Daniel Pratt on where to find peace and quiet along the shores of England.

Sunset in the broads of North Norfolk.

Written by Daniel Pratt

It’s increasingly difficult to find peace in England. The New Forest, Cornwall, Devon, the Lakes and even Yorkshire are all almost as crowded as Piccadilly Circus at most times of the year. There are few places left where there is still a sense of space, but Norfolk is one of them.

The north coast has quirky and interesting villages to suit every taste. History buffs can start at the sandy stretches of Holme-next-the-Sea, former site of Seahenge, a prehistoric monument formed of timber posts and sometimes referred to as Stonehenge beneath the sea. Both the Romans and the Saxons had settlements close to nearby Brancaster. Just out to sea the remains of the SS Vina are still visible and were used by the RAF for WWII target practice. Legend has it that the ghost of Nelson’s nurse still haunts the village pub, The Ship.

(more…)

Daniela Baker on where to travel for a mix of sunning and cultural sightseeing.

The coast of Nice.

Written by Daniela Baker

If you want a vacation that’s more than your typical drinks-on-the-beach relaxation vacation, a destination that combines culture and gorgeous beaches may be right for you. Luckily, there are plenty of out-of-the-way beaches where you can also enjoy ethnic cuisine, museums and architecture. Here are seven destinations that let you combine beach and culture:

1.      Nice, France

You may not think of France when you hear beach vacation, but Nice really has it all. There are plenty of public and private beaches around, as well as enchanting accommodations, including the Palais De La Mediterranee, a luxury hotel built in the Art Deco style with multiple swimming pools, a casino, and a multilingual staff.

(more…)

Daniel Boyle on ruin pubs and Wimdu apartment rental stays in the capital of Hungary.

Instant ruin pub in Budapest (courtesy of Flickr user redteam)

Written by Daniel Boyle

The name Ruin Pub or (Romkocsma) may conjure up some best forgotten memories of leaving some establishment or other after a few too many. However, don’t shy away too quickly. Ruin pubs in Budapest, although of course drink flows a plenty, refers to the surroundings and not the particularly high level of inebriation of its customers. These unique pubs are often stumbled upon, no pun intended, rather than being found. They are more often than not without advertisement and often rely upon word of mouth alone to spread the word.

(more…)

Ricky Durrance shares three reasons for a stopover in Bodrum.

Bodrum from above.

Written by Ricky Durrance

From enjoying a meal in a local restaurant to exploring the local markets, there is so much to see and do in Bodrum – so much that it can be difficult to fit everything in. But instead of flicking endlessly through guidebooks or sacrificing one attraction to see another, put aside a few days, or at least an afternoon, to experience a few of your musts when visiting the city either on your own or with your family and friends in tow!

(more…)

Look Travel Network suggests three pastimes for travelers on a budget.

Bucharest by Night

Written by Look Travel Network

With over two million inhabitants and an ever-growing party scene, Romania’s capital is far from the drab, unsafe Communist bloc dead city you might imagine it to be. Downtown Victoriei, Unirii and Universitate Squares are alight with huge neon signs setting the city ablaze throughout the night. Further off toward city limits, elegant new suburbs of villas are making the city a pleasant place to live in. Getting from downtown to anywhere else is easy, safe and cheap, with over-ground transport available all night long and cab fares regulated by City Hall (currently at a staggering £0.3 per kilometer). Having a blast in Bucharest is more accessible now than ever, and this guide will show you what spots to hit, no matter who you’re traveling with and what type of pastime you’re into.

(more…)

Joe Johnson on why he plans to spend the rest of his life in England.

This is London (courtesy of Flickr user maistora)

Written by Joe Johnson

One of the biggest clichés about England is the weather, most outsiders and indeed the majority of inhabitants will cite the predominantly wet, dreary atmosphere that envelops the country for approximately nine months of the year. What is impressive is that despite this, millions upon millions of tourists visit the small island nation every year, arriving in their droves to marvel at the ancient yet cutting edge city of London, the rolling green pastures and hundreds of other tourist attractions like Stonehenge, the Eden Project, Lindisfarne Castle and Old Trafford football stadium, home of Manchester United FC. These are no doubt impressive sites but there is something else, something intangible, magical that draws people from thousands of miles away to England’s fair shores.

(more…)

Daytona International Speedway (courtesy of Flickr user sqvol)

Are you planning a Florida vacation, but want to take a break from the usual theme parks and tourist crammed attractions? There are some fantastic alternative places and activities that offer a different view of Florida. So book your Orlando holidays with Florida 4 Less and use these suggestions for inspiration:

The Everglades

One of America’s true national treasures, the vibrant Everglades is a stunning natural habitat filled with crocodiles, alligators and turtles. Boat trips take you gliding over the surface of the waters and long grass as you learn more and more about this magical locale teeming with life and adventure.

(more…)