Archive | World Travel RSS feed for this section
25. Aug, 2010

Virgin Holidays- Rockstar Service

At Virgin Holidays, we believe amazing service should come as standard. That’s why Virgin Holiday’s magic touches are made available to all Virgin Holidays customers – not just the VIPs! We realise that you want to make the most of being on holiday, so we came up with Check in, Chill out, so you can check in for your flight without leaving the beach…or bar.  Airports are a drag.  The holiday only really starts when you get to your destination.  And if you’ve got kids, then airports are living nightmares.  So, to perk up the airport experience, we came up with the VRoom. And when you’re on holiday, you want to make sure it’s as good as it can be.  That’s where Virgin Holidays’ Concierge service comes in – a concierge actually tuned in to the buzz of your destination, not a guy in a suit on kick backs from rip-off restaurants. This belief is what sets Virgin Holidays apart from the competition. That’s why we actually encourage our customers to ‘Ask For the World’.

But how do you express that exclusive treatment in a single thought.  What do Virgin Holidays offer that no-one else does?  We think it can be described as…

“ROCKSTAR SERVICE”

It’s a level of care you’d normally associate with the glamour and excitement of the entertainment elite.  Made available to every Virgin Holidays customer.

With Virgin Holidays, you can rest assured that you’ll get intuitive, imaginative typically brilliant twinkle-in-the-eye Virgin service, every single time you travel with us.

03. Jun, 2010

Finding your SOLEmate this summer

Finding your SOLEmate this summer

We are slowly entering the primary stages of summer, the season when we (try) and spend as much time as we can outside, partaking in whichever outdoor activity excites as the most. One of the more popular summer pursuits include hiking, and in the fine climate that the summer usually offers, it is a great way to see and spend your time in the great-outdoors.

If you are going to unwind, relax and go for a stroll or hike, make sure you keep yourself chilled by investing in a pair of proper walking shoes. There is no quicker way to ruin a leisurely walk in the sun than by wearing aggravating footwear. Footwear which do not provide adequate support for important foot areas such as the ankle and sole will spoil your day.

It is important to invest is a pair that not only offer support, but comfort too. Some say a good shoe with proper support translates into comfort, but ensure the shoes fit snug around your foot. There is a lot of walking to be done so you want to ensure you have a pair which fit your feet well.

A well supported and fantastically comfortable collection available are Keen shoes. A wide range of men and women’s shoes which are suited to different intensities of walking; from a stroll in the park to a mountainous trek.   

The Men’s Targhee 2 shoe is likened to ‘4-wheel drive’ for your feet, and is a popular choice for hikers and ramblers alike. They are fitted with a waterproof barrier and aggressive outsole with traction controlling 4mm lugs.

Wherever you step outside into this summer, make sure you are suitably booted. Don’t let chaffing footwear and aching ankles take the shine off a day in the sun.

18. Apr, 2010

The many attractions of Northern Ireland

The many attractions of Northern Ireland

As far as the UK goes, you have many different diverse landscapes, culture and history. Every country has it’s own atmosphere, and until you decide which is your favorite, you really have to take in all of them. They all may be on the same island, but these countries couldn’t be more different. There is everything from lush countryside, to busy cities, to rural towns. And if you want to get a little bit of everything, then forget England, Scotland or Wales and visit Northern Ireland for your next holiday.

Flights to Belfast are frequent, which makes a visit convenient and inexpensive. You can party in the city or go visit the coast. There is a little something for everyone, no matter who you are traveling with. There are modern attractions for the kids of all ages, romantic restaurants for couples, and quaint cafes for seasoned travelers. There is art to be admired and food to be enjoyed. Take in the stunning landscape as well as the city’s skyline. Belfast is a great representation of the best that the UK has to offer, without the over crowded atmosphere that some of the bigger cities in mainland UK are known to suffer from.

12. Mar, 2010

Museums of Amsterdam

Am6There are fourteen museums in Amsterdam, so picking a few for your trip will be a tough job. There is the Van Gogh museum, the Anne Frank House, the Cobra Museum for modern art and the Jewish Historical museum to name just a few.
The Anne Frank house became a museum in 1960 and still visitors come from all over the globe to visit this house. It is this house where an important time in history took place and one that some know little about. This house remains a monument to Anne and her family along with other hiders who suffered during Nazi regime.
There are a few Amsterdam hotels near this museum if you chose to stay in this area. The closest one is a four star hotel called the The Toren and anyone wanting a unique and absolutely memorable stay in the Amsterdam area should book their stay at the Torn. Another close hotel is the Hotel Galerij Amsterdam and is just 0.22 km from the Anne Frank house. The hiding place in the Anne Frank house has been left intact as possible and the furniture was removed to make room for the volume of visitors that come through. No matter which museum you choose, Amsterdam is a unique city with lots to offer.

11. Mar, 2010

Romantic Weekend in Barcelona

Barce6Also known as one of Europe’s top mini-break locations, Barcelona is just big enough for that long weekend with being to big and spread out. If you are in the mood for love, there are many things to see and do here.  There are copious plazas, rambling streets and many good viewing options whether this is your first date or maybe a wedding anniversary.
You can begin with a private car ride from the airport to the hotel you chose among the hundreds of Barcelona hotels. Perhaps you plan on spending your time in the spa or maybe not leaving your hotel room for the whole weekend, either way, as long as your accommodations are romantic, you will totally enjoy Barcelona.
But if your plans are more toward not ever being interrupted by room service, then maybe an apartment would be a better choice than a hotel.  If you are looking for a quiet out-of-the-way restaurant, then avoid the Ramblas. This is the tourist part of town and it will be packed. Authentic French food can be found in Au Port de la Lune where you and your date can enjoy oysters and champagne.

10. Mar, 2010

New York Architecture

NY6New York has long been one of the leading cities in architectural achievements. It was many times over the home of the tallest buildings ever many, and featured the first popular sky scrapers in very early stages of metropolitan development. Architecture is a form of art for New Yorkers, and it shows throughout this vast city.

The bridges alone were feats in their own time. They are still today landmarks of this city, and a common iconic detail in the city’s skyline. The most famous buildings are the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. New York Hotels also feature stunning architecture, often renovating and preserving buildings from the early 1900s, to retain it’s original style and charm. This city is full of old buildings, all showing the style of the 1910s and the 20s, when they were originally built. Many were renovated online inside, to modernize plumbing and other essentials, while still living the original outer walls to show the style of the era. This goes beyond large company buildings, and can be seen most in the apartment buildings, condos, and Manhattan.

If you are a student of architecture and design, or just a fan of historic buildings with unique style, then New York is the destination for you.

09. Feb, 2010

Flying Cheap

Flying Cheap

Flights3If you’re a traveller on a budget, you will need to know how to get around with little money, and where you can go with the money you have. Many of the most popular tourist destinations are expensive, so it may narrow your options considerably. However, if you do some research into discount airlines, you will find that flights that go to and from the UK are considerably cheaper than almost anywhere in Europe.

England is Europe’s terminal, it has flights to almost anywhere, and receives a lot of flights from even the most small discount airliner. Whether it is London’s main airport, or the smaller outskirt terminals, you can always find UK flights that reach your destination. This is also why London is a very common layover point, especially for US bound flights, or those heading to major international destinations across the world.

This is great news if you’d like a cheap vacation in Europe. England has some of the most iconic sites of the continent, and a little something for everyone. And with the freedom you have to pick from all their many airports, dates, and times, you can save a considerable amount of money and time planning your holiday.

04. Jan, 2010

The Season for Crowded Travel

The Season for Crowded Travel

airportAs snowy weather and strong winds can create delays for days, the holidays are always the busiest time at airports. To help make your Yule-tide experience a little easier, several travel organizations are offering tips to help everyone. Do you have a Plan B?  That is what The New York Times recommends everyone has.  With less flights leaving the tarmac during the unpredictable bad weather, many travellers could spend their holidays at the airport with the staff instead of with their loved ones. This wouldn’t exactly result in luxury travel.

Another idea is to have the phone numbers of booking agents, customer server representatives as well as car rental companies and hotel lodging already programmed into your cell phone, just in case. And with so many airlines charging upward of $100 for checked baggage, it is important to pack wisely for any holiday trip. You can save money by cutting back on what you bring with you and check into the safety regulation for baggage handling. Even the most meticulously wrapped present might have to be opened by the airline as a safety check.

05. Aug, 2009

Family Holidays in India

indiaFamily Holidays is a great way apart from being a great way of entertainment,  provides you an insight into the country’s culture, heritage, knowledge about its nature and wildlife, and its scenic beauty too. And for all you animal lovers when enjoying your Family Holidays in India, you can find yourself amidst a huge plethora of wild animals including Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Single Horne Rhinos, bars and certain exotic variety of birds. This can be a real good and fun site for people interested in photography too.

The concept of these family holidays is also meant to unite and reform the family ties especially between children, teenagers, their parents, and at times grandparents too. Not only this, meant for people of all age groups these family Holiday expeditions do not require huge amount of physical strength too. Most of these programs can be customized and tailored keeping in mind your family’s interests and tastes and are flexible enough to accommodate the schedule most suitable to your families. Not only this, various activities are included in these holidays that suit elders and children both.

Not only this, your families can stay in comfortably furnished accommodation while being just next-to-nature. So explore this holiday option once to make your Family holidays one of the most memorable experiences of your life.

04. Aug, 2009

Villa Holidays in Lanzarote

lanzaroteLanzarote is the most easterly of the Canary Islands.  The seven Spanish owned spits of land that are situated off the coast of West Africa.  Many hundreds of miles south of the Iberian Peninsula.  A location that creates a clement climate all year round and the ideal preconditions for a holiday destination.

Tourism first took off here back in the early 1970´s in and around what was then a small fishing village called La Tiñosa.  Which has now expanded dramatically, undergoing a transformation to become the most popular resort on the island, with a new name to boot – Puerto del Carmen.

However despite Lanzarote´s popularity as a holiday destination outside of the main resorts the island has retained much of its original identity intact.  There are no high rise hotels – these were outlawed over thirty years ago.  And tourism in general has left little visible imprint.  Allowing the rural character of the island to shine through.

Places To Stay

Island accommodation options run from basic studio apartments in the main resorts through to five star luxury in opulent rural hotels. The growth of the internet has also led to a sharp increase in the number of visitors staying in privately owned apartments and villas in Lanzarote.  As booking accommodation direct online becomes more commonplace.

Sightseeing

Despite being quite a small island Lanzarote has a lot to offer in the way of attractions.  There are over ninety beaches to explore.  As well as picturesque and historic towns and villages, such as the former island capital of Teguise.  Which is the oldest settlement in the Canaries dating back to the early 1400´s and home to some fine examples of Spanish colonial architecture.

The island also possesses some highly unusual natural beauty spots.  Such as the Timanfaya Volcano Park – scene of some massive eruptions during the 1730´s which covered around a quarter of the island in lava.  Creating a landscape that looks like the surface of the moon.  And the Green Lagoon at El Golfo – an emerald coloured lake located on a black sand beach.

This surreal terrain has been further complimented by the vision of a local artist called César Manrique.  Who united the topography with his own creativity – resulting in sights such as the Jameos del Agua.  A huge collapsed lava tube that has been transformed into a subterranean nightclub and concert hall.