by Jane Smith
Disney is the most magical place on Earth, but it can also be one of the most expensive. I've put together five tips to help maximize your time, money, and enjoyment while there.
1. Develop an itinerary before you go. Disney is extremely large and can be very overwhelming. Without a plan you will never get to see all the things that are important to you. Do a little research before you get there and develop an itinerary. This will allow you to make the most of your trip and not waste time unnecessarily.
2. What are the park hours ... really? Every Sunday and Thursday Disney offers "Extra Magic Hours" where specific parks either open early or stay open late. Make sure to figure out which parks these are for the days you are there in order to get the most bang for your buck. The only catch to this deal is that you must be a Disney Resort Guest in order to participate.
3. Kids get scared, be prepared. We all have such fond childhood memories of Mickey that it can be easy to forget how intimidating he can be. Prepare your kids by letting them know that you might meet Mickey and some of his friends. Show them pictures before you go, especially pictures of Mickey with other people so that they can get an idea of how big he will be. When you get there, try to first show them Mickey from afar. If they are afraid, DO NOT push them - instead, walk away and offer them reassurance. Scaring them unnecessarily will cast a shadow over the rest of your trip.
4. Do I really have to wait in that line?!?! It is common sense that the most popular rides will have long lines. But many people are unaware that they can sign up for a free FastPass that will allow them to bypass many of these lines. When you get to a FastPass ride, swipe your card and your place in line will be held. They will then give you a time to return, but in the mean time you can visit some of the less crowded attractions or rides.
5. Wear comfortable shoes!!! I know that this sounds like common sense, but so many people forget this one. Disney is a HUGE place and you will be doing a lot of walking so dress accordingly. Those red kitten-heeled pumps may look great with your dress, but two hours into your day you'll be moving at a snails pace because your feet are so uncomfortable. Instead, opt for a trusted pair of sneakers to help maximize comfort and mobility.
Follow these tips and you will be on your way to getting the most out of your Disney vacation. I hope you enjoy yourself and let your inner child run loose at Disney!
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=627199
26 September 2007
24 September 2007
Things to Do During Sea Travel
by Eric Slarkowski
When it comes to booking a vacation, some people are reluctant to travel by ship out of fear they will be bored while sailing at sea. These people obviously have not checked out today's cruise ships.
In many heads are the images of old where a person would sit on the deck of a cruise ship and read a book by the pool all day as they waited for the ship to get to the next destination. Sure, you can chose to spend your time that way if you want to, but there are plenty of other, active things to do aboard the ship as well.
Never fear, even if you were planning weeks of cruise travel you would not get board on the ship. Think of your stay onboard as a rental property in a floating city. It has all the great things that a city will have - entertainment, restaurants, and your lodging. But, unlike a rental property, this place to say keeps taking you to new places for adventures and memories that will last a lifetime.
If you have not been on a cruise ship, or floating city, in a while, consider this one. The Carnival Cruise Ship Elation is 885 feet long. In that space are a number of restaurants, three swimming pools, a theater, a gym, and a series of other venues for shows and entertainment offerings. That is a lot of entertainment space to cover in just a few days aboard. Chances are you will not be able to experience all of it.
Even if you manage to see all the major venues during your travel, there are also a number of minor venues that will be dotted across the ship.
If you are the type that likes the bright lights at night in the big city, make sure to check out the nightlife aboard the ship as well. Most evenings will find you a seat at a theatrical or musical performance, Broadway style. Alternatively, you may get a chance to see a stand-up comedian who will keep you chucking well into the night. And don't forget to check out the ships clubs and other nightspots for the rest of the nightlife offerings.
For daytime activities, you will not get bored either. If swimming some laps or playing a pool game is not enough for you, never fear. There are often volleyball games, racquetball courts, even putting or driving ranges on many cruise ships.
If you are worried about bringing the kids on a cruise because you think they'll get bored, think again. On today's ships are arcades, computer rooms, rock-climbing walls, and kids-only facilities that will keep them occupied throughout the travel time.
By the time you just start to be able to take in all the entertainment opportunities available aboard the ship, you'll likely be arriving at your first destination and preparing to go ashore. The good news is that once you get back on the ship and head to your next travel spot, you'll have plenty more onboard exploring to do.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=624812
When it comes to booking a vacation, some people are reluctant to travel by ship out of fear they will be bored while sailing at sea. These people obviously have not checked out today's cruise ships.
In many heads are the images of old where a person would sit on the deck of a cruise ship and read a book by the pool all day as they waited for the ship to get to the next destination. Sure, you can chose to spend your time that way if you want to, but there are plenty of other, active things to do aboard the ship as well.
Never fear, even if you were planning weeks of cruise travel you would not get board on the ship. Think of your stay onboard as a rental property in a floating city. It has all the great things that a city will have - entertainment, restaurants, and your lodging. But, unlike a rental property, this place to say keeps taking you to new places for adventures and memories that will last a lifetime.
If you have not been on a cruise ship, or floating city, in a while, consider this one. The Carnival Cruise Ship Elation is 885 feet long. In that space are a number of restaurants, three swimming pools, a theater, a gym, and a series of other venues for shows and entertainment offerings. That is a lot of entertainment space to cover in just a few days aboard. Chances are you will not be able to experience all of it.
Even if you manage to see all the major venues during your travel, there are also a number of minor venues that will be dotted across the ship.
If you are the type that likes the bright lights at night in the big city, make sure to check out the nightlife aboard the ship as well. Most evenings will find you a seat at a theatrical or musical performance, Broadway style. Alternatively, you may get a chance to see a stand-up comedian who will keep you chucking well into the night. And don't forget to check out the ships clubs and other nightspots for the rest of the nightlife offerings.
For daytime activities, you will not get bored either. If swimming some laps or playing a pool game is not enough for you, never fear. There are often volleyball games, racquetball courts, even putting or driving ranges on many cruise ships.
If you are worried about bringing the kids on a cruise because you think they'll get bored, think again. On today's ships are arcades, computer rooms, rock-climbing walls, and kids-only facilities that will keep them occupied throughout the travel time.
By the time you just start to be able to take in all the entertainment opportunities available aboard the ship, you'll likely be arriving at your first destination and preparing to go ashore. The good news is that once you get back on the ship and head to your next travel spot, you'll have plenty more onboard exploring to do.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=624812
23 September 2007
Bali Island Tourist Attraction
by Chris Chew
Bali, a beautiful island paradise in the Indonesian archipelago made international news when the island was rocked by suicide bombings in 2002 and 2005. However, the island is better known as an excellent vacation holiday destination and a major tourist attraction.
Tourists who have visited this South East Asian island will tell you that Bali exudes a certain magical charm and that is why, some people call Bali, the Island of Gods. After all, gods live in paradise don't they?
You will be pleasantly impressed by the many stunningly beautiful tourist attractions and the charming local people. If you are a scuba diver, you will be pleased to know that Bali is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world.
Bali presents itself as a modern paradox because its ancient and traditional culture is still very much alive amidst modern living. While the basic conservatism of the Balinese people has enabled them to preserve many of their ancient customs, culture and religion, it has never hindered the acceptance of the new and innovative modern technological advancement.
The island is indeed a feast for the eye for tourists on holiday vacation in Indonesia. As the island is situated near the equator, it has almost equal amount of time for rain and sunshine making its environment very suitable for human inhabitation and as a result, Bali has been inhabited and civilized since ancient times.
Bali is also the only island in "middle Indonesia" that has more or less uninterrupted cultural continuity for hundreds of years. It is of this reason, Bali is the only part of Indonesia that remains "Hindu" and is still retaining elements of fusion of ethnic and Hindu cultures of more than a thousand years of cultural tradition.
When the island was colonized by the Dutch at the beginning of last century, the Dutch colonial masters were so impressed by the traditions of the Balinese that a concerted effort was made to preserve the island's mystical culture.
The Balinese society is a strong and cohesive one because the local people promote communal and family values. Feelings of alienation from parents and friends which are common in the western world are almost unheard of in Bali.
Children are carried everywhere or strapped to their mother's back until they are at least three months old. Religious rituals are performed regularly to keep the children safe, healthy and to protect them from harmful spirits. Every aspect of village life is organized in such detail that the individual's responsibilities and rights are meticulously defined by the Balinese tradition.
The Balinese are emotionally strong people and take the unfortunate incidents in their stride. The people are eternal optimists and believe that their Island of Gods enjoys a special place in the grander scheme of things. This is another reason why the local population can bounce back from the tragic terrorist attacks so quickly. Want to visit paradise? Then include Bali as your next holiday vacation destination for its many tourists attractions.
http://www.asiatravelbest.com/site/1391530/page/173181
Bali, a beautiful island paradise in the Indonesian archipelago made international news when the island was rocked by suicide bombings in 2002 and 2005. However, the island is better known as an excellent vacation holiday destination and a major tourist attraction.
Tourists who have visited this South East Asian island will tell you that Bali exudes a certain magical charm and that is why, some people call Bali, the Island of Gods. After all, gods live in paradise don't they?
You will be pleasantly impressed by the many stunningly beautiful tourist attractions and the charming local people. If you are a scuba diver, you will be pleased to know that Bali is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world.
Bali presents itself as a modern paradox because its ancient and traditional culture is still very much alive amidst modern living. While the basic conservatism of the Balinese people has enabled them to preserve many of their ancient customs, culture and religion, it has never hindered the acceptance of the new and innovative modern technological advancement.
The island is indeed a feast for the eye for tourists on holiday vacation in Indonesia. As the island is situated near the equator, it has almost equal amount of time for rain and sunshine making its environment very suitable for human inhabitation and as a result, Bali has been inhabited and civilized since ancient times.
Bali is also the only island in "middle Indonesia" that has more or less uninterrupted cultural continuity for hundreds of years. It is of this reason, Bali is the only part of Indonesia that remains "Hindu" and is still retaining elements of fusion of ethnic and Hindu cultures of more than a thousand years of cultural tradition.
When the island was colonized by the Dutch at the beginning of last century, the Dutch colonial masters were so impressed by the traditions of the Balinese that a concerted effort was made to preserve the island's mystical culture.
The Balinese society is a strong and cohesive one because the local people promote communal and family values. Feelings of alienation from parents and friends which are common in the western world are almost unheard of in Bali.
Children are carried everywhere or strapped to their mother's back until they are at least three months old. Religious rituals are performed regularly to keep the children safe, healthy and to protect them from harmful spirits. Every aspect of village life is organized in such detail that the individual's responsibilities and rights are meticulously defined by the Balinese tradition.
The Balinese are emotionally strong people and take the unfortunate incidents in their stride. The people are eternal optimists and believe that their Island of Gods enjoys a special place in the grander scheme of things. This is another reason why the local population can bounce back from the tragic terrorist attacks so quickly. Want to visit paradise? Then include Bali as your next holiday vacation destination for its many tourists attractions.
http://www.asiatravelbest.com/site/1391530/page/173181
21 September 2007
Speed-boating the Mekong River in Laos
by Liz Saarelainen
It was early morning when we left the village of Huay Xai in Northern Laos for the Mekong River, planning to get to Luang Prabang the same day. The 150 km journey along the river by speedboat would take half a day, breaks included.
Contrary to the advice given by our Lonely Planet guidebook we had decided to take a speedboat, because our hostess at Chiang Mai had recommended this alternative. Traveling on a big, slow river boat would have taken two days and required an overnight stay at the village of Pak Peng.
There were a lot of people at the pier when we arrived and the small speedboats set out one by one as soon as they were full. We were among the last to board and when stepping on the boat we saw right away that we had made the wrong choice. There was no turning back however; the low, narrow boat was packed full of people and off we went.
The boat flew on the surface of the water at high speed, at times reaching 80 km/h, and we sat on the hard benches with our chins on our knees, space for each passenger being about 40 x 50 cm. After only half an hour's travel our muscles were cramped and we felt miserable. We watched the passing scenery with our earplugs on, because the noise from the motor was deafening. The Lao passengers also wore helmets and lifejackets provided by the boat driver.
When the river is low, as it was then, accidents happen when speedboats bump into sandbars or sunken logs. Those who have not survived have been mostly local people who cannot swim.
Water splashed on our clothes and soon we were soaked to the skin. The sun was shining and the air was warm but I felt cold. Andy had a pained expression on his face; there was definitely too little room for a big man, particularly for one with occasional but severe lover back problems. I got a cramp on my left leg, but there was nothing I could do about it.
We had been promised that there would be a break every sixty minutes or so and after what felt like an eternity, the boat stopped. We discovered that our feet had gone to sleep and Andy's right foot was totally numb for at least ten minutes.
Luckily there was an additional stop when the boat motor suddenly started to act up. After landing on a sandbank our driver began to repair it and we hoped that he would not get it fixed too soon.
Stepping onto the golden sand dune and warming our sore muscles, we enjoyed our freedom. But then we came to think that we were in the middle of nowhere, only forest on both sides of the river. If the driver were not able to repair the motor, when would there be other boats coming to our rescue? We had not brought any food with us. And how long would our drinking water last?
We then saw two hunters walking on a ridge with guns on their shoulders. One was also carrying what to us looked like a wild boar. He came to the shore with his dog, threw down the boar and, unconcerned about our presence took off his clothes and plunged into the water. The dog remained watching over the boar but could not resist the temptation, started to bite into it greedily. When the man got out of the water, he raised hell, and the dog moved aside with his tail between his legs, waiting for his master to calm down. Finally the hunter left with the boar, the dog walking close behind him.
Our trip continued. One more hour of speeding down the Mekong and we would reach the next stop, the village of Pak Peng. Our minds were made up; we would get off there and rest our limbs.
When and how we would continue our journey would remain to be seen. A traveler's tomorrow is always a new adventure!
http://www.farandfurther.com/mekong-river/mekong-river.htm
It was early morning when we left the village of Huay Xai in Northern Laos for the Mekong River, planning to get to Luang Prabang the same day. The 150 km journey along the river by speedboat would take half a day, breaks included.
Contrary to the advice given by our Lonely Planet guidebook we had decided to take a speedboat, because our hostess at Chiang Mai had recommended this alternative. Traveling on a big, slow river boat would have taken two days and required an overnight stay at the village of Pak Peng.
There were a lot of people at the pier when we arrived and the small speedboats set out one by one as soon as they were full. We were among the last to board and when stepping on the boat we saw right away that we had made the wrong choice. There was no turning back however; the low, narrow boat was packed full of people and off we went.
The boat flew on the surface of the water at high speed, at times reaching 80 km/h, and we sat on the hard benches with our chins on our knees, space for each passenger being about 40 x 50 cm. After only half an hour's travel our muscles were cramped and we felt miserable. We watched the passing scenery with our earplugs on, because the noise from the motor was deafening. The Lao passengers also wore helmets and lifejackets provided by the boat driver.
When the river is low, as it was then, accidents happen when speedboats bump into sandbars or sunken logs. Those who have not survived have been mostly local people who cannot swim.
Water splashed on our clothes and soon we were soaked to the skin. The sun was shining and the air was warm but I felt cold. Andy had a pained expression on his face; there was definitely too little room for a big man, particularly for one with occasional but severe lover back problems. I got a cramp on my left leg, but there was nothing I could do about it.
We had been promised that there would be a break every sixty minutes or so and after what felt like an eternity, the boat stopped. We discovered that our feet had gone to sleep and Andy's right foot was totally numb for at least ten minutes.
Luckily there was an additional stop when the boat motor suddenly started to act up. After landing on a sandbank our driver began to repair it and we hoped that he would not get it fixed too soon.
Stepping onto the golden sand dune and warming our sore muscles, we enjoyed our freedom. But then we came to think that we were in the middle of nowhere, only forest on both sides of the river. If the driver were not able to repair the motor, when would there be other boats coming to our rescue? We had not brought any food with us. And how long would our drinking water last?
We then saw two hunters walking on a ridge with guns on their shoulders. One was also carrying what to us looked like a wild boar. He came to the shore with his dog, threw down the boar and, unconcerned about our presence took off his clothes and plunged into the water. The dog remained watching over the boar but could not resist the temptation, started to bite into it greedily. When the man got out of the water, he raised hell, and the dog moved aside with his tail between his legs, waiting for his master to calm down. Finally the hunter left with the boar, the dog walking close behind him.
Our trip continued. One more hour of speeding down the Mekong and we would reach the next stop, the village of Pak Peng. Our minds were made up; we would get off there and rest our limbs.
When and how we would continue our journey would remain to be seen. A traveler's tomorrow is always a new adventure!
http://www.farandfurther.com/mekong-river/mekong-river.htm
20 September 2007
Try Elephant Safari in Periyar!
by Smith Jones
Periyar National Park is situated on the hills of the western ghats in the state of Kerala in south -west India. Imagine the fascinating sight of the herds of elephants wandering through the dense forests freely. The only idea of taking the elephant safari in the park can mesmerize you. Taking the ride on the back of the elephant will surely make you feel like the Maharaja of the erstwhile era. Elephant safari is the perfect way to venture into the park and explore the areas where it becomes difficult even for the jeep to travel. While taking the elephant ride you can get up close with the wild predators. The mahut are very gentle people, they entertain you with the interesting stories and are very helpful in getting great pictures. It is astonishing to see group of wild elephants walking and taking bath in the lake. While taking the ride you can also go into the depth of the forest along with the jungle guide and enjoy the walk the wilds. It gives you the opportunity to spot the birds and butterflies and most importantly the large animals. The elephant safari give you the feel as though you are transmitted to the completely different era.
Lake Cruise in the Park : Lake cruise conducted by he forests department is the best way to see the park. Herds of elephants and other animals come oftenly to the lake for water. It is exciting to see the wilds of the jungle so close and the pictures you get are really amazing. While boating you will pass through the creeks, promontories and small islets that houses several wildlife species. You can also simple enjoy the peace and quiet of the Periyar lake and the surrounds.
Souvenir Shops: There are several shops near the gate of the Periyar National Park from where you can buy lots of handicrafts items. You can shop for spices, Kathakali masks, houseboat replicas any many more.
Jungle Trekking : Jungle trekking is the ideal way to discover the hidden insights of the jungle. It gives you the opportunity to explore its immense bounties. The guides are the local people, they can converse in both Hindi and English. Witness the Cardamom Hills where the species are abundantly grown. Trekking in the Periyar sancturay takes to the ruined Mangala Devi temple, which is a beautiful old stone temple. Excellent walking routes gives you the fascinating views of the wide variety of birds.
Entertainment : In the evening you can enjoy the Kathakali dance performed by the local people. You can also indulge in taking the Kerala Style Ayurvedic message. Apart from elephant Periyar gives you the unique opportunity to enjoy the the tiger shows are very well managed with minimum inconvenience to the tigers. You can also enjoy the jeep safari in the park.
http://www.ecoindia.com/parks/periyar-wildlife-sanctuary.html
Periyar National Park is situated on the hills of the western ghats in the state of Kerala in south -west India. Imagine the fascinating sight of the herds of elephants wandering through the dense forests freely. The only idea of taking the elephant safari in the park can mesmerize you. Taking the ride on the back of the elephant will surely make you feel like the Maharaja of the erstwhile era. Elephant safari is the perfect way to venture into the park and explore the areas where it becomes difficult even for the jeep to travel. While taking the elephant ride you can get up close with the wild predators. The mahut are very gentle people, they entertain you with the interesting stories and are very helpful in getting great pictures. It is astonishing to see group of wild elephants walking and taking bath in the lake. While taking the ride you can also go into the depth of the forest along with the jungle guide and enjoy the walk the wilds. It gives you the opportunity to spot the birds and butterflies and most importantly the large animals. The elephant safari give you the feel as though you are transmitted to the completely different era.
Lake Cruise in the Park : Lake cruise conducted by he forests department is the best way to see the park. Herds of elephants and other animals come oftenly to the lake for water. It is exciting to see the wilds of the jungle so close and the pictures you get are really amazing. While boating you will pass through the creeks, promontories and small islets that houses several wildlife species. You can also simple enjoy the peace and quiet of the Periyar lake and the surrounds.
Souvenir Shops: There are several shops near the gate of the Periyar National Park from where you can buy lots of handicrafts items. You can shop for spices, Kathakali masks, houseboat replicas any many more.
Jungle Trekking : Jungle trekking is the ideal way to discover the hidden insights of the jungle. It gives you the opportunity to explore its immense bounties. The guides are the local people, they can converse in both Hindi and English. Witness the Cardamom Hills where the species are abundantly grown. Trekking in the Periyar sancturay takes to the ruined Mangala Devi temple, which is a beautiful old stone temple. Excellent walking routes gives you the fascinating views of the wide variety of birds.
Entertainment : In the evening you can enjoy the Kathakali dance performed by the local people. You can also indulge in taking the Kerala Style Ayurvedic message. Apart from elephant Periyar gives you the unique opportunity to enjoy the the tiger shows are very well managed with minimum inconvenience to the tigers. You can also enjoy the jeep safari in the park.
http://www.ecoindia.com/parks/periyar-wildlife-sanctuary.html
19 September 2007
Exciting Things To See And Do In Las Vegas
by Gabriel Adams
Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps, offers you non-stop entertainment 24 hours a day.
Gambling, a round-the-clock activity is a must-do while you are in Las Vegas. There are no opening or closing timings for the many casinos that jostle for space along the Las Vegas strip. In fact, there are no clocks anywhere in sight and with an endless variety of exciting casino games you may be tempted to spend all your time in Las Vegas, casino-hopping. Which is a great thing to do if you are on a winning spree. If not, you may want to consider leaving behind the bright interior neon lights and stepping out into the brilliant Las Vegas sunshine, where there are lots more things to see and do.
Want to experience what weightlessness feels like? A specially designed Boeing 727 at Las Vegas Space Flights recreates the effects of a real space flight including lunar gravity by flying smaller parabolas. You can even experience what it feels like to walk upon the surface of Mars.
Looking for excitement that is more 'exciting' than gambling and weightless walking? Strap on a parachute and experience the thrill of Las Vegas sky diving. While free-falling from 10,000 feet above ground, enjoy a bird's eye view of the city you left behind a few minutes ago.
The Imperial Palace Auto Collections, home to the world's largest collection of classic, antique, special-interest and muscle cars, is a car enthusiast's heaven. Spend the day admiring these classic cars, and if you were lucky enough to have won that jackpot, maybe you could even afford to buy one!
Don't forget to witness the eruption of the Volcano at the Mirage Hotel or take a look at the largest golden nugget in the world, which is housed at the aptly named, Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel. For Liberace fans, the Liberace Museum has on display everything possible about this flamboyant pianist.
www.lasvegasbuffets.info
Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps, offers you non-stop entertainment 24 hours a day.
Gambling, a round-the-clock activity is a must-do while you are in Las Vegas. There are no opening or closing timings for the many casinos that jostle for space along the Las Vegas strip. In fact, there are no clocks anywhere in sight and with an endless variety of exciting casino games you may be tempted to spend all your time in Las Vegas, casino-hopping. Which is a great thing to do if you are on a winning spree. If not, you may want to consider leaving behind the bright interior neon lights and stepping out into the brilliant Las Vegas sunshine, where there are lots more things to see and do.
Want to experience what weightlessness feels like? A specially designed Boeing 727 at Las Vegas Space Flights recreates the effects of a real space flight including lunar gravity by flying smaller parabolas. You can even experience what it feels like to walk upon the surface of Mars.
Looking for excitement that is more 'exciting' than gambling and weightless walking? Strap on a parachute and experience the thrill of Las Vegas sky diving. While free-falling from 10,000 feet above ground, enjoy a bird's eye view of the city you left behind a few minutes ago.
The Imperial Palace Auto Collections, home to the world's largest collection of classic, antique, special-interest and muscle cars, is a car enthusiast's heaven. Spend the day admiring these classic cars, and if you were lucky enough to have won that jackpot, maybe you could even afford to buy one!
Don't forget to witness the eruption of the Volcano at the Mirage Hotel or take a look at the largest golden nugget in the world, which is housed at the aptly named, Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel. For Liberace fans, the Liberace Museum has on display everything possible about this flamboyant pianist.
www.lasvegasbuffets.info
18 September 2007
Looking Forward To An Indian Summer
by Lindsay Chapman
As the damp and disappointing summer of 2007 fades as a bad memory, we need reasons to look forward to the coming autumn. The season of 'mists and mellow fruitfulness' has much to recommend it and we can always hope for a long, mild Indian summer.
We have so many beautiful areas in England, the choice for a quick getaway is vast. Are you looking for a city break to explore top museums, great theatre or indulge in some serious shopping? Are you looking for a change of pace by pottering around the countryside, enjoying the spectacular change in autumn foliage before retiring to a cosy pub? Or do you feel the pull of the sea taking you to those unspoilt little coastal hideaways, which offer surprisingly sophisticated pleasures and wonderfully fresh air.
It is worth taking a look at East Anglia which can satisfy your choice with a diversity often overlooked. Take a look at the vibrant city of Norwich, the classic countryside of Constable Country in the Dedham Vale and, my own favourite, Aldeburgh, a classic coastal town on the Suffolk Heritage Coast.
On a recent visit, I loved walking along the shingle beach with the sea to one side and buildings of all shapes, sizes and colours on the other. On that beach are traditional fishermen's huts where the day's catch is brought in from the sea and then delivered straight to the kitchen door of the town's restaurants, such as the AA rosette rated Brudenell and White Lion. Seafood this fresh is a good enough reason on its own to take a break on the coast.
A brisk walk along the coastal path, passing the RSPB reserve, leads you to the very original and quirky Thorpeness. The whole village could be described as a 'folly', giving every appearance of having buildings hundreds of years old - half-timbered, Tudor even - but in fact the whole place was created as an upmarket holiday retreat at the beginning of the last cenury. Today's village is built around the 'Swallows and Amazons' lake - or Meare as it is known locally. With boats to hire and islands to explore, it's a fantasy land in every respect. The Thorpeness Hotel and Golf Club offers accommodation, an excellent restaurant (enjoy your aperitif on the balcony overlooking the Meare as the sun sets - magic!) and a very highly rated heathland golf course.
So... the choice is vast but with easy access from London and the Midlands, you won't be disappointed with a trip to East Anglia and particularly Aldeburgh and Thorpeness.
http://www.aldeburgh-breaks.co.uk/
As the damp and disappointing summer of 2007 fades as a bad memory, we need reasons to look forward to the coming autumn. The season of 'mists and mellow fruitfulness' has much to recommend it and we can always hope for a long, mild Indian summer.
We have so many beautiful areas in England, the choice for a quick getaway is vast. Are you looking for a city break to explore top museums, great theatre or indulge in some serious shopping? Are you looking for a change of pace by pottering around the countryside, enjoying the spectacular change in autumn foliage before retiring to a cosy pub? Or do you feel the pull of the sea taking you to those unspoilt little coastal hideaways, which offer surprisingly sophisticated pleasures and wonderfully fresh air.
It is worth taking a look at East Anglia which can satisfy your choice with a diversity often overlooked. Take a look at the vibrant city of Norwich, the classic countryside of Constable Country in the Dedham Vale and, my own favourite, Aldeburgh, a classic coastal town on the Suffolk Heritage Coast.
On a recent visit, I loved walking along the shingle beach with the sea to one side and buildings of all shapes, sizes and colours on the other. On that beach are traditional fishermen's huts where the day's catch is brought in from the sea and then delivered straight to the kitchen door of the town's restaurants, such as the AA rosette rated Brudenell and White Lion. Seafood this fresh is a good enough reason on its own to take a break on the coast.
A brisk walk along the coastal path, passing the RSPB reserve, leads you to the very original and quirky Thorpeness. The whole village could be described as a 'folly', giving every appearance of having buildings hundreds of years old - half-timbered, Tudor even - but in fact the whole place was created as an upmarket holiday retreat at the beginning of the last cenury. Today's village is built around the 'Swallows and Amazons' lake - or Meare as it is known locally. With boats to hire and islands to explore, it's a fantasy land in every respect. The Thorpeness Hotel and Golf Club offers accommodation, an excellent restaurant (enjoy your aperitif on the balcony overlooking the Meare as the sun sets - magic!) and a very highly rated heathland golf course.
So... the choice is vast but with easy access from London and the Midlands, you won't be disappointed with a trip to East Anglia and particularly Aldeburgh and Thorpeness.
http://www.aldeburgh-breaks.co.uk/
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