5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Visit Birmingham

Birmingham is not only the UK’s ‘second city,’ it’s also a wonderful place to visit with attractions that should suit all tastes and interests.

Here are five reasons why everyone should visit it.

1. Easy travel to Birmingham, the home of Cadbury

As Birmingham is situated in the middle of the UK travel links between the city and the rest of the world are excellent. It’s very easy to go online and search for flights toBirmingham with Flybe from Hungary, Ireland to name a few countries as well as the rest of the UK.

Everyone loves chocolate and, Bournville, the centre of Cadbury’s production is just 13 minutes away from the airport. Cadbury World is the place to go to learn more about the manufacture of chocolate and to sample some delicious products.

2. Famous art galleries in the centre of Birmingham

If you’ve ever looked at some of those mournful paintings by the Pre Raphelite Brotherhood and wondered where you can go and see the originals, then the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, right in the centre of the city, is the place to visit.

Works by Millais, Burne Jones and Rosetti are on show here. The museum also holds a vibrant history department which currently is home to the recently discovered gold of the ‘Staffordshire Hoard.’

3. Take a canal trip in Birmingham

Birmingham is famous for its canals. They’ve dominated the city for centuries and have recently been cleared and made more accessible for visitors. Take a canal cruise and view the city from an alternative perspective (image by houseofhall). 

Birmingham Canals

 4. Contemporary art comes to Birmingham

The Ikon Gallery was founded in 1965 and can be found in Brindleyplace. This gallery has a constantly changing programme of exhibitions and is internationally acclaimed. You could see an installation one day and then enjoy some sculpture or mixed media on your next visit. This gallery is never boring and a visit here will electrify your senses.

5. In Birmingham curry is king

Birmingham is a large multicultural city and in recognition of the number of residents who have family origins in Asia, the city hosts the annual National Curry Week. It’s a well-known fact in the UK that Birmingham is the place to visit to sample a delicious curry. This year’s winner is Lasan in the Jewellery Quarter, but there are innumerable restaurants throughout the city serving this delicious menu choice.

Try and go to the so called Balti Triangle, based in the south east of the city. There’s even a website devoted to this area and its wonderful eateries. 

Related post:   Parking Options Around Airports in the UK

Feature image by Bradley Nash Burgess

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How Well Do You Know Your Holiday Destination? A Third of Brits Can't Locate Top Holiday Hotspots

If you were asked to stick in a pin in a map where you had been on holiday this year, how confident would you be that you could find the right place? If you’re anything like the average Brit, you’d probably end up selecting Greece or France, regardless of where you actually went.

It has been revealed that one in three British holidaymakers don’t know where the countries they’ve visited are located on the map. Some destinations were slightly trickier than others, but many couldn’t even pinpoint France and Spain.

It seems that Cyprus is the most elusive destination, with a staggering 53 per cent of those that travelled there this summer unable to find it on a map. It seems that many didn’t even know it was an island – most believed it to be part of mainland Greece.

However, it’s not just Cyprus that people weren’t sure about, some common holiday destinations for Brits proved just as difficult.

Around one in ten didn’t know where France was, while a quarter couldn’t point out Spain – the favourite destination of Brits for many years now.

You might forgive some for not knowing certain European destinations, but a few obviously weren’t paying attention in geography as almost 500 out of the 2,000 surveyed could not even locate Ireland.

Ever travelled to Turkey? Around half of those that had been didn’t know where it was, with a surprising number of people thinking it was Ukraine, which is 1,200 miles away.

Holidays to Portugal are becoming increasingly popular with travellers, but it’s a good job you don’t have to find your own way there, as 31 per cent thought it was France!

The Netherlands was another one that threw people off, with over a third being completely stumped and almost a quarter unsure about Germany too. Italy is a fairly easy one to identify, thanks to its recognisable boot-shape – but 13 per cent still stuck their pins in Belarus (image by http://www.flickr.com/photos/wolfgangstaudt/).

It doesn’t seem to be just the locations of countries that Brits struggle with; around 20 per cent couldn’t name the capital of their holiday destination and 27 per cent aren’t capable of naming a neighbouring country.

Well, at least the survey managed to open a few eyes, with 70 per cent saying they should know more about their holiday destinations. Rather than concentrating on location of the country, holidaymakers had other priorities.

When asked to name the most important thing when choosing a holiday, the results were its temperature (65 per cent), local attractions (61 per cent) and accommodation (52 per cent).

Fortunately, you don’t have to be a geography geek to get some great deals on your holidays. Expedia has loads of Portuguese holiday bargains and deals to other top destinations and as you don’t need to rely on your sense of direction, so you can be sure of landing there safely!

Related post:         10 Things to Consider When Visiting Europe

header image by www.flickr.com/photos/wolfgangstaudt/

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5 Cool Facts About Bristol Airport

In the recent times, hardly a week passes by without the UK media raising issues regarding the impact the aviation industry has on the environment. In response though, the aviation industry is making every effort to lessen its negative impacts and undertake business in a friendly and beneficial way. These efforts are partly geared towards making it possible for commuters to enjoy business flights through exposure to amazing cultures and exciting landscapes. There are several great facts about Bristol airport such as environmental, economical, and community. In addition, several options of parking at Bristol airport  is available to the travelers who passes through the airport.

Whenever you check into Bristol airport, these are the interesting fact you need to know.

Environmental

• The carbon emissions at Bristol are less than 1% of the whole for the South western region.
• The modern planes are seventy percent more fuel efficient than forty years ago. Easy jet’s 11 based flight machines comprise the youngest air fleet in Europe.
• As a whole, aviation contributes less than 2% of the world greenhouse emissions.
• The aviation sector is only accountable for 12% of Carbon emissions drawn other forms of transport.
• On average, the number fight passengers using Bristol Airport went up from eighty seven in 2004 to a hundred and one in the year 2007. This showed greater efficiency in airline operations.

Economically

• Bristol airport has fifty different businesses operating from its premises.
• There are more than 2800 people in gainful employment at the Bristol airport.
• Bristol Airport Passengers contributed about 31 million sterling pounds as Air Passenger Duty in 2007 to the exchequer.
• Results from a survey done by a respected University of the West England Economist revealed that the world’s leading companies will be less inclined to invest in the South West if Bristol Airport is not expanded.

Inbound tourism

• The inbound tourism in the UK attracts 14bn sterling pounds to the UK economy every year. It has also employed more than 300000 people.
• Tourists to Bristol spend 750 sterling pounds every year in this city.
• Since commencement in May 2005, more than 50% of its passengers using Continental Airlines flights (daily) between New York and Bristol have come from the United States.
• The Airport and other airlines operating within work hand in hand with bodies like Destination; South West Tourism, and Bath Tourism to market the region overseas. ( An instance:- Destination Bristol was supported by Bristol Airport at the NYTT show in Feb 2008)

Community

• Bristol Airport noise footprint is foreseen to be less than nine million passengers per year than it was in 2004.
• The summer in 2007 recorded the least number of flights in a period of 10 years
• Bristol boasts the smallest noise footprints in the UK. (Among airports of comparable size)
• Noise insulation grants have been given to 286 houses at 750,000 sterling pounds.
• Bristol Airport staff raised about 75,000 sterling pounds for the Children’s Hospice South West.
• The Airport joins hands with Young Enterprise South West to realize the difference to the current lives and youthful potential for the future.
• Bristol Airport gives financial aid to Bristol Bordeaux Exchange. This creates cultural and educational links between the two cities

Parking at Bristol Airport

Bristol airport has 2 pre–book parking options for Business, long stay and short stays. The short stay car park is conveniently located at the airport road near the terminal. The Business car park is near the terminal where navigator members get preferential rates. The long stay for airport parking is ideal for those on holiday or related longer stays. It is wise to book longer stays in advance. If you do decide to use the airport parking, you might want to consider using BCP discount codes to save few bucks. 

Additional Facts

• Bristol serves 4 million passengers per year. It has over eighty direct destinations and one Terminal. It’s runway is 2011 meters in length

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7 Great Under $50 Accommodation Options in London

Traveling to London is a very exciting experience. It can be expensive doing so, however. With the increased cost of affair and essentially every other commodity related to traveling you will find that saving money on a room can give you a great more of spending money if you know where to look. There are many hotels in London, but many have very high price tags. Most hotels charged a minimum of $150 per night. There are many that will charge for other guests as well if you get a smaller room. For the savvy traveler, though, finding a great hotel is a simple matter of research.

Tune Hotels London

Tune Hotels

This chain of hotels is one of the most affordable in London. It balances economy with luxury and has many of the accommodations other high class hotels have but with a much lower cost. You can book a room here for as little as $35 per night. You can even get deals here that make the room even more inexpensive if you book during special deals. This hotel is perfect as there are three in central London and will accommodate just about any person or group.

Pavilion Hotel

This hotel has gained a reputation as a great place to stay and has affordable pricing. There is not only that, but the fact that you can soak up a lot culture from this hotel. Each room seems like a movie set in some ways. The hotel has a surreal and inviting atmosphere. You can get a room here for as little as $80 a night. Compared to many other hotels you will find this hotel is very unique and satisfying.

Umi Hotel London

This hotel is a more budget friendly hotel than many other mid-level hotels of the same kind. This hotel focuses on quality of service and great accommodations. It is unique among hotels of its type because it is much larger than other hotels of the sort. It also overlooks a private garden and is a very quiet area. If you are looking for a place to relax this is a great place that gives you quick access to the city, but also allows you to have peace when you want it. Rooms here start are just over $65 per night.

Church Street Hotel

This type of hotel may not be for everyone. It has many paintings and other artifacts inspired by Hispanic culture. The mood of the hotel is very religious. You will find all of the amenities you would require in a hotel, but in a quieter and more observant atmosphere. If you are a religious person or do not mind staying a place with so much depicted this is a great place. The prices for rooms start at just over $100 a night. Comparing that to many larger hotels is great because it is significantly less than what you would pay elsewhere.

Easy Hotel London

Easy Hotel

This hotel chain is a great type of accommodation for the person seeking the cheapest room that is also of great quality. The rooms in these hotels in central London are not for luxury purposes. They are smaller than the average room and the color scheme can make your head hurt if you are in the room and see it for too long, but you will find all of the amenities you need. The price is also hard to beat at just under $50 per night for a room.

Travelodge

This is a larger hotel chain that focuses on efficiency rather than luxury. You will find many branches of this hotel in London and will be able to book a room easily. The rooms have every convenience you will need. There are also facilities to make tea coffee. The rates start at just under $30 if you can book early enough. You can book up to 12 months in advance for a trip on this company's website.

Premier Inn

This is the largest hotel chain in the UK. It is very affordable and had all of the modern conveniences you could want. The rooms are clean and neat and provide a very comfortable space for a very great rate. The rates start under $70 per night for a room.

Conclusion

If you are looking to experience the culture of London but want to have more money to see more things you should invest in a budget hotel. They are much less expensive and will allow you more money to spend on attractions and having fun in the city. For those with the habbits of ill-planning and booking at the last minute you will want to make sure you book as soon as possible for the greatest discount.

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London’s Best Military Museums

The military is an area of interest for many. Those with an interest in history, former or current service men and women, and many others enjoy finding out about the military past and present. London is a great place to visit to explore this interest as it is home to many military museums all with an array of artifacts on display. Why not make a weekend of it, find great deals inLondon accommodation with Travelodge and see more of what’s on offer.

Guards Museum

The 300-year history of the Guards is explored here with explanations and examples of the uniforms across the ages from bearskins to present day. The full history of the five regiments of the Foot Guards and their use as bodyguards to royalty since the reign of Charles I. Time your visit to tie in with the changing of the guard, one of the must see ceremonies when visiting London.

Royal Airforce Museum

The defenders of the skies are one of the most technologically interesting of the forces in the UK. At the museum in Colindale you can view over 100 different aircraft from across the history of the RAF as well as experiencing the Battle of Britain in stunning 3D. This history of aviation itself is covered from the first balloon to present day jets. Opening hours are from 10am to 6pm daily and entry is free.

HMS Belfast

One of the giants of the seas, the HMS Belfast is moored near Tower Bridge, part of the Imperial War Museum. The ship that was involved in the D-Day landings is fully open to the public, and you can take a wander across the deck to imagine what it would’ve been like to be aboard back then. You can also check out the sailor’s mess, engine rooms and Captains Bridge in an unparalleled access all areas experience.

National Maritime Museum

Being an island, Britain has always had an expansive and great Navy. The NationalMaritime Museum explores the history and deployment of our sea defenders at its home in Greenwich. The waves have not just been for military use; in the years of expansion exploration was done in ships, as was trade that helped the economy of the British Empire. Discover all the uses of fleets across the years and see the jacket of Nelson, complete with bullet hole dating back to the battle of Trafalgar.

National Maritime Museum

National Army Museum

If your interest lies with the ground troops and the British Army, then look no further than the National Army Museum. Here is the biggest collection of historical and military artifacts relating to the Army in the UK. Discover stories, objects and interactive displays as you take a step through history in this fantastic exhibition.

Britain has a long and interesting history, which is entwined with it’s military. As technology plays a greater part in combat it is interesting to learn the techniques from years past. London has the largest number of military museums in the country and the highest number of artifacts on display. Spend a few days in the city and immerse yourself in the world of military history and technology. In addition, I suggest you view the great blog about how Vietnam war affected the local culture. This is another war story from different side of the planet.

Related post:  Wine Lover? What Would You Say About This One?

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Parking Options Around Airports in the UK

When planning a vacation around Europe, or more specifically, around the UK, parking around an airport can be an unnerving experience to say the least. Going in unprepared can mean endless driving around and eventual over-payment or citations for parking in unauthorized places. Here are some options to consider that should go a long way to making sure your airport parking experience doesn't leave you completely exasperated in addition to Stansted parking from HolidayExtras.co.uk. 
 
Short Stay Parking

If you're not going to be away from your vehicle too long, there are designated places to park for limited periods of time. Be careful using this method, however. If you think you're going to exceed the allotted time you may be better off, for example, finding a better offer on Heathrow Airport parking.  As a rule, this isn't really the best way to go.

Long Stay Off-Site Parking

All of the larger airports in the UK are surrounded by long stay parking facilities. It is a simple matter to drive up to one, secure a spot and shuttle off to the airport. Your vehicle will remain in a secure location until you return to retrieve it. Many offer shuttle services that depart regularly to take you directly to the airport entrance in a timely manner.

Car Parks

All large UK airports have many adjacent multi-story car parks, where you can park your vehicle. You may have to make a short walk to the terminal, and this option often does not include shuttle service. This option is a good marriage of economy and convenience.


Meet & Greet

Meet & Greet services are at the top of the convenience list. It is the fastest, easiest way to get from parking your vehicle to walking through the airport entrance. As the name implies, a representative meets you, goes with you and drops you off at the airport, and then takes your vehicle to a secure parking location to await your return.

Pre-bookable Parking

Eliminate all of the hassles of parking around the airport by simply arranging it all beforehand. Such services are available at the many large airports in the UK. All you have to do is pick up the phone and call to secure your spot. Once there, a shuttle conveniently drives you right up to the airport entrance. When you return, the same service will take you back to your vehicle. It doesn't get any more painless than that! In addition to convenience, this option is one of the best ways to ensure the safety of your vehicle.

Plan Ahead, Avoid the Hassle

As you can see, there are several parking options to suit any specific need when traveling to and from the airport. The most important consideration here is that of all of these options, every one of them can be planned ahead of time. You may consider Holiday Extras for airport parking options. By doing this, all of the legendary hassles associated with airport parking are completely avoided. Go in knowing what to expect, get it, and get on with it!

There really is no need to endure the kinds of complications so often endured by those that take all the time in the world to plan their flights and their trip but none at all to secure parking, which actually is probably the easiest part of the entire planning process.

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