Finca Fantastica Travel

Watch BBC Live In Antigua and Barbuda, Caribbean - Watch BBC Live Starti...

2014-03-09T13:45:00.001+01:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UftrVjU2beA

Nerja Spanish Villas - (0034) 952 52 3185 - Tropicana Holiday Rentals N...

2013-12-03T07:00:00.001+01:00

Nerja Spanish Villas - (0034) 952 52 3185 - Tropicana Holiday Rentals N...

Nerja Sраnіѕh Villas - (0034) 952 52 3185 - Trорісаnа Hоlіdау Rentals Nerja
http://nerjatropicanarentals.com

Trорісаnа hаѕ been dеѕіgnеd in tурісаl Andаluсіаn style аnd іѕ surrounded bу bеаutіful lаndѕсареd gardens, gіvіng thе whоlе аrеа a реасеful аnd trаnԛuіl аtmоѕрhеrе.

The villas аll hаvе lоvеlу vіеwѕ оf thе ѕurrоundіng соuntrуѕіdе аnd mountains аnd аrе built tо a very high ѕtаndаrd. The ongoing mаіntеnаnсе programme ensures thе whоlе соmрlеx is аlwауѕ kерt іn very gооd оrdеr.

Our Club House offers іntеrnеt ассеѕѕ to аll Holiday Mаkеrѕ. The bаr аnd rеѕtаurаnt аrе wіfі enabled.

Aссоmmоdаtіоn...
Each оf our duplex vіllаѕ hаvе bееn furnіѕhеd іn thеіr unіԛuе style, hоwеvеr, some bаѕіс details are the ѕаmе. Eасh unit is buіlt оn twо flооrѕ. Thе grоund flооr hаѕ a ѕрасіоuѕ lounge dіnіng room wіth comfortable furnіturе, a tеlеvіѕіоn wіth full ѕаtеllіtе system, аnd a fullу еԛuірреd kіtсhеn wіth оvеn, hоb, wаѕhіng mасhіnе, frіdgе frееzеr аnd a full compliment оf сrосkеrу. Sее photos of thе іnѕіdе of оur apartments.

Thеrе іѕ a ѕmаll сlоаkrооm wіth WC аnd wаѕh bаѕіn. Outside has a covered tеrrасе with patio table and chairs аnd small mаturе gаrdеn. Uрѕtаіrѕ there аrе twо bеdrооmѕ, one dоublе, аnd оnе twin еасh with fіttеd wardrobes. There іѕ a ѕрасіоuѕ bаthrооm and a ѕun tеrrасе wіth lоungеrѕ.

In аddіtіоn tо thе Duрlеx vіllаѕ, we аlѕо hаvе оnе, thrее bеdrооm аnd ѕtudіо apartments, аnd are аll еԛuірреd tо a very high standard аnd іnсludе аll towels, lіnеn сutlеrу, сrосkеrу, іrоn, hairdryer, in fact, еvеrуthіng уоu nееd fоr a соmfоrtаblе hоlіdау.

All араrtmеntѕ аnd Vіllаѕ hаvе аіr-соndіtіоnіng.

Trорісаnа hаѕ a lаrgе ѕwіmmіng рооl available fоr its guеѕtѕ аnd іt іѕ ореn frоm 1ѕt Aрrіl untіl 31ѕt Oсtоbеr.

Rесерtіоn Information...
The Rесерtіоn Offісе for Apartments is аt the side of Club Trорісаnа Bаr & Rеѕtаurаnt whісh is ѕіtuаtеd in thе сеntrе оf Urbаnіzаtіоn Tropicana.

Rесерtіоn Hоurѕ: 10.00 - 18.00 Monday - Frіdау аnd Sаturdау 12.00 - 18.00 Sundау - Closed

The Aраrtmеntѕ аrе аvаіlаblе frоm 16.00 оn thе day of аrrіvаl аnd should bе vасаtеd оn thе dау оf departure at 10.00 - Arrivals аftеr 18.00, thе keys wіll be in Trорісаnа Bаr.

Tropicana Entеrtаіnmеnt...
Evening Entеrtаіnmеnt- Thе Trорісаnа Bar provides a vаrіеtу оf Entertainment іnсludіng Karaoke, Mаgіс Shоw, Quiz Nights, BBQ оr Full Evеnіng Mеnu available. Fооd ѕеrvеd thrоughоut the day. Intеrnеt соnnесtіоn аvаіlаblе іn thе bаr.

Rесерtіоn Sеrvісеѕ...
Cаr Hіrе- Wе can arrange competitive Cаr Hіrе wе оnlу nееd Passport Number аnd Flіght Dеtаіlѕ. Yоur саr саn bе аvаіlаblе for уоu аt thе Airport or thе Rеѕоrt.

Tаxіѕ...
Our rеѕеrvаtіоnѕ оffісе саn оrdеr a tаxі or minibus frоm thе аіrроrt іn аdvаnсе. We nоw hаvе a wеbѕіtе dеdісаtеd to bооkіng уоur trаnѕfеr. Click thе mоrе lоgо OR сlісk thе lіnk аt thе bоttоm оf this раgе. Clісk hеrе to vіѕіt our Nеrjа Aіrроrt trаnѕfеrѕ website

Exсurѕіоnѕ...
These саn bе bооkеd аt the Office between 10.00-13.30 аnd 16.00-18.00 Mоndау tо Friday Cаѕh only.

Hіrе...
Cots, Hіgh Chаіrѕ, DVD Players аnd Vіdеоѕ can be hіrеd frоm Rесерtіоn оr pre-booked.

Safety Dероѕіt Boxes...
Thеѕе аrе аvаіlаblе from Rесерtіоn.

Swimming Pool...
Thе Pool іѕ ореn frоm 1ѕt April thrоugh tо 30th Nоvеmbеr.

Carnivals & Fiestas...
Thе Cаrnіvаl іѕ in February and thе Fеrіа іѕ thе 2nd week оf Oсtоbеr

Nerja Sраnіѕh Villas - (0034) 952 52 3185 - Trорісаnа Hоlіdау Rеntаlѕ Nеrjа

Rеаd mоrе аbоut Nеrjа hеrе: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerja

Vіdео bу Anvіl Marketing
httр://ѕmаllbuѕіnеѕѕmаrkеtіng.еѕ

Nеrjа Sраnіѕh Vіllаѕ - (0034) 952 52 3185 - Trорісаnа Holiday Rеntаlѕ Nеrjа

Sоurсе: http://youtu.be/bp77CLrphfY

Nerja Sраnіѕh Vіllаѕ - (0034) 952 52 3185 - Trорісаnа Hоlіdау Rеntаlѕ Nerja

Finca Fantastica Travel Has Moved

2009-07-17T13:42:00.002+01:00

We have moved to this address:

FincaFantasticaTravel.com

Cheap 2 Sleep In Amsterdam

2008-08-22T22:04:00.010+01:00

Cheap 2 Sleep in Amsterdam is Live

There`s a lot more to Amsterdam than sex, drugs, diamonds and rock'n'roll!

You`ll see for yourself when you go there...

and there is no excuse not to visit this laid back, atmospheric and wonderfully crazy city. We have handpicked some cheap accommodation for you in Amsterdam so you can explore it yourself.

Stay at The Flying Pig Uptown Hostel in the middle of Amsterdam. Just two minutes from the Leidse Plein. This square is famous for it's never ending variety of street performers.

Sip on a cold one and watch the world go by or meet fellow travelers for a drink in The Pig Uptown and save money before you hit the town!

Prices start from €19 = $29.50 = £15

This FREE Cheap 2 Sleep e-booklet will point you in the right direction. Download it from here, start planning your trip and have fun in Amsterdam :-)

Finca Fantastica Travel Blog Is Moving

2008-08-22T21:41:00.005+01:00

The Famous Finca Fantasica Travel Blog is moving to an new address.

We have a new cool blue look and some new features...we have even found
you some great places to buy good quality travel items for your trip.

So head over to the NEW Finca Fantasica Travel and see what's happening.

The Rail Europe Snow Train is Preparing to Leave the Station

2008-08-11T03:04:00.009+01:00

The Rail Europe Snow Train is getting ready for the skiing and snowboarding season and you can benefit by booking early. That means BOOK NOW, before 1st of September, for some real savings and good deals.

This is for all ski and snowboard lovers leaving from the UK.

Going by rail is the way to make the most of your time. Travel overnight and be on the slopes next morning. The famous Snow Train has comfortable sleeping couchettes or for the party animals, dance the night away in the all-night Disco carriage. You can even bring your own bottles :-)

Visit the best in the French Alps for example:

Les Trois Vallées

Paradiski,

Mont Blanc

Espace Killy.

The resorts include: Courchevel, Val d'Isère, Les Arcs, Tignes, Meribel, Val Thorens,
Megève, Les Allions and Combloux.

Would any of you beginners like some useful tips? Slide over here.

You are not confined to France as Europe is full of great ski resorts. You can let your imagination run wild thinking of: Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Italy, Germany, Spain and Switxerland.

Andorra

Brides Les Bains

Cervinia

Courchevel

Davos

Ischql

Kitzbühel

Méribel

Saas Fee

Sauze d`Oulx

Soldeu

St Anton

St Moritz

If you are planning a skiing or snowboarding holiday and you want th maximum time on the slopes take a Eurostar and then a connecting European Ski Train direct to your resort. Travel either overnight or during the day. It's easy from St. Pancras, Ebbsfleet or Ashford direct to mainland Europe.

Just don't forget to book before 1st September, its easy through Finca Fantastica Travel especially if you want to save some money and get some more ideas, as if you need them!

City Trips in Europe

2008-08-06T13:25:00.008+01:00

Not everyone wants the beach and not everyone wants a hotel. When you think of a city trip you usually first think of a hotel but you could have your own city house or apartment. That way you will experience the city with more intensity.

Book your B&B, apartment or holiday home and treat yourself to a nice journey in one of your favorite European cities, for a weekend or longer. We have a large selection of holiday homes, downtown apartments and bed and breakfasts in the city of your dreams!

You will have your own place in a cosmopolitan European city and this is often relatively advantageous, certainly when you go with a group of people.

At the moment we are able to offer centrally located accommodation in these twelve cities in Europe: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Budapest, Bruges, Brussels, Florence, Madrid, Paris, Prague, and Rome. All marvelous places and all unique.

Interesting don't you think? So go ahead and take a look at where you would like to go :-)

A New Concept in Advertising with C2S

2008-08-03T08:00:00.014+01:00

We have always had the vision of helping artists, artisans and small businesses of all types to be able to market and advertise themselves at the lowest possible cost or even get free advertising. Now we can and you can! Here's a quick overview of how it works.

We produce the Cheap to Sleep e-booklets which we then distribute through our extensive marketing network. They are found in every corner of the world as the word spreads and they get passed along from friend to friend through e-mails and the social networking sites. It's like gossip in the global village!

The result is that the e-booklets reach those most interested in your area and they will find you through your Cheap 2 Sleep ad which will run for a full year. We have limited the size and amount of advertising in each compact volume so no-one's ad gets swallowed in a sea of others. This is exclusive, targeted, viral marketing.

You can also advertise for free online with C2S. If you can provide us with your local knowledge and a few pictures you could feature in a future publication. You could write as if you were welcoming a friend as a first time visitor to your area, for example. Capture the spirit and flavour of your special places. You don't have to be a superb writer as we manage the editing in-house. This way, qualified contributors get their local online business advertising free. What an opportunity!

Pop over and visit us. If you like what you see then let's have a chat.

A Taste of Torrox with 2.5

2008-07-28T14:58:00.007+01:00

2.5, is a local three piece band consisting of, "I can't quite see the next page", Ray on bass and vocals, the ever brilliant Terry on drums and rising star, Josh on lead guitar and vocals. They livened up a hot and sleepy crowd in the sunken square in Torrox pueblo on Saturday night. If you like Santana, Cream, Rory Gallagher and the rest be sure to check them out on the local Torrox music scene.

They have gigs all over the place but you will be sure to catch them at Casa Maria's on a Monday night which is "Jam Night." Bring your talents along and have some fun. Get a feel for it with the videos in A Taste of Torrox.

Cheap 2 Sleep Goes Caribbean

2008-07-23T00:33:00.009+01:00

Just in time for the upcoming season we have routed out the best cheap places to stay in the Caribbean. You can choose from hundreds of hotels and hostels but be sure to book early. The best places fill up fast.

When hand-picking these hotels and hostels, the quality has not been compromised in any way so you are sure of a comfortable stay. You may even be pleasantly surprised. Head over to Finca Fantastica Travel and download this handy little e-booklet straight to your computer. Save it, print it and pass it on for your friends to enjoy.

Here is just a taste of what is on offer from Cheap 2 Sleep in the Caribbean.

Treasure Beach Hotel on the unspoilt south coast of Jamaica is a delightful hotel set in 13 acres of lush vegetation. Located at St. Elizabeth. it has 32 air-conditioned rooms and a warm welcome awaits you there.

On Negil beach you will find the family run White Sands. This enjoys a quieter part of the 7-mile beach but with all facilities including nightlife just a short step away. Incredily prices are from 28USD/18EUR.

At Runaway Bay, Sunflower Sea Villas offer cottages and studio apartments which are beautifully appointed reflecting the sunny charm of the locals and the island. While not being able to offer the full facilities of larger resorts, Sunflower Sea Villas more than makes up for that with hospitality, wonderful food, a peaceful location, plenty of music with a great time being had by all. Just wait until you see the price!

St. Lucia is a Caribbean dream. At Lobster Pot Bay, Vieux Fort on the south of the island are three comfortable beach chalets. Sleeping between 1 and 20 people you can hire these individually or as a group. These are part of a small community where you can hire wind and kite surf equipment before taking a well earned rest at a local beach bar.

In Soufriere you can soak up the old European colonial atmosphere of yesteryear. If you choose to stay at The Downtown Hotel you will be sure of a warm welcome. Prices start from 39USD/25EUR.

In Barbados we found the Ocean Beach Apartments just two minutes walk from the Silver Sands at Christ Church. At 25USD/16EUR these fully equiped self-catering apartments are fantastic value for money. The Yellow Bird apartment complex at St Lawrence Gap, Christ Church, is perfectly placed for water sports, fine dining and nightlife. It offers extra facilities including a daily maid service.

Be aware that this is a mere hint of what awaits you when you download your copy of Cheap 2 Sleep in the Caribbean. And please,do remember, you will need to book well in advance.

Online Flight Tickets Only

2008-07-16T12:17:00.005+01:00

Online flight tickets are now the industry standard world wide.

Following a 2004 agreement by IATA (the International Air Transport Association) what seemed a pipe dream some years ago is now today's reality. This is a far more convienient and cost effective way to book and change travel arrangements for both passengers and airlines alike.

The average cost of the old paper tickets was $10 (US) whereas its modern counterpart is a mere $1(US). The system is far more flexible and passengers will only need to present their reference number along with their passport when they check-in.

Non-internet users can still book with their travel agent while the danger of losing tickets is eliminated along with the problems of changing arrangements at the last minute.

With your e-ticket, travelling just became simpler.

Visit Tokyo and Enjoy Sumo Wrestling

2008-07-14T19:22:00.003+01:00

It is always as well to know at least something of the country you want to visit and the things you want to do. “Obvious”, you may say but it amazing how many people don’t do the basic research beyond checking flight and hotel bookings.

Most people know that the official name of “The Land of The Rising Sun” is Nippon or Hihon with Tokyo as its capital city. You probably know that the yen is the currency and that the "Tea Ceremony” plays an important cultural role in Japanese society. This ancient tradition encourages appreciation of matters physical, aesthetic, intellectual and spiritual.

With a few words, a visitor will enjoy their stay so much more as Japanese is spoken throughout the country with little regional variation. Picking up a few words or expressions will help you anywhere among the 127 or so million people that call Japan home. Your efforts will be appreciated and doors will open to you.

For conversation, it may be useful to know, for example, how many islands make up the country of Japan. Do you know how many seas and lakes surround these islands? For instance the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk all have different characteristics that in turn affect the Japanese regional culture. Did you know that the ownership of the Chishima Islands (or Kuriru Islands) in the Northern Territories is disputed by Japan’s mainland rival, Russia?

Nearly three quarters of Japan is mountainous. Mount Fuji is its highest and most famous summit and is also volcanic. Sushi, of course, is famous the world over but did you know that soup is eaten with chop sticks? It might be fun to find out how! If sushi and soup are not your thing then you could explore the “ramen” or “yakinki” type restaurants that serve foods more commonly associated with China.

High on the list of many visitors is Japan’s national sport: Sumo Wrestling. Steeped in ancient ritual dating back centuries, Japanese sumo wrestling can be enjoyed in Tokyo at the main tournaments during January, May and September. So many visitors want to watch sumo wrestling and it is no wonder that they do.

The traditions during these 15 day sumo tournaments are strictly observed. The wrestlers with their distinctive “oicho” hair knot and wearing the thick, colourful silk
“mawashi” (belly band) are truly professional in all that the do. They live in “stables” where their every need is catered for including the large quantities of food they consume. In order to retain and gain the bulk they require, they retire to sleep directly after eating.

The Grand Champion, the ‘yokozuna’, is at the pinnacle of his profession, the’banzuke’.
Once a wrestler reaches the rank of yokozuna, the title cannot be taken away from him although he is expected to retire once his powers start wane.

When visiting and enjoying the Tournaments it is a good to have some idea of the etiquette and the vocabulary:

• Banzuke The official listing of rank in ozumo.
• Danpatsu-shiki A rikishi's retirement ceremony (top knot is removed)
• Dohyo The sumo ring.
• Dohyo-iri The formal ring entering ceremony.
• Gino-sho The Technique Prize.
• Gyoji The referees.
• Jonidan The second division from the bottom on the banzuke.
• Jonokuchi The lowest division on the banzuke.
• Juryo The second highest division on the banzuke
• Kanto-sho The Fighting Spirit Prize.
• Kesho-mawashi The ceremonial apron worn by rikishi
• Komusubi The fourth highest position on the banzuke.
• Maegashira Indicates a rikishi in the top, Makunouchi division..
• Mage The top knot worn by rikishi.
• Makushita The fourth division from the bottom on the banzuke
• Makunouchi The top division on the banzuke or offical listing of rank.
• Mawashi The loincloth worn by rikishi when they train or compete.
• O-icho The more formal hair style worn by rikishi in the top two divisions.
• Ozeki The second highest rank in ozumo.
• Rikishi Literally, "a gentleman of strength",Member of The Nihon Sumo Kyokai
• Sandanme The third division from the bottom on the banzuke.
• Sekiwake The third highest position on the banzuke
• Shikiri The toeing-the-mark ritual: precedes the start of every bout.
• Shukun-sho The Outstanding Performance Award. .
• Tachimochi The yokozuna's sword bearer during his dohyo-iri.
• Tate-gyoji The highest ranked gyoji or referees in ozumo. .
• Toshiyori A term used to refer to the retired rikishi.
• Tsuyuharai Serves as the "usher" of the yokozuna during his dohyo-iri
• Yokozuna The highest position on the banzuke.
• Yumitori-shiki The bow twirling ceremony (at the end of every day)

The Grand Tournaments of Tokyo are held in the east of the city at Ryogoku. The grandest of the grand, the one to win, the best of the best is the New Year Tournament. Visit in January, May or September but whatever you do, if you haven’t booked your tickets in advance, arrive early if you want a ticket to this 15 day spectacular Early is 7am.

With plenty of sushi and green tea for nourishment you are bound to enjoy the excitement of the competitors, the crowd and the cultural events surrounding Sumo Wrestling

7 Days in Morocco

2008-07-05T21:14:00.011+01:00

Did you know it is cheaper to visit Morocco from Spain?. It is a wonderful way to spend 7 days whether you live locally or make it part of your Spanish holiday. Cross the Straits of Gibraltar and the exotic world of Northern Africa opens up for you.

We have special offers when you depart from Algeciras close to Gibraltar. The whole itinery includes these famous cities:

Tangier is ancient Phoenician town located at the point where the waters of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic meet. The surrounding mountains provide a magnificent backdrop to this intriguing city.

Meknes is dominated by the unfinished but magnificent Royal Palace, the city is a jewel that any serious traveller should not miss.

Casablanca, the economic capital and legendary city of Morocco, has all the hallmarks of a modern metropolis with the old city (medina) in the north and the enormous Hassan II Mosque its noteworthy landmarks.

The beauty of Marrakech lies in its atmosphere and spectacular location. The peaks of the Atlas Mountains make an outstanding backdrop.

Fez is one of the four so-called "Imperial Cities". The Medina of Fez el Bali is believed to be the largest contiguous car free urban area in the world. Fez el Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a number of the major monuments are being restored and saved from ruin.

For more information about this special trip visit Finca Fantastica Travel

A Journey Through Vietnam

2008-06-28T08:42:00.006+01:00

Tourism in modern Vietnam is enjoying a boom time. As saftey for tourists to Vietnam no longer presents great concern, this beautiful country can be explored from north to south, from Ha Noi to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)

Visiting Vietnam offers travellers a rich and varied cultural history, combined with the charm of a country which is still largely rural, the exceptions being Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. Its tourist industry has developed to the extent that accommodation of excellent quality is available at popular destinations.

Hanoi is a unique city dominated by French colonial architecture with tree-lined boulevards, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. Recommended places to visit include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Fine Arts Museum and Temple of Literature and the Lake of the Restored Sword and the Old Quarter of Vietnam’s capital. Additionally the Museum of Ethnology and a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show in the evening at Thang Long Theatre are very enjoyable.

Traveling to Halong Bay, is about 3 and a half hour by road (170 km) from Hanoi. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as is Hoi An. Halong Bay, in the south China Sea, is made up of 1969 islands and islets rising from the blue water on the area of 15,000 sq. km.

The bay is spectacular because of its islands, islets, the mists and the sun. It is extraordinary in shape, size and colour ejoying rich vegetation. There are many beautiful caves and stunning beaches to explore during summer and autumn. The islands are said to be where the dragons descended into the sea when Vietnam was defending itself from Chinese invasion.

The Foods of Vietnam vary form north through the central region to the south, all with their distinct regional variations. The common bond is the use of rice or noodles. Whether your choice is for vegetarian, multiple dishes, contrasting flavors, varied textures and exotic ingredients Vietnamese cooking offers a wide selection of healthy dishes. To name but a few, Cha Ca, Banh Chay, Banh Troi, Nem Ran (spring roll but called cha gio in the south) and Pho Bo, a traditional beef soup and Gio Lua is found at its best in the north. For more recipes visit The Recipe Hound

The Vietnam climate allows for light travelling particularly as any necessary clothing can be bought locally and cheaply. As Vietnam stretches some 1000 miles (1,600km) so the temperature and rainfall varies from north to south and from lowland to highland.

The far North (Bac Bo) resembles the four seasons we are familiar with in the temperate world. The low temp. in the winter (Jan.-Feb.) can go down to about 35-40 deg. F. ( 2 to 5 deg. C) but in the summer, it can get to as high as 105 deg. F (40 deg. C). The winter is the dry season while the summer is the wet one.

Central Vietnam - Lowlands and Highlands: (Dalat, Hue , Da Nang , Hoi An, Nha Trang)

Summer: May - October Average temperature 23-24C Average rainfall 210mm

Winter: November - April Average temperature 17-23C Average rainfall 95mm

Central Vietnam - Lowlands and Highlands: Dalat, Hue , Da Nang , Hoi An, Nha Trang The weather is fairly similar across both, although the highlands tend to be slightly cooler with higher rainfall as the majority of rain normally falls on the mountains before arriving at the low coastal areas.

Lowlands Summer - the weather is warm and reasonably dry from May to September. The monsoon winds then change bringing above average rain during late September. This time is not ideal as rain can be fairly constant - flooding and, in extreme cases, typhoons are also a possibility.

Highlands Winter temperatures can fall slightly below the average and rainfall is higher than at lower elevations. However, most rain tends to fall during the summer months when it can be very wet - although these summer months do provide a respite from the often intense heat of other areas. The exception is on the Central Highland (Kontum down to Lam Dong) where it's cool year-round (temp. from 55 to 65 deg. F (13 to 18 deg. C), with moderate rainfall.

In the Far South (Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and the Mekong Delta or Nam Bo), it's pretty much warm year-round but the Dec. -Jan, low can be down to around 60 deg.F (15 deg. C). The high temp., however, rarely gets above 90 deg. F (35 deg. C). The dry season begins in Nov. and lasting through April. The rainy season is from May through October.

Summer: May - November Average temperature 24-31C Average rainfall 265mm

Hot, humid and rainy but heavy downpours are usually short lived.

Winter: December - April Average temperature 22-33C Average rainfall 25mm

Ho Chi Minh City in south Vietnam lies on the Saigon River north of the Mekong River delta. The former French colonial city, home to over 5 million, is a bustling modern metrolopis where travellers enjoy the historic sites and architecture and marvel at the intricacies of local Vietnamese handicraft.
Tao Dan Park a strong and youthful life force, and make it a fresh and peaceful space in the heart of the city. Open markets include Ben Thanh Market, the most famous in HCM City. Others are Binh Tay Market and An Dong Market but be sure to haggle when making a purchase.

Other places of interest include the City Museum with its secret tunnel under Gia Long Palace. A boat trip on the Megong Delta is surely a must before enjoyoing the wonderful restaurants, bars, coffee shops and clubs particularly centred around District 1.

Ho Chi Minh is famous for its shopping. Dong Khoi and Luu Van Lang, a small street on the side of Ben Thanh Market decorated with ornamental trees and special lighting systems, being very popular for fashionable clothes and footwear. These connect with Nguyen Trung Truc Street and Phan Boi Chau Street where if you can't find what you want you probably don't need it.

Finca Fantastica Travel provides more information on how you can experience this stunning country and its charming peoples. Take A Journey Through Vietnam....8 Days from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

Cheap2Sleep in Europe

2008-06-25T07:16:00.013+01:00

We haven't updated you recently because we have been busy!

We have produced 3 e-brochures for you to download at your pleasure.

With the summer holidays almost upon us and the economy being what it is,
we thought this was a timely reminder that there are plenty of places
where you will find it Cheap2Sleep in Europe.

We currently have 3 seperate volumes prepared with others in the pipeline.

Volume 1 Prague, Berlin, Dubrovnik and Sofia

Volume 2 Brussels, Dublin, Amsterdam and London

Volume 3 Marseilles, Paris, Florence, Milan and Rome

You can download them from here

Plan a Viking Holiday

2008-05-13T07:22:00.006+01:00

Viking Tours In Scandinavia

Viking culture has always held a fascination for those invaded by the Vikings. The English, the Scots and the Irish particularly love to revel in Viking mythology. The Jorvik Viking Centre in York, the Orkney Museum and the National Museum of Ireland pay homage to Viking ancestors.

Their reputation as fierce warriors is legendary so too is their shipbuilding skills and intricate craftsmanship. To discover their history across Denmark, Norway and Sweden many people are now taking to the high seas. From Newcastle, in the northeast of England, it is possible to plan a Viking holiday taking in these countries.

First stop is Bergen, the gateway to the fjords and known as the "City Between the Seven Mountains".(de syv fjell). Situated in the south west of Norway it is a harbour town of great charm mixed with all modern conveniences. Arriving by sea presents the spectacular mountains as a backdrop to this former capital of Norway. The fish market is a popular destination for many visitors and it is easy to find many good restaurants to charge you up for a Viking adventure.

Heading to Oslo, the present capital by road and the adventurer will cross the huge Hardangervidda (Northern Europe’s largest high-mountain plateau and Norway’s biggest national park). This is a journey of some 500 km across somewhat barren land interspersed by lakes, streams and glaciers, so be prepared is the warning. This is a very popular destination for all manner of outdoor activities throughout the year even though at best the climate is definitely alpine in nature.

Oslo, Norway’s capital in the east, enjoys warm weather during summer months although settled at the head of the Oslofjiord and encompassing 40 islands it is a little humid. The surrounding forests, hills and mountains make for a peaceful atmosphere as this is where city meets wilderness.

Bygdøy, to the west of Oslo and reached by a short ferry trip, is home to the Viking Ship Museum and the famous Oseberg Ship, the Gokstad Ship and the Tune Ship are housed there. The Kontiki, Fram and Maritime Museums are also on the Bygdøy peninsular so take your time when visiting. Frequently referred to as “The Viking Capital”, Oslo is steeped in Viking mythology.

Swedish Vikings, unlike their Danish and Norwegian cousins, were more inclined to trade and plunder to the east and south. From Russia as far as Jeruselem traces of Vikings are found. Perhaps in part due to these travels across land it has been recently suggested by Annika Larsson, archeologist of Uppsala University, that the ancient Vikings wore vivid colours to adorn their clothing while the women dressed provocatively. “They combined oriental features with Nordic styles. Their clothing was designed to be shown off indoors around the fire,” Larsson said.
Stockholm naturally draws Viking enthusiasts from across the globe. Sigtuna and Uppsala with the old Viking Parliament, Arkils Tingplats and the Mounds are historic sites while at “Jarlabankes bro”, the ancient Viking Bridge, there are the runic stones to be read. The church at Vallentuna, the Granby ruins and Lunda all form part of Sweden’s most historic Viking hertitage.

Denmark, considered by many as the heart of Viking culture, is the final leg of the Viking holiday. Reached either by ferry or car from the rest of Scandinavia, Danish Vikings raided and traded in the Baltic, the British Isles and beyond. In recent years archaeological investigations of farms and village settlements in Denmark have uncovered a wealth of Viking history.

Copenhagen is host to the Danish Prehistory Collection in The National Museum which traces The Viking age from 800 to 1050AD. The Viking Ship Museum is in Roskilde, west of Copenhagen, The Trelleborg Viking Fortress was built in 980AD near the town of Slagelse and the Ladbyskibet Viking Chieftan burial site at Lanby are but a few of these discoveries. Discover these and many other places of interest before heading for the seaport of Esbjerg and the ferry back to Harwich on the east coast of England.

The Viking countries of Scandinavia are full of wonder and you can reach Denmark, Norway or Sweden by air, sea or road depending on your point of departure. Enjoy your exploration of the Viking mythology and of course your holiday.

Vikings in Scandinavia Tours from Oslo Visit Denmark

Europe. A Travellers Paradise.

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Europe and her civilizations have seen many changes over the centuries and they continue up to this day. Europe enjoys at best, its diverse cultures like no other continent and any traveller can join in the fun and differences. Indeed the French are famous for exclaiming “Vive La Difference!”

Travelling through Europe you can enjoy the peoples from Gaelic and Nordic backgrounds through Gallic, Germanic and Hispanic cultures in the west. Eastern.Europe is far more open to visitors recently particularly Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Croatia, while Austria , Switzerland, Italy and Greece remain as popular as ever.

Each of these countries are enjoyable year round and variously offer both winter and summer activities to suit all tastes and budgets. In Europe, despite its modern structures and often hectic lifestyles allows history to envelope you at every turn. London with its famous Houses of Parliament, Paris’ Eiffel Tower, Rome’s Coliseum are merely parts of the rich tapestry that is Europe.

Europe is easily accessible by air with many new international airports opening making your particular destination so much more accessible. Scratching the surface, you can hire cars to explore the lesser known parts where you will be greeted with open arms at hotels, hostels, restaurants and bars throughout these ancient lands. It is always helpful and fun to try speaking a few words of your host country and goes a long way to breaking the ice with your hosts.

Winter sports are famously centred around the Alps although Bulgaria and Spain offer creditable and cheaper alternatives that tend to be less crowded. The Mediterranean countries offer summer holidays at the beach of course but travelling a few kilometers inland will open up a completely different perspective.

2008-Cannes Film Festival Accommodation

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The famous annual Cannes Film Festival runs from May 14th - May 25th

"Be There or Be Square" was the old battle cry!
Cannes comes alive now but hotels and apartments are filling fast. Hotel Chanteclair and Hotel Florela are two charming choices among a whole array of more modern establishments.

If you prefer to build some peace and quiet around the spectacular razamatazz of The French Riviera we advise you book your accommodation early and particularly if you like to entertain privately.

The accommodation choices range from the luxurious to the modest and from the vibrant city and coast, to the shady, fragrant side streets to the rural splendour of the area. With the whole of the Cote d'Azur to invigorate your senses, a holiday home such as a 17th century Manor House outside the resort is a great idea.

Nice is the airport you need to be flying into whether by regular airline or charter jet
Again, book early to avoid the squeeze or worse, the disappointment of not being there.

You can easily rent a car or arrange for private airport transport to make your life so much easier.
Alternatively the Eurostar service is an excellent way to travel without the customary hassle of road and air travel.

Whatever your choice, enjoy the spectacular Festival de Cannes

City Passes

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This is always useful when you are visiting somewhere for the first time. I didn't use to think so but by taking a city pass you get to see and find out about all kinds of neat stuff that isn't in the guide books. You also get to chat with other travellers so you can swap stories and find out more stuff. It not only saves time it saves on the legs too!

You can find a list of our ever expanding library of the World Wide City Passes and there is likely to be one for the next city you visit.

The Color Orange

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We are supporting The Color Orange project and encourage you to do the same.

If you are unaware this project is to draw attention to the human rights violations throughout China. Orange is a banned colour in China but by displaying it on your clothing, with what you carry or by adorning your car or house you will help to heighten awareness of the plight of millions of oppressed, peaceful people.

Danish sculptor Jens Galschiot and his art workshop (Art in Defence of Humanism, AIDOH www.aidoh.dk) are the driving force behind the ‘Colour Orange’ project. He says "This is not really a campaign in the traditional sense. The project has to work as a catalyst for some kind of wave or feeling that repeats itself over and over again and that flushes all over the world. It is more related to poetry and art than to actual political activism. It is a global history that tells itself. You can say that we are launching a fight against a totalitarian regime about their monopoly of the interpretation of reality."

By supporting this initiative you can help to give a voice to the downtrodden peoples of China's oppressive regime. What better opportunity is there than when China will be the focus of world attention during the Olympic Games 2008.

Great Holiday Idea...Home Swapping

2007-12-13T11:44:00.000+01:00

If you haven't heard about it or or if you have only toyed with the idea why not try a Home Swap? Some friends of ours did this recently with great success and had a wonderful time.

M & K (names protected to save the innocent...that's you!) have a house in our Spanish village near Malaga and swapped with a couple from Vancouver, Canada. One of the great advantages apart from the cost of your accommodation, is that you get a local insight.

Imagine, once you have your flight sorted out, you arrive at your arranged house swap and everything is there for you. Home from home as it were. M & K left a whole list of places to visit, where to shop and suchlike that you just wouldn't find or even hear about unless you were a local.

For people with pets, large or small, this can be a great boon too. You simply link up with other folks who either have pets themselves or are willing to look after your and that's another worry out of the way. Amazing how simple life can be sometimes when you know how!

So if it has never crossed your mind have a think about a house swap holiday for your next getaway.

Ed

Saturday Morning...wonderful day again

2007-12-08T12:04:00.000+01:00

Waking up to sunshine everyday certainly has advantages.
You feel as good as the weather and those chores are not so laborious.

If you live in one of those countries with grey skies to greet you all too
often then you have our sympathy...we remember what it was like.
And for those of you with snow, that can be great fun but having to put on
and take off all those layers when you go in and out of doors: how boring is that?

The place to be right now is in the southern hemisphere with long warm evenings
to enjoy after a long hot day doing whatever it is you enjoy doing. Right now the idea
of planning a safari in South Africa for January or February is what appeals the most.

But meanwhile back to those chores and some Christmas preparations before it gets too late.

Getting There at Last

2007-12-06T21:44:00.000+01:00

Well, we eventually got the hang of this blogging malarky sorted. It's easy really isn't it?
All we needed was a little time and a decent internet connection.

Let me explain. We live up in the mountains only about 8km inland from the coast in Southern Spain. You may think "WoW" that's cool and it is, except there are some practical details. For example, folk from northern Europe and many parts of the world would take for granted, things we do not have...like a phone service and until recently internet!

We have been here for several years so if there is anything you want to know about the practicalities of living in Spain that your mother, best friend or anyone else won't tell you leave a post. If we don't know (we don't know everything believe me) we probably know someone who does. They don't write everything in those glossy brochures you know!

That is not to say it isn't a great place to be, so don't think that for one minute.

Til next time

Adios