Where to Find Cheap Holidays

It seems that the cold breeze is here now. You can no longer wear shirt outside because it is getting cold again. The Autumn season is fast approaching! This is the time of the year where you can spend a holiday in a warmer region of this planet.

That is also the reason why we will be spending our holiday in warm Turkey in more than a week from now. Sometimes you can just find very cheap holiday packages anywhere. Included in our trip are the international flights, hotels, tour to different places in Turkey, tour guide, breakfast , dinner and the tourist guide.

Here are some tips on where to find or book your budget holidays.

Browse the Internet

This is one of the best way in searching for your next travel or vacation. Whether you are looking for cheap flights, affordable hotels, holiday packages, rental villas, apartments, all you need to do is simply move your mouse and with a click of it, you can already search a lot in the internet.

I remembered my Europe tour with a friend last year. We booked everything in internet and we were lucky to minimize our travel expenses. You know why? We planned it ahead and booked everything earlier. Imagine visiting seven countries in Europe for three weeks with less money? That was a record for me. It was the most interesting and memorable trip that I had so far.

taking-off in Nuremberg airport going to Rome. taken during our Europe tour last August 2010.

You can also browse for cheap flights online. Some cheap airlines in Europe include Easyjet, Air Berlin, Ryanair, Tuifly, Alitalia and a lot more.

Travel magazines, catalogues and Newspapers

I always found some affordable trips in newspapers and travel magazines. In fact I found this incoming trip to Turkey in a magazine that was sent to us sometimes in May 2011. I booked it immediately because there are only 8 seats left. I am happy that hubby is finally going with me.

Visiting a Travel Agency

Sometimes you are also lucky to find cheap vacation packages, cruise trips and last minute trips in a travel agency. I usually go there to pick-up travel catalogues.

Friends and Acquaintances

Through your friends or acquaintances, you can get sometimes cheap travel and holidays. This is the the so-called word of the mouth. I always tell friends if I find cheap trips anywhere especially in Europe. In return, they also tell me if they find cheap ones.

Knock Knock on the Door

I heard someone knocking on our door yesterday. It was the postman and he was delivering the new samsung digital camera that I ordered. I finally have it after some weeks of waiting. I did not expected for it already but I am happy to received it now.

Today, at around lunch time, somebody knocked at our door again. and yes, we don't have a door bell . Besides I don't want one to be installed also. I just need sometimes peace and silence to concentrate. If I don't hear the knock, I am sorry about it. I also reminded some friends that if they are coming, they need to inform me in advance because sometimes I am just so busy.

Anyway, who's knocking this lunch time? It was again a member of Jehovah Witness. I admire what they do going house to house and spreading the Good News. Sad to say, I cannot change my religion. We had a bit conversation and she asked me of do I think of the world 20 years from now? I told her that I cannot say something about it because I am not a Prophet. I also told her that I am not afraid of what will happen in the future because "I believed".

After she gave me a pamphlet , she walk away and wish me a good day. I did the same. I love reading their pamphlet because I can also get some ideas from there.

Just a reminder, be careful of whose knocking on door door. This world is sometimes dangerous.

Special Gifts for Special People

Hello September! The first month of the BER months is finally here! There are special celebrations and occasions for this month. In every country for example, some festivals and events are taking place during this month.

For me, it is also special since there are friends and family members who will be celebrating their special day. I am even thinking of a girlfriend gift for an anniversary celebration. Our eldest sister will also be celebrating her birthday two weeks from now. For sure before her special day comes, the presents that I sent through Balikbayan box will already arrive. I have more bar of chocolates than before.

If you are still looking for a special gift for a special person and occasion, for sure you will find a perfect one for her/him.

Wishing everyone a lovely and safe month of September!

Beautiful Castles to Visit in Europe

There is something unusual about visiting a castle. Perhaps it brings out the inner child and day dreams of royalty and knights in shining armor. Perhaps it is the exquisite craftsmanship that has lasted for so many hundreds of years. Perhaps it is the immaculate settings on which you find them. Whatever the case is, if you are on a quest to visit a castle during your Europe tours, here are some that you cannot miss.

Europe has been a tourist destination for centuries. That is the reason why there is a huge choice of accommodation available everywhere for travellers. There are a lot of international flights going to Europe from any destination worldwide. Be sure to book it in advance to avoid stress and to avail of cheaper prices. Easyjet and Ryanair for example are only some of the affordable airlines from anywhere in Europe.

Leeds Castle – Kent, England

With nearly a thousand year history, Leeds Castle is a must-see. This fortress castle was constructed in 1119 as was occupied as a residence until 1974. The castle is complete with a moat and wonderful stone architecture. It is now available to hire as a castle venue and celebrities have been known to marry there. The castle is also available as venue for conferences, concerts and use in cinema, TV and radio. The grounds are beautiful and a garden maze can be experienced when visiting.

Neuschwanstein Castle- Bavaria, Germany

This is considered to be the most photographed building in Germany. It is also the most lavishly romantic castle in the German-speaking world. The fairytale castle of King Ludwig II of Bavaria was used as a retreat and homage to Richard Wagner. It was the inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century Gothic Revival palace on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau. Its construction begun in 1869 and was said to be completed in 1892. It was actually unfinished because of King Ludwig's II death.

Neuschwanstein Castle in Hohenschwangau, Bavaria, Germany. I had been to this castle thrice and I always love it there especially the scenery around.

Segovia Castle (Alcazar Segovia) – Segovia, Spain

Segovia Castle, as it stands today, was built before 1120. On this same spot an Arab fort stood as well as a Roman stronghold. This impressive castle, built high above the city, is of typical medieval styling. It is one of the largest attractions in the area.

Mont Saint-Michel – Normandy, France

Mont Saint-Michel sits atop a small island in the Normandy region of France. This magnificent structure was built, at first, as an abbey in 708. It became a Norman stronghold in the 900’s and has played a significant role in the lives of people such as William the Conqueror.

Lincoln Castle – Lincoln, England

Lincoln Castle was constructed by William the Conqueror in the 11th century on top of an old Roman fort. The strategic importance of this place was the main reason for its construction. Today, Lincoln Castle is one of the best preserved castles in England. It is a beautifully constructed building that has served many purposes in its history. Today, open as a museum, you can see one of the original Magna Carta documents signed by King John.

Chateau de Chambord – Loire, France

This stunning castle dates back to the year 1519 when construction began. The building was completed in 1547. King Francois I had the chateau constructed as a place to spend his “off” time. There are 440 rooms in the structure and nearly the same amount of fireplaces. In total, there are 84 staircases throughout the structure and each floor contains vaulted ceiling hallways that are in the shape of a cross. While the building is not the standard fort type castle, it marks the period when castles became a luxury and not a stronghold.

Hohensalzburg Castle in Salzburg, Austria

It was during my third visit in Salzburg, Austria when I had the chance to go inside the Hohensalzburg Castle. The Festung Hohensalzburg which literally means "High Salzburg Fortress" is located on top of the Festungsberg mountain. It is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe with a a length of 250 m (820 ft) and a width of 150 m (490 ft).

From the you can have breath-taking views of Salzburg and the Alps. Inside the fortress is a museum of medieval weapons, life on the fortress, and torture instruments. Since we don't have so much time to hike up to the Fortress, we took the funicular. A family ticket cost 24.30 Euros.

Festung Hohensalzburg during my third visit last July 2011.
Construction of the fortress began in 1077 under Archbishop Gebhard von Helfenstein.

panorama of Salzburg from the Hohensalzburg Castle..taken last July 2011.

Memorable Vacation in Budapest

Hello folks! It is time to update this blog again. I was away for a couple of days for a short trip in Hungary and Austria. The highlight of the trip was the fireworks on the banks of Danube in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. It was again a wonderful and memorable trip. There is only a sad news after that trip. I noticed that I gained more weight again. I guess one of the best ways to eliminate those excess pounds is to take diet pills. The trip had good foods. Imagine a buffet breakfast and dinner which are all included in that trip. Those are the reasons why I gained extra pounds again. I also brought with me some snacks for everyday consumption especially when we go to different places. I thought I can lose weight everytime I go for a trip because I keep on walking but it is the other way around. At least, we had fun and truly had a nice trip that time.

panorama of Budapest taken from the Citadel. The Citadel was built as a military fortress on the highest point of Budapest’s city centre by Habsburg Austria, following the 1848-49 Revolution.

I finally had the chance to visit Budapest last weekend. It is quite an interesting city full of history.

Blue Sky and the Inspiring Words

"Today, don't think of saying any unkind word, think of the people who can't speak.
Don't complain about the food you eat, some have nothing.
Don't complain about life, many die young.
When you're tired of your job, think of the jobless, the disabled and those who wish they had yours.
When sad thoughts seem to put you down, paint a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and still around.
Life is a gift.
Live it well."

tulips from our garden from spring 2010.