Act Like A Typical Tourist in London
Snap the scenic site of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament as you exit Westminster Underground Station. Big Ben is actually the name of the bell inside and one of London’s most iconic sites. If you want to spend more time in the area you’ll find Parliament attached to the clock tower and Westminster Abbey next door for a hit-two-birds-with-one-stone stop.
Take a flight on the London Eye. You might have to queue for a while but it is worth it to see the views from London that await you from the top. It’s only a short stroll from all the attractions at Westminster. For the best visibility pick a clear day and try to spot Buckingham Palace from the top. Or have fun trying to guess which of the many buildings is your hotel.
Call in on the Queen. Buckingham Palace is an attraction worth battling the crowds for and if the Royal Standard is raised then it means her Maj is in. If you want to plan your day around a trip to the palace then Changing of the Guard which takes place at 11.15am is a historic and cool ceremony to see. It doesn’t take place on very rainy days so make sure you check the schedule before heading out.
Sample Fish and Chips With a Pint. One of the first things that you should do upon arriving in London is hit the pub. It isn’t only a tourist-must but a great way to meet Londoners after work. You’ll probably meet as many Londoners as you will fellow travellers and it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the pub culture.
Most pubs serve food these days, and the fish and chips paired with a proper British ale or lager could be the best way to rest your weary feet. The mushy peas are even worth a try.
Emily Collins writes on behalf of Hotels4U. If you’re looking to book cheap hotels visit www.hotels4u.com.
Discover Spain Outside The Nightlife
Although Spain has a brilliant clubbing scene, it has so much more to offer outside the bars and clubs. Whether you’re heading to the larger cities of Madrid and Barcelona, or planning a sun-kissed break in the Costas you’ll find the culture in Spain is welcoming and intriguing. It’s the perfect holiday destination with something to suit everyone.
If Madrid is your destination of choice, make sure you check out the Palace and cathedral, before taking the funicular to Casa de Campo. Las Ramblas is the perfect place to check out real Spanish flair if you’re heading to Las Ramblas and no trip would be complete without paying a visit to Park Guell; these gardens were designed by Antonio Gaudi and are perhaps the best known in Spain and a perfect place to sit back and watch the world go by.
Luxury hotels are ideal if you’re seeking a holiday based more on rest and recuperation than the party lifestyle. With facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts and gyms you have the perfect place to let go and wind down. You could even treat yourself to a massage in the spas which are often found in luxury hotels.
When the midday heat gets a little too much head back to your hotel for a siesta. This will keep you feeling refreshed for later on when you can head to the restaurant and enjoy a relaxing evening full of good food and wine. Luxury hotels often have menus designed to cater to all types of guests with lots of menu choices and with talented chefs you’re guaranteed a great meal.
The best part? As luxury hotels have everything you need, you won’t even have far to travel to get home after your meal, meaning you can stay out as late as you like without the worry.
Looking for that dream holiday in Spain? Hotels4U has a great selection of hotels, whether you’re looking for bargain or luxury accommodation. Click here to be taken to their website.
Brussels and Amsterdam For A European City Break
Amsterdam is great to visit any time of year but particularly beautiful in spring and autumn. Certainly with limited time on your hands, the quickest and most efficient way to see the city is by bicycle!
In Amsterdam, the bicycle is the most popular mode of transport. Cyclists outnumber cars by a long way and you’ll find many bicycle hire companies around the city. You have a choice between a modern bicycle or a traditional Dutch style one, which is gearless. You don’t have to be that confident at cycling on the road as the locals are more than used to seeing bikes on the road and will usually give way to you. Just make sure you look at where you’re going and you’ll be fine! Don’t be embarrassed about ringing that bell either – all the locals do it!
There is more to Brussels than beer, mussels and chocolates, but these alone are tempting reasons for a trip to the Belgian capital. Brussels is not a massive place, so you can easily enjoy the sights and sounds of the city in a weekend.
The eclectic EU District, the Grand Palace and the Grotke market are all worth visiting. You could even arrange to have someone else show you around by booking onto a walking tour. This is a great way for you to get your bearings when you first arrive, not only will you find out fascinating facts about the city on your tour, but you can note anything down that you’d like to return to.
Spend your second day soaking up the sights that took your fancy the most, and strolling around the little backstreets, sampling traditional chocolates and stopping in a Belgian bar for a good cold beer.
If you’re looking for a great, cost-effective option for a getaway then a weekend break is ideal. It gives you the opportunity to have some fun, explore somewhere new and escape your normal routine.
Emily Collins writes on behalf of Hotels4U. To find that perfect city break in Amsterdam or Brussels visit here.
Making a Splash With The Marine Life in Sharm El Sheikh
It’s probably not even something that you consider before packing your bags, but marine life can often be a holiday highlight. As Brits, we don’t see sea creatures that often and so when we do the magnitude and variety of them can leave us overwhelmed. Whether you’re looking at the undeniable majesty of a whale, or the kaleidoscopic patterns of a passing school of fish, the ocean is a wonderland of hidden beauty. Families will be delighted to hear that this sea life can be found close to hotels, whether in a marine park or in their natural habitat.
Sharm el Sheikh is a prime spot for sea life. Egypt is certainly an impressive country with a wealth of history including – the pyramids, the Nile, the monoliths, monuments, mosques and museums – however it is Sharm’s status as a premier resort for diving and nightlife that has seen it become the fastest growing holiday resort in the country.
Sharm el Sheikh has over forty diving sites, so there is lots to choose from, the bulk of which stretch from the Straits of Tiran to the Ras Mohammed National Park. Divers don’t only enjoy a plethora of sea life, but also shipwrecks and amazing coral reefs, which all combine to make the resort truly unique and memorable. Jacques Cousteau famously uncovered the SS Thistlegorm wreck here in the early 1950s.
Shark species have inhabited the Red Sea for thousands of years and you can see many of these around the resort. Grey reef, leopard sharks, hammerheads, whale sharks and white-tip sharks are all best seen from Sharm’s semi-submarine tours. These take place frequently stopping at the fantastic underwater reef sites, which are home to hundreds of types of coral and colourful fishes. You don’t even need to get your hair wet.
You can discover this underwater world of sea creatures, by venturing beyond the hotels, shopping centres and bars and exploring the natural surroundings on your holiday.
Would you like to discover an underwater world while you stay in Sharm el Sheikh? Why not look and see what hotels4u offer in the area.