You don’t have to go for to find an amazing holiday in Europe. The continent is littered with holiday destinations from party hot beds to culturally entrenched cities and rural highlights. Travelling around the continent is even easier than before with quick connections between countries on various types of public transports you can get from a snowy mountain side to a sun kissed beach in a matter of hours.

Travelling around the continent is usually a break best fitted to a group of friends as appose to a family vacation. To keep all members of a group interested and on point it’s sometimes best to create a theme for a holiday. Sporting destinations can be a great idea for this. More relaxing pursuits such as golf make for a great holiday sport and can take you through some amazing destinations around Europe.
The Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve is famous for its lively nightlife, historical culture and mostly its amazing weather. Situated on the southern tip of Portugal the Algarve boasts some of the best European weather all year round. Nearly 10 million people visit the area per year and you are sure to find something you like in The Algarve. With seafood and fruits being some of its main exports there are some truly authentic tastes on offer. In terms of sports –  golf courses in Portugal include San Lorenzo and Quinta de Cima.

The Costa del Sol, Spain

The Costa del Sol is home to some of the most famous Spanish party spots such as Malaga and Marbella, making the area a perfect destination in your European tour. Make sure you do travel within the area and don’t just stay in one place, this way you are sure to make the most of your time. If your group really wants to get into the swing of the golfing holiday, before you go, check out online golf holiday travel agents like Yourgolftravel. Planning a holiday in this way means you won’t miss anything when you’re there.

Belek, Turkey
Turkey may not be a first destination that comes to mind when planning a trip around Europe but don’t forget, it is in the EU and can offer a more exotic feel than say Spain or Portugal. There’s a real change of culture to experience when going this far East and believe it or not, there are some really great opportunities for golf holidays too.
Images used with permission from YourGolfTravel.com

Of all the major European cities I’ve visited over the last few years, Munich stands out amongst the best.

Sure, London nights out or the sights and sounds of somewhere like Amsterdam are as vivid as ever – and anyone who has been to either of these capitals will know exactly what I mean – and Barcelona, Paris, Madrid, Milan and Venice are all pleasant enough. In none of these places, though, was I made to feel as welcome or at ease as I was in my few days in Munich last February.

When an old university housemate started working in Ulm at the start of this year, another friend and I wasted little time in formulating a plan to go over and see him as soon as possible and explore Germany. What a masterstroke of a decision that turned out to be.

With cheap flights from Manchester to Stuttgart secured, we turned our attentions to getting discounted cover, as I’ve learnt the hard way about the importance of travel insurance after losing my luggage during a golfing holiday in Austria a couple of years back. Luckily cheap travel insurance gave us a quick solution and we were protected. That was that. Next stop: Germany.

The journey in itself, which was less than 90 minutes, was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced as the in-flight service was exceptional and the food was edible for once. Following an overnight stay in Ulm, we caught a ‘slow’ train – as it was described to us by one helpful train conductor – to Munich that cost €25 between the three of us. We were staggered by how cheap this was. Granted, it took roughly 80 minutes to complete the 160km journey and the train itself seemed to stop at every station under the German sun, but we were quite happy to sit back, relax and soak up the scenery.

Our city base apartment, which set us back less than €20 each for the night, was conveniently located just a few streets away from Munich train station, meaning we could dump our bags in our room and see the city centre by foot straight away. It was more by good fortune than anything else that we stumbled across the Viktualienmarkt, a daily food market that gave us a real flavour of German cuisine and of Bavarian culture in general. We washed down a dish of piping-hot currywurst, sauerkraut and kartoffelsalat from one of the stalls with a few glasses of weird and wonderful wine being sampled by a cluster of locals nearby who took great delight in telling us where to go and what to see. It was a relief to hear one of them recommend that we popped into the Hofbrauhaus, as this was pretty much what we’d built the whole trip around.

It’s believed that the Hofbrauhaus is the biggest pub in the world and it more than lived up to its billing. It was everything we expected a traditional German ale house would be – and more. Within minutes of passing through the giant doors, we were sat on a huge table getting acquainted with people from all over Germany and further afield with a two-pint stein glass in our hands swaying from side to side and singing along with the live oompah band. The locally-brewed beer was quite unlike anything I’ve ever sampled. So crisp, so quaffable. The atmosphere and noise generated by young and old inside the Hofbrauhaus was incredible and we found the German hospitality to be exemplary.

Before heading back to Ulm in our hire car and then on to Stuttgart and home, we took in a Bayern Munich game the following day at the futuristic Allianz Arena. Rather naively, we thought we could just rock up and buy tickets on the day, only to be told by a club official when we tried that the fixture against Hoffenheim had been sold out for months. So we had to find a tout selling spares. Well, I use the word tout in the loosest form as the man we actually bought tickets off was about as far removed from the stereotypical image of a tout as you could get. We paid face value for the €40 tickets and ended up sitting next to our ticket saviour and his family, who celebrated each of Bayern’s four goals by embracing the three of us and spent a sizable chunk of the afternoon teaching us a few terrace anthems.

It was a very surreal 90 minutes or so and put the seal on Munich moments that will live long in the memory.

The capital city of England, London is a vibrant, multi-cultural and cosmopolitan city which is very welcoming to visitors. Consisting of many different boroughs, each with a unique atmosphere and distinctive feel, the city is easily navigable through the excellent public transport system but finding the right place to stay can prove challenging to the first time visitor.

City apartments London offer easy access to the main streets of the West End such as Park Lane, Regent Street and Oxford Street and are serviced by many tube lines and bus routes that make exploring easy. Central London hotels are also ideal bases for seeing the sights such as Eros in Piccadilly, Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square and Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and St Pauls Cathedral in Westminster.

For those who like to ‘go native’ when visiting a place, a lot of homeowners rent out apartments in London over weekends and holidays and also during events such as the Wimbledon tennis tournament. There are also holiday apartments in London which offer year round accommodation and these can be found in most areas of the capital.

London is split into East, South, West and North and each region has a specific character. East London remains the working district that it has been since Roman times. Dotted with old factory buildings of tea traders and matchstick makers, the atmosphere of the area is formed by the Jewish, Bengali and Portuguese influence of the people who immigrated to the area. Brick Lane is well known for its Bengali curry houses and fabulous fabric shops. Spitalfields market has become a trendy place to buy almost anything but is famous for its fashion, arts and crafts, interiors and music. Whitechapel is notorious as the haunt of Jack the Ripper, whose footsteps you can follow on one of the many excellent guided walks.

West London is regarded as the ‘cool’ section of the city and is an essentially bohemian area encompassing Notting Hill where the massive annual Carnival takes place, Ladbroke Grove’s Portobello Market that specialises in vintage items and clothes and the well-heeled borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

Chelsea is a quaint area that displays many examples of the Victorian villa design homes emblematic of London, although these are now more likely to be Chelsea apartments rather than family homes. Staying in Chelsea apartments gives guests easy access to the plethora of museums and galleries that make up Museum Row and include The Science Museum, The Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Although the area is genteel, it is possible to find affordable Chelsea apartments.

North London is often thought of as a liberal, yuppie area and it has many attractions for visitors. Kenwood House is set in Hampstead Heath and hosts a number of outdoor concerts each summer and the Heath itself stretches from Highgate, in whose cemetery Marx is buried, across Hampstead. The Heath has outdoor bathing, lidos and miles of outdoor space to explore. Camden is a long established meeting place for people embracing the ‘alternative’ such as Goths.

South London is home to the historic attractions of the Tower of London, Lambeth Palace along with Borough Market and the Tate Modern art gallery.

Unlike Edinburgh, Glasgow and Glaswegians are very down-to-earth. If the cities of Scotland were the children in a family, Glasgow would be the black sheep, as it is renowned for its rough and ready face and many Scots fear Glaswegians as they are famed for being tough. Don’t let this put you off…. this is what most people love about Glasgow.

I have been to both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Edinburgh is classy, traditional and quaint….Glasgow is loud, bold and stylish. I prefer Glasgow. One of the things I like most about the city are the shops. Shopping in Glasgow is much easier than in Edinburgh because they are all located on Sauchiehall Street, Buchanan Street and Argyle Street. This constitutes the heart of the city centre.

The city is perhaps most famous for its University of Glasgow which dates back to 1451. Not only is it renowned for its teaching and prestige, but also its beautiful architecture. I was in Glasgow at the start of September and was wandering around the grounds. I got talking to some of the staff and they took me on a tour of the building. It really is worth seeing.

After visiting the university, I went to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which isn’t far. This museum is an excellent place to go if you want to save money…..because it is absolutely free of charge!! I don’t remember the museum being very big, so perhaps you could spend a couple of hours there. On leaving the museum, I would recommend passing by Kelvingrove Park which is perfect for relaxing in the summer or squirrel watching and talking a breath of fresh air in the winter.

As the evening draws near you can look for somewhere good to have a bite to eat. There are lots of restaurants so you can be sure to find somewhere good. Try to order typical Scottish food at a traditional restaurant – pubs are usually your best bet for cheap food and the chance to try Scottish cuisine. If you like clubbing, Glasgow has lots of great bars, pubs and clubs so don’t miss trying them out.

I have travelled around Scotland and I would highly recommend visiting this part of the world if you like learning about different cultures. The main gateway to Scotland is via Edinburgh Airport. However, international flights also fly into Glasgow International Airport. Public transport between the cities is very good…I would recommend buying the cheapest airline tickets you find, either to Glasgow or Edinburgh and then taking a bus to your destination.

As a student travelling around Europe, Switzerland was one country I didn’t want to spend a lot of time in because it was so expensive. On that occasion I only spent the day in Zurich and didn’t even get the chance to visit Geneva or Bern. Despite the cost of accommodation, eating out and transport, I was determined to return to Switzerland one day….and I did. This time I got to appreciate the beautiful blue skies, snow capped mountains and green meadows which you see in postcards. Having travelled quite a bit through Switzerland, I have compiled a few tips to help you save money in one of Europe’s most expensive countries.

Getting to Switzerland
The main gateway to Switzerland is Zurich and so for this reason, I would recommend booking flights to this city. Why? The answer is that there are more flights to Zurich, and they are usually cheaper.

However, do various searches from your departure city to your arrival city in Switzerland, just in case there are direct flights. This may be cheaper than booking flights to Zurich and then taking a low cost flight with easyJet, for example, to your destination. The key to finding cheap flights is patience and the time to search lots of different alternatives.

When to go
Switzerland is a popular destination all year round. In the winter, people go to ski; in the summer, people go to hill walk. Prices in cities do not change during the year. Bearing in mind this information, when you go really depends on what you want to do. My advice is to go when you find cheap flights as Switzerland is expensive all year round.

Accommodation
If you don’t want to spend a fortune on accommodation, I would recommend youth hostels. If you become a member of Hostelling International, you can get discounts on just about everything when travelling: eating out, transport, museums as well as accommodation. As a member you will have access to cheap, clean accommodation in Switzerland.

Eating out
To save money on eating out, I would suggest asking the locals where to go. Forget travel guides….the locals know exactly where to get the best deals.

Don’t forget to check the latest exchange rates for your next holiday abroad.

Flights to Berlin
Last year I came across last minute fights to Berlin and so I jumped at the chance to visit one of the cities I had only ever read about in history books at school. I had been to Europe before, but I didn’t know much about sightseeing in Germany and understanding the language was something I just couldn’t seem to grasp.

Thankfully most Germans speak English. I am embarrassed to say this as I always have a stab at communicating with the locals. However, I didn’t need to say more than two words in Berlin and the Germans would say….English? I always say that the best way to find a good restaurant when you are on holiday is to ask the locals…..and that is exactly what I did. Having a bit of the insiders’ knowhow I will share my experience at Rogacki in Berlin.

Rogacki is a deli located in Charlottenburg. If you love good food, you will feel like you have died and gone to heaven. This business dates all the way back to 1928 and it continues to welcome its faithful customers and new food fanatics every day. Rogacki sells over 150 different kinds of cheese and the variety of cured and fresh meats, bread, poultry, sausage, beer, wine, cured and smoked fish, and dips and salads is mind boggling. It is almost like being back at school as you line up with your tray and wait to be served. If you don’t dare order in German you can just point and smile.

The restaurant has standing tables where you can eat alongside the locals. In the summer there are tables and chairs outside, but you will need to get there early to grab a chair. Alternatively you can ring to make a reservation. This restaurant isn’t too expensive and the best thing is that all the produce is fresh and of the best quality. Don’t forget to put this on your to-do-list when in Berlin.

Casting three hundred days of sunshine upon shimmering golden sands; you would be forgiven for thinking Malta’s stunning weather a gift from the Gods. Despite there being very few stretches of undisturbed beaches in Malta, along the jagged coasts of this Mediterranean island you will find pockets of stunning sandy coves with sparkling azure waters. Having made a recent trip to Malta, here are some of the best beaches that I would recommend.

Golden Bay
As the largest and most popular of all the Malta beaches I decided that the Golden bay, in the north of the island, was definitely worth a visit. Drawing in the crowds with its shimmering crescent of sand, I was slightly disconcerted by the obvious popularity of this beach.  However pleased to be wrong, I found a sense of seclusion in to the undeveloped surroundings and semi-concealed nature of the cove.  With a whole range of water sports, restaurants and snack bars dotted across the bay, I found this beach the perfect balance between relaxation and activity.

Paradise Bay
If the name does not give you enough of a clue, Paradise Bay is a gorgeous spot to soak up some sunshine. Having visited this cosy little bay with my boyfriend, I found its intimate atmosphere a perfect place to relax and unwind together. The rugged natural surroundings and cool ocean breeze left me feeling awash with tranquillity.

St Georges Bay
Located on the periphery of St. Julian’s, St Georges Bay is a fantastic place to visit if you want to be right at the heart of Malta’s activity. With Malta’s entertainment capital at its doorstep, this beach is full of families, tourists and students during the summer months as it is the perfect place to intersperse sunbathing with trips into town. At St Georges Bay I enjoyed a day of relaxation followed by a night on the town in some of the best of Malta’s clubs.  This buzzing and exciting beach is definitely not one for the faint hearted!

Blue Lagoon
If like me, ordinary beaches just won’t do and you prefer somewhere a little more special to lay down your towel, then I would suggest the Blue Lagoon beach. Whilst not officially in Malta but the nearby Maltese island of Comino, this stunning island is easily accessible by car. With its crystal clear blue waters and surrounding rocky cliffs, I found this remote beach to be reminiscent of an exotic film set location and it was by far, my favourite Maltese beach.

Edinburgh has always been a city I have wanted to visit ever since I saw Braveheart. I think most people see pictures of the charming capital of Scotland and imagine jetting off to the northern hemisphere to see the ancient castles, Highlands and cobble streets.

By luck I was sent on a business trip to Edinburgh last January. The company I work for organised and paid my flights with British Airways, as well as my accommodation at a 4-star hotel. I was also given a spending allowance for food and transport everyday. It was almost too good to be true. When I got my work schedule my worst fears were confirmed – I would be working nearly all day. However, I was still determined to make the most of my free trip to Edinburgh and I would sightsee even if it did mean that my photographs would be taken in the dark.

When I travel somewhere new I always ask locals where I should eat. It doesn’t matter where I am, the bus, the airport, a shop, a taxi….I just love to chat to locals and find out where to go. They do know best. One of the restaurants I was recommended was The Witchery by the Castle. This restaurant is rather expensive (the 3 course menu costs £30, the 2 course Theatre Supper Menu costs £14.95), but it is one of the finest in the city and it has welcomed celebrities as famous as Ewan MacGregor, Catherine Zeta Jones and Pierce Brosnan. Here you can sample some of the best Scottish dishes. It is a very romantic restaurant with a beautiful decor and the setting couldn’t be better as it is located right beside Edinburgh Castle. If you have just purchased airline tickets to Edinburgh start saving so that you can enjoy a meal at The Witchery.

For many people, visiting France is limited to seeing one city: Paris. When you watch movies about traveling to France, and learning the French language, people often are going to Paris, or seeing the opposite extreme of the French countryside. For those who were successful in learning a language fast, especially French, France has other wonderful places to visit. Although these locations don’t get as many tourbooks dedicated to them, they can be wonderful to visit any time of the year.

Nice, in the French Riviera, is one of the most spectacular locations that France has to offer outside of Paris. Located on the Cote d’Azur, the name is exactly what you’d expect—a blue coast. Nice offers a unique blend of old styled buildings and architecture, modern architecture, green spaces, and, of course, beaches. The beaches in Nice present a view of the French Riviera and water that’s far bluer than anything you’ll see at home. Nice tends to have a temperate climate yearround, so even though you may not feel like sunbathing in the winter, you can definitely walk up and along the beach if you choose.

Nice also has excellent shopping opportunities through an outdoor market and other boutiques and department stores. Be sure to leave extra room in your suitcase if you’re planning on bringing treasures home, and remember that you can’t bring back any of the excellent produce you’ll find in the markets.

Aside from staying in Nice, you’ll also have the opportunity to travel to outlying areas if you choose. Cannes is a short distance from Nice, and is the location of the famous Cannes Film Festival. With the exception of during the festival, the theatre where the festival is held is open on the outside to the public. You’ll be able to walk up the same staircase that the red carpet is on, and you’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of famous actors and actresses.

Another short distance from Nice is Monte Carlo. Although not in France, Monte Carlo is also French speaking. Monte Carlo has numerous high-end, haute couture shops, and, of course, the world-famous Monte Carlo casino. The casino is that portrayed in many James Bond films, although those rooms are not open to the general public and you won’t be able to see them. The Monte Carlo casino is like none that you’ll experience in the United States—it’s worth the short trip, and the dress code!

I think most graduates feel a bit apprehensive when they finish university. I did! It was the thought of leaving the comforts of university life and starting off in the big bad world. I wasn’t ready for it all. So I applied for a job as an English teacher. I had studied languages at college and I liked the idea of living in Spain to perfect my Spanish and also to give me a bit of time to decide what I wanted to do with my life. I was placed in Murcia which is located in the south-east of Spain and I quickly fell in love with the lifestyle, people, food and city. I lived there for 4 years before the time came to say goodbye to Murcia as I had been offered a job in the north of Spain.

It was only a week and a half before I would catch my flights to Bilbao and I knew it would be a big change. Bilbao is very different from Murcia. Fed up of saying goodbyes and eager to get away from it all I hired a car and drove from Murcia to Granada where I spent two days before setting off to Seville, a city I had always wanted to visit. Seville is just magic. It is full of life and colour, and is everything one expects from Spain. I think the best time to go is around the end of March or for the April Festival. The temperatures in the city at this time of the year are pleasant. In Seville you can go and see a bullfight or flamenco show, as well as enjoy sightseeing. From Seville I drove to Cadiz for a few days on the beach before making my way back to Murcia via Gibraltar and Malaga. The south of Spain is so rich in culture – it is definitely my favorite part of the country.

Now I am settled in Bilbao and enjoying my new job. Yes, the weather isn’t as good in the north of Spain….but it is okay in the summer. At least I can always get low cost flights to Murcia and stay with a friend in the summer if I want some hot weather.