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5 Seaside Destinations in Spain for an Affordable

Travel Destination - Shelia - August 29, 2015

Spain is an ideal destination for a summer holiday in Europe .The country shares borders with France and Portugal. In fact, Spain has a typically Mediterranean climate that make its beaches to be superb. Cost incurred to access these resources is low and therefore, highly affordable by all. Some of seaside destination in Spain include:

1. Canary IslandsCanary Islands

Spain’s Canary Islands is just off the coast of Morocco, in Atlantic Ocean. Canaries are the tips of a volcanic mountain range. They explains the crazy mix of scenery. Canary islands showcase everything from giant sand dunes and moon-like lava deserts, to tropical forests .the islands has the big three beaches which include Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife. Fuerteventura beach is coming up and is making its mark on the travel circuit. The lesser-known isles of La Gomera and La Palma offers peaceful and quiet environment.

2. Costa del SolCosta del Sol

Costa del Sol is found in southern Spain. It’s a very popular and has things of very good value and a cheap holiday to Costa del Sol is very possible. Costa del Sol is lined with new and identical hotels. Malaga, which is the largest city and home to the airport is found in this area. The airport have many better deals for booking a package with transportation, although this is a small part of the region. Floating in the Mediterranean, Balearic Islands are found just off the east of Spanish mainland. This trio of islands – are tried and considered as the holiday favorites islands. All the islands have sandy beaches and camera-ready scenery where one can brag about. The beaches include Majorca that is family friendly, low-key Menorca, Formentera, and Ibiza.

3. Costa Brava

Costa Brava stretches between the French border and the town of blanes.It is the belle of the Spain’s coastal ball. The area boast of resorts like Lloret de mar and Tossa de mar which are highly affordable. The seaside drips with blue flag beaches. While in this area, one may pay a visit to the historic sites such as ancient roman ruins or the 14th –century churches that are just few kilometers away.

4. Costa VerdeCosta Verde

The Costa Verde is a stunning coastline region on Cantabria Sea. The seaside is located in the spectacular Principality of Asturias, which is the capital city. It is also called Green Coast since it is made up of a lush green coastal strip. The coast is one of the popular destinations in northern Spain. The coastline covers about 350 kilometers of white sands expanses, secluded coves and fishing communities and ports. The seaside has some of the stunning beaches, which include Playa Xago, Playa de Barayo de la Vega and the wild gem Cobijeru Beach. Almost all the beaches are remote, with facilities and therefore it is important to take packed lunch and plenty of water.

5. Costa Blanca

Costa Blanca is found along Spain’s east coast. It goes for about 200 kilometers. Costa Blanca has the most famous beach town called Benidorm which is slightly up the price scale but still affordable. The place has plenty of options beyond Benidorm itself including many high-end resort areas due to its long coast. For long, this area has been favorite for Brits and Germans. Recently, the area has become popular with mid-range holidaymakers from many parts of Europe. Generally things are still good value.

Spain has many other such seaside destinations along its coastline, which is about 4,964 km long .The destinations are highly affordable facilitating cheap holiday. Visit Spain in this summer holiday and enjoy!

Image by Secret Tenerife Andrew_D_Hurley Art Dino under cc license

 

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Step into the Twin Cities of Hubli-Dharwad

Travel Destination - Shelia - August 25, 2015

Despite of being physically separate, the cities, Hubli and Dharwad are usually referred as ‘twin cities’ and could be a a part of one municipal corporation in Mysore. The 2 cities are separated by twenty kilometers and whereas Dharwad is the executive center, the town of Hubli is a commercial hub. Hubli isn’t simply the business hub of the municipal corporation Hubli-Dharwad however additionally the foremost commerce center and industrial city in Mysore. The town flourished in trade of cotton and iron throughout the reign of the Vijaynagar Kings and remains acknowledged for its handloom textiles. the town Dharwad has been a crucial learning center for arts and literature since the 12th Century AD. The region that contains the town of Dharwad has been dominated by the Chalukyas, the Bahmani land, Vijaynagar Empire, Mughals, Marathas, Mysore kingdom and eventually a people. The town owing to this displays a wide plethora of culture. Here’s the list of the simplest places you’ll visit within the Twin Cities of Hubli-Dharwad.

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Chandramouleshwara Temple

The prized architectural monument in Hubli-Dharwad, the Chandramouleshwara temple could be a 900 year recent temple designed throughout the reign of the Chalukyas. The temple is devoted to Chandramouleshwara, another name for the divinity Shiva. The temple is sliced and carved straight out of black granite and displays a wonderful subject artistry of the Chalukya era artisans.

Banashankari Temple

The Banashankari Temple was built in the 13th century by the Chalukyas. Once again the temple is a marvelous example of the Chalukya period art and stone sculpting prowess. It is a stone carved masterpiece and is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. The temple pillars are marvelously carved out of granite and are currently undergoing restoration.

Nrupatunga Hill

Nestled in the Unakal Hill, the Nrupatunga Hill is a small hillock and picnic spot in Hubli. The hillock serves as an excellent view point and a great escape point from the bustle of the city area. The area is best visited between the months of October and January.

Navagraha Teertha

Navagraha Teertha is one of the major pilgrim spot for the Jain community in India. The temple features a 61 foot tall idol of the Shri 1008 Bhagavan Parshvanath and the smaller statues of the other 8 Jain teerthankaras. The statue is the tallest statue of the Jain deity in India and weighs 185 tons.

Indira Gandhi Glass House Garden

The Indira Gandhi Glass House Garden is a municipality maintained landscaped garden that has a central glass house like building that resembles a similar building in Bangalore. The place is a popular venue for various socio-cultural activities like musical concerts and exhibitions.

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Planning a romantic getaway to Florence

Relaxing Resorts, Travel Destination - Shelia - August 17, 2015

If you are loved up this summer, it could be time to think about getting away from it all and spending a week or two alone with your favorite person in the world. These days, what with our high-flying jobs, ever-expanding families, and wonderfully chaotic homes, it is no wonder we find it easy to forget the true value of a romantic break.

Yet, if you work hard all year to maintain all of these things, you deserve a getaway, and if it can be with the one you love, you are a lucky person indeed. The question is, where to go? There are a hundred different cities in a hundred different countries that are perfect for a romantic break, so how do you choose the best one for you?

If la dolce vita sounds like heaven to you, why not consider a trip to Florence, which is commonly referred to as the most romantic city in the world? This Italian haven has long been a port of call for newlyweds due to its abundance of fountains, its remarkable hilltop gardens, and its wealth of marble and bronze statues – here are a few ideas for your Florentine getaway.

Go big with an Escape apartment

If you are planning a romantic getaway, you are going to need a suitably romantic place to stay, preferably somewhere central enough to allow you to get a feel for the atmosphere of the city, but secluded enough to offer you lots of privacy. With a WorldEscape rental apartment, situated at the heart of Florence, you can retreat to not just a hotel but also a home from home.

Take a stroll through Boboli Gardens

Once you have got acquainted with your holiday apartment, it is time to take a leisurely stroll through flawlessly maintained avenues, filled with wonderful fountains and statues, in the luxurious hilltop Boboli Gardens of the Pitti Palace. You can find the gardens south of the River Arno, which is another great place to take a pit stop and snap some photos of the Florence cityscape.

Pamper yourself at a Montecatini spa

If your better half has a penchant for pampering, buy them a ticket to the peaceful town of Montecatini and spend a relaxed afternoon in one of the spas there. The town can be found nestled in between Pisa and Florence, so either take a bus, catch a train, or enjoy a scenic drive there. Once you have bathed in the thermal pool of the Tamerici, you will have a hard time wanting to go back home.

Remember the value of a surprise

While it is certainly a good idea to plan days out, sightseeing excursions, and romantic dinners by the river, you do not have to organize every tiny detail of the trip. In fact, you will probably have an even better experience if you leave some things to chance – in other words, a little spontaneity can only add excitement. If your partner wants to jump on a paddle boat, let them. If a night beneath a tent on the beach suddenly appeals, don’t hold back.

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Why You Should Stay At A Japanese Ryokan, For The Best Relaxing Holiday – El Take It Easy

Travel Tips - Shelia - August 16, 2015

Mostly, we decide to take holidays for relaxation, after working too hard. If you want an experience that feels more like a spa weekend than a hotel stay, a Japanese ryokan is definitely for you. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, which is usually more than 100 years’ old, and you should be able to find one with an array of nearby temples or shrines. But what’s so great about ryokan anyway?

 Next Level Hospitality

 At a ryokan, you will encounter hospitality like you’ve never experienced before. As a guest, the members of staff will bend over backwards to make sure that you have a relaxing stay, and you’ll barely have to lift a finger. Nothing is too much trouble. You’ll know exactly what I mean, when you experience your first stay in a ryokan – Japanese hospitality at its finest.

 Dress Code

 There are a few things to bear in mind, when you visit a ryokan for the first time. As you walk in, you’ll find yourself in an entrance space called the ‘genkan’ – the ground is lower than the inn’s floor. Here, you will have to remove your shoes, and you’ll be given slippers to wear. Yes, while indoors – you will always wear slippers.

Within your room, you will find yukata (a summer kimono) – it’s likely that a member of staff will show you how to wear it, or dress you. It’s really comfortable, and many ryokans have pretty patterns for female guests to choose from.

 Traditional Japanese Food And Culture

If you are fussy with your food, and rarely eat anything other than chips, burgers, and macaroni, a ryokan isn’t for you. However, those who are open to new cuisine will be spoilt with an array of amazing, traditional Japanese dishes. Often, breakfast is included within the price (and sometimes even dinner too).  A ryokan is a really great opportunity to be surprised at every turn, in terms of culture shock (in a good way). You will have a really special time.

 Onsen

One of the best things about ryokan is that you will be able to use the ryokan’s bath house, or onsen. Soak in there for half an hour, and you will be addicted to how rested and youthful you feel. You will have to get naked in front of strangers, however, if your room doesn’t come with its own private onsen, but that’s just how they do in Japan. Even if you are initially shy, you should be fine.

 Getting There

Many ryokans provide a shuttle service from certain areas, as ryokans are often out-of-the-way. If you’re nervous about using public transport to reach your ryokan, you can often get a private car from the airport, if your ryokan is close to a main city, such as Tokyo. Blacklane offers a really fantastic service, and it’s nice to have everything sorted out for you, after an extremely long flight.

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Avoid the Stresses of the Airport: Try These Strategies

Travel Stories - Shelia - August 13, 2015

All you want is to sun it up in some far flung location. You want the sand between your toes as roaring, lilting waves undulate in the distance. You want to wander down darkened cobbled streets to a peaceful basilica in Italy, or stare onto a perfect vista from a mountain in the middle of nowhere.

Airport Stress

But first you’ve got to face one trial – the airport.

Indeed, many airports appear to have been designed by Hieronymus Bosch as a DVD extra in one of the circles of hell. They’re blander than bland, beiger than beige and feature less substance than a void in a black hole factory.

According to national newspaper the Daily Mail, plenty of people think using an airport as more stressful than moving house. It’s not the perfect way to kick start your holiday.

But instead of feeling your blood pressure rise at the departure lounge, relax into your travels.

There are several ways that you can do exactly that – here are just a few.

Pre-flight tourist

Look away from the airport for a while – let’s take a look at its surroundings. Despite the fact that loads of airports seem to be in the middle of nowhere, a number of them have fascinating surroundings.

Take a drive around the area before you head for your terminal. You might find a sleepy village or a stunning view. It’s the perfect way to start your holiday before you’ve even boarded the plane.

Just be sure you don’t get lost. The last thing you want is to miss your flight.

Pack a plug

People don’t get excited by plugs anymore, do they? If someone produced a nine volt adaptor as a party piece, you probably wouldn’t speak to them again. Yet when your laptop’s battery life is coming to the crunch, an effective adaptor is like an oasis in a desert.

When you settle down in a departure lounge, be sure to choose a seat near a plug socket. No one wants to be staring at a black screen in these purgatorial lounges.

Breathe-easy parking

If there’s one thing guaranteed to set you on edge, it’s searching for a parking space in the gargantuan multi-storeys favoured by airports.

Thankfully, large flight hubs have alternative services to avoid the hassle of poor parking.

Gatwick north valet parking, for example, can be found at Gatwick Airport. With a valet, you’ll be able to drop off your car at your terminal, where it will be taken to a secure location to await your return.

It costs a little bit extra but the price is more than balanced out by the convenience. You’ll feel more relaxed about the airport before you’ve even entered.

Image Courtesy to fabbio

 

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