International Travel

Posts Tagged ‘london’

A lot of people would tell you that London is an expensive place to visit, and it is possible to spend a small fortune in England’s capital if you are that way inclined, but it is also possible to spend a few days in London without breaking the bank.

For a start, a lot of the finest museums in London are free to enter. The Tate Modern, home to some of the best new galleries in the world is completely free, and there are people who would be willing to travel hundreds of miles for this opportunity.

It is also very cheap and easy to get about the capital. A zones one to four rail card is very light on the pocket and gives you travels throughout the major parts of London all day. You could end up using the tube ten times a day and the over ground several times, as well as any bus in the capital and it would all be paid for with your railcard.

There are also lots of great things to do in the evening. There are plenty of decent cheap restaurants, and if you book online, you can now get Phantom of the opera tickets very cheaply. This is a great show which is famous the world over, and this just goes to show that you don’t have to break the bank to see something world class in London.

The city is a wonderful place to explore, so please don’t let the thought of cost put you off discovering just how much it has to offer.

Paris

Paris is the capital and largest city of France. A stylish, sophisticated and romantic city, it boasts many sights to see, such as Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe as well as some of Europe’s best shops and restaurants. Located on the River Seine in the country’s north, Paris maintains much of its traditional architecture, with hidden squares, churches, cathedrals and palaces mixing in well with more modern designs. Access to Paris is fairly simple by car, rail or air.

Rome

A vibrant city with timeless architecture and a passionate culture, Rome is the largest city in Italy and also the capital. Located on the Tiber and Aniene rivers near the Mediterranean Sea, Rome enjoys a warm, comfortable climate in which visitors can explore the city. In addition to a rich history, Rome is also home to the Vatican City, a sovereign enclave within Rome, it is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church and the home of the Pope. Traveling around Rome is fairly easy on a network of trams, buses and trains, although travel by car is not recommended.

London

One of the world’s major business and financial centres, London is also a cosmopolitan and energetic centre for arts, culture, politics and entertainment. London’s population includes an extremely diverse range of peoples, cultures and religions, and with over 300 languages being spoken it is the most linguistically diverse city in the world. In addition to this, the city boasts a great number of important buildings and iconic landmarks, including world-famous museums, theatres, concert halls, galleries and palaces.

Venice

The “city of canals”, is the capital of the region of Veneto and of the province of Venice, in Northern Italy. The city stretches across numerous small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea. Venice has a very rich history and in previous centuries the Venetian Republic was a major sea power and a staging area for the Crusades, as well as a very important centre of commerce and art during the Renaissance. As Europe’s largest car free area, traveling around the city can only be done by boat or on foot.

Barcelona

Barcelona offers a range of tourist attractions, from Roman remains and a historic city centre, the old harbour, museums and the famous Sagrada Familia church. It is the capital city of Catalonia and the second most populous city in Spain. Located in the comarca of Barcelonès, along the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona benefits from a temperate Mediterranean climate.

The sun may have set on the English Empire of history books, but by no means is England’s worldly cultural influence waning. The cosmopolitan hot-spots of sophisticated London and avant-garde Manchester speak to the global future while the Roman remnants in Bath and Celtic heritage at Stonehenge stand as monumental tributes to a time past but not forgotten.

Experience England

Culinary Intrigue

The Brits may not traditionally be known, or even praised, for their gastronomic heritage; however, England has recently experienced a culinary renaissance of sorts and can proudly boast 14 of the world’s top 50 restaurants. Erase thoughts of porridge and stodge – the British dining experience has abandoned its starchy past and embarked on a journey through multicultural and international cuisine, particularly in the South. England’s colonial history comes forth in London’s exquisite choice of Indian restaurants. Despite this new food wave, make sure not to pass on the Yorkshire pudding and Beef Wellington when traveling through the North, which offers exceptional renditions of more traditional dishes.

From London to Land’s End

Upon arrival in the English region of this massive island, it is important to include travel outside of London for the full British experience. England’s most southwestern tip of Cornwall is home to the legendary sea-cliffs below Penzance and the dramatic peninsula of Land’s End where a 25 mile trail will take you along some of the most beautiful stretches of ocean. Cornwall is also known for its architectural landmarks, including Cotehele, a most impressive Tudor mansion and museum along the river Tamar. Travel northeast to encounter ancient towns nestled in the picturesque countryside of The Cotswolds. This region is extremely popular for a glimpse into the idyllic English lifestyle with its 14th century stone and thatched roof cottages and cobblestone alleys. Keep in mind that the southern regions are heavily traveled in the months of July and August by locals and foreigners alike due to the warmer weather.

Farther north, the ancient spa town of Bath is famous for the 2000 year-old Roman bathhouses, which are still open to the public, in addition to Saxon ruins and the history of local Christianity told by the Heritage Vaults. Shakespeare buffs should not miss Stratford-upon-Avon, his home town located in the Midlands. Shakespeare and his family are buried at the Holy Trinity Church in the heart of town. While visiting the most northern regions, travel through York to see Europe’s largest Gothic cathedral, York Minster, and walk along the immaculately preserved medieval street of The Shambles. Even more enchanting are the still-standing city walls that enclose a magical mix of history and modernity in a city that was once the Danish capital of Viking England.

A Region of Global Heritage

Aside from England’s ancient history, no other nation has had such a hand in human progress in the modern era. At one time the English Empire encompassed stretches of the globe from Australia and India to Canada and America. England helped push the world stage into Industrial Revolution; the Midlands are home to the world’s first industrial cities. The land of Chaucer, Shakespeare and Dickens, Saxons, Celts and Normans, is an intriguing and essential journey for anyone interested in the formation of contemporary global culture.