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Winter Escapes in Lanzarote

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Whilst the rest of Europe is still experiencing cooler spring weather the Canary Islands are busy getting ready for the busiest holiday season of the year. As these seven specks of Spain that lie just off the coast of Africa are Europe´s only genuine Winter sun destination.


Lanzarote is the most easterly link in the Canary Island chain and has long been a favourite holiday destination with British and Irish tourists. And despite failing airlines, the falling pound and the current bleak economic outlook the Island of Fire is still a hot ticket. As tourist numbers to the island have just kept on rising.

UK tourist continue to flock to the island and as a result demand for Lanzarote villas and apartments has remained relatively stable. Whilst property prices have also started to fall on the island it is less noticeable than in other european destinations.

This is probably due to the fact that Lanzarote has much more to offer tourists than just sunshine alone though. As the island boasts a unique volcanic scenery, picturesque beaches, a host of natural attractions and some of the most unusual tourist sites found anywhere in the world. All of which is largely thanks to an island born artist and architect called Cesar Manrique.

Alert to the damage that this could cause to his birthplace Manrique returned home to ensure that his beloved Lanzarote was not buried beneath a sea of five star concrete.

As a result of his efforts Lanzarote has largely been spared the type of over development now commonly found in other Spanish sun spots and other Canary Islands resorts. High rise buildings are banned, advertising hoardings are outlawed and all of the islands three main tourist resorts are well contained.

The artist and architect also sought to create an alterative to the water parks and golf courses that were built as tourist attractions elsewhere in Spain.

In tandem with close collaborators such as Jesus Soto he lit an alternative path for island development with the creation of sites such as the Jameos del Agua, which embodied his desire to fuse art with nature.

Australia Always a Good Season to Visit

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Time your visit right to Australia and check out Australia’s holiday calendar. The main holiday period is from December for 3 or 4 weeks. Some areas it will be difficult to find a room. Some of Australia’s public holidays calendar vary by state

Ironically the most settled weather in southern Australian states Victoria and Tasmania is actually later in February. In contrast the peak holiday period for far northern Australia is the dry season which starts in May and runs through to October. Its worth checking out the 2009 Australia holiday calendar so that you are aware of local events which can make it hard to find a bed. Queensland has four school terms, while many other states only run three. Unless if you have kids in school travelling outside the school holidays is always a good idea.

Australia boasts not only summer in the northern hemisphere’s winter but a whole lot of variety in their seasons. Although most northern hemisphere residents see Australia as the land of hot long summers. The reality is more complex. In July to September you can even ski in Victoria and NSW. In contrast in the far north there is no summer: just a wet and dry season. Once the rains come in the north travelling is restricted to boats and sealed roads as the country turns to mud.

Buy yourself a pocket Australia 2009 holiday calendar as soon as you arrive. That way you will be on top of the confusing holidays including Queen’s Birthday and Labour Day which vary right across the year depending on the state. Australia-wide there is consistently in a few national holidays including ANZAC Day and Australia Day but apart from these exceptions Australia is a mess of different holidays – and don’t even get me started on the timezones!

Travel Destinations – The Best Of Yorkshire

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A trip to England opens up a world of opportunities and whilst being a relatively small country compared to some, you will still have a large choice of places to visit. To experience the ruggedness of the English countryside along side the friendliness of the locals then South Yorkshire has to be on your agenda.

Many people picture Yorkshire to be a hotch potch of industrialisation and, while that would be partially true many years ago, the Yorkshire of today is a different reality altogether as you will definitely experience when you come here.

The mining in the north and east of Yorkshire has long since quietened down and it is doubtful whether the mining activities will ever get even close to the heyday of there former levels. Sheffield is still world renowned for its exquisite silver canteens of cutlery.

South Yorkshire is also partially home to the outstanding area of natural beauty that is the Peak District National Park. The park is the largest of the thirteen national parks in the UK and one of the most visited in the world so you will be well catered for if you need some activities to do.

The national park caters for probably every possible taste and is very popular with the international climbing community, largely due to the excellent and varied climbs in the area. Climbing is only one of many activities though which range from casual hiking to mountain biking or even helicopter tours if you fancy a little extra excitement.

More Peak District Tourist Information can be found here.

The area is also home to a number of historic buildings you can visit whilst your out and about most of which are National heritage properties.

In the Doncaster area of South Yorkshire you’ll want to visit the areas main tourist attraction which is of course the magnificent Conisbrough Castle which dates back to the 12 century. The main keep at the castle is a truly awe inspiring site and if you ever want to experience what it may have been like to storm a castle just try standing at the base of this 97ft piece of architecture.

If you like the hustle and bustle of city life, visit Sheffield, one of the largest cities in England. You could consider Sheffield as the London of the north as it has the largest theatre complex outside London, and is home to the world renowned Crucible and Lyceum theatres.

 

How To Relieve The Itchiness From Insect Bite Reactions

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Some people can be bitten by mosquitoes or any other of these irritating insects, and barely notice.  Others of us seem to suffer bizarre and extreme insect bite reactions.  There are several simple treatments which will alleviate some of the grief caused by these insects.

Oral Medication For Insect Bite Reactions

The most usual treatment for insect bite reactions is an antihistamine.  The mildest, over the counter antihistamine will usually reduce any swelling and itching.Any pain relief or anti-inflammatory drugs will not help at all.  So if that is all that is in your first aid box, it is time to go shopping.

Creams For Insect Bite Reactions

There are two primary types of cream for insect bites; antihistamine cream and antiseptic cream.  Antihistamine cream is not always easy to buy and antiseptic cream is not always effective, but both are worth a try and definitely better than nothing.

Cold Compresses For Insect Bite Reactions

This is my favorite, for many reasons.  Firstly, it is a great excuse to sit down and relax.  Secondly, it can be used by the whole family, and finally it can be used in conjunction with any of the above.  I found these great pain pads on the internet which can be used hot or cold (so super versatile in the first aid box).  

If you have a reaction insect bites, you simply put them in the fridge and then put them over the bite and the cooling effect takes away the itch.If you've children who suffer badly from bites these are a great way to take the fierceness out of the bite and to help stop them from scratching.

I bought a couple of these Pain Pads in blue and a couple in pink, and on holidays it is almost an enjoyable ritual to get the pain pad out of the fridge and put on the bites as soon as they are discovered.  These little pads have also helped with jelly fish bites, so they have proved a holiday essential for our family. If you do not have any pain pads you’ll be able to always try the traditional ice wrapped in a tea towel, but this calls for a lot more effort and the kids don’t seem to enjoy it as much.

Ultimately, prevention is always better than cure.  The best way to avoid insect bite reactions is to minimize the chance the insects have to get you.  Lots of long sleeves and trousers in cool linen are a wardrobe essential for anyone who suffers insect bite reactions.

Things To See and Do When You Stay in Liverpool

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Liverpool, the European Capital of Culture City. Certainly if you were to visit this wonderful city not just this year but next there will be plenty for you to do and see during your time there. You may not be aware but Liverpool is second only to London in terms of art galleries and museums per person. 

But it isn’t just the city of Liverpool which has much to offer its visitors there are plenty of things to do and see in the surrounding areas. Here, we’ll look at just a few of the things you can see and do when you visit Liverpool.

Liverpool is of course famous for the Beatles and you can trace much of their history here. The Beatles Story can be found in Albert Dock and here you can trace the group’s life back to the very beginning. It shows the visitors what happened when four young guys from this city became world famous. But not only does it look at their music but at their childhood lives and how they came to form such an iconic group.

Other places along with the Beatles Story that should not be missed during a visit to the Culture Capital of Europe are as follows:-

1.     Merseyside Maritime Museum – Also located in Albert Dock this museum houses a wide array of items reflecting the importance of the sea to this city. It is here you can learn about the importance of the city and its docks during the Second World War and how life was on the ocean for those who are in the merchant navy.  The museum also has exhibits on the Titanic, Lusitania and Forgotten Empress ocean liners.

2.    Speke Hall – If you would like to learn more about what life was like back in the 15th Century then a visit to this attraction should be arranged. This is one of the most famous of all the half timber houses in the UK today and dates from the 1490’s. As you wander through it you will learn about the lives and times of those who have lived in it throughout the last five hundred or so years. 

3.    Knowsley Safari Park – This was opened by the 18th Earl of Derby in 1971. Naturally, the main attraction is the safari park itself but there are many other things to do as well. These include parrot and sea lion shows, a reptile house and a children’s petting farm. 

4.    Western Approaches – These are actually below the streets of Liverpool and will give you a glimpse of how life was in the city during the Second World War. Here is where the people were under constant pressure to protect England from invasion and ensure that the Battle of the Atlantic was won by us.  As you wander through the labyrinth of rooms you will be transported back to one of the most dramatic periods of time in the UK’s history. 

When you next visit Liverpool, be sure to choose your Liverpool hotels from this list.

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