Online voucher code specialist Netvouchercodes.co.uk have put together an interesting infographic showing some of the most bizzare “collars” that custom officials have made. Must remember to put my Chameleon under my hat next time instead of on top of it!!

Source: NetVoucherCodes.co.uk

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Read on for general advice for golfers who like to venture near and far to play the sport about how they can become more ethical.

Stay a little close to home

If money is no issue, then some players indulge in luxury golf in far-flung destinations such as Dubai and Japan. Even golf holidays Europe tend to involve getting on a plane and that obviously will have environmental consequences. Instead, try and play in the UK as much as possible. Many golfers are guilty of ignoring the golf facilities pretty much right on their doorsteps, but UK golf breaks can be just as rewarding as a trip to, say, Spain, even if the weather is unlikely to be as good. A guide to the UK’s best courses can be found on this website.

Catch a ferry

If you have to travel to mainland Europe then catch a ferry and try and use public transport as much as possible. There’s an excellent rail network in countries such as France and Spain and this means you don’t have to catch a plane. No matter how you intend to travel, leave your bag of clubs at home and rent instead.

Carbon offsetting

Think about carbon offsetting as there are plenty of schemes available that mean you donate money to an organisation doing things like planting trees. Walk once you get out and about on the course. Not only is it a great source of exercise, but some golf carts do produce harmful emissions.

For anybody planning a trip to the UK any time soon, here are a few suggestions on how to enjoy a typical British night out:

Bingo

Brits of all ages love playing bingo, be it down at their local bingo hall or online bingo. It’s a cheap and cheerful night out and is great way to meet a diverse range of people as well as possibly win a bumper cash prize. Fear not, though, if you’ve never played before or even never heard of bingo because the rules of the game are simple to pick up and you’ll learn all about the famous bingo calls in no time.

Cinema

With at least one cinema complex in most major UK towns and cities, film fans can get their fix of the latest movies and watch either the newest Hollywood blockbusters or smaller independent films. The British film industry is also booming at present and that is having a knock-on effect in terms of the amount of people heading to the pictures.

Gig

There’s a really vibrant live music scene in the UK, especially in major cities such as Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and, of course, the capital London. The biggest names in the entertainment industry regularly play in venues of all sizes up and down Britain, while smaller acts that are just starting out can be found in pubs and bars every night of the week in most towns and cities.

Greyhounds

A night down the dogs is a unique experience. Like bingo, it’s a bit of fun and best enjoyed with a group of friends or family. It’s a more down-to-earth version of going to watch horse racing live and there are always great deals to be had on cheap tickets, meaning you don’t have to spend a fortune in the pursuit of a good time. And, don’t forget, you could also win a few pounds if Lady Luck is smiling on you. If live sport is your thing, attending other sporting events like a football or rugby match is also highly advisable.

Pub crawl

A quintessential activity that the Brits enjoy is a good, old-fashioned pub crawl with a few pals to celebrate a special birthday or occasion. In London, for example, there’s the Monopoly Pub Crawl, which is a route that includes 26 of the spaces of a Monopoly board. In Leeds, the Otley Run is the stuff of legends, while you can embark on the Transpennine Real Ale Trail on eight train stations between Leeds and Manchester. No matter where you are in the UK, there’s bound to be a pub crawl you can participate in, but remember to act and drink responsibly.

With that in mind, the following tips are designed to help you keep the cost of travel to a minimum and have a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Opt to visit to ‘green’ cities

Picking where to go in the world can be difficult due to the array of choice, so do a bit of ‘green’ research to help to sway your decisions. Take Brighton, for example. With clean beaches and plenty of large open spaces, it has been dubbed the green capital of Britain. For anybody keen on the idea of spending a little time in this charming English seaside resort, companies like Eurobookings offer plenty of affordable hotels in Brighton. Other ‘green’ cities in Europe include Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Stockholm, Nantes and Oslo.

Avoid flying

The convenience of air travel is offset by the damaging impact it has on the environment, meaning it’s important to think carefully about what mode of transport you take. Hop on a bus, ferry, train or car share with friends and family. If you can’t lift share with friends and family then there are car sharing websites that experienced travellers use to organise lifts. There are also always discount deals to be had online for cheaper travel tickets. Walk or hire a bike to get around once you arrive at a particular destination.

Go easy on the luggage

Travel light because what you take with you in terms of luggage can impact on the fuel consumption of the transport you take. One way to reduce the amount of luggage you may need is to pack travel wash. This enables you to wash items of clothing while away, which ultimately means you won’t need to pack as much. Recycle and reuse pretty much anything and everything as much as possible.

Act responsibly in your hotel/hostel room

There are several things you can do in your hotel or hostel room to be eco-friendly. Turn off the central heating or air conditioning units if possible or at least turn them down by a few degrees to save energy. Reuse towels and the bed sheets as many times as possible before getting them replaced and switch off all electrical items when you’re not in the room. Never, ever, leave things like the TV on standby and take quick showers to reduce water consumption.

Shop responsibly

Keeping hydrated is obviously important, especially if you’re heading off to some far-flung destinations, so reuse water bottles if possible. Buy local products or locally sourced products to help the local economy to prosper and avoid purchasing items that have travelled from all four corners of the world at great expense to the planet.

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There are so many amazing breaks around the world that what you need is

some good advice. So we’ve picked our 5 favourite surf destinations in the

beautifully sunny country of Portugal to get you inspired.  It has some of

the best surf in Europe, its cuisine is delicious, and it has some of the

most affordable shopping in Western Europe. So get ready to pack your

board-bags and experience surfing holidays in Portugal.

1. Lagos

Head to Amado beach in the Lagos region for some of the warmest water

temperatures around Portugal.  The region is blessed with 8 months a year

of 20+ sunshine, and has miles upon miles of beaches to choose from.

Lagos itself is enchanting, what will cobblestone streets and superb

restaurants and bars that will be a perfect way to end the day after your

surf session.

2. Peniche

If there was one surf spot in Portugal that people will have

heard of, it will be Peniche.  Rip Curl first visited this beautiful town

three years ago when it brought it’s ‘The Search’ contest.  The

event proved so popular that they have since set up a permanent contest here on the

world championship surf tour.  The pro surfers have made Supertubos their home,

however for us mere mortals Cantinho da Baia, Beleal is the perfect spot

to learn to surf.

3. Ericeira

This beautiful Portuguese fishing village has excellent surf all

year round, and is a only 40 minutes from Lisbon.  So when the waves are

great head to Foz do Lizandro if you are a beginner surfer, or for more of

a challenge take a look at Ribas D’Ilhas.  This beach is where the ASP’s

world qualifying series takes place for the Quiksilver Pro Portugal each

year.

4. Cascais

Along Cascais protected shores lies countless surf breaks.  At

only a short 30km train ride away from Lisbon, Cascais is an ideal surf holiday

destination for people who want to get away from busy city life,

but still want to do a spot of shopping in Portugal’s capital. When you’re

not making the most of the promenade or visiting the stunning old town,

head to the beach break Guincho that’s perfect to learn to surf in.

5, Azores Islands- If you fancy something completely different to main land

Europe, plan a trip to the Portuguese Azores islands.  Lying 1500km west

from Lisbon, these Atlantic islands are often overlooked as a prime surf

destination.  Each year Billabong hold a highly rated contest as part of

the world tour on the main island of Sao Miguel.  The contest takes place

towards the end of September, so if you can, coincide your trip with the

contest for some great surf.

]]> http://www.greentravelblog.org/5-places-to-surf-in-portugal/feed/ 0 http://www.greentravelblog.org/marbella-%e2%80%93-the-capital-of-the-costa-del-sol/ http://www.greentravelblog.org/marbella-%e2%80%93-the-capital-of-the-costa-del-sol/#comments Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:22:05 +0000 Amy http://www.greentravelblog.org/?p=1311 Marbella, the capital of the Costa del Sol, is one of the most sought after destinations in the World.

Known since the early 1950s as playground for the rich and famous, even since Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe came to Marbella with a view to purchase some land next to Marbella’s spectacular coastline. The year was 1947 to be exact.

The 18 hectare farm that the Prince and his family bought – Finca Santa Margarita – eventually gained International fame and was converted into the Marbella Club Hotel. The rich and famous flocked from all over the World to be there. Marbella has never looked back since.

The Capital of the Costa del Sol offers visitors a wide range of leisure and cultural opportunities throughout the year.

In the old quarter of Marbella, the picturesque, typically Andalusian narrow streets and squares are home to plenty of quiet, attractive places for a drink or bite to eat, particularly around the Plaza de los Naranjos. The trendiest and most lively part of town is Puerto Banus, which caters to all ages and tastes.

Marbella means beautiful sea in Spanish “Mar Bella” and as can expected the beaches are second to none. With 24kms of pristine coastline, all the beaches are sand or fine shingle. The water has won awards for its cleanliness.

If looking for a unforgettable beach holiday you can’t go wrong. The holiday villas in Marbella are second to none and will ensure the whole family experiences the holiday of a lifetime.

Jetting off around the world for an extended period of time is something many people experience at some point in their lives and is particularly popular with anyone that has just finished studying at college or university.

While the old adage that travel broadens the mind is certainly true, there can be no doubting that it costs a considerable amount of money to go from one city, country or continent to the next.

Financial planning, therefore, is essential and with that in mind Bob Atkinson, from worldwide travel insurance website moneysupermarket.com, has devised a series of money-saving tips, as well as some more general advice.

Atkinson said: “With more adults taking time out to travel and explore the wider world on a well-earned career break, or opting for a longer, more intrepid getaway, it’s vital that all those intending to make the trip consider all aspects of the gap year before they go.

“Planning really is the key when it comes to gap year finances and having the right products in your wallets can really save a packet, allowing you to make the most of the adventures while keeping covered. After all, no one wants to have to cut their trip short, or worse get stranded with no money, just because they didn’t plan properly.”

He continued: “Buy cash online before you go and if you need to exchange currency while away, shop around to find the best deal. Alternatively pre-paid cards, like the Caxton FX currency cards, are a great alternative to cash. Many offer competitive exchange rates on foreign currency and some come without the sting of withdrawal and purchase fees. The lack of credit facility on these products means you can’t spend more money than you have, helping you budget when overseas.

“If you are intending to travel in Europe without a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) you could end up facing a hefty bill if you need medical care while abroad. Medical treatment in the EU and EEAs varies from country to country as well as being very different to NHS provided care in the UK. An EHIC is your ‘pass’ to get free or reduced cost medical treatment in any EU or EEA country. Don’t view it as a replacement for travel insurance, and be aware that any non-essential care or emergency treatments can cost extra.

“Decide on a total budget you are looking to spend. Bear in mind that this will need to cover your travel and taxes as well as transfers, accommodation costs and food. If you are planning to use your overdraft as a back-up, make sure you’re aware of any charges and make sure you stay within your authorised limit. Keep track of your spending by registering for online banking, or use a banking app.

“If you’re using your phone, tablet or PC while you’re abroad, ensure you know what charges are being applied for calls, messages and data downloads, as costs increase significantly when you leave UK and European shores. Ensuring you are on a provider’s specialised overseas tariff is one way to reduce phone and data costs. Also use free internet Wi-Fi hotspots wherever possible to minimise costs.”

Atkinson also made a point of stressing to ‘gappers’ the need to make a note of emergency numbers, check and double check passport and visa deadlines, have the correct documentation if driving abroad is applicable and ensure sufficient measures have been taken to pay the bills back home during the duration of the gap year.

The report from the London School of Economics and Political Science also shows an increase of 1.3 million in the amount of cyclists currently out and about on the roads as more people use it as an eco-friendly and cost-effective form of transport, as well to take advantage of the obvious health benefits. It has been suggested that a further 20-per-cent rise by 2015 would in turn save the government £207 million and £71 million in pollution and congestion.

While these statistics will be well received by environmentalists keen to dramatically lower carbon emissions, it’s offset by the fact that an additional study by the Department for Transport has found a 26-per-cent rise in the number of accidents involving cyclists in the UK. The financial impact of all road accidents in 2009 alone also cost the British economy £15.82billion in things like accident claims, Medical negligence claims and personal injury claims.

Just over 3,700 cyclists were either injured or killed on Britain’s roads in the first quarter of 2011 and that was up from 2,961 during the same timeframe from the previous year, according to the findings published by Department for Transport.

Four of the five most common contributory factors were said to be as a result of an error from the driver or rider and additional accident causes include poor road surfaces, obstacles in the path or road, a collision with an animal or pedestrian or a manufacturing fault. The most common injuries sustained by cyclists are arm and leg injuries, while the severity of head injuries can range from concussion to fatal brain damage.

The surge in accidents involving cyclists may deter some people from commuting to work on bike or roaming around the countryside on two wheels instead of four whenever possible, but others hope it’ll serve to reinforce the need for both drivers and riders to pay attention at all times and act responsibly.

Any concerned cyclists would be well advised to read up on the Highway Code and familiarise themselves again with the rules of the road to reduce the risk of being involved in a road accident and wear a high-visibility clothing, invest in a high-quality helmet, maintain the bike properly and avoid the temptation to take any unnecessary risks if it compromises personal safety.

Go storm chasing in Tornado Alley

What can be more exhilarating than joining a team of experts and roaming around the American countryside searching for some truly remarkable acts of nature in all their glory? Storm chasing may not appeal to everyone, but those people that fancy seeing severe storms and tornadoes will probably never experience anything like it ever again. An average ‘chase’ day involves reviewing a range of different weather data and then heading off across a variety of states including Kansas and Texas to catch a glimpse of a tornado in action and capture some unique footage in the process.

Live like an Eskimo

In the Slovenian ski resort of Krvavec is a hotel complex with a difference. Igloo Village, as the name would suggest, is a series of small snow mounds connected by a tunnel system that are crafted to form a very unorthodox form of accommodation. The temperature inside these snug little hidey holes ranges between zero and four degrees Celsius, but fear not as you’ll be oblivious to the cold while you sleep in your special expedition sleeping bag that can withstand temperatures close to minus 30. There’s a bar and restaurant on site and even a sauna, but don’t ask us how that one works!

Fly through the tree tops in Costa Rica

Okay, so you don’t actually ‘fly’ through the tree tops of Costa Rica, but the 727 Fuselage Home is a hotel suite formed in and around an old Boeing 727 that offers stunning ocean and jungle views. The aeroplane itself gives the illusion that it has just landed on top of the jungle canopy and has been kitted out with two bedrooms, a luxurious bathroom, a kitchen, a dining room and a terrace balcony that overlooks the surrounding Manuel Antonio National Park. Staying here will come at a price, but if money is no issue then this could be precisely what you’re looking for.

Return to the cave-dwelling days

Like something straight out of a James Bond film from yesteryear, Beckham Creek Cave Lodge in Arkansas gives you the opportunity to spend a few nights in a natural cave. If you’re immediately picturing it being dark, damp and extremely small, then think again because it’s spacious and modern, while at the same time blended brilliantly with the natural surroundings and cave walls. Here you’ll find “true inner peace” if the publicity material is to be believed.

Stay in a tree house in the Swedish wilderness

Just when you think you’ve seen every different type of accommodation available, along comes the Treehotel in Sweden. This is a series of eco-friendly capsule-like dwellings built in the trees that showcase only the very best in modern architecture and design. The pick of the bunch is undoubtedly the Mirrorcube, which is a lightweight aluminium structure covered in mirrored glass that appears, as part of a clever optical illusion, to be invisible.

The promenade plantee is an elevated green space which meanders along the route of an old viaduct and peers down at the road 10 metres below. The innovative park is built along the path which is nearly three miles long and culminates in a series of shops built in the arches of the viaduct. Both pedestrians and cyclists share the space, with some parts of the greenway enclosed whilst others have been opened out for the full impact of the space to be appreciated by those with a head for heights.

The High Line is the second park of its kind – a nearly complete project located in Manhattan. Two thirds complete, it has been replanted as an aerial greenway along a former railroad which ran above the city. The work started on the High Line in 2009 and the second section was formally opened in June 2011. The track provides views over the River Hudson and whilst the track has been artificially replanted, a lot of effort has gone into leaving a less cultivated and natural feel to the area.

Mexico City is the latest place to hop onto the bandwagon with plans to bring a breath of fresh air to the city centre by the creation of its own elevated urban parkway.

The intention for the latest high rise green space is to create a link between the city’s biggest existing green area – the Chapultepec Forest – and the metro station. However, unlike the previous skyline parks, Mexico City is not utilizing a disused structure – it is planning on building a new high-rise pathway deliberately designed to act as an ‘arm’ of the forest.

The project has been designed to act as a beautiful garden path, stretching across two major traffic hotspots, but allowing tourists and residents who want to go to the forest for a picnic to be able to enjoy the walk rather than having to battle across busy roads to get there.

With the High Line proving a big hit with tourists and residents alike and other American cities such as Philadelphia, Chicago and St Louis also possibly developing their own high rise green spaces, a trip to the park in the future could involve climbing high…