Weekend Getaways on a Budget
One of the most significant aspects of vacation travel in Europe has been the recent explosion of interest in the short break vacation market. No-frills airlines have led the way to opening up cheap routes from London and regional airports to destinations all over Europe. A short weekend break in some thrilling city has now become a viable alternative to sitting home in front of the television set.
A UK survey of Britain's vacation habits recently shows that this weekend escape plan is now worth a phenomenal £34 billion a year. People are spending an average amount of £760 a year on these short breaks, flying off to European cities, cultural festivals and sporting events.
The three-day break is most popular, with 21% of respondents taking Friday off work to fly out and 34% arriving back late Sunday evening, giving them some 55 hours away.
Edinburgh and Glasgow were some of the most popular weekend break locations in UK, while Paris, Amsterdam, Palma, Dublin, Brussels, Venice, Nice and Madrid were their most popular European weekend destinations. Other airlines have reported strong interest in Prague, Rome and Barcelona.
The key ingredients to a successful weekend break away were spending quality time with a partner, sampling local food and drink, cultural sightseeing, weather and, (for the ladies), shopping. Nightlife, perhaps unsurprisingly, was more important to the younger travelers than the more elderly.
Psychologist Dr. Aric Sigman said, "The results indicate that the British have now developed proper escape plans to counterbalance the fact that they work the longest hours in Europe. The low cost and accessibility of short haul travel now enables people to act out the growing need to be physically and geographically removed from their everyday surroundings in order to truly get away psychologically and emotionally. In fact it has been found that when it comes to dealing with stress, frequent short breaks are more effective than infrequent long holidays. What is interesting is that most people spend their weekend breaks in a low-key way involving time alone with their partner, dining and R&R as opposed to the frenetic activity and nightlife sought by previous generations."
Whatever the reason, many UK residents are now taking advantage of rock bottom no-frills prices to spend four or more short breaks in the thrilling cities of Ireland, Scandinavia, Europe and the Mediterranean during the summer months, the German Christmas Markets and Alpine or Spanish ski slopes in winter. Visitors to the UK from North America are also taking advantage of these no-frills flight options, spicing up their vacation in England with short breaks in cities as far afield as Copenhagen, Berlin, Prague in the Czech Republic, Spain's Barcelona and Athens in Greece.
Given the astronomical prices charged by West End restaurants where dinner for two can set you back £250 or more, it makes sense to take off for a paella to the sound of Spanish guitar in Barcelona, a spaghetti and a bottle of Bardolino under the stars at a pavement restaurant in the Piazza Santa Maria in Rome's Trastevere, or a more expensive romantic dinner for two on a Seine bateau mouche in Paris. Before only the jeuness dore and the jet setting glitterati could afford such extravagances. But things have changed and many prefer to take a number of such fun jaunts through the year rather than undergo the hassles concomitant with organizing a long vacation.
Blue Mountains Getaways
The Blue Mountains in Australia are an ideal place to go for some time out, whether that is for a few days getaway or much longer. There is much to see and do. And there is plenty of accommodation in the Blue Mountains to suit all kinds of budgets and lifestyles.
Blue Mountains accommodation includes grand hotels where all your needs are catered for; bed and breakfast accommodation for those on the go and quaint country guesthouses reminiscent of an earlier, more relaxed lifestyle. There are also many activities to participate in. You may like to hire a horse and ride along trails where the early coaches used to go with mail, or follow some scenic winding trail on foot.
You can also take a ride up and down steep mountainsides on a steam train. But the most favoured activity for those seeking Blue Mountains accommodation for a getaway is simply to enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.
When you book accommodation in the Blue Mountains of Australia you are in for a treat. In just an hour or so you can be out of that busy urban sprawl and driving through cool, fresh air and mountain spaces where the tinkling call of bellbirds will entrance you. You will be able to gaze over the tumbling wilderness of Australia's famous Blue Mountains and visit hidden rock caves and thundering waterfalls.
Much bed and breakfast accommodation in the Blue Mountains is situated in the many mountain towns, but some are tucked away in cosy valleys or on the sides of the mountains where native wildlife such as wallabies and kangaroos come to graze. Imagine putting your head out the window in the early morning or late evening to see these trusting little visitors nibbling on the lawn nearby.
So whether you are in need of a break or just want a romantic weekend getaway, go to the Blue Mountains for a break that will be very special and remain in your memory for many years. For more info visit www.bluemountainsgetaways.com.
Weekend Getaways Around Chandigarh
Weekend getaways around Chandigarh are found in aplenty providing the visitors ample opportunities to enjoy their weekends away from the chaotic city life. These destinations located in close proximity to the main city are well connected with rail and road networks and hence are ideal for a weekend getaway. Ranging from exhilarating adventurous sports to religious destinations your weekend packages for travel around Chandigarh provides a plethora of options for an exciting travel experience.
Some of these popular destinations around Chandigarh are:
Mata Mansa Devi Temple
The temple situated at Panchkula it is dedicated to goddess Mansa Devi. Spread over a landscape of 100 acres the temple is located about 10 kilometres from Chandigarh. Thus a popular Weekend Getaway Around Chandigarh, Mata Mansa Devi temple is one of the prominent Shakti temples of the region. The ideal time to visit the temple is during the auspicious days of Navratra festival as this is the time when thousands of devotees visit the temple to bow to the deity and to participate in the Navratra fair celebrated each year.
Morni Hills
When planning weekend breaks around Chandigarh a journey to Morni Hills is an absolute must. The jungle settings are soothing to the eyes and also offer opportunity to spot wild animals in their natural habitat. The park is home to some of the furious predators including leopards and also other creatures such as langur, rhesus monkeys, deer and others. Thus a favourite amongst wildlife enthusiasts, Morni Hills is covered with pine trees. The serene backdrop of the hills is further enhanced for the visitors by the government as it is laced with small playgrounds for children, a roller skating rink and a swimming pool perfect for rejuvenation. It is therefore considered an ideal tourist place away from the noisy cities and in the lap of Mother Nature.
Pinjore
About 20 kms away from the city of Chandigarh, Pinjore is the city of beauteous Rajasthani Mughal style Yadavindra Gardens. The place has references in the holy epic of Hindus, Mahabharata and is considered to be the place where Pandavas (mythical clan of rulers) had rested during their time period in exile. The highlight of the city is undoubtedly its beauteous Yadavindra Gardens; beautifully manicured gardens are further laced with fountains and waterfalls. Other sightseeing attractions include its palaces showcasing a fine blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles.
Kurukshetra
According to the holy Hindu epic, Mahabharata, Kurukshetra is the place where the battle of Mahabharat was fought between the warrior clans of Pandavas and Kauravas. The region is now a popular tourist destination and one that must be added to your Chandigarh weekend getaways plan. The region boasts of housing various sites related to the times of Mahabharata. Some of the must visit places in the town includes the place where Bhagvad Gita (holy text of Hindus) was narrated to Arjuna by Lord Krishna- Jyotisar, a museum displaying artefacts and paintings depicting the Mahabharata war- Krishna Temple, Bhadrakali Temple and more.