Famous Museum Destinations

Some people want more from a holiday than a chaste opportunity to luxuriate on the beach or by the pool; they want to learn and immerse themselves in arts and culture. Fortunately, the world’s best holiday destinations also host some of the most famous museums for holiday-goers to indulge in. They hold the most sought-after paintings and sculpture and are draped in history all for your pleasure, and they have expert guides on hand to provide context and knowledge to those willing to go beyond their usual vacation itinerary.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection boasts of 2 million works from around the world and across many divergent cultures. As part of the affordable Skip the Line tour, you will be allowed to see works by everyone from Van Gogh to Picasso in peace, while avoiding the hassle of lengthy queues to the Museum’s 17 curatorial departments. You will be offered a 75-minute audio guide and receive free admission to The Cloister’s museum and gardens in Fort Tryon Park, Manhattan, all of which makes this an enlightening package that gives value for money. If you plan on staying on in Downtown Manhattan, then you will find the Park Central Hotel to be extremely convenient. Spacious rooms are conducive to your pleasure and their prices will leave you with peace of mind.

If you want to explore the legend of Vincent van Gogh in greater depth, then Amsterdam should be your first port of call. In addition to an Amsterdam Canal Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass, you will get to roam around the museum at your leisure picking out the many famous self-portraits and other revered paintings, such as Sunflowers. Your guide will help you to chart van Gogh’s artistic development and to compare him with nineteenth century contemporaries. During the bus tour, you can choose to stop at Anne Frank House or the Rembrandt Museum among other destinations, so you can extend the pedagogical if you wish, before heading to the Manor Hotel to stay the night. Just minutes from the city centre and boasting a highly-recommended Enoteca restaurant, the Manor is a trendy yet comfortable choice of lodgings.

The Vatican and its Sistine Chapel are also home to some of the world’s finest and most illustrious works of art, and Michelangelo’s masterpieces can be appreciated as part of another Skip the Line tour. The tour starts with a coach tour across Rome with live commentary. Upon entering the Vatican City, you will be led through to the Gallery of Tapestries and Gallery of Geographical Maps, before arriving at the famous Sistine Chapel with its magnificent fresco of the Last Judgment by Michelangelo. A post-tour lunch is also included, before you are shown around Basilicas of Santa Maria Maggiore and Saint John in Lateran as part of a tour of Christian Rome. The city’s Cicerone Hotel will prove more than agreeable for tourists who are looking for bright and architecturally dazzling accommodation, decked out with all mod cons and a charming aesthetic.

Explore Edinburgh

Scotland may not be the first summer holiday destination that springs to mind; it doesn’t have luscious, sandy beaches, scorching temperatures or an exotic temperament, but that is not to say it isn’t worth your while. Indeed, Scotland is a treasure trove of tourist delights at this time of year. Whether you are exploring the picturesque landscapes of the Highlands or exploring the bustling city centres of Edinburgh and Glasgow, rest assured, Scotland will have something for you.

August is the perfect time to head north of the border for arts lovers with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival running at various avenues across the city from 3^rd – 27^th August. Acts range from stand up comedians and musicians to burlesque dancers and puppeteers, so all manner of cultural curiosities will be satisfied. Base yourself in the Scottish capital and see where the festival takes you, there is sure to be a show that amazes you whether you plan in advance or even if you happen upon it by chance.

There are a few official options when touring Edinburgh, also. Once could take the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour or invest in an Edinburgh pass, but for those with a refined palette, the 3-Day Speyside Whiskey Tour may be just the thing if they’re willing to go a bit further afield. Notable for its elegant and subtle-tasting whiskies, Scotland’s principle malt whiskey-producing region can be explored in a luxury minvan with an informative, friendly guide and free drinks included. Patrons will travel the path of the River Spey, with its impressive lochs, green glens and dramatic peaks and be based in the idyllic village of Grantown, before taking in the Cairngorm Mountains and Balmoral Castle on their way back to the city.

If you want to take in legends and dazzling view, then a trip to Loch Ness is essential, though it is far from the only picturesque part of untamed Scotland. The 3-Day tour of the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands should provide enough awe-inspiring natural sights for one lifetime. Setting off from Edinburgh, the tour takes in all the nooks and crannies of the Highlands, taking in the mountains of Perthshire, the quaint village and towering cathedral at Dunkeld before reaching the shores of Loch Ness and the stomping ground of the infamous Loch Ness Monster. And that’s only on the first day. Tourists will be based on the Isle of Skye and will have the opportunity to see the area’s historical landmarks and even take a trip on the Hogwarts Express (of Harry Potter fame) down to Fort William.

As far as accommodation goes, Edinburgh has an array of options, both stylish and affordable. For those seeking to snuggle up in the lap of luxury, The Scotsman in the city’s Old Town may be the best. This 5-star hotel is a relative synch at less than £100 per night per person. Converted from the offices of the newspaper that gave it its name, The Scotsman is both modern and ornate, carefully plying tradition with the best hospitality Scotland has to offer.

If it is value you’re looking for, then perhaps the Mercure – Princes Street Hotel or the Murrayfield Hotel is more your speed. Both offer comfort and affordability in close proximity to the city centre. The Mercure offers great views of Edinburgh Castle, while Murrayfield is only a short distance from the home of Scottish rugby which it is named after.

Hawaii

Hawaii is made up of six islands off the west coast of the US and is every bit the paradise it is portrayed to be. With white beaches, lush rainforests and volcanic views the islands do not disappoint.

Home to historic places such as Pearl Harbour and Pi’ilanihale Heiau are some sites that are well worth a visit for history lovers. For those wishing to experience a variety of landscapes while enjoying the stories and legends of Kauai, the Waimea Canyon Kauai tour is a must. You will tour the famous fern grotto in a coach followed by a cruise along the Wailua River while enjoying all the beautiful scenery the ‘garden island’ has to offer.

There is an abundance of water activities available on each of the islands and with surfing being the top sport of the state, lessons are readily available. You can avail of private or semi-private lessons with trained local instructors. Take part in a two hour surf lesson with Kauai Learn to Surf Lessons on Hanalei Bay. There are soft-top boards available for beginners and the waves are perfect all year round for those just learning.

If you’re after something a bit more adventurous there is the opportunity to dive with sharks! Oahu offers the chance to enter into a shark cage and experience sharks in an up close environment. You may also be able to see turtles, dolphins and whales on your trip to the area the sharks inhabit, depending on the time of year.

Should being close to sharks be that bit too intense for you why not take the calmer route of snorkelling with dolphins while cruising the breath taking coral garden and Hawaiian marine life with the Kona Submarine Adventure and Snorkel Dolphin Cruise.

Volcanoes are a huge part of Hawaii and are what make its landscape so spectacular and diverse. In a small group you can experience the volcanoes in both the day time and the night with the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Evening Lava Adventure. Your tour guide will give you an educational background to the different sights while you enjoy all that the park has to offer.

The hotels situated on the island offer you a luxurious stay with many being located right on the beach while still offering you a pool to cool off in. There is a choice of hotel or villas and something to suit every budget.

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is situated on the Kohala coast of north Kono. It is surrounded by beautiful ocean views and its own natural beach.  Guest rooms and suites are housed in intimate two-storey bungalows in small crescents along the beachfront and the golf course.

The Aston Waikoloa Colony Villas are home to a luxurious lifestyle within the exclusive Waikoloa Resort Area. With a fitness centre, health club and pool, there is an abundance of amenities to make your stay memorable. The hotel is located on the 10^th fairway of the Waikoloa Beach Golf Course which makes this hotel a golfing enthusiast’s heaven. The villas also offer stunning views of Mauna Kea and the Big Island’s world-famous lava fields.

New York – The Big Apple

New York is probably the most famous city on earth and has so much to offer as a city break location, from Broadway shows to a huge variety of restaurants, stores and museums as well as dozens of tourist attractions. The Big Apple is one of those dream destinations that has a unique vibe that’s hard to explain unless you’ve visited the city, so here’s a little taste of just a couple of things on offer in the city.

Starting off with the island of Manhattan and its famous landmarks, such as Central Park, the Empire State Building, Fifth Avenue, and Rockefeller Center to name just a few. If you’re short on sightseeing time you can get to see many of the city’s famous landmarks on the New York in One Day Sightseeing Tour, which is a combination of a bus and walking tour, as well as incorporating a boat cruise, meaning that you’ll get to see the iconic Statue of Liberty from the harbour.

There’s so much to do and see in the city that it’s difficult to fit everything in on just one stay in the city, but highlights of New York include visits to the Statue of Liberty and the legendary gateway to New York for so many past immigrants to the city, Ellis Island, as well as Times Square, Central Park and the Empire State Building. New York also has fantastic shopping opportunities with its department stores, chains and of course the legendary Fifth Avenue. For kids and the young at heart, a visit to iconic toy shop FAO Schwartz is a must, and for fashion, the Century 21 department store located downtown in Manhattan offers designer clothes with up to 65% off.

New York is also famous for its museums and art galleries, which include MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), the American Museum of Natural History, and the Guggenheim Museum. For outdoor activities Central Park is a great place to visit, with its Zoo, boathouse, horse and carriage rides, carousel and the Swedish Cottage, home to marionette performances.

And if you fancy some lively evening entertainment then a visit to Broadway could be right up your street, with a huge variety of classic productions to choose from, such as The Lion King, Chicago, and Evita as well as newer shows such as the musical adaptation of Oscar winning Irish film Once, and Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark.

There’s a huge selection of hotels to choose from in New York, whether you’d like to be in the thick of things near Times Square, at a hotel such as Four Points by Sheraton Midtown-Times Square, or on the Lower East Side at the Hotel on Rivington, or the Tribeca Grand Hotel, which is close to SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown.

One of the fascinating things about New York is its diversity of neighbourhoods, such as Chinatown and Little Italy in Manhattan, which can be visited on the New York, New York Neighborhoods Tour. In the north of Manhattan is Harlem, and it’s possible to experience this area on a Sunday Morning Gospel Tour of Harlem, where you’ll join a local church congregation and learn about the neighbourhood’s history.

Of course there’s more to New York than just Manhattan, and beyond the famous Brooklyn Bridge lies the borough of the same name, which can be explored on a sightseeing, food and culture tour that will acquaint visitors with various neighbourhoods within Brooklyn and sample food from a number of local eateries.

Summer in Scandinavia

When you think of Scandinavia, it’s likely that the first thing that comes to mind is a snowcapped landscape and cosy Christmas celebrations, so it may come as a surprise to learn that the region has some beautifully warm weather in summer, bringing its streets and parks to life after a harsh winter. The cities of Copenhagen in Denmark and Stockholm in Sweden have plenty to offer as alternatives to a summer break in one of the better known sun spots in the Mediterranean.

Starting off with Copenhagen, this capital city is located in the east of Denmark, and is connected to mainland Sweden by a bridge over the Øresund to Malmö. Copenhagen is a vibrant, modern European city, with a mix of cultures, public parks and other outdoor amenities, shops, restaurants, nightlife and cultural attractions that make it a fascinating place to stay. A highlight of any visit to Copenhagen for young and old alike is the charming Tivoli Gardens. Located in the city centre next to the central train station, these beautiful gardens are home to an aquarium, concerts, firework show, restaurants, and many rides and attractions, including one of the world’s oldest wooden rollercoasters!

The Copenhagen Card really opens the city out to you with free admission to 65 attractions such as Tivoli, Hans Christian Anderson’s Museum, as well as many other museums and attractions, as well as free transport on train, bus and metro. A great way to see another side of Copenhagen is by water, and you can see the city on both land and water on a City and Harbour Tour, that takes in sights such as The Little Mermaid statute and the Royal Palace.

There’s plenty of varied options for accommodation in Copenhagen, such as Copenhagen Island Hotel, which is located on a man-made island in Copenhagen Harbour, or the Kong Arthur Hotel, located alongside the lakes and near to the city centre.

Moving on to Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, also known as ‘The Venice of the North’, as it is comprised of many islands and waterways, which means that you’re likely to see people taking a dip in the water in the sunshine, given that the weather can be surprisingly hot! Like Copenhagen, you can get to know Stockholm better by exploring the city on land and water – and you can do this on a 3.5 hour coach and boat cruise tour of Stockholm. Stockholm has a beautiful centrally located royal palace, and if the monarchy of Sweden interests you, then you might enjoy the Stockholm Royal Sightseeing Tour, which includes spots such as the park at Ulriksdals Palace, Lovos Church and Drottningholm Place, the home of the royal family. There’s plenty of history in Sweden, home as it was to the Vikings who made their way across Europe around 1000 years ago, and the fascinating lives of these people in Sweden can be explored on a Viking History Day Trip, where you’ll get to see the old Viking parliament Arkils Tingplats and an old Viking bridge with ancient runic stones.

Of course the Swedes are known for their unique street style, and there are affordable and trendy clothes shops in the city which are sure to appeal to those looking for something a little different. In terms of accommodation in Stockholm, there’s plenty to choose from, such as the downtown Story Hotel, which advertises its lively atmosphere and also allows pets, or for something more classical, the 19th century Hotel Stureplan is located near to the historic Humlegården park, home to the National Library of Sweden.

Florida – The Sunshine State

The sunny southern eastern state of Florida has long been billed as a fantastic holiday destination because of its fine weather and huge array of theme parks. But once you’ve had your fill of rides and rollercoasters there’s still lots to do and see in Florida, whether it’s the history of the area or its fascinating natural landscape. Read the rest of this entry »

London Olympics Cromwell

In 2012, why not book cheap flights to England’s capital and immerse yourself in the spirit of the London Olympics, for a truly memorable holiday. With so many cheap flights available right now, it’s a great idea to take advantage and book early, in order to avoid disappointment. London is one of the world’s most visited cities, and with so many activities in London to choose from, it really does have something for everyone even if the Olympic Games aren’t on your agenda. With deep history and rich culture, dazzling architecture, brilliant museums and cutting edge fashion, it is one of the world’s leading cities and it’s only a couple of cheap flights away!
The Best Western The Cromwell is ideally located, only minutes’ walk from Gloucester Road tube station and is on the city’s main road artery that leads directly to Knightsbridge, Hyde Park Corner and through to Piccadilly. It’s the perfect hotel, if watching the world’s fittest athletes take part in the gruelling triathlon is what you came for. The marathon swimming is also being held in Hyde Park. Otherwise, it is pleasant enough just to take a walk round when the park is free of marathon events.
Don’t be scared by stories of London’s extortionate prices, but don’t be fooled by people who say it’s cheap either. However, saving money on your cheap flights can help tackle that problem – leaving you more money to spend on the city’s fabulous array of restaurants, come time for dinner.

10 Smartphone Uses for the Tech Savvy Traveler

Whether traveling short distances or around the world, each traveler runs the risk of experiencing some type of inconvenience during his or her trip. With a little digital preparation travelers can be prepared to endure delays, cancellations, lost luggage and emergency situations which can save time, headaches and even lives. Find out how you can be prepared in this infographic on 10 Smartphone Uses for the Tech Savvy Traveler.
Tips for Using Your Smartphone Abroad.