Iceland Trip Planning

Located between Europe and North America, Iceland is a mountainous island in the North Atlantic. Although she can be a bit austere, Iceland is a country of exquisite splendor. Eruptions of lava, hot springs, geysers, spectacular fissures and awesome glaciers seem surreal at times, but they make this land utterly remarkable. Iceland was settled by the Nordic and Celtic people, in the 9th century AD. Indeed, a Norwegian Viking named Ing?lfur Arnarson, established the first settlement on what is today known as Iceland?s capital, Reykjavik.

Of all Iceland?s wonders, perhaps the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are the most famous. A surprisingly large number of people believe they can only be seen in winter, but that is not true. They are visible all year long. The Midnight Sun, which occurs in Scandinavia during early summer, is another popular favorite. During this phenomenon, you can see the sun at midnight, and if you want the opposite, catch the Polar Night, during the winter months.

At some point of their vacation, visitors usually find themselves in Reykjavik City. Iceland?s capital is thought to be one of the cleanest, greenest cities in the world. The nightlife in Reykjavik is vibrant, with an amazing variety of pubs, bars, cafes and dance halls. In fact, live music is fast becoming a trademark of this city. You can find a concert on almost every night of the week. There is also a variety of local craft shops and Scandinavian designer stores in Reykjavik, and the Kringlan shopping mall is a popular draw for locals and tourists alike.

Of course, if you come to Iceland, you simply must try a whale-watching tour. A natural habitat for whales, dolphins and seals, the ocean surrounding Reykjavik is ideal for catching a glimpse. Tours will generally pass by Puffin Island, too. Built in 1988, and considered to be Reykjavik?s landmark, the Perlan, or Pearl, is located under a large glass dome. This dome sits atop huge tanks, which are used to store the natural hot water for heating the city, and houses a rotating restaurant. The cuisine is divine, and the views spectacular.

Is Viking history your thing? If so, check out some of Reykjavik?s museums. Also make sure to visit the Sun Voyager, which is a massive steel sculpture of a Viking ship. Created by Jon Gunnar Arnason, it can be found on Mt, Esja, and is best viewed at sunrise or sunset. Another stop that is well worth making is the Restaurant Fjorugardurinn. Here you will experience a traditional Viking feast, amidst Viking d?cor. This unique eating establishment allows you to step back, and get a first-rate taste of Viking culture.

A very popular tourist attraction in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon. This outdoor, geothermal seawater pool is approximately 45-minutes, by car, from Reykjavik. The fluorescent blue pool, covered in steam, stays at about 104-degrees all year long.

This amazing country offers tourists a wide variety of unique experiences, and all of them delight and awe. Dramatic, striking, and eerily austere, a trip to Iceland is truly memorable.

August 13 2009 | Travel | No Comments »

Travel Tips For Hungary

The perfect part of the year to vacation in Hungary is in the fall or autumn. Autumn fills the streets and countryside with cool breezes from the Mediterranean and also offers less crowding in the streets and hotels. The winter can be extremely cold and frequent snow showers are common. Summer months are usually very humid and warm and the streets are much more crowded as are the hotels.

Hungary is situated in central eastern Europe and consists of flat land that offers only a few rolling hills and occasional small mountain.

The majority of Hungary is covered in either woodlands or wetlands and will boast an array of wildlife for the adventurous explorers. The national parks offer a way to get a peek at the countries wildlife in a safe environment. The tectonic fault line is where Hungary lays so the many hot springs will bring enjoyment to those wanting to rest their mind and their bodies. Several spas offer hot springs along with their other first class treatments.

Europe?s most impressive architecture is located in Hungary such as the Esztergom Basilica, the third largest church in Europe. The Pannonhalma Archabbey is located in Hungary and is known as the second largest abbey in the entire world. There are many unique and exquisite architecture designs found in Hungary including the popular baroque castle in Budapest.

Budapest is a very rich historical city that brings in many tourists. The city is located on the Danube river banks and the beauty is taken in by people from all over the world who visit here. One of the more popular landmarks is the Buda castle.

Hungary is richly inspired when it comes to the arts. You will find embroideries, paintings, carvings, and pottery pieces that would flatter anyones art collection. Folk dance is adored throughout the country and many famous musical composers originated in Hungary.

Hotels in Hungary offer reasonable prices for guests with beautiful rooms throughout the year. The summer months may be slightly higher and finding a room harder with so many tourists flooding the streets. Autumn and winter months have the better rates and offer less crowding during your stay.

Hungary cuisine offers soups, smoked meats and sausages. Most menus will include beef, veal, chicken and pork entrees and of course the famous goulash. Goulash is a Hungarian dish offered throughout the country but may be prepared differently in many places. Expect a glass of wine to be served with dinner since Hungary produces red and white wines in there many vineyards. Beer, fruit juices and coffee are also produced in Hungary.

The common currency in Hungary is the Forint but the EURO is accepted at most places throughout the country. If you are a member of the European union you will not be required to obtain a visa to visit or work in Hungary. U.S. citizens will be required to have a valid passport as well as a visa if their trip is going to be for longer than 90 days.

Clinking glasses together may have you seen as rude or impolite as it was a decree to remind locals of the treatment their 13 generals turned martyrs in the 19th century. The decree was to last 150 years, ending in 1999 but many still uphold it as tradition.

July 29 2009 | Travel | No Comments »

Travel Tips for Vacationing with Babies

We all love to take time to get away from the stresses of life to enjoy a vacation. Many people think that if they have a baby or very young children, they can no longer take a vacation. Traveling with babies can be made much easier by planning and implementing measures that will make your vacation fun and relaxing.

A Last Escape Before Baby Makes Three

Vacationing when pregnant, or the babymoon, is a great way to enjoy the remaining time of life as a couple. Many couples decide to book a getaway to celebrate, relax and enjoy their last diaper-free break for a while. The best time to travel while pregnant is during the second trimester, weeks 14 to 27. By then, morning sickness should have abated, energy levels should be higher and you should be feeling "blooming". After that, while Canadian airlines will accept you for travel right up to the final weeks of your pregnancy, there's a good chance that you'll be keener to rest more than travel. Plus, there's a greater chance of premature labor in the final weeks.

When to Go: You'll want heat, but not too much heat, lots of comfort, good food and relaxation. Stick to familiar vacation spots - you'll need to feel confident that the food and environs will suit you. This is no time for surprises. Florida and the Caribbean are favoured destinations for a babymoon, but there are plenty of beautiful spots in our own backyard - Vancouver Island, Toronto and Ontario's West Coast, Quebec City, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia...

What to Wear: Your loosest clothes and lots of layers. Make sure there's plenty of space in your clothing in case junior undergoes a growth spurt. If you're visiting a sun spot take a heavy-duty sunscreen - mom-to-be skin can be extra sensitive. Pack too your favorite snacks and over-the-counter medicine. Don't forget your medical notes - just in case.

Traveling With Babies

Traveling with a baby can help him or her experience new environments and encourages family bonding. The following tips will help you have a better travel experience with your baby.

Location: Make sure you choose an appropriate destination for a baby. Research destinations by using the internet and traveler reviews. Family-orientated travel guides are useful. Babies will not enjoy too much heat or cold.

Enlist Baby Travel Services: There are online baby supply companies who will deliver changing, feeding, and bathing supplies your baby will need while away from home, to any worldwide travel destination. You can shop for all the supplies your baby will need for traveling without leaving your home.

Travel Assistance Insurance: Obtaining travel insurance will ensure that your baby will receive proper medical care in case of an illness or injury. Coverage should include the ability for flights home if treatment is required in the US.

Family Friendly Vacation: There are baby and toddler friendly resorts and hotels that cater to families. Make sure that where you stay has appropriate baby supplies such as a crib and highchair.

Allow Baby to Adjust to New Environment: Maintain a routine with familiar food, toys, and blanket. The baby should not receive too much stimulation within the first couple of days. They should rest and get use to the new environment.

Vacationing with babies can be a fun experience for parents. It is important to remember that it is a vacation, so adults should take time each day to relax. With a little planning and preparation, you and your baby will have a great vacation.

July 21 2009 | vacation | No Comments »

Main Attractions of New York City

For many people, New York is like the most important or fun place to be. Because of its metropolitan nature, New York is where most suburban dwellers want to go visiting. Besides this, it is also a hub of business activities as you have the famed Wall Street located there, and the twin towers. Recent estimates have shown that New York generates more than some third world countries budget per year. It also has the highest number of skyscrapers concentrated in one territory.

Often dubbed an 'urban jungle', it is home to more than 20 million people and amazingly, the metropolitan state seems to have more room for visitors, business executives, vacationers and tourists. New York City has a lot of attractions. In fact, it is said that you could spend three years in New York doing nothing except sightseeing and still not see every vacation spot or attraction sites. Some of New Yorks main attractions are partly responsible for its global popularity and these include:

1. Statue of Liberty This statue represents or symbolizes democracy in the modern world. According to history, the statue signified hope for the immigrants who crossed through Ellis Island. A gift from the French government over a hundred years ago, it was meant to signify freedom which America stands for. Sculpted by the Frdric-Auguste Bartholdi, the steel Framework was built by the creator of the Eiffel tower, Gustav Eiffel and is about 305 ft altogether. To get to the top of the statue, a visitor would have to climb three hundred and fifty four steps. Tourists interested in getting into the monument can purchase one time tickets.

2. Empire State Building The empire state building is possibly the most popular building in New York. Once called the tallest building in the world -it is about one thousand, two hundred and fifty feet high -and named the 8th wonder of the world, many say it signifies or represents what was meant to be carried out when man decided to build the tower of Babel. The empire state building became extremely popular after the movie King Kong was shot in 1933. At the time, it was dubbed the tallest building. However, the mystery surrounding it still counts for visits from over two million visitors annually.

3. Central Park This major tourist centre occupies three hundred and forty one hectares of land is synonymous with its name in its location at the centre of Manhattan. Located between 5th and 8th avenue, central park consists of ice rinks for those who want to skate, theatres, baseball fields, fountains, lakes, a Zoo, a museum, tennis courts and a host of facilities. And the best part of central park is access to it is free of charge. A must see as part of a New York City vacation package.

4. Fifth Avenue For those who love shopping, 5th Ave is an awesome place to be. Located between the 49th and 59th streets, its like a concentration of designer stores such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo, Prada and Versace. If you are looking for jewelleries, you will find Bulgari shops, Cartier and a host of other jewellers.

July 15 2009 | vacation | No Comments »

UK Flights to Switzerland

Switzerland is known as one of the most prosperous nations in the Western world. The country is filled with quaintness and a unique quality that keeps UK tourists visiting from year to year. The cities of Zurich and Geneva are ranked as the two places in the world with the highest quality of life.

Switzerland is also famous for its supreme quality goods and banking service. The country is not included in Europe, although it has France, Germany, and Italy as neighbours. Switzerland acts as the origin for many significant international organisations, (as Switzerland has for long taken a neutral stand on several wars and politics) like the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Trade Organisation.

As Switzerland is a sought after destination, the prices are reasonable. You may take a flight from the international airports in United Kingdom, such as Manchester and Heathrow. Some of the airlines, you can fly with are BMI, Flybe, Jet2, Austrian Airlines, Iberia Easyjet, Lufthansa, KLM, and British Airways. If you are looking for competitive flight rates then you get can get it about ?36 ticket; however remember that it needs to include the taxes.

The country is famous destination throughout the year, mainly the summer, when there are ample choices available. Therefore, make your booking in advance or just at the last minute to get the best deals. Even though Switzerland is not a part of Europe, still you can enter the country with a valid UK passport.

The temperatures in Switzerland are normally moderate and pleasant. However it can vary since a lot of the country is mountainous and very cold. At the same time the south of the country has a Mediterranean climate. Here it can be quite dry whereas the high Alps get the wettest weather.

In the Alps (northern region) the temperate differ with elevation; however the average yearly temperature is around 9 degrees centigrade. In the Southern region, like the canton of Ticino gets a warm and a little humid Mediterranean weather.

The weather can vary greatly, just like England. The best time to visit the mainland region is the summer months, as at that time, they are a little warmer. The Alps remain cool throughout the year. Not considering the climate, there are many things you can do in nay time of the year.

Switzerland is famed for his hiking trails and winter sports. Various ski resorts like St Moriz, Klosters and Verbier are known for their facilities ? here you can snowboard, ski, and climb and so on. Some of the high end resorts will also offer snow polo and a bob sleigh run. At Klosers and St Moritx, you will find health resorts, known to relax and rejuvenate you.

If you like the idea of a carnival, visit Basel. The carnival of Basel takes place between February and March and there are three days of masked street parties and fancy costumes.

If you visit Geneva or Zurich then take a cruise down their lakes; you will be able to see the cities architecture whilst soaking in the atmosphere. You can also take the paddle steamers (old style boats) on these lakes.

June 17 2009 | Travel | No Comments »