Things To Do In Switzerland

In 2016 a survey took place which revealed the global ranking of happiness in 158 nations and when the report came out Switzerland turned out to be the second happiest country on the planet, isn’t it fascinating. The question which comes in everyone’s mind is that just what is making everyone so happy in Switzerland? Well here’s the answer, this is the birthplace of skiing and it offers travelers much more than just slopes and chalets. From art to food to outdoor adventures, there’s so much to visit in this small country and they also offer there some fun events and special experiences that might have a little something to do with why everyone is feeling the love.

Things To Do In Switzerland

So don’t just sit back and think where to go in vacations just get packed and head straight for this small, mountainous and wealthy jewel nested comfortably in the heart of Europe. Add to it the stylish ski resorts of Zermatt or charming Berne echoing medieval times, celebrity-studded St Moritz, and the outrageous Zurich steaming with art and design or the cosmopolitan Geneva, and once you end up in this country this small yet amazing country will make your vacations unforgettable.

Via Mala Gorge:

Mala Gorge

Between Thusis and Andeer the Via Mala Gorge lies. Via Mala Gorge means «evil road», and for many centuries it has enjoyed a unique mythical status. This is a natural monument with its rock walls is 300m long and has 321 stone steps which lead you safely down into the depths of the gorge and is easily accessible to visitors.

Long time ago this natural monument was probably one of the most feared section of the historic transit route known as the Via Spluga . Nowadays,this monument is a «must see» for tourists.Chapel

Bridge (Kapellbrücke):

Bridge (Kapellbrücke)

Chapel Bridge (“Kapellbrücke”) that surrounds the Reuss River in the city Lucerene is a wooden pedestrian bridge. It is named after the nearby St. Peter’s Chapel, it was built in 1333 and is one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe.Today, it is one of the Switzerland’s main tourist attraction.

The Old City of Berne:

The Old City of Berne:

“It is the most beautiful that we have ever seen,” wrote Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in a letter to his friend Charlotte von Stein during his stay in Bern in 1779. Today the Swiss capital still enchants its visitors with its charm and diverse attractions and events.

This is the only city in Switzerland which offers such a wonderful wealth of culture, entertainment and leisure. Hurry and hectic are foreign words to the Bernese. In their city, people enjoy life up to their fullest and take time for what is important. It’s entirely easy to relax and enjoy oneself in this unique Old Town atmosphere

The Rhine Falls:

The Rhine Falls:

Rhine falls is 150 m wide and 23 m high waterfall is located near the village of Neuhausen in Northern Switzerland. Even though the Rhine Fall receives massive tourism every year, the natural beauty is just overwhelming and it is for sure worth your time. May/June is the best time to visit because at that time the amount of water peaks are at their best.

Wanting to book your next holiday to Switzerland 

Click Here To Get The Best Deals

Thinking Of Flying United Airlines?

 

 

Thinking Of Flying United Airlines?

Things To Do In Northern Ireland Over The Easter Holidays

 

A Visit To Mount Stewart 

 

This is a truly classical house with totally amazing Gardens if you want to see how the rich live and used to live in Northern Ireland a day trip to Mount Stewart has to be on the top of your list for sure.

Mount Stewart

A visit to Mount Stewart

 

A Visit To The North Antrim Coast

If you love stunning scenery then you really want to do this drive around the North Antrim Coast if you get a nice sunny day the views of the North Antrim Coast are hard to beat.

Atlantic views from the north coast of ireland

Visit North Antrim Coast

 

A Visit To Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge

 

If you are scared of heights this may not be the ideal trip for you but there may be other members of your family wanting to cross this very old rope bridge, crossing the bridge carrick a rede rope bridge definitely a day to remember.

Crossing Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge

A Visit To Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge

As a child I used to love being taken by my parents to Portrush. Some things never change, If you are visiting Portrush best time is spring or summer as in the winter a lot of shops close down.

 

A Day Out In Portrush

 

 

Portrush Beach

A Day In Portrush

 

The Silent Valley

 

The Silent valley is about 15 miles outside Newcastle County Down. It is like it says in the name a very quiet place. It is a reservoir surrounded by mountains I discovered by accident in my early 20s when a friend suggested that we go there.  If you haven’t been to the silent valley it is definitely a place to put on your to visit list.

Silent Valley

A Trip To Silent Valley

 

A Visit To Tollymore Forest

Tollymore Forest Park is situated in Newcastle County Down. It is an outstanding place with lots of beautiful scenery and walks. Since Newcastle has also got so many other things to offer including the Mourne mountains I highly recommend a visit.

Tollymore forest park

 

A Visit To Tollymore Forest Park

 

Bangor Marina And Pickie Fun Park

Bangor Marina has a nice walk along the coast which goes all the way to Crawfordsburn Country Park. There is a playpark for the kids a pool with pedal swans for the kids. There is also a mini golf course a cafe and a mini train for the kids to go on, in fact they even allow the big kids(adults on it as well) 🙂
Bangor Marina at night


A Visit To Bangor Marina And Pickie Fun Park

 

A Walk To Killynether Forest 

Killynether Forest is situated beside Scrabo Tower in Newtownards it is an ideal place to go for a walk or a picnic or just to get some peace and quiet. Away from the hussle and bussle of everyday life.

Scrabo Tower

 

Killynether Forest Park

A Walk To Killynether Forest

 

Visit The Odyssey Arena  In Belfast 

 

Why not go for a visit to the Odyssey Arena in Belfast situated right beside the Titanic quarter and Harland And Wolff where the Titanic was built. There are lots of restaurants the W5 Science Centre, Ten Pin Bowling,Coffee Shops and a Cinema.   There are also concerts held in the Arena regularly so it may be worth checking the ticket office to see if there is any concerts on when you are there.

odyssey arena belfast

 

A Visit To The Odyssey Arena

 

A Visit To Frankie And Bennys Restaurant

 

Frankie And Bennys has something of an atmosphere that I really enjoy it is based on a New York theme Italian Restaurant, My experience with all the things I have ordered has been really good.  It can be a bit more expensive than other restaurants but well worth a visit for a night out or a treat.

Frankie And Bennys Belfast

Inside Frankie And Bennys Restaurant

 

An Evening In Frankie And Bennys

 

Murlough Nature Reserve

An ideal place for a walk with your family or to take your dog. Only problem is that you can’t guarantee that your dog won’t take a swim across the lough after the swans.  This happened to me one day as I watched my Dobermann swim off into the sunset only to arrive back a long time later.

 

Murlough Nature Reserve

 

 

Walk Around Murlough Nature Reserve

Trip to Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in Cultra

 

A Visit To The Ulster Folk And Transport Museum In Holywood

 

 

A visit to Botanic Gardens in Belfast

 

A Walk Around Botanic Gardens

 

A Trip To Belfast Northern Ireland

A Visit To Belfast

 

Top Ten Attractions In Belfast

 

Titanic Tours Belfast

 

When you are out on your travels it is well worth a trip to Castle Park in Bangor making sure you pay a visit to the walled gardens in particular. They look absolutely amazing especially in Spring and Summer.

Flowers at walled garden bangor northern ireland

 


Walk Around Castle Park Bangor And The Walled Gardens

Of course if you are just visiting Northern Ireland for a holiday it is always a good idea to make sure you get some competitive quotes for hotels and accommodation while you are here click the link below to compare and get the best deals.

Find Cheap Hotels In Belfast

To find out more information about any of the places discussed in the above article click on the blue link below the picture for more information.

Things To Do In Northern Ireland Over The Easter Holidays

Mont Saint-Michel In Normandy France

Mont Saint-Michel In Normandy France

Backpacking Travel Tips For South East Asia

 

 Click Here To Book Your Next Holiday

 

Backpacking Travel Tips For South East Asia

Whether travelling on business or pleasure, here are just 5 ways to get to New York and back again without breaking the bank in the process.

  1. Shop for Flights via a Budget Flight Provider

One way to instantly save a few quid whenever you plan to travel, and wherever you plan to travel to for that matter, is to shirk the better known airlines and flight providers out there. These companies are able to charge more for flights, even when using the same airlines, based entirely on the fact that we recognise and so trust their name. Hence, they genuinely are dining out on their name or reputation.

Meanwhile, lesser known of online booking agencies, such as Globehunters, one of the UK’s leading providers of cheap airline tickets to New York, have to ensure to provide better prices a high percentage of if not all the time because they haven’t fame to fall back on. Hence, their only means of drumming up custom is through ensuring they provide something else instead, and what is more likely to attract and make loyal clients and customers than by beating the big names when it comes to something as expensive as air travel?

  1. Search Incognito

For those unfamiliar with what browsing the internet incognito means exactly, refer to Google Support.

In summary, going incognito online means that the sites you visit and what you do online via an incognito browser window are not saved to your search history. It also means that cookies are not created while you browse. In turn this prevents airline sites and google itself from collecting information about what you search for frequently and preventing either from hiking up the prices when you perform numerous searches for the same items – for example airline flights to New York.

It is argued whether searching incognito really does ensure you always get to see the cheapest prices available, but with it being so quick, easy and free to do, why take the risk? Rather, ahead of looking online for flights simply switch over into incognito mode and you needn’t even concern yourself with whether it’s true – or pay more if it is.

  1. Travel Midweek

Book a flight heading out and returning midweek to save the most, no matter the airline; flights departing from the UK and headed for New York as well as those returning struggle to fill up most on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Hence, tickets sell for the least on these two days.

Meanwhile, it might surprise some to learn that Saturday is also an unpopular day on which to travel. Therefore, for those who require travelling at the weekend, always opt to do so on a Saturday. Sunday flight prices, in contrast to Saturday prices, are eye wateringly high though, be warned.

  1. Watch Out for Error Flights

For those who do not necessarily need to book too far in advance and who are able to take a more flexible approach to travelling, it is always worth keeping an eye out for error flights.

With literally thousands of flights taking off every day and airlines being busy 24/7 to ensure all their flights are listed online, this means that there is real potential to capitalise on any errors made when imputing information. And these mistakes happen surprisingly often, fortunately for use travellers and rather unfortunately for flight providers.

To learn how to spot or find these error flights amongst the rest, bookmark and make regular visits to the Flynous website which posts errors as they occur.

  1. Follow the Telegraph Newspaper Guide

Lastly, for a wealth of even more tips, tricks and means of getting to New York on a shoestring budget, take full advantage of the Telegraph Newspaper’s Travel Section Guide: The Cheapest Way to Get to New York. As well as offering further advice on how to bag a budget flight to New York, the Telegraph Guide also provides ideas as to how to get to New York without flying for those willing to take a round-a-about trip if it means saving some serious pounds – or dollars, as the case may be.

With the impact of Brexit already affecting the cost of our holidays abroad, more UK residents are looking for a destination a little closer to home.

In fact, The Guardian recently reported that there has been a sharp rise in holidaymakers opting for a staycation instead of heading abroad.

So where on Earth do you go? There are plenty of great options, but there is one destination which stands out from the rest.

The Lake District in the North West of England is easily one of the most beautiful places in the UK but that’s not all it offers.

There really is something for people of all ages and to prove that, here are five reasons why the Lake District makes the perfect staycation destination.

The Breathtaking Scenery

The Lake District is undoubtedly one of, if not the, most beautiful place in the UK. With nearly 900 square miles of peaceful lakes, rolling hills, towering peaks and forests, you’ll grow tired before you run out of breathtakingly beautiful photos to capture.

You can take in the stunning surroundings in a whole manner of different ways too. For the more adventurous holidaymakers you can trek up Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England, and take in all the Lakes has to offer.

For those of you who fancy something a little less tasking, you can appreciate the beauty of the region from plenty of lower locations too. Take a look at this list from the Lake District National Park website for some inspiration.

A Wealth of Activities for All Ages

Along with the amazing landscapes come plenty of opportunities to try out a whole host of different activities.

Obviously walking or hiking is the biggest and most widely enjoyed activity in the Lakes for many reasons, one of the best being that it is something everyone can enjoy.

Take a look at Walking Englishman, a handy site which describes the lengths and difficulties of all the walks in the Lakes, making it easy for you to find one most suitable for your fitness or taste for adventure.

If walking isn’t what you’re looking for, there’s still plenty of other options to keep the whole family busy. Try your hand at a number of water sports across the various lakes including Windermere and Coniston, including canoeing, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding and more.

For those keen to brave to waters, there are opportunities to go ghyll scrambling, an all action activity which involves swimming, climbing, jumping and sliding up and down beautiful mountain rivers and springs.

Amazing Accommodation

Whether you are looking for an all-action staycation or a relaxing romantic week away, there are accommodation options for everyone in the Lakes.

We spoke to Lake District County Hotels, who have three different locations around the Lakes. They said, “There’s simply nowhere else in the country where you can enjoy a luxury hotel stay accompanied by stunning lakeside views from your bedroom.

No matter where you stay, you’re only a short drive from either the amazing lakes or one of the charming towns of the area, so there’s something for everyone.”

It’s Rich in Culture

If the thought of scaling up a mountain or swimming through a lake is your worst nightmare, the area still has plenty to offer.

The Lake District is incredibly fortunate to be the home to a number of respected and celebrated writers and literary works.

If you love poetry, what better way to spend your time than taking in the beautiful surroundings which inspired much of William Wordsworth’s publications? You can even visit the town of Cockermouth, the birthplace and home of Wordsworth.

Take a look around the beautiful Wordsworth House and Gardens which are a treat for any literary fan.

That’s not all though. Lovers of timeless children’s stories can visit Beatrix Potter’s home, which is brilliantly immersive.

Fans of children’s fiction can also visit all of the locations from the classic 1930s and 40s books Swallows and Amazons.

Delicious Food

One of the greatest things about heading on holiday is enjoying the local cuisine and thankfully the Lake District has lots of delicacies to enjoy.

Meat lovers can tuck into a classic Cumberland sausage, those who have a sweet tooth can visit Cartmel for the best sticky toffee pudding in the country and walkers can enjoy the best hiking fuel available by nibbling at a piece of Kendal mint cake.

For lovers of fine dining, there are a number of brilliant restaurants in the area too. From cosy country pubs to Michelin star standard restaurants, there’s more brilliant food in the region than you can shake a stick at.

Take a look at this great guide from the Telegraph for a rundown of all places to look out for during your staycation.

A holiday spent in the real life paradise that is the Caribbean country of Turks and Caicos deserves to also be spent in a hotel as awe-inspiring and luxurious as the destination itself. For that reason, here are five of TCI’s best hotels, along with a little of what makes each so special.

1# The Blue Haven Resort

To kick off is the Blue Haven Resort. Located in Providenciales, the most popular region of TCI amongst its tourists, the Blue Haven is one of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ newest and most exciting resorts.

As well as being equipped with all the luxuries expected of a four star hotel, including sumptuous private suites, a choice of onsite eateries, its own spa, gym and gourmet coffee shop café and grocery store, the Blue Haven is as well the only resort in the whole of TCI to boast its very own private marina.

Hence, for unrivalled luxury, amenities and for those arriving via private yacht, the Blue Haven is the perfect choice.

2# The Beach House

The Beach House is one of TCI’s only boutique Hotels, and as such provides the perfect option for those looking for something a little less like a resort and a little more special – in a more characterful but no less luxurious way.

Occupying an enchanting and impressive colonial style beach front mansion house that overlooks Grace Bay, touted as the world’s best beach, the Beach House Resort provides a choice of private suites – many of which also look out over Grace Bay Beach. Meanwhile, its remaining suites overlook TCI’s abundant and exotic countryside and mango groves.

A place with real character and charm as well as providing the highest level of luxury and service, the Beach House is also home to its own onsite restaurant, Kitchen 218 which is well loved and known of in Grace Bay and beyond for serving fantastic lionfish and fresh seafood.

3# COMO Parrot Cay

If neither of the two stunning options described above take your fancy how does a hotel and resort occupying its very own private island sound?

COMO Parrot Cay is not only the name given to a TCI resort but as well the name of a private island in TCI which provides the most popular accommodation amongst the Hollywood glitterati. A favoured holidaying spot with the likes of Justin Bieber and Cara Delevingne, as reported via The Daily Mail article: How celebrity hotspot Parrot Cay got its mojo back, for those looking to spend some serious cash and in return receive unrivalled privacy as well as rent their very own villa in paradise, there is no competition; COMO Parrot Cay is less a resort and more a millionaire’s village glittering in the Caribbean sea.

With a VIP list of regulars and holiday makers gracing its shores though, do not expect to join them for less than a VIP – or ‘very impressive price tag’ to spell it out; the least expensive accommodations booked during the least popular seasons at COMO Parrot Cay begin at around £500 per person per night, and the price rises even more impressively depending on the size and location of the accommodation or villa you opt to stay in. Hence, this is perhaps one TCI resort that is best kept for truly special occasions.

4# The Alexandra Resort

A fantastic option for families holidaying or wishing to holiday in TCI, the Alexandra blends both luxury and low cost, at least considering the high standard of its suites and wealth of onsite amenities, as well as its prime location.

In contrast to COMO Parrot Cay, the Alexandra Resort is self acclaimed as ‘the best value of all the Turks & Caicos resorts’ and certainly does provide by far the best value resort in the massively popular Providenciales Locale which is situated on the world famous Grace Bay Beach.

Then, providing both luxury and yet affordable suites, the Alexandra Resort definitely deserves its place on this top five lo-down, and is a brilliant choice for families looking to head out to TCI for their summer holidays.

5# Amanyara

Amanyara, situated in the TCI region of North West region of Providenciales, is not simply a luxury resort; as explained and celebrated via its website, Amanyara offers an experience and means of enjoying Turks and Caicos in an entirely unique way. Championing yoga and the meditative life, this is the ideal resort for those who are looking for something more than simply luxury and great service in a resort.

For that reason alone it deserves its place as one of TCI’s most brilliant places to stay, especially for those familiar already with TCI and looking for new ways to experience the country as well as those looking to soak up some spirituality as well as sun whilst on holiday.

Things To Do On A Visit To Newcastle County Down

When you are visiting Northern Ireland especially in the spring or summer one place that I would highly recommend is a visit to Newcastle County Down. Whether you are a cycling enthusiast or just looking for something interesting to do with the family. There is an abundance of things to do in Newcastle County Down.

 

  1. Go hiking up the mourne mountains and slieve donard.

 

Go hiking up the mourne mountains and slieve donard

2. A visit to the strand for their famous ice cream.

Strand Ice Cream Newcastle County Down

3. A trip to the smoothie bar – Visit the smoothie bar along the seafront and enjoy various smoothies  made with freshly grown wheatgrass.

smoothies newcastle county down

4. Take the kids to the amusement arcade to play games and go on the dodgems.

amusements newcastle county down

5. Have lunch in country fried chicken.

country fried chicken newcastle county down

6. Visit the Slieve Donard hotel for a typical Sunday Dinner.

slieve donard hotel newcastle county down

7. Go Pony trekking across the beautiful mourne countryside.

Pony trekking newcastle county down

8. Mountain biking down slieve Donard (Only for advanced mountain bikers if you take the steep path down by the river, prepare for sore wrists at the end of the descent though).

 

Mountain biking slieve donard newcastle county down

9. A visit to the beach and chill out and enjoy the 2 weeks a year sunshine if you get lucky 🙂

beach newcastle county down

10. A visit to the Murlough Reserve bird sanctuary at Strangford Lough.

Murlough newcastle county down

11. A visit to the Saint Patrick heritage centre 10 miles away in Downpatrick.

Saint Patrick heritage centre

12. A visit to Tollymore forest park

Tollymore forest park

13. A drive to the Silent Valley 15 miles outside Newcastle definitely well worth the extra drive with some amazing views.

Silent Valley Reservoir

14. On the way to Newcastle it is also worth a visit to Delamont country park which is also ideal for a picnic or barbecue.

Delamont Park Killyleagh

15. A drive along the Newcastle coast to Warrenpoint, and a trip to the Quays shopping centre in Newry.

The Quays Shopping Centre Newry

If you have any other suggestions that you feel we have missed out on then feel free to post them in the comments section below and we will add them here for you as well.

Thinking of booking your next holiday to Northern Ireland or somewhere else.

 

Click Here To Book Now

 

Things To Do On A Visit To Newcastle County Down

Kalymnos Summer 2016

Kalymnos Summer 2016

Click Here To Book Your Next Holiday

 

Kalymnos Summer 2016