Caravanning in The UK!

Now here's an idea for a fitting end to the Summer holidays... How about a caravan holiday exploring the UK?!


Before you groan in disbelief, take a while to read this post and look into one of the most enlightening and liberating methods of holidaying.

There are many areas in the UK that are ripe for exploration along with your caravan. The Cornish coast is one such area. Set-up camp in St Ives holiday park located right on the beach of St Ives. Nearby you have fantastic attractions such as the glorious Eden Project and Land's End. You could also explore a multitude of quirky Cornish fishing villages such as Padstow and Port Isaac. If you want something a little bigger in scale, venture to nearby Newquay for golden sands and world-class surfing. If you choose Newquay as your base, you could opt to stay at the larger holiday park of Hendra, located on the outskirts of the town.

If the great outdoors is your thing, then why not head towards the marvellous Lake District, There are numerous towns surrounding the area that are geared towards providing caravanners with the best possible experience, allowing you the chance to relax after a hard days mountain rambling. For a caravan park that makes the most of the stunning views that are ever-present in this area, choose Troutbeck camping and caravan site in Penrith. This is the ideal site for exploring the Northern tip of the lakes as well as Hadrian's wall and the nearby town of Carlisle. If you'd prefer to stay elsewhere on the lakes then why not try Windermere. The Windermere camping and caravanning club has perhaps the best view of all the caravan parks located in the lakes as it is situated in the centre of the National park overlooking the fells of the South lake.

Wales also offers exceptional caravanning possibilities. The Dramatic mountainous scenery of Snowdonia arches out of the sky in contrast to the rolling green hills and beaches of the Pembrokeshire National park, highlighting the choices on offer when you caravan in Cymru. There are so many caravan parks in Wales that it is difficult to pick one in particular, Perhaps the best way of caravanning in such beautiful scenery is to drive until you find your favourite backdrop then stumble upon a nearby park! One of the best choices for a caravan park within Snowdonia is Bardy caravan park. It lies in a secluded vale and is surrounded by panoramic views of the nearby mountains.

Spread the Word: Share/Submit or Bookmark this Post...

Where to travel on a shoe-string

Looking for a place that you can comfortably travel in on an ultra-thin budget? Contrary to popular belief, it is still possible to live and travel on just £15 a day all whilst seeing some of the World's most glorious destinations and meeting some soon to be life-long friends.

Where are these fabled places I hear you ask? Well, most our rather predictable but there are a few curve-balls that may surprise you.

First and foremost the best place to travel on a shoe-string is Thailand or any of the other neighbouring East Asian countries. Thailand caters extremely well for those searching for wanderlust but has becoming saturated with travellers to the extent that it can be difficult to discover the 'real' Thailand. But if you're looking for your first shoe-string experience then this is certainly the destination for you. The likes of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam are not quite as well catered for which can drive down your overall costs as getting around is cheaper but harder in terms of planning.

India is also an excellent destination for the discerning traveller. You'll meet plenty of like minded travellers who live on far less than you and are often a fountain of knowledge when it comes to tips and approaches to travelling around this unsubscribed yet picturesque part of the World. It may be wise to avoid India if you have a weak stomach though as Western food can be very difficult to come by and your palette will have to adapt quickly to the spice heavy cuisine.

China is also a wonderfully cheap yet immersive option - especially if you like your trips to be laden with plenty of culture and eye-opening history. This option is perhaps the most left-field though as it will present you with a complete and utter departure from Western living. You should brace yourself for quite the culture shock so perhaps only approach this option if you are a seasoned traveller!

Of course, if you are not ready to live within your means then none of these options are going to suit you! Budgeting becomes easy after a couple of weeks on the road, but you have to restricted in what you purchase and your itinerary needs to be cut to the minimum when it comes to activities and tours. Always seek out the cheapest options and consult the locals when it comes to the site-seeing.

Spread the Word: Share/Submit or Bookmark this Post...

A guide to Crete

Bristling with more history than is conceivable, the Greek island of Crete is famous for it's food, sun, beaches and culture.

As the largest of all the Greek islands,Crete is almost a country in itself with such a high population and land-mass. In my opinion, the best time to visit Crete is between May and July. At the start of the peak season, these months offer the best value for money whilst the mercury doesn't quite push the headier heights of the latter months of the holiday season.

With three airports, flights to Crete are regular and competitively priced and fly from all major airports in the UK. Be sure to check all flight operators before you go for the best possible price and book through a reputable holiday broker.

There is plenty to do in Crete. If you're looking for entertainment or something for the kids then you could do far worse than checking out the famous Aquaworld aquarium in Hersonissos. Entry prices are extremely reasonable at under 10 Euros for adults and children and once in, you will be enchanted by turtles and gain a new appreciation for Pythons (once you've summoned the courage to pick one up!).

Crete is also ripe for walking with an impressive mountain range and the Samaria gorge national park which hosts a picturesque 10 mile walk that takes in views aplenty and idyllic Greek villages. Along this undulating hike you will discover some of the best views on the island along with a host of indigenous species such as the Cretan mountain goats!

If history and culture appeals then take the time to visit the wealth of monuments and buildings dedicated to the century old civilisations that Crete has been influenced by. The Minoan palace lies in Knossos and is the ultimate symbol of the sheer size and power of the once great Minoan civilisation that flourished in Crete in the 27th Century BC. I also recommend the sacred monastery of Arkadi in the foothills of Mt Psiloritis with its superb views and intriguing history.

Spread the Word: Share/Submit or Bookmark this Post...

Exeter - Historic city of the South

Exeter is a popular city in the South that boasts a host of cultural and historic sites for anyone looking to experience a different aspect of holidaying in the picturesque Westcountry.

Being a once thriving Roman settlement, there is a whole host of impressive ruins and relics left over from this period, most notable of which are the city walls that can be traced around the city. Exeter also allows access to it's impressive centuries old underground passages that twist and turn under this quirky city.

Remnants of historical eras remain throughout the city, such as the vast cathedral which is perhaps the biggest draw that the city holds. Inside, vast stained glass windows allow in a shower of light that permeates the whole building, lending a joyous atmosphere that is often absent from many cathedrals of this size. Outside, is cathedral green - a luscious combination of closely cut grass and well-designed paving that is often accompanied by a range of people who come to enjoy the sunshine or their lunch-break!

St Nicholas Priory is also well worth a look. It's an ex-monastery turned museum that is now council owned and details life in the Tudor era with a range of artefacts and hands-on displays. This interesting attraction has points of interest inside and out and is well worth a visit. Lying in the Princesshay part of town, you are also right next to the main shopping district of Exeter. There are stores galore here and you are sure to leave with a gaping hole in your wallet, especially when you catch a glimpse of the nearby Reiss, American Apparel and All Saints boutiques.

If walking is your thing then take a stroll down to the beautiful quay for a warm coffee or an ice-cold cider whilst people watching or swan feeding. There are a number of pubs and eateries along the quay, most notable of which is the excellent 'Waterfront' providing you with home-made pizzas and drinks at very reasonable prices.

If Exeter itself doesn't charm you, why not broaden your horizons and visit nearby Powderham castle for more medieval culture, or perhaps Exmouth beach for excellent surf, or failing that Crealy Adventure Park (especially if you have kids in tow that need to be suitably tired out!)

Spread the Word: Share/Submit or Bookmark this Post...

RELAX! With the most chilled out cities in the World

Looking for the perfect city break retreat where the focus is on relaxation and re-charging those batteries?

Take a look at these wonderful cities where relaxation and zen-like peace is of paramount importance!

1.Bath

This quintessential English city has an abundance of spa and relaxing activities. Voted as a UNESCO World heritage site, this city has plenty of relaxing sight-seeing options; chief of which are the Roman baths that take centre stage in this charmer of a city. As well as this, Bath contains some of Europe's best architecture such as the Pulteney bridge and the Royal Crescent both of which are lovely to walk around during the Summer. In terms of spas, the pick of the bunch is Thermae Bath Spa, where you can experience Bath's mineral enriched waters both inside and out. A 2-hour spa session costs just £25 giving you decent value for money.

2.Marrakesh

Head to Marrakesh for the ultimate in North African hospitality. When planning your trip you should make sure that you book to stay in a traditional Riad – luxury Moroccan accommodation that makes full use of the balmy sunshine by focusing the myriad of rooms and corridors around a luxurious pool. For ultimate relaxation you should head straight for the old city and book in to a Hamman for a traditional body scrub and spa experience that is perhaps unrivalled by any other relaxation method on the planet!

3.Venice

The total lack of cars in the centre of this charming city is one of the key factors that makes this city so relaxing! You can stroll peacefully around the city's myriad of canals and bridges without the fear of revving vehicles and infuriating moped horns, instead you can listen to the sounds of cheeping birds and the steady flow of Venice's pearlescent river waters. The city is a delight for those looking for a holiday where a relaxed, care-free atmosphere permeates the air.

4.Phuket

If you're looking for somewhere a little more exotic, you could venture to Thailand and the originator of the Thai massage – Phuket. The Thai massage combines traditional and contemporary massage techniques to provide you with ultimate relaxation. Don't just go for the massage though. Phuket has plenty to offer the traveller looking for relaxation. Crystal seas, white beaches and world-class diving and snorkelling can all be found here.

5.Cannes

What better way to spend a weekend than in sunny Southern France. This millionaire's playground offers relaxation in spades. You can spend the day perched on the harbour watching the extravagant yachts come in and all the pretty people disembark for a spot of fine French cuisine. Promenade de la Croissette offers you one of the finest walks in Cannes, showcasing azure blue seas and narrow beaches on one side, whilst expensive looking hotels and boutiques surround you on the other.

Writing about these places is the easy part, now it's time for you to take the next step! Be sure to book with a reputable firm and shop around for the best prices on flights and accommodation first! 

Spread the Word: Share/Submit or Bookmark this Post...