Michi Photostory: United Kingdom

Showing posts with label United Kingdom. Show all posts

November 25, 2023

Europe's Top 10 Most Breathtaking Natural Landscapes

Europe, a continent renowned for its rich history and diverse cultures, is equally celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes that captivate the hearts of travelers. From dramatic mountain ranges to picturesque coastlines, Europe boasts an array of breathtaking scenes that seem almost otherworldly. Let's embark on a virtual journey to explore the top 10 most awe-inspiring natural landscapes that define the continent's unparalleled beauty.

The Swiss Alps: Majestic Peaks and Alpine Bliss

Nestled at the heart of Europe, the Swiss Alps are a quintessential symbol of mountainous grandeur. Switzerland's pristine landscapes, adorned with snow-capped peaks, glittering lakes, and charming alpine villages, are a visual feast for all who venture here. The Jungfrau Region, with its iconic trio of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, provides an unforgettable panorama. For those seeking adventure, a plethora of outdoor activities await, from skiing and hiking to paragliding. The Switzerland tour package from Chennai can seamlessly transport you to this alpine wonderland.

The Norwegian Fjords: Nature's Masterpiece

Nestled along Norway's western coast, the Norwegian fjords stand as a testament to nature's artistic prowess. These deep, narrow inlets, carved by ancient glaciers, present a mesmerizing spectacle of steep cliffs, emerald-green waters, and cascading waterfalls. One of the most famous fjords, Geirangerfjord, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for cruise enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in the ethereal beauty of the Nordic landscape.

The Picos de Europa: Spain's Hidden Mountain Retreat

Tucked away in northern Spain, the Picos de Europa is a hidden gem that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. This mountain range, characterized by jagged peaks, verdant valleys, and charming villages, provides a tranquil haven for nature lovers. Fuente Dé, a cable car-accessible viewpoint, offers breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscapes. As you explore the hiking trails and encounter the local wildlife, the Picos de Europa reveals a side of Spain that goes beyond its vibrant cities and sandy beaches. For those seeking a unique adventure, consider booking a Switzerland package from Kerala to further explore the beauty of Europe's diverse landscapes

The Scottish Highlands: Where Mountains Kiss the Sky

In the northwestern corner of the United Kingdom lies a rugged expanse of untamed beauty – the Scottish Highlands. Vast stretches of heather-clad hills, serene lochs, and towering mountains create a landscape that is both majestic and mystical. Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, commands attention, while Glencoe's dramatic glacial valleys offer a hauntingly beautiful backdrop. The Scottish Highlands are a haven for hikers, nature lovers, and those seeking solitude amid breathtaking vistas.

Plitvice Lakes National Park: Croatia's Natural Kaleidoscope

Tucked away in the heart of Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a natural wonderland that seems straight out of a fairytale. Sixteen interconnected lakes, adorned with cascading waterfalls and surrounded by lush greenery, create a landscape of unparalleled beauty. The vibrant colors of the lakes, ranging from azure to emerald, change with the angle of the sun, providing a captivating and ever-changing spectacle. Wooden walkways and hiking trails allow visitors to explore this pristine paradise, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

The Amalfi Coast: Italy's Coastal Gem

Italy's Amalfi Coast is a celebration of Mediterranean splendor, where towering cliffs adorned with colorful villages plunge into the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea. The picturesque towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. Narrow winding roads hug the coastline, providing breathtaking views of the sea and the dramatic cliffs. The Amalfi Coast is not just a visual feast; it's a sensory experience that captures the essence of la dolce vita.

The Icelandic Land of Fire and Ice: A Symphony of Contrasts

Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is a geological marvel that defies expectations at every turn. Volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, and waterfalls coexist in a harmonious dance of contrasts. The iconic Golden Circle route showcases the explosive power of geysers at Geysir, the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, and the historical significance of Thingvellir National Park. The otherworldly landscapes of black sand beaches and the surreal beauty of the Blue Lagoon add to Iceland's allure, making it a destination that appeals to both adventure seekers and those seeking tranquility.

The Carpathian Mountains: Eastern Europe's Enchanted Wilderness

Stretching across Central and Eastern Europe, the Carpathian Mountains are a treasure trove of natural wonders. Diverse ecosystems, dense forests, and alpine meadows create a landscape that feels enchanted and untouched. Romania's Transfagarasan Highway winds through these mountains, offering breathtaking views of valleys and medieval castles. The Carpathians are not just a feast for the eyes; they are also home to a rich array of flora and fauna, making them a haven for eco-tourism and wildlife enthusiasts.

Cinque Terre: Italy's Coastal Cinematic Masterpiece

The rugged cliffs of the Ligurian coastline cradle the five colorful villages of Cinque Terre, creating a coastal masterpiece that seems straight out of a cinematic dream. Each village, perched precariously on the cliffs, is a mosaic of pastel-colored buildings, vibrant vineyards, and azure waters. Hiking trails connect the villages, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the terraced landscapes. Cinque Terre is a testament to human ingenuity, as generations have carved a sustainable existence into the steep hillsides.

Bavarian Alps: Germany's Alpine Wonderland

Nestled in the southern part of Germany, the Bavarian Alps are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike. The iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, perched atop a hill, overlooks the picturesque landscapes of the region. The Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak, offers panoramic views that extend into Austria and Switzerland. From charming alpine villages to pristine lakes, the Bavarian Alps provide a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

April 29, 2021

Tips for Traveling Safely and Hygienically

If the Coronavirus pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s that germs and harmful bacteria are everywhere and carry a very real threat to our health. The good news is, most countries have rolled out an effective vaccine program which means the most vulnerable members of society are protected from serious health complications as a result of contracting Covid-19.

Whilst the threat of Covid is reduced, though, it doesn’t mean you can pack away your hand sanitizer and stop washing your hands whilst traveling just yet. There are lots of other illnesses you can pick up whilst traveling that can leave you feeling really under the weather and potentially ruin your trip.

Some of these infectious diseases include:

Influenza

Norovirus

Common cold

All of these are extremely unpleasant but can be prevented through good hygiene whilst traveling. Here are just some of the ways you can travel safely and hygienically.

Hand Sanitizer

The most obvious way to practice good hygiene when traveling is to keep a hand sanitizer within easy reach. Whether you’re traveling on an airplane from LAX to Sydney, or if you’re getting in a taxi from Maidstone in Kent to central London, it’s always good to have hand sanitizer on you. Bottles are typically small and can last a good while. You can even buy bottles that clip to the strap on your bag so you don’t need to contaminate every other item in your bag with your unclean hands.

Antibacterial Wipes

This is more of a tip for those who are traveling whilst already infected with a disease (like a common cold). Airports and train stations are full of high bacteria points, such as handrails, ATMs, electronic booking screens, and doors. If you have cold or other infectious diseases, consider getting an antibacterial wipe and placing it between your hand and the item you’re going to touch. This will stop you from spreading your germs to other people. In the case of screens, think about wiping them down after you’ve used them.

Self-Awareness

In a similar notion to using antibacterial wipes, you should always exhibit self-awareness when traveling. This means avoiding touching your face and mouth without first washing your hands, not eating before washing your hands, not coughing/sneezing into your hands, and effectively disposing of tissues, etc. Also, consider personal space.

Practice Personal Hygiene

This point goes without saying, but when you’re traveling it’s important to practice good personal hygiene. This means keeping your nails trimmed, cleaning them regularly, washing your hair at least once a week, and showering every day. Your hair in particular can harbor colonies of bacteria, especially when wet with water or sweat. A good rule of thumb is to always wash your hair after traveling or being in the sea/a swimming pool. You should also try and dry your hair immediately so that moist, warm conditions (which bacteria thrive on) are kept to a minimum.

Oral Hygiene

Aside from your fingertips, your mouth is the next biggest hub of bacteria. Millions of bacteria live in your mouth and are spread through saliva. Whilst you might not directly spit on something, you might bite your nails or put food in your mouth, inadvertently touching the inside of your mouth and saliva. You might then touch a high bacteria item like a door handle or a handrail, spreading mouth bacteria in the process. You can minimize the effects of this by regularly brushing your teeth and using an antibacterial mouthwash.

Summary

These are just a few of the ways you can travel safely and hygienically, reducing your risk of contracting and passing on illness as you do.

April 22, 2021

Why a Park Home Could be Your Holiday Home in the UK?

With the global vaccination program gathering momentum and the world starting to come out of its lengthy lockdown, people are beginning to make long overdue vacation plans and looking to travel once more.

Over 40 million people visit the UK each year, and in 2019 – the last ‘normal’ year – inbound visitors spent £28 billion. In 2013, a Deloitte study into tourism jobs and growth estimated that by 2025, Britain will have a tourism industry worth £257.4 billion. As you can see then, tourism in the UK is big business. And with a fantastic blend of history, culture, food, drink, heritage – even scenery – it’s no wonder tourism to the UK is so popular.

If you are one of the millions of people visiting the UK each year, perhaps you’ve considered purchasing a property here to use as a base for your travels. Perhaps you have considered a townhouse in London, or a cottage in Yorkshire. Perhaps, however, you’ve not considered purchasing a park home as your base in the UK, or perhaps you are not completely sure what a park home is exactly.

At first glance, park homes are similar to bungalows and static caravans – they’re one floor, detached, and stand on private land.

However, for it to be classed as a park home, it must be transportable in either a single piece or in two pieces. This means they are typically manufactured in a factory before being transported to the park – often making for quite the sight if you happen to see them being transported by truck on the motorway.

Technically speaking a park home is supposed to be less than 20m long, 6.8m wide, and 3.05m tall, so as you can see, they’re compact making them an ideal holiday home.

Despite a more compact size compared to a traditional brick-and-mortar building, park homes make the most of their size.

Inside, park homes tend to feature multiple bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen area, even central heating. If you are an individual, a couple, or even a family, you will have enough space to live while you travel.

Moreover, park homes are often affordable, depending on the specification, making them somewhat more affordable than a London flat. Additionally, a park home could be rented out when you’re not traveling to the UK, giving you an optimum return on investment – possibly even paying for the home in the long run.

Running costs too are also made affordable, as utilities are often paid for through the park owner, and there are regulations in place to ensure you aren’t overcharged.

When coupled with the money you would save overall on flight and hotel packages, from a financial perspective it would appear to make a lot of sense.

The UK boasts a lot of holiday parks in scenic countryside areas, giving you peace and tranquillity to either spend your time relaxing or serenity to unwind after a day of sightseeing, giving a more laid-back change of pace. And with it being your home, you would have more control over your surroundings, not at the mercy of hotel check-in and check-out times.

With park homes being built to strict regulations, you will still get high quality with less outlay over a traditional property. And if buying from new, it might be that you can have more influence over the exact specifications, allowing you to create an environment best suited for your needs.

And being affordable and cost-effective to run, whilst being situated in scenic, relaxing areas across the UK, perhaps it’s worth considering a park home as a holiday home.

October 15, 2016

Why Staycations Can Be Tons of Fun?

If you’re thinking of going on holiday as a family this year but don’t want to stray too far or spend too much money, a ‘staycation’ can be a really fun alternative. Although you’ll have to miss out on traveling abroad, staying at home in the UK when planning your family holidays can be a great way to spend some fun and memorable times with your partner and children without having to break the bank. We’ve put together some of the best reasons to opt for a family staycation this year, and why they can be tons of fun.

Road Trips

Going on a road trip to somewhere together as a family can be a lot more fun than taking an aeroplane. Road trips give you the opportunity to control exactly where you go, where you stop along the way, and any detours that you take when you see signs for interesting places that you want to check out. Family road trips can be excellent bonding time and are perfect for laughing together, having meaningful conversations, and simply getting to know one another better. Visit toptests.co.uk to revise your driving theory before a road trip.

Save Money

One of the main reasons why more and more families are opting for staycations rather than traveling on holiday abroad is that they can often be much cheaper. With flights being far more expensive during the summer holidays, getting a cheap family holiday abroad can often mean your little ones missing out on school. The best thing about road trips and staycations is that for the most part, you won’t usually have to pay more for things simply because it’s the school holidays.

Be Adventurous

Staycations can really encourage you to be adventurous and do things that you wouldn’t normally do. When you take a holiday abroad you usually just want to sit and relax by the pool, but staycations can be filled with a range of interesting activities to take part in.

Avoid Stress

When it comes to choosing between staying at home or going abroad for your family holiday, staying at home can be a great way to keep your stress levels at a minimum. Packing suitcases with weight limits, going through security, dealing with bored children on a flight with hundreds of other passengers, and waiting to collect luggage when you have tired kids in tow is all avoided when you take a staycation, so it’s no surprise that more mums and dads are booking their family holidays at home.

Straightforward

When you’re going on holiday with kids, chances are you have a massive checklist of things that you need to do and what you need to pack in the weeks leading up to your trip. When you stay at home for your family holiday, you won’t need to worry about things such as boarding passes, passports, currency exchange, or letting your bank and mobile phone network know that you’re going to be traveling, meaning that it’s easier to get prepared.

If you’re looking for an alternative holiday to traveling abroad this year, a staycation can be a great idea.

August 02, 2015

What to do in Cheshire this Summer

Summers in Cheshire is a pleasure. The county is carpeted in lush, green countryside, and filled to bursting with points of special historical and cultural interest. The county is also home to a wealth of hotels, most notably Carden Park, which as well as offering world-class spa and golfing facilities, is also among the best conference venues in Cheshire. From grand, sweeping manors out in the country, to the world-renowned zoo in the heart of Chester, Cheshire offers something for everyone.

But as well as all of the permanent points of interest the county has to offer, let’s be fair and also consider the shows and other events coming to Cheshire this summer. In this article, we’ll take a whirlwind tour of three of the most intriguing.

Carfest North

Carfest North is a festival which brings together live music, food and – of course – cars. It comes to Oulton Park in Cheshire on the weekend of the 31st of July and sticks around for the entire weekend – an all to raise money for children in need.

There is a truly enormous amount of different activities packed into the weekend and so the entire family will never be short of entertainment. The roster of musical acts contains some sure-fire crowd-pleasers. Seasick Steve is bringing his brand of stripped-back blues to the festival, alongside much-beloved artists like The Boomtown Rats, Paul Heaton and Jaqui Abbot.

But of course, the biggest draw of the weekend will involve the cars themselves. The cars on display are hugely varied, covering everything from immaculate classics to the very latest supercars. As well as simply looking at cars, visitors will also be afforded the opportunity to drive around in them as well, with experiences behind the wheels of both rally cars and 4x4s available.

Tickets are in high demand, but there are still a few left over for the Friday. If all of this sounds interesting, then don’t wait around – book now and avoid disappointment.

RHS flower show

Between the 22nd and 26th of July, the Royal Horticultural society brings its flower show to Cheshire's Tatton park and with it a whole range of different gardening delights.

Over the course of the show, the park’s grounds will be divided into three distinct zones, each with their own theme. The first is the 'feast' zone, which celebrates the growing trend of growing your own produce. In this area, visitors will find inspiration and ideas to inject into their own gardens. This area's focus lies predominantly, as one might imagine, with growing and eating food and as such it offers plenty of edible delights as well as visual ones. There will be live cookery demos, a market with stalls from more than thirty specialist producers, and a range of allotments in which the masters of the craft will exhibit their skills.

The second zone is the 'grow' zone, whose focus lies with getting seeds to grow into fully formed plants. Here visitors will be able to take a look at a wealth of potting benches, nursery displays, floral marquees and show gardens and talk to the experts who know how to make it happen.

The third and final zone is the 'inspire' zone, where the experts get to really show off what can be achieved when modern gardening techniques and technology come together. Here is where you’ll find the competitive gardens, including the contenders for the RHS Young Designer of the Year award, which will be presented to the best garden based on the concept of 'English Country Gardens'. The competition is sure to be fierce this year, and so, if you’re a lover of all things green and flowery, the show is not one to be missed!

Creamfields

The seventeenth annual Creamfields festival comes to Cheshire this August and brings with it titans of global dance music like Knife Party, The Chemical Brothers, Tiësto and Fatboy Slim. Revelers will be treated to three days’ worth of relentless dance music – in a variety of styles, stretching from the restrained to the euphoric to the eardrum-exploding– spread across a smorgasbord of stages.

The organizers have seen fit to put on a range of different luxury camping options for those who can't cope with the additional stress associated with camping. These include luxury tents which can accommodate as many as six people – though, for the asking price, you might consider one of the many hotels in the area, particularly as the festival is just a short trip from Chester. If you'd like to stay locally, there are a range of luxury hotels near Chester, most of them just a short taxi ride from the grounds themselves.

May 16, 2012

Kids in the City: Newcastle

Newcastle isn’t usually the first place that springs to mind for a city break with the kids. Look online to find deals on a Newcastle hotel and take the family somewhere unexpected this summer. Consider central Newcastle hotels as a base to explore this impressive northern city; it has lots to offer children of all ages.

BBC Newcastle Tour

Do you have a TV star in the making? If your bairn was born to be the face of the next generation’s primetime slots, check out the Geordie home of the BBC. Families will learn about the production of popular TV programmes and the inner-workings of TV studios. Children will love seeing sets from Tracey Beaker, reading the BBC news and presenting the weather.

Book your tour at BBC Newcastle in advance to avoid disappointment on the day. This is a working studio and places are limited.

Discovery Museum

Whether your child loves history, science or simply learning about the world around us, the Discovery Museum in Newcastle is one of the best hands-on attractions around. If you have a large family you’ll be delighted to hear that the Discovery Museum is free to all, providing a completely complimentary day of interactive fun and learning for the whole brood.

Saltwell Park

Pack a picnic and take in the summer air at Saltwell Park. This common is an impressive 55 acres and is simply filled with activities to keep everyone entertained. From bowling greens to adventure parks and boating lakes to animal houses, this handy park is free for everyone.

For the more adventurous among us, learn a little about Saltwell before you travel and educate the kids on the Saltwell Towers and the history of Newcastle. Exploring the city with a family doesn’t have to be expensive. Go online to find deals on Newcastle hotels and spend your days indulging in some of the free attractions on offer.

May 08, 2012

Most Fashionable Places in London

London is absolutely brimming with attractions, including theatres, museums, galleries, and many beautiful parks and gardens – but where are the best places to go to experience the height of fashion and indulge in some retail therapy? Here are just a few suggestions.

Covent Garden

Situated in the heart of ‘Theatreland’, the historic Covent Garden market dates back hundreds of years and houses the world-renowned Royal Opera House. Today, its quaint cobbled walkways, charming piazza, and Grecian-style buildings are home to a delightful indoor market selling hand-crafted goods, homemade preserves and fashion accessories for women. There is a huge choice of cafés and restaurants around the piazza, and street performance artists are often seen entertaining onlookers with their wild antics.

Camden Town

Camden, in North London, is the capital’s hub of alternative culture: markets and shops are buzzing with visitors no matter what the season and the area’s numerous boutiques and indoor stalls are never short of weird and wonderful clothing – it’s the place to be for anyone into the punk or goth scenes, who will find leather, studs and rock paraphernalia in abundance.

The King’s Road

For the ultimate high-end shopping experience, a visit to the King’s Road in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is not to be missed. Stretching from Sloane Square and running through Fulham, the road is famous for its fashion scene, largely thanks to legendary designers Vivienne Westwood and Mary Quant. Boutiques, designer fashion houses, and the occasional French-style patisserie are staples in this highly affluent area, surrounded by Georgian and Victorian mansions.

Spitalfields and Brick Lane

Famous for its thriving silk markets, fresh fruit and vegetable produce in the 1600s, and later disused but since regenerated; Spitalfields is one of London’s most trendy areas. An Aladdin’s cave of history, the area is the best place to go for arts and crafts, vintage clothing, and independent boutiques. For a delicious post-shopping meal, visit nearby Brick Lane for some of London’s most mouth-watering curry houses.

If you’re planning on visiting London’s most fashionable districts for some well-deserved retail therapy, an American Express Gold Card or Platinum Card is the ideal shopping companion. You can earn reward points on virtually all your purchases, and take advantage of exclusive membership benefits.

March 18, 2012

Getting Cabs in London

London is considered the world’s most visited city. There really is no doubt about that; after all, even little kids know about London as they sing the famous nursery rhyme, “London Bridge is Falling Down”. A lot of people dream of visiting this place because it is the home of four World heritage sites and famous landmarks.

London’s most visited attractions include Madame Tussauds, Victoria and Albert Museum, National Maritime Museum, Tower of London, Science Museum, Natural History Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery, British Museum, and London Eye. I personally would love to visit Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace.

Planning an itinerary is difficult because London has way too many tourist attractions. Most of the time, tourists try to get in touch with different travel agencies to avoid the trouble of having to plan everything. Getting the service of a reputable and trusted travel agency makes it much easier to enjoy London because all that is needed is for one to pay and follow the tour guide. Oh, and there is always the option of availing of a taxi tour if you do not want to join group tours.

Believe it or not, you can hire a taxi to tour you around London. Whether you have limited time or you have the entire day, you can enjoy London with the help of taxi tours.

You have the option of choosing your own tour: day tours, popular tours, themed tours, city tours, or limited tours. It all depends on your time and budget. Taxi tours can accommodate up to five people – the more, the merrier because the rates are per taxi. Therefore, taxi tours are a good choice if you’re bringing along your family or a group of friends.

DIY travelers want to plan their own itinerary according to what interests them, and also according to their budget and time. They feel that they can maximize their time and save more money if they travel on their own. There is no problem in touring London on your own as long as you can speak the language. In addition, London is a very tourist-friendly city. If you need a ride, you can just check Anycabs.co.uk for London taxi cabs. This spares you from the trouble of looking for cab companies to call.

Any Cabs is like a one-stop website where you can book your minicab, check different cab companies, and compare taxi prices. Using the site is very easy and the best thing about it is there are no charges! Yes, looking for cabs is free on the site. Just enter your route and you will easily receive information on pick-up times and price comparisons. The site will help you choose which taxi cab to book.

So, if you want to enjoy London, www.anycabs.co.uk can definitely help you. It will save you time and money because you can get the nearest and cheapest cab. One other thing: if you accidentally leave your stuff inside the taxi cabs, the company can return it to you!

February 24, 2012

The Magnificent Isle of Skye, UK

The United Kingdom is a prosperous city and its economy is one of the most stable in the world. The cost of living here is high but the popular attractions available at this place are what keep the tourists coming to this country, again and again, making it one of the top tourists’ destinations in the world. The United Kingdom has a lot of charms and a week or two is not enough if you want to visit all the attractive places here. Some of the landmarks here are the Edinburgh Castle, the Stonehedge, Canterbury Cathedral and the Giant’s Causeway.

As mentioned earlier, the cost of living in this country is high but it can be more expensive as you move to the primary cities like London and Manchester. If you take taxis frequently, you will also mess up with your travel budget as they are really expensive. Therefore, you can save quite an amount of money if you hire a car at car rental UK. This car rental company gives you the best package based on your budget and you will not have any problems with the car because all of the cars prepared for the customers here are regularly serviced and checked by professional mechanics.

Usually, all the popular places in the United Kingdom are located inside England like London and Manchester but there are also some tourism places in the other countries like Scotland. Skye or also known as the Isle of Skye for some is an island with a total area of around 1,600 square kilometers and the structures of the island are directly influenced by a lot of cultures like the Norse, Gaelic, and English. The Isle of Skye is made popular among the tourists mainly because of the incredible scenery here that are sculptured by the mountains and you can also see the nice white-washed villages of the island.

Even though this island is a bit congested with tourists during the holiday season and also because of the weather here, you can still have a great time at the Isle of Skye. The best time to visit this place will be during the summer as the rainy days are rare, and the best place to go will be the Fairy Glen, which is a magical place for those who love to see the scenery of the mountains and greenest field you will ever see in your life. You can have a great time here by walking using the trails provided and take a lot of pictures as a souvenir of your visit here.