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Cornwall Travel Guide

Cornwall has idyllic seaside villages with pretty whitewashed seaside cottages, pristine sandy beaches, rugged high cliffs, wild moors and lush green countryside to explore. It is a fantastic place to visit, full of natural, scenic attractions and historical assets such as castles and Celtic ruins. And now with a plethora of fantastic tourist attractions and facilities, this makes Cornwall one of the UK’s top tourism destinations.

The climate is milder in this remote, south westerly part of Great Britain. Therefore the Cornish peninsula boasts subtropical gardens which inspire and enthral visitors. Its steep cliffs are natural attractions worth the trip alone. With its location at the very fringes of mainland Britain, this finger of land is almost surrounded by the wild Atlantic Ocean and bordered on its north eastern edge by the River Tamar, making it feel almost like an island of its own. This helps to give Cornwall it’s own character and culture, and a real sense of pride and independence in its people.

All this makes Cornwall a unique and much loved holiday destination for tourists from the UK and many countries world-wide. it is regularly voted the UK’s top tourist destination and for good reason. It’s a stunningly beautiful destination with its own laid-back culture and dreamy atmosphere. The local tourist board here is VisitCornwall which is a useful source of information when planning a trip to Cornwall.

Cornwall has rich Celtic heritage with many standing stones and monuments from its days as a remote area far away from English power and rule. It is here at Tintagel where the legend of King Arthur was born. And there are Celtic crosses and monuments to visit everywhere.

During the industrial revolution Cornwall became one of the country’s most important assets as its production of tin and clay were exported worldwide for the production of industrial materials. The remnants of these industries can be seen dotted around the landscape. The unmistakable outlines of tin mining engine houses are seemingly everywhere and synonymous with the county of Cornwall. And it’s this human interaction with the landscape and environment that is now protected in many UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the county.

But despite it’s industrial past, Cornwall remains a rural and unspoiled destination. There are still wild, wilderness areas and beautiful countryside to explore and farming remains a large part of the economy here. If you step away from the towns and villages, and busy beaches, to explore the interior, you will find yourself in a landscape untouched by time and raw and powerful in its breathtaking beauty.

Although it is a rural location with a laid-back atmosphere, you shouldn’t be mistaken four thinking Cornwall is stuck in the past. Recently Cornwall has undergone a bit of a resurgence and become a bit of a trendy destination, with a wide range of stylish hotels, smart restaurants, contrary art galleries, cool shops and hip bars, cafe’s and restaurants opening up in all corners of Cornwall. Celebrity chef Rick Stein has pioneered the culinary revolution in Cornwall, now followed by other Michelin starred restaurants and fine eateries up and down the county.

There are many great places to stay in Cornwall whatever your budget or preference. There are great hotels , B&Bs, self catering lodges and thousands of Cornwall holiday cottages where you can base yourselves and explore everything Cornwall has to offer. For those people looking to get a bitt closer to nature, there are many fine campsites in Cornwall to choose from.

Newquay is one of the main holiday destinations in Cornwall and is world-famous for the sport of  surfing. The beaches in Newquay and across Cornwall regularly produce fantastic waves to be enjoyed by all standards of surfing. Together with kite surfing and other modern adventure activities, surfing has helped to put Cornwall on the map as a cool place to visit and engage in all kinds of outdoor pursuits.

Whatever you want to do on holiday, Cornwall has something for everyone. From romantic couples, to families with small children, to teenage and student explorers to groups of friends, Cornwall is a fantastic place to visit for a very special holiday.

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Five Bizarre Hotels You Should Include in Your Bucket List

Forget about the red carpet or the elaborate lobbies with matching ornaments that make you feel like you’re entering a palace rather than a hotel. Forget the doorman and the bellboy in their pristine suits resembling the Royal Guards in Buckingham. If you really want to make your next holiday trip all the more meaningful, then you really have to book yourself in any of these five bizarre accommodations.

Propeller Island City Lodge flying-bed-hotel-5898869

If you love the idea of getting your brain screwed, then you’d better book a night or two at the Propeller Island City Lodge. It’s like entering Ripley’s Believe It Or Not museum of oddities complete with a levitating bed suite, completely mirrored room, a green leather suit, and a suite where you’ll be resting in a coffin, hopefully not for good. And if you really want your mind to be twisted, you’d book yourself at the Propeller’s upside down suite. Furnishings including tables and bed hang from the suite’s ceiling. Don’t worry as you don’t need to strap yourself upside down, too. There’s actually a bed hidden on the floor.

Langholmen Hotel

If you’ve been a good boy all your life and you’ve got this intense desire to feel and act like a badass even for one day in your life, Langholmen Hotel in Stockholm is more than ready to fulfill your wishes. It’s the perfect accommodation for gluttons for punishment as they get a very rare opportunity to feel what it’s like to be a prisoner complete with striped pajamas, prison bunk beds, barred windows, and a ball-and-chain for your spouse or partner-in-crime. There are faux gang riots and jail breaks, too, complete with jail guards who are, uncharacteristically, very friendly and charming. You’d wish real jail guards in real prisons were this charming.

The Dog Bark Park Inn

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By Alan Levine from Strawberry, United States (Big BeaglesUploaded by PDTillman) [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Dog owners have dilemma. Leave your dog at home, miss them terribly and pay a fortune in dog kennel fees. Or take their pets with them while travelling and have the hassle of finding dog-friendly accommodation. There are many great reasons to take a dog on vacation. Luckily, there are plenty of accommodations which welcome dogs including the The Dog Bark Park Inn in Idaho, USA. This establishment takes the term ‘dog lover’ to extremes. The Dog Bark Park Inn is a located inside a large wooden beagle created by a couple of over-enthusiastic chainsaw artists. It’s tiny, only sleeps four people, but it’s very dog friendly.

Henn-na Hotel

It is inevitable that robots will soon encroach a sector that has been deemed exclusive for human service workers. In Japan, there is now a hotel that is served by robots and humanoids. Porters, receptionists, room service attendants, and even the concierge have been replaced by Artificial Intelligence at the Henn-na Hotel located at the Huis Ten Bosch theme park. They’ve even got a Velociraptor robot making sure you’ve got your booking straight. It’s creepy and so unreal especially when these machines start to talk in both Japanese and English. Good thing human hands are on standby just in case.

Yunak Evleri Hotel

Feeling like a caveman or perhaps wondering what it feels like to live in the Earth’s bosom? While the Yunak Evleri Hotel in Cappadocia, Turkey won’t really give you the chance to live inside the Earth’s core, it does provide you with an experience like no other. A labyrinth of caves in limestone cliffs formed in 5th and 6thcentury BC is now home to 40 deluxe suites complete with stone fireplaces and unconventional doors and windows that have been carved into the face of the limestone.

The experiences you’ll get from these accommodations will surely keep your memory box filled for many centuries.

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Best Sea Views In The USA

Have you ever wondered what it is about the ocean shorelines that have so much power? The fresh sea breeze, the soft sand that tickles your foot, the sparkling sunsets and the noise of the crashing waves touch every sense. The vast ocean is so mysterious and the coastal views are stimulating but peaceful. The power of these tranquil views excites and energizes the body. You can often hear people talk about how the ocean relaxes, awakens and recharges them. Whether you just want to relax or recharge after a hectic week, USA boasts some of the best sea views that will blow you away.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach is a quaint and picturesque destination that snuggles cozily between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountain Range. There are many great holiday cottages by the sea which makes it a particularly appealing place to stay. The city is surrounded by the rugged natural beauty of forests, ocean beaches, rivers and beautiful mountains. It is famous for the distinctive Haystack Rock, which protrudes majestically out of the ocean. The beach stretches to nine miles making it a perfect setting for strolling along the sea as you watch the diverse wildlife in its natural habitat. A hike along the main trail offers the best views in town. There are strict regulations that limit the infiltration of large chain stores and restaurants, and this has helped Cannon Beach to retain its old town charm.

Shi Shi Beach/ Olympic National Park, Washington

The Shi – Shi – Beach and Point – of – Arches top the list when you compare the wonderful views offered on the rugged Olympic Coast. The 3.3 mile Shi Shi Trail boasts spectacular Pacific Northwest views. The Pacific is strewn with sea stacks and offers photographers a prize-winning sunset view. The sandy beach is scattered with logs that have been bleached and battered by the surf. You can enjoy viewing the waves thrashing ragingly on the offshore stacks as the wild seabirds glide overhead. The mile-long Point – of – Arches features a parade of rocky sea stacks with bold arches, intriguing tunnels and amazing tide pools. You can either walk in the tide pools or observe the daily routine of the coastal critters or just relish being a part of the most beautiful location in the Northwest.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park/ Big Sur, California

The park stretches from the Big Sur coastline into nearby 3,000-foot ridges. Big Sur and the Highway 1 drive are popular for their spectacular and magnificent coastal views. A panoramic view of the ocean and miles of rugged coastline are the highlights offered along the trails east of Highway 1. In Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park you can take a walk under the shady 400-foot redwoods and observe the incredibly gorgeous coast from Overlook Trail. Here you also get the chance to view the wonderful 80-foot McWay Falls, which flows from the granite cliffs into the ocean and it is the only coastal waterfall in the region. The torrent plunge of this waterfall from the mountainside straight into the blue Pacific is the best view in the whole place. 

Ogunquit, Maine

The 3-mile stretch of beach in Ogunquit is one among the longest beaches in Maine and it is also one among the least rocky. The pristine waters, white sand and the picturesque coast make it a perfect seaside destination. Ogunquit is the most walk-able community in Maine and a scenic walk at Marginal Way gives you plenty of opportunity to enjoy the sea.

Long Beach, WA

Long Beach is located on Washington’s southwestern coast where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. This place is rich with coastal beauty. The gorgeous coastline looks untouched and has not changed much in the last two centuries. You can enjoy the magical sunlit shore as you trek along the 8.5 mile Discovery Trail or drink in the wonderful views offered as you stroll along the wooden boardwalk that rests on top of the dunes.

Napali Coast/ Kauai, Hawaii

All the islands in Hawaii boast wonderful, tropical views. However, the Napali Coast stands on top with its panoramic views of the vast Pacific Ocean, dramatic velvet green rock cliffs and cascading waterfalls that plummet into deep, narrow valleys. You should not miss the beautiful views offered by the 11-mile Napali Coast trail and a breathtaking view of the coastline from sea.

Newport Beach, Rhode Island

Attracted by the gorgeous views of Newport Beach, America’s wealthiest families started building their stately mansions in the middle of the 19th century. New Port draws crowds with its sandy beaches and awe-inspiring sunset views. The 3.5-mile cliff walk atop the beaches’ craggy rocks offers stunning ocean views. The Rough Point, located on the opulent Bellevue Avenue offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic.

Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica

Between Santa Monica and Oxnard, California 1 Highway follows the silver of land that separates the Santa Monica Mountains from the Pacific Ocean. The extraordinary views and the beautiful scenery are awe-inspiring. You pass along some of the most famous beaches and this is the perfect setting for a classic road trip. The best part is the four-mile ride from Will Rogers to Santa Monica state beaches, along palm-lined road overlooking the golden sands and white-tipped surf.

Anna Maria Island, Florida

This laid-back and natural island features a seven-mile strip of beautiful white-sand beaches that run between the turquoise Gulf of Mexico and peninsular Florida.

Ten Thousand Islands, Florida

This is a chain of islands and mangrove islets that stretch from Everglades City to Flamingo. The best way to see the area is by boat. Paddle leisurely through the wetlands to see native wildlife, such as manatees, sea turtles, dolphins, herons and eagles.

Whether you are relaxing on the windswept sands or trekking along dizzying bluffs, the ebb and flow of the sea water is hypnotic and the sheer expanse of the ocean grounding. All your life’s little worries are put into perspective when you look at the vast ocean.

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7 of the Most Picturesque Coastal Towns 

The sea has always been vital to the growth of new civilizations over centuries, which is why there are many old and traditional towns built near the water. Not only do they get wonderful views of the sea, they also are assured of a stable source of food. Nowadays, tourists love going to these destinations because of the idyllic scenery, charming old towns, and of course, the beach. Here are some of the most beautiful coastal towns that you should visit.

1. Polperro, England

The beauty of this town hides its scandalous past of being a popular entry point of smugglers bringing in contraband like tobacco and alcohol. But this was back in the 18th Century and now, there are very few traces of this past. Visitors to this Cornish town will still see the typical traditional fisherman’s cottages that were built in the 16th century. There are also quaint boutiques and galleries not to be missed. If you are interested in the history of this secluded town, you can check out their Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing.

For top sea views, this town and the surrounding coastline can’t be beaten. Today Polperro is a picturesque fishing harbour popular with tourists, especially in the summer when the narrow streets are packed with visitors here to soak up the unique Cornish atmosphere of this seaside haven. There is a great selection of self catering holiday properties on the coast in this part of the United Kingdom. Cornwall is well known for its fantastic beaches, and there plenty of sandy beaches, coves and stunning sea views to be found close to the south coast town of Polperro.

2. Saint George’s, Bermuda

This town was built in the early 17th century, and some buildings have remained of this time. One is the oldest Anglican Church in the Western Hemisphere, St. Peter’s, which was constructed in 1612. Another is the Unfinished Church, popular for its majestic arches made of stone. In contrast, the rest of the buildings are very tropical and colorful, making this a beautiful seaside destination.

3. Manarola, Italy

There are more than a few seaside towns in the country, but Manarola is worth mentioning. One of the Cinque Terre villages, it was founded back in the Middle Ages. Now it is popular not just for the bright homes dotting the cliffs, but also as a huge producer of white wine and olive oil.

4. Camden, Maine

In the shores of Penobscot Bay is Camden, which is exactly how one would imagine a typical New England coastal town. The harbor is lined with boats and old-style windjammers, while the downtown area is full of brick buildings that replaced those that were burned in 1892.

5. Kotor, Montenegro

This city is more than 2,000 years old, with some narrow streets and stone buildings remaining from this time. Visitors will love the view of Mount Lovcen and the Bay of Kotor, but at the same time, revel in the beautiful surroundings filled with awe-inspiring architecture.

6. Lunenburg, Canada

While it is no tropical coastline, Lunenburg has retained so much of its colonial vibe that it has been awarded a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1753 by the British, the first inhabitants only used black and white on the town’s buildings because they were the most affordable. Nowadays, residents started adding color, which is also brightening up the whole town.

7. Cadaques, Spain

Located in the Costa Brava, this village and its wonderful views have inspired artists like Salvador Dali. As a child, he spent a lot of time in this village and later decided to settle down in the neighboring village of Port Lligat. His old studio and home are now a museum. Whitewashed houses can be seen along the rocky coast, and many an artist chose this site to display their artworks.

These are only some of the best coastal towns that offer not just the best sea views but have also kept their traditional and unique characteristics. So when planning your beach holiday, skip the bigger and busier coastal destinations and opt for one in this list. If this list isn’t long enough you could try some of the other wonderful coastal destinations and seaside towns featured in the following video.

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European Travel Destinations With The Best Restaurants

Dining in Europe is taken quite seriously. This is why it comes as no surprise that some of the best restaurants in the world can be found in Europe. However, due to this very same fact, Europe tends to have some of the most expensive restaurants as well. But, when you take a look at the aura that’s portrayed, quality and diversity of the locally based cuisine that’s being offered and the high level of customer service that is provided in some of Europe’s finest restaurants, a higher price tag does not come as a surprise. Let’s take a look at the top 4 European travel destinations with the best restaurants.

1) Italy

One of the things that make Italy’s cuisine so exquisite, is besides the fact that Italians are known for their intense passion for their cuisine, the recipes that each family utilizes are highly secretive and have been passed down for generations. What this translates to is that, unlike the restaurants that can be found in the western hemisphere who all share a similar recipe, each family owned restaurant in Italy, offers a variety of food selections, that each consist of a highly secretive recipe that has been passed down for generations. From Emila Romagna that features one of the most deeply flavoured and aromatic lasagna, Campania for its Neapolitan crisp-crust pizza to Veneto’s deeply entrenched peas risotto, Italy is an ideal destination to visit, if you want to experience the best that Europe has to offer. Here are some of the culinary highlights.
* Caseificio Borderi
* Veni a Tastari
* Porta Vagnu
* Paninoteca La Focaccia
* Caffee Italia

2) Germany

If you have a profound love for sausage, frankfurters or weisswurst, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t visit the European destination that has mastered the art of producing foods like these. Many restaurants in Germany offer a wide array of sausages, bockwurst, landjager, brats, frankfurters and weisswursts in various styles. Germany’s cuisine is also regarded for being heavy in a way, that helps to procure a warm, yet strong feeling. Their beers of course, are subjugated to German Beer Purity Laws, which in essence helps to ensure quality. Some of the most popular are restaurants in Germany include:
* Skykitchen
* Marjellchen
* Restaurant Bieberbau
* Herz and Niere Restaurant
* Cafe Bleibtreu

3) United Kingdom

Traditionally England and its neighbouring countries in the UK, were not known for quality cuisine. Think of this country and you think of bangers and mash, fish and chips and roast beef. But in the past two decades there has been a culinary revolution here. The UK boasts many of the world’s finest restaurants for modern dishes influenced by global favourites as well as updated British classics. VisitBritain has a good website section on food tourism. Hotspots for travellers wishing to sample top quality restaurants include London, Bristol and Manchester. Those who fancy seafood should head to Cornwall to experience one of the many fine restaurants in Padstow, made famous by celebrity chef Rick Stein.
* The Seafood Restaurant
* Koya Bar
* The Clove Club
* The Fat Duck
* Sticky Walnut

4) France

When it comes to the whole concept of enjoying a glass of wine with cheese, very few can argue that France is the ideal destination to visit, when it comes to experiencing the best wines and the finest cheese. France has also been regarded as being the home to “style cuisine” or in other words “fancy food.” Some of the typical courses that one can expect from some of the popular restaurants within France, include: steak fries, baguette, onion soup, flamiche, wine, cheese, ratatouille and chocolate souffle just to name a few. Based on the reviews that were made by several thousand tourists, some of the best restaurants within France, include:
* Cesar Milano
* La Petite Loge
* La Route Du Miam
* Le Sejour Cafe
* Le Milesime

5) Croatia

If you want to visit a destination who’s cuisine consist of a variety of different influences, Croatia would be an ideal choice. Their cuisines are a mix of several difference influences which are: French, Mediterranean, Slavic and Italian. What this means is that, you don’t have to go to Italy, to experience a truly authentic Italian based lasagna, or France for some of the finest wines that Europe has to offer. You can instead, elect to experience Italian and French cuisine within Croatia. Due to this mix of influences, their cuisine set ups a delicious mix of different foods. They offer fantastic olive oil, that is on par with the quality that can be found within Greece, malvasia, prosecco and babic wines which while underrated, are gaining momentum as far as international popularity goes, and their roasted lamb “under the bell,” will surely delight the taste buds of tourists who have yet to experience charcoal BBQ lamb that has been cooked slowly in a domed clay bell. Some of the most famous restaurants in Croatia, include:
* Vis a Vis by Vincek
* Capuciner Grill And Steak
* Rio Bar
* Barba Danilo
* Chocolat

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Try a Campsite Holiday this Summer

Booking the annual family holiday can take enormous effort. You have to do a lot of essential research to choose the best option for parents and their kids. It is necessary to ensure that all member of the family will delight in the vacation that you are preparing. This can be exceptionally difficult in case the kids are a mix of children and teenagers, as they typically have various desires and needs when it comes to vacations. However it is possible to reserve a holiday or vacation in the UK that everyone will take pleasure in.

One great destination for family vacations in the UK is Cornwall. Regularly voted the best holiday location in the UK, Cornwall has lots to provide for young and old. There are loads of terrific sandy coastlines, incredible coastal surroundings and countryside to check out.

Traditionally Cornwall holidays involve extended periods at the coastline or a tour around the local area. Nonetheless, recently, there has been a growing trend for households to pick from a wide range of holiday holiday types and experience based trips. And there are plenty of campsites in Cornwall, which make great bases from which to explore the whole area.

Why not try camping?

The top place to start when planning a trip to Cornwall, it is to find the optimal accommodation for your vacation. Holiday parks typically offer inexpensive and cost effective offers for families for stays in holiday lodges and cabins. If you are traveling on a tight budget, another thing that you can consider is to go on camping trip and remain on a campsite in Cornwall. This is a great means to visit the area and a type of accommodation that can be enjoyed by family members of all ages, especially young kids who will delight in the wide open spaces and the journey of camping in outdoors tents.

There are numerous superb Cornwall campsites that you can select from. There is a great collection of camping suggestions in this article from the Guardian newspaper. These parks are located in beautiful areas on the coast or in the middle of the countryside, where you can get amazing views and reconnect with nature. This is especially important and therapeutic for visitors from large towns or cities. Many campsites have superb facilities with shower blocks, cleaning machines, on-site shops, play areas and other facilities to keep you amused during your stay.

Some campsites in Cornwall are little and quiet, while others are larger and have bars, restaurants as well as clubs with routine entertainment for all the family. So you really can choose exactly what type of holiday would suit you and your family.

If you can combine these facilities with on-site activities such as golf, tennis, skateboarding and swimming, you can be sure to experience a family holiday to remember. Aside from that, you can also do other great activities in Cornwall, including surfing, kayaking, rock climbing, cycling or horse riding.

Plus there are many superb family tourist attractions to visit in Cornwall. There are numerous museums, galleries, country homes and gardens to check out. Kids like the Eden Project with its huge biomes filled with exotic plants, and educational exhibits. Then there are the funfairs and theme park such as Flambards and Crealy, which are hugely popular with families seeing Cornwall.

Plenty to See & Do in Cornwall

So with all the great places to stay and so many fantastic things to do, camping in Cornwall truly is a remarkable way to spend a summer vacation with your family. As well as being a more affordable alternative to hotels and self-catering accommodation, camping is great for family bonding and spending time together in the great outdoors.

When choosing where to stay and what to do on your holiday in Cornwall, it is important to consider what all member of the family want to leave the holiday. Be sure to speak with them all and include them in making the final choice. This is to ensure that everyone will enjoy the vacation. But whatever you choose, you will never regret selecting a family camping holiday in Cornwall.

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Fun Cottage Holiday Destinations for the Family

The holidays are fast approaching. It’s the perfect time to get away with the family. What better way to treat your loved ones but with the perfect holiday vacation by going on a family trip? There are hundreds of cottage holiday destinations to choose from but there’s always one perfect place perfect for your family.

Depending on the number of travellers, it’s important to consider how many family members will be in attendance on the trip. Start by sending invitations to see who would be willing to go on this exciting family trip with you.

They say “The more the merrier,” but going as a small intimate group is also fun. After you have finalized whether your grandparents, parents, in-laws, siblings and cousins are going, therein lays the challenge of picking a destination. Always consider everyone’s suggestions and decide as a group to ensure that everyone will enjoy on the trip.

Here are some of our recommendations for fun cottage holiday destinations for the family:

Cottages by the beach or pool

Find a good family cottage or villa that can fit everyone in one place. Go to a tropical country and enjoy the sun. You can go to the Caribbean, Asia, Spain, Algarve, Santorini, Mexico and many more. Most of these destinations are already child friendly, so you’ll have no problem travelling with kids.

It could also be at a local or out of town destination. If you have a big family and majority is children or teens, you will surely enjoy spending the holidays in a pool or at the beach.

Highland cottages in Scotland

Not all of us are beach people. Some would prefer to go to the mountains, get a cabin in the forest or the hills and just be one with nature. Going to a picnic or camping with the family is one of the best ways to enjoy the holidays. You can go fishing and swimming on a lake, take the family on a boat ride and enjoy the wild.

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Photo by Christian Cacciamani on Unsplash

Holiday cottages in Italy

Italy is known for fine food and wine. If you and your family enjoy eating Italian cuisine and going to historical places, getting a villa here is perfect for you. Get a feel of the country’s rich culture and architecture. They also have great beaches, farmhouses in the countryside and vineyards that have private pools and are near the beach, which makes family reunions more intimate and personal.

Cottages near hot springs

If you can’t afford to go out of the country with all the family, you can get a cabin near the lake and top it off with a relaxing hot springs experience. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just right to spend Christmas Eve with your loved ones for a perfect holiday.

They say Christmas is for children, which is why it’s essential to be together with family during the holidays. Regardless of where it is, what matters is that the family is together.

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Top 5 Reasons Why Seychelles Should Be Your Next Destination

When the heir to the British throne and her bride took to the Seychelles for their honeymoon, almost instantly a lot of love-struck folks and exotic holiday vacationers have been booking trips to this archipelago of some 115 islands in the blue Indian Ocean. Aside from the fact that it is now considered a favorite destination among the world’s elite, here are the top 5 reasons why Seychelles should be your next destination.

1. Not many vacationers around to spoil the beauty and the fun

Celebrities and the world’s elite come here and lead a rather laid-back, albeit reclusive lifestyle. There are no paparazzi to worry about and getting here can be quite challenging. As such you can enjoy the full splendor of the environment without unruly throngs of vacationers that will make you want to scratch your head in disbelief. You’ll have the island all to yourself or at least a portion of it.

2. There’s no malaria

Unlike other tropical islands especially those in the Pacific, there are no malaria-causing mosquitoes in the Seychelles. That means you don’t have to carry those anti-malaria lotions or even take prophylactic medications anymore. There is also no need to fear about being quarantined when you get home. Of course, this doesn’t mean there aren’t any other creatures in the islands. So you’d still have to protect yourself from other bugs.

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3. It’s completely safe

Aside from the fact that there are no malaria-carrying mosquitoes in the island and that there are relatively few vacationers at a time, the locals are friendlier and more hospitable than most other tropical islands. The place is built primarily as a respite so you will find yourself mostly relaxing by the beach or on your terrace instead of getting drunk and getting into trouble at nightclubs.

4. It’s home to the Garden of Eden.

Did you know that Seychelles is actually made up of granite rocks which are a type of igneous rocks formed from the solidification of magma? As it turns out, Seychelles was actually a part of a prehistoric super-continent known as Gondwanaland. One of the most fascinating things and definitely one of the most important reasons for visiting Seychelles is the Garden of Eden on Vallee de Mai located on Praslin Island. It may or may not be the Garden of Eden, but you’d definitely be wowed by its natural beauty that you will never see anywhere else on the planet.

5. It has two of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

We mentioned above that Vallee de Mai is the location of the original Garden of Eden. What we haven’t told you yet is that it is also on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. The coral atoll of Aldabra is also on the UNESCO list and is acknowledged as the Earth’s largest coral atoll.

Take a look at all that the Seychelles has to offer at the official tourism website: http://www.seychelles.travel/

Getting to Seychelles may not be easy, but if you have the chance, grab it. Not only is it an opportunity of a lifetime, it simply is the best way to get close to the unspoiled beauty of this planet.

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6 Cool Ways to Have Fun with Your Dog on Vacation in Germany

Germany is best known for its unconditional love for their pet dogs with homeless pet shelters looking more like 5-star hotel accommodations for these furry creatures. If shelter animals can already receive the pampering that renowned establishments can offer, what about dogs that are accompanied by their loving pet parents? So, get ready to book your next trip to Deutschland and have the merriest days in your life together with your pet dog with these 6 cool ways to have fun in Germany with your dog in tow.

Go hiking on trails and parks

Before you go on vacation with your dog, make sure they are fit and healthy and uop for the rigours of travel. See these travel tips for helpful information on travelling with dogs. There’s no point getting to Germany, ready for a big hike when your dog is not. However if they are fit and healthy, Germany is an amazing place for outdoor adventure. With so many beautiful parks and amazing hiking trails that dot the German landscape, taking your pet on a leisurely stroll should be on top of your list of things to do in Germany. From Kaiserslautern in Frankfurt to other areas, there’s nothing more beneficial to dogs than having you all to themselves while exploring the beautiful countryside.

Take a road trip across the Deutschland

Start in Schleswig-Holstein in the north moving towards Baden-Wurttemberg and Bavaria in the south before heading in a clockwise direction through the Rhine and crossing into Saxony and ending in Brandenburg and Berlin. There are plenty of dog-friendly places to stop over along the way, from restaurants and pubs and shopping centers that will never shoo your pet away.

Frolic in beaches, lakes, and rivers

Bring your pet to the Hunderstrand Oppenheim and get ready to feast your eyes on the merriest hounds you’ll ever see. It’s the famous wonder waterland for dogs where dogs can play and swim right in the mighty Rhine. Gelterswoog Lake is also a favorite as both man and dog can really frolic in its crystal-clear water that is made even more beautiful by the surrounding forest.

Join the local Hunderverein

These are local canine clubs. Everywhere you go in Germany they will have their own Hunderverein. It’s the best organization to seek whenever you’re in any town since they have their own unique ways of training pooches complete with special courses and classes for you and your pet. It’s never too late to learn a thing or two from these famed local kennel clubs.

Don’t drink yet be merry

Dogs and alcohol don’t mix. So if you’re thinking of joining this year’s Oktoberfest, forget it. However, you can always take a stroll down Germany’s 13 vineyard regions together with your pet hound. Many of the local vineyards welcome furry four-legged hounds so you can expect to have a more meaningful trip to some of the world’s best producers of wine.

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Let your dog be Bono for a while

Ever seen Bono do a hang ten? If you think your pet has what it takes to become the next surfing dog, you might want to visit Muggelsee. The place has excellent paddleboarding classes which you and your pet can take and start learning to ride the waves.

Each region in Germany has its own way of venerating man’s best friend. Technically, anywhere you go in the Deutschland is sure to generate fond memories to recall.

If you’re travelling with your pet to Germany from another country, ensure you check the guidelines for entry requirements before you arrive. This page has all the German pet passport and import regulations.

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The Best Travel Destinations in Athens

While some travelers choose to avoid the usual top tourist destinations, visiting these popular spots in Athens is simply a must. After all, they pack so much history that continues to live in the ruins and structures found all over the city. Even if you are not a huge fan of history, there is still the Mediterranean climate and breathtaking scenery to enchant you. And don’t forget about Greek food.

1. The Acropolis

Nothing else is seen as representative of Greece as these preserved buildings and monuments. No other place has as many well-maintained Ancient Greek architectural structures and seeing them live is truly awe-inspiring. The Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Mike, the Propylaea gate, and the Acropolis Museum allow you to marvel at what these ancient civilizations were able to build without modern technology.

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2. Plaka

Any trip to Athens is just not complete without going for a stroll here. The charming and at times, confusing alleys of Plaka are the best way to soak up your surroundings and to marvel at being in the presence of such a beautiful place. Beyond being full of neoclassical buildings with red-tiled roofs, it is a great place to visit some cafes, shops, and museums. Museums in the area like the Museum of Greek Folk Art and the Jewish Museum of Greece are also worth a visit.

3. Mycenae

While technically outside of Athens, Mycenae is close enough for a day trip. The 90 kilometer trip will be well worth your while if you are crazy about Greek history. Here you can see the tomb of Clytemnestra, the popular Lion’s Gate, and the Palace of Agamemnon. Plus, the trip will offer you great views of the Saronic Gulf coast.

4. Epidavros

While Greece is known to be a historical place, places like Epidavros are not just stuck in the past. Being home to the ancient Theater of Epidaurus as well as the Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus and the Sanctuary of Asclepios (the most popular healing center in the world in the ancient times), the city is the perfect spot to mix the old and the new. The popular Theater, while used for very different events back then, is still a top choice for festivals and concerts. It is also outside of Athens, but accessible by a 2-hour drive.

5. Temple of Poseidon

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Found in Cape Sounion, the southernmost tip of the Attica Peninsula, the Temple of Poseidon can be reached easily from Athens. Beyond viewing this majestic temple, you can enjoy a day at the beach or simply try out the taverns around. Just make sure you view the sunset here, and you will be rewarded with a sight that you will not easily forget.

Avoiding the crowds is not going to be easy because of the many visitors who want to marvel at these historical sites, but it is worth all the hassle. Visiting Athens is definitely like taking a step back into the past, so even if you are not a huge fan of history, you should not miss doing a short time travel to Ancient Greece.

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