Spring in Amsterdam

April 30th, 2010 by Rebecca No comments »

Amsterdam is a great place to celebrate spring; locals spill out from inside the smoky cafes and onto canal-side terraces to soak up those first welcome rays of sunlight and the city literally blooms with the colourful flowers that Amsterdam is so famous for. Spring is the time to hop on your bike in the Dutch capital and make the most of the mild weather, cycling along the canal paths, shopping in outdoor markets and picnicking in the parks. Spring is also when some of Holland’s most important national holidays are celebrated, so be aware of when they are in case you want to join in the festivities or avoid them and pay less for your accommodation in Amsterdam and your flights to and from the city. Queen’s day or “Koninginnedag” is on the 30th of April and is a huge event, with the streets decorated in orange and street parties and concerts everywhere. Another big public event in spring to be aware of is Liberation Day or “Bevrijdingsdag” which takes place on the 5th of May; many local businesses may have limited opening hours on this day.

As with many other Northern European cities, spring weather can be very changeable in Amsterdam. You are just as likely to get a gloriously sunny weekend as you are a rainy or even chilly one. Come prepared with layers and an umbrella as the locals do. If horticulture is your thing, you shouldn’t miss the Keukenhof Gardens which only open in spring (from mid-March till mid-May) in the nearby town of Lisse to show off its incredible floral displays.

If you do get rain during your trip to Amsterdam though, do not despair! Head to the World Press Photo Exhibit at the old church, “Oude Kerk” to check out some incredible photography. Alternatively you could time your visit with the Art Amsterdam festival designed for fans of contemporary art and held in mid-May throughout 100 galleries and at the KunstRAI convention centre.

Spring has already sprung in Amsterdam this year, but there are still plenty of cheap deals out there for a last minute getaway so, go on, be spontaneous!

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Your trip to Vienna…

April 19th, 2010 by Rebecca No comments »

Vienna is a city that can be described in many ways – all of them positive – “imperial”, “refined”, “historical” and “baroque” are among the most commonly used adjectives to talk about this wonderful city full of palaces, fine coffee houses, opera and horse-drawn carts. I love Vienna for its effortless combination of culture and natural beauty, history and modernity and I’m not the only one apparently – Vienna was voted first (alongside Vancouver) for quality of life by the Economist Intelligence Unit. Come for a few days and see why for yourself.
Vienna is a lovely place to visit in spring or summer as you can make the most of the beautiful, well-maintained green space in the city, not to mention the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) and the Danube River. You can take a walking tour of the city for free, taking in the Baroque architecture, parks and fee sights like the Hapsburg grounds, the Augustinian Church and the river.
If you do have a little money to spend, you should invest in a Vienna Card which costs roughly 20€ for 3 days of discounts at 190 museums, restaurants, sights and public transport. You can buy this discount card at the tourist information office or ask about it at your accommodation. The famous Prater amusement park is also in the city and makes a great day trip for families or groups of friends if you have had your fill of history and culture and fancy a bit of light-hearted fun.
All the same rules apply for finding cheap flights and budget hotels in Vienna, book in advance, avoid weekends if possible, come out of the high season, be prepared to travel a little out of the centre and focus on finding somewhere that offers good value for money rather than luxury.
Vienna also offers good nightlife and modern dining opportunities. Asian food is particularly popular here due to immigration over recent years and you can find some excellent sushi bars and Asian – European fusion cuisine in the city if that is your thing. During the day you should head to one of the lovely coffee houses in the city centre and enjoy the Viennese ritual of enjoying an excellent cup of coffee and a slice of Sacher Torte (chocolate sponge cake with jam in the middle) and watch the world go by. If you are longing for a cultural getaway in a film like setting – Vienna comes highly recommended!

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Experience Marrakech

April 18th, 2010 by Rebecca No comments »

Marrakech is a place to have an experience rather than a holiday but it can be an exhilarating or an exhausting experience, depending on how well prepared you are for the sights, sounds and smells of this Moroccan city.
Come expecting to leave time schedules and plans behind and just let yourself be absorbed by this exciting destination would be my advice to anyone visiting Marrakech for the first time. Read on for a taster of what awaits you when you arrive.
First of all, find the ideal accommodation in Marrakech, a riad (traditional guesthouse) at the heart of the medina (old town) if possible for the ultimate culture shock and then head for Djemaa el fna Square – the heart of the city. This bustling public square is a meeting place for snake charmers, orange juice vendors, tradesmen from the Sahara and food sellers. It is best seen in the evening when the sun goes down and you can pull up a stool next to one of the open air grills and enjoy some great Moroccan cuisine for just pennies while you watch the world go by.
Once you are a little more acclimatised and ready to get out of the midday sun, plunge into the souks – the semi covered network of winding alleyways, lined with market stalls, selling everything from carpets to goat’s skulls. Although a trip to the souks can be a little overwhelming for some (the aromas and narrowness especially), it is an experience you will never forget and, for most people, an exhilarating one that you will be eager to repeat the following day.
For a break from the hustle and bustle of the medina, head to the Majorelle Gardens and relax under the shade of a palm tree of return to your riad for a glass of mint tea next to the fountain in the peaceful, cool oasis that is a tiled internal courtyard. Of course, you can give yourself a real treat and a perfect end to your day at one of the city’s hammams with a stint in the sauna followed by a massage.
But Marrakech has a more modern side too, and one that should not be overlooked if you want to get a balanced idea of the city. The “Ville Nouvelle (new town) is where you will find many of the city’s museums, galleries, finer restaurants and cultural venues.
One thing is for sure, whatever your preferences and whatever you choose to see and do, Marrakech will not leave you indifferent!

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Tips for visiting Rio de Janeiro

April 13th, 2010 by Rebecca No comments »

Rio de Janeiro is an exhilarating tourist destination to discover; the amazing white sand beaches, spectacular mountain backdrop and exciting (if a bit gritty) city life make for a holiday to remember. There are few other cities in the world that can boast such a fabulously tropical setting and wonderfully laid-back lifestyle. Here is some basic information and tips for first timers to the Brazilian capital.

Rio enjoys a tropical climate which means it is good to visit at any time of year although December to March (summer in the southern hemisphere) is the high season and therefore the hottest and most expensive. If you are hoping to experience Rio’s world-famous carnival in February – book your accommodation in Rio well in advance to avoid disappointment. People travel from literally all over the world to experience this frantic, colourful, hedonistic four day celebration. Hotels in Rio come in all shapes and sizes and to suit all budgets although they tend to fill up quickly in the high season and rates go up slightly but even then they are reasonable compared with other major world cities.

You needn’t worry about eating and drinking well in Rio if you are travelling on a budget as life here is relatively inexpensive. There are street vendors and snack bars dotted around town with very reasonable prices and surprisingly tasty food and juices made with fresh, local products. Be warned that portions served in restaurants in Brazil are, generally speaking, huge – so, unless you have an enormous appetite, you might want to order less from the menu than you would do back home. You can’t leave Rio without trying a Caipirinha – a typical Brazilian cocktail made with limes, sugar and an alcohol made of sugarcane. Divine – a real taste of paradise!

Getting around is made easy and cheap in Rio too thanks to an effective local transport system of metros and buses.

Rio has earned itself a reputation over the years for being slightly grimy and a little dangerous in certain neighbourhoods due to economic difficulties. While this is true, the dangerous areas are easy to avoid and Rio is sufficiently vibrant, beautiful and exotic to make none of this matter for the many Brazilian and foreign residents that wouldn’t live anywhere else in the world even if you paid them!

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Cork

April 5th, 2010 by Rebecca No comments »

Cork is a confident little Irish city with a firm sense of identity. If you have visited Dublin and want to try another Irish city, Cork comes highly recommended for a few days of tradition, live music, drinking in cosy local pubs and the usual, jovial atmosphere that Ireland has become so famous for. Read on for ideas of what to see and do in Cork:

The River Lee surrounds the city centre, adding a picturesque background to the rows of traditional Georgian houses and attractive cobbled streets. There is plenty that’s new in Cork – shopping malls, modern architecture, art galleries and international restaurants but the real pull to the county of Cork is its traditional essence and the beautiful surrounding farmlands, hills and valleys and, above all, the stunning rocky Atlantic coastline which is great for hiking.

Cork has so much to offer visitors and staying at a family-run B&B is a great way to experience the area; alternatively, you could rent a self-catering apartment or room in a rural house and enjoy the freedom of your own pad in or near the city. Cork is not especially cheap, but there are budget accommodation options out there and it will seem reasonable if you compare prices here with those in Dublin.

Some of the attractions that I would recommend visiting on a trip to Cork include the West Cork Model Railway Village which will take you back to West Cork in the 1940’s and is always a hit with the children, the famous Blarney Castle with its ever-famous stone and history, and the Millstreet Country Park with 500 acres of greenery, lakes, waterfalls and landscaped gardens – ideal for picnics, walks and nature lovers. If you just have a weekend in Cork however, there is plenty to keep you entertained in the city centre and a combination of aimless wandering and pints of Guinness in local pubs is probably the best way to get a feel for the essence of the city.

Cork also hosts a variety of annual festivals, including the Midsummer Festival (held in June) and the Cork Jazz Festival (held in October) which might be worth planning your trip around. Bear in mind, however, that the city will be at its busiest during these periods and prices tend to go up a little.

Cork – a great place to experience the best of what Ireland has to offer!

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The new face of Copenhagen

March 30th, 2010 by Rebecca No comments »

Copenhagen is considered one of the most attractive and interesting cities in Scandinavia and also one of the most cosmopolitan. It has been modernised over recent years thanks to a growth in tourism, an irresistible combination of cutting edge architectural design and old fashioned cobbled streets and the Danish themselves taking pride in their city and developing a more Mediterranean culture of socialising in bars and restaurants, bringing the city to life like never before. Another major attraction to Copenhagen for many travellers is how safe and clean it is. It is also very easy to negotiate, with a very efficient public transport system and friendly locals who nearly all speak excellent English.
One of the downfalls for budget travellers is how expensive the city is. It is not easy to find budget accommodation in Copenhagen but it is not impossible either. There are some inexpensive hotels in the centre that have decent standards and come recommended; it is just a case of doing your homework before you book. As far as finding cheap flights to the city is concerned, the same rules apply as with any other destination – the less desirable your flight times and dates, the cheaper they will be.
Some of the main sights and places of interest in Copenhagen include the Carlsberg Brewery which offers a little history and free beer! If history really is your thing, a visit to the Nationalmuseet (the national museum) should also be on your list of places to visit. Rosenborg Slot, a Dutch Renaissance style castle and home to the Danish royal jewels, is also of historical interest

For free sights, head to the Radhuspladsen, Copenhagen’s main public square and home to the town hall. It is lively square and a great meeting place with easy access to other sights such as the Tivoli Gardens and the Vesterbro district. The charming little mermaid statue sits perched on a rock in the sea and is probably the most photographed sight in the city. And if all of that is not enough to satisfy you, you can always take the 30 minute train ride from Copenhagen City Centre to the Swedish city of Malmo and see two Scandinavian countries for the price of one!

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Seville on a tight budget

March 29th, 2010 by Rebecca No comments »

While Seville is maybe not the cheapest city in Spain it does have a handful of free sights and parks where you can make the most of that wonderful climate in southern Spain. Here is some information to help you get started planning your cheap stay in the capital of Andalusia:

The sunny city of Seville is peppered with lovely river side cafes and tapas bars with Arab-style internal courtyards where a simple glass of wine and a few olives can feel like total luxury in such an exotic setting. In many tapas bars you are offered plenty of free nibbles with your drink and this can be a great way to recharge your battery for free if you can’t afford a meal out. The Santa Cruz area is your best bet for this kind of bar.

The lovely Maria Luisa Park is a great place to enjoy a picnic or a romantic stroll with its leafy gardens and ponds and the Guadalquivir River is equally attractive. Plaza España is another free highlight for most visitors to the city. The Giralda Tower, the Royal Alcazars and the Cathedral are not free to visit so, if you are strapped for cash, you can either just settle for gawping at them from the outside or invest in a Seville Card and visit them all at a reduced rate.

If you don’t have a senior or student discount card, the Sevilla Card is a great option for free entry to most of the city’s museums and attractions as well as the Isla Magica park. It also offers good discounts in many restaurants and shops. The card costs 50€ for 24 hours and 60€ for 48 hours. You can also enjoy unlimited free public transport for just a few more euros. Visit the tourist office for more information.

For a cheap stay in the city, look for a budget hostel in the city centre or consider staying at a self-catering apartment for a longer stay and save on eating out. Flying out of the high season and during the middle of the week at unsociable hours is guaranteed to bring the cost of your flight down too.

A trip to Seville is never going to be completely free but it certainly doesn’t have to break the bank either!

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A family holiday in Prague

March 26th, 2010 by Rebecca No comments »

Prague is not often the first place that springs to mind when planning a family holiday but, it is actually a very good choice for a variety of reasons: Towering spires, a huge Medieval castle and a pretty river where you and the kids can enjoy a boat ride, are just some of the attractions for couples with small children to Prague, but by far the biggest one is cost. Although prices have been rising steadily in Prague for years with the increase in tourism, it remains a very affordable place – ideal if you are travelling on a budget!
Here are some tips on when to visit and what to do while you are there…………………
Although Prague is very pretty in winter, it’s also pretty cold! Spring is nice but summer is better if you are visiting with family and want to be able to make the most of those outdoor cafes and enjoy a few boat rides on the river. If you don’t feel up to rowing along the River Vltava, opt for an hour long cruise and do a spot of sightseeing from the water.
If you can’t face the steep trek up to the castle (especially if you have little ones in toe), take tram number 22 from the town centre; this ride is quite an adventure in itself for children who have never been on a tram before. After gawping at the castle, you can head to the Toy Museum, housed within the same complex.
A stroll across the famous Charles Bridge is great for some free entertainment with its statues and portrait artists…not to mention the views!

The local cuisine is maybe not the most inspiring of European cuisines but it is usually a hit with children as it is not spicy. As with a lot of Eastern European countries, cuisine tends to be a little stodgy and heavily meat and potato based. It is, however, very cheap even if you decide to have a proper, sit down meal in a restaurant in the evening.

There is plenty of family-friendly accommodation to choose from in Prague, the main dilemma really is whether to go for something in the picturesque Stare Mesto (Old Town) or head to one of the more conveniently located hotels around Wenceslas Square. Prague also has a zoo and a few museums which may be of interest to children.

There are several low cost airlines offering flights from the UK to Prague: easyjet, Jet2 and ryanair to name a few.

There really is plenty to keep a family entertained in Prague and the low prices on accommodation, eating out and tourist attractions are a great incentive to choose this rather than another European destination.

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New York in Spring

March 19th, 2010 by Rebecca No comments »

Spring is a wonderful time to visit New York, The frosty winter days are a distant memory and New Yorkers love to get out in the fresh spring air and make the most of the first sunny days of the year, creating an uplifting atmosphere that is great to enjoy on a romantic break or a family holiday. Here are some of my tips on things to see and do on a spring break in New York.

Obviously, the first thing that comes to mind is Central Park. This enormous city park covers nearly 850 acres and contains lakes, forests, grassy meadows, fountains and a whole network of winding parks which are ideal for jogging or just taking a stroll. The Conservatory Garden on Fifth Avenue and 105th St. is the place for you if you are interested in botany, while the carousel and zoo are obvious choices for those travelling with children. Bow Bridge is often considered the most picturesque feature of the park and a nice place for a photo opportunity. Accommodation near to Central Park is a good choice if, like me, you love the city but need to be able to escape to somewhere more natural and peaceful when you want to.

A clear spring day when the skies are blue is a good opportunity to get a good panoramic view of the city. Most tourists head to the Empire State Building but the observation deck at the Rockefeller Center offers equally spectacular views of the Big Apple and an exhibition inside to boot! Ask for more info at your hotel about the “Top of the Rock” lookout point.

If you’ve had your fill of Broadway shows, art galleries and shopping, you could head to Coney Island for a little light-hearted, tacky fun. This peninsula off of New York City contains an attraction park and a pleasant boardwalk as well as the New York Aquarium. Come here for an ice cream and a good, old fashioned day out by the seaside. There is no tourist accommodation on Coney Island so you will have to make this a day trip from your accommodation in central New York or Sheepshead Bay which is the nearest spot to the island with hotels.

The Tribeca Film Festival also takes place in New York in spring. This festival screens hundreds of international films, including documentaries and family friendly movies. It also hosts debate panels with actors and film directors. This event, which ahs been held in New York since 2002, is open to the public and is as popular with locals as it is with tourists

There is so much more that you can see and do in New York in Spring; the list is endless, but hopefully this handful of suggestions will have you set up for a great short break in the Big Apple. Enjoy!

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Istanbul on the cheap

March 12th, 2010 by Rebecca No comments »

Istanbul, like every major city, is full of tourist traps, but it can be a really inexpensive holiday destination if you do your homework before going. Look for a cheap flight to the city, a budget hotel with decent standards and cheap places to eat out and you’ll be set for a wonderful time in this city that has become so famous for bridging Europe and Asia, the east and the west, the historical and the modern.

Budget accommodation

If you want to be at the heart of modern Istanbul, look for accommodation on Taksim Square as this is where you will find all the more modern buildings, shops and restaurants. It is also home to the Cumhuriyet Anıtı (Republic Monument), which commemorates the establishment of the Turkish Republic.
If, however, you are more interested in the historical side of the city, you should stay in a hotel near the Blue Mosque where you will also find the Hippodrome of Constantine and the Hagia Sophia in an area declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Getting there and around

Ataturk is Istanbul’s main airport and it is located just 10 km from the old city centre. You can get to the centre of the city either by taxi or, a cheaper alternative is to take a LRT (light Rail Transit to Zeytinburnu, and then a tram to Sultanahmet. There are also buses to Taksim Square which take under an hour to complete their journey. Once you are settled in your accommodation, it’s time to get visiting the city. I’d recommend an Akbil pass if you are staying in town for a while. You will find trams and buses but just a very limited metro service as the system is only partially completed. For water travel, you will find catamarans and ferries which will take you along the Bosporus for a very low price.

Cheap eats

Istanbul is as full of chic, expensive restaurants as it is budget ones. Some of the cheap eateries leave a lot to be desired though, so it’s good to have a few reliable addresses to head to when you are hungry and your travel funds are running low.

Canim Ciğerim (Asmalimescit Mahallesi Minare Sokak 1, Beyoğlu) is a simple little joint with a mainly meat menu. The food is fresh and cheap and the waiters are friendly and efficient – what more could you ask for?

Hala (Istiklal Caddesi 211, Beyoğlu) is part of a chain of restaurants selling pasta and pancakes with a choice of cheese, meat or spinach as a filling. This place has a few good vegetarian options and makes a nice place for a quiet lunch.

And, if you are feeling brave, head down to the river’s edge and grab a fried fish sandwich right off of one of the fried fish boats tied up down by the Galata Bridge!

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