Your Travel City Guide

The London areas of King’s Cross and St Pancras are well served with bed and breakfast accommodation. Catering to the large numbers of travellers either passing through via nearby St Pancras International (Eurostar) or staying in London for a few days sightseeing, visitors will find plenty of choice.

Travellers seeking accommodation in the King’s Cross area should investigate Argyle Gardens. This quiet garden square only a couple of minutes stroll from King’s Cross Railway Station has many London bed and breakfasts, mostly housed in tall Victorian terraced houses. Being in such close proximity to one another, prices in Argyle Gardens are competitive and it is wise to make comparisons to ensure you get the best deal.This fierce competition has the added advantage of keeping standards at a reasonable level. This type of accommodation is quite basic but if all you require is somewhere comfortable to sleep and a safe place to store your luggage, then these places are hard to beat. Note that older historical dwellings rarely have lifts.

In situations where several establishments offer the same level of accommodation it can be hard to separate one from the other. An area where differences often occur is breakfast provision. Check the type of breakfast on offer with your tariff. Is it a full English cooked breakfast? A continental breakfast with croissants and coffee? Or a basic buffet with cereals and toast? Make sure you get the breakfast you want at a price you are happy with.

When travelling to any South American country such as Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Peru, or Brazil from the United Kingdom, a traveller should make certain to get their vaccinations at least two months before they travel.  A traveller should always make sure that their existing vaccinations, including those for tetanus and polio, are up-to-date.  If they are not, booster shots should be arranged prior to travelling.
 
The vaccinations that a traveller should get before going to South America will include those for yellow fever and hepatitis A.  A visitor to South America might also need to get vaccinations for diphtheria, rabies, and typhoid.  This will depend in large part on the areas of South America that they will be visiting.
 
Malaria can also be a risk in certain parts of South America.  There is no vaccination against malaria, and prophylactics should be prescribed by a doctor beforehand.  Healthcare workers should be given the hepatitis B vaccine, and the elderly should be given the pneumococcal and influenza vaccines.

Unlike some other parts of the world, a visitor from the UK does not need to produce their vaccination certificate to visit most of the countries in South America.

The Mediterranean is Europe’s most popular cruise destination.  Most of these cruise deals will depart from ports in the UK, so your first couple of days will be spent at sea.  Depending upon the length of your cruise, you will have the option of visiting either the Eastern or Western Mediterranean areas.

If you decide to take a seven-day Eastern Mediterranean cruise, you could end up visiting Italy, Greece and Turkey.  This cruise will allow you to walk in the streets of Athens or visit the romantic city of Naples.

Many people prefer to fly into Europe and start their cruise directly from there.  This option can save you a few days of travel and allow you to start sightseeing immediately.  Most fly cruises offer holidays lasting anywhere from seven days to 16 days.

Western Mediterranean cruises will take you to Rome, Barcelona, Sardinia and over to Monte Carlo.  Some cruise lines will offer visits to the North African coast of Tunis and over to Malta.

If you want to take a winter cruise, then the Southern Mediterranean cruises are a perfect choice.  A Southern cruise could take you to Egypt, Cyprus and Israel.

An Eastern Mediterranean cruise will have you visiting places such as Turkey, Istanbul and Greece.  The Greek Islands of Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini are popular destinations for visitors taking a cruise holiday.

There are certainly many different types of cruises available for anyone wanting to cruise the Mediterranean.  All you need to do is choose which countries you wish to visit first and book your cruise accordingly.

Manchester is a large, bustling main city in the northern part of England, with a night life favoured by hundreds of stag parties yearly, plus a hub of culture and things to do during the day.  The eclectic mix of modern and traditional architecture shows how this popular student city has adapted over the years.  In fact, some of the things to see and do in Manchester will not even cost you a penny.

For example, you could go and visit the gothic John Rylands library, stroll around the sprawling Heaton Park, take a look at the artistic displays or attend a seminar at Whitworth Art Gallery.  Other places to see include Chester Zoo, Manchester Cathedral, a wealth of galleries and museums and huge shopping centres such as the Victoria Baths, Lowry, and the humungous Trafford Centre.

For later in the day, bars and restaurants are numerous so you can take your pick between Moroccan food, Italian food, tapas bars, Greek restaurants or English Bistros, to name but a few.  You just have to wander down a street until you find the right restaurant for you.  Alternatively, you could take advice from one of the friendly locals.

The historic and scenic Italian island of Sicily is an often overlooked holiday destination.  With festivals, food, wine, and ancient ruins, this is a great place for a quick getaway, or a longer holiday.

Archaeological Sites

Human settlement on the island dates back nearly 10,000 years, and Sicily has been an important location throughout history.  Several archaeological sites allow visitors to experience a bit of this long history.  Many of the ruins here date back to the time of the Greek colonies, about 600 B.C., or the later Roman occupation.  Both are included in the ruins found at Syracuse.  Naxos, near Taormina, was the earliest Greek colony and also has ruins that visitors can view.

Food

Sicilian food is simply outstanding.  With a long tradition of fishing, seafood is always on the menu.  Sicilians also use a lot of olive oil, tomatoes, and their unique variety of olive – called the Saracen olive – in their dishes.  All of the food here is influenced by the many cultures that have been present on the island throughout history; Arab and Spanish influences are particularly prevalent.  The desserts of Sicily are some of the best to be found anywhere in the world, and tourists should be sure try cannolis, granita, and cassata.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Sicily is quite lovely and there are plenty of ways for travellers to enjoy the outdoors here.  The beaches are plentiful, as are the mountains.  Visitors can sunbathe, swim, or enjoy water sports along the   coastline.  Those who like to hike can find trails in many of the mountains.  The Madonie Mountains in the centre of the island are home to the Madonie National Park which features hiking trails, wildlife, and stunning views of the Mediterranean.

A team of experts and travel advisers is what you will find at Imagine Cruising. Let them direct you to sun-drenched beaches on exotic islands in the Caribbean. Climb aboard one of their ships to visit one of the many exciting cities on their itinerary. From New York to Norway or the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, they can get you there.  

Cruise itineraries are carefully planned to ensure there is something to please everyone. Helping to make your holiday dreams come true, allow them to spoil you as you take in numerous lazy days on deck, or run along the perfect white sands on secluded island beaches. The carefully selected ports of call will be the ideal place for passengers to soak up the history and culture of some of the greatest holiday destinations in the world.  

The cruise ship operator, Imagine Cruising, has taken into consideration all the comforts that any passenger could want. The cruise lines operate with only the best available ships. These vessels are equipped with great amenities that include restaurants, on-board activities and very high quality entertainment. Food, drinks and all the fun you can fit into your stay onboard are included in the price of your cruise. Not only do they offer great cruise deals all year round, they also ensure that passengers know about their optional cruise and stay deals. 

This is one of the greatest ways to enjoy an adventure at sea while keeping cash in your pocket. Imagine Cruising offers great deals from their many departure points, including last minute cruises. Choose the length of your holiday and the dates you wish to be sailing at sea and they will provide you with the best deals available for those times, it’s that simple.

For a taste of the real Australia, travellers should try Fraser Island. Located near the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, the island can be reached by a short boat trip from Hervey Bay, located in Queensland. Once there, tourists can explore more than 150,000 hectares containing dozens of fresh water lakes.

Fraser Island is the largest sand island on earth, yet there is much more to it than sand. The flora and fauna are stunning in their diversity, and it is here that tourists can see the purest type of dingo, a wild dog native to Australia. The inland area consists of towering tropical rainforest, while the outer ring of the island features everything from mangrove forest to cliffs and salt pans.

Accommodation is equally diverse, ranging from luxury resort hotels to inexpensive motel units. There are even campsites available on the beach for tourists who want an opportunity to get back to nature.

The Aborigines called this island K’gari, which means paradise – and few modern tourists would disagree.

Add a little spice to your next cruise by including a cruise and stay option. If your cruise leaves from a port of interest, then why not add a few extra days by arriving at your destination city early, or enjoying your ship’s port city after your cruise? This holiday extension allows you the best of both worlds.  

Be daring and adventurous this season by exploring the exotic lands of the Arab world. Cruise and stay to Dubai is quickly becoming a destination package of choice. It is ideal for those who want to explore the depths of a different culture as well as take on a cruise that is diverse and more unusual than the traditional sun and beach excursions.  

Rated as one of the world’s most exciting destinations, Dubai is the place where holidaymakers can have it all. Enjoy sun-drenched beaches, spectacular shopping opportunities, ancient landmarks and modern cuisine. Add to your experience; visit Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates with the stay portion of your holiday, and you can quickly begin to see why this holiday option is unlike any other.  

Adding additional nights to stay in this captivating country is the best way to soak up Dubai first hand. Many cruise passengers prefer to stay just outside the city, in an Emirate called Raz Al Khaimah. When staying in Dubai, be sure to book additional time to take in a day on one of their world-class golf courses.  

This fascinating place is bursting with modern skyscrapers mixed with traditional Middle Eastern architecture. These amazing contrasts are one of the things that make Dubai so interesting. Head out to see The Palm Jumeirah, which was built on an artificial island along with the Burg al Arab, which towers more than 300 metres above the water. 

Australia is one of the largest countries in the world, and if you have been thinking about spending your holidays in the land down under, there are plenty of travel deals that will not break the bank.

Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and has everything that you need to relax and enjoy yourself.  Take a tour of the Opera House and wander over to Circular Quay where you can catch a ferry over to the beachside suburb of Manly or take a water taxi and spend some time in Bondi, which is one of the most famous beaches in the country.  Visit an authentic Aussie pub and talk with the locals as you down an icy cold pint.

You cannot go to Australia without visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  Hire a car drive north and stop in Byron Bay to see where the colonists first planted their flag. Take advantage of the opportunity to go skydiving or see the vast coastline from a hot air balloon.  If you prefer to stay on land, take a nature walk, or spend some time at the Crystal Castle where you can get in touch with your mind, body and spirit.  Jump back in the car and reach your final destination where you can take a glass bottom boat and explore the Great Barrier Reef.   

Before you book your tickets decide where you want to visit.  Australia is a big country, and if you only have a few weeks, you will want to see as much as you can.

Visiting London is the trip of a lifetime for many people.  The history, culture, and tourist destinations within the city are some of the finest in the world.  People come from all over to visit the theatres, the museums, and historical sites of London.  To make a trip memorable and enjoyable, choosing a suitable hotel is essential.

There are many things to consider when selecting a place to stay in London.  Visitors can choose from bed and breakfasts, London hostels, and more traditional hotels.  The choice will likely depend upon the traveller’s budget, lifestyle, and desired location within the city.

Central London is one of the most popular places to stay for the purpose of visiting tourist attractions.  Many of the sites people hope to see are within the centre of the city.  Kings Cross hotels are an excellent choice for this reason.
 
The King’s Cross district of London has undergone regeneration over the last 20 years and is now a wonderful place for travellers to stay.  The tube station here is a large one and is one of the primary stops for the National Rail service as well.  Visitors who want the convenience of being able to quickly get anywhere in the city or the country, would do well to stay in King’s Cross.

In addition to travel convenience, the King’s Cross area offers several tourist stops.  Travellers here will want to visit the rare books collection at the British Library, tour the Camley Street Natural Park, and experience the history of St. Pancras Old Church.  For those who are fans of Harry Potter, King’s Cross station is the location of the famous platform 9 ¾.  There is a sign for this fictional platform that fans of the books love to see.