Archive for January 2009


Staying In Windermere: A Helpful Guide To Cheap Windermere Hotels

January 30th, 2009 — 08:16 am

Because so many owners of hotels are vying for business the chance of getting an affordable rate of your accommodation whilst staying in any location is greatly increased. Here, we’ll be looking at a few of the methods you can use to get hold of a cheap hotel in Windermere when you’re next visiting the English Lake District.

Tip 1 – Make your booking online

There are many different sites you can use like this one to book your Windermere hotel. Check for any promotional deals. If you can make a choice of different dates especially outside the school holidays then you’re very likely to find a great deal. You’ll find that some of the very best deals are slightly out of season when the Lake District may be slightly wetter but is still decidedly picturesque.

Tip 2 – Consider indepently owned hotels

There are a number of plus points to be found when you book into an independent establishment rather than the more well known hotel chain groups. Fortunately, you’re very likely to find these in Windermere. You’ll almost always get a friendly reception and they will know the best places to eat and the best ways to avoid the crowds at the local tourist attractions. You’ll also find you get advice about little known places that are almost reserved for locals.

Tip 3 – Try Haggling

If you have decided to stop at a hotel because you like the look of it then why not try and haggle with the hotel to see if you can get a better deal on the room. Keep it friendly and you may be pleasantly surprised at what you get achieve. But if you don’t ask, you won’t get!

Wherever you decide to stay, check out this list of Windermere hotels and have a fantastic vacation in Windermere.

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Pitlochry Attractions: What To See and Do When You Visit Pitlochry

January 29th, 2009 — 02:25 am

Holidays in Pitlochry are becoming increasingly popular not only with holidayers from Britain but also from across the globe. Certainly as Pitlochry vacations go there is plenty for one to do and see whilst spending time in an area renowned for its stunning scenery. 

The town of Pitlochry itself retains much of its old Victorian charm and it can be found in the highlands of Perthshire. Actually, this town has been a very popular vacation spot for more than 100 years now and part of the reason for its popularity is that Queen Victoria stayed here in 1844.   

Although Queen Victoria’s visit increased the town’s popularity, Pitlochry was well known before this time. During the 18th Century, the area grew the crop of flax and this was used to produce top quality linen in the town’s mills. In fact right through the 1700 and 1800, this town was a hive of activity. 

Along with the linen weaving, The Blair Atholl Whisky Distillery was responsible for distilling whisky. Later, in 1835, the town’s first water-powered woolen mills were opened by the local MacNaughtons and here raw wool was made into Tweed. 

Pitlochry is also home to the local highland games and it hosted the first modern highland games in 1852. The games are still played today and they are the last to be held in the Scottish season. The games take place very close to Pitlochry’s main street and in 2008 they will took place on the 13th September. 

Along with all the traditional kinds of games you would expect at such an event other ones have been included as well. These inclode a tug of war as well as highland dancing and competitions between pipe bands. So you are likely to find something to watch and enjoy through the days events.

As well as arranging your trip to Pitlochry in order to take in the highland games there is plenty more for one to do and see whilst there. Which means that as well as the games, there are other festivals that one can enjoy such as the Autumn Festival or the Winter Words Festival. 

So you do not have to restrict your Pitlochry holidays solely to summer months when the weather is good. Providing you’re prepared to dress up warm and something to protect you from the rain then you can visit this part of Scotland at any time of the year.  You’ll be rewarded with a warm Scottish welcome whenever you visit.

Choose your Pitlochry hotel or guest house here.

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Comfortable Trawler Charters

January 29th, 2009 — 02:25 am

Trawler Charters

The trawler is an awesome boat.  It is known for its roominess and stability.  The next best thing to owning one would be to do a trawler charter.  It is a great way to sail along some of the wonderful coastlines on earth.  Trawler charters are available in the Pacific Northwest and in Florida.  You can also hire a trawler charter in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or in Australia.

Trawler charters have several sizes to choose from.  The 43 foot trawler has all the amenities and power to suit most people’s needs.  Your time aboard is guaranteed to be luxurious with a large main salon and full galley.  The flybridge is also large and welcoming and a great place to relax under the large bimini cover.

One of the 43 foot trawler charters is perfect for 3 couples or a family.  It has three staterooms and two full heads with showers.  The aft deck is great for sunbathing.  There is also a large transom door that opens to a spacious swim platform.

A luxury trawler charter is unlike any other vacation and would rate at the top of your list of travels. To insure a successful trip there is a certain amount of planning involved.  Travel to and from the location of the vessel would have to be coordinated.  Some chartering companies will do this for you for an extra fee.

If you are an experienced sailor you may want to do a bareboat charter.  You would be able to pilot the trawler yourself.  The chartering company would have to review your sailing resume.  If you qualify this is a great way to save.

If you are not an experienced sailor or just want to relax and let the captain do the sailing there are plenty of excellent captains willing to sail your trawler for you.   You will be able to enjoy the pleasures of a boat cruise without having to operate the vessel yourself.  The captain would retain responsibility for the vessel.  There is usually an advanced payment required to book any trawler charter.

The captains will follow a pre-planned itinerary, although you can request to alter it a bit, time allowing.  He is very familiar with all the ports of call and will recommend things to do and direct you to points of interest or restaurants where you can enjoy a meal ashore.

If you rent a trawler charter in the Pacific Northwest you would enjoy sailing around the multitude of islands in that area.  There is tons of wildlife to experience and photograph.  The Pugent Sound is home to bear, whales, deer and eagles.  The fishing and crabbin is amazing.  Dine on your own fresh catch in the evening after a day of recreation.

You can take advantage of the galley and dining facilities onboard or go ashore for a meal.  To further experience the local flavor, at your own expense, you may want to spend a night ashore on one of the many islands you will be visiting.

Common trawler charters charges would be: the fully equipped trawler, all the linens and towels, the captain, free use of the galley, as well as fuel and dock fees.  Any restaurants or hotels ashore as well as taxes are extra.  You are allowed to bring your own food and beverages and use the galley.

To get additional info on yacht charters visit Sailing Yacht Charters and also BVI Yacht Charter

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Hiking In The Carlsbad Caverns National Park In New Mexico

January 26th, 2009 — 10:04 am

Looked at from the outside the Carlsbad Caverns, which are located in New Mexico, are nothing special and consist of several gray rock formations and a bit of scrub brush covering a less than impressive cliff. But, inside this is one of the most incredible landscapes to be found anywhere on Earth and, with over 100 limestone caves for you to explore, you could wander here for years without ever seeing the cave thing twice.

If you are feint hearted then the Bat Cave is not for you as it is home to of thousands of these flying mammals. The Bifrost Room, which is named after the Bifrost bridge into Valhalla, will leave you breathless and the colors here truly echo those of the rainbow spectrum of this mythical crossing. The Hall of the Giants, which is the largest open chamber in the system, covers a staggering 360,000 square feet. Within these, and many more rooms, you will see some of Mother Nature’s most creative work.

A giant stalagmite – The Witch’s Finger – is a corkscrew-like structure which is more than five times the the average person’s height and the Rock of Ages is even more impressive as it makes stationary rock appear to move and the numerous flowstone outcroppings resemble a demon’s lair glowing from within.

Within the Carlsbad Caverns you can choose self guided or staff guided tours which vary in their degree of difficulty from easy walks around large open spaces to scaling 10 foot high walls and crawling through narrow openings into large chambers.

One tour takes you through a section of Lechuguilla Cave which, at over one thousand six hundred feet below ground, is the deepest cave in the United States. This cave covers a total of more than 112 miles as it winds through the Guadalupe Mountains.

For the less active, you can travel to the Big Room by taking an elevator which descends 900 feet and gaze up to be captivated by this 25 story high open space. You can then wander around this 250 by 1,800 foot room that is filled with incredible rock formations. Also take the time to visit the Temple of the Sun and see the dozens of eerily lit pools.

If you want to see the bats though you will need to visit between April and September as the three hundred thousand Mexican free tailed bats fly south for the winter. A short half mile hike from the entrance leads to a plateau from which you can descend the 750 feet into the Bat Cave.

Remember too to pop on your favorite pair of discount hiking boots and take a look at the area outside the caves as there are a number of fascinating things to do and see. Despite its name, along Rattlesnake Springs you are far more likely to come across dozens of birds and harmless reptiles than you are to see the dangerous snakes from which the place gets its name.

A final favorite with visitors to the area is a ride along the 10 mile scenic drive through Walnut Canyon. This drive travels along Guadalupe Ridge and the views are quite simply magnificent.

The Carlsbad Caverns are of course just one of the splendid hiking areas in the United States and rank with such other great pleasures as guided hikes in Yosemite.

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holiday surprise for my parents never been away without us there kids? £600-700 budj?

January 23rd, 2009 — 04:32 am
gem asked:


Budjet of £600 -700 Like Turkey but I dont know if they would want to go without us… any suggestions Should I go for a city break I just dont know I dont want to book something they dont like

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Paris 101: Paris for Beginners

January 23rd, 2009 — 02:00 am

It is important to plan your vacation before packing your bags and driving to the airport especially when your destination is a place like Paris. Paris offers an amazing range of activities and you don’t want to waste your time in the City of Lights. There is so much to see and experience in Paris you won’t want to waste a minute. Of course you would want a worthwhile stay in the very famous city. Usually you should book a few nights accommodation before leaving home. There are many options and cover all price ranges – whether you need a 5-star luxury or a just a clean and comfortable Parisian bed

For a cheaper accommodation, you may want to consider a low-cost chain hotel. An apartment can offer more freedom and feel more comfortable than a formal hotel. The next thing to plan is what to visit after billeting in your Paris apartment.

There are lots of places to visit when you are in Paris; from the most historic to most contemporary. Your vacation in Paris will be memorable when you carefully considered and plan what part of the city you will visit. Historical structures and buildings are sprinkled inside the city that you should not miss. There are also a lot of museums that display historical art pieces up to the most modern creations. Food and dining is also a spectacle in the city. Shopping completes the list of activities that will make your stay in Paris meaningful.

Your first stop willl probably be the iconic Eiffel Tower: symbol of Paris. This 320-meter tower is well recognized in the whole world as a symbol of the city of Lights and as well as the whole country of France. The Eiffel tower was built for the 1889 Word Fair. It is a very fulfilling experience to climb the top of the tower for you will be able to see the whole of Paris during the day or at night. That’s a fair few stairs and at least you will sleep well that night in your central Paris hotel.

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Paris Travel: Tips and Hints

January 23rd, 2009 — 02:00 am

Arriving in Paris you will probably want to check into your Paris 5-star hotel first, but the city will draw you out into the streets in short order. Choosing a central hotel may be more expensive than somewhere at the end of the metro line, but being right in the midst of the famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre has a lot going for it. Whatever your budget think carefully about your Paris apartment location, it will make a big different to your holiday – especially if you are on a limited budget

Another must-see sight is the Champs Elysees or the Elysian Fields. It is considered as the most beautiful avenue in the whole world which started as a plain field but later on converted into a pathway lined with trees. It runs from the Concorde Square up to the equally famous Arc de Triomphe and became one of the attractions and features of Paris. It is one of the most famous streets in the whole world.

In the middle of some of Paris’s craziest traffic, the Arc de Triomphe is still a must-do attraction. It is a large arc which serves as a roundabout a meeting point of more than twelve avenues in the whole city of Paris. It was built to commemorate Napolean’s victories. To the top of the Arc is 284 steps, but the view is worth it. One of the standout attractions of Paris.

The attractions of Paris means that it definitly is still one of the world’s best tourist cities. The catacombes, Saint Chapelle and Tuleries Gardens should all be on your must-see list. Still, there are other landmarks that you can visit when you plan a vacation in Paris. These places will make your stay in Paris memorable and will make your sleep in your Paris lodgings as peaceful and as dreamy as ever.

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Finding The Perfect Crewed Charter Yachts

January 23rd, 2009 — 02:00 am

Just imagine cruising the tropical seas aboard your own private yacht charter. If this has been a dream of yours that you would like to make a reality it is recommended that you first do some research. As with anything else word of mouth is always the best testament. If you have a business partner, friend, or family member that has chartered a yacht ask about their experience.

Count the Costs

When comparing prices be selective in your final decision.  Make sure the yacht will meet all your needs at the listed price.  Are there additional fees that they have not made you aware of?  Ask the yacht company to give you a detailed list of exactly what their charter includes.  Are the wine and beverages included, docking fees, fuel, recreational activities, etc.?

Investigate the Charter

Most of these crewed charter yachts have websites. The website should have information on the various yachts they represent. A yacht’s specifications and equipment will most likely be listed. You should charter a yacht that is a substantial ocean going vessel that can offer a high level of comfort and sea worthiness. The captain’s names should be available with their resumes and those of the rest of the crew. Security is an important issue in today’s world. Inquire what precautions they have taken and what type of security they provide. Medical situations could arise and you need to know how their company would handle an emergency situation. This should be an experience of a lifetime so you want to make sure all the bases are covered before you leave port.

Some other questions to consider: Where would you like to cruise? How long do you wish to cruise? How many guests? Will there only be adults or will children be aboard also? What type of recreational activities do you want to partake in? Do you or any of your guests have special dietary or physical needs? You want to choose the ideal yacht and crew to make exploring distant islands and tropical locations enjoyable and relaxing.

Relax, Let the Captain Do the Driving

Ideally you have taking care of all the details months in advance. All you have to do now is count the dolphin swimming along side your private yacht while sampling delicious breakfast fare set out on the lido deck by the quietly attentive crew.  Later you will enjoy an afternoon of scuba diving near the shores of a remote island.  After your gourmet dinner you can soak in the upper deck’s jacuzzi while watching one of the many tropical sunsets you will experience each evening.

At the end of a day of recreational activities you can enjoy a cocktail while watching TV in the lounge area or play a game of cards at a table near a window with a beautiful tropical view.  Just writing this article makes me want to sign up right now!

Taking a trip aboard a crewed charter yacht will make any other vacation seem boring.

Get more information on charter yachts go to Tortola Yacht Charter as well as Trawler Charters

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can anyone reccomend a good place to go for a work weekend away?

January 22nd, 2009 — 03:29 am
grae asked:


there are about 15 of us, we have a decent budget. we are looking for a good weekend away probably in march, possible abroad in europe, something different. would like some kind of event during the day then somewehre for a drink at night.
suggestions so far have been assault course type things or a football match in barcelona but not everyone is into football.
any ideas?

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If I had to describe Menorca in a nutshell…

January 8th, 2009 — 06:59 am

In a nutshell, Menorca offers the kind of holiday free of theme parks and noisy queues of people. This is a rather low-key type of holiday resort that is suitable for families, couples and singles where you are free to enjoy your holiday as you please. It is a laid back island packed with hidden beauty spots and glorious beaches. You can take yourself off in your Menorcan  hire car without any plans at all and the island will never disappoint! Menorca is magical in that sense!

It may not be a Salou or a Mallorca but there are one or two family attractions to be had such as the Aqua Park (Los Delfines) and Aqua Rock (Cala’n Bosch).

The best way to enjoy Menorca is to take a boat excursion. It is relaxing and some offer a tasty lunch but more important than anything else, you get to see the hidden coves and beaches that no one gets to see unless they are at sea.

In a nutshell, Menorca is a perfect holiday destination for anyone who’s looking for paradise!

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