Greece is also about lovely, sun drenched islands set like jewels in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, a warm climate, a care-free lifestyle, good food and wine. It is idyllic for vacations. The only problem when you consider Greece as a destination for incredible holidays is not which place to visit but the rather select one from the bewildering array of choices.

You can have Greece holidays in the North; holidays in the islands by the seashore; explore the ancient sites or troll through the lanes and marketplaces, living life like a Greek.

The Greek Islands

If you wish for a complete getaway, a peaceful sojourn in a tranquil, unspoilt place, head for the Greek Islands. The islands are perfect for a romantic holiday or for a quiet break from a busy schedule. There are hundreds of islands but the most popular are Mykonos, Paros, Corfu, Zakynthos, Alonissos, Skiathos, Crete, Rhodes and others. You can choose Ionian Islands or Saronic islands in the Aegean sea or the Dodecanese group of isles.

The Ionian Islands are made up of Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Lefkada, Paxi and Kefalonia as the largest with many smaller islands dotting the sea. The deep blue seas, verdant landscape and the rich heritage will keep you enchanted for the duration of your stay. You can go deep sea diving, windsurfing, climb perilous mountains, laze on the beach, have your fill of Greek delicacies, attend cultural events or explore monuments in the region. Greeks are hospitable and cheerful and it will not be surprising if you make friends with the locals—one of the best ways to have incredible Greece holidays.

The gorgeous Cyclades in the Aegean are just as attractive as the Ionian Islands. Made up of a group of 39 islands, the well known isles are Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini, Tinos, to name only a few. If nightlife is what you seek, the -Cyclades give you more than your fill. Legend has it that Poseidon, infuriated at the Cyclades nymphs, turned them into islands. Apart from the nightlife you have all the opportunities to explore the deep blue waters, the charming olive groves, gurgling streams and picture postcard scenery. According to legends, the pearl of Cyclades, the Anafi Island, rose from the sea to shelter the Argonauts. If legends interest you Delos will; it is said to be the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo.

Some might prefer the Dodecanese in the South-Eastern Aegean Sea, made up of Rhodes, Kos, Leros and Pserimos islands. Rhodes, undoubtedly, should be on your list for its medieval walls and gates, a legacy of the Knights. Kos has the usual Greek attractions in addition to being home to the plane tree under which Hippocrates used to teach. If you love nature, Karpathos has everything by way of caves, forests, streams and lush landscapes to keep you entranced.

Why not pick a particular group of islands and visit a few for your Grecian holiday? It will be hard to tear yourself away when it is time to go home.

Travelling in Greece

If you have made the islands the choice destination for your holidays, travelling inside the country does not present any problems. You can land in Greece at any of its 15 international airports. You can travel by trains or buses to the nearest ports that will get you a ferry to the islands. If you like you can travel by domestic airlines and have a view of the breathtaking scenery as you arrive at the island of your choice. Motoring does have its charms; you can travel across the longest cable suspension bridge in Europe. Just take care to book in advance if you plan your Greece holidays in summer.

If you belong to the EU, all you need to travel to Greece is your police ID or passport. Visitors from other countries, except those on the notified list, need to follow visa procedures.

Accommodation and Eating in Greece

Greece has a well developed infrastructure in place or tourism. This means you have access to accommodating ranging from budget to the priciest in most islands. There are hotels, bungalows to rent, campsites, apartments and rooms.

Gastronomes, however, will focus on the variety of Greek cuisines. Greek cuisine makes use of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, wine, fish, wheat, barley and a whole lot of fresh herbs. Move from one island to the other and enjoy typical dishes. The Ios offers cuisine based on wheat, pulses, vegetables and dairy products. On Mykonos you sample dishes based on pork, herbs, cheese, fish and sausages. In Naxos it is vegetables, red meat and red wine. Over to Syros and you have roasted fish, tomatoes and octopus waiting for you.

Just pack your bags and set out and explore Greece on your own. You might come across the Pleiades.

Lifecruiser Love Greece

Other Greece travel related posts at Lifecruiser:

5 Top Beaches of Greek Islands
Mediterranean Dream Cruises
Travel Sales Trend: Increased in Sweden
Driving in the mountains – scary experiences
Luxury Dream Cruises
5 Tip Top Beaches of Lifecruiser
Monday Memories Honeymoon
When hubby was rally Harry
Love Trips Snips
 

Choosing accommodation is ultimately the most important part to any holiday. The question is, would you prefer to be in the middle of town amongst the hustle and bustle? A short walk away? Or somewhere so cosy & hidden away amongst the woodlands? Once you’ve decided on your preference, it’s then a question of which area to habituate.

Those who are interested in history, calming lakes and stunning backdrops will have no doubt heard of Windermere, the largest town within the Lake District. With its haunting halls, 12th century boar stories or of course the famous Lake Windermere itself, Windermere is nothing short of history and beauty. Choosing Windermere hotels is key when thinking about how you’d like to spend your break away.

Image of Blea Tarn in Lake District by Steve Lacy

Here are our top 5 tips for things to do in Windermere:

1. It may seem obvious but those looking for pure relaxation away from the world would love taking walks in the woodlands and taking in the beautiful surroundings. Short walks, long routes or explorations by the Lake – it’s your choice on the day.

2. Visiting the famous Lake Windermere is a must! Being the largest lake in England the site is just breathtaking. Take a cruise on the river or a family picnic, just relax and enjoy the views.

3. There are so many historic and magical museums to see. Whether it’s taking the kids to the world of Beatrix Potter, enjoying the Steamboat Museum or reliving history through the Arts & Crafts House it’s sure to bring history and adventure to life.

4. Rowing, sailing & swimming are available in abundance for water lovers. There are so many routes, hop off and hop back or just sit back, relax and enjoy the endless view of the mountains and greenery before you.

5. Treks and tours are plentiful, whether it’s tours of the lakes or the mountains, treks in the woodlands or activity days for the whole family, what better than a day out with nature.

Explore the sites and surroundings whilst being at one with nature in Windermere, take a stroll with the other half or a picnic with the family, you’re sure to make it a holiday to remember.

Lifecruiser Love Lake District
 

Like any sport, surfing requires you to put in time and effort to master it. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Once you get the basics right, you’ll find that surfing can truly be an amazing adventure.

In the following article we go look into a few tips to help you surf better…

1. Know How to Swim: First things first, surfing isn’t for non-swimmers because of the obvious dangers. You need to be a decent swimmer to ensure safety and maximum fun. Real surfers aim for the biggest waves to ride, which means they’re ready to face powerful currents. So if you don’t know swimming, learn it first.

2. Find a School or a Teacher: In order to learn surfing well, you need to be aware of the basics – right from standing on the board to approaching a wave. This is why you should find a good surfing school or an experienced instructor to start off. It’s always good to compare surfing schools and do your homework before you jump in. Remember, learning how to surf properly is good for your own safety.

3. Dress for it: Make sure you get a wetsuit before you go out there and hit the waves. It not only helps you keep warm in those chilly waters but also works as a rash guard for your skin when it gets rubbed against the board. You can rent one at a surfing school or if you’re not comfortable with it, you can always buy one – especially if you plan to surf regularly.

4. Choose a Good Board: Your surfboard needs to be durable and easy to handle, which means you should get one that is of the right size and construction. Out of these two factors, you should focus on size first. Big surfers require long boards and small surfers require short ones. As far as the construction of board is concerned, softboards are the best. If you’re planning to buy the board online, check out IsleSurfBoards.com for an affordable deal.

5. Work Out Your Arms: Surfing is a physically demanding sport. You’ll have to constantly “push up” to go through the various steps such as getting on the board, paddling and standing up. It requires a lot of arm work, which is why it makes sense to do some regular arm strengthening exercises.

Here a few safety tips to keep in mind when surfing:

• Don’t surf during heavy rains.
• Come out of the water if you get injured or sick.
• Avoid surfing near swimmers.
• Never surf alone; do it with a friend.
• Talk to lifeguards before hitting the waters.

In order to surf better, you need to keep on improving yourself. So the more you practice it while being safe, the easier it will get.

Lifecruiser Love Water Sports
 

Here’s a sneak-peek at beaches in Bali and what activities they are best for.

Best Beach in Bali for Surfing: Kuta

Image courtesy of eGuide Travel/ Flickr.com

Found on the western side of Bali’s narrow isthmus, Kuta Beach is one of the world’s most famous surf hot spots. On a good day, you can look forward to average wave lengths of 50 meters. On a great day, they can grow to thrice that. It’s such a popular location that surfers will make the trip from all over the island to hit these waves.

Kuta is primo for great adventures, shopping and dining. You can take in the Bali Bombing Memorial Monument or discover one of the many temples throughout Kuta that contain brilliant designs and pieces of art. If you fancy shopping head to the Discovery Shopping Mall Esplanade where you may also find live DJs, parades and concerts.

Best Beach in Bali for Swimming: Padang Bai

Image courtesy of shanghaifoodie/ Flickr.com

Padang Bai is one of the quieter beaches in Bali. It’s warm climates, silver sand, crystal azure waters and wondrous cliff formations, makes for a perfect day swimming or lounging in the comforting rays of the sun. Stretching for 120 meters, it’s only accessible through a passage sitting between two cliffs. In the evening, join the gawkers to witness some of the most incredible sunsets.

Swimming, cold beers, cocktails and building sand castles aren’t all the area has. There are beautiful villas that sit on the rocks, striking guest houses and bungalows that actually start under $100 per night.

Best Beach in Bali for Sunbathing: Jimbaran Beach

Image courtesy of shanghaifoodie/ Flickr.com

Located on the south-western coast, this beach gets to take full advantage of the sun. The beach and bay are filled with little secluded areas, promising peace and tranquillity. The beach is surrounded by tropical forests and celebrity hideaways. Stay close enough to society so you can still enjoy fruity drinks under umbrellas or find your spot and lay there in seclusion with only the sounds of the waves to keep you company.

Jimbaran Beach is the spot for dining. It has a three kilometre patch of international restaurants and cafes. As one of Bali’s most easy going beaches, the nightlife on this part of the island tends to be serene. You’ll more likely find romantic dinners and cliff-side rendezvous.

Best Beach in Bali for Snorkelling: Sanur

Purists argue Amed Beach is the standout for snorkelling, however, Sanur takes the edge for its additional attractions. Sanur was Bali’s first beach resort, offering serene coastal ambiance. It’s where you can find the unique Bali Seawalker, which is a snorkelling device that requires minimum equipment. However, there is still plenty of traditional snorkelling. Schedule to go out during high tide when the underwater creatures are truly animated.

Sanur is small, so if you want to golf, you’ll have to settle for nine holes. It’s said the Bali Beach Course is a challenge with its hibiscus trees and shady pines. There’s also great sailing as Sanur is one of Bali’s premier boating points. The beach is perfect for kite flying too and there is an annual festival held here each year.

Best Beach in Bali for Being Alone: Geger Beach

If you’re not into the surf and crowds, Geger Beach is wonderful for many relaxing hours. The calm, sparkling water is of a tranquil blue-green colour and the sands are soft yet thick, great for a nice run or a game of volleyball or Ultimate Frisbee. The waves roll smoothly, and watching them can send you to a quiet place. You’ll likely glimpse farmers harvesting seaweed.

Geger Beach is excellent for young kids with its quieter waves. There are water sport activities for the family, including beach games. There are also plenty of cafes serving everything from great fish to burgers and fries for the little ones.

If you are going to get away from it all, do it right! Get out to Bali and explore these beautiful beaches. This Indonesian paradise is filled with adventure and relaxation. You won’t have any problems finding great rates on flights to Bali with a little research.

Lifecruiser Love Bali Beaches
 

Photo By: khowaga

Malaga

Climb aboard the Refre railway to experience the laid-back atmosphere of this coastal Spanish town while enjoying beautiful scenery along the way. The journey takes two and a half hours and winds through the some spectacular landscapes. Once in Malaga, you can tour historic sites like the Alcazaba, a Moorish castle built in the 11th century, or learn more about Picasso by touring his birthplace at the Picasso Museum.

Photo By: Tab59

Sitges

Catch some rays on the beaches of Sitges, refered to as the Saint-Tropez of Spain, on a three hour ride aboard the FGC (Generalitat de Catalunya) railways. This artsy town has year-round attractions but really gets hopping during Carnival that begins on Fat Tuesday or the Sitges Film Festival in the summer. Known for its tolerant attitude, it is a popular destination for gay and lesbian travelers and has an abundance of fine dining establishments.

Cordoba

Depart from the Madrid Atocha station on Rail Europe for a one hour and 44 minute ride to this charming sun-drenched area that was one of the largest cities of the ancient world. Explore Old Town where you can still see the Roman walls standing and visit the Fernandina churches like Santa Marina which houses work by local artist Antonio del Castillo y Saavedra.

Photo By: Cruccone

Figueres

Travel through the Catalan countryside from Madrid to the birthplace of Salvador Dali aboard the sleek double-deck French TGV high-speed trail that passes through Madrid. Relax in their state-of-the-art cars that whisk you to sites like the Dali Theatre and Museum where you’ll find the largest collection of his work in the world.

Paris

Be in Paris in just two hours aboard the daily high-speed TGV Eurostar that whisks you to the City of Lights in record time. If you’d like an overnight adventure, the Elipsos train hotel departs Barcelona each evening for a 12 -hour trip with a la carte dinners and 4-bed sleeper cars. Embark refreshed and spend the day exploring the Louvre and dining on Paris delicacies before taking the high-speed train back to Madrid.

Photo By:  ComunicaTI

Zaragosa

In just an hour and a half, the high-speed AVE can deliver you to Zaragosa (also known as Saragossa) so you can spend the day exploring this charming city. Try out the tapas bars or their famous regional dish, Bacalao al Ajoarriero (cod-fish with garlic and eggs) in between visits to the romantic castles and monasteries scattered throughout this picturesque city.

You’ll find the rail services also offer package deals that include hotel accommodations, public transportation or rental car deals, dining coupons and comprehensive passes to museums and attractions.

Lifecruiser Love Spain Train Travel
 

• Yurts – In this modern day and age, camping has begun to become more glamorous as opposed to sleeping rough for a few days. Yurts are the way forward when it comes to camping as it provides some of the comforts that are found in your own home including, separate bedrooms, hobs and even plumbing! Yurts are perfect for the whole family and the experience is bound to be one that you will never forget.
• Holiday Cottages – This type of accommodation is perfect for both couples and families, more so for families as these cottages usually have plenty of bedrooms. Luxury cottages can be usually found in the beautiful countryside away from the hustle and bustle that the city usually brings.
• Holiday Villa – Villas are great for families as you can let your kids run wild by the pool whilst also having a relaxing time out to relax and rejuvenate. If you are wise about it, you can usually find plenty of deals on villas online on several sites. As well as families, villas are also ideal for friends as they are usually away from nearby housing, so you can make as much noise as you want.
• Hotels – Hotels are usually cheap and easy to book at short notice. Make sure you are careful though as not all hotels are the same. Once again, make use of any review sites that you can look at that will indicate whether the hotel is up to your standards. Another thing to bear in mind is the location of the hotel. Make sure that it is nearby to local transport links and close to entertainment.

Guest post by James Taylor from Travel Maestro

Author bio: James Taylor is a fellow travel blogger who just like us love to travel and discover new places as well as sharing his experiences with us. At Travel Maestro you will find travel guides for travelling around the world, encouraging readers to share their travel stories with us and give us more travel tips.

Lifecruiser Love Travel Tips
 

Flying Regulations in Russia

In order to fly a private plane while on vacation in Russia, visitors need to first file a request for flight authorization with the Russian aviation authorities. This flight authorization needs to include the purpose of the trip, the pilot and aircraft information, passport numbers and names of all passengers, flight computer information and the flight plan for the trip, including dates and times for all arrivals and departures. A flight plan must be filed with Russian aviation authorities at least 24 hours prior to takeoff.

If flying to small airports in Russia, keep in mind that most of the smaller airport control towers are only open from 8 AM to 5 PM. It is illegal to land at an airport when the tower is unstaffed. Most of the smaller airports do not have English-speaking staff, so it will be necessary to hire a navigator that speaks English and Russian. These navigators cost a couple hundred dollars a day, but they make it much easier to deal with the Russian bureaucracy.

Fun Places to Go

There are so many great places to explore in Russia that it is tough to fit everything into one trip. Moscow is the obvious place to start. The Russian capital has centuries of history and is the cultural, economic and political center of the country. Visitors will find that Russia has an amazing culinary scene with some of the best restaurants in the world. There is also a vibrant nightlife with lots of shows, clubs and attractions to choose from. Of course, no visit to Moscow is complete without visiting the mighty Kremlin.

Though Moscow is a great city, St. Petersburg is the better tourist town. Formed around a number of canals, the city has a rich history as the former home of the Russian tsars. There are lots of great historical attractions to visit, including the fabulous former home of the tsars, Winter Palace. There are a number of beautiful cathedrals to visit. The nightlife and cuisine in St. Petersburg is some of the best in Asia.

Vladimir was the first capital of Russia. It has a number of historical attractions to visit, most notably the Golden Gates that once protected the city from invaders. There are also a couple of stunningly beautiful cathedrals, St. Dmitry Cathedral and Assumption Cathedral.

Those looking for a break from Russian city life should visit the town of Suzdal in the Vladimir region. This town of 12,000 people is protected by law from development. The buildings in the town are some of the oldest in Russia as some of them date back to the early part of the 11th century. The town is surrounded by lovely meadows and farms and is a very popular Russian pastoral getaway.

Lifecruiser Love Private Planes
 

Explore Uluru

Also known as Ayres Rock, Uluru is one of the most recognisable sights in Australia. Located in the Northern Territory, Uluru can be reached by plane from most Australian cities, or if you’re feeling brave, head off on a 4WD adventure. Accommodation in the area ranges from budget to luxury, so you will have no problems booking a stay at any number of great hotels. Take a guided tour of Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and the National Park, and learn more about the Aboriginal cultural significance of the area. Get your camera ready at sunrise and sunset – you’ll need it!

Dive the Great Barrier Reef

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef stretches over 3000km along the Queensland coast. Containing more than 400 kinds of coral, the reef is home to over 1500 species of tropical fish, more than 200 types of birds, around 20 types of reptiles, and an array of other sea creatures. Stay in any of the coastal towns running parallel to the reef, where you can take a boat tour, snorkel or scuba dive to explore this natural wonder.

Drive the Great Ocean Road

Stretching from Geelong to Port Fairy, the Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. Driving along this beautiful stretch of road, you can see the iconic Twelve Apostles, say hello to furry koalas in Cape Otway National Park, and find out more about Aboriginal heritage and the colonial settlers. Stay overnight in any of the pretty coastal villages along the way, and enjoy a few rounds of golf, a pampering session in a day spa, boutique shopping, and explore the stunning natural surroundings.

Explore Wine Country

Australia produces some truly excellent wine, which means the country’s wine regions are a must-visit for all wine connoisseurs, or even for those who just like a tipple! Most wine growing and production is concentrated on the country’s south-east, in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria, and further west on the southern coast of Western Australia.

Many regions are famous for certain wine varieties, such as Semillon in the Hunter Valley, Sauvignon Blanc in Margaret River and the Adelaide Hills, Pinot Noir In Tasmania and the Mornington Peninsula, and so on. A trip to wine country makes the perfect relaxing weekend trip, with overnight stays available in hostels, B&Bs, affordable hotels and luxury resorts.

Sail the Whitsundays

Made up of 74 tropical islands, the Whitsundays offer the perfect getaway for those who want to explore the natural beauty of area, or those who just want to take some time out to relax. There are dozens of cruises offering day tours and longer trips around the islands, catering to families, seniors, backpackers, and everyone in between. Travel the Whitsunday Coast to discover secluded beaches, sunny seaside villages, and spectacular wildlife.

Lifecruiser Love Top Travel Tips
 

This is the state to get away and rest from the stressful family getaway you just made. Take a drive to any of the following small villages, stay for a day, a weekend or a whole week. You’ll come back refreshed and ready to take on the world again.

Freeport

If your coming from Boston, you’ll want to stop in at Freeport and enjoy an afternoon shopping in the outlet stores or the small historic boutiques that line the historic district. Spend the night in one of the comfortable and homey bed and breakfasts so you can drive up to Wolfe’ Neck State Park the following day. Stroll through the awe inspiring white pine and hemlock forest. Another scenic area is Casco Bay where you’ll enjoy crabbing along the rocky shoreline. In the evening you can walk downtown taking in the art work, an outdoor play, or simply enjoy a quiet romantic dinner at any of the excellent restaurants.

Bar Harbor

Another interesting little town in Maine is Bar Harbor, which sits between the Frenchman Bay and the gorgeous mountains of Acadia National Park. This is a great place to go biking, kayaking or visiting a lighthouse or two. Spend the day watching the whales or rock climbing. Visit the Petit Manan Wildlife Refuge or walk through town and admire the historical value of the town, founded back in 1763. Hop on one of the tour buses and drive through Acadia National Park to Cadillac Mountain.

Rockland

Another interesting place for a great weekend getaway is Rockland, located in Penobscot Bay and a must see if you plan your getaway in late July or August, as you’ll be able to enjoy the Lobster Festival. Enjoy the day strolling through the exhibitions and viewing the work of local artists, then when you’re ready to eat, enjoy the delectable lobster.

Maine offers a lot to see, some great fishing, picturesque villages and towns to enjoy, as well as wonderful natural wonders. This state is truly the state to get away from family, work and stress. It is the place to renew, rejuvenate and get the rest you need. If you are considering a trip to Maine consider visiting Ogunquit.com to plan the perfect trip.

Lifecruiser Love Getaways
 

If you have been following our travel blog for a while, you know that we already have announced that we are making preparations for a future move – and that we in that preparations phase were forced (lol) to drink a 31 years old Napoleon Mandarine Liquor… (We sold the emptied bottle later!)

We have been living in an already small apartment (50 sqm) for years now, just to be able to save for our travel, to afford going on as many trips as possible, but now we are moving to an even smaller apartment (43 sqm) higher up on the same street, believe it or not!

We will save an extra 600 SEK/month, move up one floor (not so cold apartment when not on ground floor), plus getting the extra bonus effect of not having our nagging, annoying neighbor who literally are stalking us with her negativity all the time.

The saved money will go to a future move, together with whatever other amounts we succeed to save up. Our future move will most certainly be to Spain if nothing unexpected happens – thinking of the economic crises in Spain which can affect our decision in many ways. Why Spain? Because of the ease for us and our family to get there, plus the excellent climate for our aching bodies.

When having a goal like travel or moving abroad, living a compact life style is not any problem at all. The adjustment to this compact living is going so easy that you wonder why the heck you have bothered with all the other stuff earlier in your life, which only complicates your life.

We have sold plenty of stuff by now, getting quite a bit of extra money to both cover the cost of the move and to buy new smaller, cheaper furniture which is easy to move or to get rid off later if we’re moving abroad next time. If we do, we will not take anything with us.

If not moving abroad, we will most certainly try to stay during the winters abroad, because the Swedish winters are killing us both slowly. We will start this winter, by going to Costa Blanca in Spain around February-March to do a research of which area there would be best for us.

Our nearest moving day though is set to the 3rd of December, so as you can imagine – if you know our efficiency since earlier – we have already started the packing for the move…

©Lifecruiser Love Travel