5 Places You Have To Visit On A Luxury Tour Of The UK

Europe - Ross French - October 3, 2015

If you are traveling to UK anytime soon, you’d best start planning the specific places that you should visit. For the luxurious traveler, this post identifies five of the best places that can be taken into account. From sumptuous accommodations to world-class restaurants, high-class shopping to top-notch bars these places will surely offer you with the most luxurious holiday.

Edinburgh

For travelers who are looking for the most opulent accommodations in Edinburgh, some of the choices that can be considered include Rocco Forte Balmoral Hotel, The Scotsman Hotel, The Edinburgh Residence and The Caledonian. You can also opt to book with a luxury travel consultant who can organize your accommodation, itinerary and experience. If you want to try award-winning restaurants, visit The Kitchin or Castle Terrace. Of course you must complete your luxury holiday with a visit to the Edinburgh Castle, which is highly reflective of the lifestyle of the rich.

Cornwall

For the shopaholics, Cornwall is not to be missed because of the presence of different specialty shopping and high-end boutique shops. From black truffles to gourmet cheeses, designer bags to jeans from top brands, you can find them at Rock, amongst other high-end shops in Cornwall. When it comes to accommodations, you will be confronted with a wide array of five-star hotels or opt to stay in a self-catering luxurious cottage. If you really want to splurge, stay at The House in the Sea, a house situated on its own island and connected to the mainland with its own bridge.

Liverpool

When in Liverpool, there are many activities that can reflect luxury in ways more than one. For instance, you can book a yacht cruise during sunset and sip some champagne, fine wines, or cocktails. If you are going to do a Beatles Tour, take out the hassle of having to plan for everything by booking a luxurious chauffeured private vehicle on your way there. You can also visit open-air shopping malls with some of the most luxurious brands in the world. Do not forget to have dinner at Panoramic 34 or Chaophraya.

London

Considered as a cultural epicenter, London has gained reputation as one of the most extravagant destinations in the UK. The city is home to some of the best museums, art galleries and theaters in the world, making it perfect for the sophisticated traveler. To have an experience fit for a king you should hire a chauffer service, book a helicopter tour, stay in one of the many designer hotels, have a treatment in a lavish spa and eat in one of its many celebrity chef restaurants. There is no better way to explore the capital of England than book with a tailor made holiday expert.

Aberdeen

This cosmopolitan city has a lot to offer for every lavish traveler. Head over to Granite Mile and you will be confronted with more than 800 shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. It also has a sandy beach, which is home to some extravagant accommodations to provide you with a more memorable holiday in the city. It is also a place with an abundance of preserved museums and world class art galleries with fine artwork collections. Whether you would like a chill or active holiday, Aberdeen offers the perfect retreat to travel in extravagance.

Image by Moyan_Brenn August Brill under creative common license

Shopping in Amsterdam like a Pro!

Europe - Ross French - August 13, 2015

If you are going to Amsterdam and are looking for the right spots to shop for the best clothes and souvenirs, then we have the perfect list for you. The following is a list of all the places that stand out amidst the many fantastic places in the city when it comes to shopping. So put those sneakers on and get comfy in some sweatpants as we prepare you to go on a journey through some of the most vibrant spots that the city has to offer. This is the list of all essential places to visit for shopping in Amsterdam.

The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)

Ideally located in the canal district, one of the historic places in the city, this is a collection of nine narrow streets. Constructed during the early 17th century, the Negen Straatjes intersect the city’s main canals located between the Jordaan district and Leidestraat. Here you will find a very wide range of restaurants, art galleries, vintage stores, boutiques and art galleries. This is, without a fraction of a doubt, a veritable shopper’s paradise.

Upscale labels and designers

If you want to indulge in luxurious shopping, then the Museum is the ideal spot for you. The P.C. Hoftsraat is well reputed to be an exclusive shopping street and is home to all the well known brands of the world like Fendi, Chanel and Gucci. You may continue your journey to the Van Baerlestraat for more brands such as Vanilla and Miss Sixty. You will also be able to find exceptional Dutch designers on this street as well.

Shopping malls and departmental stores

Located at the Dam Square, De Bijenkorf is one of the finest departmental stores in Amsterdam. Magna Plaza is situated right behind this place. The structure features exotic architectural designs and patterns. In the same area, you will be able to find the De Kalvertoren, home to 45 shops offering a wide variety of items. This is the perfect place to visit, especially if you are on a budget.

The Leidsestraat and Kalverstraat

These are the two main shopping states of the city. The former is home to more exquisite shopping while the Kalverstraat will offer you all kinds of affordable shops that you may expect from any European city. This is also a fantastic opportunity to get that dress for your wedding or any other once in a lifetime event.

Shopping for art in the Spiegelkwartier

If you are an art enthusiast, then the Spiegelkwartier is the best place that will help you satiate your craving for the fine things in life. This place has been the centre of arts and culture in all of Amsterdam ever since the 1900s.
Be sure to check out all these places when you are in the fantastic city of Amsterdam!

Image Courtesy by d_vdm Remuz59Photography under cc license

Croatia – Fall in Love

Europe - Ross French - August 5, 2015

This Adriatic Sea coastal walled town is one among the foremost widespread Eastern European destinations these days. Dubrovnik’s nickname, the Pearl of the Adriatic Sea, reflects each the fine arts beauty also because the gorgeous white buildings engineered vertically up from the ocean. it’shad special notice within the past few years, because the cinematography location for King’s Landing within the world-renowned Game of Thrones series. There’s abundant to be found here, no matter the sort of interest, from historic museums and cultural festivals to watersports and beaches. For those yearning for day trips from Dubrovnik, here are another nice places in Croatia and its neighboring countries to discover:

Lokrum

This island off the Adriatic was peopled for pretty much a millenium by Benedictine Monks, who named it Lokrum, for the exotic bitter fruits they cultivated on the island. This was followed by the creation of an oversized mansion and installation by the prince Maximilian of Austria in 1859. Today, it’s accessible by a 10-minute boat trip from Dubrovnik, and could be a must-see for garden lovers. The installation here is exquisite, and therefore the close mansion of the prince a good tour. The traditional religious residence is broken however currently used as a eating house, however still value a visit. Walking ways create the total island simply accessible, and for people who ar thus inclined, the southeastern edge of the beach is widespread for nudists.

Korcula

This Dalmatian island is one in every of the larger within the solid ground, and hosts many coastal and interior cities. Korcula is a wonderful place to find a number of the foremost scenic beaches in Croatia. They’re not sandy, thus be sure to bring correct footwear. However, they are a wonderful location to snorkel and kayak, and rental locations for correct instrumentality are simple to come back by altogether of the coastal cities. The island’s main city, Korucla city, may be a historic, walled city with Venetian Renaissance design, colourful markets and many of tourer facilities. History buffs can get pleasure from visiting the birthplace of the illustrious world adventurer traveler here. Of course, merely exploring the quiet rural area and ancient Croatian lifestyles has its own rewards, and this can be a wonderful place to begin.

Cavtat
This near coastal city is older than Dubrovnik, and also the supply of the refugees who supported it. It’s accessible by ferry, and may be a great spot to pay every day or 2 enjoying the quiet ocean air, stunning design, and coastal atmosphere. The waterfront here is filled with a range of outlets and restaurants, and a simple and fun thanks to pay a while. Art lovers are pleasantly shocked by the massive range of items by modernist Vlaho Bukovak spread throughout the town.

Mljet National Park

This park on the volcanically created island of Mljet is one amongst the foremost spectacular nature preserves in Croatia. Immense forests, unpopulated coastlines and quiet lakes and midland seas abound with this park, and build it a beautiful place to explore by bike or on foot. A sailing boat service from city operatesdouble daily to urge here and back, and bikes square measure obtainable to rent after you arrive. There are building accommodations within the city close to the park for people who wish to pay many days exploring, because the park is just on a little of the island.

Image by blame_the_monkey, Nomadic Vision Photography under CC License.

Fantasies of British Holiday Makers Revealed: Skinny Dipping with Significant Others Is Main Holiday Dream

Europe, Travel Blog - Ross French - July 24, 2015

A UK based online travel agency has looked into the fantasies of British holiday makers. It was found that 32% – 1 in 3 – Brits want to go skinny dipping with their partner. Additionally, 30% would like to be in a resort that is filled with celebrities.

UK based online travel agency Sunshine.co.uk has recently completed a piece of research into the habits and preferences of British holiday makers. For this specific study, 2,437 people in the UK were questioned, all of whom were over the age of 18 and who had been on a holiday abroad in the past year. Questions were asked about their trip and what their main holiday fantasies were.

In the top 10 list of activities were such things as horseback riding on the beach at sunset, hanging out with huge celebrities and skinny dipping. These are things Britons hope will happen as they wait to go on their holiday abroad.
The first question posed was ‘What do you get most excited about when you think about going on a holiday abroad?’

The most common responses were:

• Relaxing, in 31% of cases

• Meeting new people, in 27% of cases

• Exploring a new destination, in 25% of cases

In a second question, people were asked how often they would fantasise about their holiday between actually making their booking and actually setting off for their trip. The two most common responses were:

• Once or twice a week, stated in 53% of cases

• Daily, stated in 24% of cases

Next, all respondents were asked to reveal their top fantasies about their holidays. They were provided with a number of possibilities for their fantasies, and they were allowed to choose more than one option. From 10 to 1, the top fantasies were revealed to be:

10. Receiving an automatic upgrade at the airport or hotel in 8% of cases.

9. Being saved by a beautiful or handsome lifeguard in 11% of cases.

8. Making love on a beach in 14% of cases

7. Having a romantic dinner by candlelight on a secluded beach in 15% of cases.

6. Meeting a beautiful or handsome stranger for a holiday romance in 17% of cases.

5. Having no arguments with family members for the duration of the holiday in 19% of cases.

4. Joining the ‘Mile High Club’ in 20% of cases.

3. Going horseback riding at sunset on a beach in 26% of cases.

2. Ending up in a resort with famous people in 30% of cases.

1. Going skinny dipping with lover or partner in 32% of cases.

The research also revealed that 23% had their fantasies come true at a previous holiday. Interestingly, 57% of those who said this were female.

Additionally, 39% of those queried stated that their fantasies were inspired by movies and films. Also, 20% were inspired by books that they had read.

Managing Director of sunshine.co.uk, Chris Clarkson, stated that:

“It’s interesting to hear some of the top holiday fantasies that Britons have, and to see some less risqué answers in the list like getting through a holiday without family arguments. It’s sad that this is something that is on Britons’ minds when they go away on holiday with loved ones, as it’s a time when everyone should get on.

“I suppose skinny dipping is one of those situations, similar to joining the mile high club, that is a bit taboo. A lot of people have no doubt thought about doing it, but if it came to the crunch, would they actually do it, or would the fear of being caught, having your clothes stolen, or finding yourself sharing the water with something put them off?”

5 Spots for Shopping in Rome

Europe, Travel Blog - Ross French - July 10, 2015

Shopping markets are common in a crowded city like Rome where the hustle and bustle never seems to end on the streets. Huge masses of people are attracted towards these shopping markets, located within the centre of the city and in the surrounding areas.

In fact, the attractive displays are so compelling that if you are walking down a street of branded outlets, you will be enticed to empty your wallet. Designer dresses and cheap chic are both available in Rome. The finest designers sit alongside market stalls and independent boutiques as shopping in Rome caters to all budgets.

Via Spanish Steps – Piazza di Spagna

This square with its irregular shape is a masterpiece of the 18th century which extends from the feet of a hill named Pincio that has an old French church of Trinita Dei Monti built on it since 1502. Both the church and the square are connected to the monumental Spanish Steps.

The steps are used once a year as a ramp of a famous fashion show where tall slim models catwalk on high heels. The steps are also famous in Rome because they offer close proximity to popular brands and designer shops where you can find international brands like Prada, Armani, or Gucci.

Via Del Corso

This long street is within Rome’s historic center which runs from Piazza Venzia to Piazza del Popolo. Del Corso is located at a short walk from the Pantheon and the Trevi fountain. A mix of designer stores; like Mango, H&M, Zara, and Levis, along with small designer boutiques are situated here. An elegant shopping centre, Galleria Alberto Soldi is also located at the heart of this street, where you can find all your needs in one place.

Via Cola di Rienzo

Another place to enjoy a mix of designer outlets, high street chains, and mid-priced shops, is Cola di Rienzo. Teenage clothes’ shop, Brandy, can also be found in the basement here, hidden below the street level. One of Rome’s few department stores, COIN, is adored by locals as well as tourists and has a store on this street.

Via Castel Romano and EurRoma2 Outlet

Elegantly styled buildings are a heritage of Rome. Euroma2 is a shopping centre which is located in the EUR area. It spreads over three floors with ornate glass domes and elegant temple styled architecture. Designer boutiques and chain stores which cater to all budgets are built here, alongside restaurants and coffee shops. The indoor air-conditioned environment is best suitable for the summertime shopping craze.

Porto Portese Flea Market

Finally, a place where you can bargain! This market is held every Sunday, so save money over the weekend while you shop here. It has a mix of new and second-hand goods, antiques, traditional food, and bric-a-brac material. The quality of the stuff isn’t as cheap as the prices. It is just a place where you can save some money while getting the best quality of products.

Rome is a major tourist hub in the world. Thus, to cater to varying shopping needs, Rome’s shopping areas are versatile, with almost all kinds of shops and markets being available for every type of shopper.

Image by Floris M. Oosterveld marco_ask under cc license

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