photo credit: Shaun Heaney

One of the popular destinations in Europe, Ireland is continually becoming a global destination with visitors coming here from all over the world. Its climate, its cultural heritage and the traditional hospitality; all make Ireland a great destination for all the members of the family. Here are a few Ireland Travel tips that you could find handy while on your trip across the country. Some of the interesting facts about the country have also been included in this list as well.

-    Ireland is an island nation with unparallel natural beauty characterizing its very existence.
-    Dublin is the capital of Ireland.
-    The rural countryside and the urban cities; every corner of Ireland is richly dipped in heritage and traditions that guests coming here can especially feast on.
-    A few of the popular Irish destinations are Limerick, Galway, Sligo, and Cork, besides Dublin.
-    The climate of Ireland is primarily maritime with cool summers and mild winters with a great deal of rains throughout the year.
-    Euro is the currency of Ireland and ATM’s are housed across all corners of the Irish cities for convenience of locals and tourists alike.
-    For visitors traveling to Ireland, it is highly advisable that medical insurance is done prior to visiting the place.
-    Smoking in public places is strictly prohibited here.
-    Left hand side driving is practiced in Ireland and therefore one has to be used to this type of driving, particularly for guests who wish to drive across the country while on sightseeing tours here.
-    Tipping in the restaurants and pubs and bars is extremely common.
-    From Prehistoric monuments to contemporary architectural wonders, Ireland is housed with a number of interesting attractions that wait to surprise its guests while on their visit across the nation…

photo credit: Walt Hubis

Travel tips to Budapest as Aquincum, originally a Celtic settlement, was the direct ancestor of Budapest,  becoming the Roman capital of Lower Pannonia. Magyars arrived in the territory in the 9th century. Their first settlement was pillaged by the Mongols in 1241-42.

The re-established town became one of the centres of Renaissance humanist culture in the 15th century. Following the Battle of Mohács and nearly 150 years of Ottoman rule, development of the region entered a new age of prosperity in the 18th and 19th centuries, and Budapest became a global city after the 1873 unification. It also became the second capital of Austria-Hungary, a great power that dissolved in 1918. Budapest was the focal point of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 , the Hungarian Soviet Republic of 1919, Operation Panzerfaust in 1944, the Battle of Budapest of 1945, and the Revolution of 1956.

Regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. its extensive World Heritage Site includes the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square and the Millennium Underground Railway, the second oldest in the world. Other highlights include a total of 80 geothermal springs, the world’s largest thermal water cave system,  second largest synagogue, and third largest Parliament building.

Considered an important hub in Central Europe, the city ranked 3rd (out of 65 cities) on Mastercard’s Emerging Markets Index (2008), and ranked as the most livable Central/Eastern European city on EIU’s quality of life index (both 2009 & 2010). It is also ranked as “Europe’s 7th most idyllic place to live” by Forbes. It attracts over 20 million visitors a year. The headquarters of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)and the first foreign office of the CIPA will be in Budapest.

History and culture of Hungary

The first settlement on the territory of Budapest was built by Celts before 1 AD. It was later occupied by the Romans. The Roman settlement – Aquincum – became the main city of Lower Pannonia in 106 AD.The Romans constructed roads, amphitheaters, baths and houses with heated floors in this fortified military camp.

The peace treaty of 829 added Pannonia to Bulgaria due to the victory of Bulgarian army of Omurtag over Holy Roman Empire of Louis the Pious. Budapest arose out of two Bulgarian military frontier fortresses Buda and Pest, situated on the two banks of Danube. Hungarians led by Árpád settled in the territory at the end of the 9th century, and a century later officially founded the Kingdom of Hungary. Research places the probable residence of the Árpáds as an early place of central power near what became Budapest. The Tatar invasion in the 13th century quickly proved that defence is difficult on a plain. King Béla IV of Hungary therefore ordered the construction of reinforced stone walls around the towns and set his own royal palace on the top of the protecting hills of Buda. In 1361 it became the capital of Hungary.

The cultural role of Buda was particularly significant during the reign of Matthias Corvinus of Hungary. The Italian Renaissance had a great influence on the city. His library, the Bibliotheca Corviniana, was Europe’s greatest collection of historical chronicles and philosophic and scientific works in the 15th century, and second only in size to the Vatican Library. After the foundation of the first Hungarian university in Pécs in 1367 the second one was established in Óbuda in 1395.  The first Hungarian book was printed in Buda in 1473.

The Ottomans pillaged Buda in 1526, besieged it in 1529, and finally occupied it in 1541. The Turkish occupation lasted for more than 140 years. The Turks constructed some fine bathing facilities here. The unoccupied western part of the country became part of the Habsburg Empire as Royal Hungary.

In 1686, two years after the unsuccessful siege of Buda, a renewed campaign was started to enter the Hungarian capital. This time, the Holy League’s army was twice as large, containing over 74,000 men, including German, Croat, Dutch, Hungarian, English, Spanish, Czech, Italian, French, Burgundian, Danish and Swedish soldiers, along with other Europeans as volunteers, artilleryman, and officers, the Christian forces reconquered Buda, and in the next few years, all of the former Hungarian lands, except areas near Timi?oara (Temesvár), were taken from the Turks. In the 1699 Treaty of Karlowitz these territorial changes were officially recognized, and in 1718 the entire Kingdom of Hungary was removed from Ottoman rule.

The city was destroyed during the battle. Hungary was then incorporated into the Habsburg Empire.

The nineteenth century was dominated by the Hungarians’ struggle for independence  and modernization. The national insurrection against the Habsburgs began in the Hungarian capital in 1848 and was defeated a little more than a year later.

1867 was the year of Reconciliation that brought about the birth of Austria-Hungary.

This made Budapest the twin capital of a dual monarchy. It was this compromise which opened the second great phase of development in the history of Budapest, lasting until World War I. In 1873 Buda and Pest were officially merged with the third part, Óbuda (Ancient Buda), thus creating the new metropolis of Budapest. The dynamic Pest grew into the country’s administrative, political, economic, trade and cultural hub. Budapest went from about 80% German-speaking in 1848 to about 80% Hungarian-speaking in 1880. World War I brought the Golden Age to an end. In 1918 Austria-Hungary lost the war and collapsed; Hungary declared itself an independent republic. In 1920 the Treaty of Trianon finalized the country’s partition, as a result, Hungary lost over two-thirds of its territory, about two-thirds of its inhabitants under the treaty including 3.3 million out of 10 million ethnic Hungarians.

In 1944, towards the end of World War II, Budapest was partly destroyed by British and American air raids. From 24 December 1944 to 13 February 1945, the city was besieged during the Battle of Budapest. Budapest suffered major damage caused by the attacking Soviet troops and the defending German and Hungarian troops. All bridges were destroyed by the Germans. More than 38,000 civilians lost their lives during the conflict.

Between 20% and 40% of Greater Budapest’s 250,000 Jewish inhabitants died through Nazi and Arrow Cross Party genocide during 1944 and early 1945. Despite this, modern day Budapest has the highest number of Jewish citizens per capita of any European city.

In 1949, Hungary was declared a communist People’s Republic. The new Communist government considered the buildings like the Buda Castle symbols of the former regime, and during the 1950s the palace was gutted and all the interiors were destroyed.

In 1956, peaceful demonstrations in Budapest led to the outbreak of the Hungarian Revolution. The Leadership collapsed after mass demonstrations began on 23 October, but Soviet tanks entered Budapest to crush the revolt. Fighting continued until early November, leaving more than 3000 dead.

From the 1960s to the late 1980s Hungary was often satirically referred to as “the happiest barrack” within the Eastern bloc, and much of the wartime damage to the city was finally repaired. Work on Erzsébet Bridge, the last to be rebuilt, was finished in 1965. In the early 1970s, Budapest Metro’s East-West M2 line was first opened, followed by the M3 line in 1982. In 1987, Buda Castle and the banks of the Danube were included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Andrassy Avenue (including the Millennium Underground Railway, H?sök tere and Városliget) was added to the UNESCO list in 2002. In the 1980s the city’s population reached 2.1 million. In recent times a significant decrease in habitants occurred mainly due to a massive movement to the neighbouring agglomeration in Pest county. In the last decades of the 20th century the political changes of 1989-90 concealed changes in civil society and along the streets of Budapest. The monuments of the dictatorship were taken down from public places, into Memento Park.

photo credit: Berto Garcia

Art Travel Destinations in Vogue

Make your summer chilling with memorable trips to art galleries situated in the most interesting travel destinations you have dreamed of visiting. If you are an art lover there are many places worth visiting, just waiting for you to come. Most of these interesting travel destinations are full of activities and other places worth visiting, in addition to the most incredible art galleries and museums.

Apart from international travel destinations, you can arrange an all-comprehensive package tour within your homeland. An interesting tour comprising the art gallery and the museum of great wonders are available in most of the places we usually stay. Perfect travel destinations for an art lover, for example, can be highly rewarding for the person living in the U.S.A. All of them are endowed with plentiful works of art from different natures and civilizations. Not only people from all parts of the continent, but also millions of others come to visit these art galleries and museums every year. In fact, places with the art gallery have become eminent travel destinations for many art lovers who are in practice of exploring art of diverse dimensions all around the globe.

photo credit: Reg LVL-50-EMP-PHOTO

Starting from U.S.A, Europe, and Asia to many other places in the world possess a healthy collection of art galleries. The art gallery for example, in America comprises a major subject of attraction as far as the travel destinations of various kinds are concerned. Even, small towns in America are rich in art collections of assorted natures. “The art gallery” term finds a full complement at such places where art is being highly acclaimed by people who come far across the world only to visit these unique pieces of art collections. To name a few; National Gallery of Art, Henry Art Gallery, Anchorage Museum of History and Art, and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City are top attractions.

The art gallery in each of the places is accompanied with other places of interest, making them favorite travel destinations. Another interesting fact worth revealing is the art galleries situated at these places of America not only contain art works of the continent, but arts of a range of regions are exhibited here at the art emporiums. For example, when you are at the art gallery of Florida, you can get a hint of both modern and traditional art forms.

photo credit: acaben

Ranging between modern and ancient arts, they are great combinations sufficient for bestowing nostalgia for any art lover. Again, if you are accompanied with a person not interested in the art gallery, do not worry. These travel destinations can equally be perfect for anyone, because of a host of happening places to visit. Including shopping malls or lustrous beauty of nature trails along with gardens and national parks are all there to entertain tourists of different flavor coming from remote parts of the world. Therefore, satisfy your quest for art by visiting these irresistible art galleries situated in most of the travel destinations of the earth you always cherish to visit.

From OffToEurope.com:

Paris is a spectacular city, and while it is expensive to stay and eat here, there is so much to see and do that you can have a great time without spending a penny on attractions. Here are five free things to do in Paris.

1. Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette – Photo: nttoan93

Paris is perhaps the world’s premier fashion city and you can see some amazing designs in this haute couture city for free. As long as you reserve ahead of time the Galeries Lafayette will not cost you anything to attend and the building in which it is hosted is worth the price of admission itself. Oops, sorry, there is no price of admission. Email welcome at Galerieslafayette.com for reservations.

2. River Seine

The Seine River and Eifel Tower – Photo: Vincent Montibus

Take a stroll along the River Seine. You can go at your own pace and you don’t have to pay to be on a boat with a bunch of noisy people. Along the banks of the Seine you will see many incredible attractions including the Pont Neuf, the Place de la Concorde, Notre Dame, the Musée d’Orsay and the Eiffel Tower. All you have to do is resist the temptation to stop in the numerous wonderful cafes and bars along the way. Instead why not have a picnic at the Ponts des Artes which offers incredible views of the City of Light.

3. Louvre Museum

Louvre Museum – Photo: Massimo Carradori

The Louvre is definitely worth visiting; though avoid queuing for ages to see the Mona Lisa, this massively hyped artwork is less impressive in real life. Free entry is available on the first Sunday of each month and to students, anyone under 18 and the disabled, as long as they have the necessary proof. Alternatively you can just walk around the fountains and courtyards outside; the building is among the marvels of European architecture.

4. Père Lachaise Cemetery

Oscar Wilde’s Grave – Photo: S.MI5

See the gravestones of some of the great artists of the 20th century, including intellect Oscar Wilde and rock star Jim Morrison. The Perè Lachaise cemetery is located in the 20th arrondissement and is a fabulously atmospheric place to take a walk.

5. Moules Frites

Moules Frites – Photo: **Mary**

Pay for a drink and get a free meal. You can’t leave Paris without trying the Moules Frites, mussels with chips. At places such as Le Tribal Café at 3 Cour des petites Ecuries, it is possible to pay for a pint of beer (about three euros) and get a plate of wonderful steaming mussels to go with it. The offer applies after 9pm on Wednesday and Thursdays.

From TravelersTipsNPics.com:

Train travel is certainly the most convenient and relaxing way to get around Italy, especially if you want to avoid driving while figuring out road directions, lining up to pay highway tolls, and parking in Italy’s big cities. Trenitalia trains cover Italy’s rail network spanning over 16,000 km, with an excellent range of services from high speed trains, to Intercity services, to International routes. An Italy rail pass allows visitors to easily access trains throughout Italy, while enjoying the high level of comfort, service and flexibility Italian train travel has to offer.

Italy Rail Passes

For International Travelers:

Eurail France & Italy Pass

Eurail Greece & Italy Pass

Eurail Italy & Spain Pass

Eurail Global Pass

Eurail Select Pass

Eurail Italy Pass

For European Residents:

InterRail Italy Pass

InterRail Global Pass

A Regional Rail Pass, such as a Eurail France & Italy Pass, Eurail Greece & Italy Pass or Eurail Italy & Spain Pass is perfect for travel itineraries that include these popular country combinations.

For visitors who would like to explore multiple countries including Italy, count on the Eurail Global Pass, providing rail travel throughout 21 countries, or the Eurail Select Pass for travel in your choice of 3, 4 or 5 bordering countries.

If your focus falls on beautiful Italy with no other distractions, then the Eurail Italy Pass will surely give you the time to discover all its vibrant cities with validities from 3 to 10 rail travel days within 2 months.

As the Eurail product range is only available to international travelers, European residents can also enjoy an Italy rail pass by selecting either an InterRail Global Pass or InterRail Italy Pass.

Please also note that rail pass and ticket holders are required to pay a supplement for high speed trains and seat or sleeper reservations. All of these pass can be found at most Eurail distributors.

Italy’s High Speed Trains

Two of Italy’s trains, Frecciarossa and Frecciargento, will surely impress travelers with their superior catering services and high speed service featuring multiple daily departures and connections to popular city centers. Frecciarossa trains connect Turin to Salerno via Milan, Bologna, Rome and Naples with speeds up to 360 km/h. In fact this train boasts 72 daily connections from Milan to Rome, some non-stop, delivering passengers in less than three hours. Other popular routes, also with numerous daily connections, include Milan to Naples, Turin to Rome, Bologna to Florence and Rome to Naples.

Frecciargento trains connect Rome to Venice, Verona, Bari and beyond with speeds up to 250 km/h. With 26 daily departures, planning a trip from Rome to Venice is a breeze and the trip only takes 3 hours and 30 minutes. Other popular high speed routes on Frecciargento trains include Rome to Verona in 3 hours and Rome to Bari in 4 hours.

International Trains

International trains facilitate connections from popular Italian cities to neighboring countries, including Milan to Barcelona, Nice, Paris, Amsterdam, Zürich, Munich, Frankfurt and Vienna; Rome to Paris, Munich and Vienna; and Venice to Paris, Zürich, Munich, Vienna, Prague, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Belgrade, Budapest and Bucharest.

Italy Rail Pass Benefits

Many Italy rail passes offer pass holder benefits including discounted ferry crossings and more. For example, a Eurail Pass valid in Italy and Greece or an InterRail Global Pass provides free passage on Superfast Ferries on select routes, and a Eurail or InterRail Pass valid in Italy or Greece offers a 30% discount on these same routes. As Superfast Ferries offer great value for crossing the Adriatic Sea to Greece, it’s also a great compliment to any Italian point to point rail ticket.

Angela Guezen is a travel professional who has explored the likes of Australia, Japan, and Europe. With a love for beautiful landscapes she has great appreciation for train travel and shares this passion with fellow travelers by writing for www.ACPRail.com and wwwBritRail.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Guezen

From OffToEurope.com

Italy’s Amalfi Coast is one of Europe’s most scenic drives – Photo: Dew Drop

One of the biggest attractions of traveling to Europe is the fact that one can drive from one country to another – at least most of the countries. With the formation of the European Union, travel by motor vehicle has become so much easier, giving a new meaning to the phrase “road trip.” While ease of moving from one European country to another is definitely not an issue, the differences in laws of the road can be quite a feat to face. If you are considering traveling Europe by car – with you behind the wheel – here are some things that you may want to know.

In London, you will have to pay $16 if you enter the “congestion zone.” This law has been in effect for some years now, in an effort to lessen the amount of traffic in the area. These zones are easily recognizable by the red signs with a white C in a circle. Some rental car agencies include this in the cost, so ask beforehand.

If you’re driving in France, make sure that you do not have children below 10 years old sitting up front. The law requires that they sit in the back seat, safely buckled up. Crossing over to Germany, make sure that you can drive fast on the autobahn. More than that, make sure that you have enough gas to get you through. Obstructing traffic – for any reason – can get you fined.

Over in Italy, you cannot enter certain areas unless your car is authorized. Many hotels are located in these areas, so you have to have this information beforehand. Your hotel can help you with this. If you enter these areas, which are marked with white signs with an open red circle, and you are not authorized, you will be fined. Going farther south, in Spain, make sure that you have a spare pair of eyeglasses if you drive with one. The law requires that you have the spare pair in the car with you.

Bottom line: know the rules of the road before even considering driving in a foreign country.

From OffToEurope.com:

Many people think the best way to see the great cities of Europe is through their museums, their fairytale castles, and their historical monuments. Personally though, I think a lot can be understood about a cities character by seeking out their public parks. I think you can tell a lot about a culture from how they spend their leisure time.

After a day of battling the urban jungle, it is refreshing to visit the parks. Europeans love their green space. In addition to being free, these public spaces offer an insight into the tastes, styles and history of a community.

Here are ten great public parks worth seeking out.

Parque de Retiro – Madrid, Spain

The Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace) in Madrid’s beautiful Parque del Retiro

Located in the heart of downtown Madrid, Retiro is a beautifully landscaped recreation spot for the city’s workers. Scattered through the greenery are gems like the elegant rose garden, the fragile Palacio de Cristal and the only known statue of Satan in Europe. The centerpiece is the imperial Monument to Alfonso XII, which overlooks a lake of rented paddleboats.

Photo: Danny VB

Hampstead Heath – London, UK

A Viaduct pond in Hampstead Heath

The Heath, as the locals call it, is more than just a park; it’s a piece of wilderness just outside of central London. Unlike the rich manicured parks downtown, Hampstead Heath is a sprawling, ramshackle spread of field and forests. Locals come here to let their dogs run free, take in the fresh air and enjoy spectacular views of downtown from Parliament Hill.

Photo: CAWG

Villa Borghese – Rome, Italy

The Temple of Aesculapius in Rome’s Villa Borghese gardens

Originally the well manicured English gardens of a palace of the same name; the Villa Borghese is now a pretty public park (the palace is now an art gallery). Strolling the gardens is like walking through an 18th century landscape painting, with ponds, fountains and neoclassical temples.

Photo: rickymor

StadtPark – Vienna, Austria

A peaceful day at Stadtpark, Vienna

StadtPark is home to the most photographed monument in Vienna, the golden Johann Strauss Monument. Parts of the park are thick with vegetation while other spots are carefully landscaped with nods to the art-nouveau style. Other attractions are the Renaissance style Kursalon building and the Mierei milk-drinking hall.

Photo: jmenard48

City Park – Budapest, Hungary

Winter in Budapest’s stunning City Park

In addition to having the first metro system in continental Europe, Budapest has the distinction of creating the first public park in the world. Long a center of recreation for the city, the park is full of interesting sites including Heroes Square (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the stunning art nouveau zoo, and the Széchenyi thermal bathhouse.

Photo: sweetal

Kalemegdan – Belgrade, Serbia

Kalemegdan Park, Serbia

City Park may be the oldest public park, but Kalemegdan has what must be one of the oldest attractions. The park surrounds Kalemegdan fortress, which has existed in one incarnation or another for over 1000 years. The castle, which was captured a staggering 45 times, is now over run with locals who make out in the grass, play chess in the shade or jog through the old ruins.

Photo: donlandes

Jardin du Luxembourg – Paris, France

Jardin du Luxembourg is a great park to visit in the Springtime

The carefully planned Jardin de Luxembourg features wide gravel paths and well-manicured expanses of grass, dotted with over a hundred statues, monuments and fountains. Most beautiful is the baroque Medici Fountain, designed in 1630. There is a playground for children, as well as frequent puppet shows and a lake where they can rent toy boats.

Photo: zorroz

Hyde Park – London, England

A view of Serpentine Lake in London’s Hyde Park

London is home to many beautiful green spaces but Hyde Park is a favorite. The man-made Serpentine Lake, which winds its way through the park, is home to an abundance of swan and other birds. Hyde Park is a popular spot for protestors (particularly at Speaker’s Corner) and open-air rock concerts.

Photo: joebelle

Vondelpark – Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Lovers embrace in Amsterdam’s popular Vondelpark

Amsterdam actually has 30 parks, but Vondelpark is the largest and most popular. It is a sprawling green space full of dog walkers, joggers and sunbathers. Recently Vondelpark made headlines when the government considered de-criminalizing public sex within its boundaries, making it a sanctuary for nature and people lovers alike!

Photo: siebe

Englischer Garten – Munich, Germany

Locals and tourists enjoy Munich’s Englischer Garten

At 3.6 square KM, Englischer Garten is one of the largest public parks in the world. Not unexpectedly, the huge park contains a large variety of attractions. There is a Japanese teahouse, a Greek temple and an enormous Chinese pagoda. There is an open-air theater, a flock of sheep and a manmade lake. The Schönfeldwiese meadow is a popular spot for nude sunbathers.

Photo: Harald HAEUSLER

While similar in intent, all of these parks have a different character and design that reflects the personality of their city. So next time you are in a new place be sure to check out it’s park, you may see a side of the city you never knew was there!

This guest post was written by Stephanie Yoder.  Stephanie runs Twenty-Something Travel, a travel blog dedicated to assisting new or young travelers with the skills, resources and opportunities available to them for travel abroad. When not traveling the world she lives in Washington DC.

Grabbed from link offtoeurope.com:

There is something about castles that inspires awe and at the same time touches a gentler, more romantic side in each of us. And if you want to visit some of the best castles in the world, then Europe should be your destination as this continent certainly has more than its share. Here are the top 25 castles in Europe, in no particular order.

1. Castle Neuschwanstein in Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle

For many of those that see this castle for the first time, they get a niggling feeling that Castle Neuschwanstein looks so familiar. The reason for this is that the castle looks so much like the Disney castle in Florida! Indeed, some have speculated that that castle was modeled after the “real thing” in Germany. One thing is for sure, this massive castle is quite breathtaking! Built in the 1800s, the castle can be found in Schwangau, in the Bavarian Alps.

Photo: visbeek

2. Peles Castle in Romania

Peles Castle

Known as one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, Peles Castle can be discovered in the majestic Carpathian Mountains, near the town of Sinaia, Romania. There are 168 rooms in the castle and only 35 are accessible to the public. Recommended rooms include Holul de Onoare, Sala Mare De Arme, Sala De Teatru and Salonul Turcesc . Unfortunately, guided tours are only available of the ground and first floors. Peles Castle is a must-see destination in Romania.

Photo: Nice2Beat

3. Bojnice Castle in Slovakia

Bojnice Castle

Bojnice Castle is located in Bojnice, Slovakia and is one of the most delightful romantic castles in Europe. The castle dates back to the 12th century and hosts one of the most popular museums in Slovakia. The castle also offers other interesting attractions and hosts many festivals. It is also possible to get married at Bojnice Castle.

Photo: gaga_hifi_nutter

4. Castle of Coco in Spain

Castillo de Coca

Built in the 15th century by the Archbishop of Seville, the incredible Castle of Coca or Castillo de Coca is considered to be one of the best castles in Spain. An excellent example of the Gothic and Mudéjar styles, Coca Castle can be found in the town of Coca in the Segovia province in Spain. Guided tours of the interior, exterior and museum are available and highly recommended.

Photo: karaco1971

5. Brodick Castle in Scotland

Brodick Castle

Situated in the Isle of Arran in Scotland, this castle is one of the oldest. Its roots can be traced back to the time of the Vikings and was in fact built as protection against them. It was the English Dukes of Hamilton that had the fortress built, and over the centuries, generations of the family added on the castle. In 1957, the last Hamilton heir gave up the castle, and visitors can now tour this historic site. Aside from the art collection, there is a rhododendron collection in the garden, which is famous worldwide.

Photo: ayrshireroots

6. Veliki Tabor Castle in Croatia

Veliki Tabor Castle

Built in the 12th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site member, Veliki Tabor Castle is located in beautiful region of Zagorje, Croatia. The castle was once owned by the noble Ratkaj family and the painter Oton Ivekovic. The castle is now owned by the state and is used as a tourist site, museum, the venue for the Tabor film festival and other cultural and leisure events.

Photo: Tracey & Doug

7. Ksiaz Castle in Poland

Ksiaz Castle

Also known as the Pearl of Lower Silesia, Ksiaz Castle was built in the 13th century by Bolko I the Strict. The castle has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the years. It was once confiscated by the Nazis and then occupied by the Red army. Guided tours of the castle for tour groups and individual tourists are available in the spring and summer between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday.

Photo: ukaszSie^back

8. Bran Castle in Romania

Bran Castle

Originally built by the Knights of the Teutonic Order in 1212, Bran Castle is located just outside of Bran, in the Eastern European country of Romania. Set in the hills, this picturesque castle has close ties to the legend of Dracula, and has been converted into a museum popular with tourists visiting the area.

Photo: bugaboy00

9. Lincoln Castle in England

Lincoln Castle

Lincoln Castle is in Lincolnshire and was built in 1068. As with many other European castles, Lincoln Castle is steeped in history, but it has the additional distinction of being one of only two castles in the country that were originally built on two mottes. More than this, Lincoln Castle used to be the home of William the Conqueror.

Photo:  ricklus

10. Eltz Castle in Germany

Burg Eltz Castle

Eltz Castle is situated in the hills between Koblenz and Trier in West Germany.  It is one of the best preserved medieval castles in Germany and has been owned by the same branch of family for over 800 years. Guided tours of the castle are recommended and cost € 8.00 for adults and € 5.50 for children. Eltz Castle is open from April to November and can be visited daily between 9.30am and 5.30pm.

Photo: estebanl

11. Mont Saint-Michel in France

Mont Saint-Michel

Another striking European castle, Mont Saint-Michel near Normandy never fails to impress. It is actually considered to be a medieval wonder, because of the fact that it is built on a rocky peak. Mont Saint-Michel was originally an abbey and served as a popular destination for pilgrims. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in France.

Photo: mbell1975

12. Malbork Castle in Poland

Malbork Castle

Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1997, Malbork castle was founded in Prussia in 1274 by the Teutonic Order. Today, this beautiful Gothic brick castle complex can be visited by taking a short 60 minute trip from Gdansk, Poland. Malbork Castle offers excellent guided tours, permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as archival exhibits.

Photo: Kittroid

13. Castle Frankenstein in Germany

Castle Frankenstein

This castle is so famous because of it’s the myths and stories surrounding in. More than these legends, Frankenstein’s Castle has its own real history. Discover this mysterious castle on your own, and enjoy Frankenstein come to real life.

Photo: fluffisch

14. Castle of Eger in Hungary

Castle of Eger

Castle Eger is one of Hungary’s most popular tourist attractions and is well worth a visit. The castle is about a 90 minute train ride from Budapest. The castle dates back to 13th century and is famous for fending off the massive Turkish army invasion in 1552.  There are four excellent museums in the castle as well as other interesting exhibitions for you to see.

Photo: Azulao

15. Windsor Castle in England

Windsor Castle

Who has not heard of Windsor Castle? Located in the English county of Berkshire, Windsor Castle is one of the most perfectly maintained castles in the world. Of course, the renowned guards who do not flinch are also present here. Even better, the castle is in a quaint little town with everything “English-quaint” to be found here.

Photo: gaga_hifi_nutter

16. Trakai Castle in Lithuania

Trakai Castle

Situated in the town of Trakai in Lithuania,  Trakai Castle is a brilliant example of Gothic architecture. There are actually two castles to see at Trakai – one on an island, and one on the shore of Lake Galve.  The castle hosts an excellent museum that is filled with Lithuanian artifacts and other interesting objects that were discovered on the castle grounds. A day trip from Vilnius to Trakai castle is recommended.

Photo: AnyMotion

17. Spis Castle in Slovakia

Spis Castle

Dating back to the 12th century, Spis Castle is one of largest medieval castles in the Central Europe and is situated above the town of Spišské Podhradie. The castle was declared a national monument in 1961 and was once owned by the Royal Family. Spis Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Photo: nikkaa

18. Hohensalzburg Castle in Austria

Hohensalzburg Castle

Built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard, Hohensalzburg Castle is located in the picturesque Austrian town of Salzburg and is Salzburg’s most popular tourist attraction. This massive fortress sits over the city on Festungsberg hill and is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. Guided tours with audio in eight languages are available or you can tour the castle at your own leisure.

Photo: kjoch

19. Canterbury Castle in England

Canterbury Castle

Another really really old castle, the Canterbury Castle was built in the 3rd century. As with other castles, Canterbury Castle was added on to over the centuries. And while the castle is not intact anymore, it still is a wonder to behold.

Photo: john stanbridge

20. Predjama Castle in Slovenia

Predjama Castle

Built into a natural rock formation in Slovenia, Predjama Castle is a popular destination for visitors of the area. Now a museum showcasing the life of various medieval lords, Predjama Castle has been rebuilt twice, after experiencing war and natural disaster. This remarkable Renaissance castle is unassuming in its beauty, but is a must-see for enthusiasts

Photo: JumpinJack

21. Pembroke Castle in Wales

Pembroke Castle

Situated on the banks of the River Estuary, Pembroke Castle has tunnels, passageways, and stairways that one can explore. Tudor buffs will also love the fact that Henry Tudor was born here. Another plus: the castle is mostly intact.

Photo: richpix

22. Hunyad Castle  in Romania

Hunyad Castle

Said to be the home of lingering spirits, Hunyad Castle is a relic of the Hunyad dynasty, and situated in Romania. Also known as Hunedora Castle, this magnificent structure was built in the 14th Century in Gothic style, and is famous for supposedly being the home of imprisoned Vlad III for 7 years, before he was dethroned in 1462.

23. Chateau de Versailles in France

Chateau de Versailles

Chateau de Versailles was built as a hunting lodge by Louis the XIII. Soon after, the lodge was upgraded to a castle and became the official residence of the Court of France. Over the years, and many monarchs later, the castle evolved into what it is today.

Photo: Girardon

24. Kyrenia Castle  in Cyprus

Kyrenia Castle

Located on the picturesque northern coast of Cyprus, Kyrenia Castle was built on the eastern side of the village’s harbour. Surviving several small sieges, and a four year long war, this 16th Century castle is one of the main tourist attractions for the area, rich in diverse history.

Photo: Jungle_Boy

25. Prague Castle in the Czech Republic

Prague Castle

This castle is the pride of the Czech Republic’s capital.  Prague Castle has been at the center of the country’s history for the longest time, and continues to be a symbol of its struggles.  The castle, which is known as one of the largest in the world, was built in the ninth century and stands majestic till today.  You can take a guided tour of the Prague Castle every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Tours are offered in six languages: Czech, English, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish.

Photo: Captain Chaos

It is quite incredible that an exhibition the size of World Travel Market does not have Wi-Fi access. I am not suggesting that it has to be free, but, why were they no hotspots either within the press lounge or exhibition halls. Is this evidence that travel hasn’t yet switched on to mobile or the internet.

London 2012 Olympics offline

The hotel I stayed in offered 24-hours internet at €20 via Orange, which was unfortunately down for most of my stay. Not the fault of the hotel but the 2012 Olympics are not that far away and I think the city really has to realise that it’s 2009 and people want access to the internet and expect it.

While walking around London I tried unsuccessfully to find hotspots to pick up emails or send photographs to my Flickr account. Sure, if I headed into coffee bar’s and paid for a coffee I found relatively good access. I think London needs to get its act together for 2012.

UK is not hot for Wi-Fi hotspots

To be fair London isn’t the only city with a lack of Wi-Fi hotspots. My home city of Leeds is the same and I have had problems using the internet on my mobile network at many cities and towns in the UK. It seems that we are lagging behind many US and European cities.

London hotels and free internet

There’s a debate going on that London hotels should provide free internet. As I wrote back in October, the problem I have is that internet is expensive and the service is usually poor. It does make me wonder if hotels are simply profiteering from a service that more of us demand.

I am interested to hear from other hoteliers about how much it costs for a small to medium sized hotel.

Thoughts on London and WTM Wi-Fi hotspots

It is very well advertising the fact that they have internet access but if the quality of the service is poor or it is expensive consumers are going to complain. What do you think, are you bothered about having access to the internet while travelling, should WTM and ExCeL provide Wi-Fi hotspots?

This post was syndicated from the Travel Rants Blog.

UK isn’t too hot for Wi-Fi hotspots