For travellers seeking out of the ordinary fun, Paris provides an abundance of activities to fulfil diehard thrill seekers. Our friends at Hostelbookers.com have listed their Top 5 places of where to go to find activities to indulge in for those seeking adventure in the City of Light.

Aerokart’s Free-fall Wind Tunnel

This simulated sky dive is placed in a tunnel that creates winds up to 155 mph. This is one of the most realistic free-fall experiences in the world. You are given brief training before taking the dive and proper attire is provided. You are also instructed about various positions to use during the fall and ways to communicate while inside the tunnel. There will be physical requirements and reservations are needed.  But for anyone holidaying with an adventurer and are not so into taking big risks yourself there is also a racetrack with go-karts for adventure on the ground. Visitors can find this adventure at 199-203 route de Pontoise.

Dans Le Noir

“Paris is a feast” said Hemingway and this one is specifically for adventurous foodies! At Dans Le Noir you can get back in touch with your lost senses.  Choose from a decadent menu for seafood and meat lovers such as grilled octopus and whiskey marinated filet mignon but vegetarians are most welcome to feast on grilled Portobello mushrooms and vegetables. Dinners include a starter, entree, and dessert. The ultimate foodie can opt in for a surprise menu, which is actually recommended when dining in the dark. Of course this is the whole point since the French emphasize using all the senses when experiencing great food. Dans Le Noir is located at 51, rue Quincamopix.

Montparnasse Tower

For those who love venturing to new heights (see what we did there) the tower provides a spectacular view of the city. With 59 floors and reaching close to 700 feet at the roof, the tower provides a stunning 360 degree view of Paris as far as the eye can see. The elevator, reportedly Europe’s fastest, will get you to the top in a mere 38 seconds. After experiencing the city at massive heights, enjoy dinner at the 360 Café a panoramic bar or stop at beautifully designed Le Ciel de Paris for gourmet dining. The tower is located at 33 Avenue du Maine.

Carisiolas Adventure Park

Play among the tree tops at this unique adventure park that resembles a medieval forest. There are several activities to enjoy for all ages and different levels of thrill seeking. Activities include quad rides, a Tyrolean jump, and a medieval village to explore. The great part about Carisiolas is that there is fun to be had for the adult as well as the child. The park is located in Crisolles, a little more than an hour north of Paris. For those who have already been to Disneyland, it would make an equally great day trip while visiting Paris.

Friday Night Skate
Every Friday evening thousands of roller skaters journey through Paris on a course that is around 25 kilometres. The event can get pretty raucous, especially near the front. But it’s a great physical activity and a way to be involved with thousands of locals as well as travellers. However it must be said this is an event for experienced skaters only. Being able to nimbly manoeuvre and quickly stop is necessary to thoroughly enjoy this activity. The skate starts at 10 pm at the Montparnasse Train Station and ends at the same place.

Photo credit: Bob Hall

 

As enticing as a week spent on a white-sand beach might sound, nothing can compare with an adrenaline-packed summer holiday in the heart of some of the most fascinating European mountains. Regardless of what your next adventure destination will be, if you plan it wisely, you’ll definitely enjoy it to the fullest! When it comes to an adventure holiday, one of the most important things that you have to keep in mind is choosing a cosy accommodation that will suit your needs. After countless hours of climbing rugged mountains, horse riding or trekking, an inviting apartment where you can share a bottle of wine with your friends and family once the night settles is exactly what you need. Once you choose your destination, check GowithOh and book your comfortable holiday apartment for you and your dear ones.

One of Eastern Europe’s highlights when it comes to picturesque landscapes and untouched traditions, Romania is a heaven for all the adrenaline seekers out there. With its breathtaking mountains and natural beauties, Romania holds one of the few unscathed wilderness in Europe. From the astonishing Piatra Craiului Mountains to the charming Transylvanian Alps, this superb country is the perfect destination for travellers looking to have an unforgettable adventure. You can explore Romania’s old villages, admire a wide range of wild animals’ species such as wolves and bears, and taste some of the most exquisite local dishes such as the traditional “zacusca” and the delicious cheese specialties like “caş” and “telemea”. Not to mention that Romanian people are incredibly friendly and if you manage to make some local friends, they will be glad to introduce you to their fascinating culture. If you are lucky, you might even get a chance to witness a Romanian traditional dance performance in a remote village, in the heart of the mountains.

Slovenia’s Lake Bled is one of the most beautiful landscapes that Eastern Europe has to offer. Featuring a wide palette of activities for travellers around the world, this amazing place is great when it comes to exploring the medieval castle located nearby. During the summer, tourists can swim to the mesmerizing Bled Island or simply relax by the lake and enjoy a traditional drink. A culturally rich city, Ljubljana is one of Slovenia’s must sees, so make sure you tick off this exciting city from you holiday adventure list.

Adventure holidays in Montenegro are a great way to admire dramatic mountain scenery along with fascinating local traditions and untouched natural beauties. A few of the places that you don’t want to miss once you land in the pearl of the Mediterranean are as follows: the breathtaking Durmitor National Park, the startling Tivat Porto and finally, the impressive Boka Bay.

Other worth experiencing destinations for the adventure aficionados include Croatia’s superb panorama, the beautiful Czech Republic and last but not least, the green heaven of Slovakia. All these destinations are perfect for thirsty travelers looking to explore amazing lands and experience an unforgettable adventure.

 

 

 

 

 

Turkey is a popular summer hotspot with holidaymakers that want to enjoy a classic dose of sun, sea and sand. It has a fantastic range of holiday resorts and beaches, but of course, there’s so much more to Turkey – and many who book Turkey holidays enjoy the fact that it comes complete with plenty of sights, and the option to take many different excursions to explore Turkey’s rich heritage and captivating culture.

You can book Turkey holidays yourself by organising your own flights and hotel, or you can opt for a tour operator like Thomas Cook. If you’re after a stress-free experience with a solid support network and all your travel essentials included in the cost, a package holiday is a great option. You’ll have a fantastic spectrum of choice with all manners of different holidays on offer, ranging from family holidays and 18-30s breaks to laid-back weeks in the sun.

Let’s take a look at some of the Turkey holidays on offer with Thomas Cook:

Bodrum: Bodrum is a bustling waterside town with historic architecture and plenty of sights. Explore its 15th century castle and fortified remains, or shop in the traditional markets and stores of this busy Turkish town.

Antalya: Boasting mountainous views and a beautiful spot on the Mediterranean coastline, Antalya is a superb city with a number of well-equipped beach resorts serving up that all-important combo of sun, sea and sand.

Kas: Quiet, low-key Kas is a beautiful alternative to the bustling resorts and beaches of Turkey’s classic Mediterranean lifestyle. Kick back and relax in this traditional town with soul-stirring views of secluded bays and rocky coves, backed by craggy cliffs and soaring mountains.

Ilicakoy: Based in the Antalya region, Ilicakoy is a laid-back resort that’s rich in Turkish culture and surrounded by fabulous coastal views.

Whether you’re taking the kids, the grandparents or your significant other, Turkey holidays have something for holidaymakers from all walks of life and make for a fantastic summer escape.

As far as wildlife goes, the city of London has much more on offer than masses of pigeons in Trafalgar Square. While feeding the birds can be an exciting pastime, the risk of being on the receiving end of their mess can be a little too much for some. Luckily, for animal lovers, this isn’t the only kind of beast you’ll see in the city and choosing a weekend break in London staying at Travelodge will give you a perfect base to explore further.

The London Wetland Centre

Heralded as the best urban wildlife centre in Europe, the London Wetland Centre in Barnes covers 105 acres of lakes and marshland to explore and can be found alongside the Thames, located just across the bridge from the Hammersmith tube station.

With over 180 species of birds, endangered water voles, amphibians, insects and bats, the Wetlands offer a great alternative during your trip to London, providing a tranquil spot that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets.

London Zoo

Homed in Regent’s Park, the London Zoo is the world’s oldest zoo, having opened way back in 1828. While it was originally intended to be a collection for the purpose of scientific study, it has been open to the public since 1847.

Home to a vast array of animals, from tigers and komodo dragons to meerkats and reindeer, you can be sure that any animal lover will feel right at home here.

This superb zoo is great fun at the best of times, without even considering the Zoo Lates programme of events that it has in store for the months of June and July.

With a new face at the zoo, in the form of a 15 year old silverback gorilla, a new giraffe experience and an opportunity to meet the penguins in an up close and personal encounter, London Zoo has something for everybody.

Book your tickets for one of the Zoo Lates evenings and explore the wildlife after dark. From pop up bars and street food festivals to cabaret and live acts, every Friday night the Zoo morphs into a completely different adventure.

SEALIFE London Aquarium

Ever fancied climbing into a steel cage and being lowered down into a tank of sharks? You can at the SEALIFE aquarium, amongst many other things. There are not many other places in the UK where you can say you can do that, is there!

Home to one of Europe’s largest collections of marine life, the SEALIFE centre is a sight to behold and with its close proximity to the London Eye and Westminster, you can combine it with some of the traditional sightseeing trips as well.

Perhaps a VIP turtle feeding experience is more your thing? These beautiful, majestic creatures are a joy to watch, never mind feed, and at the London Aquarium, you can feed Boris and Phoenix the green sea turtles as part of your day.

Make a visit to one of these fabulous attractions as part of your weekend break in London staying at Travelodge.

This summer is the perfect time for you to have the holiday of your dreams! Plan big and make it happen! Get ready to leave all your problems and worries at home and pack  your bags with just a few clothes and a passport for freedom, peace and fun memories!

Cyprus is the perfect choice for all those who dream about relaxing getaways and basking in the sun. Offering an amazing weather all year round, you’ll be delighted with this travel destination regardless of the time you plan your journey. Not to mention the fact that Cyprus has a very dynamic history and cultural sights that will make your trip worth spending and filled with many types of activities.

If you’re planning to take as much advantage as possible of your Cyprus holiday you should opt for another type of accommodation besides the classic hotel deal; villas in Cyprus are simply fascinating and have all the facilities your heart can possibly desire. Having  a villa holiday is the perfect way for you to enjoy Cyprus at your own pace in a comfy ambiance.

No matter where you choose to stay, each region in Cyprus is rich in culture and traditions that will invigorate your mind. Larnaca is a very convenient Cyprus resort, where you’ll find white sand beaches as well as many exquisite restaurants and diverse shopping centers. Ayia Napa is also an ideal place for those seeking relaxing moments and scenic, natural views. Here you can enjoy water sport like scuba diving and snorkeling as well as some lovely promenades around the city. Paphos, the once capital of Cyprus, is another beautiful location for visitors to admire breathtaking landscapes and many historical monuments.

During the day, you can enjoy some of the most stunning beaches ever seen on an island and turquoise blue waters  that are perfect for jet skis, para-gliders and scuba diving freaks, while families can have a wonderful time at go-kart tracks and water parks. By night, Cyprus cities are filled with a lively nightlife that promises outrageous parties. If you’re looking for slightly quieter moments then Nissi Beach could be exactly what you need.

Nicosia isthe most important city in Cyprus. Here you can indulge yourself with a nice glass of Cypriot wine and a delicious Greek salad making you wonder why it took you so long to come to Cyprus!

 

 

 

More and more, former industrial cities of the UK are building profiles for themselves as major tourist destinations, and Liverpool is an excellent example of such a city. Once a major port, tourism now forms a major part of the city’s economy. Here are seven reasons to visit Liverpool.

It’s the home of the Beatles

Yes, this is one of Liverpool’s major attractions. The world’s most famous band originated in Liverpool, and the town hasn’t forgotten it. There are several well-regarded tours available around the city, or you can form one yourself. The Guinness World Records named Liverpool the World Capital City of Pop: Liverpudlian artists have produced more number one singles than any other city.

It’s conveniently situated

If you are travelling from Ireland, Wales, the Isle of Man, the north of England, Scotland or the capital, Liverpool is in a central location with an airport servicing many major destinations. It’s also got excellent train and ferry connections.

It’s brimming with arts and culture

With a thriving student population, music and arts festivals, a great live music scene, Liverpool is a great place to experience either up and coming artists or established ones. There are a number of galleries and museums, including the Tate Liverpool and the International Slavery Museum.

It’s got a growing food culture

Eating well is a growing part of the UK lifestyle – following the trend of popular food shows on TV, many are now factoring fine dining into their entertainment budgets, and Liverpool is a great place to experience innovative dining. There is also a thriving multicultural aspect to Liverpool – it’s got the UK’s oldest African community and Europe’s oldest Chinese community, due to its history as a port city – there is plenty of variety available in dining.

It has great entertainment

Albert Dock is the entertainment and nightlife hub, with bars, clubs and restaurants. In the daytime, this precinct also has great shopping and sightseeing, so it’s well worth a look.

It’s a sporting capital

Boasting two Premier League Football clubs, Liverpool FC and Everton FC, Liverpool is a major destination for football enthusiasts. The Grand National horse race is also held at its Aintree Racecourse.

It has World Heritage status

UNESCO named several areas of the city World Heritage Sites due to its impressive architectural heritage. Sites like Pier Head, Albert Dock and William Brown Street are some of the most famous landmarks.

Vivienne Egan writes for FHR who provide Liverpool Airport Parking.

Every once in a while it’s very important to spend some quality time on your holiday with your family. The loved ones are  essential to a beautiful vacation and some wonderful memories. And trying to keep your entire family fit and energetic is the best deal ever. Activity holidays are meant to improve the communication  between family members while keeping their health on top.

Spain is one of the most important European holiday destinations. This delightful location is perfect for a family journey and, one important thing, it has so many places to see that you might try to plan a vacation for a longer period. Just to enjoy all Spain’s natural landscapes and beauty! From Andalucia to Valencia, walking holidays are a fun way of learning facts about the Spanish culture and lifestyle.

Depending on the number of family members, the groups are usually consisted around a maximum of 8 to ten persons. This is actually quite a good way of interacting with other people and letting your kids make new friends. Despite the “walking” description, these holidays are very well planned and you get a five star treatment and sublime accommodations.

Top destinations in Spain for walking are Catalonia, Andalucia and Santiago. Spain is filled with gorgeous places where you can admire the natural beauty and the historical sights. Sometimes you have to take a nice walk in order to have time to delight your eyes and senses with everything that this place has to offer. And the Spanish display is gigantic: the Southern Spain has the stunning Sierra Nevada, the whitewashed villages of Andalucia along with the beautiful cities of Granada and Seville. The North shouldn’t be missed either; this is where you will find the fascinating ‘Camino de Santiago’, one of the world’s oldest historical routes. In fact, the word “Camino” is Spanish for “walk” . All trips to Spain offer amazing scenery, great walking trips and delicious food prepared with fresh local ingredients and served with hospitality and good thoughts.

You have quite a range of activities that you can do if you choose walking holidays in Spain. Sightseeing activities, tasting delicious wines at local vineyards, trying foods at the best restaurants and simply connect with the peace and tranquillity that nature involves, are all in fact great experiences that will make you get closer to your family and be fully energized when you return back home.

 

 

 

 

 

A horse race, up close, is actually quite a startling affair, the full chaos of which one can’t entirely appreciate on television or even from the clubhouse. Up close, by the rails, you realise that in spite of their beauty and grace and haughty charm, horses are big, dopey, powerful, loud juggernauts and in race formation the effect is only multiplied. Now imagine that in a medieval town square. A small medieval town square.

The ancient, pretty and stately Piazza del Campo in Siena, to be precise, which hosts Il Palio twice every summer and has done for over 400 years and it’s run today with all of the fanfare and eccentricity it’s had since it was first held in 1580 to replace the outlawed bullfighting. The sloping cobble-stoned floor of the piazza is outlined with a layer of soil and roped off and ten colourful horses and riders representing the qualifying entries of the seventeen contrade of the city compete in the breakneck, exhilarating Palio.

But it’s not just a race. It’s a festival with blurred edges that seep into the history and culture of this eye-wateringly beautiful city and the best way to enjoy it is to immerse yourself. This starts, obviously, with planning ahead. Siena is a justifiably major tourist attraction all year round and in the summer it’s unmissable. Most visitors, though, come for the day, visit the adorable tiny churches built into the unbroken lines of this hilltop city and have a bite to eat on the piazza before returning to their hotel, most likely in nearby Florence. There’s nothing wrong with that but if you can spare even a few days, particularly during il Palio, a far richer experience can be had by briefly moving to Siena. Here’s how.

Pick a Contrada. As small as the original medieval city is it’s never-the-less further divided into 17 districts, evolved from the ethnicities or guilds or families which dominated them over the centuries and which now are amicable rivals with their own pageantry and escutcheon and flag and representative animal or symbol, such as Chiocciola (snail), Leocorno (unicorn) and Torre (tower), which you’ll begin to notice engraved on cornerstones and arches all over your neighbourhood. Your contrada will likely be a consequence of the location of your hotel and it doesn’t matter a lot but you can enhance your visit appreciably by acquiring a bit of unfounded pride in your new community and the horse you have in this race.

Follow the qualifying trials. The three days leading up to the race itself are every bit as entertaining, with parades and parties and elimination races in the piazza culminating in a draw which assigns ten horses to ten contrade. There are trials all day and you need to stake out a spot in the centre of the piazza by 8h30 at the latest. Note that there are no facilities at all so you’re going to want to leave at some point and you’ll need to time that with a break in the events, by which you’re otherwise surrounded. On the evening prior to the race there are outdoor feasts for residents only but you can buy your way into the Cena della Prova Generale from your contrada’s officiators. You’ll probably need to get your hotel to tell you how to contact them and there’s a good chance they’ll do it for you.

Watch the parade pressed up against a wall anywhere along the route from the cathedral to the piazza in the afternoon of the fourth day or take the opportunity when everyone else is lining the parade route to get the best vantage point you can manage, again in the centre of the piazza, in anticipation of the race itself. After 16h30 you’ll probably struggle to get a spot.

See the Palio itself in the evening of the fourth day either from the centre of the piazza, which is what most will do, or if you plan and spend accordingly you can book one of several hotels and B&Bs which look out onto the piazza and enjoy the unmatchable luxury of watching the race from your window, with a bottle of local wine, a friend and all the comfort of your own room, which is meaningful on a long, hot summer’s day in Siena.

Walk the seamless mediaeval charm of Siena. The labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys and gardens and courtyards that compose this breathtaking time capsule will provide a lonesome and shaded aesthetic epiphany in the midst of the most chaotic and hottest and crowded day of il Palio.

Il Palio takes place on July 2 and August 16 when summer is at its most incandescent in this hilltop town. It’s crowded and it’s hot and it’s frenetic and it should be approached with a positive attitude and an appreciation of sound and spectacle but should you tire of all that Siena can serve as a thoroughly satisfying respite from itself.