Ideas For An Extended Easter - Royal Wedding Holiday

By Harvey McEwan

While many special 'Royal Wedding deals' offered by travel agents will have been snapped up by organised travellers, it's not too late to organise your own special getaway.

The excitement generated by the Royal Wedding in 2011 has been twofold in the UK. While many people seem to be excited about Prince William and Kate Middleton's impending nuptials, the extra bank holiday that has been granted on their wedding day means that people across the country will also get to enjoy another day off. What's more, the placement of the holiday directly after Easter weekend means that it creates two consecutive four-day weekends, timing that has convinced many to take an extended Easter break.

So if you're thinking about taking a longer holiday over Easter thanks to the Royal Wedding, you're not alone. And while many special 'Royal Wedding deals' offered by travel agents will have been snapped up by organised travellers, it's not too late to organise your own special getaway, whatever your budget.

If you're keen to spend your Easter-Royal Wedding break abroad but can't afford to go too far, Barcelona and its surrounding attractions could offer the ideal solution. A long-held favourite with British holidaymakers, Barcelona is not Spain's capital but is perhaps its most culturally vibrant city. If you're interested in art and architecture, you'll find the unique buildings of Antoni Gaudi - which include the iconic Sagrada Familia and the serene Parc Guell - fascinating. What's more, the city is also home to galleries dedicated to Spanish maestros Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro, while its many world-class restaurants and bars will keep travellers merry throughout the night.

Alternatively, if your prefer to spend your holiday time outdoors, Barcelona does not disappoint. Amazingly, it has a vast beach right next to its city centre. The area, known as Barceloneta, has in the past been associated with the very poorest elements of Catalan society but has been regenerated since the 1992 Olympic Games. Today, it's a favourite with locals and tourists alike and is home to some of the area's best seafood restaurants. Of course, the extended length of this year's Easter weekends means that you'll also have plenty of time to explore the sights around Barcelona too. Indeed, it's the perfect opportunity to rent a car and drive to the beach at nearby Sitges, visit the celebrated Salvador Dali museum in Figueres or travel north to the Pyrenees, which overflows with spectacular hiking trails and mountain scenery.

If you can afford to go a little further, New York City could provide you with that breathtaking holiday you've been dreaming of. New York is beautiful at the end of April, with the severe winter weather having eased off and the balmy days of summer yet to come. What's more, the tourist rush isn't yet in full swing so its main attractions - like Times Square, the Empire State Building, the Staten Island Ferry and Central Park - won't be as packed as they will be in July and August. And while there's plenty to keep visitors to New York occupied for a week or more, make sure you make the most of your extended break and explore the city's surrounding areas too. Popular trips include those to Long Island, the beaches at Jersey Shore and even neighbouring cities Boston and Washington D.C.

For those that can't afford to stray far from home during the Easter break, rest assured that there are plenty of holiday options within the UK. If you live in England, for instance, a trip to Scotland won't require a visa but culturally, you'll be in a different country altogether. Luxury weekends in Edinburgh promise plenty of indulgent fun for people who love city breaks, while country lovers won't be able to get enough of the stunning scenery offered by the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Moreover, golf lovers shouldn't miss a trip to one of the country's many excellent courses, for which hotels in Edinburgh, Fife and Aberdeen provide convenient accommodation all along the east coast.

Harvey McEwan writes to offer information and advice on a variety of areas, from technology to holiday destinations. Read through Harvey's other articles here to find out more.

Celebrate the Royal Wedding in Bath

By Thom Sanders

Unless you have been living on the moon for the past six months you will have heard of the forthcoming royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton which will be taking place on the 29th of April this year. Due to it being such an important and glamorous event cities and towns all throughout the country will be celebrating and putting on many different events.

One city that will be putting on numerous events to mark the royal wedding will be Bath in the South West. Many people will be flocking to the city to take advantage of its royal roots and it's very well organised festivities throughout the year.

Bath's Fashion Museum is hosting several special tea parties leading up to the royal event, visitors to the very popular and interesting museum will be able to learn all there is to know about royal wedding dresses through the ages. The tea event will also include free entry to the 'What will she wear?' exhibition, featuring some of the most glamorous and expensive wedding gowns and dresses to have been seen in the city.

Numerous venues in and around the city will be hosting traditional royal themed garden parties; traditionally these events include plenty of Earl Grey tea and rich and fruity wedding cake.

Past visitors to Bath will more then likely have visited the wonderful museum based at the city's architecturally famous Georgian building 'The Crescent'. The Georgian museum will be holding an exhibition between April and May which will give people the chance to explore everything they ever wanted to know about weddings during the Georgian period.

Bathcertainly has a lot of royal connections and links that date back to its very beginning. Legend has it that the city was first founded by an exiled prince that was cast from his kingdom as he had a form of leprosy. As the story goes he bathed within the natural springs that surfaced from the area and was cured. By means of gratitude the king began building what is now known as Bath.

Another connection between royalty and the city of bath is that the first ever king of England's coronation took place within the cities abbey. Visitors to the city can view the 'Edgar window' in the abbey that shows and depicts the event along with a plaque to commemorate the occasion.

As you can see Bath is the ideal choice of location to enjoy and celebrate the royal wedding this year with plenty going on over the period.

Thom Sanders writes on behalf of the Royal Hotel Bath, the best choice of Bath Hotel for your Short Breaks Bath.

Things to Do During the Easter Holidays

By Jenny Oneills

Easter holidays offer a nice break between the winter and the summer holidays. Many people love to relax and get ready for the coming spring. One idea is to take a trip to the beach. Even during the cooler spring months of March and April, a stroll along the beach is relaxing. The crowds are usually much smaller than during the summer months. When no on the beach, it is a good time to walk the shops and see what they offer. Many vendors have great sales this time of year. Getting out of the city and getting to the beach is something you can enjoy.

London is a great place to be during the Easter holidays. You can go to Easter services at Westminster Abbey or St. Paul's Cathedral. You will also find orchestral and choral music throughout the holy week in both locations. For an Easter egg hunt, consider Kew Gardens. You can also enjoy a trip up on the London Eye to catch the views of the London skyline and surrounding counties. You will find some museums offering discount or free admittance. You and the entire family can find many things to do on the holidays.

You might consider a trip to a theme park or two over the Easter holidays. If Lancashire is close to home or somewhere that sounds different, you should visit Camelot Theme Park. You will find knights battling and wizards dueling. Another option would be Chessington World of Adventures. With a mixture of roller coasters, rides, and wildlife, this theme park offers fun for people of many ages. It is a popular destination any time of year. The best part is that it is only a short distance outside of Central London. It is a good place to go if you do not want to leave the City.

If you want to get away from the house, but do not have a great deal to spend, consider taking a stroll among the hundreds of woodland sites available across the country. They are free and accessible from anywhere. Many of these sites offer activity packs for the children to keep them occupied. Another cost effective option is museums. Most museums are open free. They range from natural history to science and history. These are just a few of the options you should consider when thinking about your Easter holidays. What do you want to do?

Jenny Oneill is a freelance travel writer who is currently researching the best places for Easter holidays

All About Canal Boat Holidays

Everyone has a different idea of where and how they would like to spend their ideal holiday. Think about it the, the options are limitless. One may chose to trek up a snow laden mountain while others may prefer the beach. However, if you have been there and done it all, then you may consider canal boat holidays. This fits just right for those who want to kick up their feet and relax, doing nothing in particular but unwinding and taking in beauty and serenity that nature brings with it.

Canal boats are made to accommodate people and may vary in sizes based on this feature. A smaller boat can fit up to ten people while bigger boats have a larger capacity. The boats are equipped with everything that you would require in a conventional hotel room. These boats can even be bought by those who intend to make a habit out of the boating experience. These boats have all entertainment units inbuilt to make your time off worth the while.
There is no speed limit and you can travel at any pace, as per your desire. If you miss the ground too much, you may even be able to disembark for a few hours.

You may not know exactly how or where to avail such services. You can check the internet for the required information. There are specific sites and agencies that will be able to give you the required subject matter and even be able to plan your trip for you. These services are available at most tourist places such as Germany, Cheshire etc. You can even chose the rivers you would like to canal through. The plans are quite flexible to suit your comfort. These are ideal for honeymoons or couple get away and even for family outings!

Narrowboat Holidays are the perfect way to introduce a loved one to a special connection with you and the environment.

Tourists Attractions and Transport in Nottingham

By Jonathan Clarke

Nottingham is a city that is located in the Eastern Midlands region of UK. It was an important city during the industrial revolution and is famous for its laces and bicycle all over the world. This city also prospered in the textiles also. Due to this rapid development the city has some of the largest slums in the country.

Tourist Spots in Nottingham:

The city of Nottingham has a large influence of theatre and music. There are many galleries and museums which are present in this city to illustrate this:

Green's Windmill and Science Centre:

It is a science museum that was founded by the famous mathematician George Green. This museum has a working model of windmill that attracts many tourists. This museum is situated in the center of the city.

Nottingham Industrial Museum:

This museum is famous for its collections that date back to the time of Industrial Revolution. There are many plans and models which are located here that highlight the brilliance of this age.

Transport Facilities in Nottingham:

This city has East Midlands Airport which is situated on the outskirts of the city. This airport is highly busy one and handles around a million passengers annually. This city is also well connected by the rail and road networks. The M1 motorway connects this city with all the major cities of United Kingdom. There are many railway services which operate from here. East Midlands Railway Service operates the major railway services to the important towns of the country. Besides this Cross-country and Northern Rail also provide their services on selected routes. This city is only amongst the six cities of England which have a light rail transit system as a means for the public transport.

You can travel by train Nottingham to Paris by taking one ticket from Eurostar. You can also grab some of the latest Eurostar breaks deals and offers.

Golf in Scotland ~ Golfing Holiday

By Keith George

Golf in Scotland is a historical phenomenon. According to records the game was first played in 1457 after which it was banned by King James II.
Golf is a national pastime for Scots since 1502!

The Stewart monarchs were themselves keen to develop golf in Scotland. The reputed Scottish golf courses lie in parkland, moorland, pasture or heathland.
If you are a golf lover, Scotland can be an ideal place to spend your vacation.

You can engage yourself in thrilling activities like - shoot game, fishing on a river or Scottish loch, play golf, visit a Scottish castle, hunt deer and dream of our Braveheart "William Wallace". Walking, boating, cycling and watersports are for everyone.

With traditional warm Scottish hospitality you can relax here, listen to pipes and transcend in the world of history.

Golf courses

Dalmunzie Golf Club
This club is located in the heart of Perthshire, near Spittal of Glenshee. Dalmunzie Golf Club is a nine hole moorland course. This is the first choice for beginners and golfers who want to increase their skills. The golf course at Dalmunzie is not long - actually it is only 2100 yards. The Golf course is surrounded by mountains on three sides with an abundant of wildlife on the course. Grouse, deers and even rabbits run wild on the moors.

Rosemount Golf Course
This golf course exists in history of golf in Scotland since 1889. Greg Norman have to be fond of this Perthshire peach, as he was the first Australian to win his first European Tour event here.

No doubt, it is one of the best inland courses. Fairways are bordered with troublesome trees and patches of heather. Accuracy is the key to play golf in Scotland.

Lansdowne Course
Near to Rosemount course, there is Lansdowne Golf Course which was opened in 1977. It is the first priority for visitors who come to Blairgowrie to see Lansdowne.

Gleneagles - Kings Course
At Gleneagles, there are 3 golf courses. All golf courses are great but King's Course is the best of all. Throughout the year, it is kept in perfect condition and it also shares the reputation of being the best inland course in Scotland.

There are 18 holes at Kings Course, each of them offer different type of golf - from drives to approach shots to elevated greens, elevated tees to cambered fairways, wickedly angled greens, sweeping plateau doglegs and much more.

Add present wildlife and the majestic scenery if you are residing at Gleneagles Hotel. With all these excellence and experience in Scotland - playing golf in Scotland will live long in your memories.

If you haven't been there don't delay, plan your next vacation for Scotland.

Keith George always writes about valuable news & reviews. A related resource is Golf In Scotland. Further information can be found at Home Mortgage Cycling.

Why Are UK Holidays Growing in Popularity?

By Alli Jacobs

Where the fashion was once for most people to jet off on foreign holidays in the sun, there is now a definite trend for more and more people to holiday on home soil in what has become known as a 'staycation'.

It's indisputable that there has been an increase in the amount of people choosing UK holidays, but what is the reason for this? The truth is, there are many reasons for this change.

Firstly, there are financial reasons. The UK, and in fact, most other countries in the world, are currently limping their way out of a recession which has left the average person with a far smaller disposable income.

During the recession, unemployment soared to its highest level in many years, and for many families there were far more important things to spend money on before foreign holidays. UK holidays presented a much cheaper option, and a happy compromise to those who still wanted a break away but without the heavy price tag.

Secondly, during the credit crunch and following recession, many people experienced disastrous foreign holidays when various airlines collapsed due to rising fuel costs and cash-flow problems. Many people were left stranded abroad, and those who had booked their flights independently with any other payment type than a credit card often found they had to make an unwelcome extra financial outlay to get themselves and their families home again. Of course, UK holidays eliminate the worry of this occurrence.

In a similar vein, much travel chaos occurred earlier in the year when a volcanic ash cloud drifted across British skies slap bang in the middle of the Easter holidays, which meant many families completely missed their holidays.

It's not only negative reasons however which have pushed up the popularity of UK holidays, however. Many people are simply realising that they do not have to travel hundreds of miles to reach fantastic beaches and miles of golden sand; the beaches on our doorstep are just as good.

Cornwall and Devon in the South West of England are extremely popular for UK holidays as their boast mile upon mile of unspoilt golden sand, as well as delightful little towns and villages and hidden smugglers' coves which are secluded and steeped in romance.

Other seaside resorts such as Blackpool, Southend on Sea and Skegness offer traditional British seaside fun for all the family, too, at prices that won't break the bank, and so in light of the current economic climate in which everyone still wants to have fun, but on a budget, it's no wonder that UK holidays have soared in popularity.

Alli Jacobs works in the tourism industry and champions UK holidays as an up-and-coming trend that is set to soar in popularity.