Visit London Attraction here

These richly allusive, if purely factual phrases, all refer to one stretch of tarmac which traverses the North of England. It is a piece of road which operates as an artery across a green lung of the country, connecting two historically fearsome enemies; the White Rose County of Yorkshire and the Red Rose County of Lancashire. The connecting artery was laid to join the dots over Pennine watershed, across the moorland plateaux where the very highest point manages some 510m above sea level. This is England; the Snake Pass to be precise.

Up there the weather can turn on a sixpence and, when deep in the icy clutches of winter time, travelling across the A57 (as it is more uncommonly known) can be pretty lethal with total whiteouts common and slipping-sliding wheels and snowdrift plunges even more so.

The highest point out on the moors is a far cry from the confines of our cosy little two-up two-down which we have rented for a week while we explore this area of the great English countryside. We’re suddenly very aware that travelling this road is fraught with mishap and almost folkloric tales of motoring woe.

But what a ride.

We take our hire car (no 4x4s left when we arrive unfortunately but I’m happy with my Mini) out from our cottage near the market town of Glossop and head out onto the moorlands with the intention of dodging any more snowfalls and managing to sneak in a picnic somewhere. Failing that, there is always the chance of a bite to eat at the infamous Snake Inn, should we make it that far. Our landlady informs us that the name of the road comes in fact from the pub and not the other way around. The pub, it seems, used to go under the moniker of The Duke of Devonshire (confusing, In know, but this is England remember) and upon the coat of the arms belonging to the Duke of Devonshire a serpent used to dangle. Nowadays, road and pub co-exist in nominal harmony – each reflecting the other.

As we drive up we can see the moorland plateaux of Kinder Scout and Bleaklow nestled in a blemish-less white blanket, the horizon disappearing as the sky merges with the land. The road is clearish until we get a little higher, the camber deceptive and the oncoming traffic a little hairy.

While my partner gazes agape at the flashes of wintry rural beauty around us, I can’t help but notice a little gauze of sweat forming on my palms as I grip the wheel, my forearms tense as rods. I remembered reading that 9/10 of the most dangerous roads were to be found in Northern England. By heck.

As we drive we listen to a song we have downloaded by cult 80s synth-pop band the Human League. The track – ‘The Snake’ – is apparently about this coil of road which remains an important and symbolic highway for dwellers of Sheffield (like The Human League) – The Steel City. The synth arpeggios of the song, the odd tenor of the spoken word vocals offset with the more layered female vocals recreate the twisty-turny rise and fall of the road as we travel. It’s a bizarre experience and for a few careless moments we (OK, I) forget that the tarmac under the rubber of our wheels is glazed with ice.

We spend the afternoon exploring  ‘The Sheff’’ which we find to be dripping with cultural activity from street art, to live music leaking out of pubs and a genuine edge we had not seen in any other English city to date. We enjoy ourselves so much that we almost forget to head back over the Snake’s back once again before dark. We just about manage to get back in time before the first flickers of the English winter darkness start to descend.

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5000 years of history in Chania

Located in the west of Crete is the historic and charming town of Chania with its Venetian harbour and quaint streets. Some say it has the feel and ambience of Florence or Venice and certainly there are some great old buildings dating from Venetian and Turkish invasions.

The Venetian Harbour

Take in the colourful buildings as you explore the waterfront. Maybe walk along the harbour wall to the lighthouse, which also dates from Venetian times. Don’t miss the Venetian Arsenali – dry docks to you and me – where you’ll find a reconstructed Minoan ship. If you’re an early bird head down to the harbour for 5.30–6.00am to see the sunrise; the light is amazing.

The Museums

The Maritime Museum on the waterfront is worth a visit to learn the history of this island – it’s not dull we promise you.

The Archaeological Museum in Halidon Street is also fascinating and costs about €3 for entry. If you’re captivated by archives, the Historical Archives are free to wander round any weekday. Another one to take your fancy might be the Byzantine Museum, which you can find behind the Maritime Museum.

Squares, Churches and other buildings

Where there’s history there’s always a few churches!  Chania is no different.

• Church of the Trimartyri is actually a Greek Orthodox Cathedral. This 19^th Century Neo-classical building can be found on Plateia Mitropoleos, a square lined with cafes. Time for another stop?
• The Roman Catholic Church is plain by comparison but is approached down a vaulted alley in Old Town.
• See the old Turkish Hamman in Old Town. Don’t be surprised to find the current occupants are more interested in selling you clothes than handing out towels.
• The Venetian Donkey Steps are double width so that the donkeys could get all four legs on them. They lead from the harbour to Plateia Aghiou.
• Visit Mercato Agora the local market in the cobbled streets – you won’t be disappointed.

Yes even when you’re busy enjoying the delights of a cheap crete 2013 all inclusive holiday, it’s worth taking a step outside to see the sights.

Ibiza Rocks

Ibiza rocks is a venue which throughout summer plays host to some of the best live acts and DJs around right now, from the festival headliners to new break through talent. This year the intimate outdoor venue will see a 16 week summer season. Here are some of the highlights planned for 2013.

June- 5^th: opening night with Jake Bugg, 7^th: Zane Lowe & Baauer, 19^th: The Vaccines

July- 5^th: Example & DJ Wire, 10^th: Tinie Tempah, 31^st: Chase and status

August- 9^th: Rinse FM with Katy B, 21^st: Ellie Goulding, 28^th: Dizzee Rascal

September- 6^th: Rinse FM with Skepta/so solid crew, 18^th: Closing party with Foals

Pacha

Once the party season gets in full swing on the 22^nd May with the newly named “Wisdom or the Glove” opening party, each night of the week sees a different themed night (repeated weekly). They feature the most talented and well known Djs from around the world packing an audience of 3000 inside its famous walls.

Mondays: Epica- big room house music

Tuesdays: Flower Power- Classic 60s and 70s

Wednesdays: Wisdom or the Glove- underground

Thursdays: FMIF- Big room house music with David Guetta

Fridays: Insane- Underground

Saturdays: Pure Pacha- House

Sundays: Solomun+1- Underground

Space

Space, located in Playa d’en Bossa, is one of Ibiza´s largest super clubs where its huge opening party on the 26^th May unofficially kicks off the entire Ibiza summer clubbing season. The season lasts until 29^th September.

Sundays: We Love…- Electronic music

Mondays: Café Ole- House

Tuesdays: 9^th July for 12 weeks: The Revolution, The Party unites.  Carl Cox with guests- techno

Wednesdays: Ibiza Calling- Underground

Thursdays: Enter- Minimal. Innovation, new technology and new concepts

Fridays: Clandestin- New night featuring resident DJ Felix Da Housecat starts 28^th June

Saturdays: Kehakuma- Underground house music

Amnesia

The 5000 person capacity venue is one of Ibiza´s must legendary clubs. Now owned by Cream, from 2006, Amnesia won the Best Global Club award at the Winter Music conference three years in a row, before installing the latest lighting technology of a 24 color laser system.

Mondays: Cocoon- Techno and House

Tuesdays: Together- Electronic

Wednesdays: La Troya- Themed

Thursdays: Cream- Dance

Friday: Music on- Techno

Saturday: Matinee- DJs, dancers, performers from Matinee Group

Sunday: Pop star- progressive & house DJs. Pop artist collaborations with resident DJ Brian Cross

So, what´s it going to be?

Why not hire a car in Alicante for a couple of days and head along the coast? Beat the crowds going north to Benidorm, and set the sat-nav for some of the smaller towns to the south. And if you’ve wondered what’s going on under that sapphire sea, how about a boat trip to an island where the marine life is close enough to touch? Take time out on Tabarca, and a step into Spain’s past.

Spot some starfish!

Tabarca Island is just a short hop from the mainland, but it can seem like a world away from the busy resorts. You can catch a ferry from Alicante, but by far the best option is a twenty-minute drive to Santa Pola, where you can choose how you travel to this little magical isle. The fastest route is by water taxi, but for a crossing that’s part of the whole experience, a glass-bottomed catamaran trip takes around half an hour. You’ll want time for wandering, so try to catch an early departure – it’s wise to check the website for seasonal changes to times.

Park up at Santa Pola’s harbour, and buy your ticket for a morning trip. The last return journey is early evening, and you won’t want to rush back. It’s a bit choppy on the journey, but when you’re watching fish swim by, or marvelling at coloured corals, you’ll be landing on the quayside before you’ve noticed the swell. La Tabarca is a marine reserve, so you could spot sea urchins or starfish, and the water’s so clear that you can see the ocean floor!

Walk off that long lunch

Some of those submarine creatures might well end up on your plate if you eat at the island’s port. It can be a bit pricy, but you’re paying for flavour and freshness, along with a harbourside seat where you can watch the catch come in. Take a little time choosing and you can find a fair-priced menú del día, or you could pack up a picnic and find your own little cove. If your budget runs to a restaurant, try the local caldero, a hearty two-course rice dish full of flavours from the sea.

If you’re not really captivated by crustaceans, whether they’re swimming about or served up with a sauce, there’s more to the island than marine life and seafood specials. There’s an unspoilt old-world charm to Isla Tabarca that’s a real contrast with brash Benidorm-style bustle. It’s a little like the Med in microcosm. You can take a walk right around the island and it never feels like a route-march. You’re on sandy paths, not scaling a peak. And around each curve of the coast-walk, there are new discoveries, from the wilder east side to the little unspoilt town.

Peace, or a pedalo?

If you’re seeking seclusion, head east towards the lighthouse, or you could stop in the town’s plaza to see the old baroque church. If you just want sheltered beaches, choose horseshoe-shaped Cova de Birros, or stick to the main Playa if you want a bit more to do. If you’re travelling with teens, they might want to try snorkelling or a pedalo. Toddlers will be happy with ice cream and a paddle in a rock pool, or you could tell them tales of the pirates that once used Tabarca as a place to hide.

Some visitors fall in love with the island, and return to the tourist towns with a hint of sadness. And some long for some shopping and a buzzing seafront bar. If Tabarca didn’t entrance you, there’s still Santa Pola. You’ll have seen its modern marina as you started your trip. So you might want to linger for the evening before you head home, or make a note to come back for a rummage at its Monday market. The allure of this coast is that there’s something to please everyone – pick up a map, pile in the car, and find your very own bit of bliss.

Climb Mount Ararat

Mount Ararat, the famed final resting place of Noah’s Ark, is a snow-capped, dormant volcano and the highest peak in Turkey. Adventurous (and experienced) climbers can make their way up the steep slopes of the mountain for an unparalleled view 5,137 meters above sea level. It’s a treacherous multi-day journey as many areas are largely unmapped and there are plenty of false ascents. Late summer is the ideal climbing time, although snow covers the last 400 meters all year round.

Raft down to the Black Sea

There are two main spots for white water rafting – Köprüçay near Antalya, and the more dangerous Çoruh near Erzurum. In Köprücay, many rafting companies offer accompanied expeditions with guides to help you navigate your way through the Köprülü Kanyon and its 100 meter high rock walls. For the more experienced, the Çoruh River flows for 250 kilometers into the Black Sea at Batumi. Challenge yourself with more than 20 rapids – recommended only for Classes 3 and above.

Ride horseback through Cappadocia

Horse culture is a big part of Turkish history so it’s fitting that you can ride through the ancient ruins of lost civilizations. Take the trails through the rural countryside of Cappadocia, famous for its fairy chimney rock formations and ancient natural wonders. Gallop past cave villages, abandoned monasteries and underground cities as you relive the past of the Hittites, Greeks, Romans and Ottomans.

Bike across the Turquoise Coast

If you want to see the crystal clear waters and pristine beaches from a slightly different point of view, grab a bike and pack your camera for a truly breathtaking experience. Mountain biking across the Turquoise Coast is something everyone can enjoy, from beginners to pros. Take in all the Turkish beauty as you ride through ancient coast tracks leading you to inaccessible beaches, thermal mud baths and pods of freshwater turtles.

Trek the Lycian Way

The Lycian Way is probably the most famous of the trails in Turkey and stretches for approximately 500 kilometers from Ölüdeniz to Hisarcandir. Not for the faint hearted (or the unfit!), the Lycian Way starts off fairly easy but gets progressively more difficult with many ascents and descents. The route is visibly marked with red and white stripes and consists of old mule trails with hard, stony ground. Don’t attempt the walk in the summer heat; spring or autumn has the best weather conditions.

Kayak over a sunken city

Kekova is a tiny uninhabited island holding sunken city ruins destroyed by an earthquake in the 2^nd century. Now off-limits to swimmers and divers, the best way to see the island is from a sea kayak. Enthusiastic water lovers can paddle along the Kekova Island coast and glide right over the top of the sunken city with its mosaics preserved in time. It’s a fun day trip requiring no experience, just persistence, patience and a good level of fitness.

If you are in a plan to find a unique wedding destination in Europe, then read down as below are some of the dream wedding destinations in Europe.

Elegance of Belfast…
The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is a charming wedding destination, which has spectacular stretch of land easily navigable. It is one of the top destinations preferred by people and the nature is elegant. River Lagan carves itself throughout the city and many hills surround the place and a wedding would seem like a wedding in paradise here. Summer wedding would be more blissful and more romantic as in the evenings sun sets late and would be good for photo shoots. For the couple at this city that inspired the Gulliver’s Travels and the Chronicles of Narnia, a trip covering the various events organized at the world class Odyssey Arena and Belfast Waterfront is a must do thing along with exploring the cultural escapes, coolest nightclubs and the superb shopping places.

The romantic city…
Paris is well known as romantic city and would be an ideal wedding destination at Europe.  It’s a place where guests can indulge in numerous activities at clubs, visit galleries and museums and not to forget about the Eiffel tower!!! Its stunning architecture, immaculate gardens, rich Parisian culture that makes Paris special and there are many nice hotels and resorts, which would make a romantic wedding. Some of the best wedding destinations in Paris include Musee Rodin, Salon Marie-Antoinette located at Hotel Plaza Athénée.

Wed on Mediterranean island, Malta…
Malta Island along with Gozo and Comino islands offers good beaches, cathedrals, world class restaurants and resorts for wedding. Gozo is a nice place for couples if they desire for seclusion after marriage. They can also enjoy day in spa, restaurants, beaches and have a pleasant after wedding time. The guest at the destination can also opt for biking tours around the island. Malta is a wonderful place to enjoy a wedding with family and friends and beautiful Mediterranean wedding would create long lasting memories.

Italy…

It brims with ancient history, mountains, spectacular coastlines and delicious cuisine, a wedding in Italy is real tonic and surely going to be a memorable one for the couple. Verona is one of the favorite places in Italy. Here most of the Catholic weddings take place in Chapel Duomo of Verona. It is a beautiful place with its ancient art pieces. Wedding ceremonies are also possible in historic places like House of Juliet and in surrounding villas and parks.

England…

The picturesque and classic English countryside, with ancient traditions and mansions is what attracts a number of couples to exchange their wedding vows in England. The impeccable manners of this royal land are a dream wedding destination for many brides. You can choose the venue for your wedding to be the stately halls of an ancient castle, in the same stone walls that have witnessed the great King Arthur, Shakespeare and Byron.

Greece….

Another destination that you can choose to get married in is Greece. It is bordered by Turkey on the east and to the north with Bulgaria and Albania. On the south Greece is touched by the Lybian Sea while on the West, the Ionian sea is what makes this place all the more breathtaking. The mountains terrain of this country and the unique yet varying culture is what makes it a special place to host of wedding reception.

Spanish wedding venues…

Granada is one of the beautiful cities in Spain that offers from places like historical monuments to natural parks in amidst of rugged mountains. Located on Spain’s southern coast Marbella attracts many people for to marry with sandy beaches and warm blue waters. There are many resorts and hotels that will help in arranging a nice wedding for the couple to enjoy and mesmerize.

About Author Bio : Christina Maria is a writer of articles on several different topics from travel to camping. She also provides the latest travel deals. Learn about fresh travel tips & travel destination, tour etc. Click here to know about company

If you like to explore on foot, you can easily spend a week following the walking and hiking trails that are available. There are plenty of Lake District hotels that are situated within easy reach of marked walks, or you could grab a map and compass and find your own way. For those who prefer wheels, there are also a range of bike trails to explore at varying degrees of difficulty. If you don’t have the means to take your own bike to the Lakes, you can simply hire a bike when you’re there to explore the area.

Obviously one of the main attractions of the Lake District is the lakes. Windermere is one of the most famous, being the largest natural lake in England. The lakes offer great walking and  cycling routes with a good range of scenery to keep you occupied, but getting out onto the water is the only way to really experience the Lake District. Sailing is a great sport to indulge in (especially with kids), and you can sign up to a simple beginner’s course to learn the basics. Windsurfing and canoeing are also good fun, or you could opt for a basic rowboat.

If you’re heading to the lakes in the winter you’ll need to take appropriate clothing to be able to explore and enjoy the area’s natural beauty. Most activities can easily fill a day, so take a picnic, take the kids, and take your sense of adventure.

It’s interesting to know that the Lake District has another attraction in store, one that doesn’t immediately come to mind. In October 2012 beautiful Northern Lights could be observed in the area – so you don’t have to go to the Arctic Circle to see this amazing site. Another thing on the checklist of your Lake District holiday!

Mount Olympus in Greece is a great vacation destination for rock-climbers. Rock-climbing on Mount Olympus is both challenging and beautiful. Proper equipment is essential for rock-climbing. Once properly equipped, a climber can scale Mount Olympus to the peak, Mytikas, to view the gorgeous Aegean Sea.

A second adventure travel destination is Oahu, Hawaii. Active visitors to Oahu can skydive for an exciting rush. Skydiving in Oahu also provides gorgeous views of the turquoise Pacific and the iconic Diamond Head mountain peak. Oahu offers beachfront hotels and resorts for relaxation after an exciting day of skydiving. Oahu also provides numerous opportunities for other outdoor activities, including scuba diving and hiking.

Costa Rica, another destination for thrill-seeing travelers, consists of a rain forest sandwiched between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In this gorgeous natural setting, Costa Rica offers many outdoor activities, including zip-lining, white water rafting, surfing and hiking. The diverse activities in Costa Rica make it the perfect all-around adventure travel destination. Traditional Costa Rican foods such as rice and tortillas will provide the energy necessary for the active tourist.

The daring traveler will find excitement in the snow in Switzerland. Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and ice climbing are a few of the many winter adventures available. Switzerland also has hotels and resorts to satisfy all winter vacationers, from exclusive ski lodges to inexpensive youth hostels.

A wildlife safari in Kenya is another destination for the daring vacationer. The famous big-game animal reserve, Masai Mara, is located in Kenya. Kenya also contains Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Safaris in Kenya can be luxurious as well as active. Many tour companies offer adventure safaris that include delicious food and well-appointed accommodations. After viewing wildlife and engaging in active pursuits, the white-sand beaches on the Indian Ocean in Kenya provide rest and relaxation.

Whether it involves hiking, biking, rock climbing, ice climbing, surfing or getting close to the wild animals of Africa, an adventure vacation can provide electrifying thrills for active travelers.

Author Bio

Lyndsi Decker is a world traveler and freelance writer. Currently she is promoting automatic knife safety. She enjoys rock climbing and snowboarding, and her next adventure will be skydiving.

Photo credit: www-db.in.tum.de

1. Planning

If you are traveling with a group of friends, like I was, take the time before you arrive to meet up and discuss expectations. There will be some who want to spend all day in museums and others who prefer to walk around or sample tapas. Meet with an open mind and be ready to split up for part of the day. For us, it worked best to meet up each evening at a new tapas place or restaurant and hang out discussing what everyone did during the day.

2. Accommodations

Since we were a group, hotels and hostels were not the most budget friendly options. We searched a few apartment rental sites and found a place that met our needs. Added bonus- you get a fully equip kitchen so you don’t have to eat out every meal. This is a great way to save money when traveling.

3. Free Stuff

Most people who travel have a limited budget. Read up on the sites and find what interests you and then take advantage of freebies. Personally, I loved the Prado and think it is one of the most worth-while museums in Madrid but I didn’t pay a cent to see it! It is free for the last 2 hours of each day so if you plan it right, you can end everyday there and get to see almost everything! In any case, I find spending more than 2 hours at a time in a museum is too much for me so this was a great way to see everything and not get tired of it all.

Another great place that is totally free is Plaza Mayor. This is the center of everything in Madrid. There are bars, restaurants, and tons of people watching. If you are on a budget, you won’t want to buy dinner here as it is overpriced, but it is still worth visiting for the atmosphere. Around the corner is a flea market type place where you can buy all of your souvenirs for reasonable prices.

The Naval Museum. Ok, the only reason I really went here is because it was free and close to the Prado but it was actually very interesting! We all know Spain and the navy have a huge connection (think the Armada) and this museum does a great job of giving you the history and adventure of it all. They also have some cool models and I am sure anyone traveling with kids will like this place.

No matter what you do, you are sure to have a great time in Madrid!

Antonio is originally from Italy and currently writes blog articles for a variety of sites. From travelling to gambling articles on http://www.luckynuggetcasino.com/au/online-pokies/, Antonio enjoys the diversity and challenges of writing.