Friday, May 30, 2008

Traveling through Europe Five Important Tips

Traveling in Europe is definitely going to be an exciting experience for you, if you have or haven't been in Europe. However you do not want to spoil your holiday due to lack of knowledge and preparation. Therefore to ensure a smooth and enjoyably safe tour, below are some tips for your Europe vacation.

1) Documents.

* All of the people in Europe, including tourists, are obliged to own documentation for personal identification.

* Since the increasing number of terrorists that try to enter Europe, the checkpoints on all borders have been strictly controlled. All tourists, depending on which country in Europe they intend to visit, should always have their passport and visa wherever they go.

* When you fail to retreat your valid visa or passport when authorities request for it, you could be deported or even jailed.

2) Languages. There are 320 mixed spoken languages used in Europe today.

* The Baltic, Celtic, Romance, Germanic and Slavonic languages are the most commonly spoken and important

* Most European speak multiple languages besides their own mother tongue. English is used daily for politics and business.

* You should at least learn to speak the native tongue for common questions and courtesy you would need during your tour.

3) Electricity Volts Used.

* The European countries mostly make use of 230 volts that operate in 50 Hertz.

* Avoid plugging a device intended for 60 Hertz into a 50 Hertz outlet.

4) Cars and driving.

* If you want to be drive a car in all the countries in Europe, you have to be 18 years old and possess a valid driver's license.

*A driver and everyone inside the car have to wear seatbelt because it is illegal.

* Most of the countries in mainland Europe have right-hand traffic. While Ireland, Cyprus, Malt and the islands of England have Left-hand traffic.

* Car insurance is imperative. If your car has been stopped by the authority, they usually ask for the insurance certificate

5) Preparing for what your requirements are is important. These include transportation, food, and hotel accommodations.

* Food in Europe can be expensive. However if you plan before you leave and check your travel guide, you can always look for a reasonably priced meal around where you are staying. There are hundreds of local markets and groceries for your food supply.

* Always call the station for making a booking if you are planning to take the train.

* Be sure you always arrive at least an hour before the train schedule ensuring that you will not miss the train if ever you get lost on the way to the European station.

You can be Traveling through Europe hassle free as long as you have early arrangement and preparation. By Knowing the native tongue of a particular country that you visit will be a bonus, thus you are going to have the best time of your life.



For useful information and recommendations on travel tips to European Countries and many more, please visit www.yourholidayguide.com, an informative site providing great insights concerning travel in European Countries.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Ten Countries In Europe For An Amazing European Tour

Europe is one of the most beautiful places in the world. If you want to tour Europe and get to see what the continent has to offer, then read through these 10 places you can visit in this great continent. It might be a bit expensive, but a vacation I bet you will never forget in a million years.

1.) Fall in Love with London

There are so many places you can visit here in London. The first and most wonderful sight you will probably see is the Buckingham Palace. Next, I would recommend that you visit the Tower of London. If you want to get to know the place better, then do not forget to walk in the streets of the City of London and admire its historic buildings.

2.) Lover's Paradise

Of course, if you want to tour Europe, do not forget visiting the ever-romantic place of Paris. This place has a lot to offer historically especially the Eiffel Tower, a most beautiful sight you will ever see. This is where most tourists go to, and once their feet get tired of walking, get to enjoy the many cafes and bars located in its history-filled streets.

3.) Come Visit Rome

This is another great place that you should never miss. Rome offers a lot of historic buildings. The Vatican City alone is just one of its attractions and the many other churches it has, especially after being made more famous by Dan Brown's book, the Da Vinci Code.

4.) Charles Bridge

This is one of the best places Prague has to offer. The wonderful scenery it has especially at night when all the lights are lighted is enough to steal one's breath away. Get to know the wonderful people of Prague and their culture.

5.) Enjoy the Scent and Beauty of La Rambla's Flower Shops

This is one of the places Barcelona has to offer visitors - the La Rambla flower shops. If you love flowers, then this is an ideal place for you to stroll through. Also, you could visit its historical places like Temple de la Sagrada Familia and Cathedral La Seu, etc.

6.) Come Fly to Amsterdam

Amsterdam - the country where Anne Frank came from, author of the famous Anne Frank's diary, a teenager during the Nazi period. Get to know this place's historical canals and bridges. If you love Van Gogh, do not forget to visit the Van Gogh Museum.

7.) Lovely, Lovely Venice

One can never deny the beauty that Venice has to offer. Get to see more of its famous bridges and churches traveling by gondolas. The Grand Canal alone is enough to fulfill every newlywed's fantasy of a romantic and perfect honeymoon.

8.) Beauty of Madrid

Do not forget Madrid if you want a grand European tour. This should be in every European tour as this country is known for its famous yet romantic bullfighting. If you also love flea markets, then go to El Rastro, Madrid's biggest and very popular flea market.

9.) Amazing Athens

As one of the lands of the gods and the goddesses, you can visit so many tourist destinations here like the Athens Acropolis and the Athens Ancient and Roman Agora. There are also museums and galleries that you can visit. Of course, do not forget the churches and monasteries the place has.

10.) Idyllic Florence

This is another great country that one should visit. Get to know it people and culture by visiting the museums and galleries. Also, if you enjoy shopping but wants it to be quite unique, then go visit Arno River where its bridge is full of little shops and stores.



Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.DestinationGuide.tv/europe to view or share Europe travel videos.

Interesting places to visit in holiday destinations in Europe

One destination with many a wonders, Europe is among the finest of all holiday spots in the world. Europe's weather varies from subtropical near the Mediterranean Sea in the southern region, to sub arctic near the Barents Sea and Arctic Ocean in the northern latitudes. Variance in tourist destination in Europe is in abundance.

Italy Tourist Attractions Located in the Southern Europe, Italy is where you will find large number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From internationally acclaimed art galleries and historic museums to ancient monuments… places of interest and tourist attractions are in abundance in Italy. It is also globally well-known for its cuisine, fashion industry, luxury sports cars and motorbikes, as well as for its striking coasts, pristine lakes and snow capped mountains namely the Alps and Apennines. Within Italy there are further many interesting places to visit that popular holiday destinations in Europe. Rome, known as the "Eternal City", is the state capital of Italy and of the Lazio (Latium) region. Venice is among the best known romantic getaway in the world. Milan is known for its nightlife and fashion industry.

Switzerland Tourist Attractions Its best feature being the mighty and beautiful mountains, Switzerland is also dotted with plains, rolling hills, and large pristine lakes. Situated in the central region of Europe, this is among the most sought after tourist destinations in Europe. The atmosphere is moderate, but fluctuates with altitude. Switzerland has chilly, cloudy, snowy winters and cool to warm, cloudy, muggy summers with infrequent showers.

Spain Tourist Attractions Spain is a vibrant and diverse country in the Mediterranean Europe. Both historically and culturally rich Spain attracts many tourists throughout the year. Among many interesting places, Spain is the home to the capital city Madrid, the pulsating coastal city of Barcelona, the celebrated town of Pamplona known for bull fighting, and the city of Seville where flamenco originated.

Vatican City Tourist Attractions Situated in the city of Rome in Italy, the Vatican is the world's smallest state. Small in size, big in attraction this is what describes Vatican City. In this city you will find many beautiful and awe inspiring architectural wonders including the cathedrals and chapels. Visited by millions of tourist and exiles, Vatican City is a must visit.

Denmark Tourist Attractions Denmark is a country located in Northern region of Europe. Denmark was once the home of Viking raiders and then later became a prominent north European power. Over the year much has evolved and today Denmark is known for its modern lifestyle, beautiful architecture, notable bridges, Lego Theme Park and other tourist attraction.

Luxembourg Tourist Attractions Located in the Western Europe is Luxembourg is the sole Grand Duchy in the world and also the second-smallest state in European Union With a mix of Germanic and Latin cultures, here you will have a great time. Tourist attractions in Luxembourg are extensive and totally splendid. From interesting museums to art galleries; from historic monuments to verdant parks; from pretty botanical gardens to colossal shopping malls… you name it and Luxembourg is high on it.

Have a great time in Europe.



Nancy Eben is an associate editor of http://www.quickbooker.com . The website offers exclusive information of Europe and tourist destination in Europe . We also provide online hotel reservation of holiday destinations in Europe. We appreciate your feedback and queries at nancy@quickbooker.com .

Friday, May 23, 2008

Europe Visits Require Passports, and Checkpoints

You will find that traveling through Europe is very exciting and you will be able to benefit greatly from the trip. You will also find that you will be able to go to Europe and come back safe and sound when you take the opportunity to travel to Europe. You will find that there are just some things that you need to take care of before you leave for your wonderful trip.

First you will want to make sure that you have your identification on you at all times. And you will also want to keep in mind that you have to prepare for the checkpoints. You do not want to waste anyone’s time looking through the bags. You will want to make sure that you will be able to have your passport out at a moment’s notice. Keep in mind that you may end up getting deported or even jailed.

You will also want to become prepared for the languages. You will find that that there are many languages of Europe and you will want to get familiar with the ones that you may come in contact with. You don’t have to become an expert, but you do need to be able to show some common courtesy. You will also find that there are many difficulties when it comes to things like electricity.

In Europe the outlooks can only handle 50 hertz. In America, we are use to 60 Hertz. You will also want to learn how to abbey the car and driving laws. You will need to b at least 18 years old to drive and you need to have a valid driver’s license. You will also find that it is illegal not to wear your safety belt and you will need to get everyone inside the car with you to buckle up because you may end up being responsible for him or her as well.

You will also want to plan your necessities and it is very important that you think about things like food, hotel arrangements, and also the transportation arrangements.

You will also want to make sure that you get all your reservations done in advance and that you will need to learn to also check in and reassure that the reservations are there. It is very important that you learn how to protect yourself when you are in the cities and also learn how to protect your goods and possessions.

It is very important that you learn how to travel to Europe and also learn how to plan the trip in a way that will allow you to feel safe and secure with all your travel arrangements.



The scriptwriter Clinton Maxwell is especially interested in areas dealing with cathedral of murcia spain. His writings on maps of murcia region spain are published on his webpage and also other web publications.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

When Planning Think Europe, And Get Your Passport

You will find that traveling through Europe is very exciting and you will be able to benefit greatly from the trip. You will also find that you will be able to go to Europe and come back safe and sound when you take the opportunity to travel to Europe. You will find that there are just some things that you need to take care of before you leave for your wonderful trip.

First you will want to make sure that you have your identification on you at all times. And you will also want to keep in mind that you have to prepare for the checkpoints. You do not want to waste anyone's time looking through the bags. You will want to make sure that you will be able to have your passport out at a moment's notice. Keep in mind that you may end up getting deported or even jailed.

You will also want to become prepared for the languages. You will find that that there are many languages of Europe and you will want to get familiar with the ones that you may come in contact with. You don't have to become an expert, but you do need to be able to show some common courtesy. You will also find that there are many difficulties when it comes to things like electricity.

In Europe the outlooks can only handle 50 hertz. In America, we are use to 60 Hertz. You will also want to learn how to abbey the car and driving laws. You will need to b at least 18 years old to drive and you need to have a valid driver's license. You will also find that it is illegal not to wear your safety belt and you will need to get everyone inside the car with you to buckle up because you may end up being responsible for him or her as well.

You will also want to plan your necessities and it is very important that you think about things like food, hotel arrangements, and also the transportation arrangements.

You will also want to make sure that you get all your reservations done in advance and that you will need to learn to also check in and reassure that the reservations are there. It is very important that you learn how to protect yourself when you are in the cities and also learn how to protect your goods and possessions.

It is very important that you learn how to travel to Europe and also learn how to plan the trip in a way that will allow you to feel safe and secure with all your travel arrangements in spain.



Clinton Maxwell published first and foremost for http://www.alicante-spain.com , a website on cathedral of murcia spain and tourist news on murcia spain. His publications on maps of murcia region spain are found on http://www.alicante-spain.com/murcia.html .

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Tips You Should Know When Visiting Europe Vacation Destinations

Traveling through Europe is certainly nothing like a trip to Las Vegas but it doesn't have to be an overwhelming experience. However with the best travel tips you can be sure to have the most enjoyable trip over seas that you can have as a traveler. Keep in mind that this is not the sort of travel vacation that you can plan on sudden notice and you need to be sure that you have all of the proper documentation that you need for travelling abroad.

One of the best things that you can do is to work closely with a travel agent that specializes in tours to Europe vacation destinations. Keep in mind that you can also find the same information on the Internet that a travel agent can offer. You can educate yourself ahead of time on the many cultures and be sure to have a great time no matter where you go while you are there.

There are many travel tips that you can use to ensure your safety while traveling over seas. The main thing is to make sure that you have all of your papers in order, including visa, passports and airfare tickets. It is recommended that you should register with the American Embassy when you arrive so you can be located at anytime for in the event of an emergency. Be sure to get familiarize yourself with the customs and laws of the areas that you will be visiting so you know what is expected of you. Leave a copy of your entire passport with your family or friends for emergencies.

It is always a good idea not to keep all of your funds located in one place on your person. This will ensure that you are not without money in the event that it is stolen. You can use ATM's while there but the fees may be great so keep your visits to a minimum. The best way to save a bit on food is to see what the locals like. You can bet to get a good deal on food that is very common so see what the popular food of choice is and what local café's are ideal to visit.

You can have the trip of a lifetime by following each simple tip. Be sure to do some research before you take the journey so you can be well educated and prepared for such a tour. You will be grateful that you took the time to find out what the areas are all about so you know exactly what you are doing. These simple tips for travel holiday to Europe vacation destinations will help ensure that travelers have a fun and safe trip and that they get the most out of their experience.



Visit also cheap vacation spots to learn more about top 10 vacation destinations in Europe and about London hotels.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Ten Famous Caves in Europe

There's never a dull moment inside the caves of Europe. With such colourful history hidden under the crevices of the earth, spelunking tours are akin to a living classroom. Some of the world's longest and largest caverns have been opened to tourists who get to see the wonders lying underneath. Read to find out where are the most popular sites to visit on this side of the world!

One of the best ways of seeing Europe is by exploring its caves. Just below the surface lies all of the richness of this continent's history and the remnants of civilisations long gone. Not all treks are mere walks in the park, but with the sights down below, the trip is worth it! So if you're up for a challenge, here are ten of the most popular caverns in Europe.

Cavemen were excellent artists who made use of the walls inside Lascaux Cave as their canvas. Located in Southern France, these caves were discovered in the 1940s. Sadly, too much carbon dioxide brought by public viewing has contributed to the deterioration of the said paintings. Visitors are now given virtual tours to the different nodes inside.

Britain's greatest natural wonder is Dan Yr Ogof found in South Wales. Ten miles long and has four lakes inside, this cave was discovered during the early 20th century. Caving is recommended from April through October.

On the island of Capri, you can swim into the Blue Grotto cave during low tide. You can also go on boat tours for a less tiresome way. This cave is about two miles wide and is at 1,930 feet above sea level.

On much colder climes, the ice cave of Eisriesenwelt in Austria is a sight to see! Part of a tour that takes two hours to complete, this cave is a well-known stop in the tourist trail. Seeing almost 200,000 visitors each year, Eisriesenwelt is open for tours from May to October. Other stops along the way include Friga's Veil, Hymir's Castle and the Ice Palace.

France and Spain do own some of the most breathtaking caves one can hope to see! Found somewhere between the two countries, Pierre St. Martin is one of the world's largest caves. It reaches depths of 4,400 feet. To make the Grotte des Demoiselles cave more accessible, a staircase and lighting fixtures were built into it. Fossils and bones of animals have been unearthed inside Altamira in northern Spain. Paintings from thousands of years ago decorate the walls. And in Majorca, Cuevas del Drach astounds many due to its atmospheric vibe. Largely famous because of the subterranean lake inside, these caves are 25 metres below the surface and are 2,400 metres long. Classical concerts become a magical experience as the caves are illuminated for special occasions. A one-of-a-kind mineral finds home inside Ochtinska Aragonite cave. Crowds troop to this cave in Slovakia to see this rare calcium-like mineral. And to wrap up this list, it needs to be mentioned that the largest cave in Europe can be found in Switzerland. Tours to 190-kilometre long Hölloch Caverns are open from June to September. To go deeper into the crevices, there are two-day treks to be had.



Article by Hotel Club. Book a discount hotel reservation on our website. Includes discount hotels in the United Kingdom.

Do you prefer Europe hotels, grand villas or castles?

Grand villas or Europe hotels? It's all about what you're comfortable with and what your lifestyle is. Or, you want to break away from the normal type of Europe hotel and try out unique accommodations like a castle in Spain, a convent in Italy or an ice hotel in Scandinavia! The modern traveler is now able to choose from a very wide selection of accommodation.

Hotels
Hotels are the first thing that come to mind when you think of accommodation. It all boils down to location, location, location! In general, centrally located hotels are more expensive than those in the suburbs. If you want everything within easy reach, like when you get out of the hotel, restaurants and shops line the street, then you will be happy staying at a centrally located Europe hotel (which comes with a higher price). If you are on a budget, and don't mind trying out the local transportation to get to where the action is, then you're the type who wouldn't mind staying in the suburbs. Staying in carefully selected cheap hotels can be fun. Compared to hostels, cheap hotels MIGHT have more amenities.

Another thing to consider is the style of the Europe hotel. Is it modern or traditional? I've had some travelers ask me about the elevators! The old-fashioned elevators of traditional hotels are considered to be extremely charming to some travelers and a living nightmare to those who favor high-tech living at modern Europe hotels.

Boutique and Unique Hotels
Themed boutique hotels are cropping up in Europe. Interesting interior elements from hip designers are a delight to the senses. Even the food looks too good to eat!

Villas, Castles and Convents
Villas are not only for the rich and famous anymore. Ordinary folks (like us) can now experience this lifestyle by renting a luxurious villa for a week. A chef is on call to prepare special dishes famous in the region... or why not wake up feeling like a princess in your very own castle... suite, that is. Vacations like these feel almost magical! Don't worry, no one gets to turn into a pumpkin or a frog. Experience it once during your trip and the rest of the nights, stay at cheap hotels!

In the olden days, convents were strictly for nuns. Now, you can stay in a convent and you don't have to be a nun! Accommodations are clean, simple, very comfortable and most are equivalent to 4-star Europe hotels with 3-star prices! Breakfast and dinner can be arranged in advance. The only catch is that some convents have a curfew. It's an alternative to cheap hotels. Anyway, a good night's sleep never hurt anyone!

Bed and Breakfasts, Cottages and Farms
Country living is the trend for travelers living in the big city. Sort of an escape from everyday life. Try out bed and breakfasts, charming little cottages or the experience of living in a farm. Live like a local! Find out when "market day" is and check out the local flavors. You may have to bring your own linen and pay for cleaning so make sure to ask these questions before you finalize your booking.

Whichever accommodation you choose, whether a simple hostel, a cheap hotel or a luxurious villa, make your reservations in advance!

I've listed a few of the most interesting and intriguing boutique hotels here.



Mica Kerkdijk started traveling at the age of nine. The world is one fun classroom even after 35 years of travel. She moved to Holland in 2005, where she now lives with her husband and two sons. For more info on travel, visit European Vacation Guide for Women.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Save Money by Traveling Europe with Airfare Discount

Everyone looks for great deal on airfare that are been offered at discounted rate for the travelers under special schemes. Well, you can also find a great chance to enjoy airfare discount found on net. There are various sites available on Internet that might offer you get alluring discount on airfare for your pleasurable traveling. If you are enough aware of these airfare schemes, then you are probably aware of having great airfare discount on your Europe trip as much as discount you get in domestic flights. You must be familiar with certain things when planning for Europe trip to get your bookings done at immense discounted rate and make your voyage enjoyable.

At first, you should keep in mind that tickets are generally non-transferable and non-refundable as well. So in case you are planning to invest in trip insurance, you must book your air tickets at least prior to six months instead of waiting till the last day of departure to avoid any such problem you may find with the airfare discount for Europe. In addition to this, as there are hundreds of websites available on the Internet that offer great discount on your airfare, you may limit the use of keyword while searching for Europe airfare discount. The keywords that can be used by the interested travelers while searching for the airfare discount can be:

- travel flights - discount airfare - discount airfare flights - journey cheap flights

These are few keywords that help you locate necessary websites by popping up on a search engine by a general search.

Information on dates of departures as well as flexibility on airfare related to Europe airfare can be easily received by you within few seconds. The greater discounts are offered in week days mostly on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. There are some sites which offer you a special discounted airfare on one day a week. So if you can possess flexible dates and flying times then you will have more chances to bring out more options for yourself for airfare at more discounted rate rather than restricting yourself for a particular vacation times. Remember, that booking done during off-seasons usually offers more flexible discounts to your Europe airfare to the people and therefore, many people like to travel Europe during this season and save their travel expense at noticeable amount.

Some people feel that Internet is a blessing to find Europe airfare discount easily but others find it an annoyance because sometimes it needs vigorous research when you are looking for special discount schemes on airfare. As there are thousands of websites present that offer great discounts to the usual traveler. It may sometime prove time consuming for the people but if the research will be done properly and with patience, you will find that these sites offer even much alluring offers for your great trip and you will find them even better than your travel agent and other middle person who normally books for your travel.

Finally, do not forget that it is more important for you to find airfare discount for your Europe trip by spending a little time in research rather than having a worrying vacation because of higher expenditure on travel tickets much more than your budget.



http://www.mrmachotel.com

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Tourist Destinations of Europe - A Dream Holiday

Traveling this beautiful continent is dream of millions of people. The word beautiful is an under statement for the unexampled winsomeness of Europe. Europe has always been the most favored tourist destination in world. Further boost has been provided to Europe Tourism by the budget airlines. Europe tourism industry is flourishing at a great pace due to world famous tourist spots of Europe. In this fast world your weekend trip can land you at exotic beaches in Italy, at Windsor castle or serene banks of Rhine.

Europe has so much to offer that you will have to pre-plan well that which tourist destination you want to see when you are traveling Europe. Europe travel provides you a wide array of diversity, cosmopolitan cities combined with astonishing scenery. Europe has world famous tourist spots spread all over in countries like France, UK, Germany, Italy, Greece and Switzerland. This article will feed you with essential information on tourist places of Europe.

Getting in Europe- Major tourist spots: The largest travel hubs of Europe include London, Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam which are further well connected to all other major tourist destinations of Europe. There are many budget airlines which offer very cheap flights to Europe. Main among these are AirBerlin, Centralwings, EeasyJet, HLX, Ryanair, SkyEurope Airlines and WizzAir. You can find the lowest fares on routes going to or from cities in the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. All of such flights need to be booked on the internet in advance.

If you plan to travel from cities like Beijing, Vladivostok and Moscow then a wonderful option is travel by Rail trough world renowned Trans-Siberian railway. After reaching Europe you can travel around by air Or Eurail. Passes of Eurail are the best deal if you plan to travel extensively around Europe. Eurail is more beneficial than cheap plane tickets. Eurail connects all the tourist destinations of Europe in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey. You can also take bus service which connects over 500 tourist destinations across Europe. Eurolines can take you any where from Sicily to Helsinki and from Casablanca to Moscow.

Tourist destinations in Europe: There are numerous tourist destinations in Europe which can not be covered under one article so we will discuss these in a series of articles. Today we will talk about world famous mountain range- Magnificent Alps.

Alps: Europe is a paradise for a person who loves mountains and is addicted to traveling snow covered high peaks. Alps provide a lot of variations as it is spread all across countries like France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. You can choose your destination country as per your choice of culture, language and cuisine.

France is especially famous for its winter resorts situated in Alps. They are world famous for the high level of service and very fashionable hotels. Most famous place in Alps in France is Courchevel. It has become a symbol of the luxury and prestige. Chamonix is also famous place and is paradise for you if you are looking for best ski resorts. Moreover it is very cozy and world renowned.

Whole world knows that the best place to enjoy beauty of Alps is Switzerland. Its resorts are considered best in world but these are really expensive. For finding some affordable places you may need help of local people. The most prestigious resorts here are Zermatt, Saint Moritz, and Davos. Main cheaper resorts are Grindelwald and Gstaad. For more detailed information on traveling Europe follow our series of articles dedicated to Europe Tourism.



R.Verma is senior analyst for a popular travel portal. For great insights into tourist destinations of Europe, tourist spots and travel packages to Europe visit http://www.europetravelhub.com

Monday, May 5, 2008

Travel Europe by plane, train, bus or car... it's easy

Map out your trip - travel Europe by train, plane, bus or rent a car. This saves you time and money. If you are on a budget, compare prices against train, plane or bus. Check departure, arrival times and length of travel.
By train
Travel Europe by train is still the most popular way to go around. If your life's motto is to travel light, this is a great way to get to your favorite cities! Find out how many countries you will be visiting. There are certain types of train fares to match your needs. Do you travel during the day when you can admire the scenery? Or at night, while you sleep it out and wake up at your new destination, saving you one night's stay at a hotel? Travel Europe the way Europeans do! Mix in with the locals. One piece of advise, as back home, please keep your belongings close to you, particularly in the larger cities such as Rome.

I've traveled around Europe alone. And for women traveling alone, Europe can be pretty safe. I've never had the need to travel at night as I do prefer sleeping in a warm comfy bed. :-) While traveling, bring along your drinks. Most train stations have stores and kiosks. It's hard to be thirsty on board and praying for that guy selling the snacks to show up!

    Eurorail or eurail passes can only be purchased while you are still outside Europe. There are special passes depending on the length of your stay, how many times you will be traveling and how many countries you will be seeing. This is handy although if you are covering a few cities at a time, it is best just to purchase point-to-point tickets. During these cases, I buy mine on the spot.

    A green way to travel around the UK: Get around on the Virgin train! They've got rates from as low as GBP 12.50 one way. And if you book early, they have great deals for first class. First class and saving the environment, what a great combination.

By plane
With people wanting to get to their destination faster and cheaper, European regional airlines come up with promo flights sometimes even cheaper than train fare! Wow! That's a great way to travel Europe! So instead of travelling overnight on a train, you can choose to fly! There are lots of cheap airlines out there to make us female travelers happy!
    British Midland flies from London to several European cities. My Paris to London flight with a group was delayed but the service made up for it. Despite that delay, I still fly British Midland.

    I've also tried easyjet from Dortmund to Rome Ciampino and Jet2 from Leeds to Amsterdam Schiphol. These are low budget airlines. If I booked fast enough, I could have gotten my Leeds to Amsterdam fare for only GBP 1 (excluding taxes)!

    Flying within Italy? Try out My Air. They also fly to several international cities within Europe.

Be aware that you pay for the drinks and snacks on board so make sure you have coins or small bills ready. The flights left on time and in about an hour, you're in your destination!

On the other hand, there is also a possibility of renting a private jet. Check out Net Jets Europe if you don't want to wait for flights (like the rest of us mortals).

By car
If you're the type who loves driving during your vacation and consider map reading a stress-free hobby, then go ahead and rent a car! Driving in Europe is a breeze... that's what Jan (my hubby) says... I can't say the same because I don't know how to drive!

By bus
Europe bus travel is an alternative to going around by train. It's simple. Hop on, hop off. Coaches now are turning ultra modern. The ride is as smooth as when you're on board a plane! Bus ride's your thing the next time you travel Europe? There are several bus companies to choose from.

    I travelled on Eurolines' Amsterdam to Paris drive. We left Amstel Station at about 8pm and arrived in Paris at 6am. There are several toilet stops through the night and because the seats were comfortable, I felt pretty much ok on arrival.

    National Express is a UK coach operator that goes to about a thousand places in the United Kingdom and to popular destinations in Europe (with Eurolines) as far as Moscow and St. Petersburg! There are some really great offers so you might just get a chance on a great deal. The trip may take longer than a train but you won't worry about your luggage since all luggage are stored underneath the coach.

By private coach
The best in land travel, you and your friends and family have the privacy of your very own coach! Plan out your itinerary and have your very own professional driver take you around the continent for the entire duration of the trip. The latest family group I had decided to travel Europe (well, Italy and France) in the comfort and security of their very own deluxe coach, a big plus in their vacation! The kids claimed the back seats to chat all day long and their parents stayed in front enjoying the view!

By ferry
This is a great alternative for those who easily get bored. You get to do different activities on board the ferry so there is never a dull moment while you travel Europe on your own.



Mica Kerkdijk started traveling at the age of nine, with her parents and six sisters. Since Mica has enjoyed the company of women while traveling, she has come up with a site for women who love to travel to Europe. She moved to Holland in 2005, where she now lives with her husband and two sons. For more info on travel, visit European Vacation Guide for Women.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

The Tourist Destination Called Europe

Europe, the world’s second smallest continent covering only 2 percent of the planet’s surface and supporting 11 percent of the world’s population has been one of the most favorite travel destinations for decades now. The continent of Europe and its feel is so very different from that of any other continent or country. Most of the continent is a fine blend between the narrow and tiled streets from the 16th, 17th and 18th century and the skyscrapers dominating the skies and showing the economic might of the continent and it’s comprising nations. Europe Geographic Location Europe is mainly defined by the Arctic Ocean towards North, Atlantic Ocean on the west, by Mediterranean Sea down South and the Ural Mountains, Ural River, Caspian Sea and Black Sea towards east and southeast. Although Russia is the largest country among all the European nations, its contribution towards tourism is almost negligible as compared to most of the western European Countries. A Brief History Before the Industrial revolution, Europe was plunged deep into the dark ages. During those times, exploitation of labor, fight for control over land and people and corruption in the churches had made life a living hell for most of the people. Although Industrial revolution struck Europe in the 16th century and changed the things upside down, it also gave wings to art and architecture. It was only during the 16th, 17th and 18th century that great artists and philosophers of the likes of Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Picasso and Galileo were born and changed the way people looked at the world around them. Most of these men were also responsible for the creation of various breathtaking pieces of art and architecture. Most of the European churches date back to a few centuries and still boast of paintings by master artists of the 17th and 18th centuries. Places of Interest in Europe Europe is such a beautiful continent and has so many places that can said as a must visit. But it is almost impossible list beyond a few of them. But, you don’t need to get disheartened because we will try and pack in as much information here as we can and tell you where you can find the rest of the information that you are searching for. Some of the major cities of Europe are Paris, Munich, Berlin, London, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Stockholm and Helsinki. These are just some of the most important cities in Europe in the context of travel and tourism and also as power centers. But, this goes without saying that there are many other places that are as beautiful as these cities. Paris - the capital city of France, the city of love, is one of the biggest travel and tourism attractions in Europe. Paris is also called as the fashion capital of the world. There is always something happening in the city and there is something for just about everyone. When in Paris, you should not miss the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre (glass pyramid) and the Notre Dam cathedral. Berlin - the beer capital of Europe and as well as whole Germany famous with some of the most modern fleet of trains. Apart from huge beer steins, Berlin also boasts some of the finest museums and cathedrals in the world. And of course, you must not miss the Berlin wall �" an important, although sad symbol of the previous decades. Amsterdam - the European capital of pleasures, popular with its wild and free life. The city itself is also very impressive, boasting old cathedrals, great architecture and countless tourist attractions. But Amsterdam is also equally popular with its cuisines and of course, Hash Brownie. Travelling in Europe Travelling in Europe is a very pleasant surprise for most of the first timers. Almost entire continent works like a single nation and leaving aside a few, most of the countries use only one currency - Euro, which means that you can save time on exchanging traveler’s checks for local currency and bringing only one currency in many of the European countries. One of the most popular ways of travelling across Europe is by the Eurail. Eurail is one of the most economical ways of transport across the European countries. Also to be noted here is that a visa issued by any of the European Union member country holds good in all the rest of them too. So, you can use Eurail for travelling between almost any of the European countries and enjoy the breathtaking countryside views on the way. You can also fly on many of the cheap, no frills flights or make use of the bus service called Eurolines which connects more than 500 European cities. Another popular and fun way of traveling between many cities in Europe is by ship. There are many ferries and large ships that transport people and shipments across different European cities and also offering all the luxuries romantic cruise liner. Although, we have tried to pack in as much as we could here, we still missed out on so much of what one can see and enjoy in Europe as a tourist. But, we don’t want you to miss out on anything, and in case you are more curious about Europe, so can find more information and take a virtual trip to Europe on the site below. Still one can truly experience Europe only if visit the Old Continent himself!


Ivaylo Yordanov is the author and can provide you with additional information about traveling and tourism in Europe. Also, more information is available at Europe Europe hotel accommodation Europe travel guide

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Car Hire Adventures In Europe's Most Child Friendly Cities

The school bell has rung, the chalk dust has settled, it can only mean one thing-it's time to start planning the perfect school holiday escape! With Europe's cities buzzing with lively events and attractions during the school holidays there's no better time for children to get an extra lesson in culture, history and fun.

1. Copenhagen:

Topsy-turvy towers, elegant royal palaces, colourful marching guards... simply walking through the streets of this city is like stepping into the pages of a storybook. That's before even mentioning marauding Vikings, jolly Lego folk or the magical Tivoli Gardens. For children, a city break in Copenhagen is guaranteed to captivate enchant and enthral.

What To See in the City:

Copenhagen is one of Europe's most child friendly cities, offering plenty to keep the little ones amused. In Copenhagen, there's no escaping Danish fairytale writer Hans Christian Anderson's legacy. A visit to the city's iconic Little Mermaid statue on the waterfront is a must, as is the captivating 'Wonderful World of Hans Christian Anderson', a child-centred interactive museum on Rådhuspladsen. To see real-life tin soldiers in action, be sure to catch the impressive midday changing of the guard ceremony at Amalienborg Palace.

What To Do Outside of the City:

A hire car allows you to explore all of the attractions of the city's surrounding countryside. In Copenhagen there are plenty of options open to you. A whole-day excursion to Legoland makes for a fun-filled day out for all the family. Situated in Billund (240km west of Copenhagen), Legoland is one of the safest and most well-planned theme parks you'll ever visit. Meanwhile, nearby Roskilde's excellent Viking Ship Museum (32 km west of Copenhagen) is where the imagination can really run amok.

2. Barcelona

Bright and breezy Barcelona, with its quirky Gaudi buildings, vibrant cultural scene and blissful beaches is the half-term city break that appears to have it all.

Things To See in the City:

One of the best ways to familiarise children with the city is to take them on a walking tour of Gaudi's most stunning buildings. The crazy, fantastical architecture of Sagrada Familia Cathedral and Parc Guell is sure to leave kids spellbound. Meanwhile, Picasso's discombobulated drawings at the splendid Museu Picasso and the interactive exhibits at Fundacio Joan Miro will have mini Miros and pint-sized Picassos reaching for the crayons and paint boxes. Of course there are plenty of other non-cultural attractions on offer in the city, including the fun Tibidabo Amusement Park, set in a stunning mountain location, overlooking the city.

Things To Do Outside of the City:

After all that walking, a day-trip by hire car is a special treat for tired little feet. Barcelona is convenient to a number of fine beaches. Casteldefells, situated within a half hour's drive of Barcelona is a pleasant sandy beach, that is guaranteed to keep the bucket and spade brigade amused for a few hours at least.

3. Paris

Paris's stunning attractions have long captivated city break tourists. However, with children in tow, you'll get to see the city from a whole new point of view. With two world-class amusement parks on its doorstep and a range of child-friendly spots to be found around the city, there's no reason why children can't get in on the City of Light's charms. Besides, it's the perfect place for the petit enfants to brush up on their French!

Things To See in the City:

The city's iconic Eiffel Tower is a definite must see attraction. Even if you've seen it before, it's worth visiting the impressive 276-metre structure just to see the look of awe it inspires on the faces of the young. Meanwhile, river cruises on the Seine offer the chance to see the city from a watery perspective and will surely ignite the imagination of wannabe pirates.

To truly feel like the king of the castle, be sure to make a visit to the delightful France Miniature Park-you'll get the chance to play Gulliver in a Lilliputian land where the Palace of Versailles is knee-high and the Arc de Triomphe is nothing to shout about.

Things To Do Outside of the City:

Situated 32km to the east of Paris, a day-trip to Disneyland Resort Paris is guaranteed to be number one on the wish list of every kid on vacation in Paris. The enchanting theme park is currently celebrating its 15th anniversary and now boasts hundreds of attractions. A whole day should be allocated to seeing its main highlights.

Meanwhile, heading north, a 30km drive will take you to Asterix Park, a charming homegrown amusement park which features a range of exciting attractions based on the diminutive French cartoon character.



Fiona writes for Argus Car Hire and Car Hire Spain