That Travel Blog

Les Gets is a small town of over 1000 people in eastern France, not far from the Swiss border. It is located in the Rhone-Alpes region and is a ski resort that is part of the Les Portes du Soleil ski area. The Les Portes du Soleil is one of the largest ski areas in the world. The closest train station to Les Gets is 22 km away and the airport at Geneva, Switzerland is only an hour away with Easyjet operating twice daily flights to Geneva from London.

Skiing

There are 52 ski lifts in Les Gets and ski passes can be purchased for any number of days or for just five hours. You can also combine Les Gets with the neighboring Morzine or get a lift pass for all of Les Portes du Soleil. Most of the runs in Les Gets are for beginning and intermediate skiers, or red and blue runs. There is a main area called The Bowl, which includes black runs for more advanced skiers.

Fun for All

Les Gets has a reputation for being the best family ski resort in all of France. It has won awards for its accommodations for children including for skiing and childcare. There are also other types of non-skiing activities there for the whole family.

If you are into snowboarding, the best places are Chamossiere and Yeti. You might also want to take the Ranfoilly lift for good snowboarding or buy a pass that includes some of the other areas of Les Portes du Soleil.

photo credit: Mike Cattell

Basingstoke is perhaps best known for its roundabouts and its recorded history goes back to the Doomsday Book. The town has been mentioned in a Shakespeare play, a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, and the science fiction classic Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Such mentions have not always been favorable. Still, Basingstoke is becoming a commuter town for people working in London, has a number of historical sites and museums, and is developing itself into a regional shopping magnet.

Milestones Museum at West Ham Leisure Park is an aircraft hanger-size living museum with costumed guides and life-size versions of Victorian homes and shops. A “time tunnel” takes visitors to a 1930s street. Visitors can don costumes themselves, if they like. Willis Museum is in the town’s heart, Top of the Town, is free to visit and features displays from the town’s lengthy history. Jane Austen fans will enjoy a visit here as the famous author was born and raised in the area, as was poet-laureate Thomas Warton. Model and actress Liz Hurley was born here.

Festival Place has developed into a major shopping center for the region so is well worth a visit. You will likely work up an appetite while seeing the sights and shopping. Not to worry. There are a number of restaurants in Basingstoke to suit every taste. The Lime Leaf is a highly rated Thai eatery Traditional British pub food is served at the Crown at Old Basing and the Fur and Feathers. The Red Rose Tandoori is the highest rating Indian restaurant in the area. One can also find Chinese, Japanese, Italian, and French cuisine in Basingstoke. For nightlife, visit the Top of the Town and Festival Square.

In sum, there is more than roundabouts to Basingstoke so visit and enjoy.

Brighton Sealife Centre

Brighton Sealife Centre, at Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1TB, United Kingdom, dates back to the Victorian era, and is thought to be one of the oldest aquariums in the world. It’s Victorian architecture blends effortlessly with today’s high-tech aquarium and provides visitors with an up close view of marine life.

The Centre offers over 50 unique exhibits that are home to more than 150 marine creatures including rays, sea squirts, turtles, limpets, seahorses and sharks. Brighton Sealife Centre is focused on conservation and has several educational talks throughout the day. During the turtle feed and conservation talk, scheduled at 11am. and 2pm, visitors meet the Centre’s largest and most celebrated residents, Lulu and Jersey, the Centre’s Giant Sea Turtle, and Loggerhead Turtle. You will discover their histories and the obstacles these species face in the ocean. Scheduled at 12pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, is the ray feed and talk, here guests learn how the Centre breeds rays and what they eat.

Attractions at the Centre include the Interactive Rockpool that mimics native rock pools around the UK’s coastline. Visitors can learn about and touch crab, starfish, and the other residents of the rock pool. The underwater tunnel allows guests to observe turtles, sharks, and a multitude of other sea life in their underwater habitat. The glass bottom boat ride that the Centre boasts, is the first of its kind in the UK and offers unique views of tropical fish, sharks, huge turtles and a brilliantly hued tropical coral reef. The glass bottom boat ride costs visitors a small extra fee.

Hours for Brighton Sealife Centre are Monday through Friday 10am to 5pm. and Saturday through Sunday 10am to 6pm. With admission prices at £16.20 for adults and £11.40 for children, the Centre is an eventful outing of education and fun for the entire family.

This was a guest post by Mark on behalf of Brighton taxis – the best choice for your airport taxis to and from Brighton.

Image by david.nikonvscanon

Brighton and Hove, commonly called Brighton, has reigned as a top weekend break destination since the 1700s. Its cutting-edge Artist’s Quarter, flourishing nightlife and vibrant shopping venues continue to keep Brighton’s weekends as busy as they were in Regency days. Those hotels fill to overflowing with the return of the Brighton Festival each spring. Film, music, dance and stage dramas share the limelight before summer brings weekending families to Brighton’s beachfront for sunning, water sports and dining fun.

Among classic Brighton hotels, Georgian-era Drakes overlooks the Marine Parade. Its 20 guest accommodations feature welcoming touches like Egyptian cotton bed linens, waffle robes and luxury bath toiletries. Wireless Internet access and flat-screen television keep the 21st century close. The hotel arranges weekend rounds at the nearby East Brighton Golf Club. On-site Restaurant at Drake’s offers three-course lunches and dinners prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients.

For a contemporary weekend experience, choose the Sea Spray. Decor with accents of Daliesque surrealism or New York kitsch distinguish it from other Brighton hotels. Accommodations place guests just a 2-minue stroll from the beach and the Brighton Pier. A romantic weekend here means an in-suite Couple’s Massage with your significant other, followed by a beach picnic with prepared hamper including beer, wine or Champagne.

Hotel rates for weekend breaks in Brighton and Hove typically run 20 to 300 percent the rates for mid-week. The difference is greatest in the off-season. Many hotels require a two-night, Friday-Saturday minimum stay.

The capital city of England is home to many incredible historical landmarks, cultural icons, and exciting attractions. However, in a city as large as London, it might be impossible to visit every notable destination. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 10 sights you have to see when you visit London. Most can be visit via public transport throughout the city centre, although one or two might be reached easier if you have a car. Car hire is found throughout the city and in the airport.

1. Buckingham Palace: Perhaps the first stop on many itineraries, Buckingham Palace is the Queen of England’s official summer residence, as well as being home to the infamous changing of the guard ceremony. It is worth a visit just for the ceremony itself, and a stroll through the surrounding gardens. Tours of the Palace are available in the summer months.

2. Westminster Abbey: This is no mere church, but is a site of British history. Standing since 1066, the Abbey has been used for coronations, weddings, and funerals for centuries. Over 25 monarchs lay buried beneath its foundation.

3. The London Eye: For a great way to see the city of London and orient yourself, hop aboard this giant ferris wheel. As the world’s highest observation wheel, each self contained pod gives incredible views of the surrounding buildings.

4. Tower of London: Built in the 11th century, the Tower of London has a dark past as a prison, as well as a fascinating history holding the crown jewels. Attached to the London Bridge, it makes for a interesting destination.

5. St. Paul’s Cathedral: Built by famed architect Sir Christopher Wren, this cathedral may be best known for hosting the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles.

6. Trafalgar Square: Popular for its political demonstrations, the Square is also home to Nelson’s Column, beautiful water fountains, and a plethora of pigeons.

7. Globe Theatre: While there are countless theatres in London, this one is worth a visit as it was the location of the first performances of many of William Shakespeare’s plays, and where the playwright spent most of his time.

8. Tate Modern: Perhaps the best art museum in England, the Tate is home to works by Picasso, Warhol, and Monet.

9. Piccadilly Circus: Not an actual circus, but a public space in the West End and a destination for many visitors.

10. Big Ben: This giant clock tower is perhaps the most famous in the world. Find Big Ben and you’ll also find the Houses of Parliament below.

This was a guest post by John from National car hire London who offer the best rates for your UK car hire.

Madrid is known as one of the classiest cities in the world. The Adler Hotel is the epitome of that class. The hotel was built in 1884, which allows it to offer historic charm. However, the hotel has also been 100% refurbished. That being the case, all visitors have an opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds – historic architecture as well as supreme comfort. Another big plus for staying at The Adler Hotel, which is also sometimes referred to as The Hotel Adler, is that you’re not in the center of the city, yet you are within walking distance. Therefore, you can enjoy the peace and quiet that the hotel has to offer and walk to the best of Madrid’s shopping district whenever you please. Once again, the best of both worlds.

The service at The Adler Hotel is friendly and helpful. They’re well aware that they have a reputation to uphold and they do it well. As far as amenities go, you can enjoy 24-hour room service, a restaurant featuring haute cuisine and an exceptional win list, WiFi service, laundry services and a private garage.

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is served a la carte from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Lunch is served at 1 p.m. Dinner is served between 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. A small bar with only three stools is small but inviting. The earthly yet faint lighting and smile on the bartender’s face are bound to pull you in. This is not a boisterous scene; it’s more of a laidback and sophisticated atmosphere that somehow manages to avoid being pretentious.

The rooms at The Adler Hotel are large. The beds are relatively small for such an upscale hotel – one double or two twins. However, that is made up for with marble bathrooms that have a bathtub, shower and natural lighting. All rooms also come with a mini-bar, 28-inch plasma or LCD TV and WiFi availability. Your options for types of room include single, double, junior suite, standard suite and presidential suite. Overall, The Adler Hotel offers 44 deluxe rooms and suites. It’s easily the finest 5-star boutique hotel in Madrid – its not cheap but if you fly to Madrid with Easyjet on a bargain flight your hotel will be the main expense of your trip.

If you’re taking your car on a European holiday, or renting one at your destination, familiarising yourself with foreign rules of the road is a must. And one of the most basic rules to know is the speed limits. A speeding ticket from another country may be an interesting souvenir, but it’s not one most of us want! And knowing the speed limit will help you keep up with traffic and stay safe.

As a rule of thumb, limiting yourself to 50 kph in towns, 110 kph in the country, and 130 kph on motorways will usually keep you out of trouble. Signs listing the local speed limits are posted at EU border crossings. Most European countries have different, lower speed limits for caravans and motorhomes, usually 60-90 kph. Check the local regulations if you plan to tow.

Here are a few more tips for specific countries:

* France: 50 kph town, 90 kph open road, 110 kph dual carriageway, 130 kph motorway. If any of the following conditions apply, however, the limits are reduced to 50 kph / 80 kph / 100 kph / 110 kph: your driving licence is less than two years old, you are towing a trailer with more than 3.5 tonnes gross weight, or the weather is bad.

* Germany: 50 kph town, 100 kph open road, 130 kph or more motorway. Germany’s no-speed-limit autobahns are famous. However, some parts of the autobahn network do have posted speed limits, and these are enforced, so watch for signs. The autobahn also has a limit of 80 kph for vehicles with more than 3.5 tonnes gross weight, including motorhomes or passenger cars pulling trailers.

* Spain: 50 kph town, 90 kph open road, 100 kph dual carriageway, 110 kph motorway. The speed limit on Spanish motorways was originally 120 kph but it has recently (as of February 2011) been reduced to 110 kph, as the government moves to reduce oil consumption. New signs are being printed and posted.

* Italy: 50 kph town, 90 kph open road, 110 kph dual carriageway, 130 kph motorway. As in France, speed limits are reduced in bad weather, to 50 / 80 / 90 / 110 kph, respectively. There are laws enabling the speed limit to be set to 150 kph on some three-lane autostrada, but as of 2010 this limit has never been applied.

Planning in advance the best time to take your Disneyland holiday can have a significant impact on the outcome of your visit. The best time to visit Disneyland really depends on what your expectations are once you get there. Key factors to consider before making your final plans are what kind of weather to expect during your stay, how many thousands of people you will be sharing your visit with and whether there are certain events that are a must-see.

Weather Conditions

Summer weather in Southern California can reach up into the 90s. Winters are generally pleasant ranging from around 55 degrees to 80 degrees. Fall and spring temperatures are the most popular with daytime highs in the upper 60s with variable rain showers. The rainy season occurs during the winter months of January and February where attendance is lowest. Park hours are shorter during this time and some rides and events may be temporarily cancelled.

Avoiding the Crowds

Although the Disneyland park is open every day, it has a peak season and an off season. The summer peak season starts in late June and runs through Labor Day. Attendance peaks again at Christmas through New Years and then once more during Spring Break when kids are out of school. This period is typically prime holiday time for families worldwide.

Larger crowds can be expected on long holiday weekends with kids out of school and parents off work. You can take advantage of shorter lines by arriving at the park when it first opens in the morning. Obviously, a larger crowd means waiting in line longer for rides, meals and other attractions. On the other hand, entertainment is at a high, there are more Disney characters roaming around and the park stays open longer hours.

When kids return to school in the fall and before October when the holiday decorating begins is when you will find the lightest crowds. This is considered the off season. With hours reduced and fewer visitors, crowds are not a problem, but entertainment takes a dip while rides undergo maintenance to get ready for the busy season, and many attractions are closed for repair.

Quite often, scheduled holiday time is not flexible due to work schedules and kids being in school. If you simply cannot avoid visiting Disneyland during the busiest times of the year, Sundays are typically less crowded than Saturdays. Also going in the middle of the week will mean a lighter crowd, but again, some activities and rides may be closed for maintenance.

Special Events

Some events at Disneyland go through a transition and shut down for a period of time. For example, the Haunted Mansion closes in late September to get ready for Haunted Mansion Holiday. It shuts down again in January after the holidays where it is transformed back to its original state. When planning your trip, you will want to make sure the events you most want to see are up and running at the time of your visit. You can find a calendar on the Disneyland Web site that lists a schedule of all events.

After weighing the pros and cons, the best time to visit Disneyland really depends on what your preferences are and what you are willing or not willing to forego. If crowds are too much to handle and waiting in line annoys you, an off season in Disneyland may be a perfect solution. On the other hand, if you are an absolute passionate Disneyland enthusiast and want to experience all there is to see and do, crowds will not have an effect on you.