Walking around Glasgow city centre

Glasgow city centre is laid out in a grid system of roads and streets, which is rather like the way some American cities are planned. The central hub of the city is George Square where you will find Queen Street Station and a number of hotels including the popular Millennium.

The buildings around the Square were mostly built in the 1800’s but the only one left in its original state is the Millennium. Glasgow City Chambers, the ornate building used by Glasgow City Council is also situated in the square.

Argyle Street, Sauchie Hall and Buchanan Street that covers the area to the south and the west of St. George’s is where the shopping precincts are located.

This city centre area is also where you will find The Theatre Royal, King’s Theatre, Glasgow Film Centre and the Gallery of modern Art, as well as numerous other theatres and arts venues. In nearby Renfrew Street you will find the world’s tallest cinema, Cineworld. It has 18 screens.

Glasgow city centre is also where The University of Strathclyde, Glasgow School of Art and several other educational establishments can be found.

It’s a busy, thriving cosmopolitan area of the city with a lot to see and do, but be warned, there is an awful lot of walking to do. If you are hoping to walk around and see some of the sights in the city centre you will need some comfortable shoes because everything is so spread out.

The Attraction of Venice

Regardless of when you take cheap flights to Venice, there are literally dozens of things to see and do while visiting. Whether you choose to explore Saint Mark’s Basilica or the San Giovanni e Paolo or head over to the Doge’s Palace or the La Fenice Theatre, there are literally more cultural and architectural wonders here than you will ever be able to get around in one holiday. While visitors need to eventually head home on flights to London, flights to Aberdeen or flights to Damascus and other destinations around the world, there is no sense in worrying about anything while you are in Venice. Instead, allow yourself to be completely enthralled by the romantic charm of this floating city.

One of the best ways to experience many of the attractions is to purchase a Venice Card, which allows you access to public transport, entrance to cultural attractions, public toilets and many other amenities. One thing to keep in mind when booking cheap flights to Venice is that the Venice Card is only recommended if you are going to spend more than three days in the city, because while it has access to many of the museums and churches throughout the islands in the Lagoon, it does not give access to the main attractions. Also, it is best to reserve a ticket online, rather than deal with the crowds and hassle of purchasing one in person after you arrive.

As anyone that has visited will tell you, after a week long vacation in Venice, there will still be literally so many sights and sounds to experience that you can come back half a dozen times and still be amazed.

The essential guide to staying in Istanbul

Istanbul is where east meets west, and its unique character stems from being half in Europe and half in Asia.  The city straddles the two sides of the straits of Bosphorus and although the largest city in Turkey, it is not the capital.

If you want to experience the heart of the city you can rent holiday apartments in its historic centre, close to all the sights and sounds. For tranquil surroundings, just outside the city you can stay in a house or villa in areas such as Burgazada, or Heybeliada Island. Things to see in Istanbul include the famous Dolmabahce Palace – a magnificent building, dating from the 19th century and boasting lavishly ornate decorations and grand stately gardens. Also not to be missed is Topkapi – a 400 year old Ottoman palace, packed with historic treasures. 

The enormous, early 17th century, Blue Mosque has six minarets and is a landmark on the Istanbul skyline. Make sure you are appropriately dressed before going in. There are also many beautiful churches such as Hagia Sophia to see. The Grand Bazaar is labyrinthine and bustling, selling everything from jewellery to leather goods to colourful spices, and Istiklal Street is famous for its shops and nightlife. Take a cruise along the Bosphorus River to see breathtaking views of the city and dine on aromatic lamb kebabs. Lastly, a visit to Istanbul is just not complete without at least one visit to a proper Turkish Baths.

The Unexpected Prism of Brussels

Known primarily for chocolate and beer, Brussels is unexpectedly and yet delightfully charming. If any city has two faces, it is Brussels, with a lively interchange of Flemish vs. French, hip vs. traditional, the odd vs. the mundane.

The city is full of surprises, intrigue and contradictions. It continues to seduce travellers with the air of intrigue, which surrounds the capital of Belgium. Brussels is a quilted heirloom of multicultural roots; entwined and deeply ingrained.

There is a casual air amongst the residents, with laissez-faire locals populating the city’s sidewalk cafés and local taverns. In Brussels, beer reigns supreme and the variety of brew is unparalleled. Brussels has delicious eateries where Art Nouveau and Art Deco subsist happily together in the same locale. Brussels is also one the world’s finest regions for delectable fine chocolate.

Take a stroll through the Matonge section of the city, a burgeoning marketplace inhabited by descendants brought here from the Belgium Congo. Visit Grand Place, the most celebrated landmark in Brussels and also a World Heritage site. If you prefer a bit of history, stroll along the Avenue Louise where the Nazi Gestapo was headquartered during the Belgium Occupation. Today, it is home to many of Brussels’ amazing sculptures, luxury shops and salons.

Constant among all the treasures that make up the city of Brussels is the fine quality of everyday life; great shopping, fabulous restaurants, art museums and parks.

Brussels is emerging as one of the world’s most diverse cities, uniting the historical decaying streets with a fresh façade of cockiness and inner-city regeneration.

Flights to Brussels are available from most international airports.

Visiting the delights of Brussels

With Brussels being just over an hour’s flying time from London, and with flights from Edinburgh to Brussels taking only thirty minutes longer, it’s a good time to take advantage of the many cheap flights on offer to explore this great city, which is home to the European Parliament.

Situated on the borders of France, The Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany, it justifiably claims to be the ‘Capital of Europe’. Already a busy centre for trade by the Middle Ages, and with a presently small population of about one million, international diplomacy is now its main skill set. But with no big architectural symbols such as Big Ben or the Eifel Tower, and with French and Flemish being its main languages, the city tends to come low down on the list of European destinations for many people, which is a pity because there is much on offer here.

Its labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets, ornate old Guild houses, and the magnificent Town Hall combine with the numerous museums, bars and restaurants to create a unique atmosphere ideal for pleasant strolls and leisurely meals. The architecture is stunning, especially around the Grand-Place, and the quaint little museums devoted to wine and beer, chocolate and lace making are a must on any visitor’s itinerary.

Night life is frenetic, and jazz is a great draw with the Brussels Jazz Marathon in May, but there is music to suit all tastes, and the shopping in Brussels is legendary.

So check out the cheap flights to Brussels, and make a date to see the famous urinating boy statue and much more besides.

Atlanta – Big City with a Small-Town Feel

Atlanta in Georgia is a city in America’s Deep South that has had its share of heartache and history, but today you’d never know it.  It’s a town that holds all the big-city amenities you’d ever want, like dining, shopping and nightlife, but has somehow managed to maintain the small-town feel of its past. The people are genuinely friendly and helpful, and you’ll hear “Yes, ma’am” and “Yes, sir” whenever you ask a question.  Rent a villa or holiday apartment as a way to save more money for the sightseeing and fun you’ll have while here.

The city is steeped in history, primarily from America’s Civil War.  Union General William T. Sherman ordered all possible Confederate assets and all public buildings burned during his famous “march to the sea”, and little of Atlanta remained afterward. Churches and hospital buildings were spared, though, so a historical tour is a wonderful way to see modern buildings juxtaposed with pre-Civil War ones.  Don’t forget the Atlanta History Centre and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site for a more complete picture of what makes this city unique.

Modern Atlanta is home to several large corporations, and the CNN Centre and Philips Arena, which sit beside Centennial Olympic Park, built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, which were held in Atlanta.  For Gaels visiting the city, try to catch a game by Clan nan Gael Men’s and Ladies’ Football Clubs.

If it’s culture you want, try the Atlanta Botanical Gardens in Piedmont Park, or the Fernbank Science Centre, both in Atlanta.  The Lasershow at nearby Stone Mountain Park is a wonderful attraction for both old and young. 

If all this sightseeing leaves you hungry, stop at Fogo de Chao for steak, or Bacchanalia or Canoe for American fare with a more informal flair.  Once you’ve visited Atlanta, you’ll want to return again and again.

Make Edinburgh your next holiday destination

With flights from Manchester to Edinburgh taking just over an hour, and many cheap flights on offer, whether booking online or through a high street travel agent, there has never been a better time to visit one of the world’s greatest cities.

Edinburgh is positively steeped in history. The famous castle is like something out of a fairytale, perched as it is on top of the long dead volcano now named Castle Rock.  The building has loomed over the city for almost a thousand years and has been the scene of many bloody events.

But there is plenty going on in Edinburgh during these more peaceful days. The Edinburgh Festival in August attracts visitors from across the world, and throughout the year there are a number of cultural events, from Science and Film festivals to the Jazz, Book and Beltane Fire festivals.

In terms of food and drink, Edinburgh simply cannot be beaten. Locally sourced, seasonal produce is on offer at a vast choice of eateries, and for those who enjoy a tipple the Scotch Whisky Experience should not be missed.

Whether you come on your own or with family and friends there is plenty of good accommodation available. There are self-catering apartments on the Royal Mile, right in the centre of the city, as well as luxury hotels at the foot of the castle, or quieter rural retreats outside the city if you prefer.

With the heart of Edinburgh being a UNESCO World Heritage Site combining the Old Town and the New Town, medieval and Georgian, great days out are guaranteed, so hop on one of those cheap flights to Edinburgh for an unforgettable visit.

Reasons to Visit Amman

As the capital and the largest city in Jordan, Amman is one of the most visited locations, with the airport handling most of the flights to and from the country.

As any traveller will tell you, regardless of whether are coming in on a flight or are leaving on flights to London, flights to Tehran or flights to Edinburgh, what you perceive from the air is often completely different from what you will experience once you are on the ground. Amman holds an exceptionally large number of surprises for visitors, ranging from the Roman amphitheatre, to the University of Jordan, to the various major malls and shopping centres throughout the city. It is easily possible to spend a whole day exploring ancient ruins.

Eating out is a great experience in Amman as it has some extremely attractive restaurants.  There are also excellent five-star hotels and shopping at one of the major shopping centres is a good way to spend some time. Amman also has one of the best universities in the world.

Today, one of the main reasons for taking cheap flights to Amman is the transformation that the city is currently undergoing. For years it was nothing more than a sleepy little town, but now it is becoming a bustling metropolis with some of the best roads and education facilities in the entire country. Resorts and hotels are springing up every single day and the central location of Amman in relation to Jordan’s many other architectural and archaeological wonders makes the city the perfect location for an adventure headquarters, which is why so many cheap flights to Amman are arriving every day.

Dublin as a Base

The wide range of cheap flights to Dublin means that a holiday in the Emerald Isle is so much more affordable than it used to be.  Dublin itself can be used as a base to explore the rest of the country, though if you want to wander off the beaten track, it is a good idea to hire a car. 

Travelling to the south of the country there is the popular tourist destination of County Cork.  Here there are a number of attractions which will suit most tastes, most notably Blarney Castle, where visitors can kiss the Blarney Stone.  The heritage town of Youghal is a Norman walled port which was home to Sir Walter Raleigh, who is said to have planted Ireland’s first potatoes here.

Also to the south is the town of Waterford, home to the world famous crystal.  There is a visitor centre there and hundreds of thousands go each year to learn more about the history of the crystal and see it being created. 

While there are lots of historical attractions in Ireland, if you are travelling with children it may not be as fun for them, so why not make the trip to Wexford to the Pirates Cove Adventure Park?  It is a great day out and children will find plenty there to keep them amused. 

With regular flights to London and other UK and international destinations, Dublin Airport sees hundreds of thousands of people come and go each year and many make Ireland a regular holiday destination. 

Albuquerque, New Mexico: Where the Desert Sun Shines

Albuquerque is tucked into the American Southwest, a high desert gem that will astound you with its natural beauty and small-town atmosphere.  The culture is a mix of American Indian, mestizo, Hispanic and White.  English and Spanish are spoken almost equally here, so close is it to the Mexican border.

To get the most from your trip, rent a holiday villa or apartment.  From your “base camp” you can venture out and see some of this area’s stunning beauty, or spend a day at the Albuquerque Biological Park, which consists of the zoo, aquarium, botanical gardens and Tingley Beach, an aquatic park.  If you’re still not worn out after all that, head for Cliff’s Amusement Park for some of the most hair-raising, fast-paced rides you’re likely to come across.

Want something a little more restful?  The Albuquerque Museum of Art & History, in Albuquerque’s Old Town, has a great mix of art and history.  If you’re willing to travel a few miles outside of town, the Pueblo Indian Cultural Centre is a marvellous introduction to the indigenous people of this area.  See dances, eat authentic food, and stroll through exhibits that will give you an idea of the richness of this culture.

Albuquerque is situated at the base of the Sandia Mountains.  Grab a jacket and take the Tramway tour of about 20 minutes to the top of the mountains.  The vistas are spectacular – don’t forget your camera – and there are trails available for hiking in the summer.  You can ski from the tram in the winter.

The area is known for the mining of precious metals, and there are a number of business people who will design and create custom-made gold jewellery for you during your visit.  What better way to return home than with a gift that will last a lifetime?

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