Top healthy activities in London

With summer upon us and the unseasonable weather finally receding; outdoor activities are definitely on the menu, as the schools break up and the family can enjoy sunny weekends and longer evenings. So, to burn off any excess stress from work – or to give the kids a break from their games consoles – here are a few of London’s top destinations for healthy, active fun.  

Cycling The capital’s roads can be hair-raising for cyclists, but there are some wonderfully picturesque and safe cycling routes in the city. The Richmond to Hampton Court route along the Thames Path is a lovely eight-mile ride, culminating at the magnificent Hampton Court Palace, where you can grab a bite to eat or a cool drink. The Wandle Trail from the Thames to Croydon is another pleasant off-road route, this time along the River Wandle, with parks and interesting National Trust properties along the way. Cycling is also a great calorie burner: you can burn off between 200 and 800 calories in an hour, so your leisurely ride will have bonus benefits.

River Thames in London.

Canoeing Don’t be daunted: canoeing and kayaking aren’t necessarily the extreme sports you’ve seen on the telly – it’s actually quite a relaxing form of exercise and a great way to enjoy the water on a fine day. The West Reservoir Centre is a good place to learn the basics, along with the numerous canoe clubs on the Thames. It’s also a relatively easy skill to master, so there’s need to worry if you’re not a natural athlete.  

Swimming London has a number of gorgeous lidos, which offer a fun and relatively cheap day out for the family. Frolicking around in an outside pool on a sunny day is terrifically relaxing and a great way to get your arms and legs moving. Swimming is an all-round body toner and uses a large variety of muscles. Above all, kids never seemed to get bored in a pool and you can enjoy the sun (hopefully) while playing countless different games in the water.

These are just some of the hidden gems in the London area uncovered by the In the Know Telegraph Partnership with American Express, bringing you some of the best activities and days out that the capital has to offer. To make the most of your free time in the great outdoors, why not opt for one of the great credit cards with rewards from American Express, and earn exclusive reward points virtually every time you use your card.

Ideas for a holiday in Crete

Lonely azure bays, remote mountain villages, modern hectic coastal villages, old cultures, bubbling life - that's what Crete is all about. The largest Greek island has a history dating back to Minoan times. Crete has a rare landscape and is therefore a wonderful world of its own - too big to explore on just one holiday visit. Here are a few ideas on places to visit to get you started on your Crete holidays…..

The capital Heraklion is a city where the ancient blends with the modern. On the one hand, the city has traditional buildings, monuments and churches from both the Eastern and Venetian culture, while on the other hand it is a lively tourist hot spot which has several hotels, restaurants and beaches. Visit this capital to get a feel for the Cretan culture while in the comfort of the typical tourist attractions. Heraklion is an important shipping port and ferry dock. You can take ferries from here to destinations including Santorini, Ios Island, Paros, Mykonos, Rhodes and mainland Greece.

In Iraklion there are two museums to visit; the archaeological museum and the historical ethnographic museum. Another attraction worth a visit is the Palace of Knossos built by the Minoan civilization which is located a few miles from the centre.

In Rethymno the third largest city on the Island you can see the minaret and the mosque of Neratzes. The town still maintains its old aristocratic appearance, with its buildings dating from the 16th century, arched doorways, stone staircases, Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains, the small Venetian harbour and narrow streets. A wine festival is held here annually at the beginning of July.

Chania, Crete.

Chania is a picturesque town that is home to several museums, such as the archaeological museum (which includes several collections of vases and sculptures) and the Naval Museum. Chania is the site of the Minoan settlement the Greeks called Kydonia. The city is divided in two parts: the old town and the larger modern city. The old town is situated next to the harbour and is the matrix around which the whole urban area was developed. The centre of the modern city is the area extending next to the old town and especially towards the south.

Crete is not just an island full of towns and beaches its vicinity is characterized by mountain ranges and vast expanses of orchards. An impressive natural spectacle is the splendid gorge of Samaria a UNESCO World Heritage and a national park. These gorges are located forty kilometres from the city of Chania, with a length of eighteen kilometres they are considered the longest in Europe. Strolling through the park you can also see different plant species and animals such as weasels, marmots and badgers.

Visit HolidayCheck for more information on Crete holidays and to start planning your vacation today.

How to Find Budget Breaks

For many of us, finding a holiday that’s affordable and within budget is a top priority. Sometimes the hotel, the resort or even your choice of destination can be compromised, so long as the price is right. But how do you find those elusive bargains?

Searching for holidays online is usually the best place to start. It might seem like a minefield, but it often presents the best possible array of choice as well as the cheapest prices. Depending on the website, you can amend your search criteria and try different departure dates, destinations and hotels, then sort by price. This is essential as it presents you with the lowest prices and prevents those cheeky bargains from hiding away further down the list of search results. By sorting by price, you may also notice cheaper holidays in destinations that you hadn’t previously considered.

Tour operators such as Direct Holidays are one of the cheapest - which is partly due to the direct nature of their business which cuts out the agent. But they are also in competition with some of the other big players in the holiday industry, which means they have to offer comparable value for money to stay in business. The best cheap holiday deals at Direct Holidays are usually those last-minute getaways, typically leaving within the next few weeks. You can usually save a significant amount off the original cost of the holiday by booking late. Availability will be limited and you might not get your first choice of resort, hotel or even destination, so it’s best to keep an open mind and be prepared to compromise here or there.

Alternatively you can often find a great deal by booking ahead. Search for holidays leaving six or nine months or even a year in advance, and in most cases you’ll see numerous discounts advertised - plus you’ll have that little bit longer to pay off the cost of the holiday.

6 Must-Do Outdoor Activities in Canada

Canada is known for its cold winters, pristine landscape and variety of outdoor activities to keep even the most adventurous traveller busy. Canada's wilderness is usually accessed via aeroplane or through long drives into the countryside.

One of the must-do activities for the nature lover is whale watching off the Victoria coast. Orcas are frequently found in these waters and offer a magnificent spectacle not to be missed. There are many tours are organised by a variety of agencies, and some even offer aeroplane flights on a seaplane from the major city of Vancouver.

Canada is known for its amazing glaciers and there are many tours that traverse these glaciers. The most popular locales in the Columbia Ice fields include Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and Mistaya Canyon. It's worth joining a tour group if you want to learn more about the history and geography of the region, as well as taking in the splendid views.

For those who want a bit more excitement, Canada also has spectacular white-water rafting opportunities in British Columbia. The season usually lasts from June to September in the south, while the north the season peaks in July/August. Arctic rafting is also popular, and is predominantly done during the summer. Rafting down the Alesk river provides ample opportunity for animal watching, with sightings of grizzly bear, wolverine and arctic fox almost guaranteed.

Cycling is a popular activity in southern Quebec. There are over 4000km of bicycle paths and routes on the "La Route Verte" passing through plains and farmland as well as the Appalachian mountains. Most cyclists plan their season in summer, where there is less rainfall and the weather is milder than in winter.

Vancouver Island offers prime hiking routes in the West Coast Trail, a 76km route that traverses coastline, bridges and ladders. The route takes three weeks to complete and registration is essential. The trail is open from May to September and stormy weather is to be expected. The rest of Canada offers many other hiking trails which are worth investigating.

One cannot consider visiting Canada without going skiing, and British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec provide ample opportunity. Whistler is the most popular resort, catering to both novices and experts. Kicking Horse in the Rockies is great for people looking for a challenge since the snow is powdery and dry. The Sunshine Village in Alberta is known for having longest season.

If thinking about flying to Canada to see these magnificent sights then why not save money on flights by cutting the cost while you shop? The Aeroplan rewards program from Amex allows you to save for flights while paying for other things you love.

Supporting England at the 2012 Olympics: Football

Whether you’re a football fan or not, you’re going to have heard of Old Trafford. One of the most memorable stadiums on English soil and home to Manchester United, it doesn’t just host their home team’s games.

This summer, it’s also playing host to some of the 2012 London Olympics football matches, along with Wembley Stadium, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and several other sites all over the UK. As with every Olympic venue, it’s of upmost importance to plan your journey wisely if you’re hoping to catch an Olympic football match at Old Trafford; making sure you have your tickets booked, finding a hotel near Old Trafford (why travel long distances when you don’t have to?) and researching the area for quality food and drink that doesn’t have to break the bank.

Europe Football  Championship  2012.

Luckily, the ground isn’t too far from Manchester city centre, which opens up several options that you wouldn’t ordinarily have, meaning you don’t have to opt for a takeaway if you don’t want to. The Old Trafford metrolink tram stop is less than 10 minutes walk from the stadium which means you have access to hundreds of excellent multinational eateries all over the city.

The University of Manchester  during  my visit last 2008.

Why not try your hand at Japanese cuisine at Sapporo Teppanyaki in Castlefield – there, you can sample sushi, sashimi or one of many flavoursome noodle dishes. For European tastebuds, an Italian restaurant such as Stresa or the Mediterranean fusion restaurant, Twisted Med might be right up your street. For a taste of home, try the Lowry Restaurant – only 15 minutes walk from the ground and offering the chance to catch a theatre production whilst you’re there. Or, for the less adventurous, a good ol’ pub lunch could be more in order. Trusty, wholesome pub grub will never be too far away and even if it is, take a walk up Sir Matt Busby Way for battered fish and chips.

Cruise: What’s it all about?

Some people believe that cruise holidays are not for them - or at least that’s until they try it. It can take some persuasion to get onto a ship for a week or more, as the thought of this huge vessel becoming your bedroom, lounge, dining room, cinema and gym for a prolonged length of time can be a little overwhelming. But as the converted will say, it’s worth a try: and that’s why so many tour operators have introduced short taster cruises to try and win over the non-believers.

Taster cruises are typically one or two nights long, sailing from a UK port to nearby locations such as Paris or Brussels. Customers have the chance to alight there and spend a day exploring the city, before getting back on board for the short jaunt back to familiar shores. It’s short, sharp and sweet, but many taster cruises include a full array of sumptuous cuisine and high-octane entertainment - after all, it’s designed to offer a taste of cruising, and these are certainly the highlights.

For the more confident cruiser there are countless itineraries taking in a vast range of destinations. For instance, take Thomas Cook cruises. 2012 is shaping up to be another superb year that’s packed with varied itineraries across a range of liners, from the long-established P&O Cruises to the younger and more innovative Royal Caribbean International, which brings exciting new onboard activities into the fray with surf parks, rock climbing walls and top-notch entertainment.

A cruise lets you take in a vast range of destinations and makes the most of the journey in-between too. Where else can you wake up in a new destination every morning, and while away the time at sea by relaxing on deck, working out in the gym or dining in style? Whatever your opinion of cruise holidays, it’s certainly worth a shot.

Go Crazy in Crete

Greece has its fair share of top-notch party hotspots (Kos, Zante or Rhodes anyone?) but there’s nothing quite like a trip to Crete. Aside from the fact it’s the biggest island in Greece - giving you plenty of things to see and do should you come here for anything other than the clubs and pubs - Malia holidays are among the best in the clubbing calendar.

Not only did Malia get the star status when it became the setting for Inbetweeners: The Movie, the main strip is also one of the biggest in the Mediterranean. So regardless of what you’re here for - whether it’s rock clubs, sports bars or all-night clubs - there really is a night out for everyone. And this year, it’s hotting up to be something seriously special.

The line-up of clubbing holidays 2012 is nothing short of epic, and Malia is right in there with the best of them. It’s got the biggest names across the music industry from RnB and Hip hop to dance and house. And, like any clubbing hotspot, it’s got plenty of room for fun-filled foam parties and the inevitable 80s disco too. After all, a week without Wham! is like fish but no chips.

And then there’s the beach. The bars spill right onto this stretch of gorgeous golden sand, so you won’t have far to go for a refreshing cocktail. Here you’ve got everything from sunbeds and parasols to jet skis and pedalos. And when your appetite kicks in there’s a pretty tasty range of snacks to feast on. Mexican, Chinese, Indian, the obligatory burger and a bit of Greek cuisine too - it’s all here.

Malia is all about round-the-clock fun with like-minded company and some of the best nightlife in the Med. One thing’s for sure, it’s bound to satisfy any appetite!

Book a Big Birthday Bash to Remember

When you’ve got a big birthday coming up, you really want to celebrate it in style. Why not book group accommodation with Travelodge and enjoy a full weekend of celebration?
Here are some ideas for that perfect birthday weekender, whatever big number you’ll be celebrating:

21^st
Spring chickens celebrating their 21^st birthday will want to let their hair down and go wild. Why not go for a fancy dress themed do – after all, you’re still young and gorgeous enough to get away with dressing up as Where’s Wally.
Seaside resorts are great fun on a night out – think Blackpool or Skegness – for frivolous, themed fun.

30^th
If you’re approaching your big 30 you’re likely to want something with a touch of class to show your family and friends exactly how much you’ve grow up since the heady days of your early twenties. Let’s not get too old before our time though.

Leeds, England

Leeds is a fantastic city crammed full of classy bars and nightspots. Eat at Browns Brassiere, then head to Mook for cocktails. Once you’ve show just how sensible and grown up you can be it’s time to throw caution to the wind and head somewhere funky, fun and fabulous like the Birdcage nightclub.

40^th
Hitting the naughty 40’s is a reason to celebrate in style. Your idea of style may have moved on a touch in the past decade so why not get your favourite people together for an activity weekend? Girls will love to head to a spa for a spot of pampering, whereas boys could go for clay pigeon shooting or archery. Regroup for a decadent dinner later and swap stories from the day.

50^th
Those who are feeling fab at 50 should consider hitting the capital for shopping and a show. London’s West End has an amazing array of shows to choose from which will suit a mixed group of sexes and ages including Ghost, Rock of Ages and Blood Brothers.

A street in London, England.

However you want to celebrate your big day, you should find out about making large group accommodation bookings to keep your group together. Once you’ve got them sorted you can focus on what the occasion is really about – you, you, you!

Southport Still Has Something!

Southport is a prosperous town in the north west of England. Its Victorian charm means that is has maintained its status as one of the most popular seaside resorts and today is still a fabulous place for a trip. A self-catering cottage in the UK makes the perfect place to stay on a trip to Southport, by day take in what the north of England has to offer and by night sit back and make yourself at home in front of a log fire.

Southport has been attracting visitors to its beach since 1792 when the first hotel in the town was built. During the nineteenth century the town became popular with tourists who could travel to Southport via canal from places like Liverpool. Later on, the building of the railway meant that more and more people could come from further and further away meaning that Southport grew really quickly to be much more like the town it is today. Nowadays, the legacy of Southport’s Victorian past is visible all over the town centre. In the main shopping street, tree lined Lord Street, the Victorian architecture is clear to see and it’s a great place for an afternoon of shopping.

Lord Street, Southport flickr photos

No trip to seaside Southport would be complete without a walk (or ride) down the pier. Southport’s pier is the second longest pier in the UK which even has a tramway down the middle of it to take visitors from one end to the other. At the end of the pier is an old fashioned amusement arcade that only accepts old pre decimalisation coins, a little nostalgic trip into the past that is really lots of fun.

Southport Air Show flickr photos

One thing to note about Southport is how far the sand reaches out with no sea. On a clear day when the tide is out it seems perfectly plausible that you could walk the six miles along the sand to Blackpool. It is in fact impossible although people try every year and end up needing to be rescued from the quick sand.

Southport Air Show flickr

Away from its seaside heritage, Southport also holds various shows and events throughout the year including the Southport Flower Show and the Air Show. In 2012 the Southport Flower Show will be taking place between the 16th and 19th August and is the largest independent flower show in the UK attracting tourists all around the UK. This year the annual Southport Air Show will be celebrating its 21st birthday. The event attracts tens of thousands of spectators each year to see many different types of aircraft flying across the skies above Southport.

Cruising the Med

From package holidays and cheap flights to backpacking, there are many ways to explore the Mediterranean. But for those who like to discover new places without the hassle of getting from A to B, cruise holidays could be just the ticket.

Most cruise holidays are based on an all inclusive basis which means flights, accommodation, meals and snacks are all included - so all you have to do is turn up at the airport and the rest is all taken care of. It’s one of the best and most stress-free ways to discover a range of different destinations whilst enjoying the journey too: what better way to travel from Portugal to Montenegro, or Croatia to Italy, than sunning yourself on deck? What’s more, much of the longer journeys between ports are undertaken at night so you can literally wake up in an exciting new destination each morning.

One of the most popular itineraries is a Mediterranean cruise - and it’s not hard to see why. From Spain to Portugal, Venice to Dubrovnik, these cruises are the perfect way for holidaymakers to see the Med in a truly laid-back and stress-free environment. Forget trying to drive on the right or work out the local public transport: when it comes to exploring the Mediterranean without needing a holiday afterwards, this is how it’s done.

During your trip you will have the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of some of the world’s most beautiful and vibrant cities and picture-perfect beach destinations. But on top of that you’ll also get to make the most of the ship’s top-notch facilities. Whether you’re into relaxing spa treatments, a night at the flicks or if you prefer to be thoroughly entertained with the help of some professional Broadway-style entertainment, when it comes to cruise holidays there’s certainly something for everyone.

Travel Infographics

Do you want to have an idea about travel Infographics? Information Graphics or simply called as Infographics are graphic visual representations of information and data. It provides a clearer picture of a certain thing.

Try to look at this interesting travel Infographics I have below. This is so cool that it will give you an idea where to go for your next vacation this summer.

Find it out!



Provided by ThomasCook.