Interrailing: Is It Worth It?
I had the good fortune to be able to afford to go interrailing around Europe this summer. It was certainly an unforgettable experience, but if you’re looking at doing it yourself, you might be struck with all sorts of doubts – hopefully I can dismiss some of these here.
The most confusing thing is the sheer number of options you have. Not only can you use EUrail regardless of your nationality, but if you happen to be a citizen of an EU country then you can also get an interrail ticket. It’s definitely worth giving both consideration if you can, as they both offer different options.

The main thing to look at here is that you can travel for a certain number of days within a certain period, say ten days out of 21, or you can just stick at it and have the option to travel every day. If you can afford to, I’d certainly recommend this option, as then it doesn’t matter what you do and you can freely move whenever you like.
However, if you’re doing the big old city tour, then it’s definitely worth considering limited days; in essentially every major (and even many minor) European cities, there’s so much to see and do you could be there for a week at a time! Rushing through can be interesting if you’re willing to be raring to go all the time, but those wanting to take a more relaxed approach definitely have the alternative.
Cheap hotels in stylish Paris
Paris is by far one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world to visit, and considered by many to also be the most romantic. The worry for many, however, that due to its status it will be very expensive to stay there. The truth is like everywhere else, there are affordable hotels in Paris to be found, and this article aims to highlight just a few of them.
Hôtel du Séjour proves the point that budget can still mean stylish. Whilst some of the rooms have had modern makeovers, others are still very traditionally decorated. State whether you want the white covers and pop art instead of the traditional décor, and also if you want ensuite instead of the cheaper, shared facilities.
The Hôtel Ecole Centrale is an abundance of potted palms and greenery as is described as being decorated in a Tuscan style. The ladies who run this establishment have gone to great pains to make their hotel as comfortable as possible, and as well as air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, taking the stairs up to jacuzzi under the gables is well worth it.
Port Royal Hôtel is a small but very proud hotel that sits on the edge of the Latin quarter. It has been run by the same family for 4 generations and enjoys a reputation for its friendliness and cleanliness. There are rooms with just a washbasin as well as ensuite and prospective visitors should note that they don't accept credit cards.
Absolute Budget is an appropriate name for an economy priced hotel, and it’s good to note that budget doesn't have to mean bland. While the rooms are on the small side, they are bright, airy and tastefully decorated. It is well worth paying a few extra Euros to enjoy a stay in a larger room with ensuite facilities, and the hotel is ideally situated to crawl home from the pubs and clubs in the popular Oberkampf area.
Recently converted from a so-so budget hotel, Plug Inn Boutique Hostel now has designer décor, ensuite bedrooms but the bunks remain in some. Other rooms have flat screen TV's and proper beds, which couples obviously prefer. There are computer terminals and free Wi-Fi and in keeping with its description as a boutique hostel, there are no curfews but earplugs are recommended.
The Great Lakes… of Georgia?
A geographically rich state, Georgia has long been known for its abundance of forests, minerals and, of course, water. It is permeated by rivers, including the Savannah as well as other major and countless lesser instances, and is replete with a healthy stock of freshwater lakes to boot, many of which are perfect for fishing. But how do these lakes compare to their more famous, more northern cousins?
Lanier, technically a reservoir, is the largest of the lakes in Georgia and has a whopping surface area of approximately 150 square kilometres. Named for the famous Georgian musician-poet Sidney Lanier, it is something of a watersports haven, with all kinds of activities from jetskiing to canoeing taking place among the 7.5 million annual visitors. Besides all there is to do, the lake also offers truly breathtaking vistas, all year round.
Lanier is followed in terms of surface area by Oconee at c. 77 square kilometres, a lake with a disputed etymology – some claim it means ‘great waters’... and others, ‘people of the skunk’. Whatever the case, since its creation in 1979, this reservoir has been a hotspot, again for boaters, but also for birdwatchers due to its rich wildlife. Along with Lanier, it also serves as one of the primary bass fishing locations in the whole state.
However, those interested in such activities should definitely have a think about visiting Clark’s Hill (J. Strom Thurmond) lake on the border to South Carolina, an absolute paradise for fishermen of most persuasions – in the spring it is second to none for variety and quality of the catch.
Overall, there is certainly no comparison as far as size goes – the famed Great Lakes are on a completely different scale. But for many Georgians, there’s little reason to travel to Superior and co. other than for pure novelty value; fishing and watersports and beauty are all easily combined in the Peach State.
Halong Bay Discovery
Located in the northeastern part of Vietnam, Halong Bay is a bay in the Gulf of Tonkin and is comprised of 1,969 islands. Comprised of limestone and schist, this dense zone of stone islands form a magnificent view of immense peaks, grottoes and caves throughout the bay. It is also a region filled with coral reefs and water-flooded forests housing thousands of species of plant and animal life.
Because of its spectacular scenery, Halong Bay is renowned for cruise tours which gently patrol the waters and open up a panorama of the region’s natural beauty. The Vietnamese cruise junks are artfully designed in an Indochina style and feature decorative ornamentation throughout its restaurants, air-conditioned bedrooms and communal spaces. Suites and balconies line the decks for uninterrupted views of the bay. Throughout the cruise, itinerary is planned for kayaking the crystal waters of the bay, snorkeling, fishing, exploring famous caves and visiting local fishing villages.
With hundreds of islands protruding the waters, the mountainous island of Cat Ba is the biggest island in Halong Bay. This island is a tropical paradise landscaped with white sands, caves and limestone peaks, which rise high from the verdant greenery. As you cruise to the island of Cat Ba, you’ll pass the towering karst islands that feature the Dau Nguoi Islet and Tam Cung Cave. Here you can visit the beautiful Thien Cung Cave. Upon entering the narrow gate, the grotto’s long girth opens up magnificent view of stalactite. Along the east wall, there are artistic pictures with characters of heroic tales. During the cruise in Halong Bay, you’ll get to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay. Stop in for a swim at the Soi Sim Beach and visit the fish farms of Cho Da, Co Don, Dinh Huong and Ga Choi.
Caves emerge everywhere along the Halong Bay and decorate the islands in a masterpiece of natural art. The cave at Ba Ham Lake is located on the Dau Be Island. As you approach the island, orchids, banyans and cycads line the coast. The island is also home to yellow-haired monkeys and flying squirrels. Enclosed by vertical cliffs, three pits are gathered through a meandering tunnel. Inside the cave, descending stalactites boast a rainbow of shining colors.
Bo Hon Island is another large island in Halong Bay renowned for its splendid beauty. In a picturesque scene of vertical cliffs forming a citadel wall and lush vegetation paints a pastoral scene. The popular grottoes of Surprise, Virgin, Male and Luon are located on this island. Decorated in cycads and orchids, the island is home to deer, monkeys and chamois.
With its blue waters and scenic grottoes, the Halong Islands are a cornucopia of natural wonder.
by Dan
Greece
As an avid traveller, I am interested in two aspects of travelling. Firstly the destination obviously that is very important, but for me, of more importance is the getting there and getting around once you are there.
Let me explain in more detail. If I was looking at destinations I wanted to visit before I die or at the very least before I lost all my hair or my marbles, it would have to be somewhere like Greece. Not only is Greece a beautiful Country, let's not discuss the state of the Euro, the people are also very welcoming and hospitable. The food is basic not what I am used to in Cheshire but certainly meets with my approval, as a carnivore, having a great variety of dishes, their mezzes are delicious and a huge quantity of meat dishes!
However I would want to, not only explore the islands and their ruins, but also to discover their history and culture as well. Whether that is by land, sea or air (preferably all three). To really see anywhere and really appreciate it, it is no good sitting in a five star hotel sipping tequilas by the pool. This can be very relaxing for a day or two but with most hotels being very similar, you could be anywhere. How satisfying is that? For me...not very.
If however I had just dropped anchor in a little cove on an small island that can only be reached by sea, dip into the sea for a swim, go ashore and explore a few ancient ruins, have dinner, made from local produce and hopefully mixing with a few of the local people. Just the thought brings a longing for me, as much as I love eating out in Cheshire this as it gets! It would be almost perfection and would certainly take my mind off the fact I had to comb-over what was left of my hair every morning.
by Phil Hendon
Choosing Travel agencies is always a win-win situation
Are you planning for a trip but don’t have enough time to execute it on your own? You can take assistance from travel agencies. They will help you to make the travel arrangements on the basis of their vast knowledge and expertise. Travel agencies work for both personal holidays and business tours. Firstly they will understand your need, choice and preferences and will work on it accordingly. If you are confused with the place to choose they will advice you with the proper destination. By giving the destination they will council you with place of attraction, weather, local culture and practise, language etc.
If you travelling internationally they explain you with the customs regulations, passports, visas, vaccination certificates, and rate of exchange in the currency market. When they have selected your destination the next thing they will do is to buy tickets for you. Since they have access to various online tickets booking system, they will arrange you with the cheap flights, trains and cruise lines. They can even offer you with high rate of discounts if you are travelling in large groups.
Travel agencies even take care of hotel accommodations, car rentals and even tour operators. With their experience and knowledge they chose best hotels in terms of comfort, cleanliness, privacy, and good quality of services. Always compare with the package offer by different travel agencies and also their service charges before choosing the final one. Ask the intimate details like if you cancel at the last moment what will be the cancellation charges, will you get the money back, your tickets are for business class or economic class, arrival and departure of flights, distance between the airports and hotels, terms and policies attached, etc. There may be a pocket pinch with these travel agencies but surely you can have a tour without any stress.



