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Europe’s most beautiful locations to hire a boat

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Europe’s most beautiful locations to hire a boat

Holidays are an escape from the day-to-day. For some it is a chance to relax and unwind, for others it is an opportunity for adventure. From enjoying an island escape or exploring nature, to simply soaking up the sun, hiring a newly serviced boat gives you the freedom and flexibility to do anything you want to in a way that planes and trains simply can’t. This means your holiday is not limited to just one location, and you’re free to move from place to place without ever compromising on luxury.

But where to go? From the world’s great historical cities to areas of outstanding natural beauty, these incredible European destinations will help to fuel your wanderlust.

Corsica, France

Located south of the French mainland in the Mediterranean Sea, Corsica is blissfully isolated, meaning that unlike many other idyllic locations, the traditional way of life has not yet been overrun by tourism.

The remarkable Corsican coastline offers untouched beaches and plenty of bays and coves to discover, which might be why this is the perfect location for an exploratory boating break.

At the southernmost tip of Corsica lies the harbour town of Bonifacio. With a sparkling marina, sweeping palm trees and incredible food, the area has a sophisticated Mediterranean atmosphere and makes for an ideal location to moor up and enjoy the bars and restaurants lining the resort.

Take time to explore the mainland, where the town of Ajaccio is essential to any visit. As well as being the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and rich in Roman history, some of the island’s best views can be found walking in the hills and mountains that circle the island’s capital.

Dalmatian Islands, Croatia

It might not be one of the first locations holidaymakers may think of for their boating break, but Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is a paradise for those looking to spend their time exploring.

Located between Split and Dubrovnik, the Dalmatian Coast consists of over 1,000 mostly uninhabited islands of varying sizes. From untouched beaches and ancient cities, to cocktail bars and shopping, avid explorers really can find a little of everything here.

If you want to test your sailing skills, the nearby Kornati archipelago is the place to go. Here you can steer your boat through 89 islands, islets and reefs that make up this National Park. While nobody lives on the islands, you might notice small houses dotted around which are used during the agricultural season when locals from nearby Murter Island arrive to tend to the olives and vineyards.

One of the more well-known islands in the region is Hvar. With fresh water springs, pine forests, vineyards and lavender fields, this 68km long island’s natural beauty cannot be overstated and is one of the reasons that Hvar Town is a well-loved resort at the height of summer. In the north of the island, Stari Grad offers a more peaceful alternative where life is lived at as much slower pace and views are uninterrupted, with opportunities to moor up away from the hustle and bustle.

Amalfi coast, Italy

The stretch of Italian coastline known as the Amalfi Coast has been attracting artists, holiday makers and dreamers to its romantic shores for hundreds of years.

The perfect shores, colourful architecture and iconic villas stacked along the hills have helped to secure this region the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Combine this with a rich culture, some of Europe’s finest cuisine and the Mediterranean climate, and it’s no wonder that the Amalfi Coast remains such a famous and popular holiday location.

While the views you would experience from driving along the coast are stunning, seeing panoramas from out on the open waters, and from a different perspective each day, is remarkable. By boat, you have the freedom to explore the many calm coves along the coast, swim in the ocean and soak up the sun before coming ashore to discover the famous foods of the region.

On land, the picturesque towns and winding, narrow streets will charm as much as the volcanoes and sandy beaches, but the real treasure is the world-class cuisine. From rich coffee to classic stonebaked pizzas, the best Italy has to offer is already there waiting for you.

Balearic Islands, Spain

For those looking to see and do as much as possible during their time on the water, the Balearic Islands are an excellent opportunity to explore a string of lively islands in the Mediterranean sun. The best time of the year to sail the Balearic Islands is the summer, between April and October, when the waters are at their calmest.

The sense of freedom as you explore inlets surrounded by perfect blue waters, spot dolphins and swim or dive is certainly idyllic, but the archipelago, located off the eastern coast of Spain, offers so much to explore and discover that you will likely need at least two weeks to explore the four largest islands (Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera).

From the stunning cathedral in Palma de Mallorca to Porto Cristo, the Caves of Drach and their famous underground lake, Majorca is a perfect place for discovering the history and culture of the Balearic region. With seven Michelin-starred restaurants on this island alone, foodies will also be in paradise.

Menorca’s size makes it ideal for exploring by the sea, but any budding hikers in your group should also experience Camí de Cavalls, a 185km, 20-stage walk that covers the entire island’s coastline, cliffs, beaches and pinewoods. Similarly, the smallest of the four islands, Formentera, is the perfect size for a day of walking or cycling.

Finally, Ibiza, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its night life as much as the area’s natural beauty and is certainly worth setting foot on shore for during your stay.

The Top 7 Things You Need To Try In Europe

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The Top 7 Things You Need To Try In Europe

The European continent is chockfull of bucket-list worthy attractions to suit the different tastes of modern travellers, but none are more amazing than the ones we’ve listed here. Not only are these once-in-a-lifetime experiences unique to Europe, but they offer some of the most astounding, extraordinary and immersive experiences to be enjoyed on planet Earth. Explore and enjoy.

1. Cruise around the Greek Islands

A combination of unspoilt beaches, rustic architecture, clean lines and a slow peaceful lifestyle is what you’ll experience when sailing through Greek isles. From Paros to Antiparos, Patmos, Santorini and the well-known Mykonos, you’ll marvel at the beauty of the white washed Cliffside homes and definitely enjoy swimming in the hidden caves’ crystal clear waters where the atmosphere is absolutely serene.

2. Say a Toast in front of the Eiffel Tower

Of all the luxury hotels in Paris, none beats Hotel Raphael when it comes to exceptional Eiffel Tower views. Now imagine enjoying a glass of champagne beneath rose-covered trellises as you take in these uninterrupted views in an iconic hotel. This is definitely a stopover that you don’t want to miss the next time you’re in Paris.

3. The Grand Prix in Monaco

It’s one of the most renowned car racing events in the world, and attracts hundreds of thousands of revellers each year, and the fact that it’s set on the picturesque Mediterranean coastline makes it even more enticing. So rent a car and join this must-see spectacle if you’re in the city during that time and be sure to snap picture that say, ‘I was there’.

4. Rowing Lake Bled

With its enchanting emerald green waters, an ancient church nestled in a mysterious islet bordered by crests of Julian Alps, sleepy Lake Bled is Slovenia’s best kept secret. This gorgeous body of water is so pretty that one has to see it to believe it. In fact, visiting this dreamlike lake makes one feel like a character on The Lord of the Rings or the King Arthur epic, and we’d certainly recommend it during the early spring, right before the hordes of holidaymakers come in.

5. Get Some Culture in Rome

This romantic city has so much to offer in terms of history, architecture and food that it’s hard to pick one activity to do. Our advice would be to take advantage of the tiny cobblestone streets and walk your way through Rome’s landmarks, both contemporary and ancient. What results is an immersive experience where you’d blend a gelato stop with a visit to the Vatican, or a café Pizza followed by an exploration of the Pantheon. Whichever way you choose to explore Rome, just be sure to appreciate her beauty while there and take in as much culture as you can.

6. Talk a stroll along Primrose Hill

A walk along Primrose Hill perfectly encapsulates the essence of London culture. One moment you’ll be snapping pictures of the giant Shakespeare oak tree, and the next you’d be enjoying panoramic views of a glorious sunset atop the summit of this legendary landmark hill. In addition, Primrose Hill affords you a bird’s eye view of St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Millennium Wheel and the Canary Wharf from a vantage point that you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else.

7. Experience Royal Living in the Scottish Highlands

The land of the Scots is well-known for its abundance of old castles, most of which are wrapped in ancient lore so complex it’d make your head whirl, but no experience can be more thrilling than actually saying in a castle. Thanks to the 1969 conversion of the Inverlochy Castle into a hotel, you now have the opportunity to live, dine and sleep like a true royal. With accommodation that is extravagantly decorated with stunning artwork and remarkably beautiful grounds, you’ll leave feeling as though you’d just returned from another lifetime altogether.

10 Tips and Tricks for Solo Travelers in Europe

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10 Tips and Tricks for Solo Travelers in Europe

Traveling alone anywhere in the world can be quite a daunting experience at first, especially if you have only ever travelled in a group or with, at least, one other person. But as long as you are prepared, your journey should go without a hitch – or at least a massive one.

Travelling alone may be scary at first but it definitely has its benefits. You have no one else to answer to and can do whatever you want, whenever you want. You don’t fully appreciate the freedom you have of travelling alone until you are travelling with others.

We have put together a list of 10 tips for travelling alone around Europe, to help your travels go as smoothly as possible and to have a successful trip.

Stay in Hostels

Hostels are perfect for finding other people just like you – those who are travelling and may be looking to make friends. Hostels are great for meeting new people and building connections and perhaps getting together to go out and enjoy what the local area has on offer.

Be Outgoing

When travelling you should always try to be as outgoing as possible, introverts will often lose out on opportunities that travelling presents. You don’t want to miss out, you want to experience everything and get the best out of your journey and the best way to do this is not being shy. Don’t be afraid to approach people!

Couchsurfing Sites

Hostels may be great, but couchsurfing sites are brilliant for meeting new people and most importantly, locals. They will know the area and be able to point you in the direction of things you otherwise wouldn’t have known about. Building connections with residents is also great if you ever plan on coming back! You then know you have a friendly, recognisable face awaiting you.

Be Safe

It goes without saying, but always be safe and use your common sense at all times. Research the laws within the areas you are staying as some places may have weird laws that you are not familiar with or used to. It is important to understand how you are expected to behave.

Unlock Your Phone

By unlocking your phone, you will be able to save quite a large amount of money over the course of your travels. You’ll be able to get access to a range of cheaper networks around Europe that you otherwise wouldn’t have access to.

Don’t Overpack

You don’t want to have to worry about lugging about large amount of stuff with you for weeks, or months, on end. Pack lightly and only take what you need, you should also try to restrict yourself on the amount of stuff you buy in each place. You need to be able to pack 1 or 2 cases and go with ease whenever you wish to be off. When you travel alone, as you are able to simply get up and go whenever you want, you want to be able to do this within a minutes. The last thing you want is to be spending ages packing, this will just take away time that you could have been spending on much more exciting things.

Cook Yourself

Whenever possible, cook for yourself within your hostel or place you are staying as not only is it cheaper but it will also enable you to get talking and meet others you are staying in the same place. In hostels, a lot of people gather in the kitchens as they are communal areas so this is one of the best ways to get talking.

Familiarise Yourself

As soon as you know you will be staying within the local area for a while, you should locate all of the local stores and find out where everything important is, in case you need anything. You should also stock up on essentials as soon as you can – such as water, food etc.

Be Sensible

When it comes to your valuables, you need to take great care and never leave them in sight – regardless of how much you think you can trust the people around you. The truth is, you don’t know them. Ask the manager at the place you are staying whether they have a safe that you could use and never tell anyone how much money you are carrying.

Airbnb

Airbnb is perfect when it comes to getting a guided tour from someone who knows the area well. It is very common to make friends with your host through Airbnb and them to take you out and show you around and give you directions to the good stuff you may enjoy that wouldn’t be that searchable online.

Hopefully this guide has shown you some helpful tips about travelling around Europe safely while having lots of fun! Travelling alone can make you very nervous but you will have a blast.

10 Great Beach Destinations in Europe for Hen & Stag Parties

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10 Great Beach Destinations in Europe for Hen & Stag Parties

Selecting the perfect destination for your hen or stag party is often the difference between having an experience that is memorable for either the right or the wrong reasons. So it is important to get it right. I know how difficult it can be narrowing down the ultimate destination from a list of thousands, so you have few options to get inspiration, either to join communities like Tripadvisor or check any dedicated website for hen and stag weekends. Here is also our list of 10 great beach destinations in Europe for you to check.

Tropea, Italy

Tropea is a seaside resort in the south of Italy, hovering over several sandy beaches and a rocky promontory. Known as the ‘Coast of the Gods’, this stretch of coastline is deemed as one of the finest summer beach destinations in Europe. With so many great places to sample some of Italy’s finest cuisine, you’ll never have an empty stomach, not to mention you’ll be able to line your stomachs ready for the night out on the town. Tropea has its fair share of typical tourist shops selling little souvenirs, as well as plenty of facilities to embark on some awesome water-based excursions. Becoming more and more popular each year, Tropea is a great beach destination for any hen or stag do in Europe.

Ibiza, Spain

It is common knowledge that Spain is hen and stag central, so what better place to enjoy your hen or stag do than in Ibiza. The Spanish island sure does know how to party, and its beautiful views and friendly occupants are more than impressive. So if you are looking for perfect weather, fine beaches and an epic night life scene, an Ibiza hen or stag party is not one to be missed. No hen or stag party in a beach destination is complete without joining a beach club or a pool party. Non-stop drinking and dancing are the ultimate pairing, add the surroundings of the San Antonio beach and you’ll have a top experience on your hen or stag party!

Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Languedoc-Roussillon is another fantastic beach destination for hen and stag parties in Europe. This French sun-baked region stretches from the Camargue to the Spanish coast, and even in the height of summer, there’s always plenty of sandy beach to go round. As home to the biggest beaches and captivating cities, there are a plethora of things to get stuck into here on your hen or stag weekend. Whether you’d prefer to head inland to tour around the many hills, caves gorges and forests, or even head out to experience a night of traditional sardanes folk dancing, there is something here for everyone.

Benidorm, Spain

Benidorm is one of those special beach destinations that is ideal for an adventurous hen or stag party in Europe. This Spanish resort is designed for those who want to party hard, so you can be sure to find a variety of nightlife and entertainment activities to fill your days and nights. With hundreds of great bars and nightclubs to choose from, the possibilities are endless. Benidorm is about 4 miles of breath-taking beaches and crystal clear waters, so take advantage of this by diving in to some water sports action. Or perhaps you’d prefer access to one of Benidorm’s top beach clubs? There is no doubt that you’ll have a great time here.

Constanta, Romania

As Romania’s largest port city on the Black Sea, Constanta is also the gateway to the country’s many seaside resorts. Although a little off the beaten path for your typical hen or stag party, there are tons of activities and things to do and see to make your weekend sizzle! Mamaia is probably one of the most popular of Constanta’s beach resorts, so it is the best place to hang out with your friends and soak up the sun before heading out to paint the town red. The parties here are non-stop, so if you are looking for a great beach destination in Europe for your hen or stag do, look no further than Constanta.

Tenerife, Spain

Tenerife is the best-known, not to mention the largest, of the seven Canary Islands, making it one of the most popular beach destinations in Europe for hen and stag dos. Here you can expect nothing less than a good bang for your buck, with alcohol and club entries being as little as a couple of Euros. Attracting over 10 million visitors each year, the city caters for all tastes. You can hire a guide to take you around the Spanish city, embark on an adrenaline-filled adventure of quad biking or go karting, or even head out onto the water in a jet ski.

Other amazing beach destinations for hen and stag parties in Europe:

Zante/Zakynthos
Lanzarote
Magaluf
Marbella/Puerto Banus

Whatever destination you choose the most important is to enjoy your escape and make memories that will last forever.

Budget Travel Destinations in Europe

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Europe remains one of the top sightseeing destinations for all kinds of travelers whether they are going for a honeymoon, a simple weekend getaway or a family vacation. It has to offer some of the most expensive cities to tourists but at the same time there are many cheap travel destinations in Europe that attract thousands of visitors who are looking for a budget vacation. When you do your homework and find out that these destinations cost much less than other spots but are equally enjoyable, you are tempted to check them out at least once. So, let’s have a look at some of these budget travel destinations of Europe.

Kiev, Ukraine has been found to be the cheapest in terms of hotel stay, transportation, meals, and entertainment. It is considered a remote city of Europe but it still has some great landmarks and attractions to offer to tourists. It is a recommended destination for first-time Europe visitors.

Kiev

Similarly, Bucharest in Romania is one of the cheapest cities of Europe offering a good number of tourist spots as well as world-class restaurants and entertainment areas for kids.

If you haven’t been to Budapest, Hungary and wish to travel to Europe for your next vacation, it is highly recommended that you pay this city a visit. It is not only cheap but it also has a number of castles and cathedrals to keep you entertained for hours. You might find hotels somewhat expensive here but after a little research you’re able to get your hands on some hostels for a very inexpensive stay. If you plan on staying for more than a week, this travel destination is for you.

Poland is one European country that offers more than one attractive and cheap cities to its visitors. Krakow and Warsaw are two of these budget travel destinations for tourists. It is the capital city of Poland offering a number of historical buildings and landmarks to impress the visitors. You can have a great time vacationing in this city with your family owing to the great weather and simply awesome food.

If you have always wanted to visit Turkey, now is the time to fulfill your dreams because Istanbul is one classic city that is not only extremely beautiful but also quite cheap. There are ancient markets and mosques to explore here in addition to many other city attractions as well as shopping malls. You may find accommodation a little expensive but overall this city is considered one of the inexpensive European destinations for tourists.

Russia is home to many important landmarks and truly fantastic buildings. If you want to go there on a budget vacation, Saint Petersburg is the city to choose. While some people may argue that Moscow is more beautiful and attractive, it is a well-known fact that Saint Petersburg is more tourist-friendly. You will be able to find good food here without much trouble and the hotels are well-kept and neat.
If you’re planning a budget vacation anytime soon, it is recommended to check out the above-mentioned cities of Europe to have a quality time with your loved ones.

Strapped for cash? If you’re travelling on a budget but still can’t afford your trip you could get a logbook loan on your car from logbookcalculator.com which allows you to release the cash value of the car. You keep the car while the loan is being paid back so no need to worry, your car will still be there when you return from your holiday!

5 Must-Know Tips for Smoother Train Travel in Europe

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Europe is quite a bit different than America in many ways, and one of the big ones is in how people get around. While riding a train might seem like a novelty in the U.S., it’s one of the top ways people travel within their own country, and also from country-to-country in Europe.

Rail rides are convenient, cost-effective, and they make a great travel option because it gives you a unique chance to view scenery during your trip.

However, if you’re new to train travel, it can be intimidating at first, so below are must-know tips to make it a less anxiety-producing experience.

Consider a Eurail Pass
If you’re going to be traveling to multiple destinations on your trip, you’re often going to benefit the most from purchasing a Eurail pass. This pass can be purchased ahead of time through sites like GoEuro, and it provides you with affordability and flexibility. The Eurail Global Pass lets you explore up to 28 countries in Europe by train, and you can select between first or second class seats. This is the most highly recommended train ticket for anyone who plans on doing quite a bit of traveling within Europe.

Book In Advance
Try not to wait until the last minute to book any train tickets, whether you’re going throughout several countries or just point-to-point. Often the sooner you book, and the further out from your trip you are, the better the prices you’re going to get.

Seat Reservations
While you might not want to spend the extra money on a first class ticket, something worth spending more on is a seat reservation. If you don’t reserve a seat, you’re not guaranteed a spot and you might not find one in the area you like. For example, if you reserve a seat ahead of time you can pick a window so you can maximize the views on your journey. If you do happen to find an empty seat, you might have to give it up at another stop if someone gets on who’s already claimed it as a reservation.

Familiarize Yourself with the Train Layout
Train travel can be a bit confusing for people who haven’t done it before, particularly when everything is in a foreign language. To make it easier, learn about the seating and platforms of the trains you’ll be taking. This is offered in a map at most stations, and it will show you the best place to stand for the specific seat you’ve reserved. That way, you don’t have to walk through the train searching for your spot.

Don’t Count On a Huge Selection of Food
Trains in Europe can vary quite a bit in the availability of food and refreshments they offer. Some may have a full dining car while on others there might just be a few snacks to purchase. Regardless, food on trains tend to be pricey, so try to bring your own food, particularly if it’s a long trip.
Undoubtedly, most experienced travelers would agree the railways are the best way to see all of the distinctive countries that make up Europe, and with planning and tips like the ones above, you can ensure it’s all smooth travels.