Copyright © 2009 directline-holidays.co.uk

Portugal is one of the most unspoilt areas in Europe. It has lively cities like Lisbon, scenic countryside, World Heritage sites, enchanting small towns, windswept cliffs, beautiful beaches, the Mediterranean Sea and the Portuguese culture and festivals.
One of the best hotels in Portugal is the M’ar De Ar Aqueduto situated in the beautiful historic walled city of Évora. Set at the heart of a World Heritage site, the hotel was born out of the refurbishment of the16th century Sepúlveda’s Palace. It retains three of the period windows, domed ceilings and the glorious chapel.
The ambiance is one of exclusive peace with a terrace, leisure areas, children’s and adult’s swimming pools, a signature restaurant decorated with frescoes, archways, domed ceiling and a bar over the aqueduct. The hotel has a modern spa with Vichy shower, sauna, relaxation chambers and Turkish bath. Massages incorporate Indian techniques and are a great way to detoxify and recover.
This deluxe hotel has been designed to make the best of its extraordinary setting and has cleverly combined modern with the traditional to provide guests with inimitable first class accommodation and excellent service. It has sixty-four luxury rooms.
Another of the best hotels in Portugal is the Hotel Quinta Do Lago, Algarve. The location of this modern hotel is out of this world, as it can be found nestling amidst two thousand acres of pine woodlands and rolling hills overlooking the Ria Formosa estuary. It has two restaurants serving International, Portuguese and Italian cuisine and also banquet rooms.

You can choose from deluxe or garden suites and premium or classic rooms. All rooms and suites have twin beds and a king size bed, a choice of internet connections, minibars, radio alarm, telephone and a large television set. Bathrooms are equipped with slippers, bathrobes, hairdryer, toiletries, and heated towel racks. For the ultimate in luxury why not choose the royal suite, which is situated on the top floor and has a panoramic terrace with exclusive views of the natural park and sea.
The Four Seasons Ritz in Lisbon reflects the charisma and aristocracy of historic Portugal. It is a landmark hotel sitting on top of a hill and offers timeless luxury. The Four Seasons Ritz is one of the best hotels in Portugal with view of the old town, Tagus River, St George’s castle and Eduardo VII Park.
This hotel is a Conde Nast Award winner. It has the most spacious hotel rooms in Lisbon with CD players and a choice of CD’s. Most rooms have private balconies and all have sea views. There is a brand new ultra modern spa facility, heated pool and almost twenty thousand square feet for meetings and banquets.
There are several other excellent hotels that may also be considered some of the best hotels in Portugal including the Palacio Estoril, Pestana Alvor Praia and the Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort an Hotel Spa in Albufeira.

There is nothing like a long stretch of powdery fine sand, bright shiny sun, and crystal clear water to cure any heartache. Even doctors prescribe a considerable period of time by the sea to strengthen the physically troubled.

When talk of beaches comes up, the most common destinations are the islands in the South Pacific or the Caribbean or the Mediterranean. While Europe does have its own share of beaches, it really is not the first location that comes to many minds when beaches are mentioned. However, some of the finest beaches in the world can actually be found in the continent! Here are some of the best beaches in Europe.

Gerakas Beach, Greece
I think that the best beaches in Europe are to be found in Greece. A beautiful beach on the island of Santorini, Greece is pictured above. I am sure that that statement will be contested, but hey, go see for yourself! Gerakas Beach is perfect for an idyllic stay at the beach: clean sand and water and plenty of sun. Watersports are not encouraged simply because it is a site for sea turtle nesting – another wonderful thing about this beach.

Biarritz
Everyone knows about Biarritz. If you are the type who needs more than the sand and water to have fun, then this is THE beach for you. There are six main beaches in this area, and all of them have something to offer every taste and preference. From parties to surfing competitions – Biarritz has them.

Algarve, Portugal
Portugal is another European country that is rife with beaches. While there are actually a lot of choices in the country, the most popular is the Algarve. If you plan on actually getting in the water, make sure that you are a reasonably good swimmer as the beaches here have relatively strong tides and currents.

These are only some of the potential destinations in Europe for the sea and sand. The next time you feel the urge to go to the beach, do not discount Europe – it has more to offer than you may think!

Copenhagen is one of those cities that just works. I’m not the only one who thinks so; it always rates highly on those coveted “Best in the World” lists for livability, environmental friendliness, and various other desirable traits. And the shopping is pretty sensational. Packed with palaces and castles, littered with gardens and snaked by pretty waterways, I can think of countless reasons to suggest a visit to the Danish capital. Here are 10 of them.

#2 thing to do - hang out at Frederiksberg Slot

#1 Thing to Do in Copenhagen: Rosenborg Slot

Of all the gems to visit in central Copenhagen, this 16th-century palace one was far and away my favourite. Located in the Kongens Have (or King’s Garden) just north of the city and with entry fairly priced at 70DKK per person, it is a must-see (it’s also included in this Copenhagen grand city tour). The royal residence until 1710, these days Rosenberg houses a magnificent collection of royal artifacts over three floors (plus an armory and treasury underground where the royal jewels are kept), in several dozen faithfully maintained rooms. The feeling is that you’ve been granted entry into an oversized royal dollhouse. A big fan of real life fairytale majesty, everything from the antique weaponry to the mountainous displays of royal china impressed me.

My favourite room, however, is the Mirror Room, so named because its walls, floor, and ceiling are completely reflective, furnished to satisfy King Frederick IV’s opulent Baroque fancies. No bad hair days allowed back then, folks.

#2 Thing to Do in Copenhagen: Frederiksberg Slot and Gardens

The grand Frederiksberg Slot, another star in the impressive galaxy of royal residences, is only open to the public on the last Saturday of each month. Its magnificent gardens, however, are open daily and are the ideal place to go on those long lazy Scandinavian summer’s afternoons that stretch on and on. Locals flock here to walk, jog, ramble and lounge. Right next door to the Copenhagen Zoo, it is a good place for families to escape the buzz of the city while staying close to the centre. Or you can board a boat on the lake and be rowed about for twenty minutes. Lie back, close your eyes, and pretend you’re royalty…

#3 Thing to Do in Copenhagen: Vesterbro

West of the city centre, Vesterbro is Copenhagen’s boho zone, where an influx of creatives, students and immigrants has seen this former red light and meat-packing district transformed from tired to desired. While still a bit sleazy in patches and unadvisable for lone women travelers at night (the stretch of Istegade between Rewentlowsgade and Oehlenschlægersgade, for example, is nothing but sex traders and drug dealers), the remainder of Vesterbro comprises wonderful boutiques, design studios, eateries, and bars. But, of course, you need to know where to find them.

If you’re not sure where to start, try cruising Istegade, Vesterbrogade, Fredericksberg Allé, and the surrounding back streets on a rented bike (a good way to zip through the bad bits). Alternatively, pop in to the City Museum on Vesterbrogade and rent an audio walking guide of the area. Complete with MP3 player and headphones, there are six tours to choose from, ranging from 16 to 38 minutes, all told from the perspective of a local artists or writer.

After all that wandering, visit one of the many restaurants and bars. Sticks n Sushi on Istegade is great if you’re after a Japanese fix. Or Klubben on Enghavavej is the place for Danish classics like frikadeller (meatballs), wiener schnitzel, and smørrebrød (open sandwiches).

#4 Thing to Do in Copenhagen: Eat in Værnedamsey

While we’re on the topic of food… there are those among us for whom the quest and consumption of fine food is a reason for travel in itself rather than just a means to keep weary feet marching forward. If this is you, look no further than Værnedamsey (or Little Paris as it is otherwise known). Located in north Vesterbro, it is home to cafes and restaurants as well as specialist cheese, fish, wine and chocolate shops. It’s worth the wait for a table at Granola, a popular brunch spot (Danes take their brunches very seriously). But remember to have a ready supply of cash as many of the stores only accept Danish cards.

#5 Thing to Do in Copenhagen: Changing of the guard

Changing of the guard at Amaliensborg Palace

With the royal flag at Amaliensborg Palace sporting a crown insignia to indicate that the “Royals Were In”, I swung by in the hope of popping in for a cuppa and a Danish with Princess Mary to swap anecdotes about our shared Australian expatriatism. That plan was soon abandoned when I realized that I was just in time for the midday reshuffle of the royal guard.

Dressed like Andersen’s Steadfast Tin Soldiers (all navy-blue nutcracker precision), they percussed their way across the cobblestones in an elaborate six-man routine which boiled down to one bloke clocking off and another clocking on. One part of the ritual baffled me. The retiring soldier left his snazzy red overcoat in the guard’s booth. The new man on duty had the perspicacity to check behind it, but not to hand it over to his departing colleague.

I was left to ponder… a post-GFC money-saving scheme of jacket sharing perhaps? Further investigation revealed that it was in fact a hangover from olden times when guards would sneak girlfriends into the guard box for company. Thus the coat check was a search for hidden paramours. Adorable. As one of the few free offerings in Copenhagen, this charming military display is highly advised.

#6 Thing to Do in Copenhagen: Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens, an antique amusement park in the centre of Copenhagen, is the world’s second-oldest (the top gong goes to another Danish leisure relic, Dyrehavsbakken in Klampenborg), and was the place that inspired Walt Disney to build Disneyland. Or so the legend goes.

Opened in 1843 and still flooded daily with tourists and local fun seekers alike, the two jewels in its well-worn crown are its wooden roller coaster and its carousel, the tallest in the world. All the usual suspects are there too – zero-G shockers, vertigo thrillers, and skill testing parlour games, as well as an aquarium, a theatre, and a concert hall. It’s not a cheap day out with admission at 85DKK for anyone over the age of 12, and ride tickets costing 20DKK each or 200DKK for an unlimited rides pass. But if you’re traveling with children, what’s a few squillion pesos to put smiles on their little faces? (You can also get a discount on admission to Tivoli Gardens with the Copenhagen Card.)

#7 Thing to Do in Copenhagen: Hire a bike

Bikes go with Copenhagen like cream cheese on Danish rye. That is to say very, very well. The terrain is flat and easy to navigate, the roads are set up with dedicated bike lanes for greater cycling safety, and it’s a cheap and green alternative for getting around a very pretty city. Most hotels rent bicycles for reasonable rates, or you can pick up a free city bike at any of the 110 dedicated bike-stands in the city centre.

Simply deposit 20DKK, ride away, and retrieve your deposit when you return the bike to any free bike stand. Note that these bikes are only for use in the central zone, so if you intend to venture a little further afield into Vesterbro or the boujie area of Nørrebro, you’re better to pay for a day’s rental.

#8 Thing to Do in Copenhagen: The Little Mermaid

At the mouth of the Copenhagen harbour sits a modest statue of The Little Mermaid, the central character in the Hans Christian Andersen story of the same name. Despite her unimposing appearance, she attracts nearly 1 million visitors annually.

Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid statue

It’s little wonder given Andersen’s local hero status. Author of such children’s classics as The Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina, The Emperor’s New Clothes and countless others, Hans Christian Andersen is considered one of the true Great Danes. Unlike the 1989 Disney version of The Little Mermaid, Andersen’s original fable was darker, a cautionary tale about unrequited love and being careful what you wish for.

Take a moment after a busy morning of sight-seeing to sit with the mournfully beautiful statue and reflect on what she represents. And make sure you do so before May 2010 when she is scheduled to leave Copenhagen for the first time in her almost 100-year history. For six months she’ll be a special guest at the World Exhibition in Shanghai. Not bad for a wee water nymph.

#9 Thing to Do in Copenhagen: Carlsberg Brewery

For beer-lovers, this is as close to hops heaven as you can get. For 60DKK, you can gain entry to one of Scandinavia’s oldest brew houses and join a guided tour which will introduce you to the magic of beer brewing and the story of the Carlsberg brand. And yes, samples are included in the price. If you’re a beer aficionado, no need to limit yourself to the Carlsberg tour. Copenhagen has six inner-city micro-breweries, many more out of town, and a host of beer restaurants whose cuisine is centred around the amber brew. It’s worth noting that the minimum age requirement for alcohol consumption in Denmark is 18.

#10 Thing to Do in Copenhagen: Shopping in Europe’s longest mall

I can’t tell a lie. As much as I love museums and galleries and sites of historical significance, sometimes a spot of retail therapy in a foreign country brings me unparalleled joy. Maybe it’s a product of living in a consumerist outpost like Iceland. Maybe it’s because I’m a girl and I love shoes.

Whichever way you look at it, Copenhagen’s shopping is up there with the best, not least of all because it is the home to Europe’s longest shopping mall, Strøget. Intersecting it is the equally fabulous Købmagergade, home to all the big international fashion chains, as well as the department stores Illum and Magasin du Nord. If boutique strip shopping is more your speed, Vesterbro, Østerbro, Fredericksberg and Nørrebro are all peppered with delightful retail offerings.

I could go on. Copenhagen really is a tourist’s delight, whatever your fancy. But it’s always much more fun to discover a few things yourself.

-Maggie Rays

By Terri Fogarty
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Offer expires June 30, 2009. Airfare above is from JFK and subject to availability. Taxes of $88 to $140 per person …
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Jun 9th, 2009 | By admin | Category: European Cruises Guide Travel to Europe

They say that an early reservation on cruise ships provides big discounts. Most of the cruise lines want to fill up the ships with reliable vacationers beforehand so they would know if they have sufficient passengers. On the other hand, if you do your reservation in a last minute time, you can still do it well.

Honestly, last minute cruising can also offer a bunch of discounts. However, last minute reservation can involve a great risk. One of the risk is the ship could fill up by the early bird cruisers and leave no space for those getting last minute tickets. Aside from that, if you live far away from the airport and seaport, the airline fare could be very costly.

Both if the plane and shipping companies go with the flow of booking as early as possible. Booking early means cheap fees. As a result of this, having a last minute cruise can give you a much expensive fees.

Waiting until the last moment if not done wisely can cause problems. You must be prudent in a last minute cruise. You must find the best deals with each cruising companies. There are several companies that offer better departure time deals. These deals are intended for most of the last minute cruisers who have no other choice but to book at the last minute. For example, the company can increase the discounts for them in order to reach the designated passenger count for each cruise.

If you are a last minute cruiser, the very important thing that you should do is to sail off before sunset to book the cruises. You can also get a middle man. Middleman can do the entire booking job for you. Another thing is you can also save a lot of cash by using the online cruise booking system. Using online booking system can give you a trouble free access. Aside from that, online booking can also save time and effort all at the comfort of your own home or office.

Another thing to be considered is the flexibility of cruising plans. You must know what you have to do. You must know also where you want to go.

Finding a right last minute cruise deal needs a lot of solid leg work. Destiny helps the person who helps themselves. But if you find the best deal, grab the opportunity right away. Sometimes the shining stars are hidden inside the dark clouds and its up to you to find them.

Now here are some basic tips and strategy how to get into a last minute cruise easily.

? Collect all the important cruise brochures and flyers from the traveling office. Always make sure about the cruise features. Check out also the ships and deck methods online. By doing this, you will be able to find the best idea about the fees, destinations, atmosphere, amenities, recreational option, and types of accommodations.

? Outline places where you want to go. As much as possible talk to the travel agencies. The travel agencies can give you some knowledge regarding the cruise and its details. If not, you can also ask your friends for some advice and recommendations. There are a lot of places to go to and things to see in Alaska.

? Decide how many days you will stay in the cruise. Asking the traveling agencies will give you some idea. You can also ask them about their cruising programs. Normally most known cruises last from 5 to 18 days. On the other hand, there are also some companies that offer longer cruising schedules with more things to see and do.

? Plan how much money you are willing to spend. Your budget will determine what type of cruise you will have. Most probably you can level your budget with cheap, moderate, extra-deluxe, and deluxe type cruises. It is recommended that comparing these types will be a great step to know what to expect. By comparing the basic type of cruises you will know which one can make you most comfortable and enjoyable within your budget.

? Last minute cruise needs a short span of time reservation. To do this properly, talk to a travel agent by phone. Do not hesitate to tell the agent about your budget and your needs. Aside from that, you can also refer to some catalogs to select what cruises are right for you.

? With the assistance of the traveling agent, select the most convenient place of departure. After that, book your own departure points to the transportation office. Not only that, you must also get some additional cost for transportation.

Do not overlook last minute cruising values. You can have a better discount from ship reviews and other vital information. It is better to be prepared before leaving for cruise.

By Adam Singleton

For those who have yet to experience it, the Glacier Express tour is simply breathtaking. From Zurich, enjoy a beautiful journey to St Moritz, staying in the four-star Monopol for three nights while you explore this world-famous resort featuring the spectacular Corvatsch glacier and Swiss National Park.

Hop on the Glacier Express and slowly chug to the alpine village of Zermatt, enjoying lunch on board. The train will cross 291 bridges and emerge from 91 tunnels while travelling through the Upper Rhine, known as the Swiss Grand Canyon, and pass over Oberalp Pass at 6700ft. Stay for three nights in Zermatt in the four-star Beau Site Park with superb views of the Matterhorn.

What’s more, why not explore one of the world’s most popular winter and summer mountain resorts at the foot of the awe-inspiring Matterhorn? Under its imposing mass take an optional trip on the Gornergrat cog railway up to 10,000 feet, or Europe’s highest cable car ride to Klein Matterhorn at 12,530 feet, to enjoy the most spectacular views.

The Rhone valley and the Swiss Riviera resort of Montreux are the next stops on your tour. Take a tour on board one of the old paddle steamers on sparkling Lake Geneva, the largest lake in Switzerland and relax as you take in your beautiful surroundings. The Swiss Panorama is another popular rail tour. Encompassing multiple Swiss regions, allowing you to really get to the heart of Switzerland

Montreux is your first port of call and paddle steamer trips, the Chateau de Chillon and lunch in the mountain-top restaurant at 6,700 feet above the lake at stunning Rochers de Naye, all are must-dos.

Grindelwald via Gstaad is the next stop and the rolling Simmental countryside keeps your eyes busy and your heart alight on the journey aboard the Goldenpass Panoramic Express. Grindelwald sits at the heart of the Bernese Oberland and from here you can visit Europe’s highest railway station, the Jungfraujoch at 11,333 feet!

Your next journey is to Lucerne via the narrow-gauge railway over the Brunig Pass. The town of Lucerne with battlements, narrow cobbled streets, frescoed buildings and bustling shops and cafes - will make you feel truly immersed in Swiss culture, especially in the Old Town.

Swiss rail tours will open your eyes to this stunning landscape, allowing you to really get a feel for what Switzerland holidays have to offer.

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Singleton

By Jez Rourke

Carnival Cruises are considered to be the worlds most popular cruise line because they offer much variety and good value cruise holidays. Carnival cruises can by booked over the telephone, online, or via a travel agent.

Carnival’s fun ships sail to over sixty destinations in Europe, South America, the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Transatlantic, Canada/New England, Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska and their shore excursions are planned so that you really enjoy every port of call. There are nearly always special offers and savings to be made from early bookings. All of which help passengers get the lowest price possible.

Acquiring a Carnival Sea Miles card allows you to earn vacations at quality resorts, air travel, a free cruise on Carnival or one of the other cruise lines.

Carnival offers dream wedding packages where a wedding coordinator takes care of every detail, you can choose a private ceremony for your shipboard wedding or a large affair with more than hundred guests.

A destination-wedding package to Barbados, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Key West, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios or St Thomas includes transportation to the wedding destination, a traditional ceremony with a selection of sparkling wine and champagne, as well as a traditional wedding cake and photography service.

When you sail with Carnival you are assigned a stateroom steward who will be at your service for the whole journey and a cruise director and his staff provide a variety of things for you to do from morning till night. There is a shipboard newspaper delivered each evening before your retire, which includes the next days program.

Fun shops offer an excellent selection of duty frees including designer watches, top fragrances, souvenirs, jewellery, alcohol and tobacco. Carnival also has a recommended shopping program that allows you to save up to sixty percent on goods at ports of call.

All Carnival ships offer a golf academy at sea program, which is suitable for all ages and levels of skill. There is a fun ship casino where you can play the slot machine games, Wheel of Fortune, black jack, Caribbean stud poker and Mega Cash and there are even casino lessons at the start of each cruise. Bingo is also available.

All Carnival ships have a selection of swimming pools including those suitable for young children and for those interested in what goes on behind the scenes, there is a chance to take a galley tour.

Baby sitting is available between the hours of 10pm and 3am and throughout the day Camp Carnival offers three children’s activity programs run by specially trained camp counsellors. These are for toddlers and juniors with the aim of entertaining groups of two to nine year olds. Circle C is a program for the twelve to fourteen year olds, whilst Club O2 is a teenagers program aimed at the fifteen to seventeen age group.

Medical services are available onboard and there are various dining options.

Carnival is the only cruise line to give a vacation guarantee and if you are not fully satisfied they will make a refund and fly you back to your port of embarkation.

Copyright (c) 2009 directline-holidays.co.uk

directline-cruises provides you with the latest cruise holidays, including Caribbean cruises and Mediterranean cruises, as well as essential information on cruise lines, cruise ships, ships cabins and full cruise itineraries from every major cruise line including Cunard, Carnival Cruises, MSC, Norwegian, RoyalCaribbean, Princess, Fred Olsen and P&O cruises.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jez_Rourke

By Jez Rourke

Over the years a number of cruise lines have battled it out for the right to claim ownership of the biggest cruise ship in the world. A prime example of this is between Carnival and Royal Caribbean.

The Miami based cruise operator Carnival, owner of P&O Princess and Cunard was competing against its rival Royal Caribbean and had taken just delivery of the hundred and fifty ton Queen Mary 2 in 2003 whilst Royal Caribbean were planning to launch a one hundred and sixty ton cruiser the Ultra-Voyager, which left Carnival planning an even larger vessel.

Today the Queen Mary 2 accommodates 2,620 passengers and crosses the Atlantic from Southampton to Florida or New York in just six days, whilst the Freedom of the Seas (Ultra-Voyager) is registered in the Bahamas and sails seven day cruises from Miami to the Caribbean and back via Mexico, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Haiti.

It appears that there is no stopping Royal Caribbean, with the current largest cruise ship, the Independence Of The Seas, docked in Southampton, which is also sister ship to the others holding the title, Liberty of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas.

This ship drew comparisons with the Titanic when she first docked in Southampton although she is in fact two hundred and thirty feet longer. The Independence Of The Seas a couple of thousand seats in the dining room, a choice of nine restaurants, a surf simulator, nine hole mini golf course, cinema, chapel, casinos, an ice rink and fifteen decks housing the cabins.

On-board shops allow you to buy souvenirs of all sorts including cosmetics, perfumes, clothing, jewelery and watches, or you can visit a make up artist, watch a seminar, view art collections or visit an auction.

However it looks like having the title of the biggest cruise liner in the world is not enough for Royal Caribbean and they still have the need to be even bigger, as they will be launching the Oasis of the Seas in 2009, a two thousand and twenty five ton cruise ship. It will be two thirds bigger than it’s sister ships and will almost dwarf the Queen Mary 2.

The Oasis of the Seas will be different from any other cruise ship around, with seven different neighborhoods as well as an Aqua Theater. Perhaps this will be sufficient to cement their position at the top, but then there are always bigger plans in the pipeline, and it should always be remembered that bigger is not always best, especially considering that the whole experience is based upon providing you as the traveler with everything you need, including facilities, entertainment and comfort.

Copyright (c) 2009 directline-holidays.co.uk

Published by traveltrips at 6:01 am under travel trips

When you think about travel destinations, what comes to your mind? An exotic destination? A seaside retreat? A small adventure? Do images of Hawaii, Paris, or the Seychelles, spring to mind? Most people do not immediately think about Yalta, Vilnius, or Warsaw. But Eastern Europe is opening up and welcoming travelers in ways not previously imaginable.

Eastern Europe offers not only history and culture, but also sun and fun type holidays. Services and offerings are constantly improving and prices are excellent. Yalta is a famous Ukrainian seaside resort with a pretty promenade (boardwalk) and many lively restaurants, bars and cafes. Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania is well established as being amongst the world’s most attractive cities. Warsaw is a fun and exciting city offering excellent dining and nightlife at affordable prices. For more details about these and other destinations in Eastern Europe see the TravelsWise.com website.

Access
Eastern Europe is changing rapidly. Visas used to be required in all Eastern European countries; this is no longer the case. Many Eastern European countries no longer require visas for short stays. Poland, Czech Republic, Lithuania are now part of the EC and generally do not require visas for westerners. Even Ukraine has recently dropped its visa requirements for travelers from many western countries. As visa situation changes frequently, it is suggested that the traveler confirms visa requirements before departure.

Affordable Flights
Until recently it was relatively expensive to fly to many Eastern European destinations. But now, low cost carriers are changing this. Czech Air flies from New York to Prague for fares which are less than many US domestic rates. Lithuanian Airlines, Air Baltic and Estonian Air are all positioning themselves as low cost carriers and all have extensive routes throughout Eastern Europe. EasyJet, one of Europe’s largest discount airlines now flies to Budapest, Warsaw, Split, Bratislava, Ljubljana, Prague, Rijeka and offers return rates of under GBP 100 to many of these destinations. To see a list of European Discount Airlines Click Here.

Top Hotels
The past decade has seen an incredible development in the level of hotels. Eastern European cities such as Prague, Warsaw, Vilnius, Kiev and Moscow all have top quality hotels. Many of the international chains are there such as Intercontinental, Sofitel, Raddison. But the best part is that many of these hotels, even the internationally recognized chains, offer rates and specials that would not be imaginable in the West. Imagine staying in a beautiful top quality hotel with a breathtaking view, rich buffet breakfast and luxurious wellness facilities (Sauna, Jacuzzi, Swimming Pool) all included for under euro 100. This is possible in cities such as Warsaw and Vilnius.

How do you do it? Start with a list with links to hotels. Most of the National Tourist websites offer a databank of all hotels, generally organized by city and hotel category (5 star, 4 star, etc). To find a list of Official European Tourist and Travel boards, click here: Click Here. First check the hotel websites. Often times you will find a special offer that meets your needs. If not, simply compose a general letter requesting the hotel’s best offer. Give the type of room (double / single) and your travel dates, decide what category you are interested in, and send it to all of the hotels in that category. Then sit back and wait to see what offers you get! Unless nearly filled, many Eastern European hotels will make offers well below the advertised rates. We have used this strategy successfully in Poland, Lithuania and Czech Republic, but it probably will not work in Belarus, for example. Usually the amount you save will be well worth the effort.

Rick Steves’ Europe: hostels

put adventure in your travels

By Rick Steves, Tribune Media Services
rick@ricksteves.com

Posted 4/23/09

If you want to save money while traveling, consider hosteling. Several thousand hostels provide beds throughout Europe — in cities, towns and the countryside — at $20 to $40 a night.

For this rock-bottom price, you get "no frills" accommodations in clean, stark dormitories. The good news for couples and families is that many hostels have a few doubles and some family rooms (book ahead for these). It’s a great way to enjoy some privacy while saving money.

You may assume hostels aren’t for you because, by every standard, you’re "old." Well, many countries have dropped the word "youth" from their hostel organization’s name, and for years Hostelling International has given "youths" over the age of 54 a discount on membership cards. Even the last holdout, the German state of Bavaria, finally dropped its youths-only restriction. If you’re alive, you’re young enough to hostel anywhere in Europe.

A reader wrote on my Web site: "My partner and I stayed in a ‘youth’ hostel for the first time by Lake Como and thought we’d be the oldest people there. Not so! At our table was a 60-ish couple from Sydney and a 79-year-old British woman who was backpacking alone through Europe. All three were a delight, but especially the backpacker, who said she stays in hostels for the evening company.

Solo travelers find a family in every hostel, and can always find a new travel partner. The hostel’s recreation and living rooms are my favorite hangouts. People gather, play games, tell stories, share information, read, write and team up for future travels. The lights may go out by 11 p.m., but bunk-bed conversation rages long after. You’ll find yourself propped on your elbows staring intensely into the darkness, passing around travel tales like a bucket of popcorn.

Some hostels serve hearty, super-cheap meals, often in family-style settings. A typical dinner is fish sticks and mashed potatoes seasoned by conversation with new friends from Norway to Namibia to New Zealand. The self-service kitchen, complete with utensils, pots and pans, is a great budget aid that comes with most hostels. Larger hostels even have a small grocery store. International friendships rise with the bread in the kitchens.

Still, hostels are not hotels. Many people hate them. Hostels can have strict rules. Some lock up during the day (usually from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and a few may have a curfew at night, when the doors are locked.

Unless you snare a double or family room, you could have lots of company. Dorms have from four to 20 beds. At official hostels, which require a membership card (see www.hiusa.org), the sexes are segregated. Many independent hostels have both segregated and mixed dorms (no membership card required).

School groups can turn hostels upside down, typically on weekends during the school year and weekdays in the summer. The sounds you’ll hear just after everyone’s turned in remind me of summer camp: giggles, burps, jokes and strange noises in many languages. Snoring is permitted and practiced openly.

Theft can be a problem in a few hostels, but try this simple safeguard: Wear your money belt (even while sleeping) and don’t leave valuables lying around (but no one’s going to steal your tennis shoes or journal). Use the storage lockers that are available in most facilities. Other typical hostel services include Internet access and a self-service laundry.

Hostels come in all shapes and sizes, and some are sightseeing destinations in themselves. There are castles (Bacharach, Germany), moored ships (Stockholm), alpine chalets (Gimmelwald, Switzerland), huge modern buildings (Frankfurt), lakefront villas (Lugano, Italy), former prisons (Ljubljana, Slovenia), medieval manor houses (Wilderhope Manor, England), former choirboys’ dorms (St. Paul’s, London), country estates (Loch Lomond, Scotland) and former royal residences (Holland Park, London).

I’ve hosteled most in northern Europe, where hostels are more comfortable and the savings over hotels more exciting (particularly in Scandinavia, where you find lots of Volvos in hostel parking lots, as Scandinavians know that hostels provide the best — and usually only — $30 beds in town). I rarely hostel in the south, where hostels are less common, and two or three people can sleep just as cheaply in a budget hotel.

Young backpackers can overrun big-city hostels. Rural hostels, far from train lines and famous sights, are usually quiet and frequented by a more mature crowd. If you have a car, use that mobility to leave the Eurail zone and enjoy some of Europe’s overlooked hostels.

Some travelers love them and will be hostelers all their lives, regardless of their budgets. Hosteling is a philosophy. You trade service and privacy for a chance to live simply and communally with people from around the world.