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Lanzarote could be heading for a million visitors during 2008 – quite a feat considering much of Europe and the UK is in economic trouble and overseas travel is being cut by quite a few families.
The UK and Germany are both main markets for Lanzarote tourism, and while the British economy stalled to flat line in the last quarter, Germany’s economy actually dropped and is facing a real recession in the year ahead.
Making the number of visitors to Lanzarote this year even more remarkable is the fact that the Euro – which Lanzarote uses – has gained in strength against the British pound, with British holidaymakers having to find some ten per cent extra spending money compared to recent years just to have the same spending money on holiday as before.
Due to the location of Lanzarote, the island benefits from year round tourism, and unlike some of the Spanish islands doesn’t just see holidaymakers for five or six months a year – sea temperatures reach about 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months and 63 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter, with many tourists holidaying over Christmas and New Year, and some retirees opting to spend a month or more away from a British or German winter in the warmer climes of Lanzarote.
One thing Lanzarote doesn’t have to worry about when tourists leave the island is whether they will remember it or not – its volcanic history has left a landscape that some describe as ‘lunar’ – and love it or hate it the memories of a Lanzarote holiday are unlikely to be muddled with another destination. Quite an advantage for when people are considering a return visit – and repeat tourism is the magic ingredient in making a location popular year in year out.
Lanzarote holidays appeal to both families and to retired couples, many of whom take more than the traditional week or two with time spent in Lanzarote to escape their winters back home, and for those with families Lanzarote does offer a good number of attractions to keep children happy.
The Guinate Tropical Park and Penguin Paradise near Haria offers a very unique array of wildlife. The penguin enclosure, Penguin Paradise is a spectacle in itself. The underwater viewing pool gives visitors the unique experience of seeing the behaviour of penguins while they are underwater. It’s great for children to see how these incredible birds behave in their natural habitat.
For anyone considering visiting Lanzarote for the first time, and worried that the island might be overdeveloped, the good news is that strictly enforced building regulations have helped maintain the beautiful beaches and landscapes on Lanzarote. The same regulations ensure that there are no annoying billboards or high-rise buildings.
And when considering which area of the island to stay in, Costa Teguise is the smallest of the three large resorts on Lanzarote. It is about 6 miles northeast of the capital city Arrecife. The entire resort is built on former lava fields and saltpans. The resort consists of several apartment blocks, bungalows and villas. Primary attractions are the golf course, a marina, commercial shops and entertainment. Many visitors enjoy the water park in the outskirts of the resort.
Often regarded as more upmarket, Playa Blanca was once a small fishing port. In recent years it has developed into the second largest resort on Lanzarote. Playa Blanca is very popular with families due to its size and many family-friendly beaches. Two more beaches were recently added to Playa Blanca to help make up for the lack of space on the main central beach. Along the nicely manicured streets you will find several shops, restaurants and clubs. The resort offers many sports and attractions for guests of all ages.
But if it is a first time visit to Lanzarote you are considering, beware – judging by the number of people who return time and time again it might end up as one of your favourite holiday destinations too!
Image taken on 2009-05-15 05:22:41 by Rusty Boxcars.
When you plan you vacation in Germany, cities and towns with plenty of attraction will no doubt be high on your list of places to visit. Berlin is obviously the first city that you will visit if you fly into the country. This is the capital city of the country with a population of about 3.4 million. It is known for its cultural attractions, many of which have international renown. There are over 400 art galleries and over 150 museums. Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the old Museum, called the Altes Museum, you can view the bust of Queen Nefertiti. Performing arts is alive and well with over 50 venues and the Zoologischer Garten Berlin, one of two zoos in the city, is home to the most diverse range of species in the world.
The Hanseatic City of Lubeck dates back to the 15th century when it was founded as the first western city on the Baltic Coast. This city is actually an island and boasts seven church steeples in its historic center. The superb Gothic brick architecture that survives makes it a World Heritage Site. The Holstein Gate dominates the skyline. This is one of the best-preserved town gates that date back to the Middle Ages in all of Europe. In places the walls are 3.5 meters thick.
Bonn is a city in Germany located on the Rhine River about 20 km from Cologne. The history of the city dates back to the first century when the Roman army had a garrison here. It is the birthplace of Beethoven and you can visit this home located at Bonngasse. Walk the Poppelsdorfer Allee, which is a beautiful alley lined with chestnut trees. This will take you to the Poppelsdorfer Schloss, a palace that was built in the 18th century. See the Guggenheim Collection at the Art and Exhibition Hall of the Republic of Germany and relax for a while in the Botanical Garden.
The economic center of Germany is the city of Dusseldorf. Here you can attend one of the many fashion and fur trade shows, for which the city is famous. The city is located on the east side of the River Rhine and is divided into ten districts. It does have an international airport that sees planes landing and taking off for all parts of the world. If you plan to be in the city anytime from November to February you can experience the annual Karneval which runs for this length of time with parades, parties and many forms of entertainment.
The name of the city, Koblenz, describes its geographic location. The word means confluence and the city is located at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers. There were early fortifications here as far back as the 10th century and roman troops under the command of Julius Caesar built a bridge here in 55 B.C. the remains of which are still visible. Forts still remain in the hills around the city and the Church of Saint Castor in the center of the city dates back to the 9th century. Lahneck Castle is close by and is open to visitors in the summer months.
This is just a sample of what awaits you when you choose Germany for your next vacation destination.
Previously know as Europass, Eurail travels through over 20 beautiful and scenic countries. With a list of destinations that includes France, Germany, Ireland, Greece, Italy and Spain; there are world famous sightseeing stops that are fairly obvious. Many travellers feel that a Eurail vacation would not be complete without stopping at sightseeing hotspots such as the Eiffel Tower in France, the Rhine River in Germany and the Acropolis in Greece.
These incredible sightseeing stops are a great start to a Eurail vacation. However, considering the amount of countries Eurail runs through, each with its own distinct history and landmarks, there are many great sightseeing stops that are overlooked. These nations are often traveled through by Eurail vacationers, but are certainly not explored to the extent that France and Germany are, for example. Eurail vacations offer sightseeing travel through Eastern, Western, Northern and Southern Europe. Throughout this impressive scope of cultures and countries, it’s understandable that certain sightseeing destinations get passed by. If you are considering a Eurail vacation and plan to do some sightseeing, take a look at some of the lesser-know sightseeing areas between visits to the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Cliffs of Moher and Burren.
Bulgaria
This Eastern European nation rests pleasantly on the western side of the Black Sea. Its capitol, Sofia, features many parks, bars and clubs making it a fun place to stop. It also holds over 250 historical landmarks and culturally valued locations such as museums and theaters. While it may not be approached with the same enthusiasm as cities such as London and Venice, it is one of the most commonly visited locations in Bulgaria. Many areas of Bulgaria are absolutely beautiful but are less likely to be visited on many traditional Eurail trips through Europe. The mountainous terrain is accompanied by a wide array of physical traits, and make for a gorgeous and interesting trip as your train winds its ways through the many various landscapes found within the country. This diversity of landscape provides the best places to see in the county. The Black Sea beaches are wildly popular in the summer, and the many mountains provide great skiing. These factors combine with historical monuments to make Bulgaria an excellent place to visit in Europe on a Eurail vacation.
Portugal
Spain’s next door neighbor often gets overlooked by the many tourism powerhouses in its vicinity. Though smaller, Portugal offers many unique opportunities. Within an hour on a train one can travel from lush, green, vine covered mountains, to rocky, sloping mountains, to a terrain that is on the brink of being considered a desert, and finally end up at a sun filled strip of beach. There aren’t too many places where you can enjoy that much variety in just an hour. Eurail’s tracks through this beautiful nation wind along rivers and past the castles that dot the landscape. These natural wonders compliment historical locations older than Roman times and make the nation of Portugal a wonderful place to visit. A final point of attraction is the Portuguese wine economy that provides for many beautiful and fragrant environments. This small country is truly a stunning place to stay.
Slovenia
Picturesque and friendly nations in both Eastern and Western Europe are great places to enjoy sightseeing; however, an investigation of one of Europe’s centrally located gems should be included in any Eurail vacation as well. Slovenia is one nation that fits that mold. Set between the Alps, the Mediterranean and the Pannonian Plain this country is able to offer natural attractions such as mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, forests, caves, hills, plains and even thermal springs. There is also the Mediterranean Sea, just in case everything else wasn’t enough. Slovenia is a paradise for those who enjoy the outdoors. There are also many small cities and villages throughout the landscape, and make interesting destinations for anybody seeking cultural experiences. Its capitol Ljubljana is known for its Baroque and Art Nouveau monuments, and provides many significant artistic and other attractions.
Finland
Finland can provide a true haven for tourists in Northern Europe. As a nation it is decidedly modern, with well planned cities and small towns. This makes the nation extremely accessible, and simplifies the travelling process greatly. That, however, is not the only aspect which makes Finland worth visiting; it just makes it much more attractive. Among the things to see in Finland are the northern lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer. The country stretches far enough North that these phenomena are possible to experience firsthand. Another major natural attraction is the nation’s many lakes. Boasting roughly 188,000 lakes, with plenty of corresponding islands, the country is a great place for people who enjoy water sports. It also offers vast expanses of nature outside of its modern cities that have been preserved. This combination of urban and wilderness make Finland a vibrant and diverse place to visit for any Eurail vacationer.
Berlin is home to good food, great wine, dazzling art and architecture, rich history, and interesting culture. As the capital of Germany, Berlin offers the widest selection of hotels and hostels to globe-hoppers. If you need a place to stay in, get your own vacation flat. With a vacation flat, Berlin will surely feel less of a stranger and more of a home to you.
What you plan to do or see in the city should be your primary consideration in choosing where to stay. Do not base your choice on rates or amenities alone. Proximity to the places you plan to visit should be the key factor in your decision.
A common misconception among tourists is the operational definition of the phrase, “vacation flat.” Most assume that this refers only to a single housing unit, with a single room, kitchen, and toilet and bath. In reality, a vacation flat in Berlin could be much more. It could be an upscale penthouse, or a modest two-room affair. It could be a centuries-old castle, even.
Hostels and Vacation Houses
Hostels and vacation houses are friendly to the purse strings. When looking for this type of vacation flat, Berlin newspapers and magazines, as well as online sites such as http://www.Holiday4You.com, are a veritable goldmine of information. You will find it easier to rent this space if you pay for it in cash. You will get a better exchange rate, however, if you visit a bank or an ATM first.
For a vacation flat, Berlin landlords may charge as low as 12 Euros a night. Furthermore, you need not worry about the appearance of such a cheap lodging place because most of the hostels in Berlin had been constructed only recently. Those that were built years ago are still kept scrupulously clean.
Kempinski Hotel Bristol Berlin
This is a vacation flat Berlin is noted for. The Kempinski is located right at the heart of the city, on the famous Kurfuerstendamm boulevard. It is one of the oldest hotels in Berlin and has the distinction of being the first five-star hotel to be rebuilt after the Second World War. The Kempinski is, by itself, a significant part of modern history, and the fact that it is within walking distance to shops, theaters, and restaurants truly makes it a vacation flat Berlin visitors should try at least once during their stay.
Schlosshotel Im Grunewald
This has the distinction of being Germany’s only historic castle hotel. It has state-of-the-art technology and modern amenities. Additionally, it is located very near well-known shopping centers. It was originally built as a private mansion at the start of the twentieth century. In the 1990s, however, the place underwent major renovations. Today, it boasts of 42 rooms and 12 suites.
This is one type of vacation flat Berlin tourists should book days in advance. Given its popularity and the limited number of rooms, Schlosshotel Im Grunewald cannot house as many people as other hotels can.
Image taken on 2006-12-17 05:29:22 by reiner.kraft.
Ah, summer. The time of year when the weather’s warm, the kids have a little more time off school, and it’s time for a vacation. Theme parks and beach destinations make for great summer vacations, as well as island trips and continental excursions.
Many people have images of endless road trips when they think about summer vacation, but international travel is a wonderful way to spend the summer. In recent years, airlines have offered cheap airfare to entice travelers to think abroad when it comes to summer vacations. However, when you travel abroad for summer vacation, you need to make sure the destination you’re traveling to has a comparable climate during your summer season.
If you’re in the northern hemisphere (where the summer months are June, July, and August), the following travel destinations are great places to go on your summer vacation. Read about these locations and select a summer vacation destination that offers the best climate, sights, and activities.
Summer Vacation to France
May through June is the most opportune time to travel to France. The weather is optimal and tourist attractions are open and ready for your arrival. For a chance to experience a true French holiday, travel France in July and witness Bastille Day, a commemoration of the destruction of the prison that King Louis XVI and his predecessors used to quiet social disruption and censor or torture public irritants. The day is symbolic of the value of social freedoms and democratic governance to the French people. The main celebration takes place in Paris at the former site of the Bastille. Read more about summer vacations to France and find discount airfare to France at http://www.cfares.com/france/.
Summer Vacation to Germany
Not as warm as a Southern California summer (Germany’s summer temperatures range from 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit), Germany still offers reasonable weather for summer vacation travel. The German landscape is still comparable to your favorite fairytale or Robin Hood adventure. Castles in the sky preside over the rich green forests where Hansel and Gretel ventured to meet their witch. The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is famous for its intense evergreen canopy, vast outdoor activities and secluded get-a-ways. Read more about summer vacations to Germany and find discount airfare to Germany at http://www.cfares.com/germany/.
Summer Vacation to Northern Italy
Northern regions in Italy have warm weather during North America’s summer season as compared to southern regions in Italy where summers can be quite wet. Northern Italy regions include Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Lombardy, Piedmont, Trentino-South Tyrol, Aosta Valley, Veneto. So if you want to travel during summer, you should focus your travels on more northern regions. However, don’t let questionable weather deter you from visiting the southern regions of Italy. No other country on earth offers the depth, breadth, and scope of Italy. For lovers of art, history, architecture, or music Italy is unsurpassable. Read more about summer vacations to Italy and find discount airfare to Italy at http://www.cfares.com/italy/.
Summer is the ideal time for vacations. There’s no school and many destinations around the world have perfect climate conditions to accommodate your traveling desires. If you have the itch to travel, summer is truly the best time to spread your wings and fly.
Note: Countries in the northern hemisphere have similar summer months. So when searching for a summer vacation destination, it’s a good idea to stick with countries in the northern hemisphere.
Image taken on 2004-10-27 12:54:38 by rhaleuk.
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