Archive for the Category »Europe «

National Parks In The United Kingdom
Wednesday, March 21st, 2012 /
National Parks

In the UK we have some of the most diverse countryside in Western Europe and since the 1950s some of the most important areas of natural beauty have been protected for the benefit of the public. These areas, known as National Parks, have restrictions placed on development and special efforts are made to conserve the wildlife and natural beauty of the area.

Where are the National Parks?

There are currently 13 National Parks in England and Wales and 2 in Scotland. There are no National Parks in Northern Ireland. On the mainland, National Parks stretch from the Cairngorms in the Highlands of Scotland to Dartmoor in Devon. Some of the most famous areas of scenic beauty in the UK such as Loch Lomond, the Lake District and Snowdonia have National Park status.

Development in National Parks

There are extremely strict planning rules surrounding development in National Parks in the UK, and these rules are designed to protect the natural beauty of the area. One criticism of National Parks is that the restriction on new development has driven up prices of houses and businesses, meaning that local residents are being priced out of the area.

Tourism

National Parks are by definition in areas of outstanding natural beauty and draw tourists from all over the world to experience what they have to offer. Within the parks, there are many walking routes and trails, enabling the public to get away from the crowds and experience the countryside. Many of the routes are gentle strolls, requiring no special equipment such as climbing shoes. For those who do want to dust off their climbing shoes, areas like the Lakes and the Cairngorms offer some of the best climbing and mountaineering in the UK. Novices to the climbing and outdoor scene can join one of the many mountaineering clubs around the country, which run organised trips to the parks, provide coaching and instruction on techniques and will give advice about the best place to buy your crampons, waterproofs and climbing shoes.

Taking it Easy

For those of a less adventurous nature, the National Parks are full of pretty little villages with interesting shops, museums and tearooms. There’s nothing quite as relaxing as a day browsing the antiques shops in the New Forest, followed by a full cream tea at a pretty, traditional tea shop. The National Parks attract thousands of visitors each year to experience typical village life, and during the peak season and bank holidays the roads can get very crowded.

Events and Days Out

The National Parks are working hard to cater to all markets, and regular events run throughout the year to attract people who may not be interested in hiking or tearooms. Visitors have the chance to spend time with one of the park rangers, learning about the wildlife or how to read a map, learn about the history of the park area, or spend their money at a Farmers’ Market, which offers a great chance to pick up quality local produce such as meats, cheeses, cakes and honey.

Trekitt offer a wealth of clothing, footwear and accessories for extreme sports enthusiasts including a large range of climbing shoes for mountaineers and free climbers

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A Visitor’s Guide to the City of Paris
Sunday, March 18th, 2012 /

Many people think of Paris as one of the world’s most romantic cities. And, while Paris has plenty of romance to offer, today’s Paris is a bustling tourist attraction. If you want to navigate Paris safely and efficiently, as well as take in all of its beauty and charm, then you need to know what you are getting into before you make those travel reservations. The best way to get the most out of Paris is to be prepared. Here to help is this visitor’s guide to the city of Paris:

Paris

Transportation. Of course, many people opt to don a backpack and do most of their sightseeing by foot. However, Paris is large and crowded, and there will be times when only an engine will do. Paris’ public transportation is called the Metro; purchase tickets per ride or buy a pass to save some cash, and use the Metro to get from any one point A to any other point B in a short amount of time. There are also hop-on/hop-off buses that travel all around the city, and which are super easy to use; simply jump on one when you see it and jump off it when you see a place you’d like to stop. If you prefer something a little more old-fashioned, you may take a train (which is also a great way to travel to other parts of Europe from Paris). Of course, as in any big city, taxis are abundant. If you want the stereotypical Paris experience, you may rent a moped to scoot around in style.

Using your money in Paris. France is on the Euro system, and you will need to convert your US dollars to Euros. You can exchange your currency at your hotel front desk, or at any currency exchange office. However, it is actually generally cheapest to do your exchanges at an ATM. Just tell your US bank that you will be making foreign transactions before you leave home. Exchange money as you go, rather than get one huge lump sum, because it will cost you money to exchange your excess Euros back to US dollars when your vacation is over. Or, you may opt to use your credit cards.

Champs D'Elysees

What to see. There is a lot to see in Paris, but here are the musts: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Champs D’Elysees, Sacre Coeur, the Moulin Rouge, Arc de Triomphe, Versailles, Latin Quarter, Notre Dame Cathedral, Musee d’Orsay, Hotel des Invalides, the Catacombs, Pantheon, and Place de la Bastille.

When to visit. Any lover of Paris will tell you that the city of lights is charming throughout the entire year. The season you choose to travel is more a matter of personal preference. Just keep in mind that Paris’ high season (summer) is June through October, and its low season (winter) is January to March.

There you have it: the things you need to know when planning your Paris trip. Bon Voyage!

About the Author: Willis Carranco loves traveling the world and will be spending a month in Paris this summer. He and his wife are currently looking for Paris vacation rentals and plan on living the life!

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Top 5 Attractions for Kids in Portugal
Tuesday, March 06th, 2012 /

When taking a family vacation, especially in a place as exotic and culture-filled as Portugal, wine tasting, fine dining, and shopping often take a back seat to more kid-friendly activities.  Parents are then left wondering why they didn’t just cash in their tickets and opt for a theme park instead.  Luckily, Portugal has amazing attractions that are child-centered but still have enough culture and history to keep adults interested as well. These top 5 attractions for kids in Portugal are the must-see places for families looking to learn and enjoy at the same time.

The Oceanarium

100 different species of ocean life inhabit one large tank at this impressive aquarium.  Located riverside, the building actually projects into the water.  What could be a more perfect way to learn about fish?  This site is definitely one of the most popular in the city of Lisbon.  It entrances kids by giving them an up close look at the fish that are abundant in the water right outside; even though they can’t see them.  This is great for families of all ages, and even mom and dad will enjoy watching the incredible creatures and learning along with the children.

Saint George’s Castle

For the most part touring castles means repeatedly telling your kids to “look with their eyes, not with their hands.” Your child’s curiosity gets the best of him and you end up angry and end up leaving.  At Saint George’s Castle, there are no limits, and your child can look, touch, and climb to his heart’s content.  There are winding staircases, huge courtyards, and turrets that will keep your child busy for hours.  Even the trip to and from the castle is an adventure.  You can take the old railway up the hill and then travel the winding streets of Alfama to come back down.

The Children’s Museum

This is a museum filled with rooms; each with a different child-centered activity taking place.  Your child can choose a few favorite activities or make a day of it and move from room to room.  What’s even better is that the museum is located inside of a zoo.  You can plan an entire day of animal watching and then hands-on fun.  There are gallery assistants throughout the museum that can assist you and even help translate from Portuguese to make your visit even more fun.

The Marionette Museum

An incredible collection of marionettes all housed in what used to be an 18th century convent; does it get any cooler than that?  The museum houses over 1000 knight, princess, devil, prince, and other puppets; many of which are from as far back as the 17th and 18th centuries.  While the majority of the puppets are of course from Portugal, you can also expect to see puppets from China, India, and a few other locations as well.  If you’ve got a child who loves puppet shows, the Marionette Museum allows them to experience a true original while getting a history lesson as well.

The Knowledge Pavilion

After your trip to the Oceanarium, you can jaunt over to next door where the Knowledge Pavilion; an incredible science museum, is awaiting eager minds.  The museum includes a wide array of exhibits, many of which are permanent, but many others that are constantly being changed.  If you frequently visit Portugal, this is one stop that you can make each time and find something different.  Both English and Portuguese is offered in speech and writing throughout the museum and there are many hands-on activities to keep your child’s hands and mind busy and learning.

Photo courtesy of Filipe Varela

If you are planning on visiting the Silver Coast Portugal why not stay in one of the many child friendly rural retreats?  There are lots to choose from and there is no better way to spend a family holiday.

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Five Must-Do Activities While Staying in the French Alps
Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 /

Situated in the southeastern part of France, the French Alps play host to a variety of people and activities.  Jutting upwards from the European continent, these peaks give spectacular views while offering an array of different winter sports and getaway locations for the individual and family alike.  While staying in the French Alps, we recommend visiting the places on our list in order to get a well-rounded experience of all this area has to offer.

Mont Blanc Guided Walk

This in itself is a rather large excursion, but one that will help you connect to the natural environment of the area and have an experience like no other.  With a guide, you can spend one week traversing the Alps and enjoying spectacular views of lakes, valleys, snow-capped peaks and glaciers.  Along the way, you will be able to enjoy fine eateries, shopping and all the extras without being bagged down (mules carry your luggage for you).  This guided tour is one of the most popular in the French Alps and it is easy to understand why once you have experienced all the beauty it has to offer.

L’Impossible

Originally a barn that dates back to the mid-1700s, L’Impossible is a modern French restaurant near Mont Blanc that specializes in serving all the delicacies that you come to expect with French cuisine.  Enjoy a variety of dishes – including garlic-butter snails, foie gras with quail and pineapple carpaccio – in a beautiful ambiance that features wood, warm candle lighting, gold accentuation and wicker furniture.  You will leave here feeling full, satisfied and even closer to the French experience in the Alps.

Natural History Museum

Located in downtown Grenoble, the Natural History Museum plays host to the showcasing of all the natural flora and fauna in the area. Included in the museum’s tour are exhibits that highlight the native insect population and an aquarium that shows the natural freshwater fish that dwell in many of the lakes and reservoirs in the mountains and valleys.  There is also the piece de resistance: a botanical garden that spans a large area, giving you first-hand access to all the area’s beautiful foliage.

Fort de la Bastille

After leaving the museum, you can cross the highway to visit Fort de la Bastille, an ancient fortification that once safeguarded the city but now showcases breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.  In order to get to this fort, you will need to ride the ascent lifts (Telepherique Grenoble Bastille) that rise approximately 750 feet (260 m) over the rushing Isere River to the top of the fort.  There are also hiking trails that descend the mountain; they can be accessed from the fort thanks to a series of maps and indicators.

Fort de la Bastille

Chambre Neuf

By far the best party bar in the area, Chambre Neuf is located near Mont Blanc (in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc) and gives tourists the ability to kick back and have fun in a lively environment.  You will find some of the best cover bands in the area here, as well as plenty of fun in the form of pre-ski drinking sessions and blondes dancing on tables.  The conversation in the bar normally turns into ski-related talk, but that doesn’t mean non-skiers won’t have fun here.

Photo courtesy of Cherishing the Mundane

The French Alps is a wonderful place to visit so make sure you make your stay extra special by staying in a well equipped holiday rental France.  The Owner’s Direct website has a wide selection of holiday rentals and everything from Morzine accommodation to guesthouses in the mountains can be found.

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Exploring Ancient Ruins in Croatia and Italy
Tuesday, February 14th, 2012 /

The dynamic and often conflicted history of Europe has left many beautiful artifacts scattered across the continent, each with their own story to tell about the life and times of a certain era.  As various civilizations conquered and built their own cities and structures, permanent reminders of these civilizations were left dotted across the European continent.  Anyone who loves exploring ancient ruins and structures will have the time of their life seeking out these edifices throughout various countries.  Throughout my travels, I have seen many ruins and forgotten settlements and am here to guide you in the right direction on where to look for the most intriguing relics of yesteryear.

Croatia

When you think of Croatia, the idea of ancient Roman ruins and other more modern ruins may not come to mind at first.  However, Croatia is one of the best places in Europe to explore the constructions of past societies and for those who love walls and fortresses, Croatia is the place to be.  Surrounding the city of Dubrovnik are the Walls of Dubrovnik, which run approximately two kilometers around the city and measure four to six meters thick.  Known as the “European Great Wall of China”, the Walls of Ston are just a short drive from Dubrovnik and link the towns of Ston and Mali Ston, measuring approximately 6 kilometers in length.  These walls were built in the 14th & 15th centuries by the Republic of Ragusa.

There are also standalone structures that are impressive to see in Croatia.  Diocletian’s Palace was commissioned by none other than the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the early 4th Century AD and was built to house him in his “retirement”.  The palace enclave has since been re-occupied and many shops and stores can be found within the palace gates.  Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and situated just 30 kilometers north of the Walls of Ston, all three of these ruins can be visited in under half a day.

Italy

Just a hop, skip and a jump to the west of Croatia, Italy is well-known for having some of the most remarkable ancient Roman structures in the world.  Rome plays host to many of these incredible structures and it makes sense as Rome was the center of the world in ancient times.  Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of ancient Rome and is the only one to remain untouched by increasing urbanization.  The 500 year-old Farnese Gardens are a sight to behold, situated directed on top of the hill.

The Coliseum

One of the most famous ruins of all time, the Coliseum, is also one of the most well-preserved ruins from the time of Rome.  Located directly in the middle of a very busy city, the Coliseum features designs of all three major column structures: Ionic, Doric and Corinthian. While once an amphitheater for public entertainment and violence, the Coliseum now sits as a reminder of the excesses of Rome. While there are many other ruins located throughout the city, the Coliseum is the biggest and most impressive ruin to examine.

Photo courtesy of Melolou

Holidays in Croatia and holidays in Italy are sure to be absolutely fantastic!  Visit the Owner’s Direct website to browse through a wide range of accommodation and find something perfect before you travel.

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Tips for a Winter Holiday in the Off-season
Tuesday, February 14th, 2012 /

Perhaps you are planning to escape the snow and cold and head to the Algarve region of Portugal, but you are not quite sure what there is to do in this destination during the winter months? Although the winter weather will be a bit cooler than the peak tourist season in the summertime, winter is still an excellent opportunity to visit the Algarve. You might even be able to take advantage of some off-season deals on accommodation and tours!

Algarve

What is the weather like?

Winter in the Algarve might not be scorching hot enough to work on your tan, but it is still pleasant. The cooler temperatures are perfect for exploring historical sites and ancient ruins and going hiking. Although winter will seem cold in comparison to the amazing temperatures here during the rest of the year, it will still likely be one of the warmest places in Europe during the winter season.

During the winter months of December, January and February the Algarve experiences its coldest weather. However, the temperature rarely dips below 10 degrees Celsius and is often in the low 20s. During the night the temperatures can drop to only a few degrees before freezing but snow is unheard of. It will rain more frequently during the winter months, but overall the weather is pleasant, fresh, and spring-like. By the end of February the trees will have started to blossom and the wild flowers will begin to appear.

What can I do when I am there?

There  are lots of things to see and do in the winter in the Algarve, and since there will be less crowds you will find that exploring is a lot easier and less hectic. During the summer months the resorts will be overflowing with families but during the winter when children are at school there is a much quieter atmosphere. Certain attractions, such as water parks, might be closed for the season but there are many other things that you can do.

Algarve Golf Resort

Golf resorts such as Monte da Quinta Club offer excellent golfing facilities since the weather is warm enough to tee-off all year round. If hiking is your favourite pastime, there are many beautiful places to explore in the area. The Ria Formosa is a protected wetland and one of the most important bird sanctuaries in Europe, and it has several guided walking trails that you can explore. There are also many breathtaking coastal cliff walks along the Algarve coast, but these can be dangerous so take care and be sure that you know your path.

You could also take a boat cruise, which are offered in the marinas of the main coastal cities throughout the Algarve. If the sun is shining you can enjoy several blissful hours sailing off the coast and getting a great view of the stunning cliffs and beaches. 

If you are visiting during Christmas, many ex-pat pubs in the popular resort areas will offer a Christmas dinner which is a great opportunity to meet new people and make friends. There are also plenty of celebrations on New Year’s Eve such as fireworks and free outdoor concerts.

There is certainly a lot to keep you busy when visiting the Algarve in the wintertime and with less crowds and cheaper prices this beautiful destination is certainly an enticing escape!

Are you planning to visit the Algarve region of Portugal this winter? Check out Select Resorts for more information about the very best places to stay, such as the elegant Monte da Quinta Club.

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Paris – The City of Light and Love Never Fades
Friday, December 16th, 2011 /

All over France, and probably in the whole of Europe, Paris has the most number of destinations concentrated in one place. Aside from housing the world’s most renowned museums, this city has a lively historic center, a wonderful riverscape, historical sites and monuments, as well as one of the most vibrant nightlife in the world. There is a great variety of Paris hotels from which to choose, meaning people from all backgrounds and countries can enjoy its pleasures.

Sightseeing

Paris is also known for its cafes and restaurants, arts and architecture, theatres and cinemas, and its overall romantic ambiance. Its sights are more than enough to make a library of travel books. One of the most famous sights dominating the city is the Eiffel Tower. Seeing the entire city from the top of the tower during night time is more than magical.

Arc de Triomphe

Other attractions include Arc de Triomphe, Grande Arche, Bastille Prison, Palais-Royal, and Elysee Palace. You shouldn’t miss Paris’ museums such as Louvre and Modern Art Museum. The churches are also a must-see – among them is the Cathedrale de Notre-Dame de Paris and the Church of St-Eustache. There are also gardens and quarters which are all equally fascinating.

Shopping

Paris is one of the fashion and shopping capitals of the world where you can find top designer stores. High end shopping centers can be found in avenue Montaigne, Place des Victoires and Rue du Faubourg-St-Honore. Smaller boutiques can be found in St-Germain-des-Pres. For jewellery stores, Vendome and Les Halles have all you need. If you want to buy gifts and souvenirs, Marais has a lot of items in store for you.

avenue Montaigne

If you want great bargains, check out food and flea markets. You can find one at almost any neighborhood. At the north of Paris, you can find the largest flea market in Europe which is the Marche aux Puces se St-Ouen. On the bank of Seine, you will find books, perfumes, chocolates and other goodies that will satisfy your remaining budget for the holidays.

Outdoor Activities

Paris is an active city even during night time. From 10pm to 1 am, people skate around the city. They usually meet below the Montparnasse Tower. The skaters are divided in different areas depending on their proficiency. It is a traditional activity that you shouldn’t pass up.

For water sports, Aquaboulevard Water Sports is the place to be. You can also see the entire city in a different perspective – from a hot air balloon. The take off point is at Fontainebleau. This is an experience that you don’t want to forget when visiting Paris.

Eating Out

When visiting Paris, you will never run out of a place to eat. You can choose from fine dining establishments to corner brasseries. There are also creperies and bistros where you can pick up any type of cheese, bread and pastry. Great restaurants are located in Rue Mouffetard where you can find any cuisine of your choice, all day long.

Rue Mouffetard

Traditional French dishes are served in the Left Bank and Right Bank, at the small streets near Louvre, in the Latin Quarter, and Bastille area. For a fine dining experience, nothing beats the Ritz. If you are on a tight budget, Montparnasse and Butte aux Cailles are a favorite.

Theatre

Cinemas, concerts, and theatres are important parts of Paris’ nightlife. Although prices are costly, there are also student rates available. Among the most well-known places in this field are the Odeon Theatre de l’Europe, Champs-Elysees, Cinematheque Francaise, and Opera Bastille. For nights of music and dancing, Le Divane du Monde, Le Caveau de la Huchette and Re de les Lombards are your best bet.

Events

Paris has a lot of cultural festivities to boast of. It is a host of different yearly events such as Festival du Film de Paris and Foire de Paris from March to April. Le Marathon de Paris also happens in April. This city is also home to one of the best New Year’s Eve celebration which is the Reveillon.

Anne is a writer with a love of travel, she often writes about the worlds destinations.

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Top Five Tourist Attractions for History Lovers in Berlin
Wednesday, December 14th, 2011 /

Berlin is a wonderful city to visit and is rich in culture and history. There is much to see and do here and a history lover will be kept entertained for a long time within this city. As is widely known, the city itself has had a turbulent past and has been ravaged by war. Also, it is only since 1989 that the city itself was unified and the evidence of the struggle and division is still seen today.

One of the most visited and interesting destinations in Berlin is the Berlin Wall. Construction began in 1961 and divided the Communist East and Democratic West. It was demolished in 1989 and the city began to rebuild itself. The wall is an important part of Berlins history and extremely interesting to visit. You can still see traces of the wall or visit the memorials or museums. In order to fully immerse yourself in the history, I would recommend visiting The Berlin Wall Memorial and Documentation Centre. It gives you some insight into the oppressive world that once existed here.

Berlin Wall

The number one rated attraction in Berlin according to Trip Advisor is the Pergamon Museum. This is a world renowned museum which explores ancient history and houses many priceless artefacts. One of the most famous artefacts is the Altar of Zeus which draws a large crowd. The Room of Greek sculptures is also especially amazing. As with most museums, go as early in the day as possible to beat the inevitable crowds, especially if you are travelling to Berlin during peak season.

Pergamon Museum

When visiting Berlin and exploring its history, it is important to delve into all periods of the city’s history even the unpleasant times. World War 2 was a terrible time in Germany under the Third Reich. The Topography of Terror is a great way to examine Berlin during the Second World War. It was once the headquarters of the SS, The Secret State Police and the Reich Security main office. People can now see the extent of the Nazi parties’ power in Berlin and across Europe and examine the atrocious policies which the people in this building put into action. The photographs on display here are extremely interesting and will allow you a glimpse into that sad chapter of Berlin’s history.

The Holocaust Memorial

Finally I would recommend that you visit The Holocaust Memorial following your visit of ‘The Topography of Terror’. It will show the real consequences of the decisions made during the war. It can be a very upsetting day but it’s important to remember those lost and it is also interesting from an historical perspective. The museum is underground and there is free entry but either reading up on the subject thoroughly or renting an audiobook is advised.

Of course there is much more historical gems to visit in Berlin such as Brandenburg Gate, Hohenschoenhausen Prison, the German History Museum and the Neues Museum to name a few. However, the four detailed above are must-sees for those that love history.

This guest blog post was written by Hannah of BerlinCityGuide.net, publishers of the free guide of things to do in Berlin

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The Greatest Castles in Ireland
Friday, December 09th, 2011 /

A visit to Ireland is a history buff’s dream come true, because there are so many wonderfully well preserved examples of medieval architecture to wander through and explore. If you are fascinated by what life would have been like in the Middle Ages, you can visit the stone steps, ancient battlements, and ornate rooms of many authentic castles. These buildings have been the setting for many important events within the history of Ireland, and many are open to the public to enjoy.
Here are a few of the best castles to visit in Ireland:

Blarney Castle

This famous Irish castle was build around 1446, for the MacCarthy Chieftans of Munster, and it can be found just outside of Blarney Village, near the city of Cork. The structure is now in partial ruins, but several rooms are accessible to view. The Blarney Castle is famous for its “Blarney Stone” which is fabled to give the “gift of the gab” to anyone who kisses its surface. Some believe that this stone is the Lia Fail, the magical stone on which Irish kings throughout history were crowned. To kiss the stone you must bend over backwards precariously over the parapet to reach it. While you are here, be sure to take a walk through the extensive gardens and visit the many strange natural rock formations such as the “Witch’s Cave” and the “Wishing Steps”.

Blarney Castle

Dublin Castle

This castle was the stronghold of British power within Ireland for over 700 years. Originally a 13th century Norman and Viking fortress, now only one tower remains of the original structure and an 18th century castle has been built on the site. Dublin Castle was once the residence of the official British viceroys in Ireland, and it is now used by the Irish Government. If you are a passionate history enthusiast, you will love the guided tour around the castle.

Dublin Castle

Cahir Castle

This is one of the largest and best preserved castles in Ireland, and can be found near Cahir town centre in South Tipperary. Built in 1142 by the Prince of Thomond, this castle has many fascinating chambers, spiral staircases, and high battlements to explore. Be sure to take one of the educational tours offered at the castle, which explain the fascinating history of the site.

Cahir Castle

Ashford Castle

Would you like to live in a medieval castle and experience what it would have been like to be a king or a queen? If so, book a stay in Ashford Castle, which is a beautifully restored castle built in 1228 which has been turned into a luxury five star hotel. Ashford Castle was originally the stronghold of the de Burgo family, back in the days when Ireland was a vast and untamed wilderness. This beautiful castle is a stunning place to stay, and it has hosted many famous guests throughout the years such as John Lennon, King George V, Oscar Wilde, Ronald Reagan, John Wayne, Brad Pitt, and U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy. If you are on a budget and don’t want to splurge on a night in these sumptuous surroundings, go ahead and visit the castle anyway so you can marvel at its amazing architecture.

These are just a few of the many beautiful castles that are waiting to be explored, so why not take a flight to Ireland and discover the fascinating medieval world of the emerald isle?

Simon Grant loves to write and currently contributes to a number of travel blogs and websites, including Time to Wander

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10 Reasons Why You Should Choose A Canal Boat Holiday
Friday, November 25th, 2011 /

Sometimes going to the same place year after year for your holiday can become a little tiresome; sometimes you fancy something a little bit different. If you yearn for a holiday that is both relaxing, filled with great scenery and still retains some of the comforts of home you could do a lot worse than a canal boat holiday. If you haven’t ever considered one of these kinds of holiday you are in for a real treat.

Canal Boat

Canal holidays are one of the greatest ways to bring a family together and (barring the sometimes erratic English weather) can be a great way to unwind and just take it easy. Here are 10 reasons why you should ditch Benidorm this year and go on a canal boat holiday:

1. Its kid friendly – while you might think children and confined spaces don’t mix, there’s plenty for kids to do on a canal holiday. And unless the weather’s dreadful, apart from sleeping, you’re not likely to spend much time on the boat. There are too many places to see and visit.

2. Its pet friendly – if you don’t want to leave your dog at home, or shell out for boarding kennels, many operators allow dogs on board. And the amount of walking you’ll do makes this a fantastic holiday for dogs. Just remember to bring blankets for them to protect sofas and bedding.

dog on board

3. You can go wherever you like – Unlike some holidays where you’re tied into a package deal, hiring a canal boat gives you a lot of freedom. Many operators offer a choice of different cruising routes, so you can simply pick whichever one appeals to you most and visit the places that interest you.

4. You can come and go as you please. You don’t have to stay on the boat at all times. If you pass something or somewhere that interests you, you can simply moor the boat and explore, obviously making sure you choose a suitable spot.

5. You can bring your bike. Boat hire companies will usually allow you to take a limited number of bikes on board with you. Towpaths and country lanes are perfect for taking the family on exploratory bike rides.

6. It’s perfect for beginners and canal enthusiasts. You don’t have to have experience to drive a canal boat. Boat hire companies provide full training before you leave their premises, during which time staff are on hand to answer your questions and put to rest any concerns you might have.

7. You’ll see places you’d not get to see otherwise, and discover some hidden gems. It’s amazing the kinds of sites that you will see that other people won’t – just because they are out of the reach of the city centre!

8. You can enjoy the great outdoors. Although you will spend a lot of time on the boat you will be driving from the outside and if the weather is good there is nothing more relaxing that sunbathing on the top of the boat (it beats the business of a beach and you don’t have the screaming kids that sometimes are obligatory at6 a hotel pool!)

9. Its fun whatever the weather! Yes, the English weather is erratic but the inside of a narrow boat is cosy and you can really connect as a family – something that seems to be getting lost in modern life.

10. Its wallet friendly! With people still tightening their belts you can be sure that you are going to be spending a bomb on useless souvenirs and over priced hotel bar drinks.

Leave your preconceptions at the door and try a different kind of holiday this year – you never know what you are going to discover!

When not dreaming of what to do for holiday next year (we all need at least two!) Wayne Barker writes for Hire A Canal Boat, one of the largest providers of luxury narrow boat hire in the UK.

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