The city of Torrevieja in Spain is located about half way between Alicante and Cartagena. It belongs to the Providence of Alicante. The name Torrevieja means old town in English. It offers plenty to do for everyone, singles, couples and families with small children.
The weather in Torrevieja is hot in the summer and mild in the winter. The beautiful summer weather makes this area one of the most popular summer vacation spots in the Costa Blanca area. The city is a popular destination for British, German and Scandinavian tourists as well as visitors from other areas of Spain.
Travelling to the spanish Costa Blanca
Alicante airport is the closest for travelling to Torrevieja. The airport has several large and small carriers that offer a variety of flight options, both within Spain and internationally. Prices for tickets vary according to the season. A few discount airlines fly into this airport, offering great deals on flights.
Once you arrive at the airport, you have several options for travelling to the city. Buses run on fairly regular schedules. Taxis are available to the city. If you prefer not to use public transportation or want the freedom to travel throughout the area, you may want to consider a car rental. Car hire companies are plentiful and most will pick you up at the airport.
Things to do around the area
This area of Spain is known for salt production. There are two huge salt lakes around Torrevieja. These lakes produce about a half a million tons of salt per year. Salt, fishing and tourism are the major industries in the area. The Museum of Sea and Salt offers a look at the history of the major industries in the area.
The natural salt production in the area has other benefits for visitors. The Natural Park of the Lagoons of the Mata offers salt baths. These are relaxing and have health benefits as well. The baths are great for illnesses, such as arthritis and various skin conditions. The park also has plentiful fauna and a variety of exotic birds.
Torrevieja has one of the largest open air markets in Spain. This market is located near the bus station. It offers fresh fruits and vegetables every Friday. There is also a craft market, which may be of interest. The craft market is located close to the harbour. Vendors offer jewellery, carvings and leather goods.
Golf enthusiasts will enjoy playing in Torrevieja. There are many golf courses in the area, such as the Torrevieja Golf Club. Green fees range from thirty five to eighty Euros. The price you will pay depends upon the course you play and the time of year.
Music lovers will find plenty to enjoy in the city. An international music festival is held in the city every year, in late July to early August. The Habanera Festival features choral groups from all over. Music is common in clubs, bars and restaurants.
There are many choices for fun, if you are travelling with children. The Aquopolis Water Park offers rapids, a wave pool, slides, a swimming pool and baby pool for fun in the water. There are water activities for all ages, from infants through adults. The park also has mini golf and restaurants. You can enjoy lunch in the restaurant or bring along a picnic lunch.
Indiana Bills is a soft play park. This park is geared for children under the age of twelve. This is an indoor, air conditioned play area. The kids will have fun climbing, jumping, sliding and crawling. Since it is located indoors, this park is a good choice in bad weather or any season.
Holiday rental in France doesn’t have to be all about the main cities of Paris or Versailles. You can find just as many enticing – and satisfying – cities along the French Riviera to enjoy with family or for a romantic south France getaway for UK travelers.
The French Riviera is located in south France on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It borders Italy and flows from Cassis to Menton. It is also one of the most popular resort beaches in the world, hosting many movie stars each year. Some cities along or near the French Riviera include Cannes, Nice, Antibes, Monaco, Vence, Toulon, Cassis, Saint-Raphael, Menton, Monte Carlo, Juan-les-Pins, and Grasse.
The French Riviera has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and abundant sunshine about 300 days per year. Many festivities are held in the area each year such as the Monaco Circus Festival (January/February), the Nice Carnival (February), the Lemon Festival in Menton (February), the Jazz Festival in Nice (July), the Juan-les-Pins Jazz Festival (July), the Jasmine Festival in Grasse (August), and the Rose Festival in Grasse (May).
French Riviera Sea and Mountains
Many tourists enjoy French Riviera rental cruises for relaxation, romance, and even recreation such as golf holiday cruises. There are several major ports including those in Cannes, Nice, and Villefranche-sur-Mer and many choices of adventures throughout the year. The French Riviera coast stretches about 120 kilometers with famous resorts, sandy beaches, islands, glistening night lights, and a variety of sea sports.
The French Riviera attracts mountain lovers each year with its Alpes d’Azur. The snow-covered peeks can be seen from the French Riviera, and ski resorts are within only a 90-minute drive from Nice. The mountains are great for a day France trip for travelers that are visiting the French Riviera and surrounding areas. Activities in the mountains include sightseeing of beautiful landscapes and many leisurely activities such as hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing, white water rafting, and more.
Golf Holiday in France
Those who love to golf will find plenty of fabulous courses during their French Riviera holiday. South France holidays and rentals offer the most amazing golf packages with some of the most popular golf courses. Travelers can stay in any city such as Nice, Vence, or Cannes and visit numerous golf courses in these areas. Or, French Riviera golf cruises can take golfers from city to city to see the scenery and try out a new course every day. There are about 21 courses along the French Riviera with four in the mountainous areas, each designed by world-renowned golf course architects.
With museums, parks and gardens, historical towns and villages, and numerous coastal attractions, there’s something for the entire family to do along the French Riviera. Those considering a holiday rental in France will find plenty of adventures in one of the amazing cities along the French Riviera. Check out online resources to locate specific Provence accommodations or any France holiday accommodations at affordable prices.
If you need a hotel, apartment, villa etc to sleep your big family of 5, 6 , 7 or more visit www.roomfor5.co.uk
Europe has many beautiful tourist destinations. However, it is absolutely undeniable that by far, Amsterdam is one of the best. The population of 735000 is proud of this ‘greatest of small cities in the world’. There is the world famous canal system to explore and the fantastic personification of tolerance and diversity that is synonymous with the romantic and beautiful city of Amsterdam. A trip along the canals is a must for every lover of architecture. The city is also known for soft drugs and prostitution. Amsterdam ably competes with cities like London, Paris and Milan. However, in comparison, the city has more to offer for less.
Amsterdam caters to every tourist’s needs. There is the presence of a unique culture, exquisite nightlife, amazing lodging options for every budget, great transport connectivity and the authentic bike experience. The beautiful weather all year round has made this jewel of The Netherlands a popular tourist destination for travelers from all over the world. Among the popular tourist attractions in the city are the museums, canals, coffee-shops and the water taxis.
Tourist attractions - The Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk and the Van Gogh Museums are very popular. Amsterdam has over fifty museums! The coffee shops in Holland or The Netherlands are an amusing sight because they not only sell small amounts of cannabis, but are also regulated! The coffee shops are not allowed to cater to anyone under-18 and beyond 5g. The city flaunts over three hundred options in accommodation that have been categorized as the best money can buy.
Amsterdam travel routes – Amsterdam offers good provisions for dedicated cyclists, such as bike paths and racks. There are an estimated one million bicycles in the city. Public transport in Amsterdam is available in the form of bus and tram lines. There are also water taxis and a water bus. There are dedicated canal cruises that enable tourists to explore the Amsterdam’s waterways.
Visitors come to the beautiful city of Amsterdam for its reputation of being a liberal city. The city offers visitors a charm that is emphasised by elegant houses and the ever-enchanting canals. The popular Anne Frankd House is a ‘must-see’ in Amsterdam. The people are known to be very warm and welcoming and very accommodating.
Amsterdam lodging options – Amsterdam has a number of lodging options for tourists. There are luxurious hotels and budgeted ones too, to cater to the need of both, leisure and business travelers. There are popular youth hostels all over the city. These offer single accommodation at very cost effective prices. The lodging in Amsterdam includes meals and sight seeing options, depending on whether you are a walk-in customer or a guest with prior booking and arrangements.
Some of the lodging options worth considering in Amsterdam include:
The Park Plaza Victoria Hotel: Across the Amsterdam Central Sation, very near Dam Square, this fantastic lodging options offers double rooms from 66 pounds onwards. The hotel is known to offer discounts as much as 63%. The hotel keeps offering special rates to attract tourists and list among the favorite options offered by travel agents, the world over.
Hotel City Garden: Located in the heart of this beautiful city, the hotel offers double rooms from 39 pounds onwards. The amentities are among the best and it is conveniently located for business travellers. The warm and cozy hotel promises tourists a near-home experience.
NH Center Amsterdam: This stately lodging option is next to the Vondel Park, near Leidse Square and Museum Square. The tariff offers double rooms from 71 pounds onwards.
Amsterdam hotels and accommodation can be accessed via the dedicated websites of the hotels and travel agents. You can choose from luxurious accommodation in Amsterdam, to a cheap and cost effective budget hotel or even a Schiphol or airport hotel.
The best approach:
This “Venice of the North” attracts travelers from all over the world. Amsterdam has evolved into a meeting ground for various cultures and sub-cultures. The city has people from different backgrounds living together within a distinct urban environment. The lodging options at Amsterdam can be accessed online via dedicated online resources, however, a little prior research and comparison helps a lot. It pays to reserve and plan your holiday in this beautiful city.
With the rising costs of airfares and the increasing time it takes to get through security at the airports; more and more families are deciding to travel by car for their holiday/vacation. Most of us with young children are returning to the days we grew up in where we traveled most places by car with our parents.
We started asking other friends for how they make the trip go easier and how they beat the “Are we there yets?”, here’s ten tips to help your car vacation go a lot easier:
1. Decide do your kids do better in the early morning or evening hours for traveling? Which ever it is plan your travel to match, for this us our kids don’t travel well in the morning they do much better if we leave after 2:00pm and travel into the evening.
2. Stock your car with favorite pre-bagged snacks for everyone, even parents, a cooler with lots of water and favorite drinks, colored pencils, crayons, a few coloring books, sticker books, travel games, and a travel journal for older kids.
3. Take along DS consoles & games and mp3 players (even for little kids).
4. Do consider a portable DVD player, this makes 5 or 6 hour a day seem like 2 hours. It also cuts a lot of the unnecessary stops as the kids are involved in the movie playing.
5. To avoid the difficulty of hauling in a suitcase for every person into a hotel for the 1 night stops. Pack a 3 day bag into which each person contributes 3 days worth of clothes. This way you take one suitcase of clothes in every three days.
6. Do pack a lightweight table cloth for outdoor lunch stops along the way.
7. Be sure to take the digital camera you’ll create lifetime memories.
8. Do get postcards from every major destination along the way.
9. All kids are different but in general don’t drive as far as the adults can go in one day, try to keep car travel to a 6 to 8 hour range of time.
10. Don’t fill the inside of the car to the brim causing less space for the kids, instead consider a car topper for safe keeping of your belongings.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, travel is increasing every year and it is predicted that even more people will be on the road this year. Traveling with the family can be a great way to spend quality time together but it can also be stressful. Increase your chances of a fun, stress-free and safe vacation by following these simple tips:
Beat boredom with child’s play. “Are we there yet?” What is it about these words that go straight to a parent’s spine? Keep kids entertained with some great car games that make getting where you’re going half the fun. Magnetic board games, portable video games and classics such as the license plate game, “I Spy” and the alphabet game will keep energetic kids in good spirits and actively engaged no matter how long the journey.
Stop smart. When stopping at rest stops, make sure it’s just your kids getting back in the car and not the bacteria and germs they pick up in the bathroom. Bring products that keep your family healthy, such as hand sanitizer and Lysol Disinfectant Spray, to kill rest stop germs that can be transferred from the rest room to the surfaces in your car. To prepare for those inevitable spills and “oops” moments, keep paper towels or wet wipes handy.
Eat right. Sure, you can stop at the rest stop for food-along with the thousands of other people on the road. But roadside dining doesn’t always offer the healthiest choices. Instead, keep your family’s bellies full with snacks that you can eat right in the car, such as trail mix, string cheese, fruit roll-ups, bottles of water, and fruit. These easy, convenient snacks are yummy (for them) and healthy (for you).
Keep everyone happy. Pick a destination that has fun activities for all ages. While it’s tempting to head for the place that the kids will love, make sure there’s something for mom, dad and grandma to do as well. Some top family vacation spots that offer something for everyone include Orlando, Fla., Anaheim, Calif., Williamsburg, Va., Hershey, Pa. and Yellowstone National Park.
Family vacations can be chaotic but immensely rewarding. And if you keep these tips in mind, you can help ensure safe and happy travels-at least until you get there.
When stopping at rest stops, make sure it’s just your kids getting back in the car and not germs they pick up in the bathroom.
*This competition is now closed – the winner is CathandDave McBlain via facebook!*
Schools out for summer and what better way to treat the kids to a great day out at Blackpool Tower!
With 5 great attractions in one trip, there’s truly something for everyone at The Blackpool Tower!
This family ticket permits 5 people (2 adults + 3 children) entry to The eye, The ballroom, The dungeons, The circus & Jungle Jim’s.
The Blackpool Tower Eye
Before embarking on your ascent to The Blackpool Tower Eye, encounter the new 4D Blackpool. Amazing sights, smells and special effects surround you as you follow one little boy’s adventure at the seaside. Then, ready for your flight, you embark on your journey to the top of The Blackpool Tower as you step into the lift. Once you’ve reached your destination, the doors open, and you are met with floor to ceiling, uninterrupted views across Blackpool and beyond. Breathtaking!
The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
Perfect for families & children aged 8yrs+
1000 years of Blackpool’s most dramatic history as one of the top things to do in Blackpool and a great day out for the whole family – educational, entertaining, and seriously scary fun!
The Blackpool Tower Circus
The Blackpool Tower Circus is built amongst the four legs of The Blackpool Tower, a unique setting for a unique show! This all new Circus Show, Mooky V Boooffalo Bill, will have a distinct Wild West theme. Boooffalo Bill brings his show to town including acts such as the Russian Swing, Wire Walking, Russian Bar, Horizontal Bar and the infamous Water Finale. Great fun and excitement for all the family – perfect for the school holidays.
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom
With dancing every day, you can either take a whirl on the dance floor yourself or sit on the side-lines and watch as others glide by. Either way this magical setting will encapsulate you and you’ll be eager to visit time and time again…as so many regular visitors already do.
Jungle Jim’s Children’s Indoor Play
With giant Inca Gods guarding the entrance. Inside, awaiting all your brave explorers, is a fun-tastic range of swinging, sliding and climbing contraptions plus a fabulous interactive quest to find hidden treasure!
2. Follow us on twitter and tweet: “I want to win the Blackpool Tower family ticket competition! @roomfor5 http://www.roomfor5.co.uk/blog/?p=2903 #competition #win #blackpool“ or…
3. Post a comment below telling us why you’d like to win!
For even more chances to win why not do all 3 and share our competiton on facebook!
The lucky winner, picked by random.org, will receive a family ticket (2 adults and 3 children) to use at Blackpool Tower.
That’s it! What have you got to lose?
Closing date is August 3rd 2012 @ 5pm , Entrants must be 18 years or over. There is no cash alternative. Competition open to UK residents only.
Paris is the capital and largest city of France. A stylish, sophisticated and romantic city, it boasts many sights to see, such as Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe as well as some of Europe’s best shops and restaurants. Located on the River Seine in the country’s north, Paris maintains much of its traditional architecture, with hidden squares, churches, cathedrals and palaces mixing in well with more modern designs. Access to Paris is fairly simple by car, rail or air.
Rome
A vibrant city with timeless architecture and a passionate culture, Rome is the largest city in Italy and also the capital. Located on the Tiber and Aniene rivers near the Mediterranean Sea, Rome enjoys a warm, comfortable climate in which visitors can explore the city. In addition to a rich history, Rome is also home to the Vatican City, a sovereign enclave within Rome, it is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church and the home of the Pope. Traveling around Rome is fairly easy on a network of trams, buses and trains, although travel by car is not recommended.
London
One of the world’s major business and financial centres, London is also a cosmopolitan and energetic centre for arts, culture, politics and entertainment. London’s population includes an extremely diverse range of peoples, cultures and religions, and with over 300 languages being spoken it is the most linguistically diverse city in the world. In addition to this, the city boasts a great number of important buildings and iconic landmarks, including world-famous museums, theatres, concert halls, galleries and palaces.
Venice
The “city of canals”, is the capital of the region of Veneto and of the province of Venice, in Northern Italy. The city stretches across numerous small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea. Venice has a very rich history and in previous centuries the Venetian Republic was a major sea power and a staging area for the Crusades, as well as a very important centre of commerce and art during the Renaissance. As Europe’s largest car free area, traveling around the city can only be done by boat or on foot.
Barcelona
Barcelona offers a range of tourist attractions, from Roman remains and a historic city centre, the old harbour, museums and the famous Sagrada Familia church. It is the capital city of Catalonia and the second most populous city in Spain. Located in the comarca of Barcelonès, along the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona benefits from a temperate Mediterranean climate.
To find hotels in these cities with family rooms to sleep 5, 6 or more persons please visit www.roomfor5.co.uk
Many parents of small children find that their idea of a dream holiday differs somewhat from that of the children. For kids from tiny babies up to teenagers, the world of Disney holds an appeal that is universal. While this is great for the kids, and the parents would have a great time too, many adults would prefer to go on a relaxing cruise vacation. The luxury and opulence of this lifestyle appeals to many but when sacrifices are to be made, it is the parents who usually end up making them.
Disney, being the clever company that they are, have managed to provide both parents and children with their holiday of their dreams, combining the magical world of Disney characters with a cruise holiday. These Disney cruises offer families the best of both worlds and ensure that all of the members of the family have a holiday never to forget.
The Disney Cruises offer breaks from 3 to 7 nights in duration. These include a variety of off-shore and on-shore options and allow you to choose the cruise which is truly right for your family. The shorter 3 or 4 night cruises take in the Bahamas and call into port at Nassau and Disney’s own private island, Castaway Cay. The longer cruises of 7 nights offer you the choice of eastern or Western Caribbean seas and islands but whichever you choose you can be confident that your views will be breathtaking and that you are almost certain to experience the beautiful sunshine that this part of the world is famous for.
In between the island exploring that these cruises offer you, you will be aboard a truly spectacular cruise liner. There is no need to worry about what you will do to occupy your time when sailing as there is a whole host of activities available for all the family. Activity groups are provided for children through to teenagers, and these groups are divided into ages so that you can be sure the activities on offer will stimulate and entertain your child, whatever their age. Disney cruises even offer parents their own club which is just for adults, allowing them to spend some quality time away from the children whilst remaining confident in the knowledge that they are being cared for by fully qualified staff. Activities available just for the adults include a spa and salon, nightclub and adult-only restaurant.
Family time is also catered for onboard the cruise liner. Live entertainment is provided daily, beginning with a Welcome Aboard show and ending your cruise with a Magical Farewell. In between you can be sure to be introduced to all of your favorite Disney characters and songs in shows which live up to and exceed the reputation Disney has for superb live entertainment.
The only problem you will have when it comes to food is deciding which restaurant to eat in. Catering for all tastes and palates, the cruises offer an exciting variety of menus and world cuisine. This gives everyone a real opportunity to try something new and the exceptional chefs on board will ensure that it is all prepared to the highest standard. Only the finest ingredients are selected for every dish, as you would expect from Disney.
With so much to see and do on a Disney cruise, you will have very little time to spend in your room and when you return there you will want to fall straight to sleep so that you can be up and ready for your adventure the next day. However, you can rest assured that the same attention to detail is found in the rooms as it is everywhere else on the cruise. When booking, you can select the type of room you require and you can be certain that it will exceed your expectations.
For a list of cruise lines with cabins large enough to sleep big families please visit www.roomfor5.co.uk/cruises
Off-site airport parking is a boon for travelers. Often they prove to be cheaper than parking lots run by airports and online discounts and other conveniences make the option even more attractive.
Satellite parking lots face competition and so it is easy for those in the know to save big.
Here are a few insights:
1. Keep a tab on offers. As the race for success becomes intense, all sites run attractive offers giving away coupons or web only deals. Many offer an e-coupon that entitles the user to a day’s free parking at selected parking lots. This means a saving of £10/ $ 18. Other offers give away a day if you park for two days or 50% off on the first days parking fee.
2. If you are a frequent user of parking lots check for offers where a parking operator with a major presence near airports you use offers a 50% discount if you purchase a certain number of parking vouchers online or on the phone using your credit card.
3. Many parking sites have a different rate for different parking positions. Check on the kinds of parking and rate differences. You could save up to £35 / $ 55 for a seven day parking.
4. Ask for rates depending on the length of stay. Rates vary so if you are going to need parking for a week then you could get a higher discount than the daily rate on offer.
5. Many run a frequent user program where repeat customers are offered many facilities. This is similar to frequent flier programs.
6. Find out if the lots you use offer special discounts to members of AARP, AAA, or other such organizations. In fact, AA members save between 10-20% on parking. Some sites even offer the service of picking up and dropping your car from the airport terminal.
7. Do your research well compare providers, the rates on offer, as well as facilities at the place you need to park. If you are clever you can get more for less.
8. Before you travel use the internet to check on daily and weekly parking offers. There are free days, discounted weekly rates, and guaranteed rates on offer at various times. You can avail the offer by making a booking online or printing out the page with a code and presenting it to the cashier at the parking lot.
9. Keep track of promotions especially during holiday seasons. Many lots accept coupons and give away discounts offered by consumer products
10. Often pre-booking parking can get you a saving of even 60% and more.
11. Hotels often offer parking specials, so make use of the extra facility being offered by the hotel you plan to stay in.
12. Some travel agents who book flight tickets offer advice or coupons for parking at the point of exit and entry. Ask you agent when you book your flight.
Off site parking is not just fast and convenient it can be a saving too.
Oregon’s coast is fantastic for families, with hidden spots that put you right in the middle of some of the best nature can show off, and a myriad of kid-friendly lodgings, restaurants and towns which pull out the stops for the kidlets or bring out the kid in everyone.
Still, you don’t have to sacrifice the finer things when you bring the kids.
On Oregon’s north coast, the tiny town of Manzanita is endowed with a mysterious, woodsy vibe just above its vast expanse of crystalline beach.
Head northward, and you’ll encounter dozens of sandy and rocky beaches perfect for playtime. Drive about 12 miles and you’ll find the ritzy resort town of Cannon Beach. Near a famed Lewis & Clark landmark, Fultano’s Pizza sits and emits wonderful smells of Italian cuisine. With an outdoor patio here, you can still see some of the sights available at the end of Second Street, and enjoy exceptional – even gourmet quality – cuisine at a family pizza joint price.
Fultano’s delivers to local hotels, and they feature slices for lunch. They have a special thin crust recipe that’s especially tasty, crunchy and yet still tender in a way that manages to combine both those latter qualities seamlessly.
Drive north again, to Seaside, and you’ll find a beach town full of things to do for children – most notably Broadway Ave. with its almost dozen arcade businesses, ice cream vendors, kooky gift shops, bumper cars and other attractions. See www.seasideor.com for more.
One highlight is Seaside Helicopters, which whizzes you around above the town for about $25 per person. It’s thoroughly spectacular, as the helicopter takes you over the headland of Tillamook Head and Cannon Beach as well, allowing you unforgettable glimpses of the sea and these landmarks from this unusual vantage point. You even get to see “Goonies Rock” – where part of the cult film was made. Hwy 101, S. Seaside. www.seaside-helicopters.com. (503) 440-4123.
Down on the Central Oregon Coast – about 100 miles south – it’s a vast playground for kids and adults. Lincoln City is filled with miles of super clean beaches and tons of shops and restaurants.