Guide to Spain Holidays

Spain has not been a true world power since it was defeated in the famous naval battle against England in 1588; it is still an incredibly beautiful country and one that is rich in history as well as in culture. It is also not a poor or uncivilized culture, being the ninth largest country in the world in terms of economy, and has the fifth largest economy in the European Union.

So what do you like to do?

If you like sports, then a holiday in Spain is a perfect choice, whether you want to play golf or watch a football game or plenty of other fun sporting activities. Go on a hike, go scuba diving in the Mediterranean sea, take a day trip to the Canary Islands, which are a Spanish territory, or stay in Spain and enjoy warm, sunny beaches right outside your hotel.

History

If you prefer history, then Spain has a lot to offer, from ancient castles to World Heritage Cities, of which Spain has the most of any single country in the world. Go exploring historic buildings and learn all about the history of this country which came within a hair’s breadth of controlling most of Europe through taking England.

Adventure & Night Life

If adventure and night life are more your style, then Spain has plenty to offer you, as well, especially since the famous Spanish siestas make for extra energy for late nights. For families, though, Spain also takes great pains to make their country a perfect destination.

Family & Kids

You and your family will love Spain, which is full of all kinds of fascinating treasures from interesting and fun museums to zoos and even safaris. There are nature trails to be walked, natural preserves to be explored, and aquariums to visit where you can even watch the dolphins at play for hours on end.

If your family is into wild rides, there are theme parks all over Spain that offer the family setting that you want and rides enough to satisfy almost any adrenaline junky (at least young adrenaline junkies). These parks are fun and exciting, and have a lot to offer families, including the wild fun that you want in a relatively safe space.

Spain is a beautiful and incredible country with a little of something to offer just about anyone, from the warm climate and beautiful landscapes to the gorgeous palaces and historical buildings and castles. This is a country that is very easy to fall in love with.

The largest state in India and the most enticing one at that, Rajasthan exercises an ineluctable spell on the visitors. Rajasthan tours enable the travelers to get acquainted with the land of rugged beauty, romance, chivalry and multiple colors. Rajasthan has always acted as a major draw for the foreign tourists prodding them to embark on Rajasthan tours that allow them the opportunity to revel in the beauty of the sand dunes, tranquil lakes, unassailable forts and the splendid palaces.

Rajasthan tours are bound to be planned affairs. There is so much to see and be awed by in Rajasthan that unless you follow a well-planned tour itinerary, you are likely to miss out on some of the major aspects of tours to Rajasthan. The serene yet enchanting lakes of Udaipur, the imposing forts of Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaisalmer feature prominently in the priority lists of the tourists visiting this fascinating land. Availing of the Rajasthan tour packages might smooth out the creases involved in Rajasthan tours. A number of customized packages are on offer and these are meant to introduce the tourers with the best that Rajasthan has on offer. If you wish to embark on Rajasthan desert tours, then Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bikaner are the cities that should be incorporated in your priority list. The seemingly unending expanse of sand and the camel safaris are what will make your tours of Rajasthan all the more special.

Though Rajasthan is renowned for its deserts, yet that does not take away from them the importance that the wildlife in Rajasthan enjoys. Rajasthan is like the ultimate holiday package with something of everything thrown in to ensure that your trip is nothing short of unforgettable. From deserts, mountain ranges and hill station to temples, tiger reserves and national parks, Rajasthan has it all. It might interest the wildlife enthusiast to know that Rajasthan is home to animals like tiger, leopard, rhesus monkeys, reptiles, deer and python.

Rajasthan tours allow the tourists to get a hang of what Rajasthan culture and the historical lineage of the city is all about. Your Rajasthan tours will take you through most of former regions called Rajputana, which comprised of Rajput kingdoms. During the course of the Rajasthan tours, you will come across a plethora of forts and palaces that are excellent specimens of Muslim and Jain architecture.

Rajasthan is made more vibrant and multi-hued by its festivals and fairs. Music, dance and a plethora of fairs and festivals transform the otherwise arid land into a creative and fertile basin. Seasonal changes in Rajasthan are indexed by the festive fervor. Among the popular festivals of Rajasthan are included the Pushkar Fair, Desert festival, Elephant Festival and Camel festival. Folk music and folk dance constitute an inseparable aspect of the culture and lifestyle of Rajasthan and a generous showcase of this folk art is staged in the fairs and the festivals. The folk music traditions of Rajasthan are kept alive by entertainer like the Langas, Manganniyars, Mirasis and Dholis.

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Guide to Lanzarote Holidays

Location Of Island

Travel west from the coast of Africa (the Iberian Penninsula to be exact) – about 125 kilometers west – and if you started in the right spot, you might just find yourself on the Island of Lanzarote. This island is the northeastern most of the Canary Islands, and is the fourth largest of the islands of the chain, which is owned by Spain.

How To Get There

You can get to the Island of Lanzarote through the Arrecife International Airport, which saw over five and a half million passengers in a single year (2006) alone. Aside from agriculture, the tourism industry is almost the only industry on the island, and is a booming one, having been primary in the island for about 40 years.

Lanzarote Weather

If you are planning a holiday to Lanzarote Island, no need to worry overmuch about a jacket. Night time in the winter can drop as low as 14 degrees centigrade, but it rarely dips so low, and almost never below that, making it a nice, warm climate, especially in the summertime when temperatures can rise as high as 32 degrees centigrade (though rarely higher than that). The cooling trade winds of the North Atlantic create this temperate climate, keeping it from rising as high as the nearby Sahara, and keeping the climate pleasant and beautiful.

Island Landscape

Relatively recent eruptions (in the 18th and 19th Centuries), have left parts of the Lanzarote landscape looking alien or lunar, and the lack of erosion because of the low precipitation rate means that these incredible landscapes look much like they did just after the eruptions. The area is beautiful and unique, and movie fans will love the fact that parts of Planet of the Apes was shot on the island.

Attractions & Surroundings

Except for the Grand Hotel in Arrecife, local regulations on development mean that there are no high rise buildings on the island, and there are no billboards, either. The island is beautiful and unspoiled, though it is undoubtedly settled. Pay a visit to the island to see attractions like Jameos del Agua, a cave complex with a natural concert hall, a restaurant and museum, and an underground lagoon. There are man-made attractions as well, both historical and modern. You can pay a visit to the Wine Museum of Lanzarote, or check out the Castillo de San Gabriel in Arrecife, which is a 16th Century fortress overlooking the Arricife Harbor. No matter what your tastes, you are sure to find something pleasing in Lanzarote.

Guide to Spain Holidays

Spain has not been a true world power since it was defeated in the famous naval battle against England in 1588; it is still an incredibly beautiful country and one that is rich in history as well as in culture. It is also not a poor or uncivilized culture, being the ninth largest country in the world in terms of economy, and has the fifth largest economy in the European Union.

So what do you like to do?

If you like sports, then a holiday in Spain is a perfect choice, whether you want to play golf or watch a football game or plenty of other fun sporting activities. Go on a hike, go scuba diving in the Mediterranean sea, take a day trip to the Canary Islands, which are a Spanish territory, or stay in Spain and enjoy warm, sunny beaches right outside your hotel.

History

If you prefer history, then Spain has a lot to offer, from ancient castles to World Heritage Cities, of which Spain has the most of any single country in the world. Go exploring historic buildings and learn all about the history of this country which came within a hair’s breadth of controlling most of Europe through taking England.

Adventure & Night Life

If adventure and night life are more your style, then Spain has plenty to offer you, as well, especially since the famous Spanish siestas make for extra energy for late nights. For families, though, Spain also takes great pains to make their country a perfect destination.

Family & Kids

You and your family will love Spain, which is full of all kinds of fascinating treasures from interesting and fun museums to zoos and even safaris. There are nature trails to be walked, natural preserves to be explored, and aquariums to visit where you can even watch the dolphins at play for hours on end.

If your family is into wild rides, there are theme parks all over Spain that offer the family setting that you want and rides enough to satisfy almost any adrenaline junky (at least young adrenaline junkies). These parks are fun and exciting, and have a lot to offer families, including the wild fun that you want in a relatively safe space.

Spain is a beautiful and incredible country with a little of something to offer just about anyone, from the warm climate and beautiful landscapes to the gorgeous palaces and historical buildings and castles. This is a country that is very easy to fall in love with.

‘Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze’ – felt Elynor Glyn. In the state of Rajasthan you will sense every little iota of dust sketching a beautiful poetry. Unraveling the romantic side on your Rajasthan tours will lead you into a cushioned world of fantasy and comfort. In the process, traveling behind and much behind in time, you will feel the nostalgia of the past haunting you with a strong romantic ardor.

On your Rajasthan tours discover the passion in the air amid lakes, greens and hills in the city of Lakes “Udaipur”. If you thought you would never be able to tread the lovely lanes of this beautiful city which fantasized your imagination ever since childhood, you are wrong. Still bearing the essence of passion and poetry in its ruins and its culture, the city of Udaipur oozes intensity to the fullest. You will almost smell the rich heroic past, valor and chivalry of the Rajputs as you walk into the palaces like City Palace, Bagore Ki Haveli and the Lake Palace, stroll in the gardens and lakes, visit the forts and temples and amble through the lurking lanes and mountains of the city. The romantic feel you sense in the waters of the Lake Pichola is describable but not definable, just like romance itself. An ideal place for film shoots, royal events and even corporate parties, Udaipur makes you fall in love with the place. The heritage and luxury hotels are magnificence incarnate and they make your trip all the more memorable.

Situated at a distance of 42 km from Jaipur is Samode which is famous for its array of palaces and forts. Visit the Samode Palace and you will acknowledge the statement. Displaying itself as a canvas of rich architectural elan, this erstwhile palace of the Rawal family of Samode exhibits grace in every detail. The mirror-work or ‘minakari’ in the Durbar Hall, the soft toned walls, elegant marble work, vibrant motifs and traditional art objects are simply amazing.

A visit to Mount Abu – the highest peak in the Aravalli Range is a must do on your Rajasthan tours. Cuddled in the south of Sirohi district in Rajasthan, this giant mountain is called as the ‘oasis in the desert’ as its elevation makes home for lakes, rivulets, cascades and lots of greenery. Legend associates the place with the rules of Chauhans, Solankis, Pramaras and Pratiharas and myth says that it was christened after Arbuda, a powerful serpent, who rescued Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, from drowning into an abyss. A favorite summer resort for the erstwhile British, the place also has a number of temples that exhibit rich carvings and sculptures. The three day Summer Festival featuring ballads, Ghoomar, Gair, and Daph folk dances will add to the romantic flavor of your Rajasthan tours.

It does not need be particularly mentioned that your Rajasthan tours will go incomplete without a visit to the Pink City of Jaipur. You just cannot miss traveling to the Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar.

Wind up your Rajasthan tours with a major shopping binge. Make sure to pick up lovely items like ‘Bandhani’ (tie and dye) garments, ‘minakari’ and ‘kundan’ jewellery and intricate marble, wood and metal work – all defining the sense of romance and charm to the core.

Guide to Lanzarote Holidays

Location Of Island

Travel west from the coast of Africa (the Iberian Penninsula to be exact) – about 125 kilometers west – and if you started in the right spot, you might just find yourself on the Island of Lanzarote. This island is the northeastern most of the Canary Islands, and is the fourth largest of the islands of the chain, which is owned by Spain.

How To Get There

You can get to the Island of Lanzarote through the Arrecife International Airport, which saw over five and a half million passengers in a single year (2006) alone. Aside from agriculture, the tourism industry is almost the only industry on the island, and is a booming one, having been primary in the island for about 40 years.

Lanzarote Weather

If you are planning a holiday to Lanzarote Island, no need to worry overmuch about a jacket. Night time in the winter can drop as low as 14 degrees centigrade, but it rarely dips so low, and almost never below that, making it a nice, warm climate, especially in the summertime when temperatures can rise as high as 32 degrees centigrade (though rarely higher than that). The cooling trade winds of the North Atlantic create this temperate climate, keeping it from rising as high as the nearby Sahara, and keeping the climate pleasant and beautiful.

Island Landscape

Relatively recent eruptions (in the 18th and 19th Centuries), have left parts of the Lanzarote landscape looking alien or lunar, and the lack of erosion because of the low precipitation rate means that these incredible landscapes look much like they did just after the eruptions. The area is beautiful and unique, and movie fans will love the fact that parts of Planet of the Apes was shot on the island.

Attractions & Surroundings

Except for the Grand Hotel in Arrecife, local regulations on development mean that there are no high rise buildings on the island, and there are no billboards, either. The island is beautiful and unspoiled, though it is undoubtedly settled. Pay a visit to the island to see attractions like Jameos del Agua, a cave complex with a natural concert hall, a restaurant and museum, and an underground lagoon. There are man-made attractions as well, both historical and modern. You can pay a visit to the Wine Museum of Lanzarote, or check out the Castillo de San Gabriel in Arrecife, which is a 16th Century fortress overlooking the Arricife Harbor. No matter what your tastes, you are sure to find something pleasing in Lanzarote.

In Woody Allen’s judgement, “As long as you haven’t been kissed during any of those rainy Parisian afternoons, you haven’t been kissed at all.” A long-time dweller of the French capital, I’d have a hard time not to agree with the most Parisian New Yorker. Paris is a place as perfect as they come to live a glorious romance, rekindle your marriage, or meet your lifetime someone. The question is: where do you start?

Finding your cafe terrace

I will start with an obvious spot: the sidewalk cafe terrace. There are thousands of such in Paris, and lovebirds are a common sight there. The cafe terrace is an enjoyable spot in more than one way. First, they offer a nice resting spot. Second, they make an ideal observatory. The streets become an aquarium, passer-bys are the fish, and you two become the observers. Third, sit down at a terrace where other couples are smooching, and you are part of a community setting a good example to the rest of the world. For all we need is love!

But where to turn to? Which cafe to choose? The choice is entirely yours, but I will dare a few recommendations. A favorite spot of mine is located in one of the wings of the Louvre museum. ‘Les Chevaux de Marly’ (Horses in Marly) has I.M. Pei’s Pyramid on its left, and is built inside the wing which borders Rivoli Street (if you look towards Place de la Concorde, this is the right wing of the museum). The place offers a selection of snacks, and a nice warm chocolate. Its terrace is relatively protected from the wind and rain, which makes it a good spot in wintertime.

Now if you are a die-hard fan of the Latin Quarter, and the St Germain des Pres area, you will certainly want to sit at the terrace of ‘Les Deux Magots’ (A Pair of Old Bachelors). French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre and his wife, writer Simone de Beauvoir, used to hole up there in the 50s. Rather large and well protected by a long awning, the terrace is a great spot to observe the foot traffic moving along the busy Boulevard St Germain. The atmosphere inside the cafe has kept some of its mid-20th century flavor. A tad on the expensive side, but history and a great view have a price, haven’t they?

In my list of fave areas, Place de la Contrescarpe ranks high. It is located in the 5th district, atop the quaint Rue Mouffetard. There are a couple of sidewalk terraces to sit at there, and the view is great. I would also recommend Place des Abbesses, on the Montmartre Hill. Though the local cafe terraces are usually packed, I just dig the place for its early-fall, after-school feel. Lastly, I would not miss the cafe ‘Flore en L’Isle’ which sits at the end of the Pont St Louis (St Louis Bridge), at the western tip of the Saint Louis Island. They serve Berthillon ice creams and sorbets, and the view is great.

Cool streets to roam

The best way to visit Paris is on foot and subway. Don’t take cabs, traffic is awful. Use the subway to move from one spot to a distant other. Otherwise, just walk. And while walking, never forget to raise your eyes. Interesting details will pop at you which are rarely noticed by those who only look at eye level.

For romancing the love of your life, certain places have these very special qualities which will set them apart in your memories of togetherness. I will tell you about three for now, and there will be more to come.

Atop my list, ‘Place Furstemberg’. From the plaza of the St Germain Church, walk toward the Seine and Rue Bonaparte. Turn right into Rue de l’Abbaye. Follow the street to the first short alley on your left. Turn and you end up on ‘Place Furstemberg’. French painter Eugene Delacroix had his studio there, and this makes an interesting spot to visit during daytime. But ‘Place Furstemberg’ takes a whole other atmosphere at night. It is quiet, isolated, and sort of private. The nearby abbey lends it a historical feel. Sitting under the trees, the wooden benches welcome eternal lovers.

The Montmartre Hill has a flavor of its own. This is a spot you can spend days discovering. Montmartre used to be a small village outside Paris walls, and was only integrated to Paris at the turn of the 19th century. Thanks to its dwellers and their sense of beauty and dignity, Montmartre has managed for a large part to keep its ‘olden days’ atmosphere. The personality of the hill expresses itself fully at night. Street lamps lend its streets a surreal feel, most notably at mid-hill level. Take one of the steep flights of stairs, and you are sent back in time. ‘Montmartre Nightly’ should be part of your memory lane.

As a final destination for this short trip, let me take you to the park located at the tip of ‘Ile de la Cite’. This is the largest of the two islands, and the small park named ‘Square du Vert Galant’ takes its name from King Henri the 4th, a womanizer in his own right (‘Galant’ alludes to his reputation as a smooth talker, and ‘Vert’ means the guy was ‘always ready to fire’). Walk to the ‘Pont Neuf’ bridge, go down the flight of stairs opening behind Henri’s statue, and you will wind up on the wharf. There, lined with century-old trees, the park offers a magnificent view of the river Seine and the Louvre Museum. I recommend discovering the spot together during daytime. It is also the port of call of a boat tour operator. Seize this opportunity to boat upstream and downstream. Don’t forget to bring an extra sweater, the temperature at water level is chillier.

More recommendations for romance?

I love a good romance, and I would love to contribute to yours in my own way. So I’ll write more about these special Parisian spots in further installments to this series. Meanwhile, you will find more resources on the website Paris-Eiffel-Tower-News (see ‘About the Author’ section in this page). Till then, I wish your couple to grow even stronger.