Cuba’s Heritage, in Seven Villages

For those with a passion for history, Cuba is a fascinating country to visit. Thankfully for keen travellers, as Cuba becomes a more popular package holiday destination, it’s easier than ever to take advantage of cheap holidays in Cuba to discover the Caribbean island’s unique culture and past.

The first Spanish villages in Cuba were established not long after Christopher Columbus discovered the Cuban archipelago in the 16th century. During the era of conquistador Diego Velázquez, between 1510 and 1524, seven villages were created which are now major historic centres. Indeed, four of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a tour of the seven villages is a quirky way to travel across Cuba and across the centuries: 

The first of these villages was created in 1511, called Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Baracoa – now known simply as Baracoa. This settlement on Guantánamo’s southern coast is often called Cuba’s most interesting city – it developed in relative isolation from the rest of the country until the opening of the La Farola road in 1964, giving it a unique style. 

In 1513, Bayamo was created as the Spaniards advanced to the west. As the provincial capital of Granma, this is a peaceful place with a deep sense of history. 

The third village to be founded was Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe (now Camagüey). It played a prominent role as the urban centre of a cattle breeding and sugar-growing region. The irregular urban pattern of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which contains winding streets, squares, alleys and urban blocks, is exceptional for Latin American colonial towns. 

Fellow World Heritage Site Santiago de Cuba was established in 1514 and replaced Baracoa as the island’s capital in 1607, thanks to its location on the Caribbean Sea. Its complex of forts, magazines, bastions and batteries is the world’s best-preserved and most complete example of Spanish-American military architecture based on Italian and Renaissance design principles, according to UNESCO.

The fifth village to be created was Holy Trinity, or Santísima Trinidad. Thanks to its blend of architectural styles from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, UNESCO declared the city Humankind’s Heritage. According to the organisation, it is an “outstanding example of a colonial city”. 

In 1514, the Villa del Espíritu Santo (today Sancti Spiritus) was founded and, following this, San Cristóbal de La Habana (now Havana, Cuba’s capital) came into being in 1519. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is globally famous for its interesting mix of Baroque and neoclassical monuments and the surreal stuck-in-time feeling caused by the imposition of a trade embargo in 1960. The metropolis of two million inhabitants also features four large historic squares, and visiting history buffs shouldn’t miss the palaces of Segundo Cabo and Los Capitanes Generales while on holiday in this beautiful, beguiling island nation. 

Author bio: Jenny Cho was born in New Zealand, but is lucky to have a job that takes her all over the world. As an engineer, she works with rural communities to set up sustainable water treatment systems to make sure everybody has access to clean and safe water – and she writes about her travel experiences on the side.

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Discover Paris. The Old, The New and The Glamorous

Today, Paris has something for everyone in a multifaceted, magical and mythical capital: sometimes secret, always surprising. Two hundred and fifty years before Julius Caesar pulled up to shore and camped on Île de la Cité in 53 B.C., a Celtic tribe known as Parisii (boat people) occupied the island and the land on both its banks, and cruised the waters of the Seine in lucrative trading. They called the land Lutetia, which meant “boatyard on the water.” Caesar expanded his empire by crushing a Parisii rebellion, and the Romans renamed their settlement Lutetia Parisiorum. 

They rebuilt the town, walled it off, and constructed a temple to Jupiter and Caesar on the site of the future Notre-Dame cathedral. They also built bridges to connect the banks, and the city spread outward from Île de la Cité through centuries of struggle and warfare, bombardment and occupation. Christianity intervened, then the Franks invaded, and Charlemagne ruled benevolently from afar but encouraged trade and commerce. Enter the Vikings in the ninth century. Their repeated sackings caused a retreat to the island as the outlying areas were not defensible. In the twelfth century, the Knights Templer assumed control and Bishop Maurice de Sully began construction on Notre-Dame. 

The French monarchy developed and took command in reaction to the repeated Viking incursions and the lack of effective action by the foreign rulers: Governor Hugh Capet ascended the throne and made Paris his capital; Île de la Cité became the site of his home, where now stands the Palais de Justice. Philip II occupied the medieval palace complex that today includes Sainte-Chapelle. He developed Paris into being the center of what was considered Europe during the Middle Ages, and expanded the old Roman wall around the island and beyond. Medieval life on Île de la Cité was a tangled web of streets and markets and buildings. 

By the mid–nineteenth century, when Napoléon III named George Haussmann his prefect of Paris and placed him in charge of urban renewal, life on the island had deteriorated: Streets were narrow, twisted, and filthy—crowded and squalid. Haussmann engineered new routes, widening streets and razing old buildings. The result of his tinkering left Notre-Dame with breathing room, while opening the door to a twentieth-century maze of tourist buses. Essentially, he created modern Paris. Though its actual administration was divided into the first and fourth arrondissements, Île de la Cité is its heart.

Paris is a majestic city, a city of culture, romance, gastronomy, design and fashion. It is also a city on the move, a city of daring. it's a huge city, so consider the options for cheap car hire in Paris so you can move comfortably around. With the opening of new museums, world-class sporting events, festive and popular urban happenings like "Nuit Blanche" and "Paris Plage", Paris is a capital that never sleeps. Whether you are a newcomer or already familiar with the Paris scene, there is a vast choice awaiting you: over 1,800 classified monuments, 170 museums, 145 theatres and 380 cinemas. Some of the cultural sites of the capital are absolute "musts" and among the most visited monuments in the world. Several of them have UNESCO world heritage status.

Paris, however, is not just a historical city. Its riverbanks and neighborhoods, some of which retain a village atmosphere, are an invitation to stroll and sight-see. By day or by night, from Belleville to the Marais, from the Butte aux Cailles to Montmartre, soak up the special ambiance of these quarters to grasp the true "spirit" of the city and let yourself be carried away by its energy and vitality. Discover the history of France, check out the latest trends, enjoy the parks and gardens or go on a shopping spree. And also consider hiring a car when in France to explore the picturesque French countryside. Just like the Parisians. And, take your time. Paris, the eternal, City of Lights, original, modern and creative is all yours.

Photos via Flickr Creative Commons

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The Santa Monica Mountains: Experience the Great Outdoors on Your Holiday

If you are planning a trip to Santa Monica, California, you should take time out of your busy schedule to enjoy the Santa Monica Mountains. By visiting the mountains, you will give yourself a breath of fresh air and relief from everyday stresses. In fact, to best benefit from the great outdoors, here are 4 activities to enjoy while at the Santa Monica Mountains:

1. Camping

If you want to get away from everything for your trip, you can take advantage of everything that the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area has to offer. In fact, there are a number of campgrounds you can take advantage of from Point Mugu State Park to Topanga State Park.

When you use the campgrounds, you should know that dogs are typically allowed on National Park campgrounds and trials, but only if they are on leashes that are 6 feet or less. However, at state parks, dogs are only allowed in picnic areas, campgrounds, and specific beaches.

It should also be known that fires may be prohibited depending on where you stay. While fires are not allowed at NPS sites, California State Parks may be more lenient. However, California State Parks will restrict fires depending on environmental conditions and fire danger level.

2. Climbing

For people that love to rock climb, the Santa Monica Mountains will not disappoint. In fact, due to its close proximity to Los Angeles, rock climbing sites such as the Malibu Creek State Park to Echo Cliffs are increasing in popularity. To best ensure everyone's safety and protect the park's natural resources, rock climbers have to work together with the National Park Service to keep things running smoothly.

In order to make the most of your experience, you need to plan your routes, bring the necessary gear, and use good climbing techniques.

3. Horseback Riding

If you own a horse, you can go horseback riding through the Santa Monica Mountains. Whether you want to take a quick ride or stay overnight, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers over 500 miles of trails. However, you will need to make sure that you can get your horse trailer to the final destination, so learn the condition of the access road beforehand.

4. Mountain Biking

There are many trials through the Santa Monica Mountains to take advantage of for mountain bikers of all ages. With a diverse terrain, you will be able to challenge yourself like never before. However, you will need to make sure that your bike is in good condition and that you are protected in order to bike safely. Additionally, you will need to practice safe biking habits in order to reduce your impact on the environment.

Although camping may be more ideal when mountain biking, you can still look into Santa Monica hotels for your vacation. All you will need to do is comparison shop to find the best rates and services that match your budget and preferences.

For adventurers that cannot get enough of the great outdoors, visiting the Santa Monica Mountains is a must for your next vacation.

About the Author: Chris McMahon enjoys spending time in the great outdoors with his two sons. His articles mainly appear on travel blogs.

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Il Perlo Panorama Hotel, Bellagio. Accommodation With Views Over Heaven

If what you are looking for is a relaxing, friendly atmosphere and breathtaking views, than Hotel Il Perlo Panorama in Bellagio might be just perfect for you. A family owned hotel, providing all the comforts of a home, Il Perlo is run by two of the most lovely people on Earth - Carlo and his beloved mother. The two of them welcomed us into their hotel with opened arms and never shied away from going the extra mile to keep us happy.

Location

Built on top of the hill overlooking Bellagio and the fairy-tale like Lake Como with its perfectly manicured gardens and luxurious villas, Il Perlo is the perfect point to start exploring the lake. For me personally, if there is a heaven it can only be fond in the Alps, therefore, in my opinion, Hotel Il Perlo is located in one of the most breathtaking locations in Europe. And when a hotel offers the best panoramic views over heaven, I cannot help it but fall in love with it. So here is my love story. 

Due to its location up the hill, and the lack of public transportation, Carlo drives the guests to and from Bellagio in a black Opel. He runs the shuttle service three times a day, but if you need a pick up in between, all you need to do is call the reception and they will send the car for you in no time.

The room

Il Perlo Panorama is a 2-star hotel, but you would never guess that. The service, design, friendliness with which the guests are welcomed, are bringing this family owned hotel close to 4-stars. We stayed in one of the corner rooms facing the lake and loved everything about it. 

Starting with the artwork decorating the walls (which by the way, guests could purchase and take home as a souvenir), the private terrace from where we could admire Bellagio and the snow caped mountains in the distance, the large and comfy bed, beautiful wood furniture, and the generous size of the room, and finishing with the overall decor, so homey, and welcoming, this place inspired us a tremendous joie de vivre.   

Also the attention given to details was impressive and definitely a luxury sign. The housekeeper would leave on the bed a towel swan one day, a towel boat the other. We found this very resourceful, cute and personal. Plus the room was very clean and extremely well maintained, as was the whole hotel.

The bathroom was large as well, and came prepared with all kind of facilities, but what it stood out for were the views. If you never thought about a bathroom with a view as something important, believe me, it's a life changing element.

The views

Oh, the views! There are many hotels in Bellagio and around Lake Como, but none of them has quite this breathtaking views. Waking up, having breakfast and going to bed with this show nature puts up every day here, believe me, it's priceless. I could have stayed here, caught in this perfect state of bliss, forever, letting the gentle May sun caress my face, while watching the mountains reflecting in the mirror of the lake disturbed by nothing but the boats and ferry operating between the villages sprinkled around it. 

I also loved the ever-changing sky and the fact that the view was enough to make me wake up happy every morning, with a big smile on my face. 

The common areas 

What characterizes Il Perlo is it's classy decor, in warm shades of brown and orange. The various rooms downstairs are great to chat and connect with other travelers, exchange stories and make new friends while comfortably sitting on one of the sofas.

But to be honest, my favorite place was the terrace overlooking the lake. See how I keep getting back to the views? The wisteria nearby was simply marvelous too, and since I'm a sucker for flowers, it made my day. Every day!

Breakfast

So having breakfast on this terrace was like the peak of the day. The breakfast to top all breakfasts. 

Picture this. My husband and I wake up in the morning with the smell of coffee and freshly backed pastries. Go down to the hotel's restaurant and put some absolutely delicious home-made pies on a plate. Then head outside on the terrace where we would have a long, lazy breakfast overlooking Lake Como.

We finish just in time to take the shuttle to Bellagio where we would visit our favorite gardens on the lake - The Gardens of Villa Melzi. We would romantically walk the cobbled streets of Bellagio, discover its secret corners, admire the boats dozing near the shores, take a ferry to Villa del Balbianello to see where Casino Royale and Star Wars movies were shot, stop by Villa Carlotta on the way back...

But even knowing all the marvelous sight we are about to see, doesn't make it any easier to leave the Il Perlo's terrace.

So in the afternoon we come back, our souls drunk with all the beauty seen during the day, take our seat on the terrace again, order an aperitivo and enjoy life. The four days we spent at Il Perlo were some of the best of our life. And the fact that every guest of the hotel we've met had a sparkle in their eyes, tells us we were not the only ones enjoying this hotel to the max.

For more info, you can check out the hotel's website and Facebook page.

We were guests of Il Perlo Panorama Hotel in Bellagio, however, all opinions expressed here are entirely our own and based on our personal experience.

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The Frugal Tourist: Money Saving Tips for Enjoying Ibiza

It's amazing, but on an island like Ibiza that seems to encompass every holiday-seeker's idea of fun in the sun, one can spend a fortune vacationing on next to nothing at all; surprisingly, even the most frugal vacationers can enjoy a perfectly rich holiday in Ibiza simply by keeping these cost-saving tips in mind. Ibiza boasts many inexpensive things to see and do and, of course, its breath taking sunsets and beautiful waters come at no extra cost!

Accommodations

Certainly, Ibiza boasts luxury villas, spas, and resorts that are popular with the world's jet-setters. However, to hang your hat in a more budget-friendly fashion, consider inexpensive hotels or modest hostels that offer safe and clean rooms to sleep without any unnecessary frills. After all, to truly experience all the splendour of the island, one should stay in their hotel room as little as possible! It can also be incredibly inexpensive to rent an apartment when travelling with a group of friends or family members. You can book Ibiza holidays from the Co-operative Travel and they can provide you with a wide range of inexpensive accommodation for various locations on the island and other tips to vacation inexpensively.

Explore

Outdoor enthusiasts love Ibiza because there is so much to see. Exploring the island's various beaches and coves is free and only requires an adventurous spirit and a willingness to be dazzled by Mother Nature. Salinas is a beach famous for its white sands, but the bays and inlets of the island afford plenty of hiking and viewing splendour. Ibiza is also home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites that should not be missed. The Phoenician ruins of Sa Caleta are well worth exploring. Sightseeing around Ibiza town or the island's villages is also a great way to get to know Ibiza without paying much.

Experience

Jet ski rentals, ferry rides, boating excursions--shopping around allows you to get some really good deals on these experiences. While there are many inexpensive tours around the various parts of the island, the mountain biking tour is a popular one and perfect for adventurers. On the other hand, strolling through the port with a rich cup of coffee is also a great way to experience life on Ibiza. Other inexpensive experiences include the May Medieval Festival of Ibiza Town; in fact, strolling through the cobble stoned streets of Dalt Villa (Ibiza Town's World Heritage Site and old quarter) is perfectly free and affords many unforgettable views.

Taste

Eating in Ibiza is a delicious experience even when it's affordable! Stroll through the markets and you'll find plenty of delectable and inexpensive foods to try. There are café-bars throughout the island and many are situated near the beaches or areas like Ibiza Town where vacationers often stroll. From simple seafood snacks to inexpensive pizzas, there are many venues that provide great food at a reasonable price. Moreover, some of the hotels offer traditional fare at competitive costs. Locals may also be able to steer visitors to inexpensive venues that provide hearty Ibiza meals.

Enjoy

If you've spent next to nothing beachcombing and swimming all day, you may find it refreshing to splurge for cocktails at night! On the other hand, clubs can be quite expensive--even to get in! Look for specials and consider hanging out nearer to the port; these venues are often just as exciting but are much more budget-friendly. The bars are also wonderful for kicking back with tapas and inexpensive beers or delicious Spanish wine.

When travelling to Ibiza, it can help to research the various accommodations, clubs, and restaurants before you get there. By planning your itinerary, you're likely to have fewer expensive surprises! Talk to your travel agent or discuss your plan in a travel forum to obtain tips for vacationing economically on Ibiza.

About the Author: Melissa Nash is a travel consultant with a penchant for Ibiza. When she is not working she is often visiting the island herself.

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How To Travel Like A Local Aussie Instead of A Clueless Tourist

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do," the famous saying goes.

All travelers must have the ability to recognize and respect the various nuances of culture, customs and habits of the places they will be visiting. This is the best way to immerse yourself in the spirit of a place - it makes you feel as if you're part of its people, instead of just being a mere temporary tourist.

Australia, due to its isolated location and multi-ethnic background, managed to develop some quirky traits and eccentricities of its own. If you're planning on taking a trip to the Land Down Under, better do your research first. Take note of the things you should prepare beforehand such as domestic travel insurance, medication, maps, etc, and take a crash course on Aussie culture.

Don't know where to start? Here are a few things you should know about Aussies:

"G'day Mate!" Learning the Lingo

Australia's primary language is English, so the language barrier is practically non-existent. Be careful though, there are a lot of words and phrases in Australian English that will sound totally strange and maybe even offensive to native speakers of American or British English. Examples include:

"Mates" and "Sheilas" - generic terms for men and women respectively.

"Thongs" are flip-flops, not those skimpy undergarments.

Nouns are often shortened and appended with an "ie" or "o" at the end. Examples are "brekkie" (breakfast), "chokkie" (chocolate), and "vego" (vegetarian).

"Shouting" your friends means buying them another new round of drinks. You "skull" a drink by chugging it.

Expletives like "bastard," which most people consider offensive, are usually considered by most Aussies as part of everyday speech. It acts like a filler; case in point: "How are ya, y'bastard?"

Australian Rules and Regulations

Australian roads are the same as the British - people drive on the left. Take note of this fact when you're driving or crossing the road.

Legal drinking age is 18. The laws in Australia are quite strict about underage drinking.

The metric system is Australia's official measurement system. Be prepared for grams and kilometers instead of ounces and miles.

Aussie Etiquette - Preventing Social Faux Pas

If you're an American, always be on your best behavior. Some Aussies have negative stereotypes about Yanks, so don't enforce these by acting loud and disagreeable.

Be respectful and friendly toward the Aborigines. They are an amiable people and you can easily make friends with them. A word of advice though, don't look at them directly in the eye since they consider it rude.

Australians love sports. The best way to strike up a conversation with a local is to talk about sports, namely rugby or cricket. Keep yourself updated with the prominent players and teams in these games.

In restaurants, tipping is not expected since the hourly rates for employees are already higher compared to other countries. But still, if you want to show your appreciation for good service, a tip will be highly appreciated.

Aussies are a laid back bunch. This trait is reflected in the way they dress for work. Nothing too formal - just smart casual attire like trousers and dress shirts for men and skirts or slacks for women.

Photos by dicktay2000 & aussiegal via Flickr Creative Commons

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5 Ways To Save On Your Round The World Trip Airfares

Round the world trip airfares can be quite expensive. Fortunately, there are ways that you can get a flight without breaking the bank. Below are some of the ways that you can save money on airfares:

Shop Around

You will be surprised to find out how much the price of flights can vary from airline to airline. That is why you should compare the prices of different airlines before you book your flight. These days, it is very easy for you to compare the prices of different airlines thanks to the Internet. You should compare the prices of at least three different airlines before you book your flight.

Sign Up To Get Alerts

If you have not yet set a date for your trip, then you should sign up to get online alerts. Most travel companies allow you to sign up for alerts on their website. You can also get online alerts on Twitter and Facebook.

Research On The Fees

When you are comparing the prices of different airlines, you should make sure that you take the additional fees into consideration. You may end up spending up to 30 percent more on your flight because of fees.

Know When To Buy Your Tickets

The time that you buy your tickets can also have an effect on the amount of money that you spend. Rates change constantly, and in some cases, they change hourly. You should try to book your trip four to six weeks before you leave because that is usually the cheapest time to purchase tickets. You should also try to avoid purchasing your tickets on the weekend because that is usually when flights are the most expensive. The cheapest days of the week to buy a ticket are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Additionally, some websites, such as Bing, have a flight search. You can enter your departure destination, arrival destination and the dates that you will be traveling. The website has a price prediction tool that will tell you whether the prices will rise, fall or remain steady. If you have already purchased your ticket, then some airlines will refund you the difference.

Visiting a flight specialist such as Travel Associates allow you to gain some valuable insights on when is the best season to travel for the cheapest fare. Check out some of the Travel Associates flight deals on their site.

Know When To Fly

Your travel dates will affect the cost of your tickets. You can save hundreds of dollars if you travel during the right time. If possible, you should traveling during the holidays because those are the most expensive times of the year to get a flight. You should also travel during the weekdays because Fridays and Saturdays are usually the most expensive times of the week to travel.

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7 Travel Apps for the Thrifty Traveler

For people who love to travel on a budget, an ultra-mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet can be a lifesaver. Whether it's for finding the best domestic travel insurance offer or checking out the cheapest hotel rates on the Internet, there's bound to be an app for all of your travel needs.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your smartphone and check out this list of of some of the best must-have apps for travelers:

Skype

Do you want to be able to stay in touch with your loved ones back home but hate the idea of paying outrageous cellphone rates? Then make sure to download the ever popular Skype on your mobile device. No need to use your cellphone provider's expensive international plans - this VoIP app lets people make cheap calls to anyone, anywhere! IMs and Skype-to-Skype video/voice calls are free, while a paid Premium account gets you unlimited international and group calls.

Google Translate

Throw away those bulky phrasebooks and language guides! Now you can communicate like a local with Google Translate. The app supports at least 70 languages. Though the translations might not always be one-hundred percent accurate, it's more than enough to get you through common everyday scenarios like asking for directions or saying "thank you" in the vernacular.

Airbnb

For backpackers and tourists on a super strict budget, Airbnb is a very essential tool. The app allows people to search for affordable accommodations wherever they are. From regular hotel rooms to overnight apartments, Airbnb has got you covered. It's a great app for people who want a new kind of traveling experience (since most of the accommodations offered by the Airbnb community are from locals who are renting out spaces in their own homes) and save money at the same time.

Google Maps

Another helpful offering from Google, Google Maps is hands down the best map application that anyone could ever possibly download on their device. The route planner feature is particularly useful, especially for travelers - imagine getting extensive driving, cycling, walking and public transportation directions with just a click of a button. Whether it's the streets of New York or the jungles of Timbuktu, you'll never get lost again with Google Maps by your side.

TripAdvisor

Honest and unbiased reviews by travelers, for travelers. TripAdvisor is a travel companion you should never leave home without. The app, which provides instant integrated access to the TripAdvisor online community, lets users rate and review hotels, restaurants, malls, and other tourist attractions. Want to check out the highest rated places in your area? Then let TripAdvisor do its magic and get your money's worth for every destination that you'll visit!

Gate Guru

Traveling entails a lot of time spent inside and around airports. Save precious time and money with gate Gate Guru - the best airport guide you can carry around your pocket. Receive flight information such as departure times, weather reports, and real time flight status updates on-the-go. Got a four-hour layover? Gate Guru can come up with some of the best airport eats and stores you can shop around in while waiting for your next flight.

AwardWallet

Keep track of your frequent flyer miles with AwardWallet! This handy app helps you stay up to date with the various loyalty and rewards programs that you are subscribed to. AwardWallet is well-suited for frequent travelers and for people who like to join travel clubs.

About the Author: This article was written by Alex Pierce. I am a travel-holic, adventure hunting and adrenaline lover. I am building my career as a travel journalist as I can’t imagine any other activity the will enrich my life at a greater extent. Huge part of the travelling experience is to meet people and exchange different views, so please share your comments below this article I would be glad to come back to you asap.

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Park, Stay and Go at Crowne Plaza London Heathrow

For premium accommodations during your visit to London, consider making reservations to stay at the Crown Plaza London Heathrow. Just one of more than 370 hotels representing the Crown Plaza brand, you can expect the kind of elegance and style that is synonymous with comfort and quality. Add in some great services designed to make you feel most welcomed and right at home along with some friendly customer service and you will be glad you made the choice to choose the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow.

Located just 2 miles from the airport and only a 20-minute drive from central London, you would be ideally situated to go anywhere including Wembley Arena, Twickenham Stadium and Westfield Shopping Centre, just to name a few nearby venues and attractions.

The Hotel at a Glance

There are 465 rooms at the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow of which you can choose a Standard, Club, Family or Accessible room or a Suite. All rooms are equipped with High Definition LCD TVs with a wide range of HD channels and Wi-Fi connection, along with other amenities such as minibar, laptop safes, and even fluffy bathrobes for the Club room package. Upgrade to a Club room or suite and enjoy other extras like complimentary snacks, access to the Club Lounge and more.

Choose from a wide selection of delicious dishes at Orwell’s Brasserie serving modern British dishes with their own fusion of international flavours, for breakfast, lunch or supper. Kids eat for free from selections off the children’s menu. For adults looking for a more casual dining experience, opt for Dr. O’Driscoll’s Irish Bar at the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow. Here you will find some pub favourite dishes and can enjoy a pint of your choice of beer. For a great cocktail, choose Orwell’s Bar and nibble on bites chosen from the deli style menu.

Park, Stay and Go

For those leaving London for a family vacation or just rushing out of town for a business trip, book an overnight stay at the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow and save yourself the hassle of rushing to the airport the day of your flight. Choose a Park, Stay and Go package allowing you 4, 8 or 15 days parking in the designated parking area and depart on your trip without a worry in mind, knowing that your car is conveniently stored and ready for you upon your return. No need to fuss catching a taxi when you get back, when you can just catch a short ride back to the hotel and load the family or all your business documents in your own ride and head home at your own leisurely pace.

The Park, Stay and Go option is not just about parking convenience. It’s also about you and your family. For the duration of your stay you have access to the hotel’s facilities too, including the state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor pool, spa, gym and even 9-hole golf course, in case you want to get a little fun in before your trip. Whether you are heading out on a vacation or a business trip, the planning can be quite stressful already so enjoying a short care-free stay at the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow will help you set a positive, relaxed mood before you jet-set off.

If you travel often on business, look into becoming a member of the park, Stay and Go Club. It’s free to join and the more often you stay, the better the deals you will get.

Comfort, quality, satisfaction, relaxation and savings – it’s what you can expect from the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow.

To keep up to date with the hotel’s news why not follow its Facebook, Google+ and Twitter profiles.

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5 Budget Travel Tips

People are travelling around a lot more these days it seems. For many people, work can include trips abroad and whilst most of us are struggling with day to day living costs, the idea of taking a holiday is also still something we strive towards.

So whether it is for work or play, travelling can be an expensive business and any way that you might be able to save a few pounds is worth knowing about.

One thing to keep in mind before you even go anywhere is that unexpected circumstances can prove costly when you are away from home. This is why having adequate cover from questor insurance is essential and can help to give you the peace of mind to really enjoy your trip.

Here are 5 tips to help you get from A to B with the minimum of expense and the maximum enjoyment:

Choose the right time to travel

Whether it means missing the crowds of package holidaymakers at an airport or making sure you don't miss the last train back, choosing the right time to travel can make a big difference to the cost, as well as to your overall enjoyment. Off-peak fares and ticket prices are always cheaper than the busiest times of travel.

Travel light

Investing in a strong piece of cabin luggage with 360 wheels might seem like strange advice for a list aimed to cutting back on expenses, but good luggage lasts a lifetime and can help you save money on excess baggage costs by taking everything that you need in a carry-on bag.

Entertain yourself

It is definitely a good idea to load up your iPhone with films, TV shows and albums to make sure you have all you need to keep yourself entertained on your journey.

The upgrade

The holy grail of any air traveller is the upgrade, that elusive reward given out by airline staff or airplane crew. There are a lot of websites giving 'inside secrets' on how to grab one, but the real trick is to look presentable, ask nicely and hope that your luck is in on that particular day.

Make a meal of things

Wherever you are going, if it involves an overnight stay then you have a chance to sample the local cuisine. This doesn't need to be expensive, and sometimes a little research will show you where the locals eat the best food at great prices.

Photos via Flicker Creative Commons

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