Budapest an Ideal City Break but What Lies Beyond

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Hungarys recent accession to the EU has made travel to and from the country simpler and more attractive to travellers from other European countries. The tourism industry is booming in Hungary and its capital, Budapest, has established a firm place on the list of must see city break locations. But as the city attracts more and more tourists and challenges Barcelona and Prague for the number one spot in city break destinations looking outside of the city itself can reveal another side to Hungary as a destination.

Budapest is a city rich in culture and history, a city of castles, cathedrals, museums and Turkish baths. Although uniquely Hungarian and not short of attractions, Budapest is typical of the European city break destination. But a nation with no less than 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites is not short on wider attractions and Hungary is no different.

Pecs, some 213 km from Budapest is a stunning early Christian necropolis founded by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. The first Hungarian king, St Stephen founded an episcopate in Pecs in 1009 and the architectural monuments of 150 years of Turkish rule are still evident offering the visitor an interesting mix of east and west. Closer to Budapest and the Millenarian Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma is a stunning, yet relatively undiscovered tourist treasure. The abbey, built on the Roman province of Pannonia dates back to the formation of Hungary as a nation itself. The abbey has been built and destroyed several times in its history but the foundation of the monastery originally built be Czech and Italian monks and most recently refurbished in a unique baroque style are truly impressive.

Travelling out side of Budapest can be relatively easy with a range of organised tours visiting many of Hungarys attractions and the countrys rail network is relatively cheap and reliable. For the more adventurous or independent traveller, car rental is available with many of the major firms offering car hire in Budapest (website: www.easycar.com/car-hire/location/Budapest.aspx/EN ) or at the various airports around the country.

Hungary is a welcome addition to the European travel destination circuit and the merits of Budapest are obvious and abundant. The country itself though is a fascinating destination of contrasts, history and culture and it just might be well worth exploring.

Budapest an Ideal City Break but What Lies Beyond

A Short Break in Rome Is Better than No Rome at All

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Ahh, Roma. It should be written in every person’s destiny that they shall travel to the Eternal City at least once in their lifetime, to experience the romance, the history and the charm that is the capital of Italy. A short break in Rome may seem like a compromise, but in reality, even a few days is enough to experience a wonderful slice of life so different to one’s own existence. To sit and ponder life’s mysteries while enjoying affogato in a piazza, or to throw coins in the Fontana di Trevi and wish for a return to this magical place, are moments that justify making the journey for a short break in Rome.

Whether you are Catholic, Jewish or Buddhist, stopping by the Vatican both inspires and humbles; if not for the religious significance, then to marvel at the historical nature. Exploring the Coliseum, you will learn about the magnificent gladiators who fought for fame and glory there. Back on the streets, you will dodge haphazard fleets of Fiats and Ferraris, whilst checking out the fashionistas who seem to loiter at every corner to see and be seen. Even a short break in Rome will transplant untold fascination into your heart.

Accommodation choices vary from tiny hole-in-the-wall overnighters to grand hotels that you won’t want to leave, even to go sightseeing. Depending on the time of year you choose to take your short break in Rome, you could save significant sums of money, or you could be at a disadvantage. Similarly, planning in advance could serve you well, whereas sometimes, last minute deals are irresistibly affordable.

Many travel agents can plan weekend itineraries for you that will encompass all the absolute must-visits of Rome. Sure, you may have to make like a text-book tourist and stay on the well-worn paths of millions who have gone before you, but when time is of the essence, you certainly don’t want to waste it on studying map books, asking for directions in an unfamiliar language and learning the hard way how not to be taken advantage of. A short break in Rome can be as exhausting and exhilarating as any two-week bus tour through the whole of Europe.

The key to making the most of a short break in Rome is to pack light, plan ahead and be well rested before you arrive. And be prepared to sleep very little since there is always something to see in beautiful Roma, day or night, winter or summer, rain or shine.

If you’re ready to book your short break in Rome, visit our website for all the advice you’ll need, and some great deals and “Insider” secrets about travel to the eternal city.

A Short Break in Rome Is Better than No Rome at All

Spring Break Travel

It’s like a national ritual. Every year, thousands and thousands of young people, those who have just graduated high school and those in college, take a spring break vacation. The purpose of a spring break vacation is to go on one long party vacation with friends. The idea is, it seems, to throw caution to the wind and party hardy.

But throwing caution to the wind isn’t a good plan. Believe it or not, just because you are young (and beautiful) doesn’t make you ten feet tall and bulletproof. It doesn’t excuse you from following the laws just like the mere mortals.

Here are five tips for spring break travelers:

1. If you are planning on going to a foreign country for your spring break vacation, take the time to learn the basic laws and customs of that country. When you arrive in a foreign country, you are governed by the laws of that country.

2. Remember that when you engage in risky behavior (alcohol, drugs, unprotected sex, etc.) you are betting your future. Risky and illegal behavior can land you in jail in a foreign country or worse a lot worse.

3. Stay in touch with your family at home. Believe it or not, good ole mom and dad will do whatever they can do to help you if you get in a jam but they can’t help you if they don’t know where you are.

4. You are a guest in a foreign country. YOU are the foreigner. If you act arrogant or superior to the local residents, you can get into a lot of trouble.

5. If you rent and drive any vehicle in a foreign country, you will be subject to the laws of the road in that country. You need to find out what those laws are.

Basically remember this: Spring break is a time out from school, but it is NOT a time out from the world and all of the dangers in it. Go! Have fun! But be safe!

Spring Break Travel