Do you class yourself as an adventurer? If so, then now is the time to consider a trip to Britain to explore the strange celebrations that take place across the islands. Best known for scenery and traditions, you can find all this and more from your base at one of the many country cottages in the UK.

While many people take the time to enjoy beer, music and fine art festivals, not as many consider the chance to see people chasing cheese down a hill or a coal carrying competition – you can, if you head to Britain. On the continent you have the baby jumping festival in Spain, orange throwing in Italy and a spiritual horse race in Sardinia but here we look at the United Kingdom’s offerings.

Up Helly Aa

Up off the coast of Scotland, on the most Northern authority in the United Kingdom, this Viking festival on the Shetlands Islands is about as unique and obscure as you can get. Known as ‘Europe’s Largest Fire Festival’ and taking place on the last Tuesday of every January, there are visitations and marches before a procession. Dancing and performances are a given after you’ve seen a galley go up in smoke in a tradition that has been going since the 1880s.

Coal Carrying Championship

Moving south of the border and into England, you can find cottages to rent in Yorkshire and enjoy some of the unusual traditions that the region is known for – one of them being coal carrying. Starting back in 1963, competitors race the 1,108.25-yard course after saddling up coal weighing 50 kilos on their back. With a record of four minutes and six seconds, there must be some serious training going into it and there is plenty of hype and coverage surrounding it. While it might not be the Wife Carrying World Championships that Finland boasts, it is a unique experience of a most unusual festival.

World Toe Wrestling Championships

Nothing quite like using body parts, but unlike the Montana testicle festival this is a family friendly competition. It is as simple as it sounds; the opponents interlock toes and wrestle until one foot touches the frame. With all proceeds going to charity, the Championships have been around since the 1970s and is a popular event among the locals.

Bog Snorkelling Championships

Taking place in Llanwrtyd Wells in Wales, competitors come to see who can snorkel through 60 feet of bog quickest. With many people coming in fancy dress, more than 100 people take part each year. Since being founded in 1985, it has grown in popularity year on year and all proceeds go to charity after the event – which is held on August Bank Holiday. The current world record was broken last year with Andrew Holmes winning with a time of one minute and 24 seconds.

So there you have it, four of the best unusual Championships for you to enjoy when heading to Britain. This is forgetting the world famous cheese rolling competition in Gloucestershire, the nettle eating competition in Dorset and the International Bognor Birdman. So, forget near death experience festivals in Spain and fish-swallowing festivals in Belgium and get your fill of adventure in the United Kingdom.

Photo by  brockvicky

You don’t have to know its language perfectly to engage with another culture, but a few words can really make a difference. Here’s a useful starter guide for studying abroad in England.

If you’ve spent some time in other countries, you’ll know that just a handful of words and phrases can make a huge difference to the experience. Knowing a little of the language means you can better engage with the locals without relying on them speaking your language, and give you a degree of autonomy you would not otherwise have enjoyed – whether you’re going on holiday or studying abroad in England.

Please, Thank you, Sorry, Excuse me. As with any language and culture, being polite will open doors for you. People will forgive a lot if they know your heart is in the right place. Good manners can compensate for a large number of mistakes – whether linguistic or social.

Meeting people

Given that meeting people is probably one of the main reasons you will have decided to study abroad in England, learning how to start and end interactions is an important ability. It doesn’t bode well for a conversation if you can’t find a way to open it and greet someone naturally: Hello / Hi / Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening.

Similarly, ending a conversation is important because it sets the tone for next time, and for the person’s memory of your interaction. If it’s the first time you’ve met, you might finish with Nice to meet you. Otherwise Goodbye / Bye are best, or the more informal Take care / See you.

When introducing yourself, say My name is… You can tell the person a little about yourself too: I am a student / I am studying abroad in England / I am learning English at the summer school.

Out and about

You will generally find that people are quite responsive if you ask them for help, especially if they know you are studying abroad in England. Make sure you listen carefully to the answer and ask them for clarification if you aren’t sure what they said.

Where is the …bus stop / …train station / …supermarket / …hospital? The answer will probably contain the terms Straight ahead / On the left / On the right. If in doubt, take a map with you and ask, Please could you show me on the map?

If you can’t follow someone’s reply, ask Please could you repeat that? If you are sure you won’t understand the answer, you can try something like Please can you say that a different way or simply, I’m sorry, I do not understand.

Entertainment

Hopefully you’ll get some time off from you work schedule when studying abroad in England, in which case you’ll want to relax and maybe go out for a meal with friends. When asking for something in a café or restaurant, say Please can I have… To check the price, ask How much is that? If it’s a café or fast food place then you will probably have to pay in advance. If it’s a restaurant or somewhere a little more formal, you may need to ask at the end of the meal: Please can I have the bill?

It’s well worth memorising these and a few more phrases, since people will appreciate you making the effort and are more likely to respond positively. Additionally, compared to the rest of the world, relatively few people in England speak a second language well. This means that whilst studying abroad in England may be a good education choice and career move for you, it helps to do a little work before you get there to ensure that you will be able to get the most out of your time there, rather than spending a lot of time learning the basics.

This article was supplied by the UEA International Summer School – one of the UK’s top 20 universities and a world top 150. For more advice about studying in the UK, visit the UCAS website.

Photo by Fotopedia

Today’s guest post comes from the team at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks

Devon is one of those places that beckon the more adventurous types. In fact, the great outdoors and Devon seem to go hand in hand. If you love hanging off a cliff upside down, while spear fishing with your own hand crafted spear, then this is probably the place for you! It’s enough to put any self respecting couch potato right off their TV dinner. Thankfully, Devon is also full of great things to do for the slightly less adventurous. Here’s a list of just a few great outdoor activities in Devon that won’t leave you too breathless.

Coastal Walking

The Northern coast of Devon is a beautiful place, and walking along the coast is a pleasant and easy thing to do. It’s free, you can take it at your own pace, and you can get on and off the ride whenever you want.

Cycling

Devon is such a beautiful county, and seeing as much of it as possible whilst remaining in the great outdoors has to be a good thing. Cycling is the perfect way to see a bit more of the county, and it is again something you can do at your own pace. Check out the level and traffic free Tarka Trail in Barnstaple for a great ride and a good place to hire bikes.

Kayaking

Kayaking might sound like it is a strenuous activity, but again it depends on the pace you decide to take. You can hire Kayak’s in plenty of places in Devon, and it’s affordable too. Taking a Kayak out on the Torridge Estuary is a lovely and tranquil way to spend the afternoon.

Surfing

Surfing is good for you in so many ways. It’s fantastic cardiovascular exercise, gives you a great upper body workout and will work wonders with your soul! It’s a great sport for beginners to get to grips with quickly, and with plenty of great surfing schools in the Woolacombe bay area you will find getting up on the board an absolute breeze!

Hiking on Dartmoor

Dartmoor is a beautiful part of Devon, and all you have to do is walk over it to actively take part in an adventurous activity. The important thing to remember is that Dartmoor National Park is a very big place. Make sure you know where you are going before you set out and if in doubt, use a guide, or at the very least, a good compass and map.

Sailing

Sailing is another activity that can be as hair raising or as leisurely as you want. Devon has plenty of opportunities for sailing enthusiasts with two large expanses of coastlines, but if you are after something a little more sedate you might prefer to sail on one of the lakes of Devon. Roadford Lake is a great place to try your hand and you will find the scenery as beautiful as the sailing is exciting! There are always opportunities to find companies who will help you to learn how to sail, and you will find that it can be a very relaxing experience indeed.

Rock pooling

This is a great outdoor activity that is perfect for families. As long as you are up to a bit of ambling about on the beach and the rocks, you can help the little ones to find all sorts of aquatic oddities amongst the rocks. It’s a perfect British holiday pastime, it’s great fun for all the family, you can get your hands and feet dirty, but you don’t have to be super fit to do it.

Swimming

Swimming really is something you can do off your own steam while in Devon. Of course, you have as many indoor swimming pools as most other counties, but in the summer months, it is the sea that beckons. With beautiful beaches on both the north and south coasts, it’s hard not to take a dip in the sea in the summer time.

Go camping!

This is of course the most British of all pursuits, and whilst you don’t need to be fit or brave to partake in a spot of camping, there’s no doubt that it is normally an adventure! There are a huge number of campsites in Devon from which to choose, and whether you want the comfort of a modern caravan, the convenience of a pre-prepared tent with several rooms, or you just want to find a pitch for what you already own, you will have your pick down in Devon.

Whatever you pick out from the list, there’s no doubt that it’s very easy to have fun in Devon. You don’t have to burst a load of blood vessels, or be as fit as a fiddle to have a bit of fun outdoors either. Enter into everything with a willing mind set and you will reap the benefits.

Photos by Dartmoor Giant, Geograph, mikebrown59, northdevonfarmer,

Today’s guest post comes from the team at Travel Supermarket

In recent years the popularity of ski holidays has boomed and these days more and more people are choosing to spend their holidays on the slopes.

With this trend expected to continue in 2012, it’s worth considering where are the best ski destinations to visit in Europe for a skiing holiday.

Below are some of TravelSupermarket.com’s top picks for both beginners and experts, as well as destinations that are family friendly:

Chamonix, France

Chamonix or Chamonix Mont Blanc, in the south east of France, contains amongst other magnificent mountains, the alluring Mont Blanc. Chamonix held the first winter Olympics back in 1924 and the quality of skiing and snow sports in Chamonix means that it continues to host international sporting events during winter.

The region offers twelve ski areas that can accommodate all levels of skiers, including beginners and young skiers. Les Planards and La Vormaine are just two of the many areas that are family friendly and most of the areas in the region are available for boards.

The Vallee Blanche is perhaps the most famous off-piste run in the world and as well as offering plenty of long runs, Chamonix also has something available for adventure skiers and those looking for challenges. For those who want to try something a little different, speed-riding is available, offering the opportunity to combine freeriding and paragliding.

The valley is accessible from a number of airports, including Geneva and Lyon. The town itself is bustling rather than quaint, with a range of hotel accommodation options available and plenty of places to eat and drink. There are also plenty of shops and other leisure facilities including a cinema and a bowling alley.

Igls, Austria

Igls in Austria is located in the heart of the Alps. Igls itself only offers around 12 km of runs, but is very family and beginner friendly. The area itself has many attractions for couples too, with not only its alpine charm, but also the traditional sports and events that are available during winter, such as ice skating and curling.

As you move further out of Igls, there are more resorts to choose from, offering skiing for all levels. Igls Patscherkofel offers the Olympic run, as well as a wide family run. There is also the chance to try the Olympic bobsled run here and there is plenty of off-piste terrain available.

Neustift, Austria

Neustift in Austria is a popular choice for all-year round skiing and boarding. Located around forty-five minutes from Innsbruck, the Stubai glacier is easily accessible from Neustift. The area is family friendly, offering activities for the whole family.

Neustift is probably more suited to beginners and intermediates, although there are some decent cross-country runs. There are also long runs, moguls and off-piste available further up the glacier for those who are looking for more of a challenge.

Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier is the home of extreme skiing and it hosts a variety of international competitions every year. Les 4 Vallees is a paradise for freeriders and there are a number of long runs available for ski and board. There are a number of cross-country routes, as well as powder fields and the opportunity for some high speed tobogganing.

There are also ski-tours available, which offer you the chance to ski with a guide and experience fresh skiing. If you are looking to improve your skills, then Verbier also offers some of the best coaching in the world for expert skiing.

Val D’Isere, France

Val D’Isere, located near the Italian border, remains one of the most popular French resorts. It is accessible from both Geneva and Lyon airports. Again, it offers a variety of areas for skiers and boarders of all abilities.

The steep slopes around the valley attract advanced skiers while Le Solaise is ideal for beginners and intermediates. Espace Killy offers 25 black runs for advanced skiers, some of which are Olympic standard. There are also many other advanced runs around the area offering moguls, deep and steep runs.

The resort is very family friendly and for those who are looking for things to do in the evening, Val D’Isere offers a vibrant nightlife. There are a variety of other activities on offer in the area, including ice diving, dog sleds and quad biking.

The Tignes Snowpark in Val D’Isere is the largest in the world and is attractive for skiers and boarders. The area itself is very attractive for snowboarders as all pistes are open to boarders and there is plenty of off-piste available.

Whether your next skiing trip is for you and your partner, or the family and whatever your skiing abilities are, you can be certain that one of these destinations will be able to offer everything that you want from your trip abroad in 2012.

Will you be skiing in 2012?

Photos by Fotopedia,

Planning a visit to Europe is very exciting but with so much to see and do it can be a real challenge putting an itinerary together. 2012 is set to be a great year in travel so just to get you started here are 51 things to do in Europe.

1. Attend the Olympic Games, London - 2012 is the year London will host the Olympic games for a record third time which is without doubt the highlight of the year. London will be jam packed and probably a little crazy but then when isn’t it? Tickets are hard to get hold of but do try as you do not want to miss the biggest party on earth.

2. Compete in The World Alternative Games, Wales – If London is not your style then head to Britain’s smallest town in Mid Wales where you yourself could become a world champion. Take people on in egg throwing, bog snorkelling, snail racing or just grab the Mrs, throw her on your back and race to the finish line. Actually, forget the Olympics, this is where you will find me next summer.

3. Visit the birth place of Titanic, Belfast – 100 years on from the sinking of the worlds most famous ship you can go back to where it all began. Titanic was born in Belfast and in March 2012 the worlds biggest Titanic visitor experience opens to the public on the very slipways in which Titanic was built.

4. See the Northern Lights in Norway – One of the best places in the world to witness the spectacular Aurora Borealis is in Northern Norway. The best time to visit is between December and March but seeing the lights is never guaranteed so fingers crossed.

5. Visit Europe’s youngest country, Kosovo - On the 17th of February 2008 the Republic of Kosovo was born and became Europe’s youngest country. Kosovo is not well known as a travel destination but it is embracing it’s independence and is well and truly open for business.

6. Watch the Euro 2012 Football Championships, Poland & Ukraine -Europe’s biggest football championships kicks off in June and runs through into July. Here you can take in the sights of these two beautiful countries and then come game time you can cheer on your team as they compete to become the best in Europe.

7. Spend the day as a Cosmonaut at Star City, Russia - Ever wanted to know what it is like to prepare for a journey into space? Well at Russia’s Star City you can find out with hands on space training using the exact same simulators as the cosmonauts. This is not some fun park, this is the real deal and the experience of a lifetime.

8. Climb Mount Blanc, France – Standing at 4,810m makes Mt Blanc the highest mountain in Western Europe and a challenging climb. You don’t need to be an experienced climber to attempt to reach the summit, adventure companies such as World Expeditions and their guides will get you to the top, you just need to be in excellent shape and be determined to reach the very top of Western Europe. What an adventure!

9. Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, Poland – WW2 shaped the Europe we live in today and visiting a place like Auschwitz helps educate us all on what went on in the most brutal war in history. Around 1.3 million people were murdered at Auschwitz and it stands today as a sombre reminder of what we humans are capable of. For me it is one of the most important places to visit in Europe.

10. Tour Chernobyl Power Plant, Ukraine - On the 26th of April 1986 the worst nuclear disaster in history occurred when the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded. 26 years on with radiation levels being at a safer level you can now revisit the power plant and the area around it.

11. See Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower, France – I know it is a little obvious but standing at the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris is still one of the great things to do whilst on a trip to Europe.

12. Travel from Berlin to Moscow on the Trans-European Express - Travelling around Europe by train is a great experience. The Trans-European Express travels between two of Europe’s great cities and on this train you can do it in comfort by booking a cabin in the luxury business class carriage that comes with en suite shower and toilet, TV/DVD system and full-width double bed, 

13. Go trekking in the Accursed Mountains, Albania – If you are looking for an off the beaten track, spectacular and unspoilt landscape to explore then the mountains in northern Albania are perfect. You are not going to find any crowds whilst trekking here and an experienced trekking guide is very much recommended. This really is a true European adventure.

14. Go to the Opera in Vienna - For those of you who love opera then Vienna is the place to be. Purchase a ticket for a night at the Vienna Staatsoper, one of the leading opera houses in the world and then spend the remaining time taking in the sights of this great European city.

15. Sun yourself in the beautiful Algarve, Portugal – Portugal is blessed with some wonderful beaches and the weather in the Algarve is fantastic for most of the year. I highly recommend booking a villa in the small village of Burgau or an apartment in the town of Lagos and hitting the local beaches for some pure relaxation.

16. Propose in Venice, Italy – Yes Venice is expensive and incredibly crowded but it is still one of the most romantic cities in the world so where better to ask your loved one to become your partner for life.

17. Take the train to Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe), Switzerland – The train journey up to the highest railway station in Europe is a journey in itself. When reaching the top you will be greeted by spectacular mountain views of ice, rock and snow.  Here you can explore ice caves, enjoy some lunch, do a little souvenir shopping and even embark on a husky sledge ride.

18. Enjoy a beer or three at Munich’s Oktoberfest, Germany - This is one of Europe’s great festivals with over 5 million people attending each year. If you enjoy a drink then you will love a visit to Munich where you can sample Bavaria’s greatest beers in amongst your fellow, joyful drinkers.  

19. Explore the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam – A trip to Amsterdam would not be complete without at least one visit to the magnificent Rijksmuseum which is an art lovers dream.   

20. Compete in the Wife Carrying World Championships, Finland - It’s rather simple really, you just grab the Mrs, throw her on your back and then set off around a course competing against other couples from around the world to reach the finish line first and become world champions. The official website states ‘wife carrying is good for your relationship‘

I wonder what your neighbours will think when they see you training?

21. Embark on a ski expedition across Spitsbergen, Svalbard - This spectacular and extreme wonderland sits high in the Arctic waiting to be discovered. During April and May the conditions are perfect for an expedition across it’s untamed landscape and you may even see a Polar bear. For me this is one of the biggest European adventures possible and at the top of my wish list.

22. Search for Europe’s largest land animal at Belavezhskaya Pushcha National Park, Belarus – A Unesco World Heritage site and the pride of Belarus is the Belavezhskaya Pushcha National Park. The park is alive with wild animals and home to the 300 plus European bison. They are a little smaller than their American cousin’s and sadly you are actually able to pay to shoot them, why can’t people just watch?

23. Enjoy afternoon tea at the Ritz, London – England is well known for its love of tea, throw in a few cucumber sandwiches and stimulating conversation and you have yourself a lovely little afternoon party. Head to the world famous Ritz hotel in London if you want the true afternoon tea experience.

24. Take an early morning walk around the streets of Prague, Czech Republic – One of Europe’s most enchanting cities can be a blooming nightmare in summer due to the large crowds. A great way to see the city is to get up at dawn when the sun is just rising and go out into the streets where you will find you have Prague and it’s beautiful sights pretty much all to yourself.

25. Volunteer with an animal aid charity, Romania - There are a lot of countries that struggle with regards to stray animals but in Romania it is a real problem. It is heartbreaking to see such a large amount of animals living in such a way. The handful of animal aid charities are desperate to capture, treat and find homes for these stray animals.

26. Bathe in the therapeutic Blue Lagoon, Iceland – It’s not everyday you get to relax in a lava field but this is where you will find Iceland’s most visited attraction. The water temperature averages an absolutely wonderful 39c which will keep you relaxed and content for hours.

27. Take on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, one of the worlds most spectacular hikes, Wales – The 186 mile coastal walk is the ranked number 3 in the worlds most spectacular walks ahead of the likes of the Inca trail and Kilimanjaro. What’s even more exciting is that in 2012 this will become part of a complete coastal walk as you will be able to walk the entire Welsh coast.

28. Go on Safari in Kent, England – Waking to the sound of the Serengeti after a wonderful nights sleep in your cosy Safari lodge does not quite sound like England but at the Livingstone Lodge Safari Experience at Port Lympne in Kent you are transported to the plains of Africa. Here animals roam free whilst you jump on board a land rover for the complete safari experience.

29. Spend a night at the worlds largest ice hotel, Sweden – Don’t forget your thermal pants, a warm hat and gloves as it is -5c in your bedroom which is pretty darn cold. But what a fantastic experience! How often do you get to sleep on a special bed of snow, ice and reindeer skins in a room with spectacular ice sculptures.

30. Cruise around the Mediterranean – Number 30 brings us something a little more relaxing. Forget marathons and ice hotels, why not embark on a comfortable, summer cruise around the beautiful Mediterranean. Make yourself at home in your cosy cabin, enjoy the on board entertainment and look forward to the next port of call.

31. Cycle the route of the Berlin Wall, Germany – Built in 1961, the Berlin Wall not only divided a city, it was the symbol of the divide in Europe. In 1989 the wall came crumbling down and over time most of the wall has been removed and turned into souvenirs. There are, however, still a few areas where it still stands and where the rest of it once stood is a thin marker on the road/pavement in which you can follow the exact route.

32. Visit the worlds smallest village, Belgium – The French speaking village of Durbuy claims to be the world’s smallest. You can enjoy this fact whilst sitting at a local cafe enjoying a glass of Belgium’s finest beer.

33.  Admire the Acropolis, one of the worlds most stunning monuments , Greece - Sitting up proudly, looking out over the city of Athens is the quite spectacular ‘Acropolis’. Everybody wants to capture an amazing photo so I recommend staying at the St. George Lycabettus Hotel and waking early as the sun slowly hits the city.

34. Take part in the worlds most iconic half marathon, England – Every September in Newcastle over 50,000 runners turn out for this great event which is broadcast live on the BBC. The race consists of professional and Olympic runners, celebrities and everyday folk as people from all over the world aim to complete the thirteen and a half miles for charity.

35. Visit the world famous Louvre, Paris - The French are  very proud of the Louvre and so they should be. It is the largest and most visited art museum in the world. If you are heading to Paris in 2012 be sure to make the Louvre number one on your sightseeing list.

36. Spend the night in a real Jumbo Jet Boeing 747 hostel, Sweden – Most of us would not associate a good nights sleep with being on board a Boeing 747 but this is a little different. Situated at  Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport, this 747 stays right where it is (no turbulence) and has been decked out as a very comfortable hostel. Personally, I want the captains bed as it is bound to be the most comfortable.

37. Travel along the Danube on a river cruise  - Ah, now this is how to do it. Taking in the sights of Europe as you sail gently along one of the continents greatest rivers is a wonderful experience. You will travel through scenic countryside and pass through some of Europe’s great cities like Nuremberg, Vienna, Budapest and Belgrade.

38. Live like a local in Moscow, Russia - I love slow travel as I like to be able to see a place as a local does. One city that has always fascinated me is Russia’s great capital, Moscow. To live like like a local you need to find a longer term place to stay and companies like holiday-rentals.co.uk offer some terrific houses and apartments at very good rates. I have yet to book with them but it is certainly on the cards.

39. Celebrate St Patrick’s Day, Ireland – Every year on the 17th of March the Irish celebrate St Patrick’s Day and boy do the Irish enjoy a good party. If you are a solo traveller then a visit to Ireland on the 17th is highly recommended as you will come away with a thousand new smiling friends.

40. Buy a holiday home in Eastern Europe to renovate – Up until the financial collapse of 2008, the British were buying up Eastern European property like nobodies business. But now with the pound being much weaker than what it was the buying boom has certainly come to an end but there are still some great bargains to be had. Personally I would like to find a nice old building on a remote mountainside with great views that is in need of renovation and have it as a long term holiday home project.

41. Go in search of Wolves, Poland – Poland is home to Europe’s largest population of wolves. Wolf tracking is certainly a privilege as is seeing any animal in it’s natural environment. Week long tours will take you into the Bieszcady mountains where local guides will lead you close to get a glimpse of one these beautiful creatures.

42. Explore the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy, France – In June 1944 thousands of young lives were lost in bitter fighting when the allies opened up a second front in WW2 by invading Hitler’s ‘fortress’ Europe to help end the war. The beaches at Normandy is where the invasion took place and today there are tours of the beaches and cemeteries where you are able to pay your respects to the brave young heroes.

43. Go rafting through Europe’s deepest canyon, Montenegro -  the Tara River provides one of the most powerful and challenging rafting expeditions on the European continent. The river passes through Europe’s deepest canyon which by comparison is only 200m shallower than America’s Grand Canyon. Get ready for a wild ride.

44. Spend a weekend exploring the Old Town in Tallinn, Estonia – The beautiful old town of Tallinn is certainly one of Europe’s gems. History, medieval markets, cobbled streets and culture galore await you. Be sure to give yourself at least a couple of days here to explore this enchanting part of Estonia.

45. Take a relaxing dip in Budapest’s thermal baths, Hungary – Budapest is one of Europe’s great cities and whilst there you have the chance to unwind in one of the cities famous thermal baths. It is without doubt Budapest’s most enjoyable activity and this alone is worth a trip to Hungary.

46. Go island hopping in Croatia – Whether you are in search of a little luxury, some piece and quiet or a party, the dozens of sunny islands off the Croatian mainland have it all. Travelling between the islands is easy with regular water taxis, ferries and catamarans. If money is not an object you could do it in style and rent your very own sailing boat.

47. Party through the night in Ibiza, Spain – Ibiza has a reputation for attracting young people who are in search of some serious partying. There is far more to Ibiza than just partying, it is in fact a very beautiful island but if you are looking to party hard into the night then few other places in Europe can beat it.

48. Cycle from London to Paris for charity - From the heart of London to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, this 5 day cycling adventure is a great way to raise money for charity. You could do it on your own, part of a team or do it as a tour group hosted by an adventure company. It’s certainly a great way to arrive in Paris.

49. Visit the house of Anne Frank, Amsterdam – The story of Anne Frank and her diary need no introduction. Here at the house where Anne and her family hid from the Nazis for two years before being caught has been a museum since 1960. The museum documents the story of Anne and houses exhibitions on the Holocaust. The house is incredibly popular so get there early.

50. Visit Father Christmas in Lapland, Finland – If you are looking to do something special with the kids you could head to Rovaniemi at the magical artice circle in Finland where you will find Santa’s office and village. He is of course a busy man but if you have been good then you may just get to sit on his knee. The village is open all year around.   

51. End the year where it all started, London baby! – Where better to end the year than in one of the worlds most exciting cities. London will be in a party mood and ready to celebrate so get out on the streets and join in with the fun. Head to the London Eye for the new year fireworks which as you will see from the video are the best in the world!

There is plenty to see and do in 2012. But there is so much more! What have I missed? Please let me know in a comment below.

Photos by Erania, Simon’s Photography, Fotopedia, Geograph, Fotopedia,

London is world famous for being able to put on a spectacular show and with the Olympic Games only being seven months away she clearly wanted to show Europe and the world how to party on new years eve.

This years fireworks were nothing short of spectacular and without doubt the finest show in the world. Be sure to turn up the volume, enjoy the show and happy new year!

I am delighted to say that we have a new member of the team at Corbett HQ and her name is Sophie.

Sophie’s duties include eating a lot, constant cuddles and then taking a nap on my keyboard, at least now I can blame the cat for my terrible spelling.

We picked her up last week from a rescue centre in Nottingham and I’m thrilled to be able to give her a comfortable home. This time of year sees a massive increase in animals being dumped either at animal charities like the RSPCA or just kicked out the door to fend for themselves.

I know people say not to get an animal for Christmas but if you have the time, commitment and love then it really does not matter what time of year it is.

Isn’t she a beautiful little madam.

Not sure what the Mrs would say but if there is one man I could give a big sloppy kiss to right now then it would be Mark Smith, aka The Man In Seat 61.

Ok, so maybe just a handshake would suffice but what a great job he has done building the worlds most complete online, train travel guide. His section on Europe is inspiring and last night I was up well into the early hours looking at some of the great train journeys I would like to experience in the near future.

Here is just a small taste of what rail travel in Europe has to offer:

Venice Simplon Orient Express

There is no better train journey to kick the list off with than the Venice Simplon Orient Express as it is probably the most famous in the world.

Travelling from London to Venice through some of Europe’s most beautiful scenery and doing it in classic luxury and comfort makes this a once in a life time experience.

It certainly does not come cheap with the 24 hour journey costing around £1,600 one way but it truly is five star and the most romantic way to travel across Europe.

London to Scotland by Caledonian Sleeper

From one of the most expensive to one of the cheapest.

In 2009 the readers of the travel magazine ‘Wanderlust’ voted for their favourite rail journey in all the world and the winner was the London to Fort William sleeper and I myself will be jumping on board in January.

Leaving London Euston in the late evening, the train travels through the night passing through England and into Scotland where you will wake up in the cosy cabin with views of the Scottish highlands, some of Europe’s most beautiful scenery.

And better still you can do this from just £19 one way if you book on the ‘Bargain Births’ ScotRail page. £19! Amazing.

Warning: Transport Scotland are considering withdrawing the sleeper trains which would be terrible for travellers and the Highland economy. Please visit Seat61.com and sign the petition to tell Transport Scotland that they would be making a big mistake.

London to Paris on Eurostar

It’s not the longest, cheapest or most luxurious but the fact that you could be enjoying a nice breakfast in London and a few hours later be ordering your lunch in Paris makes this pretty special.

Yes you could fly but by the time you have got to the airport, checked in and then passed through security, Eurostar is nearly in Paris.

What I really love about this journey though is that as the trains runs so frequently you can easily make this a day trip.

Berlin to Moscow on the Trans-European Express

This journey would take you from my favourite city in all of Europe to the city I most want to see right now, Moscow.

To add to the excitement this train has a luxury sleeping car which I would like to see my name all over. The cabin includes a private shower and toilet, TV and entertainment system and even a good sized double bed.

£245 for the two of you is pretty good I would say.

And finally Mark was kind enough to share a couple of his European favourites with me

My own favourite, even though it’s so close to home, is the London to Ft William sleeper.  Almost ‘cruise train’ facilities, with private rooms, bunk beds, a lounge with leather sofas, yet affordable prices, a departure close to home here in the SE, and an arrival in superb scenery in the wonderful West Highlands.

Outside the UK, I think I’d say the Glacier Express, great train, fabulous scenery, and good food and Swiss white wine on board too.

What have we missed? Do you have a favourite train journey in Europe? Feel free to drop me a comment below.

Photos by Slide Show Bob, Geograph,  jf01350, calflier001, Drehscheibe Online,  Georgo10

Last week I wrote a post about wanting to move my focus and this blog to looking at just Europe. I was all set but then I had a change of heart as my passion for discovering new places and new people is world over, not limited to just one continent.

However, after thinking about it all week I have decided that I do want to go ahead and shift this blogs focus to Europe and I just want to apologise for the confusion.

When I think about travelling it is Europe that excites me most, I am based in Europe which is very convenient and I believe there is room on the internet for another blog about Europe.

I’m sorry if the last week has been a little confusing but now I am focused and Europe is where we are heading, I promise :)

It’s going to be a great adventure and I am so very excited that you are here to share it with me.

Today’s guest post is by the University of East Anglia International Summer School. 

Applying to a summer school in the UK is a great way to study abroad, but there are lots of other options. Studying abroad is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in another culture. The problem is choosing where to go…

Going to a summer school in England is an incredible opportunity to learn the language and broaden your horizons with new cultural experiences. Studying at any summer school abroad can be a way to see more of the world whilst still giving you course credit, but with so many possibilities on offer you will be spoilt for choice.

If you’re looking to study English at your summer school, England is obviously only one of several extremely popular options, described at the beginning of this list. If that’s not your main aim, then the world is your oyster. Consider choosing somewhere with particular relevance to your course or wider interests – perhaps a location with outstanding social, economic or cultural significance. Wherever you opt for, you should take something unique from the experience that you could not gain anywhere else.

London, England

A summer school in the UK offers many attractions, and London is the cultural centre of a nation with a rich and deep historical heritage that has had enormous impact on the western world. Study programmes include everything from economics and business to art and languages.

New York, United States

Studying English in the US is second only to attending a summer school in England, and New York has more than its fair share of world-class universities and educational establishments. Boasting NYU and the nearby Harvard, amongst many other opportunities, the Big Apple gives you everything you could want to progress your career path – all in an English-speaking environment.

New Zealand

If you’re looking for something a bit different to a summer school in the UK or America and like to get out in the fresh air, then New Zealand could be the place for you. Here the great outdoors is on your doorstep, with incredible wildlife reserves, national parks and breath-taking views the backdrop to conservation, environmental and scientific studies.

Melbourne, Australia

As a final alternative to summer school in England for those who want to visit an English-speaking country, New Zealand’s neighbour is another excellent option. Melbourne offers much in the way of sporting opportunities, thanks to the Australian Institute of Sport’s presence, and cross-cultural programmes informed by the region’s indigenous anthropology.

Paris, France

For an unforgettable study experience, Paris’s streets, cafés and galleries themselves become your classrooms for lessons in French history, art, fashion and literature.

Siena, Italy

If you are looking for an art history course or a special music summer school abroad, as well as any number of Italian classes, this beautiful Renaissance city has to top the list.

Berlin, Germany

As a final European destination, Berlin’s summer schools offer much, from urban design to business in the EU environment. Its turbulent past give it a certain poignancy as a location for study, and it is a good base from which to explore the continent.

Cape Town, South Africa

Anyone with an interest in modern political reform and social activism could do worse than consider Cape Town for a summer school abroad. Safaris offer an attractive distraction for a day trip out of the city.

Bangalore, India

India’s Silicon Valley combines a fast-paced technological environment with a very different culture to California’s. Although English is India’s unifying language, Bangalore caters for a separate set of needs to summer schools in England. East meets West in this fast-evolving economy and society.

Morocco, North Africa

For a stunning cross-cultural experience, northern Africa is where Christianity, Islam and Judaism intermingle, and the Mediterranean meets the Sahara. Educational opportunities are as numerous as cultural ones, from language and history to sport and mountain exploration.

These are just ten of many outstanding destinations around the world. For those looking for an English-speaking environment, there are numerous alternatives to summer schools in the UK. For those prepared to engage with another language or interested in more specialist programmes, there are no limits to what you can find.

This article was supplied by the University of East Anglia International Summer School – one of the UK’s top 20 universities and a world top 150. For more advice about studying in the UK, visit The British Council website.