Europe Archives - Travel Destination Bucket List

Living in London: Good Times and Bad

May 12, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

London is one of the most exciting cities in the world. It’s the biggest city in the UK with the most impressive theatres, museums, restaurants and clubs the country has to offer. It has the cultural and sporting legacy of a recent Olympic Games, the ‘mother of Parliaments’ and a world-famous skyline that includes ancient architecture and bold new skyscrapers.

It’s also expensive, crowded, expensive, stressful and expensive. Visiting as a tourist is a very different experience to living there, just as rising at eleven and choosing which park, museum or other sight you’re going to see is very different from rushing out of the house fifteen minutes late to cram onto a sweaty, overcrowded tube train to the office.

Today we’re looking at some of the best times for Londoners as well as ways to make the worst a little better.

Summer

Summer is definitely a good time in London. Even if it means hotter journeys to work, and days spent gazing out of the window at sunshine you’re not allowed to go out in, when you do get outside the city is built for sunshine.

London is nearly 50% green space! Wherever you live there’s a nearby park you can get out to, and that makes it easy to enjoy the sunshine. Even if you’re rented flat doesn’t have a garden, it’s not an issue to get together with some friends outdoors and even enjoy traditional summer game of using a disposable barbecue to burn the outside of a sausage black while the inside remains innocent of any cooking whatsoever.

London comes to life in an entirely different way on summer days, with crowds spilling out from pubs, parks filling with people and that rarest of all London sights, smiles flitting across faces.

Moving House

Sadly, moving house is something most Londoners have to get used to. With the price of property outstripping wages for the past several decades, few can muster the savings necessary to afford a mortgage on even a small home.

This means moving as your needs and budget change, the victim of landlord’s rent rises and or properties being sold out from under you. Fortunately if you’re looking for cheap storage London has you covered, so if you need to move at short notice you can put your bulky possessions into storage and sofa surf with obliging friends until you find a home you can commit to again.

Visiting The Lake District, England

April 16, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

The Lake District in the North West of England is a beautiful area. For anyone that loves nature and wants to escape to a quiet area for their next vacation, rather than visiting England’s capital of London, perhaps you should discover everything that The Lakes can offer.

Scenery

Wherever you go in and around the Lake District, there is so much amazing scenery to enjoy, for free. If you have children, this is the perfect place to get them active and enjoying nature. There is a reason that the Lakes hosts millions of tourists every year, and this is because of how beautiful it really is. Whether you go on a boat across the stunning Lake Windermere or you take your children on the Buffalo Trail, there is plenty of things to discover and enjoy, all whilst taking in the fresh country air. If you’ve never been abroad, Tourist2Traveler.Com has some great tips.

Accommodation

If staying in a cottage, far away from everyone else, surrounded by peace and quiet and the beauty of the lakes and mountains sounds like your dream vacation, the Lake District can certainly offer you this. With many stunning lakeside cottages to rent, for couples and families, this is a perfect way to get closer and discover quaint country pubs with lovely locals. You may want to brush up on your Cumbrian dialect though!

Things To Do

The Lake District is home to many adventurous activities, as well as more educational pursuits. The famous author and poet William Wordsworth had a little house in Cumbria, in which he spent time writing some of his most famous poems. The Castlerigg Stone Circle is another must-see; these stones are around 4,000 years old and are surrounded by a spectacular view of the mountain peaks. If you want to do something a bit more thrill-seeking, the Lake District has many adventure sports on offer. You may want to rock climb on a real mountain or kayak and scuba dive in the natural great lakes. You can rent rowing boats if you wish to have a more chilled out time on the water. Whatever you want to do, take advantage of everything that these natural formations can offer you.

Food and Drink

There are many great restaurants and bars to be discovered in the Lake District, which is perfect for those who want to discover some local pubs rather than large chains. There is something lovely about grabbing a pint in the beer garden, all whilst knowing you are supporting a friendly local, and you will notice a difference in service too. Keswick is home to some great restaurants and bars, such as The Chief Justice of The Common Pleas, which is an old courthouse turned pub where you can enjoy your food and drink in a holding cell, or sat in the judge’s chair.

You won’t be stuck for things to do when visiting the Lake District, and discovering the mountains and lakes is completely free, meaning you don’t need to spend a fortune.

5 Reasons to Visit Europe on Your Gap Year

March 16, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

There’s no question about it, being a student is a lot of hard work and often a lot of stress. It seems as though there is always a flow of assignments, projects, and reading to be done, and for many students, they are also juggling a part-time job at the same time, never mind a social life. While it’s great to transition straight from secondary school right into your next form of schooling, such as one of the best surgical tech schools that the U.S. is known for, it’s not exactly the relaxing way to do things. This is where a gap year comes into play.

If you’ve decided that you’re going to take a year off, or a gap year, between completion of high school and the start of college or university, then why not make the absolute most of your time. Here we’ll take a look at top five reasons to visit Europe during your gap year.

A Lesson in History and Architecture

One of the greatest reasons to visit Europe during your gap year is the fact you’ll be able to enjoy a lesson in history and architecture that you can’t get from flipping through textbooks. Being able to see these sights in real-life is a whole other experience and can provide more meaning to the sites and attractions.

Learn a New Language

If you plan on spending a significant amount of time in Europe, either traveling around or staying in one place, you may also have the ability to start picking up a new language. For those who have hopes of learning another language while in Europe, you can always get a head start and begin with lessons at home.

Experience Different Cultures and Cuisines

Sure, you may enjoy going to that local Italian eatery near your home or enjoy sampling various draft beers at the local English-style pub, but that’s not a true reflection of the cuisine and culture in Europe. Visiting these countries in person gives you a chance to dine where the locals dine, experience their culture, and the atmosphere. These just aren’t possible unless you visit in person.

Broaden Your Understanding of the World

For those students who have never traveled outside their own country, it can come as a pretty big shock just how different other places can be. It’s not just how the countryside looks, it’s the people, their way of life, and the social economics of that destination. It’s a wonderful way to broaden your understanding of the world, which can help you to see things in a different light.

A Chance to Think About Your Future

Perhaps you’re taking a gap year because you’re unsure of what you want to do with your future and what career path you want to take. Traveling to another country can give you a new perspective on things, open your eyes to career paths that match your interests, and help identify areas where you excel. At the very least, it will ensure you come back with a clear mind, allowing you to make a decision about your future.

A trip to Europe can easily be the most beneficial thing you do for yourself during your gap year.

Exploring the World of the European Ossuary

February 21, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

The enduring popularity of both murder mysteries and true-life crime illustrates the human fascination with death and the macabre. These subjects exert a hold over us that we relish despite our discomfort or even revulsion. The reasons behind our love of the grislier side of life are rooted in our feelings about our own mortality, and many worthy tomes and scientific papers have been written examining this phenomenon. Whatever lies behind it, the demand for books, films, TV shows and other forms of entertainment that draw on this fascination with death shows no sign of diminishing. If you are one of the many who loves these darker experiences, you will probably enjoy visiting one of Europe’s amazing ossuaries, where real human bones are preserved and displayed.

Italy

Palermo’s Capuchin catacombs in Sicily are home to a collection of 8,000 bodies, embalmed after death and then put on display. The remains are generally skeletal, but seeing them dressed in their finest clothes for their funerals brings an element of the bizarre to the display. Rome, home of so many historical wonders, has its own ossuary in the church of Santa Maria della Concezione. The bones of over 4,000 Capuchin monks have been used to create artistic displays, in what is intended to be a celebration of life and the importance of living every day to the full.

Portugal and France

Evora’s Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) in Portugal is constructed entirely from human remains. The crown molding is formed from rows of human skulls, and the walls are packed with ribs and tibias. The chapel was decorated by 16^th-century monks when they ran out of room for burials and had to fit 5,000 bodies within the chapel. Possibly the most well-known underground collections of bones are in the Paris Catacombs. The remains of an astonishing six million French citizens are stored in the maze of subterranean chambers, due to a historical lack of burial space above ground, coupled with the practical application of using bodies to help support the abandoned mines that were posing a threat to the stability of the city above.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is home to a vast collection of around 60,000 skeletons which have been used to decorate the chapel of the Kutna Hora church. The Sedlec Ossuary features skull candelabras and huge bone pyramids amongst its gruesome décor, with a chandelier formed from all the bones of the human skeleton taking center stage. The Brno Ossuary had lain almost forgotten until 2001 when construction excavations began under St Jacob’s Square. The archaeologists brought in to perform routine checks on the area were amazed to find the bodies of 50,000 people, thought to have been dug up and placed in storage in the underground channels to make room in the cemeteries for the newly deceased.

These collections of bones and skeletons may sound morbid and creepy, even if you do have a taste for a good scare, but when you visit an ossuary, you will be struck by how beautiful some of these displays can be, and what a marvel the mind and body of the human being can be.

Rome’s Colosseum – all you need to know

August 17, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

Say Rome to most people and they’ll think of all sorts of things – great food, stunning architecture and fascinating history. For sure, it’s got to go on your bucket-list. There’s loads to see and do in the Italian capital – you can do most things in a day but a longer city break would the best option to absorb all that Rome offers.

Rome is home, of course, to one of the New Wonders of the World – the Colosseum, or the Colosseo, as it’s known locally. And if you’re in town, it’s well worth a visit. Here’s all you need to know about landmark that’s known the world over.

It’s a ‘wow’ attraction

It may not be in perfect condition, but what’s left of Rome’s Colosseum is still awe-inspiring. The massive, dominating structure is one of the New Wonders of the World – having been voted for by 90 million people. A team of experts had a good think about it and decided it was a ‘masterpiece of unquestionable value’ – loved by Romans and visitors alike.

When you walk up to the Colosseum, you won’t fail to be stunned. Standing beside it, you can really imagine what it would have been like in its day, and the sounds that would have come from it. The round structure could bring in massive crowds around its central arena.

Not just big – it’s the largest of its kind

In its day, the Colosseum had four rows with 80 arcades. Each one of those had 70,000 seats. Imagine how many people altogether. The best way to get an idea of this is to take a Colosseum Arena Floor tour.

It’s the largest amphitheater in the world. A huge monument, that’s gone on to remain a symbol of Rome’s past. And it’s why so many visitors flock to it every year to see this wonder of ancient architecture – and why it’s also so loved by modern day Romans as well.

The famous gladiators…

Go to the Colosseum and you’ll no doubt see a gladiator or two – well, not real ones, but guys dressed up as them, and who are happy to pose for a tourist photo if you line their hand with euros. They’re a symbol of the Colosseum’s lively and infamous past.

The Flavian Amphitheatre, which was built by Emperor Vespasian, was where games happened in ancient Rome. Of course, they were the scene of gladiator fights. These usually involved prisoners of war or slaves – the aim was to win their freedom.

There were also re-enactments of naval battles on artificial lakes. Julius Caesar first brought up the idea, but it was Titus who first brought the display to the Colosseum – with water coming into the arena and outside of it.

Getting there

You’ll find the Colosseum at Piazza del Colosseo 1 in Rome and it’s open every day. You can reach it by taking a bus, there are many of them so check local listings. You can also take Tram number 3 and Metro Line B, to the ‘Colosseo’ stop.

5 Outdoor Activities in the UK That Are Not For The Faint-hearted

June 6, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

Are you looking for an amazing activity in the UK? There are many things to do here that will keep you entertained. Not just the norm of skiing in Europe. If you are the kind of person who chases adrenaline more than relaxation in your free time, then check out these activities which will certainly give you that adrenalin high.

Skydiving

Jumping out of an aeroplane mid-flight might sound scary. But if it’s adrenalin fuelled excitement you are looking for then try a Skydive. Feel that rush of air against your face and the notion of free-falling through the clouds as the ground gets ever closer. Most beginners usually start with a tandem dive where you are strapped to an instructor who does all the complicated bits. You are left to enjoy the pull of the parachute opening and the gentle glide back to earth.

Cliff jumping

For thrill seekers cliff jumping is an excellent choice for an outdoor activity in the UK. Definitely a amazing and memorable thing to do. Jumping straight into the sea from a height is not for the faint -hearted. But it is safe as long as you book with a reputable guide. They know the safest places to jump and will review your abilities. All that’s left to do is take the plunge.

Wakeboarding

An extreme sport which is a cross between snowboarding and water skiing. An adrenalin junkies dream especially if you like water sports. There are some perfect locations in the UK, with rugged coastlines and beaches with instructors available so you can give wakeboarding a go. This sport is popular with surfers and other water sport enthusiasts but anyone can give it a try. Check out the TOAD website if you are looking for great UK activities like this to try.

Bungee Jumping

Quite a brave thing to do, jump off a platform, only to be thrust back up and down until the bungee cord becomes slack. But what a rush you will feel once you take that plunge. Don’t worry though, the cord is extremely strong and designed to stretch during the jumper’s fall and to repeatedly snap back up. Each jumper is weighed, to make sure that the correct bungee rope is used. So as long as you book with a safe well-known company, all you have to concentrate on is stepping off that platform.

Power boating

Driving or riding in a speed boat is probably going to make you feel like James Bond. Does that sound like a thrilling outdoor activity to enjoy in the UK? You’re definitely going to think you are in a movie as you speed along the water. Learn about racing lines and how to control the boat as you travel along in style, whilst feeling the air on your face as you zoom along.

Have you noticed that a lot of these activities involve jumping or diving? You might have to be brave or insane depending on how you look at it. Whether it’s a scary tourist attraction or an adrenalin fuelled break, there are plenty of choices here in the UK. For a unique holiday destination with amazing outdoor activities you don’t have to look very far. The UK has plenty of places to enjoy extreme activities and make it a great sporting break.

Why You Need to Visit Sicily This Year

May 6, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

I was browsing the web recently, looking at destinations for my next trip away and I came across this awesome infographic which reminded me about my time in Sicily. I spent 7 months traveling throughout Italy and Sicily was my favourite location by a long stretch. The infographic inspired me to write this article for you to tell you exactly why I think that you should travel to this beautiful Mediterranean island this year.

Short Trip

Even if you don’t want to spend all of your vacation time in Sicily, it is just a short boat ride from the mainland and you can easily factor it in to your plans. Ferries to Sicily leave regularly from ports like Palermo and the travel time is just under 3 hours.

Landmarks

Here are just some of the outstanding landmarks that you will be able to visit on your trip to Sicily.

Valley of the Temples

The island was once inhabited by the Ancient Greeks and in the Valley of the Temples you will be able to see some of the best preserved Greek architecture anywhere in the World at this incredible UNESCO heritage site.

Etna Park

Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe and the surrounding area of the volcano is Etna Park, a vast natural landscape which features hiking trails that offer incredible views of this impressive volcano.

Zingano Nature Reserve

In stark contrast to Etna Park the Zingano Nature Reserve is rich, green environment where nature lovers can revel in an altogether different side of Sicily. It is not just the stunning natural setting which delights tourists here but also its proximity to the azure blue waters lapping up against the Sicilian shore.

Scala Del Turchi

Just a stone’s throw from the Valley of the Temples is the Scala del Turchi, a sheer cliff which gives some of the finest views across the water on the entire island. The cliffs have gained iconic status owing to their bright white colours.

Ancient Theatre

They call Taormina the Pearl of the Mediterranean and once you visit this city, it is easy to see why. Within the city you will find an exciting Greek open-air theatre which has been perfectly preserved in the Roman way. The theatres is not just a pretty face and still has some shows each year.

Quiet

Sicily also offers tourists a quiet place to explore these incredible parts of the islands and the tourism flow is more a steady stream than a flood. This is the year that you should be marking Sicily into your diaries .

5 Must See Attractions in the Channel Islands

April 20, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

Despite their incredibly close proximity to France, the Channel Islands are all British and they offer tourists a wonderful experience wherever in the archipelago you decide to visit. These small islands that sit in between the south of Britain and the north west of France are altogether different from both nations and here you will find beautiful nature, a mild, warm climate and most importantly, pure tranquility. If you decide to take a holiday to the Channel Islands this year then here are 5 attractions which you cannot afford to miss out on.

Herm

Herm is the smallest island in the archipelago that is open to the public and if you decide to go to Guernsey for a holiday, then Herm is just a short catamaran ride away. The island has banned both cars and bicycles from its land which means that you will be able to casually stroll around the 1.5 mile island without fear of being interrupted by anything faster. The island has a beautiful coastal pathway which connects the beaches and the wild flowers which grow on the island saw it give the Britain in Bloom award in 2008.

Treasure

Alderney is the third biggest of the Channel Island and it was here that a fisherman discovered an important ship wreckage in 1977. Throughout the years, the wreckage, surpassed in importance only by the famous Mary Rose, has been dug out by divers and the pieces are on display in the island’s museum.

Amazing Animals

On the biggest of the Channel Islands, Jersey, you will find an abundance of wildlife both wild and in the sanctuaries on the island. One that you shouldn’t miss is the meerkat enclosure in the Durrell Conservation Centre which used be the Jersey Zoo. This conservation centre, unlike a zoo, cares for endangered animals until they are fit to return to the wild, whereupon they are released. You can see a great range of beautiful animals here at the conservation centre.

Nude Romance

Author Victor Hugo lived on the island of Guernsey in Hauteville House in the late 19th Century. Rumor has it that Hugo loved nothing more than stripping down to what his mother gave him in order to write to the best of his ability. Hugo’s old home is now owned by the city of Paris and you can take a tour around it on a visit to the island. Here in the house you will see a broad collection of ancient furniture, artwork and sculptures, outside the home there is an impressive statue of Hugo himself.

La Coupee

La Coupee is an impressive causeway that connects the island of Sark between Little Sark and Great Sark. The causeway is 240ft above sea level and only 9ft wide, it has thankfully been fenced to provide tourists with safer passage across. The island itself is beautiful and better yet, car free, and the causeway is the jewel in the crown of this wonderful island.

Amazing Summer Holiday with the Family On A Farm In the Alps

April 3, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

Photo credit: Pixabay

Getting away from it all with the whole family can sometimes be difficult. It can be hard to choose what to do to keep everyone entertained and interested. So why not try a unique family summer holiday on a farm in the alps? You’ll get plenty of fresh air, have fun and learn some new skills too. Here are some reasons you should try a farm stay in the Alps with the kids this summer.

Learn what it’s like to live and work on a farm

A farm stay in the Alps is a great idea for a family summer holiday. The Alpine traditional farm life is like no other and this is your opportunity to get a taste of this lifestyle. Some children may not have met some of the animals they find on the farm, let alone helped to care for and feed them. On a farm stay you can learn all about how to look after the farm animals and how the crops are grown and produced. Some stays also include cooking with the farmer’s wife using with the fresh produce from your location. It can be a real eye-opening experience for some children especially if they haven’t been on a farm before.

Try new activities

There are some new and exciting things you can do whilst on your farm stay summer holiday. Why not learn to ride horses as a family, some farms offer lessons and guides to take you out for a trot or a gallop. You could also take a hike or walk amongst the mountains and valleys in your beautiful alpine setting. Other farming related activities you could try are milking cows and churning butter, collecting eggs and herb picking. It’s great for the kids to learn about how their food is made and where it comes from. Why not try a tractor ride too and feel like a real farmer!

Get out into the fresh air

Staying on a farm in the alps can kick start your healthy lifestyle by getting you outdoors and breathing that fresh Alpine air. You will probably be up early and out and about with all the things you want to do. Even if you don’t want to try any particular activities, exploring the area you are staying in and soaking up the relaxing environment will do wonders for your health. It’s also a time to put away the electronics and spend some time away from the screen. Well maybe bring your camera along to capture those special moments.

Where to go on your farm stay holiday

There are some perfect locations in the Alps for your family farm holiday. In Austria, France and Italy you can find farms to accommodate you’re stay. Try Tirol in Austria for spectacular mountain scenery and to learn about organic farming. Or Morzine in the French Alps for postcard perfect views and incredible food. In Italy, you will find the Alpine location appealing and very friendly for families. And the Swiss Alps should not be forgotten too where you can enjoy skiing as well as most stays will be very close to the lifts.

As you can see there are lots of reasons to book a farm stay holiday in the Alps this summer. You’ll enjoy your summer family holiday just as much as a winter family holiday in the Alps. These kind of holiday memories can stay with all the family for years to come. Have you ever stayed on a farm in the Alps? What was your experience?

Don’t Miss These Hikes In Malta

January 4, 2017 By anthony Leave a Comment

There are so many great and famous hikes around the world that most would not even consider Malta when planning a vacation. However, this little archipelago is home to a wide range of beautiful treks and day trips, which offer both geographical and cultural wonders.

These four hikes are some of the best in Malta and are a great way for visitors to get a holistic experience of this beautiful country

Dingli Cliffs

The Dingle Cliffs are one of the most picteresque and popular trails in Malta. Their popularity not only relies on their natural beauty, but also on the rural nature of the surrounding countryside. The cliffs offer a large variety of options for all abilities. There are gentle slopes with a pleasant cafe at the end or much longer, full day, hike options that will provide challenge for more experienced hikers.

All of these routes can be found a short walk from Dingli town itself, which has frequent bus links from Rabat, Valletta and St Julians. As well as the hiking opportunities, there are also sites of prehistoric interest along the cliffs, which provide a fascinating short break. As well as these Bronze Age sites, the cliffs also include a small church dedicated to Mary Magdalene, at the highest point in all of Malta. As you can imagine, this church offers spectacular views to the surrounding areas.

Valletta City Walk

Although when thinking of hiking we automatically picture wide open spaces and isolation, Malta also offers a great capital city. These hiking tours not only create an opportunity to take in the amazing views on foot, they also include a huge amount of culture for those willing to take on the historic city of Valletta on foot.

One of the most popular of these tours is ‘Malta’s Medeival Capital’ tour. Starting in the Upper Barracca Gardens, it begins by showing you the opulence of the world’s deepest harbour and takes you through a tour of the city and of Malta’s fascinating history. If you fancy being more independent on your hike around Valletta, there are a large range of tours that you can download and complete on your own.

Using these virtual walks will not only give you a wider insight into the culture of the place but it will also give you the opportunity to see the capital of Malta as a local. You might come across a hidden cafe or a beautiful view you can’t imagine isn’t in the guide books, either way it will show you the beauitful city of Valletta as you never would have before.

Golden Bay to Bahrija

For hikers who are looking for a bit more challenge on their holiday to Malta, this 6 mile hike from Golden bay to Bahrija could be just the thing. Starting in the holidaymakers hotspot, this hike travels south along the coast path towards the small town of Bahrija. Due to the high altitude of this village, hiking is ideal, although a bit of a challenge.

The brisk north winds combined with the sunshine means offers a truly refreshing and scintiallating walk up to some spectacular views. The panorama from Bahrija allows the dedicated hiker to see around Northern Mata as well as the South West of Gozo. On really clear days Sicily can even be seen in the distance. Bahrija has two churches, one of which is still in use and dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. There are celebrations held here on the 11^th November. They include adults giving gifts of dried fruit and mixed nuts to the children, ideal snack food after the trek up to the churches.

Comino Circuit

Comino is the smallest of Malta’s three main islands and this is much of its charm. Being only 3.5 square kilometers the island is mostly uninahabited, having only one hotel. The main draw for the area is the blue lagoon, which is very popular in summer for day trippers as it has excellent snorkelling and windsurfing opportunities.

Here, there is also the same historical signifance that surrounds all of Malta. This island was inhabited during the Roman period as well as being used as hunting ground by The Knights of Malta. For hikers this island is a paradise; it has no main roads or, aside from the hotel, private areas and hikers can essentially go where they please. This gives visitors the opportunity to take in and marvel at the atmosphere of the place which is only helped by the scent of wild thyme and herbs that the lack of cars or urban life allows to waft right across the island.

For such a small country, Malta is the hikers dream. It supports a range of difficulties and, perhaps what is so individual to this spectacular place, a incredibly ecclectic range of locations and backgrounds for your hikes. Whether you fancy a short morning walk ending in a goreous restaurant, something to break up the beach days or even an adventure on a new island that’s like nowhere you’ve ever been, Malta has it to offer in spades.

If you have been on one of these hikes or you’ve found your own individual hiking expreience in Malta then leave a comment below to let us know.

This is a guest post sponsored by The Radisson Malta and written by Steve Ewins; an Avid Traveller and Blogger who has visited more than 80 countries.

All Photos released under the creative commons license.