Travel Tips and Advice

Deciding Where To Go

Deciding where to go can sometimes be the most difficult part of arranging a trip. Unless you have a defined idea or where you would like to go and what you would like to see, start by researching destinations in guide books or on the internet. Asking friends where they have visited is another good way to find potential destinations.

Once you have a short-list of places you think you would be interested in seeing, you can start to narrow down your choices according to things like the seasons and weather when you are planning to travel, budget and travelling times. Whether you travel independently or as part of a tour or package is something else you should consider and may well depend on how confident you feel about travelling long distances without support.

Popular Destinations

Spain has long been the most popular holiday destination in Europe and for good reason. A large country with a strong culture and identity, Spain packs in a huge number of attractions which appeal to visitors of all ages. A year-round mild climate and relatively low cost of living are other reasons why Spain appeals to holidaymakers.

The south of Spain is notably drier and warmer than the north and areas such as the Costa Del Sol and Costa Dorada have several large tourist resorts with facilities suitable for elderly and less mobile visitors.

As well as warm weather and beaches, Spanish culture is very appealing to visitors who enjoy the laid-back attitude, good wine and excellent food. Being able to speak Spanish is an advantage in Spain but by no means necessary as most people in tourist focused areas and large cities speak English.

Several cities are worth exploring in Spain and make an excellent city break destination. Some of the largest and most interesting are Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Granada. The Alhambra Palace in Granada is certainly one of the must-see destinations in Europe and well worth a visit at any time of year

Italy is another popular choice for holidaymakers. As well as the captivating cities of Rome, Florence and Venice, areas such as Tuscany have beautiful countryside to be explored. Italy is a haven for lovers of fine food and wine, as well as anyone who appreciates art and art history.

How To Travel

Global travel these days usually means travelling by plane. Although it is physically possible to travel around the world by other means, air travel is significantly quicker and less expensive than travelling by rail or sea. You can fly to Auckland in less than 24 hours from London Heathrow, but the same journey by sea would take several weeks.
 

Published 28th Jul 2010

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