Posts Tagged travel tips
Whilst In London, Don’t Miss Out On These Free Attractions
Posted by SEO SERVICES in Travel on February 10th, 2011
London, capital of England and the United Kingdom and home to around thirteen million people, is one of the greatest cities in the world. Its accolades include: the most visited city in the world, the busiest airspace in the world, the world’s largest financial centre (alongside New York), the largest concentration of higher education institutes in Europe, the highest city GDP in Europe, the largest metropolitan area of any city in Europe and by the year 2012 will become the only city to hold the summer Olympics three times.
Spending a holiday period in London partly needs to be planned, so that you can experience the main attractions, but also should be spent without a set schedule or destination so that the sights and sounds of one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world can be experienced. For the planned part, here are some pointers to help you about, listed below.
Buckingham Palace is the home to Queen Elizabeth II and should be on everyone’s list of places to go when visiting London. The palace itself is a fantastic spectacle but the main attraction to most is the changing of the guard ceremony that takes place every day at 11:30am during summer and every other day at the same time, during winter.
If museums are your thing then London is a place that is sure to excite. Three of the most interesting museums on the planet are situated in the UK’s capital and one of the most astonishing sights to see is the massive collection of Greek and Egyptian artifacts held in the British Museum, which can boast offering free admission since it was first opened over two hundred and fifty years ago! The Natural History Museum, situated on Exhibition Road in South Kensington must be seen to be believed. Holding over seventy million items within five main collections, the museum will wow any visitor with its amazing display of dinosaur skeletons.
If you or your family enjoy art, then there are some particularly special places where you can go to enjoy yourself. If you like contemporary art then in London the place to go is the (aptly named) Tate Modern; and on the other side of the coin, if you prefer historical and classical artwork then you will maybe prefer the art presented in the Tate Britain.
Alongside all these great attractions, London has some other fantastic things to see and experience that just take a little searching out. Every day and night there are free events held across the capital from comedy to music to intellectual lectures that just require either an internet search or a read through one of the free daily newspaper supplements to find.
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Cardiff, UK - A Look At Its Free Attractions
Posted by SEO SERVICES in Travel on February 5th, 2011
One of the top ten cities in Europe, the capital city of Wales and a highly popular tourist destination, Cardiff is a truly great place to visit. We take you through some of its main attractions that everyone can enjoy for free. Cardiff Bay has been built around a massive freshwater lake and is the largest waterfront development in Europe. It boasts beautiful scenery, lots of nearby exciting attractions and shops that are great for browsing no matter when you choose to visit.
Right next to Cardiff Bay is the fantastic Wales Millennium Centre. This was only opened in 2004 but it has already become a stunning international arts centre and is a genuinely iconic landmark in Cardiff. It also boasts regular free lunchtime concerts, making it perfect for all the music lovers out there. Concert styles range from everything from opera to folk and they take place in the foyer of what is in itself an extremely impressive building, making it a music lover?s paradise.
You could also visit one of the largest collections of Impressionist paintings outside Paris at the National Museum Cardiff. The museum is also home to Wales? national art collection and there are a few different gallery tours to help guide you round the exhibits. The Evolution of Wales exhibit is definitely worth looking at, and there are some great features and exhibitions on everything from archaeology to natural history and geology. The museum is free to enter and is in the heart of Cardiff?s civic centre.
Pretty much everybody loves music, so you?re sure to have lots of fun at Cardiff?s premier free music festival, Cardiff?s Big Weekend. The city is bustling at the best of times, but this event brings thousands more people into the centre, making it well worth a visit. It features performances from the UK?s largest traveling fun fair as well as great live music and entertainment. It takes place every year, normally over the first weekend in August and lasts for 3 days.
Lastly, if you?re after yet more great free entertainment to see you through the summer months, then the Food and Drink Festival is definitely worth a visit. There are loads of different events at the festival such as a Welsh cookery school, wine seminars and workshops for children. Introduce your taste buds to some new flavors by visiting the stalls featuring food and drink from around the world as well as the great range of Welsh food on offer. This is truly Cardiff at its best.
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Taking A Tour Of Brighton, England
Posted by SEO SERVICES in Travel on February 3rd, 2011
Cosmopolitan, vibrant and with so much to do, the city of Brighton has plenty on offer for tourists and that?s why it remains one of the UK?s top tourist destinations. A city by the sea, where the royals used to go for a spot of rest and relaxation, you won?t be short of things to do should you choose to visit, in fact it might be more of a problem trying to fit in everything you want to do!
The iconic Brighton Pavilion with its stunning regency architecture is a must see when visiting the city. Built as a seaside palace for George IV this exotic looking building is home to a variety of regency art, furniture and silver. Tours of the palace are available or you can simply make your own way round and soak up the elegant ambience.
The Victorian pier is also another tourist attraction and famous landmark in Brighton. Here you can experience your typical seaside activities such as fish and chips, arcades for playing games and slots and a funfair with some great rides for the kids. And after having a look around the pier you can make your way onto Brighton?s famous pebbly beach.
Brighton is well known for it?s seaside activities but not everyone knows that the city has a lot of designated green spaces so there are plenty of parks and gardens for you to explore or simply have a picnic and hang out. The parks are a good place to bring the kids for some informal sports and games. The gardens at the Pavilion are attractive and well maintained and should interest anyone who has a liking for plants and flowers, also during the summer months the Pavilion gardens are used for entertainment and music events. The largest urban park is Preston Park and this is a great place for families to visit.
If you enjoy exploring museums then there are several to choose from in Brighton. The Brighton Museum is the centre for Modern Art and there are plenty of exhibitions and interactive galleries for you to browse. The Booth Museum of Natural History is a wonderful place for anyone who is interested in animals and insects with literally hundreds of species exhibited and the Toy and Model Museum is a great place for a spot of nostalgia. The museum is home to toys from virtually every era and makes for a fascinating day trip out.
A popular tourist attraction in Brighton is the famous Volks Railway. Built in 1883 the railway is Britain?s oldest electrical railway. The journey is just over a mile long and on the way you can take in the views of Brighton beach, the Victorian pier and the marina.
Brighton Marina is a huge shopping centre that is just outside of the city centre. Here you will find all kinds of shops and there are some great cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a spot waterside dining. If you fancy taking in a film while you are in Brighton there?s a cinema here and also a bowling alley and other indoor entertainments on offer, making the Marina a popular destination for a rainy day. The city of Brighton is also a good place for shopping with lots of interesting shops lining the quaint streets.
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Things To Do In Cardiff, Wales
Posted by SEO SERVICES in Travel on January 29th, 2011
Over one third of the population of Wales live in the metropolitan area of Cardiff - the most populous and capital city of Wales. Cardiff is the sporting and cultural centre of Wales and is also home to the National Assembly for Wales and the Welsh national media. In 2010 alone, Cardiff attracted over fourteen million visitors, making it the most popular tourist destination in Wales.
Although Cardiff is a great city, as with every city in the world, it can be difficult knowing what to do and where to go without prior research. The attractions detailed below should give you a few starting points if you are planning a short holiday in the Welsh capital.
A great place to start your sightseeing adventure in Cardiff is Cardiff Castle. Cardiff Castle is a medieval castle that also contains a Victorian mansion, transformed from a Norman keep that was initially built on the site of one, or possibly two Roman forts. The first Roman fort to be built on the site is thought to have been erected around AD55 and the first Norman fort was built in 1091 by Robert Fitzhamon.
The castle grounds cover 8 acres and hold some amazing sights and historical artifacts.
The most popular museum in Wales is the Natural History Museum at St.Fagans in Cardiff. The Natural History Museum is the English name for the attraction which in Welsh is called the Welsh Folk Museum. In 1946 the site was donated by the Earl of Plymouth and then over the course of two years, turned into a museum, finally opening the gates in 1948. The museum displays buildings and exhibits that have been reclaimed, rebuilt and recreated from all over Wales depicting the history of the country and its culture.
The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff is one attraction that every tourist should not miss. First opened in June 1999, in time for Wales to host the 1999 Rugby World Cup, the Millennium Stadium also plays host to music concerts, football games and Super Special Stages of the Wales Rally Great Britain. The stadium is the second biggest in the world that has a fully retractable roof and the third largest stadium in the Six Nations rugby championship.
Along with the above attractions there are a number of other particularly interesting places in Cardiff that should be accommodated for in every tourists schedule. Some other places that you should visit are the Techniquest science museum, the Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, the Llandaff Cardiff Ghost Walk and the National Museum and Art Gallery.
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Westminster, London : What It Has To Offer
Posted by SEO SERVICES in Travel on January 27th, 2011
London?s Westminster area is packed full of the capital?s most famous landmarks. You?ll find Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the River Thames in this area. There are also lots of other attractions for tourists in and around Westminster.
Completed in January 2000, The London Eye can be found on the South bank of the River Thames and stands an impressive 135 meters high and is the world?s biggest observation wheel. From the top it?s possible to see views of up to 25 miles in every direction and you should be able to spot landmarks such as Big Ben, St Paul?s Cathedral and Windsor Castle to name a few. This popular tourist attraction has 32 capsules that hold up to 25 people, with children under 5 able to ride for free.
The London Aquarium is another excellent destination for tourists in the Westminster area. There are up to 3000 different types of marine life here including huge rays and even sharks, with shark feeding time being a popular part of the daily schedule. The aquarium sprawls over 3 floors and daily talks about the marine life are given throughout the day.
The Florence Nightingale Museum can also be found in Westminster and was originally part of the St Thomas Hospital that was founded by Florence Nightingale in 1860. The museum is home to many original and unique artifacts relating to Nightingale such as the slate she used to write on as a child, her pet owl Athena, which was stuffed after its death, and the famous Turkish Lantern she used during the Crimean War.
The historical landmark, Westminster Abbey has been the location since 1066 for every coronation in England. The building that you see today was completed sometime after 1245 and draws on a few architectural styles. The Abbey?s ornate organ is particularly notable and has been there since 1937. The nave is famous for being the final resting place of some well-known names. The Poet?s Corner holds the graves of Chaucer, Charles Dickens and Rudyard Kipling and the graves of scientist Sir Isaac Newton and naturalist Charles Darwin.
Also in Westminster is the Tate Britain Gallery, which is home to British works of art from 1500 to the modern day. Admission to the gallery is free except for some of the featured exhibitions. Works of art from past artists like Blake and Hogarth to twentieth century artists such as Hockney and Bacon can be found at this fascinating art gallery.
Also in the area is St James Park, a beautiful park that is popular with those who enjoy green scenery and tranquil views. The lake here is home to a number of geese, black swans, ducks and even pelicans. There is a good children?s play area and also a caf
Things To See And Do In Birmingham, England
Posted by SEO SERVICES in Travel on December 29th, 2010
After the U.K’s capital city of London, Birmingham is the second most populated city in the country. The metropolitan area, which includes a vast number of towns and villages, is also the second biggest in the country with a total population of around 3.6 million people. Once called the workshop of the world, Birmingham thrived during the industrial revolution of the 18th Century. Over that period it increased its population by some 450%. Now, Birmingham is known as a national commerce centre with the 2nd largest city economy in the U.K.
Birmingham is the forth most visited city by foreign tourists in the UK and as such, has some fantastic attractions that can not be missed. The advice detailed below has been compiled to make sure that you take full advantage of your visit to Birmingham and do not miss out on the best attractions.
The Cadbury factory is a great place to start. Cadbury has been a British institution for coming up to 200 years and became part of the worlds largest confectionery company in February 2010 when it was purchased by the American food, beverage and confectionery company, Kraft Foods inc.. Cadbury World is a self tour visitor park located on the Bournville manufacturing site and was first opened in 1990. Over the years it has been constantly expanded to the point now where it has 14 separate chocolate zones and caters to over 500,000 visitors each and every year.
If you have young children to entertain during your visit to Birmingham, make sure you take a trip to the Thinktank. The Thinktank is Birmingham’s Science museum, completed in 2001 as part of the Millennium Point Complex, and opened by HM Queen Elizabeth II. Initially, many of the exhibits were on display at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery but the building suffered from disrepair, ageing architecture and poor access for people with mobility issues so the decision was taken by Birmingham city council to build a new science museum. The Thinktank certainly does not disappoint and will undoubtedly be a success with all children
If you are the type of person who enjoys exhibitions then the National Exhibition Centre is the place for you. The NEC is Europe’s busiest exhibition centre and the largest in the United Kingdom with a total capacity of 200,000sqm in 21 separate halls. The LG Arena, opened in the mid-1980s is a 16,000 capacity concert hall that has played host to the biggest bands of the moment including Rihanna, Lady GaGa and the Black Eyed Peas.
Star City is a relatively new leisure and entertainment complex that was only opened in the summer of 2000. It has a huge twenty-four screen cinema which at the time of being built was the largest cinema in Europe. There is also a 22-lane bowling alley, arcade, and the U.K’s biggest casino. Star City is also packed with a large number of mixed-theme restaurants offering Mexican, Spanish, Chinese and traditional English food.
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Turkey : Tourist Information For Culture And History Lovers
Posted by SEO SERVICES in Travel on December 27th, 2010
It is hard to find an area of the world more steeped in history and culture than Turkey. In the last 20 years or so, Turkey has experienced a boom in tourism, and for good reason. As one of the beds of civilization and most ancient sources of lore, people flock there to see for themselves the sights offered to so many others before. Here is a look at Turkey’s best cultural tourist attractions.
One attraction that should be on any tourist’s agenda is the Haghia Sophia Church Museum. Originally a church only, it was built in the 6th Century and was the largest church in the world at the time of construction. It became a mosque in 1453, and was finally declared a museum in 1936. Imagine the history of a building that has seen events such as the fall of the Ottoman Empire and other historic occurrences. Speaking of the Ottoman Empire and religious establishments, Blue Mosque, Sultan Ahmet Camii was built in 1616 and was the highest Imperial Mosque of the Ottoman Empire. Its 260 windows allow in a breathtaking array of light.
For an interesting look at some unique geography, tourists can head out to the Cappadocia region. Cappadocia is a plateau in the middle of Turkey that was formed by the eruption of two volcanoes. The lava poured over the land, creating a plateau with a height of 3270 feet. As wind and rain eroded the plateau, strange fissures and valleys formed, making for some of the most singular geographical sights anywhere. Because Turkey maintains coasts on the Aegean, Black, and Mediterranean Seas, the beaches and strikingly blue water of locations such as Butterfly Valley, Akkum, Alanya, and Olimpos Cove will satisfy the sightseeing and swimming appetites of any visitor.
For a glimpse into mankind’s earliest past, a stop by Ephesus is mandatory. It is one of the best preserved ancient civilizations that can be found, with roots in the 12th Century BC. The area’s religion and trade were centered here, and the city bustled with more than 250,000 residents during the Roman period. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was built in Ephesus. The Odeon and Celsus Library are also places of interest in the ancient city.
Turkey has some of the best tourist attractions worldwide. From history to landscape, it is a quite unique region. It is no mystery as to why Turkey’s tourism industry continues to flourish.
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Spain : A Dream Destination For Cultural Enthusiasts
Posted by SEO SERVICES in Travel on December 23rd, 2010
Calling all culture lovers! If you?re after a fantastic cultural vacation you?ll never forget, then Spain is a simply brilliant location. Steeped in history and interest, it really is a fantastic country. Check out Barcelona for a city overflowing with culture. A key highlight is the great range of Gaudi architecture, which is well worth a tour. If museums are your thing, check out the arty Picasso museum or the FC Barcelona museum. Take a tour of the lovely Ramblas and eat paella at a restaurant at La Barceloneta.
No vacation to Spain can be complete without a trip to the capital city, Madrid, which is home to some really brilliant cultural treasures, making it a must see. Visit the Prado Museum or the Reina Sofia Museum to see Picasso?s Guernica. The Royal Palace is also gorgeous and well worth a visit. You can also go on a day trip to nearby Toledo, where you can see a cathedral that took 250 years to build as well as the imposing fortress, the Alcazar.
Next on our quick cultural tour of Spain is Seville. Famous for its oranges, another highlight of Seville is going to a flamenco show at one of the city?s great tablaos. You can also visit the Roman ruins of Italica at Santiponce, which are well worth a visit. The cathedral is also very impressive, as is the Alcazar. If you like your tipple, you can go and visit the sherry bodegas at Jerez. You can even watch the dancing horses at the School of Equestrian Art.
For some simply sensational Moorish architecture and history, you really should visit Granada. It?s home to the Alhambra Palace, whose grounds take up large swathes of the city. It?s a Moorish fortified palace and is considered to be one of the top representations of Islamic architecture and art. For a more homely experience, visit the streets of the Moorish Albaicin. You can also visit the wonderful International Festival of Music and Dance and check out the winter skiing in the Sierra Nevada.
Northern Spain is also great. Earlier, we mentioned Picasso?s Guernica. Well, you can see the real place in the North. It was heavily bombed by the Nazi?s in WW2 and is great for an educational trip. You can also visit the Pyrenees if you fancy going on a walking tour or, if driving is more your thing, motor along the Basque coast west of San Sebastian. For the daredevils out there, run the bulls at Pamplona in July or for a quieter time, check out the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
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Moscow’s Red Square - A Tourist’s Guide
Posted by SEO SERVICES in Travel on December 20th, 2010
An absolute must for any tourist paying a visit to the beautiful city of Moscow is a trip to Red Square. The history of the square is inextricably linked with that of Russia itself, making it a brilliant place to visit. Probably best known as the site of twentieth century Soviet military parades, it began life as a slum and was the scene of many battles during various invasions. The name comes from a Russian word for ?beautiful?, not from Communism as many people assume.
Probably the highlight of Red Square, St Basil?s Cathedral is instantly recognizable, with its iconic spires and colorful domes, although when it was originally built, it was all painted white and all the domes were gold. It was ordered to be built by Ivan the Terrible in the 1550s. The cathedral is now a museum that?s extremely popular with tourists. You enter via a wooden spiral staircase that was hidden until renovation in the 1970s and then walk along the narrow, winding gallery to look at the beautiful paintwork.
Another place everyone should visit is the Kremlin Wall, where many casualties of the October Revolution are buried, as well as many Soviet heroes and leaders, such as Stalin. There were two tombs built under the wall by the Bolsheviks when they took over following the revolution, although these were later expanded and it became tradition to bury Soviet leaders there. This is an absolute must for anyone interested in the history of Communism and the wider history of the twentieth century.
Another highlight of Red Square is the Lenin Mausoleum, where you can see the waxy corpse of the Father of the Revolution. Fashioned out of layers of black, red and grey granite, it?s only a small, squat building, but showcases a key piece of twentieth century history. If you want to go in to see Lenin?s body, then be prepared to join the queue along the Kremlin Wall, leave your bags and cameras behind before you enter the tomb and follow the directions of the guards.
For anyone interested in the history of Russia, Resurrection Gate is a brilliant place to visit. Not only is it popular with tourists, but it also encapsulates centuries of Russian history. It served as the entrance to Red Square for centuries before being dismantled as part of the Soviet government?s drive to destroy sacred sites in 1931. Reopened in 1996, it was rebuilt after the fall of Communism, making it a vital part of Russian history as well as a place every tourist should visit.
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Moscow - Things To Do And Sights To See
Posted by SEO SERVICES in Travel on December 14th, 2010
If you?re planning a trip to Moscow, then you can be sure you?ll have plenty to do and see while you?re there. One of the world?s great cities, it truly is worth a visit. One fantastic site that?s an absolute must is the famous Kremlin. This is the center of Russian government and the word ?Kremlin? roughly translates as ?fortress? in English. It contains government buildings, cathedrals, an armory, museums and a palace. Get yourself on a guided tour to make sure you see all the hotspots.
Somewhere else that you should definitely visit is world famous Red Square. An absolute must see here is the recently rebuilt Resurrection Gate; rebuilt because Stalin had it demolished in the Cold War after it had stood at the square?s entrance for centuries. You should also pay a visit to colorful St Basil?s Cathedral, which was built in the sixteenth century on the orders of Ivan the Terrible. A truly great place, the square was named in the 1600s after a Russian word for ?beautiful?.
Another great Moscow attraction is the Bolshoi Theater, which is perfect for the culture lovers among you. This is Russia?s largest and most famous theater and it?s well worth finding time to squeeze in a show, although make sure you?re not overcharged as foreigners often end up paying more at kiosks than locals do, so try to book before you go. Home to the Bolshoi Ballet, the recently renovated auditorium has five tiers and is decorated in the 19th century neoclassic Russian style.
To see a bit of Russian history up close, then pay a visit to the Old Arbat. This has become more touristy in recent years, but still maintains its old charm and appeal. One of Russia?s cultural centers, it boasts many writers, painters, composers and artists among its former residents. Pushkin, one of Russia?s most famous writers, used to live there and his home is now a museum that you can visit. It?s also a great place to shop for souvenirs and art or visit some great cafes.
Somewhere else that?s great to visit in Moscow is the Novodevichy Convent. It was established in 1524 and translates as ?New Maidens Convent?. It is surrounded by a beautiful park and the cathedral, convent and cemetery are all open to visitors. Many famous Russians are also buried there, such as the sister of Peter the Great, the writer Chekhov and the composer Shostakovich. Whatever your tastes and whatever you like to do on vacation, you are bound to find something you love in Moscow.
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