Archive for May, 2010

Protaras – The Best of Cyprus On A Budget

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

With almost 340 days of sunshine each and every year, Cyprus has been blessed with some of the most exquisite weather in the Mediterranean and it is no surprise that folk keep going back year after year.
Although the island isn’t that large, measuring at only 150 miles long from end to end and a little over 60 miles wide at its widest point, there is still a lot of final destinations to choose from for those of us that expect nothing but the best.
Surrounded by little villages that are enchanting to say the least, Protaras seems to tick all the right boxes for an unforgettable and relaxing holiday experience in Cyprus. With an abundance of restaurants and bars to suit any tastes and leisure facilities all over the place, you are sure to find things to make every minute of your holiday count.
Protaras also boasts some of the best beaches on the entire island, many of which have been given ‘blue flag’ status for their outstanding quality. With two to five star hotels nearby, you are sure find an ideal one that meets the most demanding needs or to suit that perfect family holiday. The best part is that local hotels offer accommodation for less than what you would spend on dinning out in the UK, making sure you don’t stress when it’s time to pay for the holiday bill.
If you are seeking sun, sea and an all around “perfect” deal, cheap holidays in Protaras won’t fall short of your expectations.

Award winning conference venues

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

Tired of using the same conference centre year after year? Then perhaps it is time for a change. If you’re not 100% which one you should choose, then here are just a few that have recently won industry awards for outstanding excellence. With awards given in different categories, you have the freedom to pick the one that best suits your personal needs with the peace of mind that the venue you’ll be using has been rewarded for its high quality and excellent service.

Winner of a ‘Best Value for Money’ award is Keele Conferences, which is Part of Keele University. Perfect for those who may have a limited budget, it allows you to lower your costs without lowering your standards. In fact, it might just raise them, depending on where you usually go. Modern and professional, with a wide range of conference facilities, you can enjoy a well-run event in a relaxed and friendly environment. And, as you’re sure to get more for your money, you may want to take advantage of their additional services which include financial, sponsorship, speaker and session management.

If you’d like to have a conference with a difference, then first on your list has to be Alton Towers Resort. Winner of a prestigious 2010 M&IT award in the ‘UK’s Best Unusual Venue’ category, this truly unbelievable Midlands conference centre venue offers something for everyone, from small meeting up to huge events with over 15,000 guests! Better known as the UK’s largest theme park, Alton Tower Resort is one venue is sure to be thrill-packed. For example, your delegates can enjoy exclusive use of the rides, their themed hotels and Water Park.  Of course there are also the hi-tech meeting rooms and conference halls on offer for the more serious business of, well, business.

Another award winning venue is the RBS Williams F1 Conference Centre in Oxfordshire. Offering an impressive modern and creative environment shared with the famous AT&T Williams team, this is a must for all followers of Formula One Racing. Although, just as impress as its location are its facilities which include a 200-seat lecture theatre. In addition to this, the centre also hosts one of the foremost private collections of Formula One race cars anywhere in the world and is home to 38 of the team’s seminal race cars.

Backpacking in Peru

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

Capture the essence of Peru with this itinerary travelling from the depths of the Amazon Rainforest to the ancient sacred sites hidden amongst the towering Andes and on to the islands of Lake Titicaca.

Day 1 Arrive Lima

Your backpacking adventure in Peru begins by exploring Peru’s capital city, Lima. Explore the historical area of Plaza de Armas where the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and other important buildings are, along with many restaurants and shops.

Day 2-3 Amazon Rainforest

Fly to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Amazon and travel up the Tambopata River by a motorised canoe to the wooden Tambopata Lodge. You can explore the wildlife in the rainforest by foot by following one of the marked trails with a local knowledgeable guide.

Day 4-6 Cuzco

Travel by boat out of the jungle before flying high into the Andes Mountains to the historic capital of the Inca Empire, Cuzco. Take time to learn about the city’s ancient past by visiting the many local archaeological sites each offering a glimpse into ancient Inca life.

Day 7 Ollantaytambo

Embark on a 60km journey through the Inca’s Sacred Valley to the attractive town of Ollantaytambo. Explore the Inca ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo to begin your Inca trail adventure.

Day 8 Aguas Calientes

Board the morning train through the Urubamba Valley to the town of Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu. Relax after your journey by taking a soak in the nearby thermal baths.

Day 9-10 Machu Picchu

Join a guided tour to the world renowned ancient ruins of the ‘Lost City‘ of Machu Picchu. The historic site lay hidden away for hundreds of years until it was discovered in 1911, it has since been named a UNESCO World heritage Site. You may wish to spend more than a day exploring the Inca ruins at Machu Picchu, before returning by train to Ollantaytambo and travelling back to Cusco.

Day 11 Cuzco

Time to visit Cuzco’s many museums and churches which you may have missed on your visit earlier in your trip. A visit to Cuzco would not be complete without visiting the ancient Incan ruins of Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, Quenko and Sacsayhuaman.

Day 12 Lake Titicaca

Enjoy spectacular views of the countryside on this full day of travel through the Andes from Cuzco to Puno. Board a boat on Lake Titicaca and marvel at the magnificent greenish blue colours of the water. Take in the scenery around you, before stopping at various islands to meet the friendly local villagers.

Remember your backpackers insurance!

So that you can really enjoy travelling in Peru, don’t forget to take out your cheap backpacker insurance as soon as you book your trip. It is important that you remember to check that your backpacking travel insurance policy offers you the level of cover that you need for your trip before you buy it.