Travelling Around the Countryside

Whether you’re on a business trip or going on holiday, there are several options for accommodation. There are hotels (usually more suitable for a business trip), self-catering holiday homes, holiday parks and camping grounds.

Although each has its pros and cons, it seems that the majority of holidaymakers choose to go the route of a holiday home. Holiday homes (or cottages) are places that the owners rent out on a seasonal basis. Some are available all year round, but all of these are self-catering.

Self-catering means that you are responsible for your own housekeeping and meals. Some cottages come with a cleaning service, but none offer the luxury of a pre-cooked meal. Of course this is a benefit as you don’t have to eat at specific times. You can also decide what you want to or even whether you want to eat. It’s all up to you.

Usually holiday cottages are in the villages around holiday spots and popular sight-seeing destinations. There are also entertainment centres close by and then, of course, the village’s own pub and other attractions. They come fully furnished and the more modern ones (which also cost a little more) come with flatscreen TVs and satellite reception.

Many people go the sea or one of the lakes for their annual holiday following the attraction of water and water sport. They love the prospect of swimming, sailing, surfing, fishing etc. along with all the other entertainment available at such destinations. Some people also volunteer to be involved with the eco protection initiatives that are available. Others find a way of planning each day so that they see and do the most of what’s available in the short space of time that they have there. Just be careful not to overdo things and end up more exhausted than ever.

The sun, the sand (or lake bank) and socialising are magnets that most people can’t ignore. Their self-catering accommodation is ideal for leaving early, coming home late, sleeping in and generally just relaxing with your family (and friends). The prospect of doing something exciting and different makes the long, warm days more attractive and very often you will find yourself out and about, looking for adventure.

No matter where you go or who you go with, the ultimate responsibility for a lovely holiday lies with you. Consider each downside an adventure and make the most of the things that disappoint you. Holidays can never be perfect and are seldom as idyllic as you imagined it would be. However, there is a lot to be said for exploring the countryside, doing new and strange things, laughing about mishaps and having a sense of humour about things.

The Northwest 200 Event

Some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the UK is along the north coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland. This area, known as the Causeway Coast after the famous Giant’s Causeway, has rugged outcrops, high cliffs, pretty towns and clean sandy beaches. It also plays host to the annual Northwest 200 event.

The Northwest 200 event is the most important in Northern Ireland’s racing calendar and takes place in May each year. The circuit is on public roads and follows a triangular route from the starting point in Portstewart south to Coleraine, north to Portrush and back along the coast road to Portstewart. The event attracts spectators from all over Northern Ireland and also further afield, both for the two practice sessions and the races themselves on the Saturday. As the course follows public roads there are plenty of places for spectating along the route, or there are also grandstands at the start and finish lines near Portstewart where you can purchase VIP hospitality if you feel the need to splash out. As well as the racing the Northwest 200 also plays host to all sorts of other events, from beauty contests to exhibitions of classic bikes and a cavalcade of veteran vehicles. If you are the owner of a classic or veteran motorbike, it may still be possible to get a spot in the cavalcade. Organisers of the event will be able to advise whether there are still spaces for this year, or put you on the list for next year. If you do wish to take part, check with your classic bike insurance company before signing on the dotted line. Most policies will cover you for these sorts of events as long as you are not racing, but it is wise to check first. Some classic bike insurance policies will charge extra to cover you.

Accommodation gets booked up quickly for the Northwest 200 event and hotel owners and rental properties charge more for the week than at other times. Consider staying somewhere less glamorous such as Ballymena or Londonderry, and travelling up to the coast for the day of the races. If you prefer to be in the thick of it, there are campsites right on the coast between Portrush and Portstewart which will put you in the centre of all of the action. As the coast is so geared up for tourists there are plenty of options for eating and drinking, and don’t forget to make a trip to see the impressive Giant’s Causeway while you’re in the area. Bushmill’s Irish Whiskey distillery is five miles from Portrush and offers good value guided tours all through the Northwest 200 period.

Good Reasons to Choose Bridgedale Socks

Bridgedale socks are becoming a hugely successful brand because they are just such good quality items. Those people who try this product are usually impressed, and word of mouth has gone a long way to ensuring the success of these socks. There are many good reasons why you might want to choose Bridgedale and hopefully by the end of this article you will have a better idea of what these are.

Good Reasons to Choose Bridgedale socks

Here are just some of the reasons why you might want to choose this type of sock-

  • This product benefits from a unique type of woolfusion® technology that you won’t find anywhere else. They have been specially designed to keep the wearer comfortable no matter what the outside conditions; they deal particularly well with moisture and they are great for keeping your feet warm.

  • These socks come with a three year guarantee which is pretty amazing when you think about it. A lot of people will be lucky to get a year out of a pair of socks so Bridgedale must have a lot of confidence in their product if they are prepared to offer a guarantee that is three times that length. It is great to know that you are assured a quality product for that length of time, and these socks will actually keep performing well for a lot longer than three years.

  • Bridgedale socks are competively priced and this is extremely important given the fact that many of us just can’t afford big purchases. The fact that they price tag is reasonable and they offer such a long life means that this quality product is great value for money.

  • There are many different styles of Bridgedale product and this should ensure that no matter what your taste or requirements you will be able to find something suitable. These socks have been designed to deal with different environments and you will need to think about what these are before you buy.

  • This range of socks is being added to all the time, and there are likely some more exciting products that are going to be available in the future.

  • It is obvious that Bridgedale is devoted to quality and this provides reassurance that when we buy something it is going to be of value. The fact that the company also seems to be on the cutting edge of sock technology is also reassuring.

  • There are many options when it comes to buying Bridgedale socks and this means that they are very easy to purchase. As well as many retailers you can also easily order this product on the web.

Cyprus - An Island of Hospitality

There are plenty of reasons why more than 2 million tourists choose Cyprus as their holiday destination annually. But according to a recent study by a major international touring company, the number one reason just might surprise you. Respondents to the survey were regular customers of the tour operator, and they said they repeatedly chose Cyprus because of the hospitality and welcoming attitude of the island's residents.

Assuming that you fly in to Cyprus using the less busy Paphos airport, you'll notice the friendly attitude and plenty of smiles as soon as you exit the runway into the terminal area. From there you may pass through customs and then on to the counter for your car hire Paphos airport staff greeting you every step of the way.

All of this you would expect at the airport. After all, the employees get paid to make you feel welcome. But step out onto the street after checking into your hotel, and you'll see the hospitality extends well beyond the tourist industry employees.

You might be surprised to know that almost every Cypriot speaks some level of English. In fact, most of them are fairly fluent. And unlike natives of some other tourist destinations, residents don't hold a grudge against visitors who don't speak Greek. Locals are more than happy to engage in conversation with all who come their way.

As you walk down the street you may encounter a small group sitting around a table with a game of Backgammon, or Tavli, as Cypriots call it. It wouldn't be at all unusual for you to receive a hearty invitation to join the game. They'll even teach you how to play if you don't already know. And you thought the employees at the car hire and the Paphos airport were friendly!

One of the things Cyprus is famous for is their never-ending list of local festivals and cultural activities. Every weekend there's something happening in a small town or village; even during the winter months. If you wander upon the festivities as a tourist, you are welcomed in as one of the local family. Feel free to dance, laugh, enjoy the food and wine, and experience what it's like to live on Cyprus.

National festivals, like the Cyprus equivalent of Mardi Gras, are also an open invitation for tourists to join in on. You'll be able to taste the local cuisine, from fresh Loukanika to Pourghouri to an abundance of fresh vegetables, fruits, and cheeses. Don't be afraid to ask for a sample, by the way. They will always be happy to oblige.

Hospitality is what makes Cyprus what it is: one of the best places to spend your holiday. Enjoy.