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01. Sep, 2010

Europe’s Terminal

Europe’s Terminal

London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. At the same time, it is also one of the most busy airport terminal cities in Europe. If you have flown to or from any European country, odds are, you’ve stopped in London. Known for it’s fashion, monuments, history, and sights, there is more to see than what one trip has time for. Multiple journeys to London can result in completely unique experiences, even if you’re just there for a couple hours on a layover.

Because this city is so busy, you will find many different choices when it comes to accommodation. London Hotels span every corner of the city, and can cater to any budget. There are plenty of hotels right near the airport, for those commuting, and there are hotels spread through out the city for the convenience of tourists. No matter where you are, or where you want to go, there will be a hotel near by. All of the biggest and most respected names in the hotel industry can be found in London. You can have your choice of luxurious accommodation options, or those that are budget friendly. London caters to all different types of tourists, from backpackers on a trip across Europe, to business professionals, to those on holiday with their families.

01. Sep, 2010

The magical Alps

The magical Alps

If you look at the role the Alps have had in European history, you’ll probably realize that very few other mountain ranges have been so important in shaping the political map of a continent. The Alps separated peoples and served as impressive walls keeping unwanted visitor away, but their backdoors and unbeaten paths have also served as an improbable way for surprise attacks. Few things sound more glorious in Ancient History than Hannibal crossing the Alps with his troops and his party of elephants to sneak attack the Romans where they least expected.

Luckily for us, the invention of more modern ways of transport has made the Alps less of a natural border and more of a holiday resort. We can now enjoy the beauty of one of Nature’s greatest feats as we take several ski holidays to the many resorts that that mountain range has to offer. And each different country that houses the Alps seems to add its own flavor to them. Austrians focus on good food and on organized ski slopes, the Swiss seem to focus more on the landscape aspect of it and on harder slopes for the more passionate skiers, while the Italians are more turned towards the young market, with plenty of snowboarders and late night parties.

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.