Monthly Archives: August 2013

Alternative Things to do in Santa Eulalia

With a selection of wonderful beaches, you’d be wrong for thinking that Santa Eulalia in Ibiza is a holiday resort with little to do but work on your tan and dip your toes into the sea. However, there are numerous things to do in Santa Eulalia away from your deckchair including water sports, sightseeing and shopping. Here are a few of our top suggestions!

Water Sports:

Water Sports

There are some excellent ways to keep occupied on your holidays along the Santa Eulalia coastline. Try diving at one of the region’s diving schools, where you’ll be taught how to safely dive beneath the waves. This is a great opportunity to get up close to the fascinating marine life and underwater wrecks! Holidaying with children? If so, make sure you spend a day at the fabulous Aquamar water park, jam-packed with slides and rides for all the family to enjoy– your kids won’t want to leave!

Exploring the Island:

Cala Verde

Away from Santa Eulalia, there are a number of particularly interesting natural and historical sites that make an excellent day trip. Head to the historic old sections of Ibiza Town, where you can wander the charming streets, see the ancient castle ruins and marvel at the 13th century cathedral. Next, take a trip through the wonderful countryside on the Santa Eulalia Express, where you can sit back and enjoy the impressive views along the way. For a real taste of history, visit the delightful church at the top of the hills in Santa Eulalia, offering impressive views over the bay below- a sight not to be missed!

Restaurants and Shops:

Known as the gourmet capital of the island of Ibiza, Santa Eulalia has a variety of wonderful restaurants to try. There’s plenty of choice for your evening meal with everything from traditional Spanish tapas dishes to international dishes to choose from. Don’t forget to try some of the Spanish sangria with your dinner too!

When you want to get your holiday treats, Santa Eulalia has a great selection of shops to browse. For clothes, head to the marina and stroll amid the designer boutiques available, the perfect place to pick up some holiday souvenirs.

So there you have it, some of the best ways to have a family holiday in Santa Eulailia away from the nightclubs and beaches. These suggestions come from lowcostholidays.com travel team. For further holiday inspiration, visit the low cost holidays Facebook page.

Spontaneous City Breaks in Amsterdam

Do you ever get the feeling that life is just far too predictable? If the daily grind of 9-5 is starting to get you down it might be time for a bit of spontaneity in your life – and what could be more spontaneous than a trip to Amsterdam??

Can You Keep A Secret?

Amsterdam’s relaxed way of life means that whatever your interests you can take a couple of days and enjoy life whilst leaving the old you at home. Want to make it a super spontaneous trip? You should book a stay in a top secret hotel. Not only will this force you to explore and discover an area of Amsterdam you can’t prepare for, you’ll also get the room for much cheaper than usual. Don’t worry; these top secret hotels do give you a rough idea of where you’ll be staying so you know that it’ll be near great bars, restaurants, shops and cultural attractions.

World-Class Art

World-Class Art

When it comes to cultural attractions, Amsterdam has plenty to boast about. The Rijksmuseum has finally opened after a €375 million, 10 year restoration, so you’re just in time to see the works of the Dutch masters such as Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer in the most magnificent of surroundings. Talking of Dutch masters, you absolutely must visit the famous Van Gogh museum – no trip to Amsterdam would be complete without it.

Try a Different Form of Transport

Different Form of Transport

While you’re not soaking in some of the world’s best art you can make the most of your Amsterdam holiday by hiring a bike and weaving around the 17th century city canals like a local. While Dutch cuisine may not be as well-known as some of its European siblings you can rest assured that after a busy day cycling around this stunning city there are plenty of fine restaurants ready to get your taste buds tingling.

If cycling around the canals sounds a bit exhausting why not take a boat trip instead? There are all types of boat trips, from group tours to romantic private getaways and even parties. There are frequent tours so you can keep with the spontaneous theme and just turn up when you feel like meandering along the canals.

A Beautiful Day In The Park

Beautiful Day In The Park

If you fancy a break from the tourists head to Vondelpark to the south-west of the city. The 120 acre park was originally opened to members in 1864 (there was a fee for non-members). Thankfully everyone is free to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the park today, which has a number of beautiful ponds, a film museum, an open air theater and even a Pablo Picasso sculpture. If you’re lucky a stroll through this park might be accompanied by some music playing in the distance.

Hometime…

Of course, you can’t stay in Amsterdam forever, but hopefully the trip should reinvigorate you and open your eyes to some of the Dutch city’s crown jewels. At least you can console yourself in the knowledge that you’ll be flying from the best airport outside of Asia according to the World Airport Awards!

Aruba: Dutch splendor concealed in the Caribbean

Aruba is the tiny island located in the Caribbean. It shares its proximity to Venezuela though it officially is a part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands. This island is flat and is conspicuous for absence of rivers on it.

cheap flights to aruba

However, this place is blessed with warm waters, aquamarine seas and white sand beaches. It therefore is one of the most visited tourist attractions. The Reina Beatrix International Airport flies visitors take airline tickets  from various destinations to this holiday retreat.

Aruba is one isle that has abundant sunshine, cool breeze and a happy aura to make your vacation joyous and cheerful. Whether you are in the mood for a perfect family holiday, a romantic escapade or weekend adrenaline getaway, Aruba has it all for you.

When on the island don’t forget to visit the Natural Pool (Conchi). Concealed in natural rocks is a small puddle of water that is breathtaking to look at. Most visitors jump into this tiny pool, which extends into the ocean, for a dip to soak into the wonders of the beautiful Aruba.

California Lighthouse is another landmark that should be on ones must-visit list. You can visit the lighthouse, which does more than just emanating light to the ships in sea. It offers a spectacular view of the island’s western coastline. You will be amazed to glance at the sandy beaches, rocky coral shores and the scenic golf course Tierra del Sol from atop this trademark building.

Our Lady of Alto Visto Chapel is a place of worship for Catholics and all the tourists arriving in the island country. This small yet vibrant chapel stands on top of a hill with the mighty sea roaring in the background. You can travel to this place in a jeep or on a horse to discover its rich history and at the same time attend the mass Tuesdays 5 pm.

Riu Palace Aruba

Ayo is another place that offers a marvelous sight of uniquely placed natural rock formations. You will be impressed to see a variety of stone boulders forming astonishing patters in the picturesque and serene environs of Ayo. No wonder Ayo was deemed to be a holy place by the island’s original residents.

You can’t stop admiring the incredible creations as Natural Bridges in this country. Originally 7 in number these bridges are Mother Earth’s indigenous designs that connect one part of the sea with the other. You can stand on one of these to relish the magnificent site of waves splashing water on your face and the sun going down in the backdrop. Freeze your memories on this spot that provides a picture perfect setting.

divi-aruba-phoenix-beach

While the locals term their country as a Happy Island it is also world famous for being a food lover’s paradise. Being home to more than 90 nationalities gives it an edge to blend flavors in bringing out the best of gastronomic skills in the platter. You can savor the Caribbean aroma with a hint of Dutch, South American and European essence in every food joint. Try traditional delicacies like frogs’ legs and liver for the real taste of Aruba’s kitchen.

You can be assured of a fascinating, fun filled time on a vacation in Aruba.