Author Topic: ~ Travel Guide ~  (Read 30952 times)

Offline MysteRy

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #30 on: November 15, 2014, 02:28:09 PM »
Belgium Travel Guide


A Picture from Bruges, The largest city and Capital of Belgium.

You will find Belgium richer in history, art, culture, architecture, and food as compared to some of the other well-known countries of Europe. The best time to visit Belgium is during the period from May to September. As this is the busiest period of the year in Belgium, you might find it a bit difficult to find accommodation for yourself.

Be mindful about the weather conditions in Belgium. The weather in Belgium is very tricky, particularly during the month of April. Both, enjoying sunshine and getting wet in the rain, are possible within the space of a minute. The winter months are irritatingly wet. But the months from May to September are perfect for tourists.

Belgium shares its borders with Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, and Germany. For a short distance, it is also bordered by the North sea. Dutch and French are the widely spoken languages in Belgium. English is also spoken and understood in Belgium.

A majority of  international flights to Belgium will take you to its capital city Brussels. Belgium is well connected by road, rail, and air. Traveling within the country will be comfortable and easy. For intra-city traveling, a convenient mode of conveyance is the taxi.

To avoid falling into trivial problems, you must keep in mind the important travel tips for your Belgium travel. As per visa rules and regulations, traveling to Belgium will require a visa and you also need to furnish the all the necessary details.

A few travel destinations in Belgium are:

The Grand Palace in Brussels
Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels
Groeninge Museum, Brugge
Saint Peter’s Church (Sint-Pieterskerk), Leuven
Headquarters of Wellington & Napoleon, Waterloo
Tongeren Flea Market, Tongeren
National Genever Museum, Hasselt

Map



Getting In

Belgium is a cherished tourist destination for its picturesque locales, rich culture and fine art galleries, museums as well as host of other attractions. Reachingf Belgium is very convenient by all means: air, rail, car, bus, or ship.

Airways
Brussels Airport or the Zaventem Airport is the main airport here located in the suburbs of Brussels in Flanders. Here the national airline of Belgium, Brussels Airlines operates and there are other airlines as well like Vueling and SkyEurope. There is also the Charleroi Airport where you have scheduled flights like Ryanair which is from Ireland and Wizzair. Antwerp Deurne airport is another airport with flights connecting to London.

Train Services
You can avail direct trains between Brussels and

Antwerpen, Brugge, Gent, Mechelen and Leuven which are available every hour

Amsterdam, Luxembourg

Paris, Köln/Cologne, Amsterdam (Thalys)

Lyon, Bordeaux, Paris-CDG airport and many other cities in France

London

Frankfurt, Köln/Cologne (ICE).

Berlin, Hamburg (night train).

There is a direct train linking between Lille Flandres to Ghent and Antwerp

Car
Reaching Belgium by car is also a feasible option because of the presence of European highways like E-19, E-17, E-40, E-411 and E-313 which cross Belgium.

Bus
Eurolines coaches makes it convenient for travelers from all over Europe to come to Belgium. These buses have stops in Antwerpen, Brussels north-station, Leuven & Liege.

Ship
Options for getting to Belgium are many and you can come here by ferries connecting Zeebrugge and Hull in England and Rosyth in Scotland. Also, there is daytime service from Oostende to Ramsgate in England.

Transport

Belgium is a small country and here the farthest place is at a distance of 300 km. In fact you can reach most of the places in two hours. Connecting the large cities there are frequent train service while the buses ply over smaller distances.

Railways
Belgium is well linked by trains which are managed by NMBS and the destinations covered are Antwerp, Namur or Brussels. In fact, Brussels is the focal point of trains arriving from international destinations as well. The trains are noted for there punctuality and are trendy and comfortable. Tickets for the same can be bought online or in stations. The train schedules on a routine change around December 10.

Bus/Tram
Buses connect the whole country and you can even go to other cities by bus. Apart from the buses, there are trams and metro as well in the big cities. Most routes cover short distances, but it’s possible to go from city to city by bus. You also have the Kusttram, which crosses the Flemish seaside from France to the Netherlands. This is an enjoyable trip which you can try out in the summer. In Belgium, local transport is provided by different companies – MIVB in Brussels, De Lijn in Flanders, and TEC in Wallonia.

Car
There is a sound network of modern toll-free motorways, but be careful of the secondary roads as they may not be in the best of conditions. Here the driving follows “priority from the right” rule.

Leisure

Belgium is alluring for the travelers not only for its scenic locales as well as stunning architecture, but what is most charming about the country is that you get so much in so little space. You may be in any part of Belgium, but there is always whole lot of opportunity for enjoyment and the party starts from 8:00 p.m. continues till 8:00 a.m. People just indulge in merriment with a chilled beer and a piping hot waffle to accompany and Belgium’s nightlife is so lively that people don’t think twice before skipping their sleep for joining the party scene.

Jazz festivals, rock concerts, exotic nightclubs, conventional brown pubs, and casinos are some of the favorite places of fun lovers. There are 80 bars in Brussels. Some of the excellent choices are A La Mort Subite – a local Brussels favorite, or Le Grand Mayeur – where you can enjoy Hungarian music in a bistro background, or watch a play at Theatre Royal de Toone – a marionette theater which is there since 1834 . Here you also have the added attraction of Belgian beers.

Belgium hosts film festivals as well like the Brussels International Fantasy Film Festival, Brussels European Film Festival, and International Short Film Festival.

Some of the places you must not miss for extreme fun are:

Bars like A la Mort Subite, Au Bon Vieux Temps, etc.
Nightclubs like Bazaar, Le Cercle, Le Fuse, etc.
Live music can be enjoyed Archiduc, Café Belga, Bizon, etc.
Restaurants which provide entertainment are H2O, Le Bazaar, Le Grand Maveur, etc.

Some of the facts which you must be aware that here in Belgium specific dress codes are followed and sneakers are not allowed as well as jeans are not permitted in some places. Also you have to be at least 18 years of age to drink in Belgium.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #31 on: November 24, 2014, 04:17:50 PM »
Czech Republic Travel Guide


A Picture of Jested Mountain and Hotel in Czech Republic.

If you are one of those travelers who prefer to enjoy diversities, then the Czech Republic is the right place for you, as this fascinating country includes a plethora of diverse attractions like the pulsing capital Prague to the primitive villages of Moravia, beautiful mountains to lounging in spas, so whatever may be your choice and preference, the Czech Republic offers it all. The Czech Republic is replete with an impressive blend of majestic architecture and Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque facades.
 
The best time to visit the Czech Republic is from the month of May to September as during this period the climate remains mild and favorable for traveling.

Several popular destinations in the Czech Republic and Moravské Slovácko Region, Prague and Sumava attract a huge bulk of tourists every year. However, if you are interested to find out some of the most fascinating tourist attractions in this country, then Karlstejn, Kladruby, Konprusy Caves, Prague Castle, and Tel Chateau won’t disappoint you by any means.

Map



Getting In

The different ways of reaching the Czech Republic are listed below:

Plane
Most tourists prefer to travel to the Czech Republic by air. Specifically, they fly to the Prague Airport, which is the hub of the official airlines of the Czech Republic, Czech Airlines. Brno, Ostrava, Pardubice, and Karlovy Vary are the other major international airports of the Czech Republic.

Train
It is possible to reach the Czech Republic via train from some of the neighboring countries. You can reach the Czech Republic from most locations in Europe by train. Slovakia, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Austria, and Poland have direct rail networks connecting them to the Czech Republic. It will take you about 16 hours to reach Prague from Paris, about an hour to reach from Berlin, and about 6 hours to reach Prague from Vienna.

Bus
Reaching the Czech Republic by bus is another option. The bus services are available from countries like Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia, Switzerland, etc. The Eurolines bus service operates throughout the whole of Europe and is a convenient bus to take to reach the Czech Republic.

Car
You may also reach the Czech Republic by car. Provided you have the required documents with you and finish all the paperwork necessary to make the journey, then you can drive from countries like Germany, Poland, Austria, and Slovakia.

Transport

The different modes of transportation in the Czech Republic are listed below:

Cars
Getting around the Czech Republic by car is quite convenient, but you need to be careful as the country has some strict driving laws which if not followed, could lead to heavy fines. Naturally, it is needless to say that driving under the influence of alcohol could land you in big trouble. Get well acquainted with the driving rules of the Czech Republic just to be on the safer side.

Planes
The national airlines of the Czech Republic, which fly to almost all locations in the country offer comfortable flights.

Bus and Train
You can also traverse the length and breadth of the Czech Republic by bus. The country boasts of some excellent bus services which ply to all major places in the country. Student Agency is one such bus service which operates between Prague, Liberec, Brno, etc. Traveling by trains in Czech Republic is pretty expensive, but the trains will take you to every nook and corner of the country. You could often find your train delayed and reaching scheduled locations quite late.
You could also try cycling through some of the designated cycling routes in the Czech Republic.

Leisure

Once you are in this country, you can try out some of the adventure sports like rafting, skiing, hiking, trekking, cycling, etc. You can also try your hand at various other sports like football, ice hockey, squash, etc., at the numerous clubs found in the Czech Republic.

If you are a music lover, then you can ensure your quota of entertainment by visiting the Klub Lávka, Prague, a popular Tequila bar which plays music. Or you could also visit the Lucerna Music bar in Prague. You can enjoy rock, jazz, and many other types of music. You can also do your shopping at various shops, department stores, supermarkets, bookstores, etc., located in the country. The shops in the Czech Republic remain open from 8:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m.

You can also visit the towns Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázne which are famous spa towns located in the Czech Republic. At particular locations in the cities of the Czech Republic you would discover castles dating as far back as the 14th century.

Your entertainment in the Czech Republic can never be complete without paying visits to the various lakes, national parks, mountains, etc., found in the country. You are also bound to find some wonderful places in the Czech Republic, where time seems to have stopped. There are many UNESCO world heritage sites located in different parts of the country.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #32 on: November 29, 2014, 07:30:13 PM »
Denmark Travel Guide


A Picture of Frederiksborg Castle in Hellerod, Denmark

Denmark is situated in northern Europe and it remains surrounded by the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and Germany. Most of the landmass of this country is occupied by the Jutland peninsula and the remaining 500 islands cover the rest of the country. Denmark, one of the smallest Scandinavian countries, sprinkles a distinct charm with vivacious cities and quiet rustic villages.

The most fascinating attraction in Denmark is the capital Copenhagen, which is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Intriguing sightseeing attractions of Denmark include Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Sonderborg, Aalborg, Ribe, Vejle, Randers, Skagen, Fredrikshavn, Billund, and Silkeborg. Apart from these major tourist destinations, the whole country of Denmark is stuffed with various attractions like parks, gardens, squares, and fountains entertain the tourists who assemble here from different corners of the world.

Denmark Travel Guide Map



Getting In

Generally, people visit Denmark by air, but one can also prefer the sea or land route. Denmark is served by two major and several minor airports. The airport is connected by train to Copenhagen Central Station, and further to Malmo and the other towns in Sweden. Buses and taxis are also available from here for tourists. Sterling, SAS Scandinavian, and others connect Copenhagen with many cities in Europe and beyond. Easy Jet serves Copenhagen from London and Berlin. British Airways offers regional services to Oslo, Gothenburg, and Stockholm. Sterling and others connect the region with several cities in Europe.

If you wish to reach Denmark by train, you must know that there are five direct trains per day from Hamburg to Copenhagen. It is for approximately every two to three hours. These trains are loaded onto a ferry for the sea passage from Puttgarten to Rodby. The total journey time is around 4.5 hours. There are also two train lines to Jutland from Hamburg, one via Padborg and the other via a place called Tonder. Trains run every twenty minutes from Malmö to Copenhagen.

Buses are another option to travel to Denmark. Graahundbus, Eurolines, and Midttrafik run buses between all the European, and Danish destinations.

Tourists coming to the country for a holiday or business may choose ferry to reach here. Scandlines run ferries from Puttgarden to Rodby on Lolland and from Rostock to Gedser on Falster. They ferry from Sassnitz to Rønne on Bornholm also. These rides are enjoyed by tourists.

Transport

In general, people refer trains to travel around Denmark. Long distance train travel is done with DSB (Danish State Rail system). Along with it, a number of long distance bus companies operate. Every region in Denmark has its own local public transportation company. The DSB uses a system of klippekort for travel in the Oresund region. Some of the long distance bus companies offer klippekort that are valid for a specific route across regions. Long distance bus-service between Jutland and Copenhagen is possible for tourists with a charge of 240 DDK.

Other than DSB there are several small rail lines operated by other companies. However, Danish trains are very comfortable, very modern, and very expensive. Most trains have 230V power outlets.

Travel in Denmark is also possible by ferry. This is the best way to reach the smaller islands. Ferries are the easiest way to get to Bornholm, a Danish island in the Baltic Sea, though it can be reached by plane also.

Car and bicycle are two other means of getting around. There are many no toll-roads except the two big bridges: Storebæltbroen between Zealand and Funen (DKK 200 one way), and Oresundbroen between Copenhagen and Malmo (DKK 235 one way). Biking in Denmark is also safe and easy. All major cities have bike trails along most roads. However, biking on the highways is prohibited which includes the Great Belt Bridge and the Oresund Bridge. Scandinavian Airlines, Danish Air Transport, and Cimber Air are the airlines that operate domestic routes in Denmark.

Leisure

The Night Film Festival, also called the Natfilm Festival, takes place over 10 days in March. It features more than 100 Danish and international films in their original languages. The three-day Copenhagen Carnival is held over the Whitsunday weekend. Usually, that falls at the end of May or early June. During this time the streets are filled especially that of the city center with parades, samba dancing, and other organized festivities.

Beach bonfires are also a common sight. The beach bonfires are lit up all around the country on the midsummer eve. It is also called Sankt Hans Aften. The adventure seekers should head towards the north of Copenhagen. It is here that Denmark’s most important horse race, the Danish Derby is arranged. The Copenhagen Jazz Festival continues for 10 days in early July. Tourists who like a chamber or classical music can hang out for the Sommerkoncerter i Vor Frue Kirk. This means Summer Concerts in Vor Frue Kirk in English. These summer concerts are held throughout August.

In late August, the Danish capital plays host to the Golden Days in Copenhagen, with art exhibits, poetry readings, and theatre focuses on Denmark’s ‘Golden Age’. Christmas is a big celebration in Denmark. At this time it is hard to escape the numerous feel-good community fairs, no matter where one is. Public holidays in Denmark include New Year’s day, Maundy Thursday (Thursday before Easter), Good Friday (Friday before Easter), Easter Monday, Common Prayer Day (fourth Friday after Easter), Ascension Day, Whitsunday (the 7th Sunday after Easter), Whitmonday (eighth Monday after Easter), Constitution Day (5 June), Christmas Eve (from noon), Christmas Day and Boxing Day (26 December). So, travelers can pay a visit at this time for unlimited fun.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #33 on: November 29, 2014, 07:40:21 PM »
England Travel Guide


A Picture of County Hall and London Eye on River Thames, in England(UK)

England is one of the four ‘home nations’ that make up the United Kingdom. England is the largest of the four nations in terms of surface area and population. In the north of England, you will find Scotland and Wales is located to the west of the England. Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland lie across the Irish Sea to west of England. France and the Channel Islands lies across the English Channel to the south and to the east of England is great The North Sea.

The vast country of England has many things to offer ranging from vast plains to unruly mountain ranges, sandy deserts to soaring skyscrapers, dazing coastlines to impressive scenic beauty and flourishing cultural panorama to vibrant nightlife. Being the largest country in the United Kingdom England offers a wide scope of excitement and fun. The country is a traveler’s paradise.

You can reach England by taking Flights to England. The Island has many airports like, the London airport or Southampton airport that bring tourists from other cities of the world to England.

There are several car ferries routes from various countries of Europe. From the country of France, the Euro tunnel runs a frequent train service from Calais, France, to Folk stone which carries vehicles and their passengers. A number of well-maintained roads cross England’s borders with its British neighbors.
The travelers will get the best of resorts, hotels, and lodges for accommodation in England. For the international tourists, there are internationally famed accommodation units that offer superb room and hotel facilities and services to their guests. Plan to stay at any city in England and you will get the finest of accommodations waiting to welcome you in a warm manner.

The resorts and hotels have spacious and airy rooms that are tastefully designed and fitted with contemporary in-room amenities. The hotels also provide excellent dining and recreational facilities to make you feel at home away from home and enjoy your vacation whole heartedly.

There are several restaurant chains scattered all throughout England. Enjoy and savor the local cuisine of England like, deep-fried, battered fish with chips, Yorkshire pudding, sausages and a hearty vegetable and meat stew.

Some of the famous bars are located in England that serves world-class wines and drinks in a warm ambiance and at affordable rates.



Getting In

The country of England is well connected with whole of the world and there is no dearth of communication in this country. The brilliant airways, railways, and roadways of the country keep it well connected with all the major cities of the world. Reaching England by air is very convenient, the country has 470 airports. London is the capital of the country and includes five airports. The Heathrow Airport of London is the major and largest airport of London. Everyday several airlines from all over the world operate from the various airports of the city. The British Airways, Ryanair, British Midland, Easyjet, and Go are some of the popular domestic airlines providing flights to England. Everyday you will get thousands of Flights to England.

Travel to England is very easy as you can choose from a variety of trains operating throughout the country. The major railways operating in the country are Anglia railways, Arriva trains, Central trains, Chiltern railways, Virgin trains, Silverlink trains, National rail, C2C, and Connex Rail. There are a number of railway stations in the major cities of the country including Southampton, London, York, Manchester, and Birmingham. All the major states of the country are conveniently connected with each other. The most cheapest and convenient way to access various regions of the country of England is through roads. There are the long distance express buses or the coaches that will carry you to your destination. You may also choose double or single decker buses for getting around England. Apart from this, shuttle taxis are also operation on the roads of the country.

To reach England, from outside Great Britain, you may opt for car ferries that take you to England or else get into the Island by the Channel Tunnel.

Transport

England is well-connected by well-planned roads, an efficient network of railways, ferry services, and numerous world-class airports. Statistics reveal that the ports in the southern and southeastern portion of England are busier than the ports in Manchester and Liverpool. Some of the other important ports which are used mainly for commercial purpose are Tilbury, Thamesport, Southampton, and Liverpool.
England transportation is easy and effortless as there are strict traffic rules and regulations. LNumerous highways connect England with other countries of Europe. The whole of the country is well-connected with an efficient railways network. Apart from the speedy freight trains, yne can avail of the services of the “Tube” or the underground railway. The Channel Tunnel has been instrumental in connecting England and the rest of Europe. Journey between the countries have become faster and less tiring. The holidayers can avail of the services of Eurostar (Le Shuttle) and Eurotunnel.

The bus services, Underground services, and the cab are some other choices to travel around the country. The Gatwick Express has daily services from Gatwick Airport to the famous Victoria Station at an interval of half an hour. The other option is the Stansted Express which leaves the Stansted Airport for Liverpool Station every one hour.

The ferry ride or Seacat ride is an enjoyable affair and the boat trip to Dover, Folkestone, Calais, and Boulogne will take only 90 minutes from London. Ferry services to Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, and Scandinavia are available from England.

Leisure

Entertainment in England is as vibrant and as colorful as the country itself. The various entertainment options will appease the holidayers. Various regions in England have their own specialities and it is the diversity that has made England one of the favorite tourist destinations for the world traveler. If you start exploring England from the western tip you will be mesmerized by Cornwall, the region with a stunning coastline. Tiny villages, old smuggler’s inns, and the world-famous cream tea are not to be missed at any cost.

Among the numerous tourist attractions in England Brighton with its trendy resorts and Gloucestshire with its natural landscape have captured the attention of the holidayers. The countryside of England turns green and inviting and the small villages which dot the countryside looks as if they come straight from the picture postcard. Verdant valleys, large lakes, historic forts, lush greenery, and mystifying waterfalls are simply irresistible. The culminating point is of course the Yorkshire Moors which is wild and the crisp mountain air, which sweeps over the vast area will remind you of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights. Northumberland Cumbria are the places where you can get the best deals in tiny market towns.

Entertainment in England comprises of shopping and you will find some of the finest brands in England. Shopping in England can be fun as you shop to your heart’s content and check out the latest fashion trivia in Blueberry or Stella McCartney. China and porcelain products are found galore in Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Crown Derby, and Royal Worcester. If you are searching for the perfect souvenir, then you can buy chocolates and luxury food from Fortnum and Mason, and Harrods which are huge departmental stores. Nightlife in England is as vibrant as the city itself. Apart from traditional Shakespearean theatres, music concerts, and opera ballets, the nightclubs are hip and happening places where the young crowd can enjoy different types of music.

Even when you are not doing anything, you can hire a car and visit the lovely countryside. The winding country lanes, the sudden patch of green, and the cricket grounds where you can come across would-be cricket players honing their skills in county crickets add to the charm of England. If London amuses you with its vibrancy, then Leeds will please you with its trendy nightlife and Lake District will make you fall in love with the tranquil beauty of the place.

Some of the major attractions in England comprise the famous Windsor Castle, ancestral home of the Princess of Wales, Hadrian’s Wall, Hampton Court, Hatfield House, Norwich with its enchanting castles, Suffolk which is famous for its quiet nightlife, and the Caister-on-Sea.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #34 on: November 29, 2014, 07:44:27 PM »
Finland Travel Guide


North Harbor in Helsinki, Finland

Finland is situated in northern Europe, and it is one of those fascinating countries where you can spend some delightful time away from the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan city life with your family and friends. Finland is the seventh largest country in Europe with an area of 338,000 square kilometers, and it is situated between Sweden and Russia. The Gulf of Finland divides southern Finland from Estonia and in the north Norway isolates Finland from the Barents Sea. Boreal forest occupies almost two-thirds of Finland and the remaining one third of the country is located at the north of the Arctic Circle.

The most popular option to reach Finland  is to fly down as there are excellent flight connections to Finland from all through the world and Finnair and SAS have scheduled flights to Helsinki from most of the major cities in Europe as well as the other important cities of the world.

If you are planning to visit Finland during the winter, then you can enjoy a fantastic skiing holiday or visit the Santa Claus and get engaged in a reindeer tour but, if you visit this country during the summer season, then you can enjoy a plethora of activities like trekking to exotic destinations or simply relax at a hidden summer cottage at magnificent locations.

Various sight seeing destinations of Finland are Helsinki, Turku, Savonlinna, Espoo, Rovaniemi, Oulu, Vaasa, Tampere, Porvoo, Mikkeli, Kokkola, and Punkaharju.

Finland Travel Guide Map



Getting In

The different ways of reaching Finland are listed below:

Plane
Tourists preferring to reach Finland by air are likely to land at the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Some of the major airlines operating flights to Finland are Finnair, Ryanair, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Czech Airlines, and Air Berlin. You will find that about 30 foreign airlines have flights to the Helsinki-Vantaa airport. Finnair, the national airlines of Finland, operate flights from almost all European countries, Asia, and North America.

Train
From Saint Petersburg and Moscow you can reach Helsinki by a direct train. You can reach Finland from London by train. But it would take you a little more than two days to reach your destination. The rail network also connects Belgium to Finland. No direct rail network exists between Finland and, Sweden and Norway.

Bus
The least preferred way of getting to Finland is by bus. The bus line from Stockholm to Finland is quite popular.

Boat
Reaching Finland by boat is perhaps the best method available for the tourists. The journey from Estonia and Sweden by boat is hugely comfortable with facilities like department stores available on the boats. You will get the most excellent, first view, of Helsinki, from the deck of the boat you are traveling in.

Transport

The different modes of transportation in Finland are listed below:

Cars
Getting around Finland by car is one of the more expensive options of transportation in Finland. It would be, generally, costly for tourists to rent a car in Finland. The roads are well maintained and are good for driving purposes. You must remember to keep the headlights of your car on, throughout the time you drive, even if it is daytime. Cars hitting wild animals, is a common occurrence in Finland, particularly along the countryside routes. So, be wary of that while driving.

Planes
The fastest mode of transportation in Finland is by air. This is by far the most expensive, though convenient, way of getting around the country. Finnair, the national carrier of Finland, operates flights to 15 domestic locations. Blue1airlines is its only competitor in this regard.

Bus and Train
Transportation in Finland is also facilitated by the extensive bus and rail network of Finland. Traveling by bus, on most occasions, is costlier than by train. But if you want to reach Lapland in Finland, then you would be required to take a bus, since trains do not operate there. The Matkahuolto bus service connects all locations of Finland. The trains, on the other hand are more comfortable and faster than the buses. You would find facilities like cafes, play rooms for kids, etc. on the trains.
The flights, buses and trains in Finland are always on time which is hugely convenient for the tourists in Finland.

Leisure

In Finland you would have plenty of opportunities for entertainment and leisure in Finland. In Finland you can visit the various concert halls andtheaters. If you love dancing, then you could also pay a visit to the numerous discos and night clubs found in Finland, particularly in Helsinki. Music lovers also have a wide range of options to choose from.

Sports lovers need not worry. They can have their share of entertainment and leisure in Finland. The country holds the Olympic record of having the highest number of medals per capita. During the summer season you can indulge in outdoor sports like sailing, canoeing, horse-riding, cycling, etc. During the winters you can try out skiing, skating, etc.

Theatre and literature festivals to jazz, rock and music festivals, you would have a gamut of options to choose from. You can also do your shopping at Helsinki where you would discover big department stores, shopping centers, boutiques, etc. Some of the famous shopping centers include Forum, Market Square, StockMann, etc.

You could also visit some of the major tourist destinations and attractions located in Finland. Some of them are listed below:

The Santa Claus Village
Suomenlinna Fortress
The National Museum of Finland

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #35 on: November 29, 2014, 07:56:46 PM »
France Travel Guide


Eiffel Tower in Paris, France

France is acknowledged as one of the top five premier destinations in the world. France is also home to some of the world’s most romantic destinations and is considered as the haven for romantic couples from all over the world.

France is the country which presented the world champagne, casseroles, and Camembert. It has also carved a distinct niche for itself among the food lovers due to its delicious cuisines, and it is the right place to savor your taste buds with a variety of mouth watering delicacies and to taste some of the best wines in the world.

The ideal time to visit the magnificent country of France is during the spring as the weather remains perfect for getting around for the visitors. Air France and along with a host of other airlines connects France with the rest of the world. Rail services link France with every country in Europe and traveling by railways can be fascinating options for those travelers who want to enjoy the exquisite beauty of the French country side.

France is fascinating country which comprises of superb city like Paris, exotic beaches, grand monuments, spectacular natural beauty, breathtaking mountain scenery and romantic ambiance that is sure to make all its visitors spell bound. We Provide extensive information on the eminent sight seeing destinations in France and Paris, Marseille, Grenoble, Lyon, Montpellier, Bordeaux, Alp d’Huez Strasbourg, Lille, Cannes, and Le Havre are some of the all time favorite destinations in France.

France Travel Guide Map



Getting In

There are numerous choices for reaching France and undoubtedly the best means of transportation to reach France are the airways. France is connected with all the major cities of Europe as well as the other major cities of the world. The visitors can easily opt for any of the several international airlines that have regular scheduled flights to France.

Roissy – Charles de Gaulle is the main international airport in France and for most of the passengers flying to France from outside of Europe have to get down directly at this international airport. Many international airlines operate in France such as Air France; the national airlines in France, AeroMexico, Alitalia, US Continental, NorthWest, and Delta Airlines are some of the popular air travel options to France. The visitors can also avail several cheap airlines which offer low cost flights, and Ryan air and Volare are two such low cost airlines. You may also reach France by train. The French rail company, SNCF, offers direct and regular rail services from most of the European countries. Reaching France by bus is not really a very convenient option as there are no national bus services, but Eurolines is a private bus service that connects more than 500 destinations, and thus you can opt for it if you are interested in traveling by bus.

Transport

A tour to France includes a host of attractions like Eiffel Tower in Paris, Versailles, Louvre Museum, Disneyland Paris, Cannes International Film Festival, Fontainebleau, Le Mont-Saint-Michel, Rhone-Alps France, Loire Valley, and a sizzling array of exotic beaches and spectacular museums. It is important to have a sound system of transportation in France so that it becomes easier for the tourists to get around in France without any hassles. France offers a number of commuting choices for the travelers who are paying a visit to France.

Several international airlines operate regular flights to France, and there are several domestic airlines in France which provides regular flights to different cities and regions of France. Other than flights, trains are also a popular in France. The French National Railways is renowned in the whole world for its excellent service and in France there are more than 12,000 kilometers of electrified tracks. France is served by SNCF, an extensive net work of national rail system which offers a variety of passes for the convenience of the tourists.

Since France takes pride in its well-developed net work of highways, therefore, car is a comfortable as well as convenient mode of travel in France.

Leisure

France is packed with a dazzling array of options for entertainment. Hit the night clubs as France boasts of pulsating night life that immediately catches you in its electrifying frenzy. Night life attractions in France include live rock and jazz bars, pubs, theatre, opera, and concerts. Catch the real untamed spirit of the French people.

There are numerous options to participate in outdoor sports, and if you are interested in some sort of sports or the other, you will surely find it heart warming to spend a great time trying out the adventurous sports in France. Cycling race is one of the most popular races in France and boating is also getting huge popularity in this country presently. The most popular water sports in France are fishing, hiking, and river rafting. Apart from these water sports, rock climbing and mountaineering are also getting enormous preferences from the sports lovers in France.

France is no doubt the paradise for shoppers belonging to any corner of the world. Paris is the best place to start your shopping in France and lace, crystal glass, cheeses, coffee, wines, spirits, and liqueurs are the all time favorites for the shoppers. Paris is also the home for a number of antique centers where you can get a variety of beautiful antique stuffs at a reasonable price. For those who are interested in acquiring branded designer staff, Paris will meet up to their expectations with flying colors.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #36 on: November 29, 2014, 08:03:05 PM »
Germany Travel Guide


Skyline View Of Cologne City in Germany

Germany has a distinct charm of its own which allures tourists and here you will find landscape as if lifted out of the story book. Majestic Alps in the South, the Bavarian plain and hills in central Germany, and the Baltic Sea washing the shores of the North give Germany an interesting destination. Germany is a perfect blend of old towns, medieval houses, gothic churches, and small villages as well as contemporary cities.

The country has a unique facet with cities featuring a distinct flavor of their own and the reason is not hard to fathom. This was due to its past where various regional princedoms, earldoms, monarchies, and states co-existed. The unified concept was unheard of till the last centuries. When you come to Germany and visit each city, then you are actually exploring a world of its own with unique different architectural styles, art as well as way of living.

The major attractions here in Germany are not only to enjoy the delectable food and drinks, but also discover the subtle taste of food in each city. Here you can pamper your taste buds with filling country fare offered at plain inns to a sumptuous spread at luxury hotels. Not only that, here you will get much popular beers and wines which are indeed a connoisseur’s delight.

You can explore the Southwest of Germany and visit cities like Freiburg, Heidelberg, and Tübingen. Get the feel of French influence at Bonn, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Trier, which is the oldest city of Germany or come to Aachen to see its cathedral and history dating back to the era of Charlemagne.

Germany Travel Guide Map



Getting In

Germany is one of the premier tourist destinations of the world. It is well connected with airways, railways as well as roadways. The travelers who are keen on paying a visit to Germany can easily opt for any of the several international airlines that operate regular flights to Germany to and from most of the major cities of the world.

Traveling by plane is the best option and most of the international airlines operate flights to the airports at Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Cologne, and Hamburg. Frankfurt is the main air hub of Germany and is also considered as one of Europe’s four major hubs and it is unanimous destination of most intercontinental flights and visitors can avail flights from any corner of the world and then opt for connecting flights of Lufthansa, the biggest as well as the most respected airline of Germany. If you are getting worried about budget, then you can cool down as Germany has several budget airlines which operate regular flights to almost every city of Europe.

You may also choose to travel by trains or cars. Regular train services connect Germany with all neighboring countries and Germany is also well connected with an excellent network of motorways and trunk roads, and there are car-sharing agencies in most of the major cities of Germany which provides shared car traveling to all European cities on the basis of shared costs.

Transport

With a colorful blend of ancient towns, spectacular medieval villas and gothic churches; Germany has got a distinct charm of its own. Visitors are able to explore the numerous sightseeing attraction as well the diverse mélange of spectacular landscapes comprising Alps in the south, Bavarian plain and hills in central Germany, and the Baltic Sea washing the shores of north of Germany.

The most popular mode of travel is airways and there are several international airlines which operate regular flights to Germany. There are also several domestic airlines in Germany which provides regular flights to different cities and regions of Germany. There are also numerous budget airlines in Germany which operates regular scheduled flights to various cities of Germany. Germany has an extensive railway system which reaches to almost every corner of the country.

Germany boasts of extensive network of excellent roads and motorways and thus undoubtedly traveling by car is highly comfortable in Germany and you will come across various car rental agencies in most of the cities of Germany. Every year increasing number of tourist comes over here to enjoy a grand vacation.

Leisure

Germany is full of choices for participating in a wide variety of out door activities, and it is the best place to enjoy a multitude of options for fun. The most popular option is to visit the night clubs and Germany takes immense pride in its pulsating nightlife that immediately engulfs you in its electrifying frenzy. All the major cities of Germany have numerous choices and the guests are provided with various options like theater, opera, nightclubs, bars with live music and discos and Berlin is especially noted for its euphoric nightlife.

The visitors get options to participate in the various outdoor sports, and if you are interested in some sort of sports or the other you will surely find it heart warming to spend a great time trying out the adventurous sports in Germany. The most widely popular sports in Germany include horse riding, fishing, rock climbing, cycling and boating and you will definitely spend some divine moments while participating in any of these exciting sports in Germany.

While shopping in Germany don’t forget to buy optical equipment like binoculars and cameras, porcelain, handmade crystal, silver, steel ware, Solingen knives, leatherwear, sports equipment, toys from Nuremberg and Bavarian Loden cloth or those who are interested in music can also opt for musical instruments and keep it in mind that except for bakery shops, all shops in Germany remains closed on Sundays.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #37 on: November 29, 2014, 08:27:17 PM »
Hungary Travel Guide


Chain Bridge and the Parliament in Budapest, Hungary

Hungary is ensconced between seven countries: Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, and Montenegro in Central Europe. Hungary is a cherished tourist destination which attracts visitors from all over the world for its finest of wines (red, white, and rosé) and Baroque towns.

The country is a bit larger in size than Ireland. Here the relief features consist of plains in the east, low hills in the west, and small mountains nestled in the north. In fact the highest mountain Kékes Mountain (the blue mountain), has an altitude of only 1014m. You will find here rivers like the Danube and the Tisza. Hungary has been incorporated in the European Union (EU) since 1 May, 2004.
Here you will find Budapest – a metropolis, which is known as the Paris of Eastern Europe with a vibrant nightlife. The railway station here called the ‘Western Station’ (Nyugati Palyaudvar) was designed by Gustave Eiffel who has the honor of designing Eiffel Tower.

You will also find broad avenues and beautiful parks an ideal place to stroll. There is the Castle District and the Royal Palace as well as the Óbuda area which has some Roman relics and also the Kiscelli Museum here is worth visiting. Don’t forget to take an enchanting cruise along the Danube when you are in Budapest. Lake Balaton is nestled at a distance of 100 km from Budapest. There are many high-rise hotels and beaches along its shore. You can also visit the city of Pécs between the Danube and the Dráva rivers. This city has the unusual monument called the Mosque Church, built by the Turks.
The best time to visit Hungary is during spring and autumn, though summer is the peak season here.

The top destinations to visit on your Hungary tours are:

Budapest
Szentendre
Szeged
Pecs
Lake balaton
Debrecen
Gyor
Esztergom
Sopron
Zalakaros
Eger
Visegrad

Hungary Travel Guide Map



Getting In

Tourists are advised to do some pre -travel planning before arriving in Hungary. Knowing the large area of the country and places of attractions scattered in various parts of the country, it will be prudent to check your mode of transport and the destination. It is quite effortless to travel to Hungary from its neighboring countries of Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. Located centrally in the European Continent, it becomes easy for almost all the European countries to get an easy access to this country. People can avail flight, train, car, bus, and ship facilities to get into Hungary.

Hungary has an effective network of International airports like Budapest Ferihegy Airport in Budapest, Airport Debrecen in Debrecen and FlyBalaton Airport in Sármellék. With loads of Airlines like Austrian Airlines (Austria), Germanwings, Lufthansa (Germany), KLM (Netherlands), Norwegian Air (Norway), Swiss International (Switzerland), Finnair (Finland), Brussels Airlines (Belgium), British Airways (UK), and Air France coming to this country it becomes a hassle-free traveling.

There are direct connections of trains from the neighboring countries of Austria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the Ukraine. Countries like Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Russia, Switzerland and even Turkey, which are bit farther from Hungary can get there through an advanced railway facility. Volánbusz, the national bus company of Hungary is responsible for providing bus service to their neighbors. The bus service is very efficient and more cheaper as compared to the flight fares. You may avail international shipping lines on the Danube (Duna) or Tisza rivers. The service is scheduled to operate to and from Vienna and Bratislava on a regular basis between early April and early November.

Transport

With so much diversity in landscapes and scattered location of some attractive places it becomes crucial to have a good connectivity all around the country. Owing to its central location in the continent, Hungary is easy to be reached by train or bus. It is to be noted that Hungary has no provision of domestic flights to fly within the country. Other transport facilities like train, bus, boat, car, and taxi are available in good number. The tourists can avail any of these modes of transport, which are all efficient in their own way.

There is an extensive network of railways in Hungary. Hungary’s MÁV and GYSEV train company is owned by the government. Covering an area of 7,606 km, Hungary has its major railway stations countrywide, including Tiszai Railway Station in Miskolc and the stations of Pécs, Szeged, Györ, and Székesfehérvár. Intercity (IC) trains are the fastest train service. The train service is well maintained. They connect to the major cities with Budapest. Budapest also boasts of having the only underground metro railway in the country. Having a total area of 188,490 km, the highways are quite smooth and simply a joy to travel.

Trams and Light rail are another option for traveling in Hungary. The tram lines connect the cities of Budapest, Miskolc, Szeged, and Debrecen. This mode of transport is quite popular in Budapest. Buses are more preferred by the tourists. Several bus companies operate within the country which gives a quick service and that too at a very cheap rate. They are clean and quite efficient in transporting passengers. The visitors can rent a car if they wish to have a comfortable journey. Boats although are an option available for travel in Hungary, but it is advised not to count much on it. The good hydrofoil boat connecting between Vienna and Budapest operates from the month of April to October.

Leisure

Hungary is heart filling and cherishing for the tourists. This historically old country located in central Europe is always a treat to visit. Accompanied by both hilly terrain and plains, the country gifts you some fairy tale landscapes and intricate creation of nature. Having a continental climate, it has extreme summers and winters. Surprisingly, both the extremities have their own charm, which is difficult to resist. Be it towns, cities, or natural sights, everything is appealing in their own style.

Hungary has majority of its cities known either for their artistic talent or the natural blessings. Among some of the important cities, some of them are Nyíregyháza – a small city blessed with a water resort, museum village and Kecskemét – a town renowned for its vivacious music scene, plum brandy, added to it is some glorious architecture. Some smaller towns of Hungary are also worth visiting. The visitors will find the small town Eger – known for its wines.

Hungary will not deprive you of the ecstatic beauty of nature. The visitors must visit the Aggtelek, which is the home to some beautiful caves with dripstones and stalagmites. Hungary is proud to have Lake Balaton, which is considered as the biggest lake in Central Europe. If you are a wine lover, then come to Tokaj, a famous town producing high quality white wines.

Hungary has a great taste for entertainment and people here are often prone to be lavish. They often celebrate major native festivals before the advent of any season. The tourists can dance to the melody of Hungarian music, and watch some great acrobatic performances done generally during the winter. Thus, visitors can look forward to a lovely stay.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #38 on: December 16, 2014, 10:04:28 PM »
Iceland Travel Guide


Jokulsarlon Lagoon Iceberg, Iceland

Iceland is rapidly gaining importance in the tourist destination. It was in the 9th century that the Norse Viking settled here and it is in Reykjavik that you would find the majority of Iceland’s population. So make a point to visit Reykjavik on your Iceland tours. Here you will find vibrant nightlife, aesthetic arts scene, and you can also explore the picturesque countryside at Thingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geysir.
Nature lovers will find their dream come true at Iceland. This huge island nestled in the North Atlantic is full of rugged topography with volcanic formations such as black lava, hot blue geysers, rivers, cascades, and lush valleys. There are bays and fjords along the coast. You would be amazed to know that Iceland was the testing station for the lunar landing module by the US before reaching out to the moon.

You can come here in summer, when you can avail guided bus trips offered by many tour operators which will take you all around. The best places to see are Thorsmoerk and Snaefellsjoekull. Another exciting option is to ride on horseback across the highlands. There are no trees and but just one small forest which is a prominent landmark of the country. Whether you want to spend time in the serenity of nature, or watch the birds and the whales, or you want some adventurous activity such as skiing, glacier Skidoo, or horse ride, Iceland is the place to be.

There are a good number of hotels here in Iceland though most of them may be costly, but it can be well understood considering the adverse conditions under which life goes here.

Getting In

A convenient option of reaching Iceland is to fly to Europe and then to Iceland. In this aspect, it is perhaps best to use UK as an entry point to Iceland. This is because UK faces less rigorous checks than some other European countries. Iceland is easily reached by air. The international airport is Keflavik, which is in the South West of the country about 40 km from Reykjavik. An airport transfer bus service called the Fly Bus runs between the airport and Reykjavik bus terminal via various hotels. A return is 300 Kr cheaper than 2 singles. Another great option is to take the bus which stops at the Blue Lagoon either to or from the airport. It then continues every half an hour or so to Reykjavik. Direct flights from New York City, Boston, Minneapolis, Orlando, Baltimore, San Francisco, and most major European countries namely, Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Helsinki, London, Oslo, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Paris, Stockholm, and Zurich airports are available. This is mainly because Iceland Air uses Keflavik as a hub.

Another option of travelingto Iceland is to take the low cost airline Iceland Express, which flies from Copenhagen and London (Stansted) to Keflavik. It gives additional service during the summer months to Frankfurt Hahn, Berlin Schefeld, Friedrichshafen, Alicante, Gothenburg, and Stockholm Arlanda. New connections have been added in 2007 from Copenhagen directly to Akureyri and Egilsstadir. Additionally, reaching Iceland will be much easier as British Airways offer flights from London and SAS from Oslo.

You may also reach Iceland by boat though it takes longer as compared to plane.

Transport

Traveling by flight, by car, by bus, and even by cycle seems to be difficult for a new tourist. Quite naturally, aircraft in Iceland are like buses or trains elsewhere. They are the main form of transportation in Iceland other than the roads. The scheduled service to domestic destinations including Greenland and Faroe Islands is provided by Air Iceland.

You may also travel by car through the roads. Driving in Iceland is on the right-side of the road. There are excellent car hire desks from Hertz and Avis at the airport as well as a local company, Alp. Hiring and renting of cars is, however, expensive. There are two signs that foreigners should pay attention to. First, “malbik endar” means that the road changes from a paved road to a gravel road. Slow down before these changes for one can lose control easily. Also “einbreio br” means that a one-lane bridge is approaching. Arrive at the bridge slowly and assess the situation. If another car has arrived at the bridge, first allow them the right-of-way. In spite of such precautions, driving in Iceland is an amazing experience with all the proper precautions.

The BSI Travel Runs regular bus service to most parts of the country, especially around the Ring Road (Route 1). Cycling is another way of experiencing Iceland. It provides a different cultural experience to the other means of transportation in Iceland. Cycling in Iceland is great fun though traffic in and out of Reykjav is heavy.

Leisure

There is no dearth of recreation options in Iceland. Hiking is one of them. However, only a few places in Iceland have marked walking paths. The Iceland Touring Association operates walking tours all year round. Besides, a number of travel agencies and tour operators organize trips to Iceland’s glaciers, which cover 11 per cent of the country. Transport is mainly by 4-wheel-drive vehicles, snow cats, or snowmobiles. The best time for Skidooing is between January and March when the snow is fresh and plenty.

Skiing is a year-round activity and Iceland’s most popular winter sport. Ski resorts offer both downhill skiing and cross-country skiing throughout the country. The main skiing season is normally from January until May or June. Summer skiing is also possible on the glaciers. Swimming is very popular in Iceland since there are many natural and man made pools in Iceland such as the Blue Lagoon near Reykjav, heated by geothermal springs. Many places also have saunas, jacuzzis and hot pots with water temperatures of up to 44 degrees Celcius/112 degrees Fahrenheit. Other than these, fishing is a common sport in Iceland. Iceland is famous for this particularly, salmon fishing, for which it is reputed to be among the best locations in the world. The main salmon fishing season is from around 20 June to mid-September. There are around 55 courses in Iceland, all of which are open to visitors.

Wildlife in Iceland is another attraction Birdwatching, whale watching and tours to the best spots around the coast are widely accepted by tourists all over. It is also possible to see dolphins. Icelandic horse trekking is another in Iceland. River rafting in the midst of a variety of rivers and beautiful is another popular activity.

The country is host to plenty of nightclubs, bars, cafes, and cinemas though most of them are in the capital. During the tourist season, there is an attractive light entertainment show in English called ‘Light Nights’ with traditional Icelandic stories, and folk songs.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #39 on: December 16, 2014, 10:10:44 PM »
Italy Travel Guide


Grand Canal and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute in Venice, Italy

If you want to tour a romantic destination and travel through the pages of history, then Italy is the perfect destination for you. Italy is famous for its olive oil, pasta, wine, Roman relics, and Renaissance palaces.

The topography of Italy is marked by the two mountain chains, the Alps and the Apennines. The majestic Alps form an arch in the north and stretch from east to west. At its foothills, you have the Po Valley. The Apennines forms the backdrop of the Italian peninsula. In Italy the major islands are Sicilia/Sicily and Sardegna/Sardinia. In the archipelago you will also find Tremiti Islands, Aeolian and Egadi Islands, the Tuscan Archipelago, and the Pontine Islands.

The enchanting country has something reserved for everyone. You can stay for a long duration at the tourist centers, as you have something new for you everyday.

And even if you want to go on off beaten track Italy has options for that as well. One of the places which you can visit on vacations in Italy is Lombardia, the capital of Milan - a business hub as well as a fashion capital. Bergamo is quite near to this place, about an hour’s drive. Further, you may undertake a romantic trip to Venice and Verona. You will be impressed by the picturesque landscape of Verona, and if you want to feast on delectable Italian cuisines, then go to north-west of Italy. For the connoisseur, Piemonte is an ideal choice for the finest of wines. Here you can taste Barolo and Barbaresco, which are the choicest wines made from the Nebbiolo grape. Apart from these, there are museums, modern art, music and book fairs, which give you the feel of the culture of Italy.

A visit to Italy would be incomplete without a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a testimony to medieval engineering. The tower, more popularly known as the bell tower, stands 60 feet tall, and is famous for leaning at an approximate angle of 10 degree. This eight story tower, is one of the four buildings that make up the cathedral complex of Pisa. Now that tourists are allowed to climb up the tower, it attracts a high number of visitors every year.

Travel Map



Getting In

The age old charm of Italy to the international travelers has resulted in the fact that presently there are numerous choices for reaching Italy from all corners of the world. The visitors can opt for airways, railways, roadways, or even waterways, according to their convenience and preference. The most popular means is undoubtedly by availing any of the numerous flights that are operated by a host of international airlines. Adria, Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot, Air Berlin, Air Baltic, Air Europa, Air Madrid, Albanian Airlines, Atlas Blue, Belle Air, Condor, Croatia Airlines, Cyprus Airlines, Carpat Air, Bulgaria Air, Panorama Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Climber Air, Iceland Air, Montenegro Airlines, Norwegian Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Tyrolean Airways, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Swiss International, TAO Portugal, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Kuwait Air, and Yemen Airways are the premier airlines which operate regular and scheduled flights to Italy from various countries of the world.

The visitors can also take trains from France, Croatia, Austria, Geneva, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, and Spain and reach Italy by relishing an extremely comfortably journey. For those travelers who want to avail an adventurous mode of transportation, can opt for ferry service from Greece, Albania, Montenegro, and Croatia.

Transport

Italy is one of the premier tourist destinations of the world which offers a dazzling mélange of pictorial landscapes, magnificent cultural heritage, spectacular art and architecture, bustling cities, and splendid countryside. .

The fastest and most convenient mode of traveling in Italy is air travel and there are several budget airlines in Italy, which operate regular flights to most of the cities of Italy. The Italian rail system operates different types of trains like TBiz, EurostarItalia, Eurostar City Italia, IntercityPlus, Intercity, Espresso, Interregionale and Regionale, Eurostar and Italia, and TBiz falls. If someone is traveling in train a lot, then he or she can avail the TRENITALIA PASS, where he or she will get the opportunity to travel a lot at a discounted price within the time period of two months.

Italy takes pride in its well-developed road system. Thus, the travelers can also opt for cars or buses and both these modes of transportation are not only convenient, but comfortable as well. You can also prefer traveling by yachts for charter, skippered and bareboat or they can simply hire a motor boat, sailing boat, exclusive mega yacht, wooden gulet or motor sailer and enjoy a grand time with your near and dear ones.

Leisure

Italy is considered as the paradise for holiday goers, and this beautiful country does not restrict its appeal to a plethora of natural wonders and a multitude of magnificent sightseeing attractions in Italy, but also includes a sizzling array of choices for entertainment. You can go to night clubs, bars, and dancing pubs. The electrifying nightlife in Italy immediately catches you in its frenzy. For those who want to try out something different, can head towards the vibrant street theater or the Grand Opera Houses and the Academy of Santa Cecilia.

Italy is teemed with numerous choices for enjoying various outdoor activities and those who are interested in outdoor sports, can try out the innumerable water sports as well as winter sports. Apart from the well-known winter and water sports, there are vast stretches of well-maintained golf courses in most of the major cities of Italy, which allow the golf lovers to play golf amid the spectacular natural beauty of the sparkling Italian towns.

Many tourists indulge in vigorous shopping spree, and while touring in Italy, one comes across of loads of beautiful stuff and antiques are particularly widely available in Italy.
Each region of Italy has its own specialty and while you visit these places in Italy, don’t hesitate to shop the regional specialties.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #40 on: December 16, 2014, 10:19:55 PM »
Ireland Travel Guide


Dromoland Castle in Ennis, Ireland

Ireland, a country in Europe, is an enchanting place with its scenic locales and glorious past. This country comprises of four provinces and there are a number of counties in every province:

Leinster has 12 counties in the south-east Ireland.

Munster having 6 counties in the south-west Ireland.

Connacht comprises of 5 counties along Ireland’s west coast.

Ulster has 9 counties in the north of Ireland and also 6 counties in Northern Ireland.

Tourists who arrive here in Ireland need travel guide when they make a tour of the counties as in this country the provinces have special names assigned for promoting tourism. Provinces instead of called by names are called as “Sunny South East”, “The West”, “The North West”, “The Shannon Region”, and “The Midlands”. So, when you come here, be sure of the county names, cities, towns, rather than thinking of which province you are making a tour.

Some of the places which must be included in your tour itinerary are:

Dublin / Baile Átha Cliath, the capital city. Here you will find night pubs, excellent architecture and shopping hubs.

Cork / Corcaigh nestled on the banks of the River Lee.

Galway / Gaillimh – a city located on the banks of the river Corrib.

Kilkenny / Cill Chainnigh – a medieval City is called the Marble City – home to ‘the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, hosted every year in early June.

Limerick / Luimneach – a city on the river Shannon

Travel Map



Getting In

Ireland is called the land of sublime nature beauty and rich culture. This country, with its varied beauty, attracts a bulk of tourist every year. There are some highly developed Airports in Ireland. These airports not only give better domestic services, but also praiseworthy international services.

The major airports of Ireland are:

Belfast City Airport
Belfast International
Cork Airport
Derry Airport
Donegal Airport
Dublin Airport
Galway Airport
KerryAirport

Ireland airlines are mainly from Australia/New Zealand, Europe, and USA/Canada. People from the rest of the world may adopt routes to UK for Getting to Ireland.

The Airlines flying from Ireland are:

Aer Arran
Air Caledonian
Aer Lingus
Air Wales
BMI Baby
BMI British Midlands
British AirwaysEasyjet
Eastern Airways
Euromanx
Flybe
Flykeen
MyTravelLite
Ryanair
Thomson

Trains are second best means to reach Ireland. Here the network of rail tracks reaches to every region of the Island. In the capital city of Ireland there are two central stations. The Heuston Station is in service of the south and west region and the Connolly Station is in service of the north and the north west of the country. In Belfast, the Great Victoria Street Station is the center of rail travel in Northern Ireland.

Bus Eirean, the Ireland’s national service and Ulster Bus are helpful for the tourists to go round the city. You may also take a rental car and roam about the country according to your will. Cars can be hired from the Irish car rental reservation system.

Transport

Ireland can be reached by flights within few hours. For getting to the tourist destinations across the country trains, bus, car, and taxi offer convenient and cheap journey.

Flights
Ireland has several well-developed airports from which numerous flights take off for other countries and on which numerous flights land from different corners of the world. Aer Lingus is the official airlines of Ireland. It operates a good number of flights to UK, US, Canada, The long-haul division of Aer Lingus serves Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Dubai. It operates 41 Airbus Aircraft which serve Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Apart from this, there are several other airlines giving international as well as domestic services. Some of them are Delta Airlines, Aer Arann, Bmibaby, etc.

Bus
Bus is another convenient means to reach your destination across the country. Bus Eirean the Ireland’s national service and Ulster Bus are helpful for the tourists to go round the city.

Trains
Airports are connected by trains to different regions. There are two central stations in the capital city of Ireland. The Heuston Station is in service of the south and west region and the Connolly Station is in service of The north and the north west of the country. In Belfast the Great Victoria Street Station is the center of rail travel in Northern Ireland.
Rented cars are also available to travel in Ireland.

Leisure

Situated on the outskirts of western Europe, Ireland is acclaimed for its history, culture, geographical beauty, and youthful energy. Every year a large number of tourists come to visit this land of saints and seers. The people of Ireland are widely known for their congeniality and hospitality. Their real pleasure is in getting together and take part in some social celebration. Apparently if you come, you will get abundant choices to enjoy.

The Great Fishing Houses of Ireland, established by the National Cooperative Marketing Group have 21 of the best game fishing establishments in Ireland. Here you may get the real excitement and vigor of fishing.

Horses are the real passion among the Irish people, so you may have intended opportunity of horse riding. You may ride on country lanes or mountain tracks and the beach at Waterville or on the golden beach of Rossbeigh.

Angling, fishing, sea angling, cruising, sailing, windsurfing, surfing, canoeing, climbing, hill walking, golf, equestrian, horse racing, hang gliding, etc., are some other entertainment choices.
The people in Ireland are fun loving. They have a long list of colorful festivals. Listowel Writers Week is celebrated from May 30 to June 30. It is the first festival in honor of writers. The cat Laughs Festival, Kilkenny is the best comedy festival in the world. Colonel Junction is another important festival of Ireland.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #41 on: December 16, 2014, 10:26:20 PM »
Portugal Travel Guide


Belem tower at Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal is located in the southwest region of Europe and shares its border with Spain. It is also bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal is a European Union nation since 1986. Demography was introduced in Portugal in the year 1974 and was one of the principal reasons for the country’s progress from poverty to prosperity. Portugal is divided into 18 districts, but the procedure of classifying country regions in terms of districts could be phased out. Portugal has green mountains, Rocky Mountains, amazing diversity of landscapes, waterfalls, etc., for its tourists. Most of the tourists in Portugal are seen between June and September. Easter is a major event in Portugal. Portuguese is the official language of Portugal.

British Airways, Air France, and Lufthansa have direct flights to Portugal. Lisbon, Faro, and Porto are the major international airports of Portugal. Intra-country traveling is cheap and convenient, if you use the highly efficient and well-developed railway network of Portugal. Traveling by train will be frequently cheaper than by bus. Try to avoid driving when you are in Portugal, a country infamous for reckless driving.

Some of the tourist attractions in Portugal:

St. George’s Castle, Lisbon
Oceanarium, Lisbon
Gulbenkian Museum, Lisbon
The Island of Madeira
Sacred Art Museum, Funchal
Botanical Gardens Madeira, Funchal
Bahia Beach Bar, Lagos

Travel Map



Getting In

The people can easily connect with this country as it has a good connectivity with an efficient transportation network. Though it was considered one of the poorest countries in the world, it maintains a wide link to almost all the parts of the world. The tourists can expect to get into this country with various modes of transports including, flights, trains, buses, cars, and sometimes boats. Not only with the European countries, but the country has a frequent connection with other continents. People from almost every corner of the world have all the convenience to visit this wonderland. The country, which is well known for its rocky mountains, waterfalls, beaches, and near-desert landscapes, takes full care to see whether everyone is having the access to this country.

The country has a good number of airports like Portela Airport (Lisbon International Airport), Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, Évora Airport, Faro Airport, etc., which receive a large number of International Airlines. The tourists can opt from the following airlines like Aer Lingus (Dublin), Air Berlin (Palma de Mallorca), Air France (Paris-Charles de Gaulle), British Airways (London-Heathrow), Brussels Airlines (Brussels), Egyptair (Cairo), Finnair (Helsinki), Germanwings (Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart) Lufthansa (Frankfurt, Munich), Monarch Airlines (London-Gatwick), Scandinavian Airlines System(Oslo), Swiss International Air Lines (Zürich), TAP Portugal (Madrid, Munich, Oslo, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Prague, Rio de Salvador, Stockholm-Arlanda,Venice, Zagreb, Zürich) Tunisair (Tunis), US Airways (Philadelphia), etc. Reaching Portugal is a bit difficult for the visitors residing in most of the African and Asian countries.

Apart from flights you may also choose to arrive in Portugal via car, especially, from the neighboring countries like England and Spain. Owing to a good number of modern roads and Highways, the tourists from England and Spain can easily enter the country via Plymouth-Santander or Portsmouth-Bilbao in Northern Spain. The capital city of Lisbon is a well-connected network of railway to Madrid and San Sebastian in Spain. Bus services like ALSA and Auto Res connect the major cities of Spain with the cities of Lisbon, Oporto, and the Algarve, in Portugal. Though boats are available for a limited number of tourists, it is preferable to avoid taking a ride to this transport service, as it is often prone to get disrupted.

Transport

Portugal, an exquisitely beautiful country, has its attractions scattered throughout the country. The tourists will surely get a lot of options to choose. The visitors may choose to travel in Portugal via plane, rail, metro, bus, car, and tram. As it is not a big country, it spares the tourist from the hassle of long traveling from one part of the country to another. The major cities of the country like Lisbon, Guimarães, Évora, Faro, Porto (Oporto), Coimbra, Cascais, Portimao, Lagos, Viseu, etc., are well connected by most of the modes of transport available in the country.

A large number of domestic flights operate in the major parts of the country. The major number of domestic flights of TAP Portugal fly between Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, and the Azores, and also between Madeira and Porto Santo. SATA has regular flights between all the islands of the Azores and from the Azores to Madeira and mainland Portugal. ATA also connects various major cities of Portugal. The country is backed by a good railway network. The tourists get a guaranteed swift and cheap journey across the country. CP – Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses, the Portuguese railway company, offers an extensive rail network covering the whole country. The tourists can opt to take a ride on Alfa pendular trains, which offer the fastest and most comfortable rail link between Lisbon and the Algarve, Porto, Braga, or Guimarães. The Intercidades or Intercity service covers the Lisbon-Porto-Braga, Lisbon-Guarda, Lisbon-Covilhã, Lisbon-Alentejo, and Lisbon-Algarve routes. These trains are quite cheap as they run on the subsidy given by the government.

Metro Railway is clean, developed, and air-conditioned. This underground railway system saves the congestion in the cities of Lisbon and Porto. These metro rails are quite efficient and fast. Owing to a large number of good roads, it becomes tempting for the travelers to rent cars and move around the country. Trams are a very delicate mode of transport and have a limited range within the city of Lisbon. The tourists will find that Companhia de Carris de Ferro de Lisboa is the one and only monopoly tram company of Portugal. The tram network is there in the city of Porto as well. Buses are available, but in limited number. Taxis made in traditional Portuguese style are another choice of traveling within the country. They are generally found all over the country, and provide the convenience of reaching you at any of your favored destination.

Leisure

This country in Southern Europe is bestowed with some beautiful countryside places, vibrant cities, and other landscape diversities. It has everything to thrill the visitors. The tourists will be enchanted to see the luxurious mountain ranges and glamorous near-desert landscape. The warm and comfortable climate, adding to some scintillating sceneries, make it a hunting ground for the tourists. Some of the major regions like Minho, Madeira Islands, Azores Islands, Alentejo, Algarve, etc., are worth visiting.
Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, is gifted with some ancient architecture, which includes, St Jorge’s Castle, Belem Tower, Santa Justa’s Elevator, Belem Tower, etc., along with Museums, Zoos, and historical districts. The visitors must visit the Roman ruins in the city of Evora. Faro, the most sought after destination for its reputation of having some well-dressed beaches and the city far away from the humdrum of daily life, is a place where the visitors can expect ultimate peace of mind. Porto, the second largest city of Portugal after Lisbon, also shelters some notable places of attractions. This hilly city has both medieval and modern architecture. The tourists can have a great time spending in multipurpose pavilions with nice gardens. The city also has a huge collection of shopping complex, which sells some quality handicrafts. Make it mandatory to visit the bookshop of Livraria Lello and the art museum of Soares dos Reis.

Portugal does have some garnished spots, which will make you repent if you don’t visit. The cape of Cabo da Roca, lying on the western coast of Portugal is a bliss in disguise. The country has an active night life, especially in the cities of Setubal, Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. If you wish to observe wildlife in its natural state, Madeira and Azores Islands are places to remember. One thing that the tourists can have to their fill is playing Golf. The perfect climate along with a lot of investments in the golfing infrastructure in recent years, has turned the country into an ideal place for golfing. If you are willing to indulge in activities, you can enjoy surfing, kite-surfing, and aerobics. This country is also an ideal place to go cycling through the mountainous terrains and go for water rafting. If possible, be in Portugal during some of the best festivals like International Film Festivals, Festas dos Santos Populares (Festivals of Popular Saints), Festival do Marisco (Festival of Shellfish) in Algarve, etc. This less expensive country of Europe provides you entertainment at an affordable rate. Some other cities like Coimbra, has a wide range of attractive places like Old Cathedral, Mondego river, Botanical Garden, Saint Cross Church, etc. If you are planning to visit Portugal, visiting some of the cities like, Albufeira, Funchal, Viseu, Lagos, Portimao, will be a nice experience.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #42 on: December 16, 2014, 10:32:12 PM »
Netherlands Travel Guide


Night view of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Netherlands is bordered by North Sea, Germany, and Belgium. This north western country of the Netherlands, often called as Holland, is renowned for its cheese, tulips, windmills, and wooden shoes. This densely populated country has its capital Amsterdam, which has its popularity as one of the most refined cities of Europe. Visiting this beautiful city will take you back to its royal past. Covering an area of 41,526 sq km, this country is a bliss if you explore it by cycling. This daringly liberal country is progressive in all aspects and more relaxing than other major cities of Europe. Rotterdam is a pleasant city, which is also a modernized city of Netherlands.

Netherlands is a destination of some mind blowing attractions. Celebrating festivals like Pink pop Festival, Heineken Dance Parade, etc., every year, it is an ideal place to spend for fun. Accompanied by its artistic beauty, this Dutch speaking country is also rich in magnificent viewpoints found all over the place. The people of the Netherlands are very informal and so it is least expected to offend them. Although expensive, a large number of traditional and modern hotels will assure you of a fun-filled time. Traveling within the country and visiting museums and other local attractions, is less expensive.
One thing you have to be sure of is to carry a good amount of winter clothes.

Travel Map



Getting In

Netherlands is a beautiful country in Western Europe, which faces North Sea and the United Kingdom and shares border with Germany and Belgium. Due to its increasing popularity among the international travelers there are presently many ways to travel to the Netherlands. The Schiphol Airport, near Amsterdam, is the biggest international airport in Netherlands. British Airways, Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Air Alps, Air Berlin, Air Malta, Bulgaria Air, Austrian Airlines, Alitalia, Croatia Airlines, Cyprus Airways, Egyptair, El Al Israel, Condor, Finnair, KLM Dutch, Malaysia Airlines, Malev, Lufthansa, Polish Airlines, Ryanair, Ukraine Airlines, and Swiss Airlines are the premier international airlines that serve millions of passengers every year who visit the Netherlands. KLM was the national airlines of the Netherlands before it got merged with Air France and it provides domestic as well as worldwide scheduled passenger and cargo services to over 90 destinations. So while visiting the Netherlands, the visitors can also opt for any of the flights of KLM and arrive directly in the Netherlands. Other important airports include, Rotterdam Airport, Aachen Airport, etc.

Excellent railway connections are available in the cities of Hague, Amsterdam, and other large cities of Netherlands. Train facilities can also be availed by the countries like, France, Belgium by The Thalys. Germany has some high-speed train called ICE, which connects it with the Netherlands.

The visitors can also get cheaper and more convenient railway trips from Brussels or Antwerp. Intercity trains run from Berlin and Hannover to Amsterdam via Osnabrück, Hengelo, Deventer, and Amersfoort.
Another less frequently opted option for reaching Netherlands is by availing international buses, which are predominantly operated by Eurolines. Boats are also available from various parts of U.K which reaches them to Amsterdam. There are three ferry services from the UK: Stena Line between Harwich and Hoek van Holland; DFDS Seaways between Newcastle upon Tyne and IJmuiden; P&; O Ferries between Kingston upon Hull and Rotterdam Europoort.

Transport

The fastest and most convenient mode of travel in the Netherlands is undoubtedly the trains and since the Netherlands is a densely populated and urbanized country, therefore the train services are genuinely regular and frequent unlike many other countries. The railway network in the Netherlands is so vast that it can accommodate 12 trains per hour on main routes. There are primarily two types of trains: 24 intercity lines and ‘Sprinter’, trains which halt at all the stations. Usually a single train is available in an interval of 30 minutes in the Netherlands. The Nederlandse Spoorwegen is primarily responsible for operating most of the routes; however, some lines in the north and east are operated by Syntus and Arriva. The tourists who are planning to get around by train in the Netherlands can easily opt for the Eurail pass with the Benelux package as it allows unlimited railway travel within Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg over multiple days. The Europeans are not eligible for Eurail passes, but that should not pose any problem as they always have the option of opting for Inter Rail Passes for their discount train travel.

Travel via buses, which are comparatively cheaper as compared to other transport. Within the country, it has an extensive connection of Railways with an interval of 5 min to the main routes. If you have decided to travel by bus, then you can get hold of “buzzer” tickets which will cost you 10 Euros per day and it remains valid after 9:00 a.m. on every single Connexxion bus for two adults and up to three children. For those travelers who are interested in enjoying bicycle tours can opt for bicycle tours, as this not only provides immense satisfaction to the travelers, but also provides them full independence, which may not be possible in other modes of transportation.

Leisure

One of the most popular choices of entertainment in the Netherlands is to opt for the bars, pubs, and nightclubs. If someone really wants to get the true flavor of the electrifying nightlife in Netherlands, then undoubtedly the best place is Amsterdam. Amsterdam offers a sizzling array of international standard of entertainment for centuries and is considered as one of the premier centers of culture in Europe. The city is also noted for accommodating innumerable venues of stage performances in the hundreds of venues that remains dispersed throughout the city.

Whatever may be your budget and preference, the nightlife in the Netherlands and more specifically Amsterdam offers something for everyone. Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District, Leidseplein, and Rembrandtplein areas bustle all through the night with multitudes of crowd and these places are the hubs of nightclubs, restaurants and cafes, theaters, cinemas, and casinos. Amsterdam has more than 50 cinema venues and in these places films are shown in their original language with Dutch subtitles and each and all through the year, every day of the week. The tourists also come across superb theater performances in the English language. The city boasts of a rich tradition in classical music and opera and the visitors can also watch ballet dances, as there are two world-class ballet companies in the Netherlands.

Take part in various outdoor sports and cycling is the most accepted sport, as the Netherlands is popularly referred to as the ‘the land of bicycles’. With its 17,000 km of special cycling lanes and paths, the country provides superb cycling facilities. If the travelers want to get hold of bicycles while touring in the Netherlands, then they can simply hire it from anywhere, as bicycle hiring facilities are available in every part of the country. A list of local bicycle hire companies is available from The Netherlands Board of Tourism. The classic Dutch upright single-speed hub-brake bicycle is the most frequently used bicycles in the Netherlands, but other popular types of bicycles include mountain bikes, children’s bicycles, and tandems.

The visitors also enjoy various water sports at the Dutch coast on the western shores of the Netherlands and here you can take part in all types of popular water sports like swimming and windsurfing. Sailing is highly popular on Friesland Lakes, the Ijsselmeer, Loosdrechtse Plassen; Catamaran sailing and parachuting is possible on the islands of Ameland and Texel, but water-skiing is not allowed on inland lakes. Walking trips are also very popular in the Netherlands, as the country is teemed with fantastic walking routes amidst the splendor of nature.

Netherlands is renowned all over the world for its famous flower markets and Amsterdam, Delft, and Utrecht are the ideal places to buy flowers in the Netherlands. The Floriade, is one of the world’s most famous flower exhibitions in the Netherlands and it is held once in every ten years. It was last held in 2002 in the city of Haarlemmermeer. The traditional cheese market of the Netherlands takes place in Alkmaar on every Friday from mid-April to mid-September. The Nine Streets located between the famous Princes Gracht and the Singel is the most famous shopping district in Amsterdam as well as in Netherlands and is the hub of designer boutiques, art galleries, jewelers, fashion shops, and cafés.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #43 on: December 21, 2014, 09:42:15 PM »
Norway Travel Guide


Norwegian Mountains during daytime.

Norway is officially known as the Kingdom of Norway. It is a country in the Northern part of Europe and it occupies the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The neighbors of Norway are Finland, Sweden, and Russia. The country is all the more famous for its extensive coastline along the North Atlantic Ocean and its famous fjords.

Since the World War II, Norway has had rapid economic growth, and today it is amongst the richest countries in the world. This economic progress of Norway has been caused by exploiting the oil and gas reserves off the coast. It also now also rated as the most peaceful country in the world survey conducted by Global Peace Index.

Travel Map



Getting In

Norway is visited by tourists for more reasons than one and it’s not only the natural beauty of the country which allures travelers, but also the facility of getting to Norway. As this country is an integral part of the Schengen countries, so getting to Norway from any other Schengen country involves little or no border checks.

Via Plane
The Oslo Airport Gardermoen is the largest airport in the country and is also the focal point for flights arriving from across the globe. Scheduled flights fly to 71 international destinations and 24 domestic destinations in Norway. Some other routes which were introduced are Naples (SAS Braathens), Madrid (Norwegian), Rijeka (Norwegian), Florence (Sterling), Palanga (FlyLAL), Saint Petersburg (Norwegian), Bourgas (Norwegian), Heraklion (Norwegian), Rhodes (Norwegian), Varna (Norwegian), Kos (Norwegian), and Ibiza (Norwegian). In Norway there is the Sandefjord Lufthavn, Torp which is a base for Ryanair. This airport offers flights to 14 destinations in Europe and 3 destinations in Norway. The Norwegian Low Cost Airline flies from Stansted to the main Oslo Airport, Gardermoen and the Bergen’s Flesland airport. KLM provides flights to Norway via Amsterdam Schipol, or you can catch flights from Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, and Norwich.

Via Train
The train services are available from Sweden to Oslo, Trondheim, and Narvik. Oslo offers a daily service from Stockholm, regular night train from Gothenburg. In Trondheim, there is the facility of Nabotåget service from Östersund and in Narvik, two trains ply daily from Stockholm via Kiruna. NSB, the Norwegian State Railways, has also special facilities for the physically challenged and they have separate coaches for them.

Via Bus and Car
The international bus services connect Oslo and Sweden. The main operators are Eurolines, Swebus Express, and Säfflebussen Service to Gothenburg and Copenhagen. In fact, the service to Stockholm is also at more frequent interval than the train. You can also avail the minibus service between Kirkenes and Murmansk, which ply three times per day, as well as express buses connecting Sweden to Bodø and Mo i Rana, as well as Denmark to Stavanger. You can use the land route to get to Norway, from Sweden, Finland, or Russia by car.

Via Boat
There is a daily ferry service run by Color Line from Kiel to Oslo. The ferry departs at 1:30 p.m. from Kiel and arrives in Oslo at 9:30 a.m., the next day. You will find the ferry terminal situated on Norwegenkai, within walking distance from Kiel’s main railway station. In Oslo, the terminal is at Hjortneskai. In fact, the ferry service from Oslo to Kiel departs at 1:30 p.m.

Transport

Norway is a cherished destination of the travelers. It would be good if you have your own vehicle to explore the various sights of this country, but if you don’t have one, need not worry as there are a wide range of options for getting around Norway.

The rocky coastline here makes journey by roads and trains quite slow. Thus, in Norway you would find that the domestic flights are much popular. Among these, the largest operators are Coast Air, SAS Braathens, Norwegian, and Widerøe. In the smaller airports you may not find too many flights and also it can be expensive as well. Another fact is that the flights in southern Norway are much affordable than in northern Norway. The surprising fact is that even though this area has better roads and rail network, it will be more convenient for you to take a flight. You can opt for Widerøes, if you are flying to smaller towns in Northern or Western Norway.

As far as the railways are concerned, the Norges Statsbaner (NSB) links main cities, even to the extreme north at Bodø. Though this mode of transport in Norway is not much popular as there is no rail connections between most of the cities on the coast because of the presence of fjords, but one thing you should know that traveling by train has a charm of its own as you enjoy breathtaking scenes. There is high-speed rail system between Oslo and its airport and you should be aware of the fact that long distance trains will need a prior reservation like from Oslo-Bergen, Oslo-Stavanger, Oslo-Kristiansand, Oslo-Trondheim, and Trondheim-Bodø .

The ferry is very much included in the road network here because of the presence of fjords. The car ferries operate for the same. There are catamaran express boats shuttle between Stavanger to Tromsø coast. You can also avail the week journey from Bergen to Kirkenes by the Hurtigruten ferry, which is an enjoyable journey.

A wide number of express buses connect cities all over Norway. The major operators are Norway Bussekspress and Timekspressen. Timekspressen also operates the Oslo-Drammen-Kongsberg-Notodden hourly service. The city bus system operates in the major cities. Other towns are linked by local buses.
Traveling by car is an expensive option, but it helps in reaching the rural areas. Travelers from Europe can bring their own cars, though you need to be acquainted with some basic details like winter tires are needed here and required by law. Yielding from right is the driving rule in Norway. The road sign M means that two cars can pass on a mountainous road. Also, you need to turn on the headlight even during the day.

Leisure

Norway attracts travelers, not only because of its breathtaking scenic beauty, but also because of many other attractions. Entertainment in Norway finds expression in a variety of things ranging from nightlife, events, and festivals, as well as a range of outdoor activities.

In Oslo nightlife is concentrated in Rosenkrantz’ gate where you will get a wide variety of bars music pubs and clubs. You can also try out Karl Johans gate. The famous nightclubs to hit are Rebekka, Smuget, and Head On. Enka is the largest venue of gays. Bergen has a number of bars located on the harbor and Ole Bulls Plass like the Scruffy Murphy’s, Finnegan’s, and The Dickens Bar. If you have a penchant for listening to live music, then Banco Rotto on Vågsallmenning is an ideal choice. This is a café by day and an energetic bar at night. Rick’s Café og Salonger on Veiten offers bar, disco, and live music venue at one place. Maxime, Den Stundesløse, and Det Akademiske Kvarter are the popular nightclubs.

There are lots of events to set the mood like the Polar Jazz, a jazz festival taking place at Longyearbyen in Svalbard. Lillehammer Winter Festival in February is also much popular with a variety of outdoor concerts, and snow and ice sculptures. If you are a skiing enthusiast, then you cannot miss the Holmenkollen Ski Festival in February of the suburbs of Oslo well known for international ski-jumping competitions and Norway’s biggest amateur cross-country ski race.

Stavanger celebrates Garlic Week in the beginning of April. Here you will find garlic in all shapes and sizes and there are also drag queens, garlic music, and garlic competitions. The Florø’s herring festival in June lets the visitors relish all kinds of herring dish served on the longest table in the world. The Shellfish Festival at Mandal is held in early August. You need to pay only the entrance fee and then have your fill from half-mile-long table.

There are many other festivals celebrated in Norway like the Easter Festivals celebrated by the Sami in Kautokeino and Karasjok where you can enjoy concerts, theatre, art exhibits, snowmobile rallies, and reindeer races.The Bergen International Festival held in late May and early June is a great option for art lovers, as in this the artists from all over the world congregate. If you want to enjoy dance and concerts, then just see the North Cape Festival at Honningsvåg in mid June. A host of other events for entertainment and leisure in Norway are the Midsummer Night on June 23rd replete with picnics, boat parades, and bonfires. The Molde International Jazz Festival offers top performances. The Bergen Tall Ships Race is held in July and the Dragon Boat Festival at the end of May.

The shops selling Norwegian handicrafts are popular with the collectors. You can also shop for items like furs, printed textiles, woven articles, knitwear, wood carving, silver, enamel, glass, and porcelain.
The choices doesn’t end here only, you also have a whole range of outdoor activities for entertainment in Norway like:

Hunting and Fishing: Here you will find a wide variety of wildlife in the forests like moose, wild reindeer, deer, hare, grouse; and if you love fishing then you can catch cod, coalfish, and mackerel.

Biking on the tough terrain of Norway has its own thrills.

Hiking in precipitous mountains and dense forests,

Skiing at Morgedal in Telemark.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #44 on: December 21, 2014, 09:57:20 PM »
Romania Travel Guide


The Hunyad Castle, Romania

Romania is all about mountains, seas, beaches, great culture, and history. Romania shares its border with Bulgaria, Moldova, Serbia, Hungary, and Ukraine. The Black Sea also borders the country. Romania, a country belonging to the European Union, is witnessing great economic progress. It became a member of the European Union in January 2007.

Romania is divided into 40 counties and one municipality. The country was previously a part of Turkey and proclaimed independence in the year 1877. The people in Romania speak the official language Romanian. English nowadays has also become popular in Romania. It is best to visit Romania during the summer season. The winters in Romania, like in Russia, are usually very cold. The temperature during summer hovers around the high 20s.

Here are some places of interest for the tourists to visit:

Palace of Parliament, Bucharest

Palace of Parliament, Bucharest

Peasant Museum, Bucharest

Saints Paul and Peter, Constanta

Constanta Beach, Constanta

Astra National Museum Complex, Sibiu

Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle), Brasov

Getting In

Romania is situated in between Central and Eastern Europe and of late Romania has started gaining widespread acceptance as a premier tourist destination which is teemed with spectacular mountain scenery, historical cultural sites like the Painted Monasteries, beach resorts, and magnificent medieval towns. Due to its present popularity as an eminent tourist destination in Europe, there are numerous choice of transportation for getting to Romania.

You can reach Romania by plane, train, bus, or even by boat. The most popular means of transportation for getting to Romania is by availing international flights that are available from numerous major destinations in Europe. Romania has 17 civilian airports and of these 17 airports, 9 airports are being served by regularly scheduled international flights. The Bucharest’s Henri Coanda Airport is the largest as well as the busiest airport in Romania and it is served by a host of flights which provides direct service to Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, Oradea, Satu Mare, Sibiu (Transylvania), Constantans, Bacau, Iasi, Suceava, Targu-Mures, and Baia Mare. TAROM is the national airline of Romania and provides excellent flight services to a host of major international airlines and it has got its base in Bucharest Otopeni. Carpatair is another airline, which is based in Timisoara and links the city with eight Italian and three German destinations. Another popular option for comfortably getting to Romania is by trains and Romania is considerably well connected with the European rail network and there are daily trains to Munchen, Prague, Venice, Vienna, Budapest, Zagreb, Belgrade, Sofia, Thessaloniki, Istanbul, Kiev, and Moscow. Trains are particularly ideal for arriving in cities in western and central Romania like Brasov, Sighisoara, Oradea, or Cluj-Napoca. International trains to Romania are also inclusive of Euro City trains, which are of a moderately high standard and there are also night trains facilities. International trains to Romania include Euro City trains which are of a relatively high standard and night trains. Romania also forms an integral part of the Eurailpass offer.

The buses are emerging as one of the most popular ways to reach the country from overseas and especially from the Balkans and the former USSR and also from some countries of Western Europe like Germany and Switzerland. A large number of private operators are offering quicker and more comfortable coach services to and from cities such as Kiev, Odessa, Sofia, and Istanbul. If you want to travel by boat then you can simply opt for Cruises on Danube, but these cruises are usually pretty expensive and they start from Passau or Vienna and halt at major destinations like Austria, Hungary, Serbia, and Romania.

Transport

Intra-country traveling is highly convenient if you use the trains. Cars are also a good option for getting around within the country. Buses offer the cheapest mode of conveyance in Romania. The railway network in Romania is one the largest and most dense network in Europe and the regular trains connects every city of Romania with the other cities and villages of the country. Most trains in Romania are run by the state carrier, Caile Ferate Romane which is abbreviated as CFR and the visitors get the tickets at the railway station or at a CFR agency, which are usually available in the city center. One of the most popular modes of transport, CFR offers the following four main types on trains in its route network:

“P” Personal: Slow trains which stops at every stop on the rail line and these trains are extremely cheap

“A” Accelerat: Semi-slow trains which often cross-country routes and stops in all towns but skips any halt at the villages. The cost of travel in these trains is cheap, but is twice as expensive as personal.

“R” Rapid: these trains are better, more comfortable, and faster trains used on trunk routes from Bucharest, but they are more expensive as well.

“IC” Intercity: these trains are the best of the CFR’s network and are cheap when compared to Western standards.

People also choose airways to get around the country. TAROM is the national carrier of Romania and it serves most of the major cities from Bucharest at least once a day. Carpatair is another popular airline in Romania which provides domestic flights to a host of popular cities of the country. Traveling by bus is the cheapest mode of travel to other towns of Romania and in each and every town and cities of Romania, the travelers are bound to come across the bus terminals from which buses and minibuses depart for the towns and villages in the nearby area as well as to other cities in the country. Traveling by buses are also the best solution for a number of routes that are badly served by the railway network like Bucharest – Piteti – Râmnicu Vâlcea, Bucharest – Alexandria, Bucharest – Giurgiu, and Piteti – Slatina.

The easiest way to get around in Romania is definitely by car or coach, but rentals can be pretty expensive in Romania and you must be above 25 years old to rent a car in Romania. Taxicabs are another option and they are highly reasonable. Before getting into a taxi it is best to check out that whether the taxi is using meters and whether the driver has a proper license or not. If the taxi doesn’t have a meter, then it is better to be accompanied by a Romanian guide as otherwise the drivers can cheat the visitors by charging higher.

Leisure

Romania is a magnificent country which is considered as the perfect retreat for the holiday goers and is teemed with innumerable options for entertainment in Romania makes it unanimously appealing to tourists of all age groups. The most commonly opted choice for entertainment includes going to night clubs, bars and dancing pubs and the pulsating nightlife in Romania immediately catches you in its whirl. The best place to participate in the exuberant Romanian nightlife is its capital city, Bucharest and this city takes immense pride in its increasing number of discos and nightclubs which remains particularly crowded during the weekends. In these nightclubs you can shake your legs or enjoy live performances and casinos also form an integral part of the sparkling nightlife in Romania. Gambling creates electrifying nightlife ambiance. If you want to try out something different in Romania, then you can watch operas or enjoy performances by orchestras and if you have any interest in folk entertainment, then you can enjoy it in Romania.

Another popular mode of enjoyment is to indulge in the plethora of adventurous sports activities that are the prime attractions of Romania and water sports are more particularly popular in Romania. The sea is clean and since there are no tides in the sea, therefore it becomes ideal for swimming, windsurfing, and many other types of water sports. Sailing is widely practiced on the coast and many of the rivers in Romania are perfectly suitable for kayaking. If anyone is keen on exploring the waterways of the protected and UNESCO-listed Danube Delta, then he or she must abide by the strict conservation regulations and the travelers who are arriving with their own boat must pay a fee at the Tulcea Harbor Station and they need to produce their passport, a sailing license and valid registration papers for their craft. Fishing is another sport that is widely popular among the visitors and Romania has many easily accessible sites for fishing like the Danube Delta and on lake shores around big cities.

Winter sports are also another popular option for leisure and there are numerous facilities for skiing in almost all mountain resorts and most of them are even with equipped with cable cars. National and international skiing and bob-sleighing competitions are held every year in Romania and sledging tracks, skating, and ice hockey, are primarily popular at most of the mountain resorts. Entertainment options also include elaborate facilities to enjoy health spas and in Romania the visitors may choose from 70 health centers as well as 3000 mineral-rich thermal springs. The most eminent health resorts in Romania are Baile Herculane in the Cerna Valley, Baile Felix, and Sovata. Traditional folk music and dancing is still very much popular in Romania and the tourists can catch shows of traditional folk music and dancing in many hotels and restaurants of Romania. For many tourists, shopping is the best option for entertainment in Romania and if you want to relish some new shopping experience in Romania, then head to the weekly traditional countryside shopping fair and here you can get everything from live animals to clothes and vegetables.