Casinos today are more than just games of chance. They’re the biggest hotels, concert venues, theaters and offer a multitude of experiences. A symbol of entertainment and indulgence, modern casino resorts, complete with over-the-top architecture and flamboyance, are on the bucket list of most travel junkies.
While no one is sure where it all started, there are references to games of chance all through history. It was in the early 17th century in Italy that a venue was created that could be remotely associated with the casino of today. Soon such venues appeared in several places in Europe, but it was America that gave the world its first casinos as we know them today, in the form of gambling saloons.
The first few casinos were found in Chicago, San Francisco and New Orleans during the early 20th century. However, it was only in 1931, when gambling was legalized, that everything changed forever. Casinos have evolved a lot since then and we now have casino holidays that are widely popular and there are entire cities that are totally devoted to it.
There’s nothing more bothersome than leaving your car in a poorly lit parking while you’re away, especially when there’s no one there to watch it for you. Taking a cab or Uber may not be the best options, as they are not always readily available, and they are quite expensive, too. So what do you do? You search for the cheapest place to park your car, only to be disappointed, as almost everything in the airport’s vicinity costs an arm and a leg. Well, not all – all you have to do is look, do your research, and call for a reservation. Not every airport parking is expensive, and we are about to prove it to you. Continue Reading
If you thought skiing was only limited to winter, then think again. The French Alps offer some amazing locations to ski throughout the summer too. It is possible, but only at the higher altitudes where there may not be fresh snowfall but during the mornings the snow is crisp and very skiable.
Skiing in summer often means quieter resorts, cheaper prices and offers a good start for beginners on the slopes. The weather is usually more agreeable too with warm sunny days to enjoy.
There are two main resorts in the French Alps that offer glacier skiing during the summer months, these are Les Deux Alps and Tignes. Both have great facilities, offer full morning ski sessions and have plenty of activities to occupy you when the slopes are closed.
Photo credit: pixabay
Les Deux Alps
With guaranteed natural snow, this resort is a great choice for summer skiing. A stunning location with superb panoramic view, Les Deux Alps is one of the world’s highest ski areas and Europe’s capital of summer skiing. The glacier stands at 3600 metres at its highest point and the resort also offers the longest on-piste vertical in the world.
The slopes are open from early morning until lunch time before the hot sun penetrates the smooth snow and the afternoons can be filled enjoying the other activities the area has on offer.
The great thing about summer skiing here is that it’s so relaxed. Beginners can enjoy learning in a chilled-out environment and yes there are still ski lessons in the summer months. Seasoned pros can also practice in the morning and relax in the afternoon.
The summer ski area has lift access and is open between 715am and 1230pm. The lifts also grant access to mountain biking and hiking routes.
Accommodation options here are in abundance even in the summer months. Choose from chalets, apartments, both budget and luxury hotels and even campsites. There really is something for everyone.
Other activities to enjoy
When the slopes are closed, you won’t be bored in Les Deux Alps. Whilst both mountain biking and hiking are very popular and fantastic to experience in this area, there are other options that may not have crossed your mind.
A horse riding centre is located near to the slopes offering a great alternative experience in the area. The centre provides riding lessons for ages of four and upwards in one or two hour slots which is a great activity for families with young children.
Beach volleyball – yes that’s right! At the entrance to the resort there are sandy volleyball courts which are free to use. Balls can be hired locally and there are even beach volleyball and beach football tournaments arranged on a weekly basis.
Plenty of money to spend? Helicopter tours can be booked for a real unique perspective of the amazing scenery. A tourist flight will give you panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and really is an exhilarating experience.
If you want to relax, why not book yourself a massage or a beauty treatment? Or take time out in the pool and enjoy the use of the sauna and jacuzzi.
Getting to Les Deux Alps
You can get to Les Deux Alpes by flying into one of the nearest airports and catching a bus or transfer to the resort.
Grenoble is the nearest which is about one and a half hours but there can be limited availability which also increases the prices. Geneva is the next best option, with more flights and more reasonable prices however it is a three-hour journey from Geneva airport to the resort.
You could always book a package break and take the stress out of the booking and organising process. Packages usually include everything you need during your stay including transfers. Alpineelements.co.uk have some great deals which are worth checking out.
Tignes
The Grand Motte Glacier is a great place for skiing in the morning then hiking in the afternoon. The altitude keeps the snow crisp in the earlier hours where there are 20km of slopes between 3000 and 3456 metres. The main resort is set on the edge of Le Lac and sits at 2100 metres above sea level.
Open from late June to early August, the summer season is relatively short. Even though you only get the morning to ski, the fast funicular will take you to the foot of the slopes from the resort in around seven minutes. Opening from 715am to 1pm this gives you a whole six hours of ski time if you wish.
Once at the glacier there are 12 ski lifts that will help you to navigate and a snow park with pistes to play on too.
Accommodation is varied in Tignes which means you are likely to find exactly what you are looking for to suit your needs and at reasonable prices too.
Although you get less time on the slopes than in the winter time, summer skiing in Tignes means less crowds, cheaper passes and warm sunny days. The perfect alternative to the bustling and busy winter time.
Other Activities to Enjoy
There are plenty of other activities to take part in at Tignes once the slopes are closed or for an alternative to skiing.
Adventurous types can choose from canoeing, mountain biking, paragliding and the newer extreme water sport of hydro-speeding which is similar to surfing down white water rapids!
If you want to be physical but stay indoors then there’s an indoor rock climbing wall, a bowling alley -which is great for families, squash courts for the competitive friends, swimming pools and if you haven’t worked out enough on the slopes a gym.
Relaxing more your thing? Go to the cinema and watch the latest releases during the evening, enjoy a sumptuous spa day and massage away those ski-induced aches and pains.
As you can see there’s plenty more ways to spend your time when you can’t ski all day.
Getting to Tignes
In the summer months, there aren’t usually any flights to Chambery the closest airport to Tignes, so the best airports to fly into during summer are Grenoble, Geneva or Lyon. The transfer times are all similar in the region of just under three hours.
Flying and driving is a good option as it gives you the flexibility when arriving at your resort. Transport options can be limited out of season so if you haven’t booked a package deal and don’t want to drive it is recommended to arrange ahead of time.
All you have to do now is grab your ski gear and set off! With two fantastic resorts to choose from in this beautiful part of the world there has never been a better time for an amazing summer ski break.
A cottage holiday in the Forest of Dean is an ideal retreat for those who do not want to be too far from home yet have an experience that offers a complete change of surrounding enviornment. Being in this forest, one can enjoy a relaxing cottage holiday there. Also, they can do a lot of activities, that too in an amazing setting.
You can start your journey by checking into a private log cabin amidst the forest, which will be your abode for the rest of your adventure. Most luxury cabins provide hot tubs and roaring fire, thus offering a perfect start to an adventurous holiday.
This forest was designated as a hunting forest by the Saxtons. Its heritage is marked as a Royal Hunting Forest. Norman Kings often hunted deer and wild boars, though forest laws were introduced later.
The forest occupies 204 square miles and is nestled between Wye valley, Vale of Leadon and Severn vale. Its isolation has helped preserve land use pattern, culture and heritage. The area that forms the border of Wales is the most seductive area with a distinctive charm. You’ll find many artists, craftsmen, poets, writers and inventors, who have been inspired by its scenic beauty.
At Lydney Park Sprinf Gardens you will find Roman remains and temples, surrounded by azaleas, rhododendrons and shrubs. In May, there is a layer of bluebells with a sweet fragrance that attracts photographers and artists from all over the world.
Summers provide the opportunity for a cruise along river Wye. However, the true beauty of Royal Forest of Dean is for all to see in the autumn season, when beeches, oaks and larches turn golden and autumn fruits flourish all over. Great romantic walks can be enjoyed amongst 200 varieties of trees.
Clearwell Caves is another major attraction at the Royal Forest of Dean. There is an iron mining museum with caverns under the ground that date back to the Bronze Age. You can also enjoy deer safaris, treks and long walks on the autumn ground.
Between Wenchford picnic site and Dean heritage site in Soudley lies the Golden Mile on the Forest of Dean Route; a must visit during autumn. The entire area is colorful beyond imagination. When the tides are highest, at Spring Equinox, the natural phenomenon of Severn Bore occurs, which attracts many visitors.
Winters offer stunning viewpoints in the forest, since with the trees devoid of their leaves, you can enjoy the clear blue skies and sun forming the Tyndall Effect. As the canopy goes missing, the forest becomes light and welcoming.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your itinerary, head over to the Forest of Dean and enjoy a relaxing holiday.
Cambridgeshire County is both archaeologically and historically significant, as a number of major discoveries have been made here. And it is also out of the most scenic areas to visit in Great Britain. It offers a lot of attractions to explore on a visit with famous colleges, impressive cathedrals, stunning architecture and places of historical interest. And there is a lot in terms of shopping with shoppiCng centres, high-end boutiques and plenty of places to shop.
Finding suitable accommodation is never a problem as there are many options to choose from. In terms of hotels Cambridge UK offers a wide range from budget to luxury hotels, to cater to all types of travellers. While in Cambridge some of the top attractions worth a visit are:
Saint Peter’s Cathedral
It is also known as Peterborough Cathedral and is the official seat of the Anglican Bishop of Peterborough. The cathedral is dedicated to the three apostles – St Peter, St Andrew and St Paul. Its foundations were built in the Anglo-Saxon era and it was rebuilt using the Gothic style of architecture in the 12th century. With a beautiful facade and ornate arches it is one of the most visited attractions in the city.
Ely Cathedral
Another prominent attraction in Cambridgeshire is Ely Cathedral that was built in the 12 century. It is the official seat of the Bishop of Ely and was gives its status as a cathedral in 1109. It is known for its exquisite Gothic architecture that features high domes and beautiful arches. It receives hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
IWM Duxford
It is one of the most historic airfields in Britain and is now a modern war museum which highlights the role played by combat aircrafts in the Second World War. The airstrip in Duxford was used prominently during the Battle of Britain. The aircrafts kept at the museum belong to WWII and other conflicts. There also are a number of warhorse airplanes of both the 19th and 20th centuries on display. Visitors to the museum also get to learn about war strategies.
Newmarket
Newmarket is considered to be out of the top racing establishments in the country and has a number of stables, museums and racing tracks. It is also home to the Jockey Club among other private clubs and the trainers’ yard. Visitors often get an opportunity to see some of the finest racehorses in the business.
Cambridge Colleges
One of the most acclaimed universities in the world, Cambridge University has more than 30 colleges affiliated to it. While policies vary among colleges, visitors are allowed to visit the grounds, classrooms, lecture halls and cafeterias in some of them.
Granchester Village
If you are looking to experience the idyllic charm of a rustic village Grantchester Village is the place to visit. It has large green meadows that are perfect to go on a stroll and is one of the most scenic and tranquil places to explore.
The Centre for Computing History
A one of a kind museum, it commemorates the information age. Here, visitors get to learn about the history of computing along with a wide variety of devices and early computer models through the different stages of the development of computer technology. A very informative and interesting place to visit!
Nene Park
One of the best places to visit with the family in Cambridgeshire is the Nene Park that is located along the Nene River. It is extremely scenic with forests, meadows, lakes and parks. Visitors can play golf, try their skills at fishing or just get on a bicycle and tour the pristine woodlands.
American Cemetery
The American Cemetery in Cambridge was established to honour the memory of the brave American soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war. Here visitors learn about the numerous stories of bravery and personal sacrifice by the soldiers to uphold freedom and liberty. There is a memorial and a chapel and visitors can learn more about the war at the visitors centre. There are a number of storyboards and interactive displays which portray the events of the Second World War. Take a tour of the court of honour that has a wall of the missing along with stone statues.
Anglesey Abbey, Gardens & Lode Mill
One of the most beautiful gardens in the county it has a stunning collection of flowers through all the seasons. The gardens are planted with a variety of flowers that include a snowdrop collection, herbaceous flowers, dahlias, spring flowers and the renowned Winter Garden. It offers to plenty to explore on a visit with the Hoe Fen Wildlife area perfect for an outdoor adventure. There is Lode Mill, a watermill where you can still see flour being ground the old way. Also do not miss a visit to the magnificent home of Lord Fairhaven that is the epitome of a lovely English country home. To know how life must have been in the 1960s visit the Domestic Wing.
Cambridge University Botanic Gardens
Probably out of the best botanical gardens in the country it is spread over 40 acres and has a number of glasshouses, which can visited at any part of the year. It was established by John Henslow in 1846, who was the mentor of Charles Darwin. It is a heritage listed property and is home to more than 8000 different types of plants including exotic species. It has nine national collections and an incredibly beautiful arboretum. Some of the top attractions include the Scented Garden, buzzing bee borders, the Winter Garden, Rock Garden, a Dry Garden and other impressive natural attractions. Visitors with children can borrow a free explorers’ backpack and explore the seasonal trails at the gardens.
Museum of Cambridge
The museum houses a vast collection of more than three centuries of the area that is spread across nine rooms. Every room has an interesting set of exhibits with some dating to the 16th century. The museum was formerly known as the Cambridge & County Folk Museum and is located in what was once the White Horse Inn. It is a historic 17th century building that is an attraction in itself. There are numerous temporary exhibitions, workshops and activities held all through the year.