Pure Vacation » European Vacations

Go on a Food Quest in Europe

Pure Vacation — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:33:59 +0000

Europe is the destination to be for tours of museums, beautiful country sides, and the most stylish apparel. Whenever you hear about European holidays, you can be sure to hear about backpacking, hiking, cycling, and checking out great historic ruins. But of course, a holiday in Europe, whether it is with a loved one or with the whole family, won’t be complete without enjoying all the great cuisine Europe has to offer.

Italy proudly witnessed the historic formation of the Catholic Church, and is home to many historic venues where famous world leaders have convened to change the course of history. However, one of the first things that come to mind when in Italy is the food. Here you can indulge in pizza, spaghetti, lasagna, risotto, and tons more. Italian cuisine is definitely nothing but ordinary. If you want the best risotto, be sure you go to the regions of Veneto and Lombardi. In Tuscany, you can find some of the finest cheeses and the best olive oil. In Marche, you find the best cured meats like sausages and hams.

Mediterranean cuisine is the mastery of the chef in Greece. This country is not only known for its mythology and its contribution to the Olympics, but is also home to the most delicious dishes on earth. Greek dishes are rich in greens, fruits, as well as an assortment of cheeses and various spices. Be sure you taste the spanakopita, fasolada, gyros, and baklava.

France is a fashion capital and a haven for art lovers and romantics. Also, France is home to the best sparkling wines, found only in the regions of Champagne, Alsace, and Lorraine. The French region of Corsica is known for sheep and goats, so expect cheeses and various cured meats. Other known foods from France are baguettes, bouillabaisse, chocolate mousse, crème brulee, and more.

Fashion Tours and More Await You in Europe

Pure Vacation — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:22:31 +0000

Europe is one of the hottest and classiest places to tour when you’re on vacation. What experience could be more luxurious than strolling along the artistic streets of the biggest and richest cities in Europe? Aside from the rich history of the continent, Europe is also known as a haven for fashion. World famous designer labels like Versace, Valentino, Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and more have originated from Europe.

If you want to make the most of your European experience, then you better know the finest places to shop for the top fashion accessories and designer apparel. That is, if you have the budget and if you are willing to splurge on luxury fashion items. Or maybe you just want to learn more about the wonderful world of fashion through the eyes of Europe. Here are a few recommendations on spots in Europe to check out on your fashion shopping spree.

Paris, the capital of France, is given the moniker as the city of lights. However, besides being home to baguettes and the Louvre, Paris is also a fashion center. You can shop along rue Jacob, rue Bonaparte, and rue du Perche, and many more for some fine fashion finds from coats, bags, and dresses. The La Vallee Village is a place for more affordable shopping in Paris.

Belgium is also home to some world class fashion designers. In Antwerp, which is the capital of the nation, lies MoMu, the fashion museum. The museum showcases creations by the “Antwerp Six” which is composed of Dries van Noten, Dirk Can Saene, Walter Can Beirendonck, Ann Demeulemeester, Marina Yee, and Dirk Bikkembergs. The Antwerp Six is known for their avantgarde creations.

In London, you can’t miss famous names like Burberry, Paul Smith, Stella McCartney, and Paul Smith. Some of the hottest spots to shop in are Gucci, Manolo Blahnik, the Dover Street Market, and more.

Your European Vacation – A Guide To Choosing European Vacation Packages

Pure Vacation — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 20:31:08 +0000

What do you look for in a European vacation? The romance of a Paris vacation, the buzz of some time in London, England or the relaxation and quiet peace of an alpine valley? The truth is that, with a European vacation package, you can have all of this and more.Europe is a very diverse continent and the range of possible European vacations reflects this. In each European country you can choose from the buzz of a city visit or the relaxation of the countryside. Transport links are good and it’s easy to hop from country to country by plane, by train or by road. This article sets out to help you plan a European vacation that suits you.

European vacation – travel tips for cheap European tours

If you want to travel Europe on a low budget then the two key issues are time and flexibility. There are now many cheap European airlines who offer budget airfares for travel between European countries. Almost without exception they offer an excellent service, and their prices are remarkably low. But you do need to be flexible – both in your choice of destination and in your travel schedule timings.

European budget airlines often fly between the less popular airports and may only operate one flight a day. This means that if you miss a flight or if your flight is cancelled then you could face a long wait in a rather out of the way town or provincial airport.

The Irish airline, Ryanair, can be used as an example. Their flight billed as Glasgow to Paris departs from a town called Prestwick – about forty miles from Glasgow and arrives at Beauvais, a French town about sixty miles from Paris. Coach services are provided and the service is good but you will need to add at least an hour to your journey at either end. Getting stranded late at night in Beauvais or Prestwick is not likely to be fun. You can find a list of cheap European airlines and some of their routes on the websites listed below.

If you would rather travel to Europe on a planned European Vacation Package then you will have other issues to contend with. Planned European vacation packages can sometimes be rather sterile and predictable. Some of them may almost have the effect of insulating you against anything European! The notion of being herded along on like cattle among a mass of bemused fellow travellers is not likely to appeal to many of us.

Try to find a package that will allow you the benefits of having your travel and accommodation organised but still leave time for you to branch off on your own if you want to.

Travel Europe and enjoy it. There is no right or wrong approach – simply work out what suits you and your lifestyle best. You will find plenty of choice in every European country. If you’ve never taken a European vacation then please do consider it – the possibilities are almost limitless.

Gary Hill is a travel writer based in Scotland. He travels widely in Europe and has a lifetime’s hoard of travel tips and advice to draw on.
His website has all you need to plan your dream European Vacations.

You can also check out details on planning travel around europe and on finding your dream european package vacation

By Gary Hill