A Day Out in London for Less Than £15

You may be wondering that how can a city like London that usually digs a hole in your pocket, offer a day travel and excursion in less than £15. As a frugal traveller, you have a huge choice to make in minimum budget. While you have already booked a stay at one of the budget hotels in London through www.londonhotels4u.com, here is a guide to spend a day in less than £15.

Eating Out 

The first thing you cannot do without while spending a day out is food. It is obvious, that you would never like to blow your major budget in eating out. So, you may hunt for some cheaper deals.

Cha Cha Moon is one of the best budget family restaurants. They serve dishes from Singapore, Taiwan and Penang. You will get these dishes starting from merely £3.50. You will be amazed to know that the most expensive dish here will cost you £5.50 and you should not be doubtful for the portions either.

Wagamma offers another cheap eats option and you will get free green tea along with the meal. The Real Greek serves delectable souvlaki, salads, cold mezedes and sides starting at £5.50.

Sightseeing 

Walks: Walking around and exploring London is one of the best ways for sightseeing and saving in the capital city. Some hidden gems await you at the backstreets. Walk through the popular Leicester Square via Chinatown lying on the way. If you continue to south, you can explore National Gallery and Trafalgar Square. Walk along the Strand that will lead you to River Thames. AS you cross the river through Hungerford Bridge footbridge, you will see yourself on the South Bank. This is where you can see London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. And all this is absolutely free.

By Bus: Although there is no dearth of open-topped buses for sightseeing, however, they charge £20 for what you can see in merely £2 by boarding number 11. The route starts from Liverpool Street and ends at Fulham Broadway in south west of London. As you decide to take a seat on the top deck of the bus, you will pass through attractions like St. Pauls Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and King’s Road along with lot more.

Exploring Attractions 

Parks and Gardens: London is home to some of the most beautiful parks. All its 8 Royal Parks are renowned all over the globe not only for their beauty but also for the fact that they are absolutely free to enter. Sunbathing at Regent’s Park deer spotting at Richmond Park or seeking out regal attractions in Kensington Gardens are some free delights.

Markets: Although shopping is never a budget friendly affair, however, the markets in London offer atmosphere that is so good that you will not feel the need to buy anything. Visit Camden Market, Greenwich Market and Portobello Market on Saturdays and on Sunday, head to Spitalfields Market. It is fun to browse the stalls with vintage clothing, homemade antiques and more.

Changing of the Guards Ceremony: This is a formal ceremony, which takes place daily in London. The ceremony can be witness at Buckingham Palace free of cost. The process involves a new guard exchanging the duty with the old guard. Ceremony of the Keys: This is an ancient ceremony held each night at 21:30 for 700 years now. Although the tickets are free, but due to the popularity of the ceremony, it is necessary to follow application procedure . The ceremony includes locking up of Tower of London and handing over the keys for its safety.

Museums and Galleries: More than 300 museums and galleries in London are free to enter. You can spend hours to explore the collections displayed at The British Museum, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum which are just few famous names.

So, it is not hard to spend a budget day out in London with so much to do and see for free.

Author’s Bio: Erica is an associate editor with a reputed travel company. She writes on various London travel tips for London travellers and guides them for their vacation.

A Day Out in London for Less Than £15

Posted by Ash K 3 comments

You may be wondering that how can a city like London that usually digs a hole in your pocket, offer a day travel and excursion in less than £15. As a frugal traveller, you have a huge choice to make in minimum budget. While you have already booked a stay at one of the budget hotels in London through www.londonhotels4u.com, here is a guide to spend a day in less than £15.

Eating Out 

The first thing you cannot do without while spending a day out is food. It is obvious, that you would never like to blow your major budget in eating out. So, you may hunt for some cheaper deals.

Cha Cha Moon is one of the best budget family restaurants. They serve dishes from Singapore, Taiwan and Penang. You will get these dishes starting from merely £3.50. You will be amazed to know that the most expensive dish here will cost you £5.50 and you should not be doubtful for the portions either.

Wagamma offers another cheap eats option and you will get free green tea along with the meal. The Real Greek serves delectable souvlaki, salads, cold mezedes and sides starting at £5.50.

Sightseeing 

Walks: Walking around and exploring London is one of the best ways for sightseeing and saving in the capital city. Some hidden gems await you at the backstreets. Walk through the popular Leicester Square via Chinatown lying on the way. If you continue to south, you can explore National Gallery and Trafalgar Square. Walk along the Strand that will lead you to River Thames. AS you cross the river through Hungerford Bridge footbridge, you will see yourself on the South Bank. This is where you can see London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. And all this is absolutely free.

By Bus: Although there is no dearth of open-topped buses for sightseeing, however, they charge £20 for what you can see in merely £2 by boarding number 11. The route starts from Liverpool Street and ends at Fulham Broadway in south west of London. As you decide to take a seat on the top deck of the bus, you will pass through attractions like St. Pauls Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and King’s Road along with lot more.

Exploring Attractions 

Parks and Gardens: London is home to some of the most beautiful parks. All its 8 Royal Parks are renowned all over the globe not only for their beauty but also for the fact that they are absolutely free to enter. Sunbathing at Regent’s Park deer spotting at Richmond Park or seeking out regal attractions in Kensington Gardens are some free delights.

Markets: Although shopping is never a budget friendly affair, however, the markets in London offer atmosphere that is so good that you will not feel the need to buy anything. Visit Camden Market, Greenwich Market and Portobello Market on Saturdays and on Sunday, head to Spitalfields Market. It is fun to browse the stalls with vintage clothing, homemade antiques and more.

Changing of the Guards Ceremony: This is a formal ceremony, which takes place daily in London. The ceremony can be witness at Buckingham Palace free of cost. The process involves a new guard exchanging the duty with the old guard. Ceremony of the Keys: This is an ancient ceremony held each night at 21:30 for 700 years now. Although the tickets are free, but due to the popularity of the ceremony, it is necessary to follow application procedure . The ceremony includes locking up of Tower of London and handing over the keys for its safety.

Museums and Galleries: More than 300 museums and galleries in London are free to enter. You can spend hours to explore the collections displayed at The British Museum, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum which are just few famous names.

So, it is not hard to spend a budget day out in London with so much to do and see for free.

Author’s Bio: Erica is an associate editor with a reputed travel company. She writes on various London travel tips for London travellers and guides them for their vacation.

Don’t Let Your Vacation Ruin Your Fitness Regimen or Your Diet

You’ve been working non-stop for what seems like ages, and now the long-awaited day of your vacation has arrived. It’s time to kick back and relax—and throw your diet by the wayside, right? No. Stop that.

Don’t let your vacation ruin your fitness regimen or your diet. You’ve been keeping up with your responsible diet and your fitness regimen, but now that you’re packing, you’re starting to worry that you’re going to dive right back into your old unhealthy habits, meaning no exercise and greasy foods at every meal.

The Secret to Keeping Your Vacation on Your Side

The secret to keeping your vacation on your side is to plan ahead, find out where at least a few of the things you absolutely want to do or to see are. That doesn’t, however, mean you have to sacrifice spontaneity. I know that one of the best parts of taking a vacation is exploring the area in your free time. The key is to make sure that you have some free time and that you’re not stressed out.

Ways to Maintain Your Fitness Regimen and Your Diet

1. Stay somewhere low-key. I hate the hustle & bustle of staying a fancy hotel. So, before I travel anywhere, I check out the area to look for some quieter spots (I love travel blogs for this very reason). When my wife and I took a trip out to Florida, we found the perfect bed and breakfast in Key West. Compared to the rest of the Key, the bed and breakfast was the perfect relaxing home base for our vacation. We met a few like-minded travelers poolside, and that helped us stay out of the room all day.

2. Start with healthy foods. I may stumble on a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that offers red-sauce-slathered enchiladas and decide I absolutely must eat there, and I absolutely must get two plates of enchiladas, but I always begin the day with something sensible. Our bed and breakfast offered a continental breakfast—and that’s pretty much standard wherever you go—so I stuck with healthy options like fresh fruits, tomato juice, eggs, and low-fat yogurt with a bit of granola to add to the texture. For longer trips—when you’d get bored of that—switch in some whole-grain cereals, lean ham, or oatmeal. Avoid the empty calories of pancakes and waffles, and the fats-and-sugars-heavy muffins, and stick to healthy foods instead, so that as you go throughout your trip, you can keep yourself from blowing your diet at every meal.

3. Be flexible. I say this with both your food and fitness in mind. When it comes to food, don’t be afraid to splurge on a heavier food for dinner. And don’t be afraid to request a lower fat option: if you’re getting a three-egg omelet, get egg whites-only on two of those. You’ll keep the taste and lower the fat. With your fitness regimen, it’s incredibly easy to give it up entirely since you’re nowhere near your gym, but if you’re flexible, you can get the exercise elsewhere. Walk around to get to know the area. That’s how you really find the best spots anyway. Or, rent a bike and get some serious exercise in the afternoon. If you like to take pictures, hike up into the foothills and get a bird’s eye view. Don’t worry that you’re not lifting weights in the gym (unless you’re a professional bodybuilder, in which case you’ve surely made alternative arrangements): you can a serious workout by going wakeboarding, kayaking, or just swimming in the hotel pool. Or, in the privacy of your own room, churn out a few sets of pushups, squats, lunges, and burpees—none of which requires anything but your body.

4. Snack, and snack healthy. I gorge myself at night if I haven’t eaten well during the day, especially if I’ve been traipsing around my vacation destination in the hot sun all day. Bring some home-made trail mix or granola (the store-bought stuff has too much sugar) to keep yourself energized and out there exploring until you’re ready to come back to home base for lunch. Or, in a pinch, grab a protein bar (like Clif’s).

5. Stay hydrated. If you stay hydrated, you won’t feel like you have to eat, and when you do eat, you’ll be less likely to binge.

6. Use the mini-fridge, not the mini-bar. Don’t load up on candy bars, candied nuts, and booze (a cocktail or glass of wine is fine with dinner, but at 2 pm while you’re watching reruns of The World’s Strongest Man competition, it goes without saying you don’t need that). The mini-fridge, on the other hand, is a wonderful resource. After a long day riding my bike, or running on trails, it’s great to come back to the room, shower, and break out the fixings for a fine sandwich (a Reuben on pumpernickel with low-fat Swiss cheese is more or less perfection, just so you know).

Be Prepared

The Boy Scouts have it right when they talk about the importance of being prepared, and every single thing I’ve talked about here is really about preparation (bringing snacks for while you’re out so you don’t jump into the first fast-food joint you see, starting the day with high-protein, nutritious foods so you can feel okay letting go with a heavier meal later on). If you plan ahead, you can keep your diet and fitness routines intact and satisfy your cravings for something different.

Drew Kobb, in addition to studying civil law, loves long distance running and considers himself a health and fitness enthusiast. His interests range all over the medical field, and Drew highlights that range on his blog, Dr. Ouch.

Don’t Let Your Vacation Ruin Your Fitness Regimen or Your Diet

Posted by Ash K 3 comments

You’ve been working non-stop for what seems like ages, and now the long-awaited day of your vacation has arrived. It’s time to kick back and relax—and throw your diet by the wayside, right? No. Stop that.

Don’t let your vacation ruin your fitness regimen or your diet. You’ve been keeping up with your responsible diet and your fitness regimen, but now that you’re packing, you’re starting to worry that you’re going to dive right back into your old unhealthy habits, meaning no exercise and greasy foods at every meal.

The Secret to Keeping Your Vacation on Your Side

The secret to keeping your vacation on your side is to plan ahead, find out where at least a few of the things you absolutely want to do or to see are. That doesn’t, however, mean you have to sacrifice spontaneity. I know that one of the best parts of taking a vacation is exploring the area in your free time. The key is to make sure that you have some free time and that you’re not stressed out.

Ways to Maintain Your Fitness Regimen and Your Diet

1. Stay somewhere low-key. I hate the hustle & bustle of staying a fancy hotel. So, before I travel anywhere, I check out the area to look for some quieter spots (I love travel blogs for this very reason). When my wife and I took a trip out to Florida, we found the perfect bed and breakfast in Key West. Compared to the rest of the Key, the bed and breakfast was the perfect relaxing home base for our vacation. We met a few like-minded travelers poolside, and that helped us stay out of the room all day.

2. Start with healthy foods. I may stumble on a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that offers red-sauce-slathered enchiladas and decide I absolutely must eat there, and I absolutely must get two plates of enchiladas, but I always begin the day with something sensible. Our bed and breakfast offered a continental breakfast—and that’s pretty much standard wherever you go—so I stuck with healthy options like fresh fruits, tomato juice, eggs, and low-fat yogurt with a bit of granola to add to the texture. For longer trips—when you’d get bored of that—switch in some whole-grain cereals, lean ham, or oatmeal. Avoid the empty calories of pancakes and waffles, and the fats-and-sugars-heavy muffins, and stick to healthy foods instead, so that as you go throughout your trip, you can keep yourself from blowing your diet at every meal.

3. Be flexible. I say this with both your food and fitness in mind. When it comes to food, don’t be afraid to splurge on a heavier food for dinner. And don’t be afraid to request a lower fat option: if you’re getting a three-egg omelet, get egg whites-only on two of those. You’ll keep the taste and lower the fat. With your fitness regimen, it’s incredibly easy to give it up entirely since you’re nowhere near your gym, but if you’re flexible, you can get the exercise elsewhere. Walk around to get to know the area. That’s how you really find the best spots anyway. Or, rent a bike and get some serious exercise in the afternoon. If you like to take pictures, hike up into the foothills and get a bird’s eye view. Don’t worry that you’re not lifting weights in the gym (unless you’re a professional bodybuilder, in which case you’ve surely made alternative arrangements): you can a serious workout by going wakeboarding, kayaking, or just swimming in the hotel pool. Or, in the privacy of your own room, churn out a few sets of pushups, squats, lunges, and burpees—none of which requires anything but your body.

4. Snack, and snack healthy. I gorge myself at night if I haven’t eaten well during the day, especially if I’ve been traipsing around my vacation destination in the hot sun all day. Bring some home-made trail mix or granola (the store-bought stuff has too much sugar) to keep yourself energized and out there exploring until you’re ready to come back to home base for lunch. Or, in a pinch, grab a protein bar (like Clif’s).

5. Stay hydrated. If you stay hydrated, you won’t feel like you have to eat, and when you do eat, you’ll be less likely to binge.

6. Use the mini-fridge, not the mini-bar. Don’t load up on candy bars, candied nuts, and booze (a cocktail or glass of wine is fine with dinner, but at 2 pm while you’re watching reruns of The World’s Strongest Man competition, it goes without saying you don’t need that). The mini-fridge, on the other hand, is a wonderful resource. After a long day riding my bike, or running on trails, it’s great to come back to the room, shower, and break out the fixings for a fine sandwich (a Reuben on pumpernickel with low-fat Swiss cheese is more or less perfection, just so you know).

Be Prepared

The Boy Scouts have it right when they talk about the importance of being prepared, and every single thing I’ve talked about here is really about preparation (bringing snacks for while you’re out so you don’t jump into the first fast-food joint you see, starting the day with high-protein, nutritious foods so you can feel okay letting go with a heavier meal later on). If you plan ahead, you can keep your diet and fitness routines intact and satisfy your cravings for something different.

Drew Kobb, in addition to studying civil law, loves long distance running and considers himself a health and fitness enthusiast. His interests range all over the medical field, and Drew highlights that range on his blog, Dr. Ouch.

Christmas Night Out Ideas

From a girl’s night out to a West End show, a work party on a Thames cruise, or a chocolate trail with your partner, make this year’s Christmas night out a little bit different.

With an endless carousel of Christmas parties, it sometimes seems that the whole of December is taken up with drinking mulled wine and eating buffet food. Yet there are so many fabulous activities available to do at Christmas. It may be time to break with tradition, and take your office party to the next level. Have you thought about getting your colleagues to go along to a West End show together? Instead of spending another December weekend watching DVDs and eating mince pies in your slippers, is this the year you bundle your family onto the train and have an adventure together?

I was recently treated to a very special weekend in London by my partner. We won’t be seeing each other at Christmas as he is visiting his family abroad, so this was his way of celebrating Christmas with me. We had an amazing weekend, full of little adventures which he had planned for us. Everything we did felt so special and festive, they seemed like great ideas for people stuck for Christmas night out ideas.

On the Friday, he took me on a trip to a West End show. He chose Scrooge the musical, to get us in the Christmas spirit with one of my favourite classic stories. What an extravaganza! Tommy Steele was fantastic and so believable in his role as Scrooge, and little Tiny Tim had me in tears. I laughed and cried as the actors swept me through this timeless story, and hearing "Thank You Very Much" live was such a joy! My partner told me he nearly booked The Snowman, which is actually my favourite Christmas musical, and I would have loved to have seen it, but I will have to wait until next year.

The next day, he had decided we would try an experience day. He told me he had struggled to choose between a makeover photo shoot, a Champagne afternoon tea in a swish hotel or the Chocolate Walking Tour he finally settled on. Well, he knows me well! I am a complete chocoholic! On the tour we got to sample delicious pralines, sea-salted caramels, and the most exquisite Belgian truffles. Our guide took us around Chelsea’s finest boutique chocolatiers where we met the chocolate makers and learnt about the origins of chocolate making. We were taught how to 'taste' chocolate, and assess the 'snap' and appearance. If I wasn’t a chocolate snob before, I certainly am now!

That evening, my partner had booked another experience for us, a 2-hour trip down the Thames leaving from Westminster Pier. We had bubbly and canapés while a jazz band serenaded us. I have never seen London from the water: it was such a unique view and stunning view, I fell in love with London, and my partner, all the more! The staff were so good to us, it was simply the most romantic experience I’ve ever had. I also think it would make a great alternative Christmas works night out. I have already had the perfect Christmas. My partner’s choices were fantastic, but with so many West End shows, pre-theatre meals, experience days from spa retreats to indoor skydiving, there really is something for everyone looking for something a bit different.

Christmas Night Out Ideas

Posted by Ash K 1 comment

From a girl’s night out to a West End show, a work party on a Thames cruise, or a chocolate trail with your partner, make this year’s Christmas night out a little bit different.

With an endless carousel of Christmas parties, it sometimes seems that the whole of December is taken up with drinking mulled wine and eating buffet food. Yet there are so many fabulous activities available to do at Christmas. It may be time to break with tradition, and take your office party to the next level. Have you thought about getting your colleagues to go along to a West End show together? Instead of spending another December weekend watching DVDs and eating mince pies in your slippers, is this the year you bundle your family onto the train and have an adventure together?

I was recently treated to a very special weekend in London by my partner. We won’t be seeing each other at Christmas as he is visiting his family abroad, so this was his way of celebrating Christmas with me. We had an amazing weekend, full of little adventures which he had planned for us. Everything we did felt so special and festive, they seemed like great ideas for people stuck for Christmas night out ideas.

On the Friday, he took me on a trip to a West End show. He chose Scrooge the musical, to get us in the Christmas spirit with one of my favourite classic stories. What an extravaganza! Tommy Steele was fantastic and so believable in his role as Scrooge, and little Tiny Tim had me in tears. I laughed and cried as the actors swept me through this timeless story, and hearing "Thank You Very Much" live was such a joy! My partner told me he nearly booked The Snowman, which is actually my favourite Christmas musical, and I would have loved to have seen it, but I will have to wait until next year.

The next day, he had decided we would try an experience day. He told me he had struggled to choose between a makeover photo shoot, a Champagne afternoon tea in a swish hotel or the Chocolate Walking Tour he finally settled on. Well, he knows me well! I am a complete chocoholic! On the tour we got to sample delicious pralines, sea-salted caramels, and the most exquisite Belgian truffles. Our guide took us around Chelsea’s finest boutique chocolatiers where we met the chocolate makers and learnt about the origins of chocolate making. We were taught how to 'taste' chocolate, and assess the 'snap' and appearance. If I wasn’t a chocolate snob before, I certainly am now!

That evening, my partner had booked another experience for us, a 2-hour trip down the Thames leaving from Westminster Pier. We had bubbly and canapés while a jazz band serenaded us. I have never seen London from the water: it was such a unique view and stunning view, I fell in love with London, and my partner, all the more! The staff were so good to us, it was simply the most romantic experience I’ve ever had. I also think it would make a great alternative Christmas works night out. I have already had the perfect Christmas. My partner’s choices were fantastic, but with so many West End shows, pre-theatre meals, experience days from spa retreats to indoor skydiving, there really is something for everyone looking for something a bit different.

Top 5 Dog Friendly London Pubs

There are some pubs in London that truly appreciate man’s best friend.

The law on dogs in pubs and restaurants is very clear. Although dogs are not allowed where food is being prepared, in other areas it is at the proprietor’s discretion. If you can’t bear to leave your dog at home, then there are a number of pubs in Britain’s capital that are known for being canine friendly. Wherever you are in the city, you are never too far from a pub that will welcome your dog with open arms.

In the heart of Notting Hill lies the ‘Prince Bonaparte’, a pub that is known throughout the London dog community as a friendly place to go. The pub is popular in its own right, although it is a small, quaint place, and can therefore be busy at peak times. There is a pub section and a restaurant section, and the friendly bar staff will be more than happy to pour you a pint, and give you a bowl of water for your four-legged friend.

If you are based in North London, then the pubs of Angel, or Islington in general are likely to be tempting. Islington is home to some of the finest Georgian architecture in the city, and the pubs are no exception. ‘The Albion’ just off Upper Street is one of the most picturesque in the city, and is also one of the most dog friendly. During the summer months, the Albion’s beer garden is often full of people (and dogs) enjoying the sunshine, although it is equally tempting in the winter, with its roaring log fire and cosy interior.

One of London’s quirkiest pubs is located in the South East. ‘Simon the Tanner’ is a free house (i.e. an independent pub) just off Bermondsey Street. The pub is known for its excellent varieties on traditional lager, ale and porter, and is also extremely friendly. If you are looking for somewhere a little more ‘alternative’ but still dog-friendly, then this truly is one of the city’s hidden gems.

If these pubs have whet your appetite for London, then why not do some research online, and make a break of it with a deal on a London hotel. London is easily accessible from anywhere in the UK, and there are plenty of great offers on extended weekend breaks. Besides, if you have a dog, now that you know he or she can join in the fun, you’ve got no excuse!

Top 5 Dog Friendly London Pubs

Posted by Ash K 2 comments

There are some pubs in London that truly appreciate man’s best friend.

The law on dogs in pubs and restaurants is very clear. Although dogs are not allowed where food is being prepared, in other areas it is at the proprietor’s discretion. If you can’t bear to leave your dog at home, then there are a number of pubs in Britain’s capital that are known for being canine friendly. Wherever you are in the city, you are never too far from a pub that will welcome your dog with open arms.

In the heart of Notting Hill lies the ‘Prince Bonaparte’, a pub that is known throughout the London dog community as a friendly place to go. The pub is popular in its own right, although it is a small, quaint place, and can therefore be busy at peak times. There is a pub section and a restaurant section, and the friendly bar staff will be more than happy to pour you a pint, and give you a bowl of water for your four-legged friend.

If you are based in North London, then the pubs of Angel, or Islington in general are likely to be tempting. Islington is home to some of the finest Georgian architecture in the city, and the pubs are no exception. ‘The Albion’ just off Upper Street is one of the most picturesque in the city, and is also one of the most dog friendly. During the summer months, the Albion’s beer garden is often full of people (and dogs) enjoying the sunshine, although it is equally tempting in the winter, with its roaring log fire and cosy interior.

One of London’s quirkiest pubs is located in the South East. ‘Simon the Tanner’ is a free house (i.e. an independent pub) just off Bermondsey Street. The pub is known for its excellent varieties on traditional lager, ale and porter, and is also extremely friendly. If you are looking for somewhere a little more ‘alternative’ but still dog-friendly, then this truly is one of the city’s hidden gems.

If these pubs have whet your appetite for London, then why not do some research online, and make a break of it with a deal on a London hotel. London is easily accessible from anywhere in the UK, and there are plenty of great offers on extended weekend breaks. Besides, if you have a dog, now that you know he or she can join in the fun, you’ve got no excuse!

Five ideas for adventure holidays for your celebration

The next time you plan any kind of celebration, consider doing something adventurous instead of just having another party. Ideas are to go on safari or to take part in some exciting activities, perhaps in another country. Here are five ideas to consider for your next celebration.

Cycling holidays are a good choice if you have a sense of adventure. One of the advantages of this kind of activity is that you can determine the pace at which you travel, so it is suitable for people who are not extremely fit. Even if you travel in a group, you will usually be rated and divided into a slower group or at least compensated for. There are many tour operators in the UK doing this kind of tour, through beautiful areas like Wales and Cornwall. Backup teams travel along with the groups in case there are any repairs to be done. Accommodation is organised in extremely comfortable establishments and the scenery and fresh air are what make it all worth your while.

Going on safari
Another idea is to take part in one of the many safari holidays on offer. Travelling in South Africa in an SUV or other four-wheel drive vehicle gives you an exciting opportunity to spot wildlife such as the Big Five of Africa. These are the lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and Cape buffalo. Along the way, have a look at giraffe, springbuck and other gazelle. The campsites are often luxurious and extremely comfortable. Even the basic ones offer barbeques or "braais" under the stars and the sounds of wild animals in the night. Asian safaris will have you travelling through beautiful green countryside and observing an astounding array of bird and animal species.

Diving adventures
For those people who are water enthusiasts, scuba diving or snorkelling breaks are ideal. Apart from places like Mauritius, the Caribbean and the Maldives, Australia and South Africa both offer stunning opportunities for scuba diving. Snorkelling off the Great Barrier Reef gives you a stunning view of a hugely diverse set of sea creatures. Shark cage diving off the east coast of South Africa is a thrilling experience few others can match. If you time your cage diving towards the end of winter, you might even be lucky enough to spot some whales moving into shallow waters for the calving season near Hermanus, about 120 kilometres from Cape Town.

Take a hike
If you do not mind roughing it and are reasonably fit, you could go hiking, sleeping under the stars or on a deserted beach. You will get to know the people of the area and have a chance to savour the local cuisine. Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium and Germany are geared towards hikers. The formerly communist bloc countries in Eastern Europe, such as Rumania and Croatia, are also excellent choices. Australia is a very diverse country that offers plenty of opportunities for hikers to explore.

For a different kind of exciting holiday you could do a volunteer stint, building huts and toilets in remote African locations or volunteering on an organic farm in Portugal. You could travel to India to teach children English in remote rural schools or help to build an oven from clay in a tiny South American village. Apart from the priceless experiences you will have, you will also know that you are helping the poorest of the poor to improve their lives.
Adventure has never been so attainable. Every country in the world has its own excitement on offer. All you need is imagination and a sense of adventure to turn a celebration into a trip of a lifetime.

AUTHOR BIO:
Gilbert Roberts writes regularly on adventure travel for a range of travel websites and blogs. He has been on a variety of adventure holidays and is a keen cyclist, canoeist and hiker. His favourite trips are safari holidays to Africa and Asia.

Five ideas for adventure holidays for your celebration

Posted by Ash K 1 comment

The next time you plan any kind of celebration, consider doing something adventurous instead of just having another party. Ideas are to go on safari or to take part in some exciting activities, perhaps in another country. Here are five ideas to consider for your next celebration.

Cycling holidays are a good choice if you have a sense of adventure. One of the advantages of this kind of activity is that you can determine the pace at which you travel, so it is suitable for people who are not extremely fit. Even if you travel in a group, you will usually be rated and divided into a slower group or at least compensated for. There are many tour operators in the UK doing this kind of tour, through beautiful areas like Wales and Cornwall. Backup teams travel along with the groups in case there are any repairs to be done. Accommodation is organised in extremely comfortable establishments and the scenery and fresh air are what make it all worth your while.

Going on safari
Another idea is to take part in one of the many safari holidays on offer. Travelling in South Africa in an SUV or other four-wheel drive vehicle gives you an exciting opportunity to spot wildlife such as the Big Five of Africa. These are the lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and Cape buffalo. Along the way, have a look at giraffe, springbuck and other gazelle. The campsites are often luxurious and extremely comfortable. Even the basic ones offer barbeques or "braais" under the stars and the sounds of wild animals in the night. Asian safaris will have you travelling through beautiful green countryside and observing an astounding array of bird and animal species.

Diving adventures
For those people who are water enthusiasts, scuba diving or snorkelling breaks are ideal. Apart from places like Mauritius, the Caribbean and the Maldives, Australia and South Africa both offer stunning opportunities for scuba diving. Snorkelling off the Great Barrier Reef gives you a stunning view of a hugely diverse set of sea creatures. Shark cage diving off the east coast of South Africa is a thrilling experience few others can match. If you time your cage diving towards the end of winter, you might even be lucky enough to spot some whales moving into shallow waters for the calving season near Hermanus, about 120 kilometres from Cape Town.

Take a hike
If you do not mind roughing it and are reasonably fit, you could go hiking, sleeping under the stars or on a deserted beach. You will get to know the people of the area and have a chance to savour the local cuisine. Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium and Germany are geared towards hikers. The formerly communist bloc countries in Eastern Europe, such as Rumania and Croatia, are also excellent choices. Australia is a very diverse country that offers plenty of opportunities for hikers to explore.

For a different kind of exciting holiday you could do a volunteer stint, building huts and toilets in remote African locations or volunteering on an organic farm in Portugal. You could travel to India to teach children English in remote rural schools or help to build an oven from clay in a tiny South American village. Apart from the priceless experiences you will have, you will also know that you are helping the poorest of the poor to improve their lives.
Adventure has never been so attainable. Every country in the world has its own excitement on offer. All you need is imagination and a sense of adventure to turn a celebration into a trip of a lifetime.

AUTHOR BIO:
Gilbert Roberts writes regularly on adventure travel for a range of travel websites and blogs. He has been on a variety of adventure holidays and is a keen cyclist, canoeist and hiker. His favourite trips are safari holidays to Africa and Asia.

ITunes Festival in London

This September sees the iTunes Festival return to London for 30 nights of free live music, and there’s no better time to see the capital itself.

The iTunes Festival is something of an oddity in the festival calendar. But with 60 acts playing free gigs across 30 nights it’s more than a welcome one. Forget the high prices and muddy fields that are on offer elsewhere, this September London is the only place to be,offering plenty to make your stay for a celebration of all things musical.

The action begins at the start of September when Usher takes to the stage at The Roundhouse in Camden, with a diverse range of artists following him as the festival progresses. Ed Sheeran, deadmau5, David Guetta and Andrea Bocelli are among the acts confirmed so far with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

As for scooping up those tickets, unfortunately it isn’t just a case of turning up at the door. Apple, the event’s sponsors, are giving them away online through a series of competitions whilst also airing the shows on iTunes and Apple TV.

However for those fortunate enough to win, it’s the perfect opportunity to check out the best that London has to offer. Search online for the best London hotel deals and your stay needn’t be that expensive, leaving you with plenty of leftover cash to really treat yourself to a city break.

In keeping with the musical theme, you could head along to the British Music Experience, one of the city’s most anticipated new attractions. For decades the UK has produced some of the world’s most popular musicians – many of them who will be performing at the iTunes festival itself – and this new attraction charts the development of the British music industry from the early days of The Beatles right up to the present era.

After that, why not head over to Abbey Road to recreate that classic Beatles album cover? Yes, it’s silly, but everybody does it so there’s no need to feel embarrassed. Right next door is Abbey Road Studios, a must-see Mecca for any fan of British music.

Then there’s that other great London music scene, centred in the West End theatre heartland. The city is famous around the world for the quality of its shows, and when it comes to big budget productions there are plenty to choose from.

Fans of classic artists may want to hunt around for cheap theatre tickets to We Will Rock You, based on the music of Queen, or for Mamma Mia! which uses the music of Abba. Alternatively, why not celebrate the life of the King of Pop himself, Mr Michael Jackson, by going to see Thriller – Live?

 Other hot shows on the West End this year include a host of favourites, from The Lion King and Shrek to Les Misérables and Stomp. So don’t be shy, be sure to enter the iTunes Festival prize draw and see if London strikes the right note with you.

ITunes Festival in London

Posted by Ash K No comments

This September sees the iTunes Festival return to London for 30 nights of free live music, and there’s no better time to see the capital itself.

The iTunes Festival is something of an oddity in the festival calendar. But with 60 acts playing free gigs across 30 nights it’s more than a welcome one. Forget the high prices and muddy fields that are on offer elsewhere, this September London is the only place to be,offering plenty to make your stay for a celebration of all things musical.

The action begins at the start of September when Usher takes to the stage at The Roundhouse in Camden, with a diverse range of artists following him as the festival progresses. Ed Sheeran, deadmau5, David Guetta and Andrea Bocelli are among the acts confirmed so far with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

As for scooping up those tickets, unfortunately it isn’t just a case of turning up at the door. Apple, the event’s sponsors, are giving them away online through a series of competitions whilst also airing the shows on iTunes and Apple TV.

However for those fortunate enough to win, it’s the perfect opportunity to check out the best that London has to offer. Search online for the best London hotel deals and your stay needn’t be that expensive, leaving you with plenty of leftover cash to really treat yourself to a city break.

In keeping with the musical theme, you could head along to the British Music Experience, one of the city’s most anticipated new attractions. For decades the UK has produced some of the world’s most popular musicians – many of them who will be performing at the iTunes festival itself – and this new attraction charts the development of the British music industry from the early days of The Beatles right up to the present era.

After that, why not head over to Abbey Road to recreate that classic Beatles album cover? Yes, it’s silly, but everybody does it so there’s no need to feel embarrassed. Right next door is Abbey Road Studios, a must-see Mecca for any fan of British music.

Then there’s that other great London music scene, centred in the West End theatre heartland. The city is famous around the world for the quality of its shows, and when it comes to big budget productions there are plenty to choose from.

Fans of classic artists may want to hunt around for cheap theatre tickets to We Will Rock You, based on the music of Queen, or for Mamma Mia! which uses the music of Abba. Alternatively, why not celebrate the life of the King of Pop himself, Mr Michael Jackson, by going to see Thriller – Live?

 Other hot shows on the West End this year include a host of favourites, from The Lion King and Shrek to Les Misérables and Stomp. So don’t be shy, be sure to enter the iTunes Festival prize draw and see if London strikes the right note with you.

Five Places You Must Visit On Your Peru Holidays

If you’re just at the stage of beginning to plan a holiday to Peru, you can be forgiven for wondering where to start. Sure, you’ll know that cheap flights to Lima are your best bet for arriving in the country, but where to go from there? Peru holidays offer something for everyone and your final choices will obviously be determined by your interests – do you want to track down wildlife, enjoy sophisticated cities, or get the most from Peru’s history and culture? However, whatever your tastes, there are five places that you simply have to see...

Spend some time in Lima

The Peruvian capital hasn’t had the best press in the past, and there’s no denying that with its traffic and urban sprawl it suffers from the same problems as large cities everywhere, but new public transport systems are improving the traffic, and its reputation is slowly improving along with the general upturn in Peruvian prosperity. By no means everyone in Lima can afford to sip a beer in one of the bars overlooking the Pacific cliffs, or to enjoy the new wave of sushi bars that have popped up everywhere, but the numbers are increasing, and eating out in Lima is certainly something you should enjoy on your Peru holidays as the buzz around food in Peru is reaching fever pitch.

Soak up the Culture in Cusco

Lima might be Peru’s modern capital but in the time of the Incas that honour went to Cusco, and you can still see Inca architecture all over the centre of this highland city, despite the best efforts of the conquistadores. Cusco is somewhere most people visit during their Peru holidays as it’s the base for Machu Picchu, but there’s far more to this intriguing city than the train station! With some of Peru’s best colonial architecture as well as the Inca remains, and as one of the strongest bastions of the indigenous Quechua culture, Cusco repays a few days of your holiday at the very least.

Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

No surprises on this one, but then it is just hands-down one of the most amazing treks in the world. Setting off from Cusco, this four-day trek takes you along the original Inca Trail to the famous lost city of Machu Picchu. Famous it might be, but this amazing site still blows you away, no matter how many photos you might have seen before your Peru holidays. If you want to try something a little different, then some of the alternative Inca trails to Machu Picchu, such as the Salkantay trek, are a little tougher but will get you away from the crowds along the main route and also don’t require one of the special government permits that you need for the main Inca Trail.

Climb a Canopy Tower in the Amazon

A trip to the jungle is another must for most people on their holidays in Peru, and with regular flights from both Lima and Cusco, the Tambopata Reserve in the south of Peru’s Amazon basin is becoming the ungle destination of choice within Peru. There are a variety of jungle lodges to choose from, but if you want a truly exceptional experience, pick one with a canopy walk or canopy tower so that you can get right up into the tree-tops and enjoy a birds-eye view of the Amazon rainforest.

Visit the Pre-Inca North of Peru

Most people restrict their Peru holidays to the south of the country, and this is where all the places above are located, but there is an increasing awareness of the archaeological and natural wonders in the north of Peru as well, and so more and more holiday-makers are heading north for at least part of their holidays in Peru. With historic sites such as Kuelap that rival Machu Picchu, and with jungle areas around Iquitos and Tarapoto which offer amazing wildlife-spotting opportunities, it’s another area that shouldn’t be missed!

Dan Clarke works for Real Peru Holidays – the UK specialists in tailormade holidays in Peru, from Inca Trail treks to Machu Picchu, to tree-top adventures in the Amazon jungle.

Five Places You Must Visit On Your Peru Holidays

Posted by Ash K No comments

If you’re just at the stage of beginning to plan a holiday to Peru, you can be forgiven for wondering where to start. Sure, you’ll know that cheap flights to Lima are your best bet for arriving in the country, but where to go from there? Peru holidays offer something for everyone and your final choices will obviously be determined by your interests – do you want to track down wildlife, enjoy sophisticated cities, or get the most from Peru’s history and culture? However, whatever your tastes, there are five places that you simply have to see...

Spend some time in Lima

The Peruvian capital hasn’t had the best press in the past, and there’s no denying that with its traffic and urban sprawl it suffers from the same problems as large cities everywhere, but new public transport systems are improving the traffic, and its reputation is slowly improving along with the general upturn in Peruvian prosperity. By no means everyone in Lima can afford to sip a beer in one of the bars overlooking the Pacific cliffs, or to enjoy the new wave of sushi bars that have popped up everywhere, but the numbers are increasing, and eating out in Lima is certainly something you should enjoy on your Peru holidays as the buzz around food in Peru is reaching fever pitch.

Soak up the Culture in Cusco

Lima might be Peru’s modern capital but in the time of the Incas that honour went to Cusco, and you can still see Inca architecture all over the centre of this highland city, despite the best efforts of the conquistadores. Cusco is somewhere most people visit during their Peru holidays as it’s the base for Machu Picchu, but there’s far more to this intriguing city than the train station! With some of Peru’s best colonial architecture as well as the Inca remains, and as one of the strongest bastions of the indigenous Quechua culture, Cusco repays a few days of your holiday at the very least.

Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

No surprises on this one, but then it is just hands-down one of the most amazing treks in the world. Setting off from Cusco, this four-day trek takes you along the original Inca Trail to the famous lost city of Machu Picchu. Famous it might be, but this amazing site still blows you away, no matter how many photos you might have seen before your Peru holidays. If you want to try something a little different, then some of the alternative Inca trails to Machu Picchu, such as the Salkantay trek, are a little tougher but will get you away from the crowds along the main route and also don’t require one of the special government permits that you need for the main Inca Trail.

Climb a Canopy Tower in the Amazon

A trip to the jungle is another must for most people on their holidays in Peru, and with regular flights from both Lima and Cusco, the Tambopata Reserve in the south of Peru’s Amazon basin is becoming the ungle destination of choice within Peru. There are a variety of jungle lodges to choose from, but if you want a truly exceptional experience, pick one with a canopy walk or canopy tower so that you can get right up into the tree-tops and enjoy a birds-eye view of the Amazon rainforest.

Visit the Pre-Inca North of Peru

Most people restrict their Peru holidays to the south of the country, and this is where all the places above are located, but there is an increasing awareness of the archaeological and natural wonders in the north of Peru as well, and so more and more holiday-makers are heading north for at least part of their holidays in Peru. With historic sites such as Kuelap that rival Machu Picchu, and with jungle areas around Iquitos and Tarapoto which offer amazing wildlife-spotting opportunities, it’s another area that shouldn’t be missed!

Dan Clarke works for Real Peru Holidays – the UK specialists in tailormade holidays in Peru, from Inca Trail treks to Machu Picchu, to tree-top adventures in the Amazon jungle.