Radisson Hotels & Resorts

Friday, March 14, 2008

Visit Germany: The forgotten holiday superpower

Visit Germany: The forgotten holiday superpower by Andrew Regan

When it comes to Brits going abroad - Germany isn't the first place to spring to mind as a top holiday destination. Those looking for hot sun and sandy beaches tend to head for more southerly European countries, such as Spain, Portugal or Italy and those who are after Alpine environments tend to prefer the famed ski resorts of France, Switzerland or Austria.

However, this large European nation does have a prospering tourism industry, and there are plenty of visitors from the UK who have fallen in love with Germany's medieval towns, vast forests and vibrant cities.

The Black Forest is one of the most well known regions of Germany; a wooded mountain range in Baden-Wuttemberg, its highest peak stands at 1493m high. The forest is largely made up of pines and firs, and is criss-crossed with numerous long distance walking trails which make it a haven for walkers and hikers. Along the way, visitors will find impressive lakes such as Titisee, which has its own sand beach (and plenty of opportunity for water sports), and animal lovers can observe a range of fauna such as the Hinterwälder Black forest cows, the giant earthworm - Lumbricus badensis (which is only found in the Black Forest region), as well as eagles and owls.

When it comes to accommodation, travellers are spoilt for choice; at the budget end of the scale, Germany's numerous campsites provide a cheap and cheerful place to pitch a tent; for a slightly more comfortable stay, renting a self catered holiday villa or cottage is ideal, and if you've feeling flush, a stay in one of Germany's castles will allow you to experience what it would be like to be a Count or Countess for a night or two.

Germany is also famed for its river scenery and has a wide variety of different riverscapes to experience, from the mountain streams of Bavaria, to the Rhine Valley which forms part of a UNESCO world heritage site. The Danube and its tributaries is another mighty river which has moved people and cultures for centuries, from Stone Age hunters, to Roman Emperors. River trips on Danube are a popular way of seeing Germany, where visitors can go at their own pace and stop at the many beautiful riverside settlements which host numerous festivals throughout the year.

And finally, for beer lovers, Munich's Oktoberfest is compulsory; this sixteen day celebration attracts some six million people every year during late September and early October. The festival is touted as the world's largest fair, and beer plays a central role in the celebrations with special varieties brewed just for the festival.

With a wide range of outdoor activities, pulsating cities and plenty of history on offer, maybe it's time you gave Germany a try?

About the Author

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance author from Scotland. He is a keen rugby player and enjoys travelling.

World Travel & Tourism History 21 DVD Box Set: Traveling Videos & World Tour Landmarks & Destinations Footage

Monday, February 25, 2008

An Overview of Belgium for Travelers

An Overview of Belgium for Travelers
By Richard Monk

Located on the European mainland, Belgium often is short-shifted in discussions of Europe. Following is an overview of Belgium for travelers.

An Overview of Belgium for Travelers

Belgium is located on the coast of the North Sea between Holland, German and France. The name comes from the Belgae, a celtic tribe.

Belgium’s geographic location places it at the crossroads of much of Europe, particular in relation to the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. As a result, the country has been heavily influenced by the powers that be in Europe during certain periods of times. You can find aspects of Romans, Celtics, Germanic, French and Spanish influences.

Ruled by various European empires, the cities of Bruges, Brussels and Antwerp were major commercial trading posts. They also produced some of the more spectacular artists in Europe, including Eyck and Rubens.

In modern times, the country is really three separate states with significant autonomy. The country is divided up into Flemish, Walloon and a smaller Germanic area. The Flemish are Dutch speaking while the Walloon are oriented to French. The divisions between these areas are significant and they have significant autonomy from the federal government. One might argue they are countries unto themselves.

The official name of Belgium is the Kingdom of Belgium. The country is located in Western Europe and covers approximately 12,566 square miles. Brussels is the capital of the country and has a population of approximately 922,000 people. The second largest city is Antwerp with 452,000 residents.

The people of Belgium are known as Belgians. Total population for the country is 10.4 million with a paltry annual growth rate of less than one half of one percent. The country is divided into three linguistic regions, Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels. French is the dominant language in Wallonia, Dutch in Flanders and German in the Brussels area. Most people of Belgium claim Roman Catholic as their faith, but Protestant, Jewish, Muslim and Anglican communities exist. The literacy rate is 95 percent.

Belgium is an odd hodgepodge of influences. That being said, everyone seems to get along in these modern times and Brussels is a major financial center in the Europe.

Richard Monk is with FactsMonk.com - a site with facts about everything. Visit us to read more about country facts and Belgium facts.

Belgium: Sweets, Fun and Relaxation

Belgium: Sweets, Fun and Relaxation by Denisse Romero

Belgium chocolates and Belgium waffles have made this small European country famous around the world. But Belgium offers more than just sweets and breakfast items. In fact, Belgium is known for hosting more street and music festivals than any other country in Europe. After all, this is where the Saxophone was invented, by Adolph Sax, in 1846. Belgium's historical sites, small towns, and peaceful countryside make it an excellent destination for inquisitive travelers.

Belgium is both multicultural and multilingual. Flanders, in the north, is a land surrounded by canals that hosts medieval art cities such as Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent. Wallonia, in the south, leads you to the hills of the Ardennes, countless castles, and the cities of Liege, Namur, and Tournai. Brussels, the capital, is one of the world's great cosmopolitan cities, home to the European Union, NATO and the Atomium monument. All these cities and regions are connected through a train network that makes it easy and simple to hop on and hop off at your desired destination.

What to do?

Christmas in Belgium, with Christmas markets in Brussels, Bruges, Liege, Antwerp and in other cities, is really an experience you cannot miss. Every winter, Brussels features a magical decor, superb Christmas market, illuminated Big Wheel, roundabouts, street activities, music and the famous skating rink. Winter in Bruges is a month long celebration of the holidays with carillons concerts, Christmas markets and processions making it an original Christmas wonderland.

Looking for something to do during your vacations? Belgium has become the hot destination in Europe for the 20-30 something set. Students and young travelers are gathering at cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Leuven and Namur for stylish shopping, inexpensive hotels, great food, and a pulsating nightlife.

Looking for rest and relaxation? Belgium offers you the original Spa. Located in the middle of the Ardennes and surrounded by forests and rivers, the city of Spa is famous for the mineral springs that initiated the hydro-therapy industry centuries ago. In addition, Belgium offers 67 km of coastline along the North Sea in the Flanders region where you will find beautiful beaches such as De Panne, Ostend, De Haan and Knokke-Heist.

Where to eat?

Trendy cafes throughout Belgium are crowded with students and young professionals. In most places you will find Brussels legendary "frietkots" where they serve Belgian fries for those who want to hang out after the restaurants close. For those blessed with a sweet tooth, Belgium can be paradise offering exquisite chocolates, pralines, and waffles. For more information, here is a complete list of restaurants.

Visas & Documents

Visas for stays of no more than 3 months are required by all except EU/EEA nationals and citizens from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, United States, United Kingdom and other countries. A uniform type of visa, the Schengen visa, is issued for tourist, business and private visits. All visas cost either US$44 (short stay; up to 90 days) or US$64 (long stay). For more information, contact the Belgium embassy or consulate in your country.

Denisse Romero
Study Abroad and Travel Portal
http://www.macquil.com

About the Author

Denisse has worked with international students and scholars at universities in different countries and in different departments ranging from international relations in Ecuador to graduate admissions in the United States. Currently, Denisse operates MacQuil.com and works for an international organization in Washington, DC. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of New Orleans and a Master of Science from the George Washington University.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

http://schengen.visadetails.com/

We are very happy to announce the launch of Schengen Visa News, Information and Videos Website.

http://schengen.visadetails.com/


The News, Information and Video's are updated regularly.!