My Trip Blog

The Canary Islands are the closest winter sun destination to the UK.  At just four hours flying time.  And are also very accessible financially – as unlike more exotic destinations in the Caribbean or the Middle East you don’t have to enjoy an investment bankers salary to book a holiday here.

Each of these seven islands are different.  Head for Tenerife and Gran Canaria for the more traditional type of bucket and spade holiday.  Or La Palmas or El Hierro for nature walks and rambles.

Lanzarote is an ideal choice though for anyone who likes to soak up both the sun and the sights.  As the island boasts a huge amount of things to do and see.  Whilst also providing plenty of excellent accommodation.

There are three main resorts on Lanzarote – but Puerto del Carmen is the oldest and the most popular.  The core of its appeal is apparent as soon as you step onto the beautiful main beach of Playa Grande.  Which was actually created with sand imported from the Sahara during the 1970´s. But remains a stunning beach nonetheless.

Tourism first started out here in the Old Town – which is located around the harbour area.  From where various day trips and excursions embark.  This is also where visitors will find the best selection of villas in Puerto del Carmen in and around the Risco Prieto and Los Mojones areas.

The New Town is better suited to anyone seeking apartments in Lanzarote.  As there are hundreds of complexes here all offering good value budget accommodation.  With prices starting from around £180 a week for a studio on a centrally located complex.

There are also two hotels in Puerto del Carmen for those who would prefer someone else to do the catering.  Both enjoy four status and enviable seafront, locations and offer rooms starting from around €80 per night.  One, the Los Fariones Hotel is much more central and also boasts its own beach.

Puerto del Carmen is the nightlife capital of Lanzarote and there are hundreds of restaurants here for visitors to choose from.  Along with plenty of bars and nightclubs – such as Cesars, 928 and recent newcomer The Bank.

Children are also well catered for too as there is an excellent zoo at the Rancho Texas theme park on the outskirts of the town whilst they can also enjoy riding camels and donkeys at nearby Lanzarote A Caballo.

England vacations appear to be incredibly popular at the moment, most probably due to the economic downturn and the low value of the pound. The United Kingdom has a large number of top class vacation destinations including London (the capital city of England) and other interesting cities plus a collection of seaside resorts such as; Blackpool, Weston-super-Mare, Bognor Regis and Torquay. One vacation resort often overlooked is Plymouth in the south of England.

When you first arrive Plymouth appears rather bland and modern, but searching a little bit deeper and you will soon find that the city of Plymouth has a rich history and a deep association with the sea. As far back as the fifteen hundreds there has been a port in Plymouth. In 1588 Francis Drake embarked from the town’s port to successfully defend England from the Spanish Armada. Another historic moment occurred in sixteen twenty when the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for North America.

It is possible to take low cost vacations in Plymouth by booking bed and breakfast in Plymouth rather than booking a overpriced hotel. A quick look online will show that you can make a reservation from £29 a night and many places have dinners at a very reasonable cost, commonly equal to, or less expensive than local restaurants.

Things To See And Do In Plymouth

There are many interesting places in Plymouth that are well worth visiting. Popular visitor attractions include; Merchant’s House Museum, St Andrew’s church, the National Marine Aquarium and the Mayflower Steps. A boat cruise around the waters of the port is an excellent way to spend some time but if you discover that you have more time to spare why not take a trip to places close by Plymouth, such as; Mount Edgcumbe, Buckland Abbey or Saltram House.

Saltram House is a pretty Tudor Mansion which is found 2 miles from the town of Plymouth, Mount Edgcumbe is a further Tudor house with landscaped gardens, parklands and coastal paths, and Buckland Abbey, roughly 6 miles in distance from Plymouth, is a Cistercian abbey which was once owned by Francis Drake and was later converted into a family home.

If you and your family are currently deciding upon spending a few days in the city of Plymouth it is crucial that you book your  lodgings at your first opportunity as, unfortunately hotels and guest houses in Plymouth tend to be alarmingly busy and are frequently fully booked months in advance. If you are travelling in a group you might find that apartments in Plymouth prove to be cheaper option to Plymouth bed & breakfast. If you are visiting Great Britain from abroad then why not consider making a reservation for a room in London hotels to take in the sights of the nations capital also.

There’s no shortage of good quality accommodation on Lanzarote. As this popular holiday island has been a hot favourite with tourists for over forty years.   Especially with visitors from the UK – who account for over 50% of the 1.5 million foreign arrivals every year.

The majority of them will find themselves staying in one of the three main resorts of Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen or Playa Blanca.  Although rural tourism has grown in popularity in the last few years as a growing number of independent travellers seek to connect with the more authentic side of the island.

Lanzarote certainly represents good value for money in relation to many other destinations.  Especially during the winter months when more exotic locations require a much greater investment of both time and cash.

Currently for example it is possible to book Lanzarote apartments from as little as £160.  Which buys a weeks stay on a centrally located complex in the heart of Puerto del Carmen, which is the biggest and liveliest resort on the island. 

Rates at 250 plus Lanzarote hotels are also equally reasonable.  Especially in the four star category, where tourists can book standard rooms in good quality establishments on a bed and breakfast basis from around €70 per night. 

Playa Blanca is home to the largest selection of hotels – but head for Costa Teguise for some real luxury.  As the Gran Melia Salinas is the best five star on the island.  Thanks in no small part to the input of a local artist called César Manrique who had a hand in the design of the hotel and dreamt up the stunning indoor atrium garden – which is the Gran Melia´s central showpiece.

Villas in Lanzarote are much cheaper than on many other Spanish holiday islands.  Where the shorter seasons tend to push prices sky high. Here for example it’s still possible to book a standard two bedroom property with private pool for as little as £450 per week.  With Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen the best locations to search.

Keen to escape the hustle and bustle of the main resorts?  Then check in to one of Lanzarote´s rural hotels or fincas.  Such as the Finca de Salinas in the pretty village of Yaiza.  Distinguished by its terracotta paint job and Moorish turrets.  This upmarket establishment is also home to an excellent restaurant and boasts great views across to Lanzarote´s number one tourist attraction of the Timanfaya Volcano Park.

Boston is considered the top cultural and economic centre of the entire region. It is a large metropolitan location and a center of higher education in the U.S. Due to its rich heritage, it’s become one of the top tourist destinations for both business and leisure travelers. There are many Boston hotel rooms in the city ranging from luxury to cheap. For special deals check out Boston hotel packages for the best savings and values.

The city’s home to historic monuments like Freedom trial. If you want to enjoy combined land and sea tour in and around Boston can also do that. Tourists can move around exciting sites and landmarks with the help of small buses, which is popularly called trolley tours and the greatest advantages of using this means is that the ticket once purchased does not depend upon the destination, but instead is valid for the whole day. A few of the most well-know attractions here include:

Boston public garden is the first established botanical garden in the United tates. The garden is located in Charles Street which is parallel to Boston common. If you schedule your Boston travel for the summer then you would be able to take one of the swan boats for a tour on the lake or if you plan your travel for a winter trip then you will be able to ice skate across.

Faneuil Market Place is filled with shops and restaurants that descend from different cultures and it is stuffed with different types of goods ranging from handmade souvenirs to the most sophisticated ones.

Filene’s basement is a very nice place to go if you are one of those who love to find bargains. This marketplace is located in the basement of the Filene’s store. In the past, the market was a perfect place to sell excess and surplus goods and then it developed into a standalone market.

If you decide to visit the Cape while in the Boston area you can find some Cape Cod motels easily by searching online. If not, there are many Boston hotel rooms that are well equipped with all the modern facilities but the rates can be pricey. There are also some hotels that are easily affordable by visitors, who want to visit and enjoy this city at reasonable and affordable price. These cheap Boston hotels provide clean and comfortable lodging to travelers on budget by offering them discounts and bonuses.

The beaches and tropical atmosphere attract a large number of tourists throughout the year. Many hotels are all along the beaches of Florida Keys and attend to all kinds of tourists.

A variety of Florida keys hotels are available in the Keys region. They vary from top of the line five star hotels to the economic, as well as bed & breakfast. Most hotels in the Keys offer accommodations that are as wondeful as their surroundings, and are priced reasonably.

The Room rates in the Keys vary from hotel to hotel room. They depend upon the class of hotel, and the type of room. Most hotels offer a choice of rooms such as single, double, deluxe, suites or penthouses. Rates are seasonal and vary from month to month. Its higher here between Christmas and Easter and for three-day holidays. Typically, the highest rates apply during special annual events like the Fantasy Fest and the lobster mini-season. Get great hotel deals in autumn, and early December is best period for travel to the Keys, and temperatures and humidity are comfortable. When planning your trip, know that local, state and tourist taxes are levied on all rooms.

Florida Keys hotels

Almost all the hotels used for Florida Keys Vacations provide excellent in-house services. Economy hotels have rooms with air, color TV, phones and small refrigerator. There are all-suite hotels that offer accommodation units with a kitchenette, living room and one or two bedrooms. Most hotels offer a complimentary breakfast including fresh-squeezed juices or fruits.

The hotels offer private water front and private islands to its customers. Quiet a few of the hotels in the Keys have wheelchair accessible units. Some have private docks and ramps. Some hotels offer their visitors boat services, shows and other activities. Some hotels allow pets, but it is advisable to check the pet policy before making a reservation. You may wish to consult some hotel reviews when searching for Florida Keys vacation packages for your next trip.

If you are ever wondering where to vacation, let me suggest Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Punta Cana vacations are definitely one of the best in the world to enjoy. The Dominican Republic is located southeast of the Bahamas and west of Puerto Rico. Its sharing the island with Haiti. It has over 300 miles of white sandy beaches and extensive mountains. Punta Cana is on the eastern tip with great weather all year round. Grab yourself one of the Punta Cana vacation packages that are available.

The beaches are the number one attraction, and many choose Punta Cana Packages simply to relax and do nothing more than lie in the sun and enjoy the clear, calm waters. A majority of the resorts are all-inclusive and are at the beachfront, so for those searching for relaxation you can spend time on the beach and by the pools.

The activities in Punta Cana outside the resorts and hotels are normally taken in excursions provided inside the resorts like the one to isle of Saona. These excursions usually involve an extra fee and take the entire day but are very worth it since it can include fun rides like on a helicopter, a catamaran, horses, and more. On the first day of arriving at a resort there is a guide that explains all the activities you can do at the resort and the costs involved. So if you are looking for an all encompassing, excellent vacation getaway, you can’t do much better than booking one of the Dominican Republic Vacations available.

Folks who come to Punta Cana and its resorts with the hope of experiencing some entertaining nightlife should not be disappointed. Indeed, there are plenty of great discotheques and plazas around the major resorts in this area. At the resorts, there is always plenty of excellent nightlife options. If you want to go out for the evening and dance the night away, you will have lots of chances to do so in this part of the country.  Find out what so many people already know and you are sure to have an unforgettable time.

Cocoa Beach Florida is just six miles long and barely one mile wide. Cocoa beach is a different and fun packed holiday destination. Cocoa beach is popularly thought of as the quintessential beach town. As an all year popular tourist destination, Cocoa Beach Hotels offer many options for the tourists. One of the more affordable vacation spots in all of Florida, there is never a lack of exciting things to do and see in and around Cocoa Beach. If you are considering vacationing in Florida’s panhandle area, you want want to consider staying at the Panama City Beach hotel.

The space coast of Florida with the Kennedy Space Center which is quite busy with space activities, if you get lucky enough to see the shuttle take off. Besides enjoying the beach, while on the Space Coast you can go sea fishing or parasailing, try your luck aboard a casino cruise ship, or take a river tour to get up close and personal with Florida’s awesome wildlife.

The major advantage of Cocoa Beach is that it is less crowded. This beach is populated by retired families and workers from nearby NASA space facility. Cocoa Beach, known for its fabulous restaurants, bistros and shops. The two surrounding places, Cape Canaveral and Melbourne features more sources of entertainment.

Cocoa beach FL is conveniently connected with all the means of transports. You can take a flight to Cocoa beach from any place or go for a little more than an hours drive from east of Orlando, Florida. Quite a number of budget hotels can be located in the heart of the city which will make your stay convenient. Bookings should be made in advance as Cocoa beach experiences loads of tourists all year round.

Above all, there are a great deal of good Florida Beach Hotels, resorts, Cocoa Beach Motels and many other exciting places where you can not only stay but enjoy the beautiful nature which surrounds you. Cocoa Beach hotels that serve good food which will complement your stay. Most of the hotels offer great deals wherein you can stay to your budget while surrendering yourselves to the temptations.

Jacksonville is one of the largest cities found in Florida. It is situated in northeastern portion of Florida, its one of the gems of the state and a popular destination. Jacksonville is not just another urban destination. It will offer you a unique vacationing experience complete with beaches, natural attraction, museums, wildlife exhibits and many other tourist attractions.Gaining acclaim because of its beaches and parks, that include nature and wildlife parks. The city is regarded as one of the most attractive tourist attractions, and the Jacksonville beach hotels add to its beauty.

In Northeast Florida the beaches stretch more than 100 miles along the Atlantic. Some of the most popular beaches are Amelia Island and Fernandina which consist of miles of beautiful beaches. If you want to enjoy the surfing, windsurfing, fishing and camping, Huguenot Memorial Park is a great spot for these activities.

Jacksonville hotels consisting mainly of the beach resorts that are found along its long coastline. There is also the typical economical hotels, as well as plush five-star hotels in the interiors. No matter what type of hotel you choose, each provides enticing facilities for tourists, including packages to the various beaches.

Aside from the beach tours where you can either spend the entire day tanning under the sun, or beach games or take part in water sports, there’s also park tours. Tours are designed as to take the tourist to the maximum amount of parks. Lovely beaches, great golf courses, breathtaking state parks, intimate bed and breakfasts and lots of shopping, these are some of the reasons that Jacksonville, Florida is a perfect vacation getaway. If you are looking to get away from it all or want to soak up the sun, Jacksonville has something to offer everyone.

The best Jacksonville beach hotel rooms are those that have been developed from old heritage homes. There are a number of large homes that have been converted into hotels and beach resorts, providing one with a more comfortable and luxurious away-from-home experience. In spite of the differences in grades of the hotels, the facilities are almost the same. Many budget minded tourists prefer the economy hotels and Jacksonville Beach motels, choosing to spend most of their time on outside activities.

Cabo San Lucas is one of Mexico’s top spot. Located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, the longest peninsula in the world. Cabo San Lucas is actually a small city that’s becoming the leader in the resort scene in Mexico and is a popular port-of-call for cruise ships. Many people book Cabo San Lucas vacation packages.

Cabo is famous for its marlin sportfishing. If you are a sport fishing fan, you will find some of the best fishing in the world in the area around Cabo San Lucas. You may want to take part in some of the sporting events such as the annual Baja 1000 and several of the other competitions held in Cabo. This is probably the biggest attraction to this area.Most of this started in 1974 when the Mexican government began a concerted effort to turn Cabo San Lucas into the most attractive centers for tourism in Mexico. Here you will find many beautiful beaches to explore for your entertainment there are a multitude of recreational activities. You can pick from scuba diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, whale watching, fishing, surfing and more.

Cabo Mexico makes for a great vacation destination with gorgeous white sand beaches and a host of great restaurants and activities. In addition, Cabo is known as the marlin capital of the world. At Cabo San Lucas, the beauty of its beaches, the sport fishing, have all helped to motivated a large number of both foreign and Mexican vacationers to spend their free time here.The sun, the nightlife, a vacation filled with adventure for everyone. Are you interested in taking your vacation here in Cabo? You can find Cabo San Lucas vacation packages to suit every vacation. Here’s some advice on choosing the package that is right for you.

The next step in choosing among Cabo San Lucas vacation packages is to determine which activities you would like to do. Would you like to get adventurous or do just sit on the beach and relax? Here are vacation packages that can accommodate many interests. You can also find packages that will give you an overview of the area, and these will include chances to relax and opportunities to get some adventure.

Exclusive hotels and gated residential communities attract a wide clientele of rich and famous from all over the world but many visitors are from southern California. From luxurious five-star hotels to affordable inns and motels, you are certain to find accommodations that would suit your taste and budget here at Cabo.

Every year thousands of people are drawn to Cabo San Lucas and the Baja Peninsula to experience its natural beauty and enjoy this destination that has all the things that go into making a wonderful vacation: sun, surf, outdoor adventures, and exciting nightlife and you’ll find world class golf courses that are right along the coast line. beaches here are protected by beautiful Land’s End, and the activities are endless: jet-skis, banana boats, parasailing, snorkeling, kite sailing, diving and horseback riding can all be done just by walking down to the beach. On land, by sea or in the air, tours and activities give you the chance to experience Cabo.

There are three ways you can research a Cabo San Lucas Vacation package. Plan the package yourself by determining your itinerary and choosing the places you’d like to stay. You can also purchase a vacation package online from a online travel company. No matter which option you choose, one thing is certain, When you finally go on your Cabo San Lucas vacation, you can be assured you’ve chosen somewhere great to stay.

Perth, the ‘Fair City’ in Scotland a former royal burgh can be discovered at the head of the Tay estuary. During the twelfth and fifteenth centuries Perth competed with Dunfermline for the title of being the capital of the country. In the article below I write about 3 places to visit in Perth, Scotland; Elcho Castle, Huntingtower Castle and Scone Palace:

Scone Palace

At this time, home of the Earls of Mansfield is Scone Palace, and a incredibly popular attraction to travelers from across the world. The palace is an integral part of the history of Scotland, as the Scottish kings were once crowned there. In 1306, Robert the Bruce was crowned at Scone Palace, as was Charles II when he took occupancy of the Scottish Crown in 1651. There is a beautiful and mysterious aura to the palace, which is justifiably so.At one time in the past the area acted as an important gathering place of the Picts and there was also a church on the site said to be early christian.

Elcho Castle

situated approximately three miles from the city of Perth, with stunning views across the River Tay, is Elcho Castle. Elcho Castle is one of the prime examples of Sixteenth century architecture in Scotland today. The Wemyss family commissioned the building of the castle in the 1570’s. The land had been in the family since 1468, when it was handed over to them by King James III. In 1633, the head of the family was given the titles of Lord Elcho and Earl of Wemyss. Elcho Castle and it’s lands remained in possession of the Wemyss family until 1929. At this time, the 11th Earl of Wemyss, bestowed the castle to the nation. The castle has recently been renovated and is now in the charge of Historic Scotland.

Huntingtower Castle

Found just to the west of Perth is Huntingtower Castle, a medieval pile. Although the castle is originaly medieval, it has been redeveloped significantly throughout most of it’s history. The Ruthven family were the owners of the castle and lands from the C12th to the C17th. During this time the castle consisted of two separate towers, built 3 meters apart. When the Murray family took occupancy, later on in the 17th century, they decided to merge the two towers, making the house appear more like a ordinary country manor house. The bridging work between the two towers is still rather noticeable today, on both the interior and exterior of the building.

If you are thinking about a short break in Perth you will discover a large selection of online Perth hotels and guest houses and you will find a huge range at http://www.perthhotelscotland.com/