If you’ve been inspired by the recent running of the London Marathon and feel that it’s time to do something energetic and challenging yourself (but perhaps not that energetic and challenging) then why not head to New York this spring for The Great Saunter.
The Great Saunter is an annual 32 mile walk around Manhatten’s edge. The pace is steady, but not too fast and most of the route is fairly flat. Whatever the weather the event goes ahead and walkers tend to keep to the waterside as much as possible, though the trail does also run through 20 of the city’s parks.
The walk begins at 7.30am at South Street Seaport (corner of Fulton and Water Streets) and ends in the same place at 7.30pm for a celebration as the moon rises over Brooklyn. And you don’t even have to do the whole course as there are various points at which you can meet up with the Saunter on its way round.
The much heralded open skies deal between the US and European Union has now come into effect….but what does it mean?
Any European airline can now fly to the US from anywhere in the EU. Previously, airlines had to fly from their home countries, so British Airways could only fly to the US from airports in the UK, Lufthansa from airports in Germany and so on. Now, the airlines can fly from any airport so Air France could fly directly from Madrid to New York, or British Airways from Berlin to Chicago. And of course, any US airline can now fly to any EU airport.
But with limited availability of new slots at the major airports of the US and EU and the increasing cost of fuel, the impact for tourists may not be seen for some time. The deal was supposed to increase competition and lower prices for travellers but it remains to be seen how quickly either will happen.
If you’re looking for a summer sun holiday with a difference this year, why not avoid the crush on the beach and head for the mountains.
The Alps offer a fantastic summer holiday with clean mountain air, lush green countryside, beautiful fresh water lakes and of course plenty of warmth and sunshine. Best of all perhaps there are no annoying French ski instructors to be found anywhere in sight!
For the energetic tourist, it’s a great time of year to go hiking, especially as many of the chair lifts, cable cars and gondolas that shuttle skiers up the slopes also run in the summer. With a well-maintained network of hiking paths, mountain huts and cafes there’s plenty for both the serious walker and amateur rambler to enjoy.
If you prefer your travel a little faster then there are plenty of options to mountain bike or horse ride. Climbers are of course well-catered for, but you can also enjoy paragliding, balloon rides and the world’s highest dry luge at Pfingstegg and the world’s longest at Pradaschier.
The Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean just 100 miles from Africa are popular all year round thanks to their warm climate, developed tourist industry and frequent flights from the UK.
Tenerife is the largest of the islands with a dormant volcano and mountain range splitting the island in two. The south is warmer and drier, and hence more popular with tourists, and the north greener and cooler.
Gran Canaria has the largest population and like Tenerife is split into a warmer south and greener north thanks to a central mountain range. Shoppers head to Las Palmas, beach lovers to Maspolmas and the fishing villages of Puerto Rico, Puerto de Morgan and Pasito Blanco offer picture-postcard views.
Lanzarote has the darkest landscape as a result of the islands volcanic orgins and also the finest sand on the beaches. The National Park of Timanfaya is a must for any visit to the island with stunning scenery.
Fuertaventura is popular with golfers and has the longest beaches of any of the islands, including a 4 mile stretch of golden sand between the towns of Jandia and Pajara.
The remaining three islands of La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro have less developed tourist accommodation and attractions but are still worth visiting
According to recent reports from Virgin Trains, the number of people using rail services to get to France versus flying to other short haul destinations is increasing.
Virgin Trains reported that rail works and the Channel Tunnel are being “well-used” and increasingly seen as a greener and more convenient way to travel.
Philippa Richardson, Communications Manager for Virgin Trains, said: “More and more people are choosing rail services as a means to get to destinations they might have previously gone to by car or plane.”
Eurostar has recently launched a high-speed rail service from London St Pancras to Paris that offers a reduced journey time of just two hours and 15 minutes. And with high-speed trains available from Paris to the south of France, the number of tourists using rail services and seeking high quality holiday rental property is expected to continue to expand.
Local Jersey resident Peter Walsh has launched a campaign to build a bridge between Jersey and France.
He has already sounded out local civil servants on the island and has written to French President Nicolas Sarkozy asking for his support.
Previous ideas concerning a bridge between Jersey and France have been dismissed as impractical but Mr Walsh feels that the Oresund Bridge and others like it linking Denmark and Sweden have proven that such a bridge can pay its way through tolls in 25 years.
Mr Walsh argues that the link would allow Jersey to expand its economy without creating local housing problems and there would also be huge savings on freight.
He also proposes green benefits with tidal electricity turbines attached to the piers of the bridge allowing the island to generate its own electricity.
Since the first package holidays were offered to Spain in the 1960s its popularity as both a holiday and investment destination has remained undimmed.
Even today when cheaper air fares have made more of the world affordable and accessible, Spain still ranks as the number one destination after nearly 50 years for five key reasons:
- Accessibility - a network of airports across the country operating all year round and good inward infrastructure
- Affordability - whilst prices have rocketed in some areas for buyers there are still bargains to be had and the wealth of holiday property for rental keeps prices keen for tourists
- Quality - if you pick your investment property or holiday rental wisely you can get a lot for your money
- Wide appeal - holidaymakers, second home owners, business owners, family relocations, retired…there’s something for everyone in Spain
- Investment potential - whilst the ‘rock bottom’ bargains may have gone, any investment in Spain can generally be a lower risk than emerging countries
Girona has managed to escape the stag and hen parties that descend on the bright lights and big city bars of Barcelona, 60 miles further to the south. And as it is only 2 hours away from the UK, it is near enough to be a perfect weekend city break.
If you’re looking for a bit more culture, then Girona is for you. The city has a population of around 80,000 so it is still small enough to walk everywhere but with a good mix of interesting restaurants, traditional shops and boutiques, galleries and antique dealers, there is enough to keep even the keenest culture-vultures happy.
Fans of the film Perfume will recognise the Pujada de Sant Domenec, a flight of stone steps leading up to the Sant Martí Sacosta Church with a gloomy lane framed by a basket arch slanting off to the left. This location, and others around the city, were used to create the 18th Century French town of Grasse in the film, and it is one of the most photographed and romantic spots in Girona.
With a wealth of cafes in the Plaça del Vi (Wine Square) it’s the perfect spot to relax with friends, a good book or to simply take time out to watch the world go by.
Ryanair flies to Girona from London Luton and London Stansted, as well as 11 other regional airports.
