France also has the magnificent port city of Bordeaux. Visitors can easily reach Bordeaux in usually less than three hours from Paris when taking a speed train. As a bonus, this port city is also near France’s bordering country, Spain, less than an hour from the Aquitaine Atlantic shore, three hours from the Pyrenees and near vibrant Toulouse. As you can see, it is possible to visit many different places with a single trip near Bordeaux.

Highlights of Bordeaux

Curiously, Bordeaux, France goes relatively unnoticed by visitors. Sadly, they are missing out on a picturesque city that’s brimming with culture, history, variety, extravagance and to top it off, located right in the heart of wine country.  Bordeaux is one of the few places in Europe where you will find the option of vinotherapie (wine therapy) available in spas. Another of the city’s many highlights is its big and charming pedestrian zone.

A youthful enthusiasm can be felt throughout the city, especially at the many different events available at night only. The city’s gastronomy is rated highly by many around the world, and the wines you will find here stand among France’s best. Bordeaux is one of those places that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetimes if possible. Bordeaux is a wonderful city for visiting or living. For those interested in finding an apartment here there are many great options for just about every budget.

The great news is that there is never a bad time to visit this beautiful port city. Since it’s a city, it doesn’t have to rely on seasons to make attractions more enjoyable. From spring to winter, every season offers something unique to travellers  Autumns and winters are very forgiving, and occasionally even sunny; in fact there are even some experienced visitors that assure that winter is probably the best season to visit Bordeaux! Spring is another favourite of many, since there are probably more events available on this season than in any other. Summers in Bordeaux are similar to what you would find anywhere else in France, a little bit hot, but nothing too extreme. However, please keep in mind that some restaurants close midsummer; they are used to have their long-deserved breaks in this season.

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Walk Around Girona

The historic city of Girona is the ideal place to unwind and just stroll around some lovely streets. It is about 60 miles from Barcelona and a much more low key option than heading to the bigger city. You won’t feel the need to hire a car or jump on a bus when you can simply soak up the atmosphere of the cathedral and the historic fortifications.

Stay at a Camp Site

Instead of your typical holiday resort and hotel, why not try one of the camp sites dotted along the wild coast.  That way you can let your kids loose where they have space to run around, kick a ball and play freely instead of being cooped up inside a hotel.  Check out www.eurocamp.co.uk for some family orientated camp sites.

Visit the Water Parks

There is not one, not two, but three water parks in Costa Brava.  You have the Aquabrava Parc in the Bay of Roses, the Aquadiver Water Park in Castell and in Lloret de Mar you have Water World Water Park.  You and your kids can spend the day running up and down the water slides and swimming in the pools keeping you active all day.

Walk to the Botanical Gardens

The Marimurta Botanical Gardens aren’t known to be the best gardens as you will read on the Trip Advisor, but they do come recommended, and the walk up to them will take approximately 20 mins up a hill to where you will be rewarded with panoramic views over the Costa Brava.   There are other gardens around which also come recommended but we think the walk up the hill to the Marimurta will provide you with more exercise.

Visit the Arbre Aventura Park

In Lloret de Mar you have Arbre Aventura Park, an outdoor park where you will find courses leading you through the trees and natural environment, scaling suspension bridges and riding on zip wires as you go.

Cycling and Mountain Biking

In Girona you will find specialist trails formed from disused railways and greenways that are perfect and ideal for cycling and biking enthusiasts.  You will find different courses of different levels, therefore you can choose a leisurely cycle or a test yourself on a tougher trail

There is a whole list of things to do besides the aforementioned.  Other things include fishing, scuba diving, horse riding and a wide range of different water sports.  Whatever you do in the Costa Brava why not make it an active holiday for you and the family!

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Cultural background

Since it’s first gay pride event in 1996, Malta has been developing a small but thriving gay and lesbian scene. It still a growing community, as it’s only in fairly recent years that Malta’s gay rights have been dragged up to date and the island has shaken off its rather conservative past. 

Malta’s nightlife

On the island you’ll find that rather than having a specific nightspot or area, gay-friendly bars tend to be mixed in with all the others. That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of clubs and bars catering to LBGT locals and travellers, because the island has a few excellent examples. 

Bars and clubs

Tom Bar, Floriana, is the longest established gay bar on the island. It welcomes a very diverse crowd and really livens up on the weekends. However, for a younger and louder scene, head along to Klozet, Paceville, where you’ll find a clubbier experience. Also worth checking out is Hugo’s Tapas Bar, which runs a monthly themed event aimed at LBGT crowds who love to party. Chandalier Dance Bar on Dragonara Road is one of Malta’s newest gay bars and well worth a look.

Beaches

On the west coast of the island, you’ll find Gnejna Bay, which has a generally inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, but the right hand side of the beach has historically been a place for gay holidayers to congregate. There’s a small beach at St George’s Bay that also has a nice laid-back feel.

Best time to visit

The best time to take a trip to Malta is during the summer months, when you can make the most of the long, hot months its Mediterranean climate brings. Book flights to Malta between April and October for the best chance at sun but remember that will also be the most expensive time to travel. For a cheaper trip to the Land of Honey, be sure to compare prices and check out discount airlines such as easyJet. 

Make the most of Malta’s intimate LBGT scene while you can, it’s sure to only grow bigger and more popular in coming years. 

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Travel supplements in Newspapers

Most newspapers have travel pages with the latest upcoming deals. What’s great about these is that they are written by professional travel writers who know what they’re talking about. ‘The Sun’, ‘The Star’ and ‘The Guardian’ often show last minute holidays, not only worldwide, but also in the UK.

Stay-Cation

Far more Brits are pulling away from sunny trips abroad and looking to book discounted last minute holiday cottages, seaside apartments or large town houses for their family holiday. With no airport security, worries about Visas and ensuring your passports up to date, it does seem to be a stress free alternative! Searching for accommodation options within the UK not only saves you money on flights, but accommodation owners are also making our pounds stretch further by adding discounts on properties that aren’t let just a few weeks before the arrival date.

Last minute websites

With this in mind, we can say that the key to grabbing an amazing last minute deal is flexibility! If you are spontaneous enough to begin your holiday search just two or three weeks before your intended arrival, it is more than likely that you will be paying a lot less than the original asking price to some of the UKs most popular holiday destinations. So before you think about surfing the waves in Cornwall, Devon or relaxing in the Lake District, surf some of the top websites that are dedicated to last minute bargains.

Competitions and Auctions

Everyone loves a good competition; it’s just knowing where to find them. Join Facebook and Twitter pages of popular holiday sites, check out their blogs and sign up to their newsletters to receive their top deals by email. Money saving forums are also a great way to hear about competition giveaways, our favourite is www.moneysavingexpert.com.

A growing trend for cottage owners is using sites such as e-bay to shift their empty properties. The buyer is given a choice to ‘buy now’ or bid on the desired holiday break. This isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but if the deal is good enough you won’t be able to turn it down.

Photo credit Country View Cottages

The first thing most of us do when we return from our holiday is to tell our friends how amazing it was or how much money you saved. Being the most trustworthy source of all, ask your friends and family where they found their bargain break and come away with a few do’s and dont’s to get you started.  You could even invite them along with you!

Well there you have it; some quick tips on how to bag a last minute break and save the extra pennies for family days out.

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Golden Temple in Amristar

Located in the holy Sikh city of Amristar, this beautiful temple is beyond words. Known locally as Harmandi Sahib(Temple of God), this temple serves about 100,000 worshippers daily. It is easy to see why the Sikh hold it in such high esteem. Apart from the fact that the Guru Granth Sahib (the most holy Sikh book) is housed here, the temple also sits on a beautiful lake called the Amri (immortal nectar). This is where the town derives its name from.

The temple itself is exquisitely made of a mixture of marble and the upper sections overlain in pure gold. Open to people from all cultures, races, genders, and religions, it makes a beautiful religious tourism experience.

Lake Pichola in Udaipur

Romantic Uadipur’s crown jewel is found in Pichola Lake. The Pichola Lake is home to the City Palace, a fine display of the luxurious accommodation of India’s ruling class. Taking a boat ride across the lake is a very peaceful way to take in all its sights and sounds. You can start off at the Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas, island castle sections of the City Palace. Take in the lakeside Havelis, the luxurious houses of rich and powerful located near the lake. Also, you should visit the Ganguar Ghat, the location of the Ganguar Festival which takes place every spring. These scenes are best enjoyed in a cozy afternoon, just in time to catch a glorious sunset over the lake.

Kashmir Valley in Kashmir

Curved by the Jhelmu River, the Kashmir Valley forms an area of contrasting fortunes. For many years, it had been plagued by violence and terror. However, the peace that has prevailed of late has returned it to eh pinnacle of tourist attractions. Here, nature and history blend to produce a serene Indian cultural experience, cooler and quieter than the south part of the country! In this valley, you can visit one of the three royal Mughal gardens, or go skiing in Gulmarg, or visit the romanctic lake city of Srinagar. Kashmir has its own mini culture, so be sure to experience the local food, which differs from dishes that you will try in the southern part of the country.

Tea Plantations of Darjeeling

Taking the Toy Train into Darjeeling is only the beginning of an adventure that involves all your senses. This special area produces some of the world’s finest tea, named after the area itself. Darjeeling tea is so unique in flavor, it makes it a must go for any tea connoisseur. Visit the expansive tea estates along this Himalayan region for breath taking scenery and a glimpse of traditional tea picking techniques at work.  Afterwards, you can take a trek along its unspoiled natural trekking paths while exploring its local flora and fauna.

Kuttanad in Kerala

The vast Kerala backwaters network is worth seeing on your trip to India. Indeed, it is a priceless experience, especially if you chance upon the right activities. Kuttanad in Kerala is a beautiful place to explore the backwater area from. Escape the bustle of modernity on a scenic houseboat. In Kuttanad, the specially constructed dykes give a panoramic view of countryside and paddies. What’s more, if you are lucky, you can view the popular sport of Vallum Kali or boat racing. The colorful, long boats are manned by powerful men who competing for honor. This area is a true getaway, offering you a taste of rural idyllic life on a river cruise.

So there is a flavor of some of the incredible destinations on offer in India. With cheap flights available all year round, hotels on offer at unbeatable prices and so much to see, there’s no reason not to book now!

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Children spend weeks, perhaps months, fantasising and dreaming about meeting Mickey and Minnie Mouse. They wonder what their hotel will be like and whether they’ll be able to buy ice cream in the hotel shop. Sometimes it’s better for them not to have too much detail on the location and the entertainments before they arrive, as it can spoil the surprise. But if you as a parent want a sneak preview of what you can expect when you take your child or children to Disneyland, here it is:

The Magic Kingdom Park: The original Disneyland Park, Magic Kingdom, captures the enchantment of fairy tales with exciting entertainment, classic attractions, beloved Disney characters and much, much more. It features the amazing Cinderella Castle with pathways across the 107 acres of Magic Kingdom theme park that lead to six fantasy lands including Frontierland and Tomorrowland.

Epcot: The Epcot theme park sprawls across 300 acres and is divided into Future World and World Showcase. It really is a place that is ‘out of this world’ though luckily still within the reach of visitors. As you pass through the park’s main entrance, Spaceship Earth welcomes you to explore all the wonders of Future World, including the Imagination Pavilion, the Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion and the Universe of Energy.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: The Hollywood Studios offer a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood-style action with live shows, thrilling attractions, backstage tours and star-studded special events. Visitors can feel like the star in their own movie as they romp through the streets that imitate a large, vibrant movie set. A fan of old movies? Why not immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s, which is captured in the neon, chrome, art deco and modern architecture.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park: This is the largest of the 4 Disney Parks and also the larger animal-themed park in the world at 500 acres! It’s filled with attractions and entertainment that reflect Walt Disney’s dedication to nature and conservation. The parks act as an educational and research resource for both children and adults and are home to more than 1,700 animals from 250 species. It also features a section called Avatar land, based on the movie of the same title.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks: Florida isn’t known as the Sunshine State for nothing, so it’s likely you’ll need to cool down at some stage during your Orlando vacation. Disney has two water parks which can help you to do this. The Blizzard Beach is a favourite with children as it features the world’s tallest and fastest free-falling waterslides as well as a kid-sized, snow-castle fountain play area.

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It is not uncommon for the fragrance of the sea near the port or in Barceloneta to remind you that this is still a giant seaport and beach city, something that can be easy to forget with so many things to enjoy and experience. Barcelona’s ancient Mediterranean tradition has been charming visitors for centuries now. Add today’s new architecture and design and you have one of Europe’s most significant cities.

The city stands out for reflecting an air of independence that can be easily seen throughout it famous anthology of architecture, which covers over two thousand years of culture and history that goes from classical Roman, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, baroque and neoclassical to the Modernist.

Barcelona has a lot of background related to painting, but in reality, the city’s true strength lies in its historical display of architecture. The work of one of the most influential and important architects of the last two centuries, Antoni Gaudi, can be found in Barcelona. Gaudi’s buildings are true manifestations of Modernisme, which is the Spanish, or more specifically Catalan version of the late 19th-century Art Nouveau movement. Gaudi’s unfinished cathedral of La Sagrada Familia is actually Barcelona’s most popular tourist attraction! Another important work of Gaudi, Park Guell is also one of the most visited spots of the city. Other historically significant Moderniste architects are Lluís Domènech i Montaner and Josep Puig i Cadafalch.

Barcelona’s Roman, Romanesque, and Gothic historical background is one of its most interesting features to many of the visitors. The world famous Rambla actually separates the Gothic Quarter and its Roman core from the Raval, a place known for its accurate medieval hospital and shipyard.

Learn which options of how to travel to Barcelona are best for you and contact your favourite travel agency, or check for options online today and make Barcelona your next city break!

The post Barcelona: a Feast for the senses. appeared first on My Travel Corner.

The landscape of Cornwall is really something to behold, and there are twelve Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty dotted along the county’s dramatic coastline, the Camel Estuary and historic Bodmin Moor. Whether you enjoy walking through picturesque tree lined riverside valleys or along rugged rocky clifftops, Cornwall is the ideal walking location for you and although it would be impossible to list them all, here are just a handful of the best walking locations to whet your appetite.

Porthcurno

Porthcurno is a classic Cornish beach. The golden sand is surrounded by a host of oddly shaped rocky outcrops, and the open air Minack Theatre perched on the cliff above is well worth exploring during the day. The real gem here though is the coastal path to the east of Porthcurno which meanders along the cliff edge to the Logan Rock.

Lizard peninsula

The Lizard peninsula is the most southerly point of mainland Britain, and on a blustery day you certainly do feel exposed. The Lizard coastal walk covers some real delights such as Kynance Cove which is famous for its wildlife so there is a good chance you may see some seals and basking sharks during your walk.

Helford estuary

The Helford estuary is a stunning sight, especially so if you are lucky enough to catch the early morning mist. The stretch from Porth Saxon beach to Rosemullion Head transforms from wooded riverside to rocky outcrops as you pass by and makes for a wonderful backdrop whilst the views across Falmouth bay to Henry VIII’s castles at Pendennis and St Mawes are just spectacular.

Lands End

No walking holiday in Cornwall would be complete without a visit to Land’s End and the walk from Land’s End to Sennen Cove offers some amazing views without the bustle of the main tourist attraction. There is a great café on the beach for refreshments and if the tide is out you can also walk north and scramble over the rocks towards Gwenver, but be sure to keep a close eye on the incoming tide!

St Agnes

The beautiful village of St Agnes is at the centre of a great walking area. From Mesolithic hunters to second world war ammunition stores, St Agnes Head is steeped in history and is also home to rare heath land and important seabird colonies. Chapel Porth beach is a hidden gem unveiling itself as you come round the coastal path. At low tide there is a large expanse of golden sand and it is well worth a stroll to look back at the imposing outcrops and caves.

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Caribbean

Caribbean cruises are some of the most popular cruise options available and it’s easy to see why when you see what’s on offer. A 7 day Eastern Caribbean cruise, setting sail from Port Canaveral in Florida, will give you the opportunity to island hop between the Bahamas, St. Thomas and St. Maarten, whilst continuing to enjoy the on-deck facilities, sports and awe-inspiring vistas.

Similarly, a Western Caribbean cruise, voyaging from Louisiana, will take you to experience the delights of Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Mexico. With turquoise seas, relaxing atmosphere and a taste of paradise, it’s no wonder so many Brits embark on an annual cruise again and again.

Mediterranean

With the opportunity to visit many cosmopolitan cities scattered around the Med, including Barcelona, Cannes and the culture-rich Rome, a Mediterranean cruise will not only offer an astounding sense of relaxation and elegance, but will also provide you with the chance to visit some of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Transatlantic

If you’re a fan of the Big Apple, what better way to see the city than from its harbour? Sail past the neoclassical monument, the Statue of Liberty, before admiring the impressive Manhattan skyline. Step off the cruise liner, after enjoying the tranquillity and facilities on board during the Transatlantic crossing, to experience what this buzzing city has to offer, including Times Square and Broadway.

Norwegian Fjords

An ultimate destination for those looking for incredible natural beauty; the Norwegian fjords are a sight to behold. Setting sail from Southampton, you will have the opportunity to see unspoilt Norway, including the lush green mountains, traditional log cabins and tranquil waters.

Alaska

A different world to the cruises that tour the seas closer to the equator, an Alaska cruise will offer you the chance to appreciate the beauty of Alaska like you have never seen before. With snow-capped mountains, glistening glaciers and serene waters, you’ll be sure to adore this magnificent unspoilt corner of the world.

Snuggle up on board, admiring the views under a fleecy blanket, or enjoy a soak in the on-deck hot tub whilst absorbing the mountain panoramas that dominate the horizons. Alternatively, add a trip via seaplane over the Juneau icefield for a thrilling experience you will never forget.

Whatever your destination of choice for a cruise in 2013, be sure to check Thomas Cook online for some great deals and impressive itinerary options. Book now and start planning a memorable holiday.

The post Ultimate Luxury: Top 5 Cruises for 2013 appeared first on My Travel Corner.

Gleneagles, as well as being a famous golf course, is the perfect getaway for girls before the hectic Christmas Party arrives. In the heart of Scotland, this spa offers you a chance to unwind and relax in white fluffy robes with your friends and chat. We women need this time together and this will give you a chance to rejuvenate your senses and have some well deserved relaxation.

we relaxed while a therapist massaged our aches and pains away

The choice of treatments ranged from scalp massages to foot and hand massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, everything we expected from a spa. We tried the Signature Treatments, which began with a reflex stimulating foot treatment using local river water. Followed by a full body exfoliation to rid our bodies of those city toxins and then, we relaxed while a therapist massaged our aches and pains away, with a scalp massage to finish. Having been massaged from head to toe, we were completely relaxed and looking forward to the next day’s treatments.

On the second day we gathered our fluffy white robes and went for a 4 hour session where the therapist chose specific treatments after assessing us fully and offered a more bespoke treatment plan for us. Some of our group preferred the Oriental treatment with holistic therapy which concentrates on your spiritual, physical and emotional well being. Perfect after a busy time at the office. Given that all of us find it difficult to relax, the Ayuverdic Inspired Treatment which will helped us to unwind and rejuvenate ourselves before we head back down the motorway into our real worlds. Alas, we didn’t want to think about returning home just yet, we were having such a wonderful time away from it all. So for the third day we decided it was time for a full day of massages and facials.

Feeling rejuvenated and relaxed, we headed back to the daily grind, but I highly recommend taking a group of your friends or colleagues for a luxury spa getaway, particularly before the craziness of the festive season.

This article was written by Amanda Polter for the Gleneagles Spa after her trip in November 2011.

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