Britain is the largest island in the Europe and has been the hub of world activity ever since the formal unification of the kingdoms of England and Scotland. Hence, needless to say that when it comes to heritage, history, art and culture Britain has a lot to offer. No wonder its capitals London and Edinburgh are considered as the modern day cultural hubs with people from all over the world visiting and settling in this region. So, when you combine all of this; the history, the scenic beauty of islands and the cross cultural influences, Britain is considered as one of the hotspots of tourists from all over the world. And what is the first thing that any one planning a holiday considers, the answer is Hotels.

Hotels, luxury hotels to be precise, are one department where Britain stands apart from any other tourist location on the Globe since it has some of the highly regarded hotels in the world. The best part about luxury hotels in Britain is that not only are they relaxing, affordable and convenient they offer a piece of the very soul of this region of the world. Some of these hotels take you to a timeless journey into the past as they preserve a part of history. Take for instance the Crathrone Hall Hotel in Yarm, North Yorkshire. Built in 1906, the hotel that is overlooking the Leven Valley on the edge of Yorkshire Moors is more than a century old and has hosted some of the most influential politicians, members of the royal family and other prominent socialites.

Crathorne Hall is one of hundreds of elegant Hotels all across Britain. And it’s not like that in order to stay in these hotels you have to exhaust all of your savings. These Hotels offer a wide range of packages all at affordable prices. With the advancement of Web you no longer have to believe travel agents or tourism companies as all of these luxury hotels have online presence which means that you can just go over the web and get all the detail about the pricing and the packages that these hotels offer. Not only that but a number of websites (such as Trip Advisor) offer reviews of these hotels which can make it easier for you to make the decision regarding selection of the Hotel.

So, whether you want to enjoy the sun kissing beaches of Devon or the metropolis of Birmingham with all its buzz and activity or the picturesque country side of Berkshire all you have to do is go online and choose the Hotel of your liking in location of your choice. These luxury hotels offer a wide range of services that are certainly bound to add to our holiday experience and make it a memorable time of your life.

The post Luxury Hotels of Britain: Offering you Memorable Holidays at Affordable prices first appeared on Travel Blog | Time of our Lives - A Travelogue.

What do you envision when you think of Switzerland?  Is it skiing on the majestic Alps?  Or maybe it is world-class chocolate and wooden ticking clocks that you think of.  If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, here are some other activities and sights that you should consider indulging your senses with:

Go On A Hike

With there being well over 60,000km of hiking trails, Switzerland is truly a hiker’s paradise.  You can find trails that are for every level of fitness and that vary in length.  You can hike an alpine route, a mountain trail, or even go across the country by foot.  When you hike through Switzerland, you’re able to then truly take in all that the country has to offer, like panoramic flower-filled valleys and villages filled with rich history and tradition. MySwitzerland has a great guide to the 32 most enjoyable hikes that is definitely worth a look if you’re super keen.

Try An Alpine Park

Alpine Parks are certainly not for the faint of heart.  These parks offer some of the most daring attractions in the whole country, from ziplining from tree top to tree top to blood boiling suspension bridges.  There are also some great obstacle courses that are fun for the whole family.

Enjoy The Water

Despite Switzerland not actually being close to any sea, there are still a number of areas where you can enjoy swimming, water sports, and even go for a cruise like in Seedorf, the Ticino, Weggis, and the Swiss Riviera.  These crystal clear lakes and tame rivers offer travellers the ability to unwind and have a good time, whether that be floating on your back, in a kayak or on a ferry.

Shopping

Perhaps it’s not as famous for shopping as, say, Paris, London or New York, but in Zurich you can find anything your heart could possibly desire, especially the world class chocolate and fine wine shops – perhaps a designer Swiss watch if you have shedloads of spending money! If you run out of cash while you’re over there, Travelex, in its omnipresence, has branches all over Switzerland and you can reserve Swiss Francs online and pick them up from the nearest Travelex to you.

Get High

To truly get the full scope of the gorgeous landscape that is Switzerland, then you’ve got to get high up in the sky.  Depending on how brave you are, you can get a great view of the land by sky diving, hang gliding, or parachuting from one of many spots in this idyllic country.  For those of us who may not be overly interested in free falling from great heights there are a number of chair lifts and cable cars that are available for tourists to take to many of the magnificent mountaintops.  Otherwise you may opt for a romantic hot air balloon ride, or a breathtaking “Alpenrundflug” via helicopter.

Feast On True Fusion Cuisine

Switzerland is known as being the “culinary melting pot” of Europe, with many of its dishes being the perfect fusion of German, Austrian, Italian and French cuisine.  Depending on the village you visit, you’ll be able to find some delightful local specialities that are completely different from the foods found just miles away in other neighbouring villages.

The post Switzerland – It’s More Than Just Chocolate And Watches first appeared on Travel Blog | Time of our Lives - A Travelogue.

Taking a last-minute holiday to Australia is not impossible, but it can be expensive if you are not careful with your planning. While you may give up on the idea of taking such a last-minute trip, there are five things you should know about before cancelling your plans. It is still possible for you to travel abroad while saving yourself some money.

1. Research Flights and Different Airports

One of the main reasons why people often spend too much for their flight is because they only go with one particular airline or airport. By expanding your horizons and looking at a variety of flights as well as different airports, you may be able to save yourself a lot of money. For example, avoiding flying out from London is one way to save money because London flights are often the most expensive out there. There are many flight search engines and travel comparison websites to choose from, but this website is a good place to start looking for deals on flights to Australia.

2. Don’t Skimp on Comfort

Last-minute bookings often mean that you’re going to get the worst seat on the plane or that you’re going to be downgraded to a less comfortable spot on-flight. Even though you’re booking your flight arrangements late, this does not mean that you shouldn’t still be picky. You want your holiday to still be enjoyable. Be sure to research different seating options so that you do not get stuck in something uncomfortable for you. You might even want to consider upgrading your seat if there are no good ones available in the economy section.

3. Compare Different Hotels and Read Reviews

The hotel you’re going to be staying in will also make a huge difference in how much you enjoy your holiday. The whole purpose of online reviews is for other people to learn from another family’s experience. Before booking a hotel, be sure to read every review possible that you can find online. There are going to be a mixture of positive and negative reviews for most hotels, but there should be more positive reviews for the better facilities. If you notice a hotel getting a lot of overly negative reviews, avoid booking with that one.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Travel on Holiday

One major reason why people pay so much when booking holiday arrangements is because they feel like they have to be in the heart of the busiest city so that they can benefit most from their trip. There is no reason why you cannot make use of a transportation service or rent a car to travel to the bigger cities. By not staying in a big city, you will be able to cut your hotel bill literally in half so that it is not as expensive for you. Also, most of these out-of-town hotels have openings when you’re booking last-minute.

5. Use the Internet to Your Advantage

You probably already know how useful the Internet can be, but it really can be the best thing for you when you’re booking hotels and flights for your upcoming trip to Australia. Not only will you be able to read reviews on hotels and book an affordable flight, but you’ll also be able to map out where you want to go and what you’d like to see while there. Use the Internet as often as possible when you’re making plans to take a holiday abroad so that you have everything planned according to what you and your family want to do together in an area where you’ve never been before.

The post Late Deals to Australia from the UK: 5 Things You Should Look Out For first appeared on Travel Blog | Time of our Lives - A Travelogue.

Although it is sometimes tempting to build your own holiday itinerary, booking flights, hotels and excursions independently, it definitely makes for a stressful trip should your plan fall to pieces.

DIY trips can definitely save you a pretty penny or two, but so can package holidays. The trick is to find great deals and balance out the pros and cons.

Whether you’re aiming for a low cost fortnight in Florida or prefer cheap Ibiza holidays, package breaks give you the peace of mind you need to travel stress free.

First and foremost, booking through a trusted discounted holiday website will significantly reduce the cost of your holiday. Gathering the best deals from the UK’s favourite travel agencies, you can book safe in the knowledge that your date with your dream destination is in capable hands.

ATOL insurance is also another factor to consider. Ensuring your holiday is protected against all flight-related adversities is a huge pro. With an ATOL protected package you will never be left stranded abroad or lose money due to issues with your travel.

Apart from travel protection, package holidays are exactly what they say on the tin, the full package. Included in your holiday price is flights, transport to and from your chosen accommodation, the hotel costs, and some element of board in many cases.

Don’t forget the little niceties too such as free baggage allowance and any in-flight refreshments on long haul journeys. A dedicated travel rep is always a welcomed addition to your break too, especially if you’re hoping to discover your destination and need a few handy hints and tips along the way.

Ditch the travel dilemmas and look online today at low cost holiday packages. Stints in the sun should be all about relaxing and rejuvenating, so eliminate any stressful elements and look forward to a streamlined summer sojourn.

The post Travel Stress Free Next Summer with Low Cost Package Holidays first appeared on Travel Blog | Time of our Lives - A Travelogue.

Quite what amount to great value holidays in Majorca will depend of course on how much money you have to spend and what you’re expecting to line up for that outlay. The island is renowned as a wonderful holiday destination but also a favourite haunt of the rich and famous. The good news for all of us though is that there are bargains to be found, whether you’re after five-star luxury or something a little less extravagant.

Palma, the capital of Majorca, is among the most cosmopolitan and glamorous cities in Europe at the moment and it is here that A-listers head to hang out and be seen in the sunshine. The city is well worth a visit if you have chance while staying elsewhere on the island because it boasts some amazing restaurants and is a haven for high-end boutique fashion store aficionados. But elsewhere and usually towards the other coastal regions around Majorca are where the heart of the island’s tourist industry lies. There is a healthy smattering of towns that each offers their own attractions and slice of Majorcan life, from exuberant nightlife hubs to more tranquil and scenic former fishing villages.

There really aren’t many more beautiful places to spend time with your loved ones, whether that means your entire family, a few friends or just that most special person in your life. The weather is warm and very sunny during the summer months and there are offers on week-long stays in self-catered accommodation starting from just a few hundred pounds per person. A simple search online should turn up a lengthy list of reasonably priced package holidays, whatever kind of trip you have in mind.

And the same can be said of Majorca’s neighbouring islands as well, with plenty of low cost Menorca holidays available again this year.

Image Credit – Juan Antonio Capó

The post Finding great value holidays in Majorca first appeared on Travel Blog | Time of our Lives - A Travelogue.

Perfectly situated in the heart of the East Midlands, making it an ideal spot for stag parties all over the country, Nottingham has a whole host of activities on offer to ensure your stag do goes off without a hitch.

You can book large group accommodation with Travelodge to keep the stag do affordable. With many hotels scattered around the city centre, there’s a myriad of options available to keep things cheap for your group. Booking online can often provide you with excellent discounts too.

Once in Nottingham, it’s not all about the boozing. This city steeped in history has much more going for it than just the excellent nightlife.

1. Paintball
Home to the largest paintballing centre in the Midlands, paintballing is a must-do activity for any stag do. Adrenaline fuelled and great fun, there’s nothing wrong with a good dollop of healthy competition, right? The Paintball Jungle offers an awesome paintballing experience in 150 acres of Sherwood Forest, consisting of 7 paintball zones. Plus, from only £6 per person, it’s an absolute bargain!

2. Quad Biking
Also situated in Sherwood Forest, but one for the lovers of four wheeled thrills, quad biking is suitable for those experienced or not. Only 35 minutes from Nottingham, the quad trek takes you on a tour of all terrains, from forest clearings to muddy ravines. With the ability to master 6 off-road zones (once you have demonstrated you can control the quad on the practice track), you and the stag will be in for an awesome afternoon of adrenaline fuelled adventure.

3. Golf
A much tamer activity but still one to consider whilst deciding on your daytime itinerary. Eighteen holes at Ramsdale Park golf centre offers a choice of 2 superb courses, for a great value day out.

4. Real Ale Trail
A Nottingham asset, the Real Ale Trail aims to provide a tour of the 14 most popular drinking holes within walking distance, focussing on the range of fantastic real ales on offer. Enjoy a good pint of bitter with your mates before going on to a restaurant or club to finish off the evening.

5. The Nightlife
Attracting over 50,000 revellers every weekend, sampling some of the bars and clubs in the bustling areas of the city will give you an idea as to why it is so very popular with locals and tourists alike.

For the rockers, try Rock City for some headbanging tunes. Definitely one for the boys, Hooters on London Road will provide some fantastic scran as well as a buzzing atmosphere. Alternatively, try one of the trendy cocktail bars or for some cheesy tunes, head for the Oceana.

Whatever you decide to fill your weekend with, be sure to book all activities that need to be arranged in advance, as well as making sure the accommodation is sorted, before you set off for Nottingham. There’s nothing worse than realising you’ve forgotten to finalise bookings. Make your mate’s stag do stress free and ensure the party goes off with a bang.

The post Top 5 Stag Activities: Nottingham first appeared on Travel Blog | Time of our Lives - A Travelogue.

Awaiting for our connecting train to Athens at the Thessaloniki train station.

After a quick breakfast and a sip of Greek Coffee, We were off for a 5 hour train ride to the capital.

The Akropoli metro station in Athens. This is the stop for The Acropolis.

Our journey to the Parthenon begins!

Looking at the remains of the auditorium of the Theatre of Dionysos

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Built in 161A.D. by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla. It is located in the south slope of the Acropolis.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus. From another angle, overlooking the city of Athens.

Finally caught our first glimpse of the famed Parthenon. Seeing it for real still has you doubting if you’re really there at all! The climb from the bottom of the Acropolis was definitely worth it. Look at it in all of its splendour and architecture glory! (Well…sort of…its still amazing nonetheless!)

Overview of the Temple of Olympian Zeus from the Parthenon. It may not look like much now, but during its prime, it housed the largest statue of Zeus and is also well known to be the largest temple in Greece.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=npglZJ21O0A

The Philopappos Monument, as seen from the top of the Acropolis

The Erechtheion

The famous ‘Porch of the Caryatids’ on the south side of the Erechtheion

Taking our last few snapshots before making our way downhill.

As we move closer to the Temple of Zeus, it became apparent that as ruined as it might be now, the remaining pillars were still very much enormous! One can only imagine how grand the temple would be if all the pillars and structures lie intact.

The Arch of Hadrian

The remains of what was the glorious Temple of Zeus.

Back to the train station where relics are shown in display showcases.

The Old Royal Palace, at Syntagma Square. It houses the Greek Parliament (Hellenic Parliament).

The changing of the royal guards at Syntagma Square

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9yBX_NAhhM

Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea, one of the oldest churches in Athens. It was fascinating to see something so ancient-looking stuck in the middle of such a modern surrounding.

Hadrian’s Library in the evening. It was already closed when we got there so we had to make another trip the next day.

The interior of Monastiraki station. Might be the most unusual metro station we’ve seen yet.

The 18th century Tsisdarakis Mosque, built by the ottoman empire and located just in front of the Monastiraki station.

This was a great place to buy souvenirs

A walk through Hadrian’s Library by the west wall.

The ruins of the Church of Megali Panagia built on the grounds of Hadrian’s Library

Entrance to the Roman Forum

We could still see the Parthenon from the Roman Forum

The Fethiye mosque and the remains of the Roman Forum

Tower Of The Winds. It features a combination of sundials, a water-clock and a wind vane! The design for the Radcliffe Observatory in Oxford, UK is based on this.

Overview map of the Athenian Agora

Stoa of Attalos

The pillars seem to go on forever…

Temple of Hephaestus

Great view of the Acropolis, Parthenon and Stoa of Attalos (to the left) from the Temple of Hephaestus.

Close up views of the Temple of Hephaestus

The remains of the Monument of the Eponymous Heroes.

A drawing of the Kerameikos landscape during the 4th century B.C.

Stopping by for a quick shot of the Athens train station.

Next destination… the romantic and mesmerizing island of Santorini!

love, J and Yee

The post Railing thru Europe: Stop 19.1 Greece – Athens first appeared on Travel Blog | Time of our Lives - A Travelogue.

Sofia, being the capital of Bulgaria has lots to offer; from fast food outlets, shopping malls, trams, medieval churches, monuments, museums and an information centre for tourist! One interesting thing to note though, our beloved lonely planet book informed us that the Bulgarians ‘nod’ their head when they say no and ‘shake’ their head when they say yes! Haha.. anyway, off we went to take a bus to explore the city, feeling adventurous again!

We were not familiar so we had some trouble trying to validate/punch our bus tickets and passengers on-board were staring amusingly at us. We asked the nearest guy for help but he just continued to stare. Just when we were beginning to feel like idiots, a kind man who spoke excellent English came to our rescue and showed us how to do it. He gave us a little introduction of his city and directed us on where to alight to get to the city centre. There is no better guidebook than a helpful local who showed great hospitality right?

Artsy monument at the Sofia central bus station

Saint Nedelya Church - It has been damaged and reconstructed many times

Wondering why this building sticks out like a sore thumb? Well its because this building is the Church of St. George and it has been around since the 4th century! It lies in the courtyard shared by Sheraton Hotel and Bulgaria's Presidential Building.

Bulgaria's Presidential Building. It shares the same courtyard as the Sheraton Hotel.

The changing of the guards takes place here every hour.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nNJBCZ0S7U

Here comes the changing of the guards...

The Bulgarian Archaeological Museum

We came across this little church called 'Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker' on our way to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Monument to the Tsar Liberator. It is a monument dedicated to Russian Emperor Alexander II who managed to free Bulgaria of Ottoman rule

National Assembly of Bulgaria

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a symbol for Sofia and one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world

Monument to St. Sofia

Monument to John Atanasoff, the American physicist and inventor

By midday, we were feeling quite exhausted and we wished that there are hostels that charge by the hour so we could get a quick nap. Eventually we came to an agreement to watch a movie as that was our best bet for a rest and were delighted when we found out some of the shows that were screened were in English.

Our Gingy from Bulgaria!

With time to spare, we headed to the Mall of Sofia to catch a movie! 'INCEPTION'! Oddly enough, as tired as we were, we did managed to stay up to finish the show. Can you spot J among the toys?

After we got back to the train station, to our dismay only part of the train arrived with the other carriages nowhere in sight. We saw a fellow traveller who travelled with us on the same train from Romania and struck up a conversation with him. It turns out that he too was waiting for the train that would bring all of us to Greece. We took turns checking the platform and found out that they were still piecing the whole train together. Eventually we boarded the train and this time hopefully, we could get a good rest and feel revitalized for our trip to Greece. After what seems like an eternity our train was ready to move off.

Next stop, gorgeous Greece!

Jon & Yee

The post Railing thru Europe: Stop 18.1 Bulgaria – Sofia first appeared on Travel Blog | Time of our Lives - A Travelogue.

Surrounded by the blue waters of the Ionian Sea, Corfu is located in the western part of Greece. This enchanting city has a picturesque terrain densely covered with cypress trees and olive groves throughout the city. Lined by beaches with shingle coves, Corfu is home to several museums, Byzantine churches, impressive Venetian fortresses and vibrant resorts spread around the island.

The City of Corfu has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Ionian Islands and in the world. Glyfada is a popular beach among tourists and is located just west of Corfu’s capital. Impressive rock formations and tree-covered cliffs complement its natural beauty of the along the waters. As with many of Corfu’s beaches, sun beds with umbrellas, water sports, shopping, restaurants and a wide range of accommodations are offered along the beach. Most of the beaches in Corfu have been developed into these types of resort-style areas.

These resort-style areas feature a wide array of gorgeous villas for a perfect Corfu villa holiday. Nestled in hills, many of the villas are adorned with the traditional corfiot architecture and offer a panoramic vista of Corfu’s unspoiled landscape. Staying in a villa is a different experience compared to lodging in a hotel. Instead of the sterile environment of a hotel, villas offer a private atmosphere of warmth and freedom. You can choose to have breakfast in your pajamas and choose where you’d like to have your dinner served. Your Corfu villa with private pool can be enjoyed at any time. Take a dip in the cool waters of the pool or relax and read a book in a comfortable lounge. The villa experience is much more intimate than staying at a hotel and you’ll feel the warmth of Greek tradition.

Staying in a Greek villa with a private pool enhances the comfort and pleasure of your stay. After a long stay at the beach, you’ll be able to take a refreshing dip in the cool waters to rejuvenate and plan your evening adventure. At your poolside, you can enjoy the fresh outdoors and take in the magnificent views of the mountains and blue seas. Having a private pool gives you the freedom and seclusion of a great retreat. It’s the perfect setting for that perfect Greece holiday.

Casey Walker is a freelance travel writer who frequently travels around Europe. Dedicated to finding the best places to visit at each destination – large or small – she particularly enjoys tasting the local cuisine! Currently based in Edinburgh and planning a road trip of the USA, you’ll find her travel journal entries in various places across the web.

The post Enjoy a holiday to Corfu first appeared on Travel Blog | Time of our Lives - A Travelogue.

The ride to Autogara #2 was a short one and the bus station resembles more like a petrol station kiosk. There were already a bunch of locals sitting there waiting for buses and upon confirmation, we came to know we were all heading the same direction.

The town of Rasnov, does it reminds you of the hollywood sign?

Great! finally some souvenir shops to get some postcards to send home.

In broad daylight, Bran Castle or commonly called "Dracula Castle", doesn't look spooky at all.

Upon entering the castle, I can’t help but felt a little disappointed. I thought it will be dark and mysterious and some vampire would come bite me and I’ll turn into one immortal that can live on and travel round the world 20-30 times! (Just kidding!) In reality, the interior of Bran Castle is actually a museum which exhibits some of Queen Marie’s collection of art and furnitures. A part of the museum also details some of the legends and history that links with the castle (notably Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula” and the reign of Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia).

Secret passage in the castle that connects to the third floor

View of the courtyard

Vlad III is also known as Dracula because he is the son of the Dragon (Vlad II) Dracul. During his reign (1448; 1456-1462; 1476), Vlad III had a reputation for killing his victims by the cruel act of impalement therefore he is remembered by many as Vlad the Impaler.

Urban legends of Dracula seen in movies

Wishing well in the courtyard

At Brasov, the train was late for more than an hour and we decided to scrap the plan for Sinaia as we feared that by the time we want to get back to Bucharest, the trains might be horribly late again.

Gonna take a 20:02 pm night train to Sofia, Bulgaria!

The night train we took was quite old and it was stuffy in the room. So, some of us stuck our heads out of the windows to get a breather as well as to enjoy the scenic views as the train rails past the countryside. But, be very careful if you stick your head out of the window like that. J and another traveller had a close brush with an oncoming train on the opposite track. Guess they were too immersed in the passing scenic views.

Heading towards the setting sun...Love taking photos of people taking pictures.

Railing past the ruins of Mănăstirea Chiajna, an abandoned monastery since the 19th century. It is rumored to be cursed.

Even though, we had taken better quality train rides in Europe, i will always have fond memories of the ride from Bucharest to Sofia. I liked that as the train leaves, the wind starts to flutter across your face and the local kids and their families who live near the tracks surprised us with their friendly waves of goodbyes while the train heads on towards a beautiful sun set.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wi-7uIvE2S8

As the train rode on and it’s nearing twilight, I remembered that we were seating by the edge of our beds and looking out of the window. We saw fields of sunflowers and corns under the remaining light that the day has. Being city folks, sights like that were simple yet captivating. It was moments like that, that made me feel so glad that i travelled, so glad that i am sitting in some noisy old train and just enjoying simple beauty on earth. Sometimes, i wished  i had captured everything that i saw and made visions an eternity on photos/videos. But i guess, beautiful moments passes by quickly and it’s probably best to suck in everything and etch it in our minds.

Yee

The post Railing thru Europe: Stop 17.2 Romania – Brasov first appeared on Travel Blog | Time of our Lives - A Travelogue.