Arabian Nights, like Arabian Days
The Arabian Peninsula, or the Middle-East may not in this political climate, the first place on peoples holiday list but it does deserve some attention. Some of the oldest civilisations on Earth were found here and has always been a melting pot of religions and the consequent historical buildings. Jordan has the awe-inspiring Petra, easily on a par with magnificent rock-carvings of Egyptian tombs and pyramids. Wander the streets of San’a, Yemen, one of the oldest inhabited cities in history and gaze at the geometric facades and multi-tiered buildings.
Oman’s strategic location has meant plenty of forts have been built over the centuries and you can explore their pragmatic architecture in examples that rival India’s. Israel’s capital Jerusalem should be familiar with everyone and being a Holy City to the 3 main religions has plenty of interesting cultural and spiritiual icons such as the Western Wall or the Dome of The Rock.
Don’t be put-off by the news reports, besides most of what you see is happening far-away from these time-honoured destinations.
Brightsun Travel offers cheap flights and holidays to all over the world, with the Brightsun price promise. Their holidays are simply startling value.
With major destinations like Dubai transforming the traditional monopoly of East-Asia on the long-haul stopover list you can find increasingly cheaper flights on better services, the 60's Golden Era of Flight when customer is king still exists with the added advantage of the largest and most luxurious of planes.
Try visiting this beautiful area of the world and experience something different.
Norfolk ‘n Good
Looking for something a little different for your Easter-Holiday break but not looking for the expense of finding it abroad? Why not visit the unique Norfolk Broads and rent yourself a boat!
The Norfolk Broads are a network of over 300sq Km mostly-navigable lakes, rivers and channels that actually encompass 3 counties though mainly reside in Norfolk. Within you will discover a unique landscape full of wildlife and wonder and of such importance, the Government has numerous legislative protection acts upon the area. What may seem like an natural and therefore, ancient landscape will surprise you as the Norfolk Broads are actually an artificial, MAN-MADE creation. That’s right, all those lakes are a result of our ancestor’s industrious activities. Since Roman-times, the Broads were a series of shallow peat-excavations for a fuel source, taken up by the local Monasteries when the Romans skedaddled. Rising sea-levels forced the construction of many wind-pumps but it was too much too hold back the tide (ba-dum-tsh!). The resultant flooding has crafted the typical and oddly English landscape it is today, with it’s deep reed-beds, waterlogged woodlands and marshy grazing.
You can enjoy this special and unique-to-the-world landscape by hiring from a variety of boats and exploring yourself. No previous experience is necessary to drive and you can choose from any budget.
Just want to day-trips? No problem, day-charters are widely available.
Looking to do abit of sailing? Got it covered, snug, marvellously antique wooden sailors ply the waterways all the day long.
Just want to relax? Modern, giant motor-cruisers include all the comforts of home!
There are plenty of places to berth-up for the night and your boat will contain all the major necessities, don’t worry there won’t be any mozzie-bites on your bum from ‘just popping into the reeds’ . Plus it’s a great time to meet fellow holiday-makers, share a beer and burger as the sun lowers on the incredible East-Anglian sunsets. If you’d rather stay on dry-land then there are many towns situated on or next to the Broads such as Wroxham where you can find accommodation options (and try some divine fish-and-chips too).
Your family will love this unique holiday idea and it offers something for everyone, sun, sailing, nature, relaxation, beauty and fun!
P.s. Don’t be surprised at the local dialect, it can be difficult to understand sometimes.
Buying a Bike for Beginners, by Beginner’s
Growing up in the countryside, owning a bike was virtually mandatory, one of the compulsory pieces of equipment for a good childhood. Whether racing to a friends house or just having a cycle about in the long summer afternoons, my Raleigh was never much out-of-use. Back then, not much thought was given to how suitable it was, it was simply picked up and ridden but looking back, I can see some of the faults, not in its design, but in its choosing. I chose the wrong bike (or rather, my parents did).
It was far too heavy, its steel-frame adds strength but unfortunately kg’s too! It also packed 21-gears, which while nice, were superfluous to a 13-year old who really only ever used a combination of about 5.
So, how do you choose the perfect bike?
Well, naturally, what is it going to be used for, that is the first question to ask yourself. Live in a town/city, commuting to work or school, or are you in a rural setting, lots of dusty trails or stony forest paths? Maybe you’re even thinking of getting into some sport biking?
Any stockist will supply a decent range and should be able to help you but make sure you have an idea of what you want your bike for first!
Comfort! Another major factor, whether you’re spending hours on it or just 15 mins. to work and back, the ride-comfort is very important to enjoying your cycling experience. So what makes a comfy bike, well first-off, the seat. A seat below the handlebars offers a more comfortable seating position whilst a higher seat does provide more power to the pedals, sacrifices comfort. You’ll most likely want a lower-seat. All the bike’s I’ve ever owned have had those normal, flat handlebars with the rubber-grips that always seem to fall apart. Those funny-curvy one’s you see on the Tour de France offer more hand-holds but you end up in a hunched position that for non-racers will get tiresome. Flat handlebars allow you to sit-up, take off your blinkers and enjoy the ride.
In this day and age there are thousands, nay tens-of-thousands of models, makes and calibrations. Steel, Aluminium, Carbon-fibre and even Magnesium! Of course they all have pro’s and con’s but for most people, cheap, light and durable aluminium will be the way forward. Lighter, hi-tech materials will of course cost-more and allow you to edge in to the fast-paced world of Sport-racing.Cheap bikes are often made from heavy, mass produced components and lack durability, so that cheap bike may end up in the shed after only a few months usage.
Brakes - from back-pedal braking through bog-standard tyre breaks to discs, again, depends on your requirements. Disc-brakes are good for quick, strong stops and are favoured by trail and mountain-bikers. City-goers however would be fine with normal tyre-breaks.
Tyres - Thin tyres, often found on road and track bikes, will not last long off-road, whereas fatter tyres have a nice longevity both on- and off-road.
Gears - Today’s bikes can pack dozens of gears but most importantly is knowing how to use them. Gears will make inclines easier so if you’ll be riding in a hilly area, get some gears but if you’re just sticking to the lowlands then sure, gears are still a good option, you just don’t need a dizzying array of them.
Riding-position - Generally, for a non-sport bike, sitting as if in a chair, back straight, hands perpendicular to the body and the legs alternating from virtually straight to the knees being perpendicular. Not only is this the most comfortable position, but the most efficient way of transferring energy from the legs to the pedals. Sport-riders however are less-interested in comfort and all-about the lap times, drop-down handlebars and high-seats result in a hunched, head forward and low position that improves aerodynamics.
Cycling is a learning experience and a sport that's easy to learn but hard to master, so get some extra tuition and a jump on the competition...
Progressive Cycle Coaching - Cycle Coaching Services
At Progressive Cycle Coaching the coach Dan Bennett will personally design a cycling training programme based upon your racing and training goals. Your programme will include a range of training, racing and lifestyle advice (dependent upon programme) that is designed around your needs.
Don't forget that there's a whole plethoric cornucopia of different cycling apparatus and gadgets to improve your enjoyment, track progress and keep you at top-performance, just peruse here:-
Mudgrubs.com
Mudgrubs.com is an online cycling, climbing and outdoor store offering free delivery within the UK.
Whatever bike you decide to get, make sure it's the right one for you and most importantly, enjoy!
Stay-Cation in wonderful Britain!
So you may have already seen my posts on Wales and Norfolk but seeing as there are so many wonderful places to stay in Britain, I thought I'd list a few ideas and examples, just to give you some thought for your next holiday trip. In this time of tight-belts, cash-in-the-mattress and other 'austerity' cliches, you can have a cheaper but just as enjoyable holiday in your home land (you already speak the language.....well, most of the time). Plus you can help your country out, the home turism industry has been suffering since those pesky jets started turning-up. Your Country Needs You, to take a holiday at home!
The lovely South offers a relaxed, dreamy landscape and some of the best weather the British mainland has to offer!
I Love South Devon – Torquay Hotels
South Devon online guidebook featuring activities, shopping, eating, travel, hotels, self catering and bed & breakfasts on South Devon’s English Riviera coast.
Wild Rugged Scotland offers adventure aplenty. Rambling, rock-climbing, kayaking, skiing, excellent fishing and the best golf parks! Head-up north and chase some 3-legged birds up a mountain, Haggis is a national specialty! Holiday Scotland Holiday Scotland provides tourist information and Reviews and News all about Holidays In Scotland.
Of course there are plenty of other rambling options, in the north of England are the 2 AONB's the Lake District and the Peak District. Stunningly beautiful, they are ideal to walk through, scale the various Tor's and enjoy a good campfire in the evenings. For the latest walking information, route-plans and trail updates, visit Peak District Walking and make sure to pack a good tent! I remember when I was in Scouts, we always used to take those horrible inner-frame, big-metal pole ones that smell of mould, at least nowadays you can get some really decent ones, like Vango tents.
Wherever you are in Blighty, make sure you check out the activities on offer, this nifty site pretty much compiles all the outdoors and indoors activity centres, and mentioning them can even get you the odd cheeky discount:
Be Me Adventure
Spontaneous Adventures and more!
The UK has so much to offer, a kaleidoscope of variety and activites and landscapes. So rich in history that you can't go anywhere without bumping into a 400-yr old church or Castle and numerous other ancient ruins, Hill-forts, roman-roads and Victorian architecture. Whether you tour by bike or foot or car, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for these interesting sights and definitely indulge the great British pasttime of packing some munchables and stopping by a green somewhere for a picnic!
Picnic Spots and Walks in The UK
Walking guides and picnic spots/locations acroass England and the UK, free maps and guides.
More Travel Tips from Chrome-Dome
Hungry for more! Let my shiny dome of wisdom ease you through the forgotten, over-looked and sneaky pitfalls that can turn your holiday into a one-way economy class ticket to Slou....Hell!
6. Insurance, hmm, not everyone’s favourite word or process, trawling through Paragraph 142b Section 8c, where Person A is covered in eventuality of Person’s B,C,D,E and F advising aforementioned Person A to part with Wallet X via the use of Bat Y and Crowbar Z.
Travel Insurance is by-far, the most important thing you can purchase and take care-of to get your holiday running without a hitch. There are many providers with many different packages, so take a little time to think about what you need and then look for the best cover.
Plan on going Skiing, how about Scuba-Diving, or Bungee-Jumping? Winter-Sports and Activities add-ons need to be purchased to ensure you’re covered, one thing’s for certain, the activities provider’s will certainly make you sign-away their responsibility!
Aside medical and activity cover, you should also make sure your quote includes legal expenses, repatriation costs and lost or stolen items cover
7. A classic but surprising how many people forget to do this: Photocopy your important documents. Something that will take you next to no-time to do and can be incredibly handy. Get copies of your Passports, Travel-Insurance Cover information, Visas, Driver’s Licences, Hotel confirmation, car-rental confirmation, Boarding Passes if checking-in online. And what’s more, give a copy to a friend or relative, so you have a point-of-contact with all the relevant information should you require it.
Make sure you know all the requirements of Visa application too, do you have a Multiple-Entry, Single-Entry, only 14 days allowed on a 3-week trip? Is it for Business or Pleasure? Have you visited Iran 2 weeks before flying to the USA? Take some of the stress-out and use an online site to help....
Schengen visa help and advice. Get your Schengen visa to travel to Europe
8. Don’t make your suitcase a pretty target to thieves. Carry your valuables with you and use mini-padlocks on your zips. Even better, use hard-backed suitcases so a quick-cut won’t spill your undergarments and valuables in some dingy, nowheresville Airport holding area.
9. “Fagin, I broucha this Guvnor’s wallet an’ his shiny Android!” Yes, unfortunately there are many Artful Dodgers out-there plying their trade and robbing you of your safekeeps. So protect yourself as best you can:-
- Avoid putting items in your back-pockets.
- Don’t be over-paranoid, touching your wallet to tell yourself it’s there tells budding thieves exactly where they can relieve you of it.
- Don’t flash the cash, large denominations and excessive amounts more than you need turn you into a primary target.
-Bum-bags. Thoughts? Fashionable, definitely not. Secure, yes. Having things stashed in-front of you where you can see it not only keeps your items safer but ensures your peace-of-mind which goes a long-way to helping you relax and enjoy your holiday.
10. “Precious Stones at Special Prices, come with me my friend!” If you’re approached, unasked, and told about ridiculously good deals on gemstones, religious artifacts, cultural items or any manner of products, that’s just what they are; RIDICULOUS. It might sound like common-sense but enough people get stung by these schemes that it deserves to be on the list. I’m not telling you to be suspicious of everyone you meet, doubtlessly there are many very friendly and chatty people in this world. But, chances are, someone will engage you in conversation, be very pleasant and friendly, have a great command of English and then recommend you get in on this great deal they know about. Don’t be rude or aggressive, only more trouble lies ahead there, the best thing to do is to politely, but firmly say No, and be resolute.
11. This is a handy tip for those of you on long-haul flights. If you're unlucky you're stopover may be some-time, I once had one for 6 hours in Singapore! Your best bet in this case is to look ahead online and find yourself a nice Lounge, which often have relaxing comfy armchairs, unlimited drinks and food, shower services and free internet, and they're usually open 24 hours!
UK Airport Lounges
A website to book cheap airport lounges in the UK. Also cheap airport parking. We also list 'recommended' hotels and taxi companies serving airport locations.
For a few quid you can get refuelled, refreshed and reinvigorated for the next stretch.
12. Stay safe! Espceially the ladies! Most of this is common-sense but just remind yourself to:-
- Make sure someone knows where your going and for how long, your Hotel reception is a good place to tell and can alert the authorities if you go missing. just make sure to contact them if you're plans change.
- Make sure you're contactable, it's a great idea to take an unlocked phone so it will work on the local networks
- Don't walk alone at night, would you walk down some dark alleyway by yourself back home? probably not, don't do the same on holiday, no matter how friendly the locals are by day.
- Carry your drink, just like the nightclubs at home, always carry your drink, never leave it alone, don't accept free drinks from strangers or cigarettes and especially not drugs! Think smart people!
- Carry a whistle or rape-alarm, okay the likelihood is that you will never need one but the alternative and not having one doesn't bear thinking about!
- In many areas, unfortunately, women are treated differently to men and unfair as it may seem, you're highly advised to follow protocol and not draw attention to yourself. This may mean covering your hair in Islamic states, wearing trousers and long-sleeve shirts in South-East Asia nand other such things.
13. Keep the little nippers' happy
If your travelling with children then you should probably already have guessed that occupied children are happy children, and usually quiet. If you have a long car trip or a flight, make sure you have something to distract them, like:
Event Smiles
Event Smiles is a leading supplier of children's entertainment boxes for weddings and other key events. Established in 2004, Event Smiles was one of the first and certainly the largest promoter of children's entertainment for these important family events.
For other safety tips, as well as everything else for travelling ladies, visit
Cliffe & Mason
A website dedicated to the female traveller. Providing an assortment of products alongside useful and interesting articles.
Travel while you can!
Sat at the dinner-table, reading through the job-pages, your newly acquired, hard-earned (or not) degree is hanging framed behind you on the wall and your parents are pleased as punch! So what now? Get a job, flat, girlfriend, promotion, 1st-house, dog,cat, another promotion, baby, 2nd-house, another baby, retire and die is an awfully clichéd life-story Besides, what happens when you find your MA in Philosophy* qualifies you for....well....nothing. Why not dig out that dusty-old Eurohike from the attic, you know the one, you took it to Scout-camp about 8 years ago, fill it with t-shirts and shorts and an obligatory ‘medi-kit’ filled with your mum’s nail scissors and some plasters, grab yourself a flight ticket and go travelling. Ok, ok, it’s not as easy as that, yes planning and research will pay dividends later and it certainly pays to shop-around online as every flight-company and their mum sells ‘Multi-Trip’ tickets these days. But don’t miss the point, travelling should be an adventure, filled with unknowns and whatever plans you make before you go, will definitely change, then change again.....and probably once more after that.
Consider Situation A:
Boy: So yeah, I fly out inna coupl’ a days, heading to Thailand, gunna’ be sweeet!
Girl: Really so soon?! That’s a shame, me and my best-friend were looking for someone to car share with, heading down to Alice, we wanted a guy around to protect us and I’ve heard it gets awfully cold out in the desert, oh well, bye.
Boy:..........Yeah, hello? STA? Yeah, I HAVE to switch a flight!
“What about money?” you say! Look, I’ll grant you, with student debts going through the roof, taking a year out may sound like a stupid idea and travelling is not cheap, after flight tickets there’s insurance, food, accommodation, activities, car-rentals and last but not least, alcohol. Don’t be too put-off though, though the Student-Loan book was sold, the new owners have to adhere to the frozen interest rate and can’t charge until you’re earning the £15k threshold. If you’re smart, go in the down-season, Oz’s Queensland is gorgeous in the Southern Hemisphere winter, besides it really needs your tourist dollars now and you can take advantage of Youth Hostels throwing in all kinds of freebies to get your custom, as well as insane deals on Winter activity packages.
Travel-insurance is perhaps the most important purchase you can make (or a pair of Thongs) but it can be surprisingly cheap, the mechanics punishing young-drivers doesn’t seem to apply to young travellers, it shouldn’t be too hard to get a year’s cover for just over a hundred quid!
You have the rest of your life to work a job and do all that other boring stuff, grab life by the horns, live a little, meet some people and see things you’d only ever see on BBC2.
*Or you could teach.
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