Travel

The year 2019 is coming to an end and many have already started browsing the early bird offers for next Summer holiday. With thousands of offers on the table and big discounts available, it can be hard to choose the right hotel for your needs. Here are five tips that will help you make a decision!

1. Know what is important to you.

The starting point when choosing a hotel is knowing what is most important to you. Are you looking for a romantic atmosphere or party vibe? Do you want a room with a view? How about free breakfast? Create a list of deal breakers, and it will naturally narrow down the available options. Then, continue with the following five tips to pick the perfect hotel for your next holiday.

2. Location, Location, Location

It’s safe to say that the hotel’s location is one of the most important factors. Whether it’s the beach, attractions or places to dine, you ideally want to be able to walk to most places and not spend hours in public transport or taxis each day. We recommend checking the location yourself and not to trust what the hotel says on their website. They might say that the beach is only “10 minutes away” but forget to mention that this is by car and not by foot.

3. Hotel Amenities

Oh, I didn’t know I had to pay for parking my car! Hotel amenities vary, and you should always check that the hotel covers your basic requirements to avoid turning your stay into a nightmare. Here are some tips on what to look out for.

If you are travelling to a hot country during the Summer, make sure that rooms come with air-conditioning. There is nothing worse than spending your holiday sleepless because of the heat. Equally important is free Wi-Fi. You might want to stream a movie at night or play games at casino sister sites, and the worst that could happen is the hotel charging you extra for using the Internet. Also, have a look at the times for check-in and check-out. You might arrive at your destination early in the morning and don’t want to wait until 3 p.m. to check into your room. Perhaps ask the hotel ahead of your booking, whether early check-in or late check-out is available. Next, think about breakfast. Have a look to see if the room price includes breakfast and, if not, adjust your budget accordingly account for the extra cost. Last but not least – tours! Many hotels and resorts have included tours, if you’re in Airlie Beach ask the hotel about their Airlie Beach tours and whether or not they’re included in your package. If they’re not, you should at least get a discount.

4. Be Careful with Reviews

Reviews are a great way to get a first impression of a hotel. However, be aware that not everyone is like you and what others praise or criticise might not matter that much to you. Are guests complaining about loud music coming from the pool bar? Well, if you go on holiday to party, this might be the perfect hotel then! Does one review mention “disgusting bathrooms” while all others praise the cleanliness of the place? It might just be a one-off bad experience and shouldn’t affect your choice. We recommend to look out for patterns. If every second review mentions a poor Wi-Fi connection and the Internet is crucial for you, then the hotel is probably not the right pick!

5. Who’s the Hotel’s Typical Visitor

When researching hotels, try and understand who’s the hotel’s main clientele. Do a lot of the reviews come from families but you’re going on holiday with a group of friends? There might be a mismatch here! Does the hotel focuses on bachelor parties, but you’re travelling with your partner and kids? You might find the hotel is lacking essential amenities such as a kids-friendly pool or a babysitter service.

If you are clear about your requirements and follow the five points above, there is no reason that you won’t find the perfect hotel for your next holiday. And now get cracking, because big savings are waiting for you when you book early!

Today, for pretty reasons, Krakow has become the new cool hot spot for travelers to explore Central Europe.  While Krakow is a big city, unlike Warsaw, being there will make you feel like you’re in a nice, near-knitted neighborhood. You can never get bored while visiting Krakow. Filled with history and culture, not to forget the abundance of cheap food and drink – it’s easy to see why in recent years Krakow has become such a famous European city break and why so many people are visiting Krakow old town. Let’s check a list of things you can visit in Krakow old town:

Main Market Square:

Krakow’s city center is something you certainly can’t afford to miss! It is built by a network of beautiful roads, rich design, and significant monuments of Polish history and filled cafes that will take your heart completely! The Main Market Square is also a spot where various festivals, concerts, exhibits and seminars take place. Some people do not know how to get from Krakow Airport to City Center, don’t worry we have find solution for that. You can easily go by train, bus or simply book a cab to get to city center. All of these are equally good options. By any of these travel modes, you will reach the city center in a maximum of half an hour.

Explore Kazimierz:

Perhaps one of the favorite places in Krakow is Kazimierz (the Jewish Quarter). It’s like a little Berlin where anyone can find something they love with its cool feel, laid-back atmosphere and community liveliness. You can spend a whole day exploring Kazimierz, so try your best and have a day to enjoy this beautiful neighborhood.

Climb the Kościuszko Mound:

In Krakow there are many ancient fossilized mounds believed to be either monumental graves or forts or pagan temples. Today, the mounds are a great place to climb to get a beautiful view of the city. Krakus Mound is yet another good one with a better view of the old town than Kościuszko Mound, and if you don’t have a lot of time, either you can climb Krakus Mound.

Wander Around The Wieliczka Salt Mine:

One of the large rooms housed St Kinga’s Chapel, which was made entirely of salt. In the Erazm Barącz Chamber there is also a salt lake that tends to be even denser than the Dead Sea. The tunnel labyrinth goes as deep as more than 300 m underground, and inside you will find multiple chambers, chapels, and even a salt lake. It is one of the most beautiful sightseeing site for tourists.

Vodka Tasting:

Poland believes to be one of the world’s finest vodka producers, so putting this theory to the test while you’re visiting Krakow is only polite, right? Located on one of the old square’s back streets, Wodka is a cozy little vodka bar home to dozens of flavored vodkas ranging from salted to caramel to horseradish. It’s a good way to try different flavors and if you’re traveling during the winter, it will definitely heat you up.

Wawel Royal Castle:

The entire region of Wawel is amazingly beautiful, with the major turning points being the cathedral and castle. Royal Road is the lovely Wawel Castle. Without a doubt, the castle is over 900 year’s old one of the city’s must-see sights. People enjoy exploring the beautiful premises of the castle and marveling at the amazing architecture.

 

 

Thailand has no shortage of beautiful locations, from towering mountains to vast expanses of sparkling blue sea. One such destination that has become more and more popular over the years is Krabi. Located in the southwest region of Thailand, Krabi is famous for its limestone cliffs, cave networks, waterfalls, lush jungles, and, of course, its long stretches of white sand beaches. In short, a Krabi tour package is the perfect choice for all travellers who are interested in nature and adventure experiences.

To help you make the most of your vacation, here are a few suggestions on how to get the best Krabi experience.

Rock Climbing in Railay

If you’re looking for a bit of an adventure, rock climbing is one of the best activities to do in Krabi. In fact, it’s one of the best destinations for rock climbing in Thailand. Head on over to Railay, with its majestic karst formations that rise up from the beaches and even from the middle of the ocean. More experienced climbers will love Railay West, while newbies can go to Railay East for more manageable routes. Don’t worry because there are licensed instructors ready to give you lessons, not to mention gear shops that rent out equipment. For free climbers, cliff jumping from one of the towering rocks that jut out from the ocean floor should be a thrilling conclusion to a satisfying climb.

Bathing in the Emerald Pool and Blue Pool

The Emerald Pool is so-named because of its bright emerald colour. It’s a mineral pool located inside the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, a popular ecotourism destination due to its incredible flora and fauna. On your way to the pool, you can encounter unique plants, centuries-old trees, and rare animals. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the Pitta Gurney bird, a species that was once thought extinct. Once you reach the Emerald Pool, take some time to swim in its wonderfully warm waters.

There’s also another brightly hued pool inside Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, which is aptly named Blue Pool. It’s actually the source of Emerald Pool, although you can’t take a bath here since the bottom is made of drift sand. Moreover, Blue Pool’s water comes from a boiling hot underground spring. Still, the view is stunning and you can always take postcard-like photos as your souvenirs.

Snorkeling at Phi Phi Islands

For a taste of tropical paradise, visit the Phi Phi Islands. The most-visited out of the six islands in the cluster are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. The former is the larger of the two, famous for its beautiful blue waters, top-notch dining scene, and a pumping party atmosphere. Phi Phi Leh has its own share of gorgeous beaches, the most popular of which is Maya Bay where the movie The Beach was shot. Maya Bay is still closed to tourists as of this writing, but it’s rumoured to open soon. You don’t have to visit Maya Bay to appreciate the beauty of the Phi Phi Islands, though. There’s a wide range of activities you can do here, including snorkeling and scuba diving to see the beauty of the islands both above and below.

Climbing Wat Tham Sua

Wat Tham Sua or “Tiger Cave” is one of the most prominent landmarks in Krabi. It’s part of a larger temple complex composed of limestone caves, which themselves are worth a visit. However, the main purpose of those who go to Wat Tham Sua is a climb of more than 1,200 steps to reach the so-called “footprint of Buddha.” When you finally reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the limestone cliffs below, as well as the surrounding forests and the Andaman Sea. Most people prefer visiting toward the late afternoon to catch the sunset and to avoid the heat of the sun while climbing the steps.

Relaxing at Koh Lanta

For those who are visiting Krabi specifically to escape the craziness of the city and the tourists crowds, it’s best to go to Koh Lanta. It’s less developed and therefore less busy than other locations in Krabi; in fact, the western end of the island has plenty of practically empty beaches for you to enjoy the beautiful, peaceful surroundings. Still, Koh Lanta has enough tourist amenities for your comfort and enjoyment. In particular, there are quite a few certified diving schools so you can learn to scuba dive and see the incredible biodiversity of Krabi. Be warned, though. Once you experience the paradise-like life in Koh Lanta, you might not want to leave anymore!

Krabi is one of those places that has a bit (or a lot!) of everything, which is why tourists love visiting over and over again. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been here before or not. You will always want to come back!

 

Montreal is popular for its European flair and mix of French and Anglo culture. Montreal is a great city to visit if you want to feel like you’re on a completely different continent, while still feeling like home. However, Montreal is a very unique city, and one you’ll have to be prepared for if you want to have a good time. You also have to be prepared for some culture shock as well if you aren’t familiar with city. Here are a few things you should know before you come to Montreal.

There are Tons of Cheap Flights to the City

If you’re coming from the East Coast or the North-Midwest, know that there are tons of cheap flights to Montreal coming into the city. You could book flights to Montreal with a regional airline like Porter and get a great deal on your next trip. You’ll get the chance to get better seats than you usually get through a national airline, and their flights are much less crowded as well.

Montreal is Actually French

While it’s true that you won’t have trouble finding someone who speaks English in the city and that a large portion of the population is bilingual, don’t be fooled. Montreal is a French city first. While you will notice a lot of bilingual signs, there’s nothing that obligates businesses to offer service in English or signage. So, don’t be surprised if you can’t get service in English either, especially in the east end of the city.

However, there is also a clear demarcation between the unofficial French and English side of the city. The city is pretty much split in half by St-Laurent street, and the more you go west, the more English the city gets. So, you won’t have issues getting service on the west end, though it would be wise to learn some basic French words for signage if you want to get around the city.

The City Has a Great Public Transit System

If you’re staying on the island, you’ll have no problem getting around the city. Montreal has an extensive subway system, or the Metro as it is called, that covers most of the city. It’s also very safe and reliable and will get you pretty much anywhere in the city in minutes.

In addition, you have tons of self-service options as well. The city offers easily accessible bikes for rental all over the city and they’re pretty affordable. You can also rent electric bikes and scooters in most areas of the city.

Forget Turning on Reds

While in most of the country, you can turn right on red lights, Montreal is one of the only major cities where you can’t. So, don’t make the mistake of turning on a red light or you might get a ticket, or a warning depending on the agent. Note, however, that you can turn right in most municipalities outside of Montreal proper.

Speaking of red lights, don’t be surprised if you see people walking straight through them. People will usually cross on red lights if there are no cars, so this could be a shock for some. Also, pedestrians and cyclists are kings in Montreal and have priority rights when crossing the street, and they fully take advantage of it. People are also more likely to jaywalk, so be prepared for that as well.

The Festivals

If you’re thinking of coming in the summer, make sure that you visit at the beginning of the summer season. Montreal lives through its festivals, and they’re one of the major attractions to the city.

The season starts with the Francofolies that take part at the beginning of June. This festival is focused on French culture and features mainly francophone artists. This is a great opportunity to learn a bit about French culture and have fun with the whole family. This is followed by the Montreal Jazz Festival, which is one of the biggest of its genre in the world. Tons of artists from around the world come to perform on one of the many stages right in the “Quartier des Spectacle” which is an area of the city dedicated solely to outside shows and festivals.

Though it’s called the Jazz festival however, there are artists across all genres there, so you’ll be able to find something that is more your speed there no matter your preferred style of music.

The Jazz festival is followed by the Just for Laughs Festival, which is the single biggest comedy festival in the world and attracts the world’s biggest comics. Every year, top performers come to perform free and paid shows at some of the city’s top venues. Some of the most popular comics had their first big break there, such as Jerry Seinfeld and Dave Chapelle. The streets are also animated with street performers and dancers. This is the most family friendly of all the festivals and also takes place in the Quartier des Spectacles.

Winters are Something Else

Winters can be bitterly cold in Montreal, so unless you’re used to it, you’ll be in for a shock. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to dip under the -40 degrees mark, so be prepared for that. On the flipside, summers are notoriously hot in Montreal, and tend to be more humid, so you should be prepared for this as well.

Montreal however is a great place if you’re into winter sports, and you’re only a few minutes away from some of the best slopes you’ll find on the East Coast. There’s also the Igloofest, which is a mega electronic festival that takes place dead in the middle of winter.

Montreal’s Past as Canada’s Sin City

Montrealers and Quebecers in general have a different attitude towards sex than in most other places in Canada and North America, so this could come as a shock for some people. Some parts of the city can be a bit seedy at night, so make sure that you know which areas to avoid. Strip clubs are also front and centre on important strips, so that’s something you’ll have to be prepared for as well.

With that being said however, Montreal remains one of the safest cities in North America, so you’ll feel safe in most parts of the city, even after dark.

Legal Drinking Age

You should also know that the drinking age is 18 in Montreal and in Quebec, so be prepared to see a lot of college kids strolling down St-Laurent street. Also, know that beer in Quebec tends to be a bit stronger than in the rest of Canada or in the States, so try to look for light beers if you’re looking for something that is closer to what you’d get back home. Also, know that the city has a strong micro brewery scene and history as a brewing city, so make sure that you visit at least one on your next visit and sample some of the best beers the city has to offer.

Montreal is a wonderful city, and one that begs to be discovered. Make sure that you keep these tips in mind on your next visit if you want to make the most of it.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

 

While nailing down accommodation and transportation are undoubtedly crucial to travel preparation, these aren’t the only aspects that determine the level of comfort and enjoyment of the trip. As such, it makes sense to ensure to leave nothing to chance to minimise the chances of running into potential problems. From thoroughly researching about your intended destinations to carefully managing potential expenses, here are a few essential things that you should do before travelling.

Do your homework

Having a smooth and trouble-free travelling experience usually hinges on the amount of preparation done before the trip. As such, it makes sense to research first regarding the city or country that you plan to visit. From available accommodation to attractions, time spent doing your homework now will help not only allow you to familiarise yourself with the destination before you arrive but also help you avoid confusion while exploring a new locale.

Acquire travel insurance

It’s not uncommon for travel insurance to slip our minds while planning a trip; however, it’s crucial to obtain the necessary coverage. After all, we can never tell what can happen during the trip. And by acquiring the necessary travel insurance from ucompare.ie, not only will you have the peace of mind that you’ll have the right coverage but you will also keep yourself from spending more than you need.

Don’t forget to check the weather

There’s no denying that the weather can affect the overall experience of your trip. As such, it makes sense to check the conditions first before setting a date for when you plan to leave. In this way, you’re far less likely to encounter unfavourable weather patterns during the course of your trip, and as a result, have a much more enjoyable experience.

Check the attractions and entertainment listings

Apart from getting some rest and relaxation from the trials and tribulations of daily life, people travel to experience new cultures and explore unfamiliar locales. And because of this, it’s crucial to check local attractions and entertainment listings first. In doing so, you will have a clear idea of what to do once you arrive at your intended destination. More importantly, you will also avoid the hassle of making last-minute changes to your itinerary too.

Reach out to family or friends

If you have any family or friends who live in the intended destination, try to reach out to them. After all, they’re bound to know more about the place that you plan to visit since they live there. And by getting in touch with them, not only will it be easier for you to navigate the unfamiliar surroundings of the country or city that you’re visiting, but you might even get free accommodation in the process too.

No matter what our reasons are for travelling, we all do it for the same purpose: fun and relaxation. And with careful planning and preparation, not only are you far less likely to encounter any problems but you’ll maximise the enjoyment of the experience as well.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

Belfast is a popular destination for a wide range of travellers, from business trips to families enjoying some time away. This historically and culturally enriched city has become a hotspot for all visitors in recent years, which has allowed for a transformation in the accommodation options available. This has seen the increase of serviced apartments available around the city, which are becoming very popular with families. This article has everything you need to know about serviced apartments in Belfast, a summary of some of the benefits, as well as recommendations of the best-serviced apartment providers within this popular Irish city.

Central Location

When you are looking for accommodation for you and your family during your trip away, it is important that it is in a good location. While you may be concerned that staying within the city of Belfast may be more expensive, once you add up the additional travel costs that come from staying on the outskirts of the city, you may find that it ends up costing you more money. The serviced apartments offered by Dream Apartments offer the best locations, with five different apartment locations available across the city. Your location is everything when it comes to staying with your family in Belfast and the apartments provided here at https://dreamapartments.co.uk/serviced-apartments-belfast are some of the best around.

Space for the Whole Family

When travelling as a family, it is important that you have enough space. The last thing you want is to be crammed into a tiny hotel room when you have children to take care of. Therefore, by booking a serviced apartment, you can enjoy the use of separate rooms. This is perfect if you have children that go to bed at different times and you want some time mum and dad time alone in the evenings.

Entertainment Facilities

It can be difficult to travel as a family and keeping your children entertained for the duration of your trip isn’t always the easiest. However, by staying in a serviced apartment in Belfast you can use the range of entertainment facilities that are on offer. For example, the free Wi-Fi and Smart TV’s that are available at serviced apartments can keep your children settled and entertained for longer.

More Privacy and Freedom

Travelling with children can be made more difficult by the rigidity of hotel life and if you are travelling with young children then you may worry about them crying during the night and tantrums disturbing other hotel guests. However, you have more freedom when staying in a serviced apartment and have to worry less about disturbing others.

Access to Facilities

Serviced apartments come with kitchen and bathroom facilities, so if you need to heat bottles, cook special meals for toddlers, or change nappies, then you can rest assured that the facilities are available for you to use and make your stay more enjoyable.

A serviced apartment in Belfast is the best option for families as they provide a comfortable and secure base from which you can explore the amazing city around you.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

In case you aren’t familiar, Merseyside is a metropolitan county located in the North West of England. It’s home to a number of small towns and one of the country’s greatest cities, Liverpool. A truly inspiring city with an incredible independent scene, rich music heritage and vibrant nightlife, Liverpool has something for everyone. With a great sense of humour and friendly locals, you’ll soon feel at home in one of England’s most exciting destinations. Heading to Merseyside soon, or looking to explore somewhere new and inspiring in the UK? Here’s everything you need to see and see on your trip…

Gaze at the Liverpool Cathedral

For impressive gothic architecture, head to Liverpool’s beautiful Anglican cathedral. This stunning structure has survived two world wars and has become one of the most famous and iconic attractions in the city. It’s Britain’s largest cathedral and Europe’s fifth largest. Pack your comfortable shoes, as a journey to the top of the tower provides you with breath-taking panoramic views of the city. If you visit during the evening, you can catch a beautiful Mersey sunset, the perfect backdrop for an Instagram snap.

Sing along to The Beatles

It wouldn’t be a trip to Liverpool without visiting The Beatles Story, documenting the life and history of the UK’s biggest band of all time. An award-winning museum completely dedicated to The Beatles, you’ll learn all about the roots of this iconic band. You’ll be guided through a number of interactive rooms with an audio guide available in 10 different languages. You’ll pass by a real yellow submarine, stroll through a recreation of the Casbah Coffee Club and take a walk on Abbey Road too.

Explore the Albert Dock

Alongside The Beatles, the Albert Dock is one of Liverpool’s greatest attractions and truly comes alive in the summertime. A ring of cast iron columns surrounded by a five-storey warehouse, this is in fact the country’s largest collection of protected buildings. Packed with an array of fabulous independent restaurants, cafes, bars and boutiques, as well as an extension of London’s Tate Gallery. Here you’ll also find the Merseyside Maritime Museum. This interesting museum is home to a number of cargo ships, exhibits and models and entry is also free, making this a fantastic educational low-cost attraction to enjoy with the family. You’ll be able to learn all about the history of the port, and there’s even a life jacket from the Titanic on display.

Have a drink at The Cavern Club

The Cavern Club is a nightclub and the birth place The Beatles! This legendary cellar has produced one of the world’s most successful bands and still to this day promotes new and upcoming artists. The Arctic Monkey’s enjoyed a breakthrough gig at The Cavern Club back in 2005. The heart of Liverpool’s music scene, stopping by for a pint is simply a must during your trip to Liverpool.

Explore the surrounding towns

While Liverpool remains the centre of the action in Merseyside, it’s also worth spending time to explore the surrounding towns and attractions. Formby is a beautiful civil parish town and a coastal gem that provides the perfect family day out. Stroll along the beach and enjoy that fresh sea breeze. Look into car hire in Liverpool to truly make the most of your trip by exploring Formby and the rest of Merseyside, including the Anthony Gormley statues on the Crosby beach, the traditional seaside pleasures of Southport or the charmingly Victorian New Brighton.

If you’re looking to enjoy an action-packed trip to New Jersey you would be well-advised to head to East Rutherford.

Situated in Bergen County, the borough is home to the Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment complex which is located close to the Hackensack River.

The venue hosts a wide variety of events throughout the course of the year. Read on as we look at some of our favourites.

Listen to Sinatra’s timeless classics

Spend your Borgata bonus code winnings by going back in time during July to enjoy a night of Frank Sinatra swing music.

Jessa Posa is one of the top Sinatra impersonators in the United States, regularly performing in front of packed-out crowds.

His credits include playing Sinatra at BB King’s in Times Square NYC in ‘Party with the Rat Pack’ and the off-Broadway production of ‘Sinatra & Friends’.

With top class music and a superb buffet dinner, this is a great way to enjoy a night at the Meadowlands complex.

Rock the lobster at the Seafood Festival

Now in its sixth year, the annual Food Truck Seafood Festival is a fantastic showcase of some of New Jersey’s finest seafood.

Enjoy great seafood like shrimp, lobster and more while watching the eliminations for the prestigious Hambletonian Oaks.

Vendors include All Surf No Turf, Angry Archie’s and Star of the Sea Seafood, all of whom are hugely popular outlets in the area.

With the chance to win a $500 prize for winning a competition to produce the best seafood & clam chowder, this is a summer food event not to be missed.

Watch harness racing’s biggest day

Dubbed ‘Harness Racing’s Greatest Day’, Hambletonian Day features the Hambletonian Heats & Final and Hambletonian Oaks Final.

The Hambletonian dates back to 1926 and was staged at various venues before settling at Meadowlands in 1981.

Held on the first Saturday in August and worth a cool $1 million, the race is the first event in the Triple Crown of Harness Racing for Trotters and is a hugely thrilling spectacle.

The event has something for all the family, with top class racing, live music, rides and games for children and superb giveaways.

Flat track bikes deliver thrills and spills

One of the most eagerly anticipated events of the season, the Meadowlands Mile delivers thrills and spills in one of America’s most extreme sports.

American Flat Track (AFT) is widely regarded as the pinnacle of dirt track motorcycle racing in the world, with stars like Kenny Roberts and Eddie Lawson etching their names into sporting folklore.

The event, held during September, is the final one in the AFT schedule and delivers heart-stopping wheel-to-wheel action at speeds of up to 130mph.

With plenty of off-track opportunities to get up close to the riders and their bikes, this is a fun day out for all the family.

Join the discussion on this topic with Vanilla Mist by visiting our contact page.

Visitors considering taking a holiday in the United Kingdom often make London or the south coast their first and only port of call.

However, the UK has plenty of other brilliant places to visit, particularly if you head towards the northern end of the country.

With vibrant cities, seaside towns and stunning areas of natural beauty, there is something to suit every taste ‘up north’.

With the cost of living also much cheaper the further you travel away from the south of the country, it is possible to enjoy short breaks or longer visits at surprisingly economical rates.

Read on as we look at some of our favourite places to visit in the north of the UK.

Blackpool

Blackpool has had a roller-coaster ride as a holiday resort – a rather ironic fact given that the town contains the highly acclaimed Pleasure Beach theme park!

Its reputation suffered massively during the 1980s and 90s, becoming more famous for attracting rowdy stag and hen parties than families.

However, Blackpool has bounced back in style since the turn of the century, with local authorities pumping millions of pounds into regenerating the town.

From playing games at the resort’s casino venues, watching superb live entertainment in one of the numerous show bars or enjoying the miles of beaches, Blackpool is back and it’s back with a bang.

Lake District

Travel even further north to Cumbria to enjoy the natural splendour of the stunningly beautiful Lake District.

Lake Windermere is the largest natural body of water in England and its shores have numerous locations where you can base yourself to explore the area.

Fans of water sports will in their element in the Lake District, with the area providing plenty of opportunities to try water-skiing, kayaking and more.

Small towns like Bowness and Ambleside are well worth checking out, with each offering superb accommodation, great local beers, excellent dining options and a relaxing vibe.

Edinburgh

Whether you’re planning a weekend away or a longer stay, Edinburgh’s mix of history and modern makes it a perfect place for a vacation.

Guided bus tours are a great way to visit historic places like the Scottish Parliament, St Giles’ Cathedral and the National Museum of Scotland.

Alternatively, head out on foot along Princes Street or George Street to discover Edinburgh’s fine selection of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants.

With live music venues, great theatres, comedy clubs and top class sporting action, you will never be short of something to do in Edinburgh.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.