the water with your soul mate.

For the most exciting of London nights, check out the West End for an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza of a show, where you will laugh and cry together and experience the time of your life.  After the show, go to Victoria Dock where you will find plenty of quirky boat-bars moored in the harbor.

If you love wine-tasting, enjoy a day out together at Vinpolis in the Southbank area, where you can choose from a variety of wine tours, each dedicated to your specific wine tastes.  There is nothing better than getting to know each other again over a beautiful glass of wine, whilst relaxing in an astounding setting.

For something a little different from the usual romantic dinner, book a ticket for a candlelit classical concert in St. Martin in the Fields.  Here, you can enjoy a glass of your favorite wine, some amazing live classical music, and watch the moonlight bounce off the magnificent sights of London.

Whether you choose to experience it all or you just simply wander at leisure; London will always be the perfect place for a romantic break — oozing with finery and indulgence.  A dreamy and starry city, London will bring out the best in you and your partner, and restore the passion in both of you.

In these post-credit crunch times, holidays are just as important as ever.  While people may find that they are pushing their budgets to the limit in order to be able to afford a getaway, the additional stresses and strains most households are suffering as part of their daily life mean it is even more imperative that people find some outlet at least once a year for some rest and relaxation.  With this in mind, people should begin to consider where they would like to travel this summer and it is essential that people choose their destination wisely.

Best Entertainment Destinations

Individuals, couples, and families who like to have a packed program during their time away may wish to consider holidays in the following locations:

• Florida – A long standing family favorite, Florida has it all from family friendly theme parks and attractions to beautiful beaches offering water sports of all types to a stunning natural environment home to some very exciting species.
• Ibiza – The Balearic Island has long been a place of pilgrimage for those who love their nightlife.  It boasts some of the world’s best nightclubs and caters to a young crowd with an interesting selection of daytime activities on offer as well.
• Thailand – Catching cheap flights to Bangkok opens the gateway to a wonderfully entertaining holiday experience.  Stay in the city itself to experience everything from puppet shows and traditional dance to go-go bars and Lady Boy cabaret, or head for the islands and join one of the legendary monthly full moon parties before sleeping off all the excesses on a gorgeous tropical beach.

Best Relaxation Destinations

For those who use their holidays as an excuse to do nothing, a relaxing setting is the order of the day.  Great choices include:

• The English Riviera – Head to the South West of England for a soothing UK holiday in traditional seaside towns.  Relax on one of the many sandy beaches, try a pint in a local hostelry, or take a walk out on the moor.
• Tuscany – Hiring a self catering cottage in the Tuscan countryside is a great way to relax.  With stunning scenery in plentiful supply, enjoy an Italian dinner al fresco before watching the sun set over the Tuscan hills with a glass of local vino.
• Maldives – The archetypal tropical paradise, the islands of the Maldives know all about relaxation and much of the accommodation on offer is perfectly geared towards disconnecting and indulging.  Rent a stunning stilt build cabin sitting over the crystal clear sea and spend days out on the deck enjoying the sound of silence and stunning  sea views.

Whatever travelers are looking for from their summer holiday in 2011 there is a destination to fit the bill and choosing carefully can make the difference between a good getaway and a great getaway.

Anna Dewinter is a writer who is obsessed with traveling, that is why she loves writing about it.  She also enjoys reading and spending time with her crazy dogs.

When you book Heathrow airport parking there is more on offer besides the great price, convenient location, and top notch security.  HolidayExtras.co.uk is a great place to sugar-coat your experience, as there are a host of parking upgrades you can include in your booking to make the start of your holiday extra special.

1. Meet and Greet – Why park your car yourself when someone else can do it for you?  With the Meet and Greet service there is no need to keep your eyes peeled for a space.  Just drive yourself to the terminal and leave your car in the capable hands of your driver and off you jet.  When you are back, your car will be waiting at the terminal so that you can head straight home without delay.
2. Traffic Assistant – Perfect for a smooth ride to the airport, drift past jams and side-step queues thanks to the Traffic Assistant upgrade. You will get texts on the day of your flight letting you know about any congestion or traffic problems on your route in order for you to be ahead of the game and take a clearer path.  Add this to your parking or Heathrow airport hotel package and you are sure to arrive on time,relaxed, and ready to begin your holiday.
3. Holiday Insurance – Although not the most exciting topic, holiday insurance is something you have to have.  Thus, why not get it sorted when you book your parking.  It will save you time, effort, and most of all money.  HolidayExtras.com offers Worldwide, European, Single, or Multi-trip insurance and it is the same low price no matter how many of you are travelling.  It is a great upgrade, so make the most of it.
4. Heathrow Airport Lounge – Treat yourself to a taste of the VIP life and escape the hustle and bustle of the airport.  Relax in a little airport haven with complimentary drinks and snacks, internet, TV, and a selection of magazines.  The Heathrow airport Lounge is a calm oasis for you to slide into holiday mode and away from the stresses of life.
5. FairFX Card – The most practical upgrade around, the FairFX Money Card is simply the best way to handle your money abroad.  Who wants to carry wads of foreign currency with them or get slapped with a big charge for using a card abroad?  The FairFx card is free and it works just like a debit card.  Top it up with some money and start spending anywhere you want, easy.

London Heathrow Airport

In 2005, after experiencing a miserably boring New Year’s Eve spent at home, I vowed from then on I would travel somewhere exceptionally fabulous for the holiday.  Since it is my favorite day of the year, I feel that it should be celebrated in style!

Here is a look at the places I visited for the last 5 New Year Eve’s:

London, England 2006.  We rung in the new year on the River Thames inside a boat.  Fireworks were set off from the London Eye.

Madrid, Spain 2007.  5 minutes before this picture was taken my camera was stolen from my pocket.  Thankfully, my girlfriend had her disposable camera with her.  While my friend took this picture, an unknown Italian man gave me a huge Hollywood kiss for good luck and then turned around and walked away.  Guess the night was not a total loss?

Barrosa Valley, Australia 2008.  Because of a severe drought, no fireworks were permitted in that part of Australia, which was our last stop on a 2 week road trip.  This is the wine region of the country, so we celebrated by drinking lots and lots of wine.  Do not worry, we did not drive after drinking, although we did have excellent caravan insurance.

Machu Pichu, Peru 2009.  The plan was to ring in the new year in Cuzco, however a group of Peruvian women decided to go on strike at the train station and it stopped all of the trains for 6 hours.  Thus, we ended up celebrating at the train station.

Rio de Janeiro, Brasil 2010.  I cannot imagine a more unforgettable place to spend New Year’s Eve!  I joined over 3 million people all dressed in white on Copacabana Beach and watched 20 minutes of the most amazing fireworks illuminate the city.

As you read this, I am currently in Paradise Island, the Bahamas. For 2011, I attended a ball with the theme of Alice and Wonderland and then headed to the streets of Nassau for Junkanoo until sunrise.  I am sending you all big kisses and hugs and hoping that all of your wildest dreams come true in 2011!!!

PS  Where is your favorite place that you have celebrated New Year’s Eve in?  I am always looking for new places!