Filed under: European Travel
With October nearly upon us, our thoughts are turning to the end of the month and the chilling prospects that Halloween brings. Celebrated for hundreds of years Halloween is one of the world’s most popular holidays, second only to Christmas. Whether you are planning a fancy dress party, masked ball or simply getting away on a Halloween break there is plenty of Halloween related events and destinations to choose from.
From fantastic locations shrouded in the mythology of Halloween to festivals celebrating the dead and astounding sights across the world now is the perfect time to get away and discover these fascinating things. Synonymous with Halloween are the creatures of the night from film and literature, from Frankenstein and werewolves to the famed Dracula our imagination is brimming with these monsters and what they are capable of. During Halloween why not delve deeper into the myth of Dracula and visit the stunning Bran Castle in Romania, home to Vlad the Imapler who inspired some of this great story. Alternatively enjoy an overnight stay at one of the hotels in Whitby and explore this beautiful seaside town, with the Dracula Experience attraction, Gothic Abbey and 199 stone steps to climb it is ideal for lovers of the unknown.
To find out about the terrible persecution of witches in the 17th Century then you can plan a short break to Salem, Massachusetts, where you can join in the 30th Annual Salem Haunted Happenings. Running throughout October this festival is host to a superb array of Halloween activities, from theatrical productions and visits to the Witches cottage to haunted cruises and ghost tours.
If you are planning on staying closer to home then there are plenty of ghost tours and haunted properties throughout the UK. Those on Edinburgh breaks can feel the spine tingling chill of walking through Mary King’s Close, while those planning breaks to York or Chester will be staying in one of the country’s most haunted cities.
What will you be up to this Halloween, have you ever stayed in a haunted house?
September 30, 2011
As we wave a fond farewell to summer and start to wrap up warm ahead of the long winter we have decided to look for the best places to head for a bit of winter sunshine! If you don’t fancy skiing and you need some sunshine all year round then here are our top places to head this winter.
1. Canaries
What better place to head off for some winter sun than the beautiful Canary Islands. Offering subtropical weather year round and warm clear seas it’s easy to see why people flock here throughout the year. Choose from a selection of some of the finest hotels in Tenerife and enjoy plenty of winter sun whatever the weather is back in England.
2. Egypt
Steeped in history Egypt is one of the most popular destinations for winter and summer sun! If you enjoy exploring then experience a cruise along the Nile River, or discover the Sahara Desert you could even spend a day scuba diving in the beautiful red sea. Situated in North Africa, Egypt enjoys incredible weather all year long.
3. Australia
The UK winter is the perfect time to head over to Australia as they are just entering the start of their summer, if long warm sunny days and BBQ’s on the beach are your thing then you will love it! See all of the incredible sights that make Australia one of the must see places on everyone’s list and select from a range of popular Australia hotels.
So there are just a few ideas for a Winter Sun Break where will you be heading in search of some sun?
September 22, 2011
It’s almost that time of year where we pull on our winter warmers and start thinking about the Christmas Shopping early! Each year we promise ourselves we won’t leave it until the last minute and that we will have it all done so we can just enjoy the run up to Christmas, but the shopping doesn’t have to be rushed and un-enjoyable! Each year the UK and Europe celebrate Christmas with some incredible international and local markets so it’s easier than ever to pick some quirky, unique gifts AND enjoy a city break.
One of the most famous markets in the UK is the Lincoln Christmas Market which attracts 1000’s of visitors each year. With traditional chalets selling arts and crafts, foods from across Europe and fairground attractions it’s easy to get in the festive spirit. But you have to be quick, Christmas Market hotels in Lincoln sell out fast, so make sure you plan ahead if you are thinking of enjoying this festive market.
If you fancy heading off to Europe why not check out the Bruges Christmas Marketor the Cologne Christmas Market, both perfect for discovering the historic cities and for picking up a bargain or two on your travels! Many markets run from the end of November to the first few days in January giving you plenty of time to decide where you want to go.
Will you be checking out any of the Christmas Markets this year?
September 15, 2011
The Venice Film Festival launched yesterday with George Clooney’s film The Ides of March. The worlds oldest Film Festival, the Venice Film Festival is now in its 68th year and has attracted stars from across the globe. Those staying in Venice hotels may catch a glimpse of some A List celebrities as they arrive at the much regarded festival. The Venice Film Festival runs until the 10th September and will screen over 22 films in the competition, alongside features from Madonna and Roman Polanski.
If you are a film buff then you will be well aware that there are many prestigious festivals throughout the year that attract the cream of the film industry. From the renowned Cannes festival in May to the Edinburgh Film festival in June and the celebrated Sundance festival which takes place every January there are plenty of festival for film lovers to enjoy.
This autumn those of you planning London breaks can enjoy some of the best independent and commercial films at two of the worlds best film festivals. The 19th Raindance Film Festival takes place from the 28th Sept – 9th October, screenings take place at the Apollo Cinema in Piccadilly and with plenty of London hotels in the area you can be at the heart of the action.
October sees the return of the BFI London Film Festival, from the 12th – 27th October venues across London will be screening some of the best new films from across the world. Further afield the Toronto film festival takes place from the 8th – 18th September and will showcase the new documentaries on Neil Young and Paul McCartney.
So will you be going to any of this years film festivals? Do you think they are a good representation of the cinema world?
September 1, 2011
If you are one of those people who like to shy away from the crowds and enjoy seeing something a little bit different then you may be planning a short break somewhere away from the expected. Across the world there are hundreds of countries and cities waiting for you to discover them, from the ancient Tombs of the Kings in Cyprus to the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico there is a huge choice of exciting and different places to see.
With the autumn weather drawing in now is the perfect time to put on your adventure boots and start exploring. Whether it’s a weekend break in Dubrovnik or a voyage of discovery to the stunning Pyramids of Egypt there are a great number of beautiful and fascinating sights to choose from. Here is our selection of some of the must see destinations:
Tallin:
The 2011 European Capital of Culture Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia. With cobbled streets, medieval city walls and the striking Toompea Castle it is a beautiful city well worth visiting.
Marrakech:
Near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech combines bustling city life with a rich landscape. Close to the valley of the Draa River, near the Sahara desert and the beautiful Waterfalls of Beni Mellal there is plenty to see and do in this great city.
Santorini:
Although popular, if you travel outside of the summer months then you can enjoy this remarkable Island without the crowds. Santorini is one of Greeks most beautiful islands, with traditional white buildings, an active volcano and surrounded in the myth of the lost Atlantis it’s an ideal spot to escape to.
So there’s a few of our suggestions for something a little bit different, where would you go to?
August 26, 2011
As you prepare to jet off on your jolly holidays it’s easy to forget even the littlest things, so to help you feel fully prepared for this year’s week in the sun or short break we have teamed up with our very helpful Twitter and Facebook followers who have shared some of their tips to make your holiday run as smoothly as possible.
Special Requests Before Travel
If you have any special requests it’s always better to check before you travel, giving the accommodation the opportunity to make sure they have everything needed to make your stay as enjoyable as it should be. Most hotels are fully prepared with accessible rooms and different foods on offer for any allergies but it’s always best to check and remind us when you are booking.
www.tourismforall.org.uk gave us some fantastic top tips for disabled guests. They suggest checking beforehand that accommodation has been assessed for availability and to obtain an access statement if available. It is very important to check this before you book and before you travel as not all information will be stored in brochures and on websites.
They also suggest if you do need aids or equipment and your accommodation doesn’t have these, find out ahead of travel if they can suggest somewhere you can hire them and always make sure that there is ample parking if you are arriving by car.
Packing
It’s easy to over pack when you are getting ready to head off and if you takes Susan Reid’s advice you might even find a little bit of extra room in your case! Susan recommends not weighing your bags down with heavy bottles of sun lotion and shampoo but to take one small bottle of each that will last you until you find the nearest shop. Make sure though you get the right size so you use them all up before you head home.
If you are like Jane Crease then you might find it easier to write a packing list and checking things off as you pack them. You can’t beat a good holiday list J
At the Airport
Airports can be incredibly stressful and Val Kennedy suggests remaining cool, calm and collected at all times. With flights sometimes suffering delays from bad weather and other unavoidable situations, emotions always seem to be on edge at the airport. It’s easy to get stressed as you are eager to getaway so make sure you pack a book to keep you occupied if you do have to wait.
If you are travelling with kids Jules Bowley had a fab idea in packing new toys and books to keep the kids entertained as they can soon become bored if they are waiting around. This is a must for any family travelling anywhere you might encounter a delay or a long period of travelling.
So there you have some of the top tips from our Twitter and Facebook followers, what top tips have you got to help your holiday run as smoothly as possible?
August 20, 2011
Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life and if you are planning a wedding in the near future then you’ll know there is much to consider. From the dress, the suits, the cake and the guest list to the organisation of the food, drinks and speeches there is a lot to get done. Amongst the official organisation for the day you may well have thought about what to do for your Stag and Hen breaks. Whether you’re after a relaxing break with the girls, an action filled adventure break or simply need a hotel to stay in overnight there are plenty of great ideas to choose from.
Why not have a go at mixology with a Cocktail Making course and discover some delicious flavours or pamper you and your friends with a relaxing spa break. For the boys there is a host of activities on offer, from Paintballing and Clay Pigeon shooting to White Water Rafting and Go-Karting or why not head out on a Golf Break
Its not all high octane though, there are plenty of hotels in fantastic cities across the UK and Europe where you can take things at your own pace and plan your ideal short break. From great city breaks, to attraction tickets and theatre breaks you can tailor your break to suit you.
Where will you be going on your stag or hen break, will it be an action packed adventure break or a quieter escape before the big day?
August 19, 2011
We are now well in to August and in true British Fashion we aren’t going to let a little bit of rain dampen our spirits ahead of the August Bank Holiday weekend. There is plenty to do on this last extended weekend in the sunshine which will see hundreds of thousands of people aim to getaway for a short break. Here are our top ideas for a way to spend a hassle free bank holiday weekend.
Best for Families
With all attractions open for the summer season you will find something for everyone in our range of family attraction breaks. You can choose from thrill seeking theme park breaks to frightening Dungeons trips, discover the history behind Cadburys Chocolate or enjoy a ride on the incredible London Eye. The best part of it all, the kids will love it!
Best for Couples
If you are looking to escape and don’t fancy spending half of your bank holiday in the regular traffic jams how about hopping on board a train and spending the weekend on one of our rail breaks. Popular destinations like London, Edinburgh and York have never been so easy to reach and in a matter of hours you can be out sightseeing instead of spending your weekend in traffic.
Best for Girls Weekend
An extended weekend is a perfect excuse for getting the girls together and heading off for a few days of pampering. So why not take this opportunity and head off on one of the many spa hotels across the UK. You can take advantage of luxury facilities, beautiful surroundings and relaxing treatments, what more could you need?
Best for Boys Weekend
While the girls are away pampering what better way for the boys to spend a few days than by heading off on a P&O Minicruise break to Amsterdam. Better known for its Red Light District and many bars, Amsterdam is the perfect lad’s weekend away. Leisure
Are you planning on getting away this Bank Holiday Weekend?
August 11, 2011
If you are still struggling between booking two weeks in the sun or enjoying a few ad hoc UK based holidays, you will know that the pressure is on to make the most of the good weather. While the English summer hasn’t exactly been up to much at the moment there is still plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine and make the most of all that the UK and beyond has to offer. After speaking to a few of my colleagues in the office we came up with our top overseas holiday and UK break destinations.
London
Here at Superbreak Towers we are very big on the UK’s capital for lots of reasons. We love the variety that this amazing city has to offer as well as the incredible buzz that comes from the vibrant West End. But it doesn’t stop there it’s never been easier (or cheaper) to visit the city especially with our London rail breaks, meaning that you can visit the capital for a lot less. If you do head to the capital be sure to try out Ed’s Diner! You will find this nestled between the Jersey Boys and Priscilla theatre’s and this is a must for burger lovers everywhere.
Barcelona
There are many Barcelona Hotels to choose from and if you plan on staying a week or just a few days you will find something to suit your needs. There are many reasons for visiting this historic city and they range from the medieval romance in the Gothic quarter, awe-inspiring art nouveau architecture of Gaudi in Sagrada Familia and over 3,000 works of art in the Picasso Museum! If you are lucky enough to be in Barcelona in September make sure you are in town for the he Festes de la Mercèe. This week long party celebrates Catalan culture and shows Barcelona in its best light!
Sydney
If you are looking to venture a little bit further away then check out our range of hotels in Sydneywhich are an ideal home from home when visiting the beautiful south-east coast. Renowned for its culture, art and iconic landmarks no trip to Australia is complete without a Sydney stop over to experience this incredible city. No trip to Sydney is complete without the Sydney BridgeClimb which takes you 134 metres above Sydney Harbour!
Paris
Paris is one of the most incredible cities in the world, with many monuments and attractions to enjoy around the city. This romantic and enchanting city is popular with families and couples alike and it’s easy to see why. If you get the chance to visit Paris our top tip is to make time to visit the stylish boutiques and savour the superb French cuisine!
This is just a few of our favourite cities, what are yours?
August 5, 2011
Posted by Becky
If you are thinking of booking a short break but don’t want to spend a fortune then why not try a P&O minicruise break. With two nights on the ferry, return coach transfers and one or two night stays in great European cities they offer a relaxing and stress free break. Set off from Hull and enjoy a night of entertainment on the ferry before arriving at your chosen destination. With cruises sailing to both Amsterdam and Bruges there is plenty of stunning sights and fascinating attractions to keep you busy. Here is our guide to some of the best these two cities have to offer.
Top things to do in Amsterdam:
Renowned for its art, culture and waterways Amsterdam is a great destination for a weekend break. Steeped in history this magnificent city has plenty for you to discover, from the famed Red Light District to world class museums and an array of festivals Amsterdam is a city not to be missed. Here are our top places to visit in Amsterdam:
Anne Franks House – famed throughout the world for one girls struggle to survive.
The Van Gogh Museum – displaying the largest selection of Van Goghs art.
Gassan Diamonds – explore the history behind the city of Diamonds.
Rijksmuseum – the Dutch national museum.
The Canals – take a boat on the canals and enjoy a different view of the city.
Top things to do in Bruges:
A UNESCO world heritage site Bruges is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. With superb architecture, stunning canals and a medieval city centre Bruges is ideal for a short break. With a reputation for its chocolate making and fine selection of beers there is plenty to discover in this small city. Here are our top things to do in Bruges:
Take a boat trip on the canals -discover secret gardens and ancient bridges
Climb the 13th-century Belfry – see a great view of Bruges from the top
Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood – dating from the 12th Century
Sample some local beers – over 400 types of beer
Visit the Chocolate museum – explore the history of Belgian chocolate.
With a three night cruise and stay in one of our hotels in Amsterdam from just £78, mincruise breaks are an ideal way of getting away from the hum drum of everyday life at an affordable price. So have you been on a minicruise? Which of these cities would you like to see?
July 15, 2011
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