Archive for Europe
A unique experience walking with St Bernards on the Great St Bernard Pass
By Ingrid Hoffman
You don’t have to be a serious hiker to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Swiss mountains. This summer, I found the perfect solution for families and people looking for a novel and easy way to go walking in the mountains.
Walking with St Bernards in the Swiss Alps (Picture by Ingrid Hoffman)
The St. Bernard is the Swiss national dog and the Barry Foundation in Switzerland runs the oldest Saint Bernard kennel in the world.
Every year, the St Bernards from the Barry Foundation spend the summer in their place of origin on the Great St Bernard pass and visitors have the opportunity to accompany these wonderful dogs on a 1½ hour walk.
Our children are between the age of 10 and 14 years old and were not very keen on walking. However, when they realised they would be walking with St Bernards, they immediately were very enthusiastic! You can choose to do the easy or the athletic walk. We’re not experienced, but are in good health and quite sporty, so we chose to do the athletic walk. You need a little perseverance, but we found the walk very enjoyable and quite easy to do.
There’s a museum at the hospice and your entry fee is included in the price of the walk. You can find out everything about the history of the pass and the dogs and there’s an interesting exhibition about the vegetation and wildlife in these parts of the Alps.
Prices are €32 for adults and €5 for children. The walks are very popular so be sure you make a reservation in advance via the website.
Thank you to Your Travel Planner member, Ingrid Hoffman, for sending in this review of this very special experience. To find out more, please visit the Barry Foundation’s website: www.fondation-barry.ch.
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Reviews: Hotels, Places to Eat, Destinations, Travel Tips | Family Things to Do, St Bernard Dogs, Switzerland, Walking|No Comments
A hassle-free, low-impact luxury camping holiday for families and romantics
By Ching Lee
It’s not difficult to see why glamping is all the rage. Luxury camping combines home comforts with the freedom of the great outdoors; it’s a winning formula for families (and romantics) who are looking for a hassle-free, low-impact holiday with a difference.
Your Travel Planner is back from a glorious week in the Ardèche, France. With proper beds, stylish shower rooms, dinner provided and the stunning location of the Ardèche Gorge and Nature Reserve, the yurt holiday provided by Canvaschic is an exceptional outdoor experience for people who want to enjoy home comforts while camping.
After a day’s travelling, arriving at the camp feels like entering a haven. Even in the height of August, the camp feels peaceful and discreet and, best of all, we knew we didn’t have to worry about cooking; your week’s stay during July and August includes breakfast and five nights dinner.
The Yurts
The dome-shaped family yurts are handcrafted from oak and ash wood and covered in natural canvas. The tents are well-spaced throughout the forest and each yurt has its own deck and hammocks giving guests their own relaxed, private area.
There are 9 family yurts and three other more secluded yurts for couples can be found further into the oak forest.
Inside, each of the 12 yurts are individually styled. The family yurt is spacious, with a king-size bed, 2 camp beds for children and a portable style wardrobe. Decorative touches such Moroccan lamps, tealights, mirrors and pictures add to the homely atmosphere.
Shower Rooms
There are 5 spacious shower rooms in the shower block, each with a shower, toilet and washbasin…and there’s no need to bring soap if you don’t want to as locally produced, biodegradeable Savon de Marseille is provided in dispensers in the shower rooms.
Dinner with room to play
It’s a real luxury not to have to cook when you’re on holiday (though guests in the family yurts also have access to a fully equipped kitchen tent). At Mille Etoiles, breakfast and 5 nights dinner (Mediterranean style vegetarian buffet, using locally sourced produce, with one barbeque night) takes place on the outdoor terrace/restaurant and is included in the week’s stay in July and August. The bar offers drinks, local wines and even ice-creams for the children, charged as extra.
For both parents and children, it’s a wonderfully relaxing dinner experience, when you can eat and the children can go and play (within safe view) in between courses. There’s a swing and climbing frame, a pirate boat, a ping pong table, a small plunge pool…and even nets for catching butterflies and grasshoppers!
Things to Do
The Ardèche offers a huge array of things to do for holidaymakers - canoeing, forest adventure and zipwires, shopping in local markets, exploring caves, dining in superb local restaurants, but the hidden gem of staying at Milles Etoiles is the trail from the camp that leads down to the Ardèche Gorge.
After a steep 30 minute walk through the forest, the 35km Ardèche river meandering through spectacular limestone cliffs is a breathtaking sight. All the Mille Etoiles guests agreed that the gorge provided a fantastic, natural bathing area that had something for everyone: younger children were happy with their fishing nets, older children (and adults!) enjoyed jumping off the rocks and cooling off in the fresh water.
Things to Note
- The beds for children are camp beds and these may not suit everyone. One of the guests did end up purchasing an airbed!
- The walk down to the gorge is steep and rocky in places, so sensible shoes are required ie. no flip flops! Swim shoes or jelly shoes are useful for the rocks in the river.
- Each yurt is provided with its own solar lamp, but it’s useful to bring your own torch too.
For more information, visit the Canvaschic website. If you like the idea of a glamping holiday and need need help planning your trip, please feel free to contact me, Ching Lee, at Go2 Holiday Research, www.go2research.com.
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Responsible Tourism, Reviews: Hotels, Places to Eat, Destinations, Uncategorized | Activity Holiday, Glamping, South of France, Yurt|No Comments
Here’s another review for Your Travel Planner readers from Annette Kirkley, a therapeutic, sports and remedial masseuse and fellow local networker.
This time, she recommends this delightful agritourismo in Puglia, Italy:
Agriturismo Masseria Aprile in Locorotondo, Puglia is an old 18th century “masseria” farmhouse to which traditional “trulli” rooms have been added. The agritourismo is surrounded by its own fields of olive trees, vines and animals, with a beautiful view of the small town of Locorotondo perched on the hill. At 1 kilometre south of the town, it’s a perfect distance to wander up to explore the town, which has beautiful whitewashed baroque buildings, and eat a meal before walking back.
The Aprile family are very hospitable and sometimes invite guests to join them for dinner, after the opportunity to have a go at making the local pasta. We were also lucky enough to witness the first pressing, by hand, of their red grapes in traditional barrels. The daughter, Stephania, runs the business and speaks good English.
The accomodation is good, with great, home-baked food for breakfast, and lots of laughter (mostly at our Italian!) There is plenty of space for children to run around in, all in all a perfect place to just chill out, or to explore the many interests of the surrounding area if you have a car. This is a very unspoilt, undiscovered part of Puglia.
See Annette’s review for Your Travel Planner of Viglatoras Apartments, Crete here. If you have a review of your favourite place, why not share it with Your Travel Planner. Please contact me at www.go2research.com/contact_Go2.php.
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Reviews: Hotels, Places to Eat, Destinations, Uncategorized | Agritourism, Italy|No Comments
By Ching Lee
There was a moment on the ferry that I thought, ‘families should travel like this more often’. I was looking out across the calm Adriatic Sea, between the Italian and Balkan peninsulas. The sun was warm and we were sheltered from the wind, listening to the sound of our children’s laughter as they played tag on the top deck.
We were in the middle of a two week trip to Greece and Italy (Summer 2009). The aim was to discover how feasible and enjoyable a green family summer holiday could be. In the previous week, the children had seen for themselves the importance of travelling responsibly, when we stayed on the Gerakas Peninsula of Zakynthos, one of the last nesting sites of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. (Read more about our stay here).
We had flown directly from London to Zakynthos, but now we were on a more relaxed journey back to London, via Italy and Paris.
Our journey had started the previous morning at the bus station in Zakynthos town. With our bags loaded onto the bus, we travelled all of 20 minutes to the port where we boarded the local ferry for the hour long trip to Zakynthos to Kilini. Our bags and the bus were expertly reversed onto the ferry and we would meet again in Kilini.
There’s something very regal about sailing out of a harbour. As we shouted and waved goodbye to Zakynthos, the memories of our wonderful week seemed to stay with us for longer as we sailed alongside the coast of this beautiful Ionian island. Being cocooned in a plane just doesn’t compare. On the ferry, we were still witnessing the hustle and bustle of life in Zakynthos, still feeling the sun on our faces, still marvelling at the beautiful views around us.
It’s exhilarating to sail into a harbour too. OK, so it was only Kilini, but it was a taster of things to come. From Kilini, it was another hour (on the same Zakynthos bus) to Patras.
Patras port was lined with huge international ferries and our hopes of being conveniently deposited by our Anek ferry were quickly extinguished. I don’t think the impromptu game of ‘Find Anek’ was entirely appreciated by the children (nor us for that matter), but our excitement soon returned as, once on board, we were carried smoothly by escalator up to Reception. The ferry was a far cry from the ones we’re used to
crossing the English Channel. Think cruise ship and you’ll get the picture.
Excitement turned to joy as the children saw the bunk beds in our cabin and two sets meant no arguments as to who was going to get the top bunk. The overnight 22 hour sailing meant we had plenty of time to explore (and enjoy) the facilities on board: restaurants, bars, lounges, shops and even a swimming pool. A cabin was definitely the most comfortable choice for a family, although plenty of people had opted for airline seats and even sleeping on deck.
The crossing was unbelievably calm. The mint tea and ginger biscuits I had packed to combat seasickness were thankfully not required. In fact, the beds in the cabin were very comfortable and we woke up the next day, refreshed and looking forward to our next week in the beautiful Italian region of Le Marche.
We spent the last hours before our arrival in Ancona on deck. The journey so far was proving a big hit and a success. We had reduced our carbon footprint and we arrived in colourful Ancona, certain that we would be travelling by ferry, rather than plane, to Greece again.
Still to come: Leg 2 - Ancona to Paris.
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Reviews: Hotels, Places to Eat, Destinations | ferry, Greece to London, Italy, train, Zakynthos|No Comments
Last month, VisitDenmark launched their 2010 ‘Be our Guinea Pig‘ holiday testing programme, giving 2 families and 4 couples the chance to go on a FREE holiday to Denmark. The closing date for applications is noon Friday 26 March, so there’s still time to apply.
Successful applicants will be asked to test different types of activities, transportation and accommodation and document their trip through a short holiday video. The video will be published on the VisitDenmark website.
Commenting on the ‘Guinea Pig’ programme, Henrik Kahn, Director of VisitDenmark said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for enthusiastic and adventurous travellers to experience our wonderfully diverse country whilst documenting their experiences to highlight just how much fun a holiday in Denmark can be. Applicants don’t need to have any experience of writing or photography - just an ability to express themselves in an interesting and original way. All they have to do is choose which holiday they want to apply for, click the appropriate link - and cross their fingers!”
The Guinea Pig holiday test programme is open to all UK residents but certain terms and conditions apply. Each holiday includes accommodation, transport to Denmark (by air or ferry) and the different activities to be tested for each trip. Choose from these six different trips:
- Viking family holiday
- Camping family holiday
- Touring holiday for a couple
- City break to Copenhagen: Summer in the Jazz City
- City break to Copenhagen: Going Green
- City break to Aalborg
Visit the VistDenmark website for more information.
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Travel News | Free Holiday, Visit Denmark|No Comments
Zakynthos, or Zante as it is more commonly known, is the most southerly of the Ionian Islands. Its beautiful scenery and excellent sandy beaches make it an ideal holiday destination.
But while the 18-30s brigade head to Laganas, the biggest and busiest resort, I was in search of a more natural Zakynthos, somewhere where my children could see for themselves the importance of travelling responsibly.
As one of the last nesting sites of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Carreta-carreta, the Gerakas Peninsula is the first protected Marine Park in the Mediterranean. Google ‘relaxing holidays’ and you’ll find a group of villas, cottages and studios in the peaceful, south-eastern tip of Zakynthos.
Managed by Yannis Vardakastanis, an ardent conservationist who grew up on Gerakas, Ionian Eco Villagers provides a quieter, more tranquil alternative, away from the mass tourist resorts.
The verdict: a simple and relaxing break in an enchanting part of Zakynthos.
Ionian Eco Villagers is ideal for families and couples seeking a ‘get away from it all’ holiday with a difference.
With the picture-perfect beach, a few tavernas and a mini market only a 200m stroll away from your accommodation, there’s no real need to go anywhere else if you’re after the simplest of holidays.
Accommodation: We stayed in one of the four 2-bedroom apartments in Gerakas House. Our upstairs apartment was simply, but comfortably furnished. A double bedroom, a twin bedroom, 2 shower rooms and a kitchen, it’s ideal for a family of four. Each bedroom is air conditioned and both have a balcony with table and chairs where you could sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The kitchen is equipped with a twin hotplate, toaster/sandwich maker, a fridge, an electric kettle and enough utensils and pans to make a simple meal. The garden with olive and citrus trees offers a relaxing alternative to the beach, with its sun-loungers, hammocks and even swings for the more energetic.
Places to Eat/Shops: The 3 tavernas/bars and mini market are a short stroll from the villas and apartments. The tavernas offer excellent, traditional Greek food and the mini market was surprisingly well stocked; as well as food provisions, it was a useful place to get ice creams and inflatables!
Leisure Activities: Gerakas Beach is a stunning, natural beach. With clear waters and soft sand, this shallow beach is ideal for young families.
Away from the beach, the spectacular scenery and rural charm makes Gerakas the perfect place for mountain biking and walking whether you are a serious walker or just fancy a relaxing stroll.
A highlight is to join one of the eco-tourism catamaran cruises (bookable though the Earth Sea & Sky Information Centre) and enjoy a day cruising in the southern waters of Zakynthos, visiting stunning snorkelling sites. There is a chance to spot the turtles, but, as a ‘sensitive’ tour, the crew makes sure that the rules of the National Marine Park are adhered to eg. stay for a maximum of 10 minutes if a turtle is spotted.
The Information Centre, set up by Yannis, was a great place for us and the children to learn about the Loggerhead Turtles and their plight to survive. Guests and tourists are encouraged to find out more about the turtles and other endangered species.
Service: Yannis is always on hand to help you with any aspect of your stay. One big plus is that your booking with Ionian Eco Villagers includes transfers on arrival/departure, so there really isn’t a need to hire a car. As the tavernas and mini market are family run, the welcome we received was wonderfully warm.
Best time to go: May, June or September, outside the turtle egg hatching months, when the weather is warm (25°C) and there are less crowds. The hottest, busy summer months of July/August are peak season for visitors and daytrippers. Although the National Marine Park limits your stay on the beach to 3 hours in Summer to protect the buried turtle eggs, it’s probably best to avoid this time altogether.
Why choosing this holiday makes a difference:
-
By choosing to stay in these locally-owned, small, individual villas and apartments, you are helping local families to make a living. With mass tourism all too evident in Zakynthos, the temptation to sell their land to developers is never too far away, further endangering the survival of the Caretta-caretta.
-
Many of the villas and apartments are solar- or wind- powered and use energy-efficient lightbulbs.
-
£10 from your booking is donated to Earth Sea & Sky to support their impressive work in protecting the nesting beaches of the Loggerhead turtles.
-
Your further donations will also help the current development of a Sea Turtle Hospital in Zakynthos, which will drastically cut the transport time for injured turtles.
-
The Earth Sea & Sky Information Centre is a great education for visitors, adults and children alike, on why we should think more responsibly when making travel choices.
Gerakas was week 1 of a two week trip in Summer 2009, part holiday, part research, to explore how feasible and enjoyable a green family summer holiday could be. More on the rest of this trip, including how to get to and from Zakynthos, to follow.
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Reviews: Hotels, Places to Eat, Destinations, Uncategorized | Apartments, Beach holiday, Green Places|1 Comment
For a short break this Autumn, how about watching the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall?
During 2009 in Berlin, there’s a series of special events and exhibitions to celebrate this moment in history and the ‘peaceful revolution’ that lead to the reunification of Germany and a divided Berlin.
Exhibitions include an open-air exhibition on Alexanderplatz, telling the story of the Peaceful Revolution in 1989/90 leading to the wall’s eventual demise and the ‘Moments in Time’ exhibition, featuring films, photographs and recollections from private individuals and those involved in events.
November 9 will see the climax of the 20th anniversary of the Fall of the Wall at the city’s world-famous landmark, the Brandenburg Gate. At the ‘Festival of Freedom’, some 1000 dominos measuring 2.5 metres in height will be used to create a ‘domino effect’ as a symbolic fall of the Wall.
For more information on what’s on, visit: http://www.visitberlin.de/ and http://www.mauerfall09.de/
Flights from the UK to Berlin are still reasonable eg. £118 return from London Gatwick with Easyjet and there’s a good selection of available hotels.
For more travel tips, sign up to the Your Travel Planner Email Club and keep up-to-date the latest news and travel offers.
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Travel News | Berlin Wall 20th Anniversary|No Comments
If you’ve left it a bit late to book your summer holiday, you may start feeling very smug when you see some of the late holiday bargains that are currently on offer.
Holiday with Family or Friends
For a late getaway with family and or friends, how about a recently converted barn with six bedrooms, and six ensuite bath or shower-rooms (sleeps 12). Described as ‘very roomy and comfy’, with lovely views across miles of countryside, the barn has its own enclosed, lawned garden, a games/ laundry room and two ponds for a spot of fishing. Late availability: 25% reduction for the week of 21-28 August 2009. Was £2308, now £1731, from Helpful Holidays, ref. G40.
Holiday Villa in Menorca
Save over 40% with this newly built 3 bedroom villa (sleeps 6/8) with private heated pool terraces garden and BBQ, located near Cala Canutells. Late availability: £710 reduction for the week of 31 July -7 August 2009. Was £1700, now £990, from Owners Direct, ref. B3437.
Activity Holiday in Croatia
Combine sea-kayaking around the Croatian islands, coastal walks, mountain biking with local food and wine, mid-day naps and snorkelling. Late availability: 20% discount for remaining rooms due to cancellations for 25 July - 1 August 2009 (double room available) and 1 - 8 August 2009 (double room available). Was £760, now £608 per person, excludes flights, from Responsible Travel, ref. Croatia holiday, activity week.
If you’d like to some help researching more late holiday bargains, please contact me at www.go2research.com/contact_Go2.php.
Filed under: Cottages, Destinations, Europe, Responsible Tourism, Saving Money on 2009 Holidays | Late Holiday Bargains|No Comments
Someone asked me the other day whether Sweden was a good destination for a family holiday. The answer is a resounding ‘Yes’.
Sweden is a fantastic summer holiday destination, offering interesting cities combined with exceptional natural scenery. It’s very child-friendly, has an agreeable summer climate and is only 2 hours away by plane. A week in the city could be combined with a week exploring the nature and wildlife that Sweden has to offer.
Compared to southern Europe, Sweden is expensive, but there are ways you can reduce the hit on your pocket and with the Swedish Kroner around 12.9 SEK to the British Pound, it’s not as expensive as it was last year.
So what are the Things to Do for a family holiday in Sweden?
Both Sweden’s archipelagic capital, Stockholm, and its second city Gothenburg offer city sightseeing at a relaxed pace, with plenty to do with the children and great cultural sights to see for the adults.
Stockholm
Stockholm is a most beautiful capital city, built on 14 islands. The Old Town is particularly spectacular, and walking around the city’s waterways and parks is a lovely way to spend a week. It can also be a lively city, with its maritime bent and international flavour. Recommended things to do include:
- Gamla Stan: take a stroll through the narrow streets of the old town
- Gröna Lund Tivoli: a great (though not cheap) theme park on the relaxed island of Djurgården
- Stockholm Archipelago: you can take a boat trip to the many islands on the archipelago.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is a cosmopolitan city with a small town charm. It’s a compact city to get around and has plenty to see and do. Recommended things to do include:
- Paddan Boats: These open-topped boats will take you through the old Moat, under 20 bridges and on 17th century canals, giving a unique view of the city and its open harbour.
- Liseberg: a great amusement park on the edge of the city centre (use the city’s extensive tram network to get there). It has 36 rides and attractions - from gentle carousels to heart-in-the-mouth rides such as Uppswinget, Kanonen and Balder (voted several times the “Best Wooden Roller Coaster in the World”).
- Universeum: a fantastic museum to experience the Ocean, the Rain Forest and Space all in one day.
If you’d like to learn more about Sweden as a family holiday destination, please feel free to contact me at www.go2research.com/contact_Go2.php.
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Uncategorized | Family Holiday, Stockholm, Sweden, Things to Do Stockholm|No Comments
Keeping the family entertained doesn’t have to break the bank. There are loads of FREE Things to Do in London for families during the May Half Term. Your Travel Planner shares some suggestions.
South Bank Centre
The South Bank Centre has plenty of free events on for children and families during the May half-term, with most taking place in the Clore Ballroom. Below is a selection, but see the South Bank website for more information:
West End Family Fun; Tuesday, 26 May 2009
To celebrate National Family week, Southbank Centre teams up with the West End to bring you a day of workshops, singalongs, dancealongs and the opportunity to see a live extract from one of the best musicals currently running in the West End.
Half Term Family Workshops; Wednesday 27 - Friday 29 May 2009
Families can drop in for workshops that will get all the family working and playing together.
Gluemouth; Wednesday 27 - Friday 29 May 2009
Gluemouth is a new show that will inspire young poets. Laura Dockrill will perform some of her new poems for children in this unique family event.
The Magnets; Wednesday 27 - Friday 29 May 2009
The UK’s leading ‘all vocal’ band lead a singing workshop in which groups of children and their families learn different parts of well known songs.
Free Swimming
As part of a scheme supported by central government to encourage people to adopt more healthy lifestyles, many local authorities now offer free swimming for under 16 year olds (and over 60s). So if grandparents take their grandchildren, you can all go for free!
You can check here for a list of local authorities in London where you can swim for free.
Free Tennis
It’s not just swimming. Tennis for Free is an initiative to allow the public to play tennis for free. You can search the list of local authorities by area to see where there are free courts and free coaching.
Mercedes-Benz World
Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands in Weybridge is a great day out if you’re a motoring fan. Free May Half Term activities include spectacular shows from the Silver Arrows Display Team, passenger laps and F1 presentations.
Free London Museums
Visiting London means that you have access to world class and lesser known museums, with most offering free admission. All have special activities for the May Half Term. Your Travel Planner favourites include the Science Museum, Natural History Museum and the British Museum.
Know of any other FREE things to do in the May Half Term? Please share it with Your Travel Planner readers by posting it as a comment. Thank you.
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Travel Tips | Half Term ideas London, Things to Do|No Comments
« Previous Entries||
