Posts by beagomez:

Game, Set & Match: Wimbledon 2013

May 20th, 2013



With only a couple of months until the world’s most famous tennis tournament is hosted in the UK capital, now is a perfect time to book a city break in London so that you’re not left without accommodation for the biggest event in the tennis year.

People from all over the world will be flocking to the city to catch a game, set or match and will, obviously, be needing somewhere to stay. While some will have the spare cash to flaunt on expensive boutique hotels, unfortunately we’re not all so flush. There are plenty of affordable hotels in the area though, which will ensure you’re a stone’s throw from Wimbledon and don’t have to pay extortionate costs for a comfortable room. It’s expected that demand will be high, so book your stay sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.



Taking place at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club between the 24th June and the 7th July, Wimbledon 2013 will attract thousands to its courts as we see world-class players battle it out to win the coveted championship titles.

Defending champions, Roger Federer and Serena Williams, will be there to guard their titles, as spectators watch on while tucking in to a classic bowl of strawberries and cream.

The prestigious event has been hosted by the club since 1877 and, along with the Australian Open, French Open and US Open, forms one of the four majors that make up the Grand Slam tennis tournaments. As the only one that still plays on grass, Wimbledon has been set aside as one of the most successful tournaments in the world and a huge summer attraction for London.

Of course, you don’t have to go to London to enjoy the event. Thousands of people across the UK and beyond are content with watching it on the television (some even booking their annual leave to coincide with the championship), but there’s nothing quite like the atmosphere that you will be able to experience when you’re on site.



There is usually a strict dress code, with people expected to arrive in smart-casual attire and with 19 tournament courts available during the championships, that’s a lot of spectators!

Will we see one of our home-grown talents winning the coveted title this year, or will the reigning champions hold on to the top spots once again? Start organising your accommodation and buy your Wimbledon tickets today, and you will be right there in the heart of the action to find out.

Take a look online at the excellent value hotels in the heart of the capital, which will guarantee you a city break in London to remember. Combine your Wimbledon trip with the chance to appreciate what else the city has to offer and you can enjoy a well-rounded visit that you will remember forever.

Prepare yourself for a day of incredible atmosphere, disappointments and jubilations as Wimbledon takes full force. Catch it in person or on the television from June 24th 2013.

 

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The Best Travel Tweets of the Week

May 18th, 2013



1. Know before you go: Paris ow.ly/l5huy by @NatGeo #tips #travel #france
2. 10 best places to visit in Germany ow.ly/l5i2j by @touropia #europe #travel #tips
3. Video of the day on @Gadling: A Spanish roadtripow.ly/l5h3B #spain #travel
4. 17 coffee shops around the globe that guarantee a rush ow.ly/l5gQW by @TheCultureist#coffeeshop
5. A passion for pirogues; wolves of the wavesow.ly/kXThe via @MalloryOnTravel #travel#adventure
6. 10 best places to learn a language worldwideow.ly/kXTqJ #travel #tips
7. The magnificent Moscow Metro ow.ly/kXNc3through @theplanetd #underground #travel#russia
8. A Viking tour of Denmark ow.ly/kXMTf by @SeekingGreener #travel #europe #route
9. Sip the best of Boston’s cocktails ow.ly/l0ooJthrough @WeBlogtheWorld #cocktail #travel
10. Alternatives for business travelers and tips!ow.ly/l0uJ7 by @PeterSGreenberg #tips #travel

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10 best places to learn a language

May 15th, 2013

What do you call someone who speaks many languages? A polyglot

What do you call someone who speaks two? Bilingual

What do you call someone who speaks just one? American or British

 

You often hear travellers proudly proclaim: “I speak English, so I don’t need to learn a foreign language”. Whilst it’s true that English is the most widely spoken language, its 480 million speakers only represent seven percent of the world’s population!

A traveller who can speak the local language gets to travel deeply and experience a culture intimately. It allows you to join the party rather than snap photos from the sidelines.

 The benefits of learning a language abroad include the following:

• You’ll learn the language a lot faster when you’re surrounded by it. You’ll also learn to love the culture of the place you’re in.

• Learning a language abroad helps you step off the tourist trail and discover far-flung local destinations for yourself.

• Studying a language will help you make friends with locals and with your international student colleagues.

• A new language can open unexpected career doors further down the line.

So, where are the best places to study a language? Some might argue that the question should in fact be: which are the best language programmes offered across the globe.

It’s true that you should always look out for respected organisations, such as Clic in Spain (www.clic.es). However the place you choose to study in provides that all important backdrop that will frame your learning. With this in mind, here are the ten best places to learn a language in.

1. Seville – Spain

At the heart of Andalucía, Seville is Spain with duende: heat, passion, flamenco, tapas and history.



 

2. Shanghai – China



As the most dynamic city in the world’s fastest changing nation, Shanghai offers an exhilarating experience of what will be, whilst never fully forgetting what was.

3. Paris – France



Paris has more familiar landmarks than any other city but this does not diminish the visitor’s sense of magical grandeur every time they’re approached.

 

4. Milan – Italy

 

Milan wears its history on a very well-tailored sleeve. Ancient churches, contemporary cafés and the cutting edge of fashion keep Milan a la mode.

5. Tokyo – Japan



Tokyo’s restless quest for the new offers an exhilarating and thrilling ride for those who can keep up with the pace.

6. Freiburg – Germany

 

A beautiful student eco-city in the stunning surroundings of the Black Forest, Freiburg’s relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place to learn German and just be.

 

7. Antigua – Guatemala

 

Surrounded by dormant volcanoes, Antigua cannot fail to enchant with its Mayan culture, laid back vibe and the chance to learn Spanish without the accent.

8. Buenos Aires – Argentina

 

Gourmet cuisine, top-notch shopping, non-stop nightlife; all make Buenos Aires the cosmopolitan metropolis you fall in love with. Even the downtrodden areas seem to add to its appeal as an elegant, seductive place with a ragged edge.

9. Vienna – Austria

 

Do not let all those historic edifices fool you, but do let them entrance you. Vienna is actually one of Europe’s most dynamic urban spaces and has been a cultural pioneer for years.

 

10. Saint Denis –La Réunion



Strange but true, this beautiful island in the Indian Ocean, situated off the coast of Madagascar, is a French Department. There are beautiful beaches, inspiring mountains, fantastic hiking, awesome waterfalls, and active volcanoes. Of course, there could also be you learning French. Pourquoi pas?

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Escaping the Desert Heat: Seeing AZ in Summer

May 13th, 2013



You can see Arizona this summer without melting.

If you think of Phoenix when you think of Arizona, you’re not alone. And, if Phoenix makes you think of triple digit temperatures and cringe? You’re still not alone. The aptly named Valley of the Sun hits and maintains temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit from May to October. Did you know, though, that there’s a lot more to see in Arizona? The Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon and Sedona all feature excellent camping (or hotel accommodations), beautiful scenery, exciting activities and reasonable temperatures.

If you’re flying into town, consider car rental options carefully. Many of the best campsites and destinations require driving on some rugged terrain. Whatever the actual demographics, it seems anywhere you go in Arizona, you’ll see an inordinately large percentage of cars are white pickup trucks. Why are Phoenix Ford dealers doing so well in the white truck market? Pickup trucks have a higher clearance than most cars and the white paint job helps keep the car cooler in extreme summer temperatures. A subcompact won’t get you through a dry creek bed to a quiet campsite.

 

 

Flagstaff

 



 

Flagstaff is at an elevation of roughly 7,000 feet.  This means that the heat of Phoenix and the rest of southern Arizona won’t stand a chance of hitting you while you’re camping.  It does mean you should pack for cool to cold evening weather. Novice and car campers can opt for reserving a campsite with facilities and trash removal. More adventurous and practiced campers can find free camping off the beaten trails in the Coconino National Forest.
Look to camp near the Mongollon Rim, or at least visit it for a hike. At its highest point, the MongollonRim offers dazzling views of the entire forest surrounding you. It’s also high enough that you can see off into the desert. If you have a good pair of binoculars, you may be able to see clear up to the Grand Canyon. The real treat in Flagstaff, at least for city dwellers, is stargazing. You can visit the Lowell Observatory or just find a piece of open sky and enjoy the view.

 

The Grand Canyon

 



Sure it’s a big hole in the ground. But it’s a really big hole: a mile deep. That’s something worth seeing. You can experience it via train, hiking, camping, mule riding, white water rafting and more. The canyon has two rims. The south Rim is the most popular. Secluded and more rugged, the North rim is open from May through October. From the south rim you can hike down to the bottom of the canyon on a well-maintained trail of switchbacks. It’s approximately a 16 mile round trip down and back, so don’t try to do it in a day. If you can get to Havasupai to see the breathtaking blue-green waterfalls, do. Unfortunately, access is limited. Wildbackpacker.com has a great guide to Havasupai.

 

 

Sedona

 



The red rock of Sedona is breathtakingly beautiful, as is the clean and fresh air. Beyond the hiking, which is excellent, Sedona has a vibrant arts community. Be sure to explore downtown Sedona between hiking Cathedral rock or Fay Canyon. Sedona is also considered a spiritual hot spot. New age shops abound without dominating the culture of the city. Several areas are listed as vortices, places where spiritual or metaphysical energy is heightened. Whether you’re a believer, or not, it’s hard to avoid a feeling of peacefulness as you gaze on the lush landscape and majestic red rock.

Where’s your favorite Arizona destination? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!

Download the free Arizona Travel Guide for iPhone and Android

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The Best Travel Tweets of the Week

May 11th, 2013



1. 15 charming side streets in the world ow.ly/kR2fW really beautiful!
2. What to do in Bordeaux? wine: ow.ly/kR3Oi and others! ow.ly/kR3PE #travel #france #tips
3. 5 free activities for kids at the campside ow.ly/kR6WD by @InspiredCamping #kids#camping #travel
   
4. How to see opera for free in Vienna ow.ly/kR2EE through @CNTraveler #austria #europe #travel
5. RT @TheTripologist: Gyeongbokgung: Where Korean History Comes Alive su.pr/4B0fWU #lp#travel
6. 5 foods not to miss in Sweden ow.ly/kR4l9 by @LandLopers #europe #food #travel
7. Hungarian Brandy Festival in Budapest (and tips about how to drink it!) on our blog ow.ly/kOZkK
8. 10 things to like about Detroit now ow.ly/kOJfd#travel #tips vía @Gadling
9. RT @FourJandals: Visiting the Guinness Storehouse su.pr/1od6tZ #Beer #Ireland
10. Tourism at the ‘end of the world’: Greenland ow.ly/kOJ7e #travel #tips vía @guardian

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Things To Do And See In Brisbane

May 6th, 2013



Brisbane, Australia, is a tourist hot spot for people from all around the world. This city is home to an abundance of popular tourist ‘must do and see’ attractions of which, some are listed below.

Sandgate



You must check out this Brisbane area. There are many things you can do in Sandgate, but one activity you must try is kite surfing. If you have never tried kite surfing, then there are plenty of places in Sandgate that can teach you how to do it. If kite surfing is not your thing, then make sure to try paddling or even windsurfing. While you’re there, it’s definitely worth staying at one of the local sandgate accommodation providers in Sandgate to wake up to the morning sunrise over the water foreshore.

Alma Park Zoo



Pay a visit to Alma Zoo, as it is a gorgeous place with more than 100 different species. The 20-acre rain forest that is located under a canopy is worth checking out, especially if you are a nature lover. Visitors to the zoo can see animals such as Koalas, and they can also have the opportunity to pat the Koalas and even photograph them. You will also be able to observe more than five different types of primates, including Spider Monkeys and Ringed Tail Lemurs. Spot animals that are native to Australia as well as South America, and there are plenty of reptiles in the zoo too.

The Queensland Museum

The Queensland Museum is a must see while in Brisbane. The museum will give you a glimpse of the people who inhabited Brisbane in the past and the present. Take a look at the cool exhibits and learn a lot about the city of Brisbane. Make sure to be prepared to spend an entire day here though, because there is a lot to see. In matter of fact the museum operates four different campuses.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens And Mount Coot-tha



The Brisbane Botanic Gardens can be found at the foot of Mount Coot-tha. The Brisbane Botanic Gardens is one of the most gorgeous gardens in the entire world. After spending an hour or two at the gardens, go and hike up the mountain and check out the lookout spot. The lookout spot offers you amazing views that will take your breathe away, and you can grab a bite to eat at the cafe or restaurant located at the lookout spot. A gift shop where you can pick up some cool gifts can be found on the lookout spot.

The Wheel Of Brisbane



This is no ordinary Ferris Wheel, and is located right along the South Bank Parklands. Enjoy taking in views from almost 200 feet high. The construction of the Ferris wheel was completed in 2008. You don’t have to worry about being too hot inside of it, because each of the capsule is air-conditioned. After riding the Ferris Wheel, make sure to take a walk along the river and take in all the sights.

 

As you can see there are quite a few unique spots that you must visit while you are in Brisbane. After you have done all of the above things, make sure to take a trip to the center of the city, where you can spend an entire day or evening shopping, dining and everything else the great city of Brisbane offers.

Download the free Brisbane Travel Guide for iPhone and Android

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The Best Travel Tweets of the Week

May 4th, 2013



1. Top 10 activities in the Florida Everglades ow.ly/ktS0y #travel #tips vía @guardian
2. How to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise ow.ly/ktSdO#travel #tips vía @ViatorTravel
3. Stargazing in Sedona ow.ly/ktSbf #travel #tips
4. Ten Less Well Known London Art Galleries ow.ly/ktS7U #travel #London
5. Discovering Salta in #Argentina in just 36 hours ow.ly/ktS55 #travel #tips
6. Don’t miss this amazing video about skateboarding through India ow.ly/ktRYb #travel#india vía @Gadling
7. Tips to planning a trip to #Scandinavia ow.ly/ktRVC #travel vía @BootsnAll
8. The wild Atlantic way in #Ireland ow.ly/kyzFo by @travelinggreen #travel
9. Songkran Water Festival Welcomes Thailand’s New Year ow.ly/ktRTz #travel #tips
10. America’s Best And Worst Airlines In 2012 By Category ow.ly/ktROR #travel vía @mediafed

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Events you shouldn’t miss in May

April 29th, 2013

May is the month when the warm weather begins, the fields are full of flowers, summer approaches and the desire to travel increases, therefore, as each month, we have prepared a compilation of the best world’s events in May, with the help of National Geographic.



• In London, the Chelsea Flower Show takes place from 21th to 25th May. Besides this important floral festival celebrates its centenary this year.
• The Cheese Rolling Festival is an annual event held on the last Monday of May in Cooper’s Hill near Gloucester district.
• Puebla, Mexico celebrates (May 5) the defeat of France in the Battle of Puebla in 1892.
• For horse lovers, in Louisville is celebrated the Kentucky Derby on May 4th, one of the most famous horse races in the world.
• Port Douglas, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, celebrates the Port Douglas Carnivale from 17th to 26th May.
• If we are lovers of the ancient Asian cultures, we cannot forget to take a boat to Cheung Chau and its Bun Festival (14 -18 May) to enjoy the cultural showcase, with Taoist dance and ceremonies.
• Baltimore celebrates the 4th of May, the 15th annual Kinetic Sculpture Race, in which participants run and sail in the Inner Harbor mounted in their own amphibious creations.



• Cagliari is known for hosting one of the largest religious processions and colorful as the Festival of San Ephisius, the pattern of Sardinia, which takes place from 1st to 4th May.
• Ouazazate, hidden among the Atlas mountains and the Sahara, has been since colonial times, the seat of the Rose Festival in Morocco, (8 – 10 May) and it is based on Berber singing and dancing and of course, the flower markets.
• In Ottawa, Canada, is also celebrated a spring festival, in this case the Canadian Tulip Festival (3- 20 May) which attracts more than 500,000 spectators to the nation’s capital to see the millions of tulips that adorn the city along with fireworks, music and street performances.



• One of the oldest and most cherished traditions of Cornwall is the Furry Dance held on May 8th in Helston, in which the inhabitants will dress in historical costumes while dancing to the rhythm of the orchestra.
• ArteBa is an art fair held annually in the city of Buenos Aires, this year will take place from 24th to 27th May and it will highlights the work of some of the best art galleries in South America.
• The May 6 marks the World Day of Organ at the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris with the great cathedral organ as the centerpiece of a concert that will last for more than 24 hours and which will include pieces by churches and concert halls across five continents. You too can sign up here to this global symphony.
• Beer is the national drink of the Czech Republic and therefore the Beer Festival in Prague (May 17- June 2) is one of the most awaited festivals, where you can sample more than 70 types of national beers and local food.
• AfrikaBurn is a sort of Burning Man Festival held in the middle of South Africa (1 – 6 may), in which the participants can enjoy art, thematic costumes, music and performances.



• The 66th annual Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to take place in Cannes, France from 15 to 26 May 2013.
• The famous Tulip Festival, known as Keukenhof, takes place in Lisse,  Netherlands until May 20.

And you, do you know any event celebrated in May that we have forgotten to mention?

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The Best Travel Tweets of the Week

April 27th, 2013



1. Did you know the called White Towns in Andalusia? check our guide out! ow.ly/kplBx
2. Budapest guide: Inside the historic and cultural 8th district ow.ly/kpk8O through @CNTraveler
3. 6 bike-friendly cities in US ow.ly/kpeUs through @travelinggreen #ecofriendly #bike #travel
4. The Gardens of Marrakech in pictures ow.ly/kpf1Mthrough @guardian #morocco #travel #gardens
5. Here there are some useful tips about how to pack for a Caribbean cruise ow.ly/kpein by @ViatorTravel #cruises #tips #travel
6. 10 Best Places to See from Above. Don’t miss them! ow.ly/kn6ds #travel #tips
7. How do you imagine springtime in Iceland?ow.ly/kmQbq by @BootsnAll #iceland #spring#travel
8. Europe in 9 walks ow.ly/kmRk5 through @nytimes #travel #europe
9. The 8 most exciting amusement parks of 2013ow.ly/kmPJU by @frommerstravel#AmusementPark #travel
10. The 10 best places to hike around the world according to @ViatorTravel ow.ly/kkqtK

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10 Best Places to See from Above

April 24th, 2013

We’ve all seen stunning images of large cities taken from the air, but in reality, few have had the opportunity to see them in person. Currently, many tourism companies offer helicopter flights, a  more expensive way, but different and spectacular to visit a destination that is definitely worth it. Then, we show you the 10 places you have to see from above, according to Viator.

1. Grand Canyon



Only from the sky is possible to admire the true magnitude of this natural wonder. The Grand Canyon, with its 446 kilometers long and up to 29 kilometers wide, is one of those places that we are not erased from memory. The popularity of the helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon is such that it has several flight paths, which also includes places like Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park, as it could be otherwise, allowing even fly between huge cliffs, for an extra dose of adrenaline.

2. Las Vegas



Who said Las Vegas only offers casinos and fine restaurants? The best way to explore this city full of neon lights is flying over the famous Strip, obtaining the best views of iconic hotels and casinos like the Venetian, Caesar’s Palace or the Bellagio, a route which we also can delve on the spectacular Red Rock Canyon.

3. Hawaii



For those who prefer to get away from the big cities, nothing better than an encounter with the stunning Hawaiian volcanic nature. If we do a helicopter tour around the islands, we can admire dense rainforests, stunning waterfalls, volcanic peaks and even lava, which sometimes leaves the Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

4. New York



It is the most famous city for flying in a helicopter. We will discover its iconic skyline from another point of view, the Hudson River, the financial district, Yankee Stadium, the Empire State Building or Central Park and others, not forgetting to skim the Statue of Liberty. A real experience.

5. San Francisco



After New York, San Francisco is the best choice to see a city from the air: bridges, hills, urban beaches, the infamous Alcatraz  Island and the magnificent Golden Gate are some of the wonders of this city. It is  recommended to make this tour when the sunset comes, to admire his lovely lighting.

6. Great Barrier Reef



Often regarded as the “eighth wonder of the world”, this Australian underwater marvel is one of the country’s biggest attractions for divers and swimmers, but to really understand its size, we should see it from the air, as well as enjoy the views of the Daintree National Park, white sand cays and the neighboring city of Cairns.

7. Los Angeles 



Nothing better to celebrate our arrival to Los Angeles to take a private helicopter to admire Hollywood, Santa Monica and nearby beaches, ending at Beverly Hills, Bel Air and the famous Universal Studios to feel like a celebrity.

8. French Riviera



We change the continent to meet the spectacular French Riviera, where we enjoy a high standing ride on the Mediterranean coast. Blue sea and endless beaches provide the perfect setting for panoramic views of interest as the Prince’s Palace, the Rock of Monaco or Monte Carlo Casino.

9. New Zealand



The world’s adventurous capital offers a large number of possibilities to visit the landscape from the air, either from the safety of a helicopter or jumping from an airplane. Some of the most striking of the country are the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, the volcanic Rangitoto Island, the Cascades of Huka Falls or the bubbling pools of Rotorua.

10. Río de Janeiro



The best views of the city are obtained from the top of Corcovado Mountain, site of the famous Christ the Redeemer, but also of the city, we have this huge statue as a backdrop, we can take a helicopter to gather these views and admire also the legendary beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, Sugar Loaf and Maracana stadium.

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