Top 5 European Castles was originally published on

Photo from Flickr by ZeHawk

Planning your European vacation can be a complicated process so it is recommended that to get the most out of your holiday you book a guided tour. There are a number of Europe tour packages that incorporate tours of each of these castles as well as many other historical sites.

Top 5 European Castles was originally published on http://www.towardeurope.org/?p=720 Europe offers a huge variety of countries and destinations to explore within a continent, while large, isn't as time consuming to travel in as, say, the US.

Top European Backpacking Destinations was originally published on

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Having a number of destinations marked out as must-sees will help you to make the most of your time in Europe. Before you go, you can also prepare yourself by buying phrase books, a suitable backpack and of course MoneySupermarket.com backpackers insurance to make sure you are protected against the unexpected.

Picturesque Lakes and Chocolate

Slovenia is as much about exploring the countryside as it is about looking around cities. While the capital Ljubljana boasts an impressive cafe scene and a homely yet chilled-out vibe, it’s towards Lake Bled that many travellers eventually head. This lake is famous, thanks in no small part to the number of photographs that get taken here each year. Most of them include the picturesque central church marooned on an island in the middle of the lake.

You can take a boat and row over to the church to complete your adventure on Lake Bled. Of course, the lake is just one natural attraction and you may want to go hiking into the surrounding mountains or venture into nearby Triglav National Park.

Many of Italy’s cities are ripe for exploration by backpackers, with Venice, Florence and Siena always popular, but it’s Turin that sometimes catches travellers by surprise. Turin plays an important role in Italy’s economy, with its main products including chocolate and cars. It’s the former that holds plenty of appeal for backpackers, since visitors to Turin can sample the exquisite chocolate created by the town’s experts in the art of making mouth-watering delicacies. Turin even holds chocolate festivals, packed with tastings and stalls offering various delights.

Bridges and Waves

For a capital-city experience that combines natural green beauty, impressive architecture and plenty of things to do and see, consider Stockholm. This Swedish city may not be the cheapest destination in Europe but you can have fun just wandering around its 14 islands, which are connected by almost 60 bridges.

Cafe culture is popular here and there are cellar cafes where you can combine a hot drink with luxury waffles, or even play a board game or two. In terms of nightlife, Stockholm is all about bar hopping and there are establishments to suit many tastes, from Gothic nights to basement dance venues.

If you want something completely different, one of the many Greek islands, Aegina usually isn’t crammed with tourists, which makes it a suitable destination if you want to relax but also explore some of the history of this part of the world. Besides unwinding on a beach, you can take advantage of the sailing school on the island to learn to master the waves or head to the Temple of Aphaea for a crash course in ancient Greek mythology.

Top European Backpacking Destinations was originally published on http://www.towardeurope.org/?p=710 London is filled with so many sights and is a city of so much to see so little time.Anyone visiting London who hasn't yet taken a ride down the canals MUST!

A Tranquil Spot in the Middle of London was originally published on

Photo from Flickr by Moyan_Brenn

London is filled with so many sights and is a city of ‘ so much to see so little time’. Anyone visiting London who hasn’t yet taken a ride down the canals MUST! This activity is also a rare stress free option in the middle of this face paced city. All you need to do is rent a guide for a day and jump on with one of the pre organised boat tours. You will visit the historical regents, explore the canals from Camden Lock to London Zoo, Little Venice Maida Vale and Paddington.

There are different routes avaliable all beautiful in their own unique way. These trips provide a tranquil corridoor through the busy city and provides much needed breathing space from the hustle and bustle of London.

Prices are very affordable from 6.50 to 11 pounds per return trip; depending on the route you choose. There are a few companies that offer different services. One departing from Camden waterside resturant base at both 12.30 and 2.30pm and another which departs from Little Venice. This trip includes a 1 and a half hour magical tour through the canal. This trip departs 3 times daily.

Also I recommend grabbing something to eat and checking out all the wacky wonderful things that are one offer at the world renound Camden markets. Shops galore; strange unique people you will find all from Punks and Chavs, Camden Town is a mixed bag.

Tip- If you can walk, always do so this beats catching public transport. Bring some comfy shoes a water bottle and your off! Walking is a great way to explore the city and see things off the usual tourist track you probally wouldn’t stumble across if it you were stuck on cramped public transport. Walking is also immensly good for the pocket- as London transport is very expensive, allowing you more cash for more important things such as delicious foods, special tokens from your destination or my favourite one of all.. more travelling!

A Tranquil Spot in the Middle of London was originally published on http://www.towardeurope.org/?p=705 8 British Overseas Territories which provide a memorable home-from-home holiday experience for long-distance British travellers.

8 Great British Places to Visit Abroad was originally published on

Photograph of Gibraltar by Trent Strohm

There are regular flights to Bermuda from Gatwick all year round. Travel service providers like FHR can help you book into a hotel near Gatwick before your fly.

The British Virgin Islands

These Caribbean islands might remain British but there is no direct flight which journeys there from Britain. Still, catching a connecting flight is worth it as reef-sheltered beaches await patient travellers. Most visitors journey to the main Virgin Islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. It’s hard to fit in time to visit all of the 50 smaller islands; only a third of which are inhabited.

The Cayman Islands

Jamaica claimed independence in the 1960s but its neighbour The Cayman Islands remained British. The Caymans is a great place to go if you like to go snorkelling or swim alongside stingrays. Don’t forget to visit Seven Mile Beach if you visit as it’s where many of the best resorts and hotels are located.

The Falkland Islands

Of course this is a fascinating place to journey to if you want to find out more about the history of the Falklands War but it is of equal interest to wildlife lovers.

Volunteer Point is the world’s largest King Penguin colony on the globe outside of South Georgia and the good news is that the penguins are easily accessible. Bluff Cove, meanwhile, is home to 3,000 Gentoo Penguins. Take your pick of which penguins you want to see!

Gibraltar

Gibraltar, like the Falklands, is the subject of much debate concerning who it should belong to. Britain clearly values it as it once ignored a UN resolution which ordered that it be handed over!

Gibraltar’s most famous ‘residents’ can also be a little territorial. British wartime leader Winston Churchill ordered that more Barbary apes should be imported into the area as he felt that their disappearance would fatefully symbolise the end of British rule. They’re still there in vast numbers and so too are the British.

Montserrat

Volcanic eruptions in 1995 and 1997 meant that many areas of this Caribbean island became out of bounds – only heightening its appeal to holidaymakers seeking a different holiday experience.

The brooding volcano on the island couldn’t be more different to the relaxed nature of the island’s inhabitants. This is a fine place to go for snorkelling, hiking, bird-watching and relaxing over a glass of rum and a game of dominoes.

The Pitcairn Islands

This is the Pacific Ocean island where Mutiny on the Bounty rebel Fletcher Christian and a small band of fellow mutineers and Tahitian women fled to. Today’s Pitcairners are all descended from the eight families which first settled here and still bear their surnames.

Visitors tend to stay for only a few hours on the island but it is quite something to say that you have followed in the footsteps of Fletcher Christian!

This is a guest post by James Christie, who writes for travel services firm FHR.

FHR has thousands of great deals on travel services in the UK, including Edinburgh airport hotels and Glasgow airport parking.

8 Great British Places to Visit Abroad was originally published on http://www.towardeurope.org/?p=684 My boyfriend and I had always taken holidays to Spain in the past but this time we thought we'd try Mallorca. We weren't disappointed.

Rediscovering Romance in the Med was originally published on

Photo from Flickr by john_worsley_uk

The strain of the working year had taken its toll again and it was only April. To hell with the overpriced school holiday flights – we wanted a holiday. My boyfriend and I had always taken holidays to Spain in the past but this time we thought, why not Mallorca?

For the first time ever, we decided to go for an all-inclusive package deal. I’ve always been dubious about what you get for you money, but I’m pleased to stay that getting off our bus, we were both happy with the sight of our shiny new hotel. The hotel manager proudly told us that the hotel had just been renovated, hence the smell of paint and squeaky-clean tiles.

We were lucky enough to have a room with a balcony with a pretty view of the Med. We’d only just arrived but already this Balearic little island was making us smile! After getting settled in we launched headfirst into the bar and attacked the lunch buffet. There’s something about the words ‘all-inclusive’ that I see as some kind of challenge as to how many sandwiches I can cram into my mouth and wash down with strawberry daiquiris.

Prising ourselves away from the bar for a while, we spent a couple of days in the capital, Palma, with the highlights being the gorgeous little cafes, bistros and tapas restaurants. We always asked the waiter to bring us a load of local dishes so we could really get a taste for the island. The chicken and chorizo in white wine sauce (not red wine, as we expected) was our stand-out favourite dish. The food had all the flavours of tapas from Spain but combined in a different way. As a pair of foodies, we were very happy.

We spent most evenings taking long, romantic walks and drinking a lot of red wine. Mallorca was a surprise in that we were expecting the usual hoards of travellers looking for the nearest English-themed pub and greasy fry up. Instead, we met a lot of couples and families – it seems Mallorca attracts a different crowd to Spain. After a week, we left very sunburnt but very happy.

Rediscovering Romance in the Med was originally published on http://www.towardeurope.org/?p=660 There are a million bars and clubs in London, but only a few in my opinion that really stand out and give you that little extra. Here is a list of my top 5

The Top 5 Clubs in London was originally published on

Photo from Flickr by ppz

Fancy a change of pace for the weekend, why not book yourself into one of the many hotels London offers and have yourself a proper night out. By proper I mean the type of night that keeps you talking about it and reminiscing through the next few weeks of boredom. There are a million bars and clubs in the capital, but only a few in my opinion that really stand out and give you that little extra. For easy access to them all, grab a room in one of the Soho hotels, where you are right in the centre of the action.

1. Passing clouds

Over in Dalston, this club avoids lots of the pretention that you find in many bars in the area. No overly ‘quirky’ stylings or hideous A-lined haircuts. That said it is pretty hippyish, serving homemade Coca-Cola (not so delicious) and ciders, so if you can’t stand the knitting and brown rice brigade better steer clear. The place has a really relaxed atmosphere, downstairs there’s always good live music of all different genres, with DJs following. Upstairs there are comfy chairs and tables and chilled out music. Great for a different kind of clubbing experience.

2. Fabric

You can’t really have a list of top clubs in London without including Fabric. Attracting the most famous DJs from all over the world, this gigantic venue is filled to the rafters every weekend with people ready to dance until they drop. With a bass system that sends the music up through the floor how could you not?

3. Koko

This is one for the Indi lovers. The old converted theatre, situated on Camden’s main road, is a brilliant venue. Dance on the main floor and gaze up at all the people stood drinking in the stalls and boxes, it’s an awesome prospect. Filled with Camdenites craving Indi, pop and rock, this place is a really good laugh.

4. 93 Feat East

This Brick Lane club has long been a favourite of students and East Londoners. It has live music on most nights and club nights at weekends. Where it really sparkles however is with its outside seating area, which is massive, filled with old pub tables, and with a brilliant summery atmosphere.

5. Corsica studios

Underneath the old railway arches in Elephant and Castle, Corsica Studios was set up by an independent arts organisation. Their ambition was to establish a club that was different from the norm, to help with space regeneration and encourage local involvement. Fantastic line ups come to this smallish club, playing cutting edge and experimental sets, geared towards those who love music. Perfect.

The Top 5 Clubs in London was originally published on http://www.towardeurope.org/?p=666 With its stunning skyline, cultural history and famous nightlife, Liverpool is a must-see UK city. The question is, do you stay dockside or in the city centre?

Where to Stay in Liverpool was originally published on

Photo from Flickr by santinet

There’s more to Liverpool than just The Beatles. It’s a city steeped in maritime history with gorgeous architecture, boasting an impressive skyline second only to London. With more listed buildings than Oxford or Cambridge, it’s no surprise that Liverpool is one the UK’s tourist gems.

If you’ve decided that you definitely need a holiday – hello, minibreak – then you’ll want to make a smart choice on where to stay. The question is, do you stay dockside or in the city centre?

Albert dock

The dockside is home to some of the city’s oldest buildings, making for great photo opportunities and long walks along the water’s edge. This is site of the Liverpool Wheel and perhaps the city’s most famous museum, The Beatles Story. The Maritime and Slavery museums are also here, right at the spot where it all happened.

At night, the Dock reveals expensive bars frequented by footballs and their ladies. It’s trendy and glamorous, the place where young professionals go to see and be seen, while taking in some stunning views of the river.

Where to stay

Accommodation options here run the full gambit. That great British institution, the YHA, have a hostel here from just £10 a night. At the other end of the spectrum there are the usual high-rise chain hotels, most of which are newly built and modern. Rooms on the highest floors with river views offer the most value for money. Between all of the bed and breakfasts in Liverpool, those on the dockside offer the most scenic views.

There’s also the option of renting an apartment for a few days. It’s possible to rent an apartment in one of the large Victorian mansions on the riverfront for the same price as a mid-range hotel. Perfect for a romantic weekend.

City Centre

This is where all of the daily action is – shopping, transport and a good mix of bars and restaurants. The Cavern Club is undoubtedly the most famous venue in the city, being the place where The Beatles played their first shows and found their fame. You can see fantastic tribute acts play raucous gigs there every weekend.

Concert Square and Matthew Street are at the heart of Liverpool’s nightlife, with Hope Street offering something a bit quieter and more romantic. The streets here are a maze of traditional English B&Bs and quaint old pubs.

Where to stay

A handful of hostels in the city centre offer budget backpackers free breakfast and wifi, inclusive. Some hotels have really cashed in on the Beatles thing and offer an all-out Beatlemania experience, with some interestingly decorated rooms a stone’s throw from the Cavern Club.

If you’re travelling as a group, it’s worth checking out apartments that have been kitted out to cater for large numbers. Hostels often won’t give rooms to Brits (reserving space for ‘proper’ travellers) so some canny apartment owners have furnished their places to fill this gap in the accommodation market.

Where to Stay in Liverpool was originally published on http://www.towardeurope.org/?p=649 The summer beckons, and along with it the festival season with the vast array of artists both old and new to tantalise the eardrums..

From Leeds Festival to Pinkpop was originally published on

This event is ‘twinned’ with the Reading Festival with the same line-up appearing at both over three days. Foo Fighters, The Cure and Kasabian will headline in 2012 and you can rock out to epic tunes which have become real anthems for many.  Be sure to check out the NME/Radio 1 Stage for The Maccabees, At The Drive-In and Justice and the Dance Stage for Metronomy. Get your Leeds Festival tickets now!

The Open’er Festival

One of the biggest festivals in Poland is held in Gdynia, a lovely little port city on the Baltic Sea.   This festival is like the ‘open’er’ of the festival season, taking place a little earlier than most in July.  Get in early to see Bjork, Franz Ferdinand, Bloc Party, Public Enemy, Janelle Monae, Bon Iver, Friendly Fires, Bat for Lashes, Justice and The xx.  The DJ plays on late into the night as well.

Pinkpop Festival

The Pinkpop Festival is named after the religious celebration of Pentecost Weekend in the Netherlands, however this is anything but restrained and pious.  The event attracts around 60,000 punters each year and 2012 features a mix of rock music legends and hot young things such as The Cure, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Kasabian, Soundgarden, Anouk, Mumford & Sons, Linkin Park, The Hives, Paul Kalkbrenner, Seasick Steve, The Specials, James Morrison and Bombay Bicycle Club.    It takes place on the 26^th to 28^th of May and costs around €160 euro for the weekend or €80 for a day ticket.

The Isle of Wight Festival

Since its inception in 1968, the Isle of Wight festival has captured the imagination of the world. At the 1970 festival some of the most legendary acts in rock history performed like: Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, The Who, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Kris Kristofferson and Miles Davis.  Over 600,000 people turned out in 1970 to watch it all go down. At Isle of Wight this year this year the line-up includes  Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Pearl Jam, Elbow, Biffy Clyro, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Noah & The Whale, The Vaccines, Madness, Crystal Castles, The Charlatans,  Pulled Apart By Horses and Primal Scream.  The whole thing is happening from the 21st – 24th June 2012 with adult tickets for camping costing £190 and non-camping £160.

From Leeds Festival to Pinkpop was originally published on http://www.towardeurope.org/?p=607 Call me crazy, but there are a few household items that should appear in every traveller's rucksack. The humble sandwich bag is my personal secret weapon ...

5 Household Items I can’t go Backpacking Without was originally published on

Having your own cutlery can be a lifesaver in hostel kitchens. Photo from Flickr by ASurroca

4. Unless you’re sailing the med and dining at the Captain’s table every night, you’ll probably end up cooking for yourself a few times while you’re on the road. Having your own cutlery set is brilliant. Watch as others in your hostel kitchen are forced to eat their pasta with chopsticks or a serving spoon. Fact: hostel kitchens never have enough of anything. Don’t buy really cheap cutlery or it’ll rust up quickly, which is a nightmare to scrub off. My boyfriend had a flashy set where each item folded in half. They lasted for ages and I was always very jealous as I sat there shoveling food into my mouth with my rusty fork.

5. A travel washing line might seem like a nerdy thing to take with you but it’s more useful than you might think. It’s essentially a slim bungee cord, with the hooks at the end and everything. Handy in all kinds of temporary-fix situations.

5 Household Items I can’t go Backpacking Without was originally published on http://www.towardeurope.org/?p=634 I've done the beach resort holiday thing to death. It's relaxing and easy. There's nothing wrong with that, but why not opt for a bit of adventure instead?

In Search of Adventure was originally published on

Photo from Flickr by Jeff Moser

**Guest post by Aussie nomad Josh Geelen**

Ahhh the standard holiday… whether you’re a fan of Spanish resort hotels or Courchevel chalets, there’ll most likely be staff fulfilling your every request while you settle in for two weeks of doing nothing. BOOOOO! Get the hell out there. I’ve done the beach resort holiday before and I’m sure a lot of you have too. It’s relaxing, it’s cosy and you don’t have to worry about anything. There is nothing wrong with that, I agree, but *cliche coming* why not go out and do something different instead?

Take a look around almost any travel agent abroad and you will see advertisements for some form of adventure travel. Throwing yourself from a plane, jumping from a bridge with a cord around your feet, snowboarding double black runs or hiking a mountain certainly don’t sound physically relaxing. Yet the stream of adrenaline through your body after completing one of these activities easily outweighs the sweat and bruises it causes.

I’m currently travelling through Cambodia and am now in Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s answer to Miami, the Australian Gold Coast or Bali. Last month I hired a Honda XR 250 dirt bike. I had little experience, but through the help of a motocross tour company, I was pointed in the right direction of what trails to hit and how to become a better rider. After I became competent and confident enough to actually dive into the deep end, I found myself getting early in one morning, fully kitted up with motocross gear and with 10 other riders for what was one of the most physically demanding days of my life.

It was ridiculously tough and rugged and even though every inch of my clothing was drenched with sweat, sand and dirt, the helmet which protected my face covered the biggest smile. Not to mention the fact that we were riding through thick jungle, through 5-metre long stretches of water at a time, inches away from the bike in front of you. Worst of all, much of this was through suspected land-mine areas in Cambodia. I know this all sounds very dangerous, which brings me to my next point…COME PREPARED. Out of the 11 riders that day, 6 of them were experienced local riders who knew the trails and their motorbikes well. The last thing you want is to break down in the middle of nowhere 10km away from any other human being.

When you’re thinking about your next destination, try and think about doing something with an aspect of adventure in it. In reality there is no adventure in sitting on a sun lounger all day drinking banana daiquiris. Go skiing, hang-gliding, off-road four-wheel driving. At least fly a kite through a bad neighborhood or something. The reward is much greater when the risk is bigger!

In Search of Adventure was originally published on