PureTravel

Top 7 Things to do in Monte-Carlo Monaco

Jules — Sat, 18 May 2013 23:20:28 +0000

Monaco may be the second smallest state in the world, but it’s perfectly formed! Long considered the playground of the rich and famous, Monaco is best known for those huge yachts in the harbour, the glamorous casinos in Monte-Carlo, the royal heritage of the Grimaldi family and its position on the annual Formula 1 race circuit.

Time for a few facts about Monaco. It’s the second smallest independent city-state on earth, after the Vatican and is made up of 4 districts; Monaco-Ville (old city), Condamine (port quarter), Monte-Carlo and Fontvieille. The local language is French and although it a separate city-state, there are no border restrictions when passing in and out of France. Yes it is expensive so base yourself outside of Monaco and visit on a day trip. There’s plenty to see and do in Monaco with a good blend of historical sights and modern culture. And you never know, you may spot a celeb wandering the town!

Monte-Carlo Harbour

Head to the world famous harbour area of Monte-Carlo to witness the sheer opulence of the yachts for yourself. Many are bigger than most people’s houses and come Formula 1 race day, the rich and famous watch the race from their moored yachts.

Japanese Gardens

The small yet pristine Japanese Gardens are in traditional style with a koi carp pond and teahouse. Ying between the soaring Alps and the azure blue Mediterranean Sea, the gardens are a welcome retreat from the bustle of Monte-Carlo.

Palais Princier

The Prince’s Palace has housed the Grimaldi family since the 13^th century, with each making alterations and leaving their mark on this impressively opulent castle. Fifteen of the rooms are open to the public including the Throne Room and the palace offers breathtaking views over the harbour and Monte-Carlo. Catch the traditional changing of the guard ritual at 11.58am each day where the guard wear traditional white in the summer and black in the winter.

St Nicholas Cathedral

Built in 1875 in Romanesque and Byzantine style, Monaco Cathedral is dedicated to St Nicholas and is pictured above. The cathedral is also home to the remains of Princess Grace Kelly and the princes of Monaco, including Prince Rainier III. Traditional mass is held here each Sunday at 10am except during the peak summer months. Many famous weddings have also been held at the St Nicholas cathedral over the years.

Monaco Grand Prix

The annual Formula One race calendar has featured the Monaco Grand Prix since 1929 on the Circuit de Monaco. Considered the most prestigious race on earth, the Monaco Grand Prix epitomises prestige and glamour. The cars screech their way around a challenging street circuit which includes tunnels, steep elevations and sharp bends. The royal family watch the 78 lap race from their royal box in the port.

And if cars are your thing, check out the Princes’ personal Car Collection which includes a Bugatti that won the first Monaco Grand Prix, a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud and a traditional black London cab.

Casino Square

Regarded as the place to be seen, Casino Square is a great spot to people watch and more importantly, spot celebrities. Watch the endless parade of supercars, see people that have won (and lost) in the casinos and drink possibly the most expensive drinks on earth!

Monaco Opera House

If you want an excuse to get dressed up, there is not better excuse than taking in a show at the Salle Garnier Opera Houses. Designed by legendary architect Charles Garnier, the exterior is as bold and handsome as the rich gold and red interior. Highly detailed frescoes, paintings and sculptures adorn the auditorium. Save this for your last night as this is a budget-buster!

By Julie Bowman

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Top 10 Things to Do in Scotland UK During 2013

Jules — Sat, 18 May 2013 13:21:18 +0000

Scotland has been called “the best little country in the world” and that certainly rings true today. This country not only has friendly and welcoming people, but also has a large variety of things for visitors to see, taste and touch. Below are some of the things Scotland has to offer its visitors in 2013.

1. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of the most visited attractions in all of Scotland for a reason. This art gallery and museum has over 20 galleries that display over 8000 different objects. Visitors to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum can learn about a variety of subjects that include Scottish history, ancient weapons of Scotland and Scottish art.

2. Edinburgh Castle

No trip to Scotland would be complete without visiting Edinburgh Castle. This historic castle is located in Scotland’s capital. The site was first settled in the 9th century and Edinburgh Castle was erected in approximately the 11th century and has been the site for many epic military conflicts over the years. Today, it is not only a first class historic site but is also a very popular tourist attraction. Inside the castle are several restaurants and cafes, store fronts and historical displays.

3. The Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Staged in front of Edinburgh Castle, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of the most anticipated events in Scotland each and every year. This 3-week event features hundreds of musicians performing plus dancers, military parades, firework displays and performances on a nightly basis. The 2013 Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs from the 2nd to 24^th of August.

4. Loch Ness Film Festival 2013

Scotland is home to many different film festivals but none are more highly anticipated than the Loch Ness Film Festival. It first debuted in 2010 and has since become very popular. The Loch Ness Film Festival screens movies from all over the world. The festival runs from July 26 to July 28 and is great fun for the entire family.

5. Glenisla

Glenisla is known for its heather crested mountains, beautiful glades and abundant wildlife. However, it is also home to the Annual Gathering of the Glenisla Highland and Friendly Society. This group is dedicated to the preservation of ancient Highland customs. Visitors can witness epic battle re-enactments, ancient Scottish games and traditional Highland music. This event begins August 23, 2013.

6. Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is an island that is located in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. It is known for its grand coastline, mist shrouded peaks and waterfalls. It is also home to Dunvegan Castle and several whiskey distilleries. However, these aren’t the only attractions on this isle. July 25-27 it is home to the Antiquarian Book Festival and on August 7 is home to the Skye Highland Games. And to get the most from your visit check out voucher king.co.uk which offers savings on travel throughout the year.

7. Bo’ness And Kinneil Railway

Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway is an exhibit that has running antique trains and historical train memorabilia. It also features one of the few railroad museums in all of Scotland. Every day during the summer of 2013, the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway will give visitors a chance to enjoy afternoon tea while riding on one of their historic steam trains.

8. Ring Of Brodgar

The Ring Of Brodgar is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is situated between the lochs of Harray and Stenness on Orkney. Its main features are a Neolithic henge and a large stone circle that measures over 103 meters in diameter. Several events are scheduled for this site in 2013. On September 5, 2013, the Historic Scotland Rangers will host their annual walk around this site.

9. Glasgow Science Center

A chance to visit Glasgow Science Center should not be passed up on any trip to Scotland. It features an interactive science mall, the biggest IMAX screen in Scotland and a planetarium.

10. National Gallery of Scotland

The National Gallery of Scotland is another must-see attraction. Located on Edinburgh’s Princess Street, this building is not only impressive but also houses some of the greatest art works of Scotland, as well as works done from artists around the world. It contains paintings from artists such as John Singer Sargent, Sir David Wilkie and Peter Paul Rubens.

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10 Free Things To Do In New Jersey

Jules — Sat, 18 May 2013 09:06:46 +0000

If you’re planning a visit to the New Jersey area, or even if you live and work there every day, you probably know that viewing an online map of New Jersey will quickly show you all the great things there are to do in the area. Even if you have a limited budget, you’ll be surprised at the many options available in New Jersey for little or no cost. During times of financial hardship, you may have thought that your days of having fun in New Jersey were over. Think again! Here’s a great list of 10 Free things to do in New Jersey to get your creative juices flowing:

1 High Pointe State Park. For a breathtaking view of the mountains and valleys of the New Jersey Appalachian Trail, visit High Point State Park. Properly named as the tallest point in the entire state, this is a great place to enjoy an afternoon out in nature.

2 New Jersey Shoreline. During the off-season months, you can access many New Jersey beaches for free. For starters, try these beaches: Wildwood, Atlantic City and North Wildwood. Believe it or not, there are over 200 more spots all up and down the coastline. Even with cooler temperatures, you can body surf in a full suit, or you can just walk along the ocean and enjoy the cool ocean breeze.

3 Atlantic City Historical Museum. Open daily from 10am to 4pm, the Atlantic City Historical Museum is absolutely free to the public. With beautiful exhibits, a fun little gift shop, and educational video presentations, this is a great little stop to learn something new about this famous city.

4 Howell Living History Farm. This great little spot in Titusville NJ is an historic farm that is restored as if it still exists in the year 1900. Want to build a barn, bake a loaf of bread, or ride in a buggy pulled by horses? You can play with farm animals, help sweep out the barn, or, if you’re lucky, you may even get a chance to deliver a baby lamb! Admission is free to the public.

5 New York Skyline Photo Ops. For a great view of the city day or night, head over to Weekhawken New Jersey, a diverse community with a rich history full of beautiful parks and ballfields. Find a place to stop and then look across the Hudson river. There you have it – a beautiful view of the New York skyline.

6 Atlantic City Summer Concert Series. Visit the Atlantic City Public Library for the popular tradition of summer concerts. All shows start at 1pm on many Saturdays throughout June, July and August, and the tunes keep on rocking until dusk. Grab a picnic and enjoy some great music at no cost to your family.

7 Cattus Island County Park. The main attraction here is almost 300 acres of unspoiled nature, hiking trails, beautiful boardwalks, and natural wetlands. A great spot for bird watching, you can also go cross-country skiing, fishing, or crabbing. You can also walk the nature trails, enjoy a picnic, or view the many scenic overlooks throughout the park.

8 Jersey-Atlantic Wind Farm Tours. The Atlantic City Utilities Authority (ACUA) holds free open house tours every Monday and Friday at noon all throughout the summer. No appointment is needed to enjoy this no cost educational tour of the fascinating Jersey-Atlantic Wind Farm.

9 Cape May County Park Zoo. Believe it or not, visitors can spend an entire day at this zoo for absolutely no cost! Open daily from 10am until 4:45pm, and Wednesday nights until 7:45pm, the Cape May County Park and Zoo includes a beautiful park, hundreds of animals from all around the world, picnic areas, hiking trails, biking paths and a playground.

10 Cape May Diamond Hunting. Visit Sunset Beach to find thousands of ocean-polished stones that have landed on the sand after a long journey at sea. With all sizes, colors and varieties, you’ll be sure to spend an enjoyable afternoon searching for many gems, including the famous quartz stones known as “Cape May Diamonds”. These beautiful clear gems can be professionally polished and cleaned to look nearly like genuine diamonds! Find yourself a bunch of diamonds to make your own jewelry or put on display in your home.

This list is just a small sampling of all the many no-cost things you can do in this wonderful state. With a little creativity and a good map of New Jersey, you will be sure to come up with your own ideas. The best thing about these free entertainment options are the added bonuses of education, being out in nature, spending quality time with loved ones, and having a NJ experience that is uniquely yours.

Article courtesy of Charlie Withers of the Two Guys Wine Blog. When not traveling the globe tasting wine, Charlie divides his time between a beachfront home in Hermosa Beach, CA and a Vaction home in Phoenix, Arizona. Follow him on Twitter @twoguyswine

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Top 5 Reasons to Visit Rio de Janeiro

Jules — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:56:45 +0000

If Rio de Janeiro is a location on your travel bucket list, now might just be the time to tick it off. As the host of the next FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games, the eyes of the world will soon be fixed on one of Brazil’s most complex, vibrant and alluring cities.

Before the excitement reaches a fever-pitch (and the flight prices sky-rocket) you could experience Rio at a life-changing point in its history. There are so many features of this “marvellous city” which make it worthy of a visit, but if you need any more convincing, here’s why we think you should consider it this year…

Landscape

Although it is a massive metropolis, Rio is also home to some of the most naturally stunning landscapes in the world, and last year UNESCO recognised its unique beauty by naming it as a World Heritage Site. With the sprawling city close to not one, but three breathtakingly beautiful types of scenery – with beaches, mountains and rainforests, it is uniquely placed to provide the best of everything. Whether you want to relax on the sand, explore the surrounding bays or delve into the tropical depths of Corcovado National Park, you’ll be amazed at the natural world just outside its pulsating urban metropolis.

Cuisine

Like any city where tourism plays a part, the food in Rio is international and varied. Naturally, the best places to go are where locals can also be found. With Portugese cuisine being a popular choice, you’re likely to find lots of little ‘botequins’ i.e. bars which spill out onto the sidewalk, serving up delicious and freshly cooked food. Similarly, sidewalk vendors are a good choice – delicious smells of seafood, garlic and grilled meat usually fill the air with potent and tempting fragrances.

Beaches

With over fifty miles of shoreline, the beaches of Rio de Janeiro are among its most famous hallmarks; popular with sun-worshipping locals as well as tourists, it’s a good thing there’s enough room to cater for everyone! From the popular hotspots of Copacabana and Ipanema to the quieter sands of Barra da Tijuca, there’s so much to enjoy here. From volleyball to sailing to simply sunbathing, if you’re a beach lover, you will not be disappointed.

Carnivals

With its annual carnival, Rio has earned a reputation as the true party capital of the world. If you are lucky enough to go during the four days it’s traditionally held, you’ll undoubtedly experience an unforgettable event. However thanks to the live-for-the-moment perspective of locals, nobody needs an annual excuse to party here! With bars, clubs, restaurants and dance halls full to bursting at all times of the year, you’d be forgiven for thinking a carnival happens every day in Rio. Whatever month you’re going, we’d recommend checking out voucher websites where you might be able to find great holiday discounts – if you’re able to save on flights, you’ll have more money to spend on enjoying yourself!

Growth

Finally, with the aforementioned sporting events lined up from 2014 onwards, there has been much talk of Rio’s development and infrastructure. Of course, critics have already started to poke holes in the planning, but if London taught us anything, it’s that the Olympics can offer real potential for change. If you’re planning on taking a trip to Rio soon, it’s likely you’ll be in time for cheaper prices before they really start to bump up, so make the most of it and check out any websites offering low price hotel stays.

Whenever you go, you’re likely to see architectural and cultural evidence of a changing Rio de Janeiro, but regardless of its evolution, we think it’s a pretty fantastic travel destination as it stands.

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Top 7 Shark Attack Hotspots in the World

Jules — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:12:43 +0000

The average risk of death from a shark attack is 1 in 3,748,067 – to put that into context, you’re 30 times more likely to die from lightening than a shark attack! Still, statistics dictate that some destinations are more likely to be shark hotspots than others.

There are more than 470 different shark species on earth from the biggest whale shark (12 meters long) to the smallest dwarf lantern shark (17cm long). All sharks can attack but there are just 4 species that inflict fatal attacks on humans; the mighty great white, bull, oceanic white tip and tiger sharks.

New South Wales, Australia

The east Australian state of NSW is the deadliest shark attack hotspot in the world, with a total of 195 shark attacks (since records began). What’s more shocking however is the fatal attack ration – 57 of these attacks have been fatal – that’s nearly 30% death rate. Although with local education and awareness campaigns there have been no shark fatalities since 2008. Just last month a 51 year old fisherman was attacked by a grey nurse shark as he tried to free it from his fishing net, suffering puncture wounds.

Australia as a whole however has had a total of 510 shark attacks with 144 proving fatal, the last in 2012.

South Africa

South Africa is the most shark-prone country in Africa, where shark cage diving with great white species is a popular tourist attraction. A group of holidaymakers got more than they bargained for in March when a great white shark actually bit through the cage in Gansbaai in the Western Cape! Watch the scary video below! South Africa has had 52 fatalities from a total of 234 attacks. Africa as a whole has faced 326 shark attacks since records began with 89 fatal attacks.

Florida, USA

Next up is the US State of Florida, which is the destination with the most shark attacks anywhere on earth! A total of 663 people have been attacked, with fortunately only 11 fatalities. Just last week a 16 year old lad was surfing at Melbourne Beach when he was nibbled on the ankle – he was more annoyed that by attending hospital, he’d missed the surf!

Continental USA (excluding Hawaii) is the most prolific shark hotspot on earth with 1,022 attacks and 36 fatalities since records began.

Queensland, Australia

A shark attack was foiled by a British tourist holidaying in Queensland as he bravely grabbed the tail of the two meter long shark! The quick actions of the 62 year old prevented an attack in shallow waters where children were playing. Amazingly, a local film crew caught the action – see the video below. In total 45 people have been killed from 161 shark attacks.

Hawaii, USA

The seas surrounding the islands of Hawaii are a hotbed of shark action. West Coast sharks and mako sharks are commonly found in the waters, with white sharks only venturing to Hawaii occasionally. There have been 116 attacks with 8 fatalities.

California, USA

The state of California is on the Pacific Coast and sees a fair amount of shark action. In fact it ranks sixth in the world for attacks with 109, resulting in 10 deaths. There are an abundance of great white sharks that prey in the Pacific.

Brazil

And finally to Brazil in South America, whose coastline sees the most shark-related trouble with 23 deaths from 97 attacks. This is by far the highest in South America, where there has been a total of 113 attacks resulting in 25 deaths.

Thanks for the data from Ichthyology at the Florida Museum of Natural History – their website is fantastic with the latest stats (Last updated: 11 February 2013) and profiles of various shark species.

By Julie Bowman

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A Summer of Festivals in London: Spitalfields Music Summer Festival 2013

Jules — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:32:16 +0000

The sun is finally making an appearance after hiding behind rain clouds for so long, and just in time for the summer festivals all over the UK which will start entertaining people over the coming weeks. If you’re in London during June, there are a whole host of festivals and events being organised across the city – you’re bound to find something that suits you.

Check out the low cost hotels in London from Travelodge for a bargain break in the city and make the most of the incredible schedule of festivals that are happening over the coming months. One of the ones on the horizon is the Spitalfields Music Summer Festival which can be found in and around the Spitalfields area of East London between the 7^th and the 22^nd June.

You can expect a healthy mix of concerts, family-orientated weekends and lunchtime music in the market, which will provide you with a diverse mix of music and entertainment throughout the festival.

A plethora of venues help to host the festival, including the exquisite Christ Church – an 18^th century Anglican Church that will provide some impressive acoustics and atmosphere. Whether it’s classical or contemporary music that suits your style, you can find it in one of the quirky venues that has signed up for the festival.

Check out some of the highlights of the festival and plan your itinerary so that your visit to the capital is enriched with music and entertainment.

Julius can be found at the Box park in Shoreditch between the 7^th and 14^th of June and is a conceptual performance by the Elastic Theatre which will mesmerise you from start to finish. With the help of theatrics, dance and opera, you can appreciate this coming of age story in all its glory. Alternatively, catch the film version, shown in its entirety, at the Underground Picture house at the Water Poet, on Wednesday 12^th June.

Open Souls would be perfect for anyone wishing to explore different musical avenues. Combining beatbox with jazz, Indian compositions and contemporary music, you can be sure to delight in the fusion of rhythms produced by this three-piece group. Catch them at the Bishopsgate Institute on the 7^th June.

Handel’s Susanna, performed by the Early Opera Company, is gracing the Christ Church in Spitalfields on the 12^th June and promises to provide intrigue, dramatic crescendos and vibrancy in this presentation of a rarely-heard oratorio. Tickets start at £5 but the premium seats are £35. Arrive a little earlier for an exclusive insight, from 6:30pm.

A Portrait of Venice at Shoreditch Church on the 21^st June brings together the Royal Academy of Music Brass Ensemble and the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge to perform snippets of Venetian and English music, from the classic sounds of Schutz and Purcell to the present day scores by Academy students.

Take a look at the incredible calendar of events that span the fortnight and book some of the ones that entice you. Whatever you choose to see during your time in Spitalfields, with low cost hotels in London from Travelodge, you don’t have to worry about a costly visit.

The Top 5 Things To Consider When Looking For Gatwick Airport Hotels

Jules — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:40:27 +0000

There are hotels that exclusively cater to business flyers and a few hotels are designed with leisure flyers in mind. Gatwick Airport hotels come in myriad varieties. Some of them are plush and reek with extravagance, while the others are modest and decent for a reasonable price. A few of them, like the Sofitel Gatwick from AirportHotels.com, have covered walkways to the terminal, while many others have shuttle bus services to help you reach your boarding point in time. Thus, choosing one of the Gatwick airport hotels involves a lot of research and looking into. Here are the top 5 things to consider that may help you make a choice:

#1: Do you really need every service on offer?

A number of travellers chose Gatwick hotels simply on their good reputation, for good reason. The price you pay for most luxury hotels include a number of complimentary services. Skim through the deal, examine each pointer in minute detail, and think about whether you will take advantage of every service.

#2: How far do you want to be from the main terminal?

Not every hotel lies close to the runway terminal and you could be spending a lot of time trying to get to your boarding point if you choose a hotel away from your check in area. On the other hand, though most hotels are away from the airport, they have remarkably fast means of reaching you to the terminals with their exclusive send-off services, shuttle services, and walkway routes on offer, just like the one offered by the Sofitel Heathrow.

#3: Are you looking for complimentary parking?

Most Gatwick hotels offer you complimentary parking. Even if you’re charged a parking space fee, it is not going to be as expensive as airport parking. Thus, whether you’d be given secure parking space as part of your hotel stay package is also an important consideration when you choose airport hotels.

#4: Do you want an extremely over-the-top lodging experience?

Most travelers are whimsical and want “the best” of everything everywhere. If that is you are looking for, you must consider booking a suite at the Sofitel Gatwick. While each of the 518 suites at the Sofitel Gatwick is a class apart, you also have excellent fine dining amenities available to choose from. La Café, La Brassiere and Gatwick Oriental cater specifically to gastronomy connoisseurs.

#5: Are you looking to have private meetings and conferences?

Hotels like the Sofitel Heathrow are known to cater wholly to business people on the move. Whether it is a customized work station, business meeting halls, or ballrooms for grand parties, the Sofitel Heathrow has internationally acclaimed facilities for you to use. The rates are, naturally, going to be sky high. But when you look at the hospitality and the personable services on display, the price seems completely justified.

We invite you to suggest a few pointers of your own. When was the last time you checked in at an airport hotel? What were your prime considerations?

The post The Top 5 Things To Consider When Looking For Gatwick Airport Hotels appeared first on PureTravel.

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