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The Foodie’s Guide to Jamaica

March 19, 2012 – 4:29 pm

Jamaica is a foodie’s dream, with the abundance of fresh ingredients and sultry global influences. All of the foreigners passing through this lush island nation have left their mark on Jamaican cuisine, making it astoundingly varied. The Spanish were the first to arrive, introducing vinegar and certain spices. Curries and African dishes are prevalent due to the mark of African slaves and indentured servants from China and Southeast Asia. The British have left their distinctly colonialist stamp as well, as Jamaicans drink the most tea per capita of any Caribbean nation.

Can’t Miss Dishes

You can’t take cheap flights to Jamaica without sampling a few local favourites. These are considered to be Jamaica’s National Dishes.

Ackee and Saltfish – The ackee fruit originates in West Africa. When unripe it’s poisonous, but when it’s cooked it looks and smells much like scrambled eggs, making it ideal for this breakfast dish. It’s boiled and sautéed along with salt cod, tomatoes, onions, and a melange of peppery seasonings.

Jerk Chicken – The jerk style of cooking meat is one of the culinary traditions in Jamaica that predates colonial influences, described by Christopher Columbus after his first visits to the island. It involves chicken (or fish, beef, or tofu if you prefer) being rubbed with the Jamaican jerk spice. The two main ingredients are allspice and scotch bonnet peppers, which can be combined with cloves, cinnamon, thyme, garlic, sea salt, and scallions. This jerked meat is then grilled over charcoal to lend it a smoky, spicy intensity.

Jamaican Patty –Perhaps no other dish sums up colonialism as well as the Jamaican Patty. This golden pastry is traditionally stuffed with spiced meat. Similar to an empanada or English turnover, the concept is European while the execution involves cumin and curry from Indian indentured servants, and cayenne pepper from African slaves. The result is distinctly Jamaican, and utterly delicious. You’ll find these patties everywhere, usually served with dreamy coco bread.

Gourmet Events

There’s more to the Jamaican culinary scene than these traditional comfort dishes. Food festivals are a great chance to whet your appetite. The Ocho Rios Seafood Festival takes place every August, and features curried, peppered, roasted, and grilled seafood, as well as lively dance contests and entertainment. It’s worth taking cheap flights during November to get a taste of contemporary cuisine during Restaurant Week, celebrating fine dining in Kingston, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios with hefty discounts at local restaurants.

For a unique dining experience that puts you at the heart of Jamaican food, Farm Dinners is a monthly happening that allows you to sample the best of sustainable local agriculture. Seated outdoors in a working field, you will be served an organic meal prepared entirely from ingredients harvested from nearby farms. This can be an ideal highlight of any gustatory tour of Jamaica.

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Europe

Who Benefits From All Inclusive Holidays?

January 27, 2012 – 9:15 am

Everybody wants their holiday to be fun-filled and secure and this only drives the travellers to look for a good platform and reasonable deals. Why not to make your holiday experience a lifetime treasure? Look for best holiday packages and some of the lucrative facilities to make your holiday unforgettable.

Nobody wants to spend a fortune on their package holidays, but at the same time we all want to visit a great location, receive the best service and make the most of our time abroad. Cheap family holidays save you money, but they don’t have to save on quality. You can book cheap holidays to quality, sunny destinations such as Spain and Portugal for example, which are very popular with British tourists for their warm weather, friendly locals and excellent food and drink.

Many travel companies claim to offer cheap holidays but you should examine all of them to discover which one really do offer the cheapest holidays.

When planning a holiday in 2012, consider all inclusive holidays deals that are sure to help you save money and spend a hustle-free vacation

All inclusive holidays cater for everyone. Whether you are taking the kids away, holidaying with friends or having a romantic break away, everyone can benefit from a hassle-free all inclusive deal.
All inclusive holidays remove all the stress and uncertainty of budgeting on holiday by providing all of your basic needs when you arrive at your destination, at no extra cost.

With a standard package holiday, it’s not just the price of flights and hotels that needs to be accounted for. Spending money during the holiday to cover the costs of food, drinks, entertainment and other activities can soon mount up. It can be difficult to work out how much you’ll need for the duration. Will you be eating out every night? Are the restaurants expensive? How much of your budget should be put aside for activities? There’s so much to plan and can you even afford it?

That’s the beauty of all inclusive; everything’s pre-paid, so all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the holiday of a lifetime.

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Hotels

Les Chalets Eurogroup Des Alpages

January 18, 2012 – 10:17 am

SATURDAY ARRIVALS ONLY – The superb south and west facing Les Chalets Eurogroup Des Alpages are situated right on the slopes, next to the Melezes chair lift and St Esprit ski lift, at an altitude of 2000 metres in the older station of Plagne Soleil and Plagne Village. Snow conditions are exceptional and the location of the chalets allows you to ski from the door! The Vanoise Express cable car links La Plagne with Les Arcs to form the Paradiski area giving skiers a massive area to ski. La Plagne is one of Europe’s largest and most popular resorts, and has facilities to suit all ski and snowboard skill levels.

This hotel will appeal to groups, couples and families’ looking for flexible accommodation from which to enjoy ski in/out facilities and all La Plagne has to offer. The hotel does not have a swimming pool.

There is a combination of Chalet’s and Lodge’s on offer. Most chalets have a terrace. The lodges have a balcony. The chalet’s can fit up to 10 people, and the lodges up to 8 people, with a choice to upgrade to a duplex lodge. Sheets, towels, baby cots, baby chairs, wood and cleaning services are not included in the price but can be paid for locally.

All have balcony/terrace bathroom/shower WC satellite TV kitchenette 4 hobs microwave fridge freezer dishwasher oven living room (certain amenities may be payable locally)

Please note: A compulsory holiday tax of approximately 1.09 euros per person per day must be paid onsite and a deposit of 260 euros per apartment and 750 euros per chalet is required upon arrival.


Satellite television

Terrace or balcony for most chalets

Living room with fireplace (in the chalets)

La Plagne offers a wide range of bars, cafes and restaurants and the accommodation has kitchen facilities for those who enjoy self catering. The hotel is suitable for couples, Families and Groups Beginners, Intermediates and Advanced.

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Hotels

Berlin Mark Hotel

January 11, 2012 – 11:45 am

This hotel is a modern and comfortable hotel and was renovated in 2006. The hotel offers 239 rooms and 11 family apartments (3 of which are wheelchair-accessible). It has a lobby with 24-hour reception, hotel safe, currency exchange facility and lift access. Bar and dining facilities both feature. The public areas of the hotel are air-conditioned and have WLAN coverage. Business guests can make use of the 3 conference rooms and a separate breakfast service. For guests arriving by car, parking facilities are available in the neighbouring car park (subject to fees).

The hotel is located right in the centre of what was formerly West Berlin, just a 2 minute walk from Berlin’s famous Kurfürstendamm. By public transport, directly accessible in the immediate vicinity of the hotel, all of Berlin’s sights are easily accessible, including the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial church, the zoo and the Europa Centre as well as an abundance of museums and theatres. Unter den Linden and the Brandenburg Gate are both a 20-minute walk away. Berlin Schönefeld Airport is 25 km away, while Berlin Tegel is 9 km away.

Guests can make use of the solarium.Guests can start the day with the hotel’s breakfast, or enjoy a meal later in the day at the bistro, or on the sun terrace when weather permits it. The following are all accepted as forms of payment: American Express, Diners Club, JCB, MasterCard and VISA.

Pets are allowed. Check-in is after 3 pm and check-out is before noon.

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Hotels

Magic Circus Hotel

November 28, 2011 – 9:14 am

The 4-star Vienna International Magic Circus Hotel is located a few steps of Disneyland Resort Paris, 35 minutes from Paris and the international airport Roissy Charles de Gaulle and only 8 minutes by free shuttle to Disney Parks and the Eurostar & TGV train station.

he inviting lobby offers guests a 24-hour reception desk, a hotel safe, and a currency exchange desk. An air-conditioned à la carte restaurant with a non-smoking area and a bar are also available to guests. Additionally, this homely hotel complex offers a banquet and conference room, Internet terminal (WLAN), a games room and various shops. Room and laundry services are also on offer. Younger guests may let some steam off in the children’s playground. Those arriving by car may make use of the garage.

During the spring and summer, guests are allowed to enjoy their meals on the hotel terrace. The tastefully furnished comfortable rooms come with an en suite bathroom with hairdryer, satellite/cable TV, a radio and Internet access. Guests will also find a tea/coffee making facilities, ironing facilities and a safe in the rooms and suites. The rooms also feature air conditioning (for a fee) and heating units.FeaturesThis hotel is spread over 3 floors and comprises 396 rooms.

The inviting lobby offers guests a 24-hour reception desk, a hotel safe, and a currency exchange desk. An air-conditioned à la carte restaurant with a non-smoking area and a bar are also available to guests. Additionally, this homely hotel complex offers a banquet and conference room, Internet terminal (WLAN), a games room and various shops. Room and laundry services are also on offer. Younger guests may let some steam off in the children’s playground. Those arriving by car may make use of the garage.

During the spring and summer, guests are allowed to enjoy their meals on the hotel terrace.LocationWhen coming from the A4, take exit 14, then the second street on the right. At the first crossing turn right and carry on to the roundabout. The first street on the right goes in the direction of the hotel (Val de France Magny-le-Hongre). Coming from the train station, take the free shuttle service which runs every 15 minutes from 6.30 am to 11.30 pm.ActivitiesThere is an indoor swimming pool, a pool bar and a gym in the well-maintained complex. A golf course is located nearby.

Facilities

  •     Fitness room / Gym
  •     Laundry service
  •     Money exchange
  •     Car Parking
  •     Public internet access

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Europe

Concorde Montparnasse Hotel

November 14, 2011 – 1:41 pm

Superb 4 star first category hotel, right in the heart of Paris. Very convenient location to/ from both international airports Charles de Gaulle and Orly. Down the street from the Montparnasse rail station, and within vicinity to the St Germain area. (0708IU).

This hotel is ideally located in the heart of Paris on the Left Bank, in the Montparnasse area. You will enjoy the quiet street where the hotel is located, yet you will be 5 minutes walking distance from the very lively part of Montparnasse, and all its bars and restaurants. Shuttle buses to/ from both Orly and Charles de Gaulle are down the street, a 3-minute walk away.

15 kms to the airport (orly)

30 kms to the airport (charles de gaulle)

3 minute walk to the nearest metro station (gaite)

Close to the station (montparnasse)

2 minute walk to the nearest bus stop

2 km to the nearest fair site (porte de versailles)

Completely refurbished in summer 2006, the rooms are of good size, very nicely decorated with fine materials and modern furniture. Everything has been calculated to offer the best comfort, and the result is really perfect. All of them are air-conditioned and sound-proofed.

The restaurant has a terrace and serves good cuisine, traditional and buffet style with a lot of different choices. The decoration in the restaurant is also very nice and colours have been mixed in a very harmonious way.

The building is tall and modern, perfectly integrated in an area. It faces the Place de Catalogne, a very large square.

The lobby is very large and welcoming. The natural light comes from both sides and the lobby is extremely bright. The check-in desk is facing the lifts and leads to the bar which is located right behind it. The area is very functional, yet again the decoration has been chosen with a lot of good taste.

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Europe

Tenerife Holidays

November 9, 2011 – 7:57 am

Tenerife is the largest island of the Canary. Part of the Anaga Mountains, which divide the island in half, the now extinct volcano, El Teide, reaches 12,188 ft, making it the highest point in Spain.  To the north of the island, sub-tropical vegetation flourishes and large plantations of bananas and pineapples grow on terraced slopes.  In complete contrast, the almost lunar-like terrain in the south is dry and filled with enormous cactuses and other desert flora.  Here, the main tourist resorts are situated. If you’re looking for lively holidays then Playa de Las Americas will keep you entertained. Anyways, if you are looking for something classier and quieter, Costa Adeje is a popular choice.

Are you interested in a flight to Tenerife and want to enjoy high quality service, with experienced, professional staff that is amongst the best trained and most courteous in the industry? Then you should make a better search through the millions of ticket offices to find the appropriate one which will provide you a better holiday to Tenerife. Of course it will be great if you enjoy pre-bookable seats, great value refreshments and excellent in-flight shopping. What’s more, you can be safe in the knowledge that your scheduled flight to Tenerife will be with the latest aircraft, cared for by highly-qualified technical staff.

 Weather in Tenerife is consistently good, so flight prices are fairly constant during the year, but there is an abundance of good value Tenerife flights to choose from. Although weather can differ from the north to the south of the island, for UK visitors there is still much to be appreciated. During the summer season you will feel the hottest temperature this means that the flights to Tenerife will be more expensive.  These nice photos will attract you at once, enjoy them.

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Europe

Sorrisniva Igloo, Norway

November 7, 2011 – 2:21 pm

This vast single-structure igloo in Finnmark is constructed each winter. Inside, you’ll find an ice bar, ice chapel, intricate ice sculptures (tables, chairs, fireplaces), plus bedrooms where the temperature is a steady -4C to -7C. Snowmobiling and husky safaris are offered during the twilit winter days, while a heated restaurant and sauna are close by when the cold gets too much.

Sorrisniva Igloo, Sorrisniva, Alta, Norway (00 47 784 33378; sorrisniva.no). Rates start at Nkr1,995 (£225) per person, including breakfast and transfers from Alta.


Kakslauttan, Finland

Way above the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, Kakslauttanen’s log cabins, glass domes and igloos offer distinctive accommodation that make the most of the wintry setting. After a husky or reindeer safari or a day’s ice fishing or show-shoeing, there’s a log-fired sauna, restaurant and ice bar to enjoy, plus the chance of witnessing the Northern Lights. Guests sleeping in the igloos get expedition sleeping bags, as well as socks and hats to keep them warm through the night.

Kakslauttanen, Saariselka, Finland (00 358 1666 7100; kakslauttanen.fi). Rates start at €195 per person, half board.

Igloo Village, Slovenia

In the foothills of the Julian Alps, the resort of Kranjska Gora offers picturesque views and excellent value skiing. And for anyone who doesn’t get enough snow during the day, there’s also the option of sleeping at the Igloo Village. Five domes are created each winter, each sleeping six in spare but atmospheric style. Additional “romantic” options sleep just two. Guests can warm up with fondue in the restaurant, while sheepskins, rugs and thermal sleeping bags keep things toasty through the night. Meanwhile, “bar inuits” serve perfectly-chilled drinks.

Igloo Village, Kranjska Gora, Slovenia (00 386 1 232 2364; eskimska-vas.si). Rates start at €89 per person, half board.


Iglu Village, Switzerland

Fifteen years ago, Adrian Gunter built himself an igloo in Engadine – he wanted to spend the night on the mountain to get a head start in finding untouched snow to board on in the morning. Friends started to join him, and today he runs seven camps of Iglu Villages in Switzerland and Andorra that offer paying guests luxuries that range from sheepskins to saunas. One of the latest is in Zermatt, with majestic Matterhorn views and a romantic heated igloo for two.

Iglu Dorf Zermatt, Riffelberg, Zermatt, Switzerland (00 41 41 612 27 28; iglu-dorf.com). Rates start at Sfr149 (£105) per person, half board.

Snow Village, Austria

Set in the Austrian Tyrol, the Snow Village offers an alternative to traditional mountain lodgings. Rooms are basic: two double beds with sleeping bags. The experience includes mulled wine and fondue, plus the chance to stay on the mountain after the ski crowds have gone. There’s also the opportunity to take part in an igloo construction workshop.

Schneedorf, Hochoetz, Oetz, Tyrol, Austria (00 43 52 52 20 157; schneedorf.com). Rates from €109 per person, half board.


Mon Village Igloo, France

This French Alpine experience starts with a guided snowshoe walk up to the igloo village, from the resort of La Plagne. Guests sink into a deck chair for aperitifs by the open fire before tucking into a Savoyard dinner inside the dining room, where the guides recount local folklore and explain the history of Inuit igloo living. There are four sleeping domes, decorated with candles and faux-fur throws. A hot breakfast awaits in the morning.

Mon Village Igloo, La Plagne, France (00 33 6 62 13 52 00; monvillageigloo.com). Rates start at €65 per person, half board.

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Hotels

10 Impressive Hotel Pools

October 31, 2011 – 8:05 am

If there is one thing that makes a holiday a real holiday for a lot of people it’s having a nice pool to dip into. If you’ve spent a boiling afternoon lying in the sun, there is no better feeling than dipping straight into a cool pool. Here are six top hotels throughout Europe that have amazing must try pools.

Torre Maizza,Puglia
This exclusive coastal resort in Italy has amazing views looks out to the Adriatic sea, interrupted only by  the ancient orchards, olive groves and vineyards. The pool is framed with wide wooden decking making the most of the daily sun. You can even take a seat in the watchtower for even better views.

3 Jardins Secret, Languedoc-Roussillon
A stone-lined pool is hidden in the ultra-romantic secret garden that is this hotel’s namesake. The unusual poolside topiary makes a nicely disobedient change from your standard palm trees. Not far away is Clos du Léthé, a former farmhouse turned boutique hotel whose amazing pool has apricot-orchard views and sweeping vineyard visions.

Bill & Coo, Mykonos
This greek island hotel is completely transformed at night when its infinity pool comes alive with hundreds of LED bulbs. The picture of the lights against the clean white-washed walls of the hotel matches its sleek design. The poolside views over the bay are enough to make you never want to leave.

6 Fresh Hotel, Athens
In this greek capital you can jump into this huge plunge pool on the ninth floor of this hotel. Athens is known for it’s hustle and bustle so nine floors above ground level is the perfect place to relax in a calming poolside. With the added bonus of a bar and views of the whole city, you’ll feel a million miles away from the city.


8 Can Ananja, Ibiza
What’s better than a heated pool? How about a solar power heated pool at this Ibizan villa. Housed in a cool  Scandinavian style building you will find an incredibly long pool, so long they’ve built a bridge over it. This is a great pool for laps and the bridge also creates a shallow end for the kids too.
10 Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona
It’s no surprise Barcelona has made it on the list thanks to its uber chic residents and it’s fantastic buildings, and what better way to enjoy than on the top floor of Grand Hotel. Not only can you relax ina sleek wooden lounger you also get to enjoy the views of the iconic Gothic district.
If this list has inspired you to book your next trip to a hotel to soak up the sun poolside, don’t forget to research other aspects of your trip including car rental and airport transfers. A rentals site such as car hire Florida providers, erentals.co.uk is full of plenty of information to help you plan your trip in advance.

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Italy

Rome hotels – whatever your budget is

October 27, 2011 – 8:45 am

As the most visited city of Italy, it comes as no surprise that Rome attracts millions of visitors every year; about seven to ten million in fact. Not quite as many as Venice which attracts around 12 million, however, with a number of great historic attractions and beautiful picturesque streets, Rome is the perfect European city break destination. And after a jam packed day full of sightseeing, it’s nice to have somewhere pleasant to come back and relax in and Rome is full or choice when it comes to accommodation.  Here are three hotels aimed at three different budget ranges so whatever you can afford, you can make sure you have somewhere to put your feet up at the end of a busy day.

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