PureTravel http://www.puretravel.com/blog A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:18:17 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en hourly 1 Discover Europe on a Cruise from Southampton http://www.puretravel.com/blog/2012/02/01/discover-europe-on-a-cruise-from-southampton/ http://www.puretravel.com/blog/2012/02/01/discover-europe-on-a-cruise-from-southampton/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:44:40 +0000 Jules http://www.puretravel.com/blog/?p=2982 Cruise holidays have being growing steadily in popularity over the last few years and 2012 is predicted to be a bumper year. And no wonder with large luxurious liners with every modern convenience on board, fascinating local destinations to discover along the way and of course fabulous food, drink and entertainment 24/7.

Many travellers in the UK choose to depart on cruises from Southampton, a port in the south of England that offers easy access and an abundance of choice of destinations.

One such location to explore is the Norwegian Fjords; serene and beautiful yet also offering an amazing array of activities once there. Stops in the quaint ports along the way offer a great choice of adventures to warm you up such as kayaking, hiking, cycling and skiing. And if that all sounds far too strenuous then there are plenty of small cafes and boutique shops to explore instead. If you get the opportunity to visit the city of Bergen, which is known as the Gateway to the Fjords, then make sure you check out the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, the famous Fish Market and the fascinating Edvard Grieg Museum.

Another option when sailing from Southampton is to discover the Baltic capitals; Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius. Tallinn in Estonia draws travellers from all over thanks to the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, hanseatic merchant’s houses and the medieval Town Hall building. Riga is the capital city of Latvia and here you can explore quaint streets, ancient churches and the canal district, after all Riga is bursting with 800 years of history! And finally on to Vilnius in Lithuania which will have architecture enthusiast enthralled with a heady mix of Western European architectural styles such as Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical. All three countries also have picturesque country landscapes which you can discover by cycle or simply walking the popular sites.

And finally, if you’re looking for a warm climate and great culture then head to La Coruna in Spain’s Galicia. Somewhat a hidden gem, La Coruna is a world away from the beach resorts with an abundance of museums, galleries and attractions. La Coruna is ideal for the whole family with plenty of child-friendly restaurants, shops and activities. Go on, what are you waiting for, make 2012 your year to take a cruise.

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]]> http://www.puretravel.com/blog/2012/02/01/discover-europe-on-a-cruise-from-southampton/feed/ The World’s 50 Cheapest Airlines in 2011 http://www.puretravel.com/blog/2012/01/31/the-world%e2%80%99s-50-cheapest-airlines-in-2011/ http://www.puretravel.com/blog/2012/01/31/the-world%e2%80%99s-50-cheapest-airlines-in-2011/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:18:32 +0000 Jules http://www.puretravel.com/blog/?p=2975 Infografic of top airlines by price

Online travel agency edreams.com reveals results of their 2011 airlines study. The research tells us which are the top 50 airlines with the cheapest flights in the world.

These days there seem to be so many airlines out there flying similar routes. Particularly when it comes to short haul flights, there are a plethora of flight companies competing for our custom. Of course, most of us want to save some pennies and go for the cheapest option. So eDreams have researched and compiled a ranking of the top 50 cheapest airlines in the world. Travellers can check out the cheap flights table and infographic at the eDreams Airlines Study.

Using data from millions of flight bookings made through them, eDreams have worked out a price per 100 miles for each airline. They’ve then ranked the top 50, with Vietnamese Jetstar Pacific topping the list. But Brits will be pleasantly surprised to see a strong UK presence too. Monarch is the second cheapest airline in the world, at just under a tenner per 100 miles. And Thomson Airways also made an appearance in the top ten.

Something travellers will be especially happy to hear is that the top 14 airlines featured in the list are low cost. So booking with low cost airlines is not a false economy.

“Many airlines claim to be inexpensive and these rankings give us a different insight into which are the cheapest airlines per mile flown,” says eDreams’ Chief Marketing Officer, Mauricio Prieto.

“With the current economic climate, more and more consumers are shopping around for flights because they want to get the most for their money. Using this list, customers can make an informed decision about which airline they want to fly with based on solid pricing data.”

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]]> http://www.puretravel.com/blog/2012/01/31/the-world%e2%80%99s-50-cheapest-airlines-in-2011/feed/ Where is your favourite city? http://www.puretravel.com/blog/2012/01/30/where-is-your-favourite-city/ http://www.puretravel.com/blog/2012/01/30/where-is-your-favourite-city/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:50:29 +0000 Jules http://www.puretravel.com/blog/?p=2972 Temple in Hanoi in Vietnam

I was pretty confident I could reel off my favourite seven cities in the world, then had to keep backtracking as there are far too many to choose from! If you want to nominate your favourite cities of the world then the New7Wonders site is once again looking for nominations, this time for the New7Wonders Cities.

The 1,200 cities from some 220 countries are arranged in alphabetical order so you can just select your seven and then wait until the next phase is announced on 7 March 2012. Warning; you only get to shortlist your top 7!

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]]> http://www.puretravel.com/blog/2012/01/30/where-is-your-favourite-city/feed/ Explore Tantalising Tuscany http://www.puretravel.com/blog/2012/01/30/explore-tantalising-tuscany/ http://www.puretravel.com/blog/2012/01/30/explore-tantalising-tuscany/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:05:59 +0000 Jules http://www.puretravel.com/blog/?p=2967 The region of Tuscany is one of the most visited areas of Italy. With its significant and historical location it is sure to please the most demanding travelers. Beautifully situated in the north western part of Italy Tuscany offers truly enlightening experience of the past and present entwined into one fantastic package of wonder.

The capital of the region is Florence, the most populated city of the area. The art and architecture splendidly show Italian history and heritage. Most popular stop is the markets at San Lorenzo where you can enjoy endless shopping and dining. The history lovers will be attracted by the center of the city with its numerous museums and art galleries such as Pitti Palace and Uffizi Gallery.

From Florence you may want to visit the province of Siena with its various wineries and culinary customs. Twice a year horse racing is hosted attracting millions of visitors annually. Pienza and Montepulciano are the most picturesque towns within the province and offer locally flavoured event during your travels.

Another desirable location of Tuscany is without a doubt the city of Pisa with its medieval heritage and includes the cathedral with its relics from the Crusades, Piazza del Duomo and the famous leaning tower amongst endless historical monuments stretched throughout the city. For visitors who prefer leisurely country rides many guided tours are provided daily at an affordable price. Your local tours will be seasoned by wine tasting and indulgence in local cuisine.

Many of the visitors come to Tuscany entertaining the idea of acquiring a piece of real estate. There are an abundance of properties currently on the market; choose from a luxury Tuscany villa, rural farm, lavish country house or a chic city apartment. Maybe set up a viewing during your trip to the region as arrangements can be made prior your visit and implemented upon your arrival.

The charm and medieval allure of Tuscany will take your breath away. The rolling hills and spectacular views from every angle are sure to guarantee an unforgettable trip for you and your fellow travelers. Most memorable will always be the chance to meet and spend time with local residents whose friendliness and gentle attitude are still very much a part of their charisma. And the best part is that if you do decide to invest in local property you will always have a Tuscany villa with pool to escape to during those cold winter months.

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]]> http://www.puretravel.com/blog/2012/01/30/explore-tantalising-tuscany/feed/ 2012’s Hottest Holiday Destinations http://www.puretravel.com/blog/2012/01/27/2012%e2%80%99s-hottest-holiday-destinations/ http://www.puretravel.com/blog/2012/01/27/2012%e2%80%99s-hottest-holiday-destinations/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:33:03 +0000 Jules http://www.puretravel.com/blog/?p=2959 One sure fire way to see you through the winter blues, and enable you to successfully negotiate the gloom that envelops much of the country at this time of year, is to start thinking about and planning your holiday. Whether you want to wait until the height of summer, prefer to get away a little earlier or hold off until the other side of September to avoid the crowds, there is nothing like getting a holiday organised to lift your spirits. With that in mind, here are some places you should be thinking about visiting in 2012.

One area of the world that is enjoying a growing reputation as a holiday destination is Eastern Europe and nowhere is this more evident than Croatia. The pristine coastline boasts some of the most beautiful sights in the world. Idyllic resorts dot the bays and make the ideal base from which to enjoy your stay. Alternatively, you can choose to stay on one of the many stunning islands that lay off the coast – Hvar is a particular highlight.

For fascinating history, a trip to Dubrovnik is well worth the effort while, and wherever you go, the food is sure to delight. What’s more, Croatia offers excellent value for money. When you can get Cheap holidays to fascinating destinations – what’s not to like?

While these areas are up and coming and new on the scene in terms of their holiday appeal, some old favourites still hold all the quality and charm that made them so popular in the first place. One such place is, without a doubt, Spain. The Iberian region’s biggest strength is its versatility. Whether it’s sun, sea, sand and cocktails you’re after or an intriguing cultural journey, Spain has it all.

Dance the nights away and recuperate on the white sands the next day in Tenerife and Ibiza, drink in the architectural majesty of Gaudi (not to mention the skill of the world’s best football team) in Barcelona, or enjoy the facilities in resorts such as La Manga. Whatever you want to do, Spain is, and will continue to be, numero uno for millions of holidaymakers.

When it comes to city breaks, it’s still hard to beat the ease and convenience of simply hopping across the channel, either by train, plane or boat and heading for Paris. A city so aesthetically stunning you could spend your time simply wandering the streets, gazing around in awe. Paris has more than enough going on besides the architecture to keep everyone entertained, and is home to some of the best shopping and restaurants in the world.

Continuing with the cultural theme, head to Italy to experience fantastic food in a stunning setting. Rome, Florence and Venice all compete for your affections with surroundings to die for, while fashion savvy travellers, not to mention sports fans, the world over will find themselves naturally gravitating towards Milan. For somewhere rather more untouched by tourist hands, head for the medieval market towns and sprawling vineyards of Umbria, while Puglia boasts 500 miles of coastline, each stretch more stunning than the last.

For a further taste of history, why not look towards Northern Africa and Egypt? One of the best ways to get a taste of all this remarkable country has to offer is with a cruise on the Nile. As you luxuriously float between the temples of Karnak and Luxor, keep an eye out for the infamous Valley of the Kings and Aswan. Cairo also boasts the Egyptian museum, home to the solid gold death mask of King Tutankhamun. Just outside the city lie the breathtaking, iconic pyramids and the Sphinx.

Wherever you go in 2012, make sure your holiday this year is the best one yet.

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]]> http://www.puretravel.com/blog/2012/01/27/2012%e2%80%99s-hottest-holiday-destinations/feed/ Mediterranean Cruises; Explore the Med in style http://www.puretravel.com/blog/2012/01/25/mediterranean-cruises-explore-the-med-in-style/ http://www.puretravel.com/blog/2012/01/25/mediterranean-cruises-explore-the-med-in-style/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:04:19 +0000 Jules http://www.puretravel.com/blog/?p=2957 All holidays are very precious and one area that remains ever popular with travellers both young and old is the Mediterranean. It is a region that not only possesses rich heritage and diverse culture but has a capability to enthral all travellers as well. If you’ve backpacked around the Med, driven the twisting country lanes and maybe even tried a short weekend getaway, then now is the time to try something a little different; a wonderful cruise on the Mediterranean Sea.

Holidays in the Mediterranean region offer a huge variety of attractions and there are very few regions in the world that can compete with that. Mediterranean cruises will make it possible to explore the maximum number of destinations in the minimum possible time. Just picture Spanish sandy beaches, mouth-watering Italian food, romantic coastline of Cyprus and Turkey, mysterious sand dunes in Morocco and a whole lot more can be explored through a cruise in Mediterranean.

One can sail in the Mediterranean during all twelve months but the best time is considered in between the months of April until October. During this period the weather remains warm and pleasant, especially if you’re escaping the chill of Northern Europe. The Med attracts visitors from every corner of the planet. Travellers can embark from any of location throughout Europe as there are number of cruise services available that are operating from different port cities and offering different routes.

Cruise liners present many attractive tour packages to all travelers of every budget and with a bit of effort, one can find an excellent package with good rates. There are packages for different routes, prices and number of days. Most cruise liners also include packages that include city tours of either a half day or full day. That provides an ideal opportunity to explore destinations like Istanbul in Turkey, Barcelona in Spain, Lisbon in Portugal, Sicily in Italy and even London in United Kingdom.

There are many intriguing seaports to explore; Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Turkey, Gibraltar, France, Monte Carlo, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus and Spain are just a few. Travellers can just sit back by night and enjoy the onboard entertainment and discover the endless local sights by day. And if you do opt for a cruise in the Med make sure you check out the local treasures of the Greek Isles, Anatolia, Italian coasts and the entire Levant area.

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]]> http://www.puretravel.com/blog/2012/01/25/mediterranean-cruises-explore-the-med-in-style/feed/ 18 Tips for harmonious family travels http://www.puretravel.com/blog/2012/01/24/18-tips-for-harmonious-family-travels/ http://www.puretravel.com/blog/2012/01/24/18-tips-for-harmonious-family-travels/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:42:32 +0000 Jules http://www.puretravel.com/blog/?p=2948 Enjoy your family travel adventure with our travel tips and advice

Keeping the whole family happy and content for two solid weeks was always going to be a huge ask! But make some plans and get the ground rules in place and the toddler tantrums and teen dramas will be minimised (hopefully!)

1. Slow it right down – Children work on a whole different timescale and anyway it’s not about ticking off the seen items on your to-do list. Chill out and take it slow.
2. Kids Eat Free – Save money on family meals by looking out for deals where kids eat free or two people eat for a set fee.
3. Plan ahead – Make a rough itinerary suitable for all the party, allow plenty of interesting stops for all ages and include a few rest stops too! But prepare to be flexible too as your choice of activity might not be ‘cool’ enough!
4. Take Your Own Stroller – Using your own baby stroller or pushchair at some theme parks and attractions can save you from hiring one.
5. Go prepared – Make sure you have a capsule first aid kit, a few snacks and drinks. Also pack any toiletries you might need; wipes, tissues, spare clothes etc
6. Multi Day Passes – Find out if attractions offer multi day passes or discounts and take advantage of them.
7. Focus – Turn the mobile off and enjoy quality time with your family. This is your vacation too, so enjoy it.
8. Use The Pool – If you’ve paid extra for a hotel for a pool then make sure you use it. Or consider booking a hotel without all the usual amenities if you won’t use them.
9. Child Spending – Set your children a daily or weekly budget on what they spend on souvenirs and gifts to save any bickering later on.
10.  Get back to nature – Try camping and make educational trips fun, which will probably work better with younger children. Spot and identify wildlife, plants and birds.
11. Student Discounts – Many attractions offer student, children, senior and family discounts. Check in advance and carry your ID with you.
12. Lead by example – Encourage your children to explore and try new things. Try that zipline experience and sample those local ‘speciality’ dishes – adventure is the spice of life!
13. Capture the moment – Take a few photos, video or even keep a scrapbook.
14. Routine – Try to stick roughly to your home routines, such as bedtimes but do allow some flexibility as a holiday is meant to be fun after all.
15. Discount Vouchers – Many local newspapers and magazines offer local attraction deals such as 2 for 1 entry etc, which will save families money. Also look out for promotional leaflets in hotels.
16. Loyalty Vouchers – Other organizations also have offers from their partners – make sure you’re signed up to receive post from your credit card companies, supermarkets etc.
17. Make it count – If you want to go off and explore an art gallery by yourself then make sure you do it; you don’t have to be together 24/7. Likewise try to spend some quality one-on-one time with each of your children.
18. Rules – If you are going to let your children explore by themselves make sure you have ground rules in place. Make sure they know when and where to meet up with you and make sure they have working mobile phones for emergencies.

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