Europe Archives - Travel Destination Bucket List

How to make the most of a weekend getaway in Belfast

September 25, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

There’s no doubt that Belfast has always been appealing from a tourist perspective; after all, it’s only a stone’s throw from the rest of the UK. However, over recent years its popularity has soared, with the rise of budget airlines partially to thank for this.

To suggest that people only visit Belfast due to its accessibility would be doing it a terrible disservice though. There are in fact plenty reasons behind the tourist appeal to Belfast, with its luxury hotels and general atmosphere being just a couple of note. However, for the purposes of highlighting exactly what you can do there, let’s now talk about the best attractions that this city has to offer.

Titanic Belfast

Truth be told, you could visit a number of cities around the world and feast your eyes on a Titanic museum. There’s a major difference when it comes to Belfast though – this is the city in which the boat was actually built.

That’s right, and the most interesting element of this is that it only really opened in the aftermath of the hugely successful movie. It cost £97m to build, is now the largest Titanic museum in the world and back in 2016 it was classed as the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction by the World Travel Awards.

Crumlin Road Gaol

When you first venture to Crumlin Road Gaol, it might sound bizarre to hear that this was once one of the most advanced prisons of its era. Of course, that was all the way back in 1845 – but back then it cost £60,000 (which is the equivalent to more than £5m in today’s money).

It closed its doors in 1996 but makes a very good attraction for those who like to delve into history. The tour allows you to visit inside, including the Governor’s office and execution cell.

St George’s Market

If markets are your thing, St George’s is right up there with the best. The fact that it has been operating since 1604 should highlight exactly how historic it is, but it’s also the last Victorian covered market that can be visited in the whole of the city.

In 2014, it was classed as the best indoor market in 2014 and with almost 300 stalls available, this really shouldn’t have come as a surprise.

HMS Caroline

As you may have gathered from the Titanic reference earlier, Belfast has some terrific maritime attractions. HMS Caroline is one of these, with this being the final ship that survived the Battle of Jutland.

Of course, since then it has been restored into a full-blown tourist attraction. Those who visit it will get audio and visual displays, and learn how the 300 men who worked aboard the ship really lived.

If history isn’t your thing, you should probably skip this one. Otherwise, add it to your bucket list for Belfast – it’s a sterling ship that always grabs rave reviews from anyone who decides to visit.

Top UK Destinations For a Budget Winter Break

August 20, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

With summer gradually drawing to a close, the kids will soon be back at school, and that summer vacation which you had looked forward to for so long will be far behind you. It is precisely for this reason that we all need a winter break to look forward to, something to perk us up when the nights begin to draw in and the weather drops in temperature. Naturally it makes sense to try and find a budget trip which doesn’t hit the pocket too hard, so to find a cheap break in the UK makes the most sense here, and here are some of our favorite budget UK destinations.

London

You may be shocked to see London on this list given that it is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but it really doesn’t have to be. First of all access to London is abundant and low priced, whether you are taking trains or busses. Secondly, because of the size of the city, there is so much free stuff going on all of the time which you can take advantage of. Finally, if you plan ahead, you can find well priced accommodation, and spend your weekend doing lots of free activities which will keep the cost of the trip down.

Lake District

The Lake District is arguably the most beautiful area of England, and for a trip which takes you back to nature, this could be a great option for your domestic break. Getting to the Lakes is best done with a car, but once you are there you can count on a low-priced trip, especially if you decide to camp out. Whilst it may get a little chilly up in the lakes, you can find some great yurts and wooden huts for rent, which have all the trappings of home, whilst still being in the great outdoors, sleeping under the stars. For activities you can find plenty of trekking routes and lots of activities on the lakes, such as kayaking, rafting and sailing. Get back to nature and enjoy a budget trip in the beautiful Lake District.

York

York is a beautiful historic city which is perfect for a short weekend break. This is also an economic break, given the fact that there is so much free stuff to do, plus simply walking around the walled city is a pleasure in itself, and costs you absolutely nothing. In terms of accommodation, there is a great amount of bed and breakfasts which offer beds for around £30 per night, and you can also find some very well priced private rentals. Must visits in York include the Jorvik Viking Centre and the impressive Minster, and you mustn’t miss out on a riverside stroll, weather depending of course. York is easily accessible by train or car and it really does tick all of the boxes when looking for a budget break.

Where will your next weekend break take you?

Mad For The Med – Why You Should Pick A Mediterranean Cruise For Your Next Holiday

August 16, 2018 By anthony Leave a Comment

If you’re one of those people who loves to wait until school’s back in in September before heading out on a holiday just to beat the crowds (and maybe the heat a bit too), you might be wondering what the best location is to head to this year to really make the most of those summer months before they’re gone. Maybe you can’t decide between a beach holiday or one in the mountains, a lazy getaway where you just chill out and take a load off or one where you are constantly on the go. The nice thing is that there is such a holiday that incorporates both preferences, and if this sounds like you, then look no further than an the option to kick back and relax on a Mediterranean cruise.

Amazing Excursions

Regardless of which cruise you choose, you can be sure that there will be excursions to not just fit your body, but your budget as well. Excursions from the ship can range from strolling around local ports and backstreets all the way up to hiking hills and countryside tours with wine tastings and more. Each port stop on your cruise will offer up a whole array of exciting options for getting off the boat and getting into the local area. With such great options such visiting the Palace of Knossos and the archaeological museum in Crete to getting lost in the backstreets of medieval Trogir in Croatia, it’s easy to see why so many people choose Mediterranean cruises for their getaways. There are quite literally hundreds of great things to see and do.

A Great View – Right From The Deck

It’s no secret that if you head up on the top decks, as you wind your way through the passageways and narrow lanes of islands throughout the Med that you will have amazing, unadulterated views. Imagine the stunning scenery you’ll see when you cruise past such sights as the Amalfi coast, the rocky shores of Crete, the rugged coastline of Albania and mainland Greece or the volcanic islands of Santorini. Sit back and relax perhaps with a glass of your favourite local wine in hand as you watch the world literally float past you.

World Class Cuisine

If you’re a total foodie you won’t want to miss out on a cruise trip to the Mediterranean. The region is known for some of the world’s best cuisine and wine, with opportunities to get off the ship and wander tiny winding back streets that are often home to some of the most unique local undiscovered gems in terms of culinary experience. From pasta and pizza in Italy to olives, souvlaki and the tastiest local wines in Greece or grilled lamb in spice with delectable coffee in Turkey and more options throughout the Med, it’s easy to see how some of the food options here are to die for. Come back an expert in cuisines of the Med and make them at home to relive memories of exploring tiny village cafes and rubbing elbows with locals.

So if you want something a bit new and different this year, why not consider taking a cruise to the Mediterranean. With many countries to choose from in the area, the only problem you’ll face is “which country should I pick?”

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 .