Travel Guest Post: Euro Disney Hits 20

Summary: It has 20 years since Euro Disney – or Disneyland Paris as it’s now known –opened, and the park has seen many exciting changes over the years, not least the introduction of Eurostar services.

This is the kind of news that makes me feel old – Disneyland Paris is 20 years of age in 2012. I remember when the theme park first opened, when I was a young child. It was known as the Euro Disney Resort then and my parents arranged a special trip in honour of my tenth birthday. It was definitely one of our best holidays. But the resort’s changed a lot since then, so I’m starting to think it might be time to take another trip.

A potted history of Disneyland Paris: The United States has had its own Disney resort since 1955, when Disneyland opened in California. In 1971, Disneyworld opened in Florida and in 1983, Tokyo Disneyland was launched. So finally in 1983, the bosses at Disney decided it was time for Europe to have some fun with Mickey Mouse too.

So why exactly did it take 10 years for this dream to come to life? Well, the planning process reportedly started with a list of over 1000 sites across the continent, before finally being whittled down to four – two in France and two in Spain. Although officials were said to prefer the climate in Spain, Paris eventually won them over thanks to its accessible location.

It certainly turned out to be a good decision. As well as short drive or plane ride away from several European hubs, travellers in the UK can now take advantage of Eurostar breaks too, as there’s a direct train from St Pancras station in London to Disneyland Paris.

Construction began on the theme park in 1988, before being opened as the Euro Disney Resort in 1992 and renamed as Disneyland Paris in 1994. It was initially hit by some controversy from French cultural commentators, who denounced the encroachment of what they felt was brash American consumerism in France. Even today, I’ve met some French people who lament the presence of Disneyland Paris in their country. But I think there’s a lot less opposition now than there once was, especially since the resort is the most visited attraction in Europe – even more than the Eiffel Tower.

Visiting in 2012: Since 1992, there have been a lot of changes, including the introduction of the Space Mountain Ride and, of course, the extension of Eurostar services to the resort. There are more all-inclusive Eurodisney holiday packages too, which is great – I think my parents only had a few to choose from when we visited all those years ago. Some of them may be running special offers for the 20th anniversary year, for instance, free accommodation for children, so I’d advise you to check the website before you book anything.

For anyone interested in the history of Disneyland Paris, I’d really recommend this book: Once Upon an American Dream: The Story of Euro Disneyland (2000) by Andrew Lainsbury. It’s got loads of information that’s interesting and insightful, but it’s published in the US, so might be a bit pricey.

Author: Jamie Monteath

Books: Hidden Gardens of Paris

Finding the hidden gardens of Paris is half the fun of exploring the city, but let Susan Cahill lend a hand with her beautiful guide to the parks, squares and woodlands of the city of light. The full color guidebook shows you the off-the-beaten track green spaces of Paris, along with nearby attractions and exact locations.

See the intricate beauty of Parisian nature with emphasis on flowers, sculptures, fountains and hidden pathways.  Not only a tour guide, the book is a tribute to the gardens as sites of cultural memory, revealing the past and present of each location.

Buy online at Amazon.com.

Lifestyle Guest Post: Top 5 Most Romantic Proposal Destinations

If you want to impress the lady in your life, nothing beats a destination proposal. The sparkle of a diamond paired with a scenic place can make the proposal distinctive and absolutely unforgettable. Still, if you thought sifting through engagement rings was difficult, picking a spot can be even more of a challenge. You should base you decision on what you know about her. If you need some inspiration, the sheer romance of these classic spots should get your creative juices flowing.

Venice, Italy

It may seem a bit cliché to propose in a gondola floating down the famous waterways of Venice, but on the other hand, who do you know that has actually done it? The museums, the art and the culture make the ‘City of Water’ an ideal location. If the gondola ride isn’t your style, then walk along one of the stone bridges that pass over the waterways or in front of Dogé Palace. There are few areas of Venice that fail to radiate romantic ambiance. At night, you can sit at a table in an outdoor restaurant and ask the question as the moonlight reflects off of one of the historic canals.

Paris, France

The ‘City of Lights’ is the dream engagement spot for many American women. Like Venice, it would be a challenge to find a place in Paris that would not accentuate the romance of a wedding proposal. From the Eifel Tower to the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, Paris is all about the heart. It may be the city of love but it is also known for its fine, French food. Book a table in a famous spot like Au Chien Qui Fum or find a small café in the historic Left Bank. Paris has bikes for rent throughout the city at parking stations. A bike ride or a stroll through the heart of this romantic place is a marriage proposal any woman can appreciate.

Malé, Maldives

If your girl prefers sand over historic sights, the Maldives is the romantic place for your proposal. Situated in the Indian Ocean, Malé offers deep blue oceans with turquoise reefs and abundant sea life. Although Malé is the capital city, more than likely you will opt to stay on one of the over 1,000 islands that make up this small nation. The sunset on a secluded island in the Indian Ocean will serve as an idyllic background for a beach picnic complete with diamond ring.

Dublin, Ireland

Not a traditional spot associated with romance, Dublin still exudes the elegance and class of the Emerald Isle. Dublin is a city full of rich literary history. You can visit the Dublin Castle and follow the trail of James Joyce to the Sandycove Tower or sit in the romantic park featured in the writings of Patrick Kavanagh. The right place for a marriage proposal might be the famous Temple Bar region dubbed as Dublin’s cultural quarter. Treat your lady to a pint of ale at the Oliver St John Gogarty Pub and shop in the markets in the squares. The medieval architecture and street patterns will make a whimsical backdrop for your proposal.

New York, New York

When it comes to style and culture, New York has sights and sounds like no other city. Take her to Strawberry Fields in Central Park to ask your big question. The setting and history will be something she never forgets. If she is an art lover, propose in front of the Robert Lehman collection at the Metropolitan Museum or walk through the East Village and stop at the small galleries that show work for up-and-coming talent. In a city as diverse as New York, there should be no problem coming up with ideas to make that moment special.

With a proposal this fantastic, she’ll never forget. Make that memory something truly special by picking a spot that embodies her personality and your relationship. Whether you choose Venice, Paris, Malé, Dublin, New York or her favorite vacation spot, a destination proposal is a step in the right direction to a future with the woman you love.

 

Travel Guest Post: Top 5 Holiday Destinations in France

 

France offers extensive options as a holiday destination. From the glamour and the diversity of Paris to coastal and inland scenery, France has something for every traveller, and features some of the best boutique accommodation and culinary options in mainland Europe, if not the world. While it is difficult to get away from Paris as a primary destination, travellers should also consider exploring some of the other parts of France. The following list represents, in no particular order, some of the top five holiday destinations for France:

1 – Paris

The first choice for most travellers, Paris offers multiple must see appeals. While it’s always worth visiting the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysee and the Louvre, visitors should also consider the more bohemian Left Bank and the Latin Quarter by the Seine, as well as areas like Montmatre. A trip into the catacombs is also recommended for more adventurous travellers, while the Musee D’Orsay represents an excellent alternative, or complementary option to the Louvre. Paris is also the best choice for travellers wanting to use the city as a hub for connecting to other parts of France.

 

2 – Mont St Michel

A Gothic hilltop village on a tidal island in Normandy, Mont St Michel is one of the most distinctive locations in France. A short trip from the city of Caen, Mont St Michel developed around an ancient Abbey, and still retains its medieval feel for visitors. Accessible by foot and home to a winding strip of small shops, hotels and restaurants, Mont St Michel is ideal for a day trip, or for those wanting to sample some of its boutique accommodation options.

 

3 – Giverny

A riverside resort in Normandy, the small village of Giverny is most well-known for its associations with the Impressionist painter Monet. The picturesque village features Monet’s own home, as well as museums dedicated to Impressionism. Other cultural sites include the Natural Mechanical Museum, while the village itself offers affordable accommodation and excellent dining and walks.

 

4 – Provence

One of the most beautiful regions in France, Provence is home to both the Alpes Maritimes and the Hautes-Alpes mountain ranges, as well as the attractive low-lying Bouches du Rhone region, and the walled medieval city of Avignon. Part of the French Riviera, Provence also includes the thriving cities of Nice and Cannes. Ideal for visitors wanting to experience the diversity of the city and the calm of the countryside and mountains, Provence is also recommended for its skiing, hiking, food and wine.

 

5 – Nice

One of the best cities to visit in France, the Riviera destination of Nice combines Mediterranean beaches with ancient castles and the Vieux Nice old town, as well as culture through the Museum of Asian Art and the Musee Matisse, to name just a few. Easily reached from the rest of the country, Nice is a good destination for travellers along the Riviera, and adjoins a number of small villages and the imposing Mont Boron, which offers excellent views over the city and the sea.

Travel Guest Post: 5 Great Cities for Sporting Fans

1. 1.   Melbourne

[The MCG: what a place for a sports fan to spend Boxing Day]

The initials MCG can only mean one thing to cricket fans: Melbourne Cricket Ground. This is the place where test matches are held in the sweltering heat of an Australian Boxing Day – an event which makes 100,000 fans interrupt their festive celebrations to attend one of the highlights of the world sporting calendar.

The MCG is also the place to head to if you want to experience a sport which is unique to Australia; the rough-and-tumble of an Australian Rules football game is really worth writing home about.

As is the Melbourne Cup, a horse racing event held during the first weekend in November which is one of the world’s oldest and richest turf races; it’s been held since 1861.

Even greater speeds can be seen at Melbourne’s Albert Park race track during the annual Australian Grand Prix.

With the Australian Open tennis championships – one of the world’s four biggest tennis tournaments – also being held in Melbourne, the city can arguably claim to be the best sporting city in the world.

1. 2.  London

[Wimbledon Centre Court: now comes with a roof]

The 2012 Olympics in London won’t really put London on the sporting map; it’s always been regarded as one of the world’s sporting capitals.

This is partly due to Wembley Stadium, on whose sacred turf World Cup finals and world title boxing matches have been staged. Then there is the equally impressive Twickenham – rugby union’s version of Wembley.

London also boasts the All England Club, which is rather better known as Wimbledon during the two weeks in midsummer when it hosts the world’s most famous tennis tournament.

Just like Wembley, Wimbledon and Twickenham, Lords is a place of pilgrimage for sports fans from all over the world – it’s the headquarters of world cricket.

1. 3.  New York

[The Seventh Avenue entrance to Madison Square Garden in New York]

Madison Square Garden is one of many sporting meccas which make the Big Apple a delicious prospect for sporting tourists; this indoor multi-purpose arena is the place where the boxing ‘fight of the century’ between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier took place in 1971.

Today, the Garden is host to legends of basketball the New York Knicks and legends of ice hockey the New York Rangers. Located in midtown Manhattan; the Garden is the perfect sporting arena for a night out. There a host of near-by bars to visit for pre or post-game tipples.

Over in Queens, there is Flushing Meadows, home to the US Open tennis tournament each August; Queens is the place which baseball’s New York Mets call home. The Mets’ rivals the Yankees also attract incredible support; they will always be associated with the Bronx.

All this and there’s also American football teams the New York Giants and the New York Jets; sporting ‘franchises’ which share the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

1. 4.  Paris

[Stade de France]

Paris in spring is the ideal place for rugby fans who want to see the French rugby team display their flair with a rugby ball at the Stade de France in the Paris suburb of Saint Denis. Seeing a Gallic rooster, the French national symbol, released on to the pitch before a game is one of sport’s great traditions.

The stadium also hosts the French football team – this is the place where France won the World Cup in 1998 in front of 80,000 lucky spectators.

Every May, tennis fever grips Paris each May as the French Open is played on the red clay of the Roland Garros tennis courts in the Bois de Boulogne. The tournament attracts some of the most stylishly dressed and discerning tennis fans in the world.

1. 5.  Dubai

[Action at a night race at the Dubai World Cup. Picture by Arne Bevaart]

The past decade has seen this city attract some of the world’s biggest sports teams, stars and events; lured by the warm weather and promise of prize money. The city hosts two annual tennis tournaments, two annual golf tournaments, the Dubai World Cup thoroughbred horse race and the Dubai sevens rugby tournament.

And the city still can’t quench its appetite for sport – it has expressed an interest in staging the 2024 Olympics.

There’s no getting away from the fact that Dubai is the world’s fastest up-and-coming sporting city; London, New York, Paris and Melbourne should watch their backs!

Author: James Christie writes for business directory, Thomson Local; the perfect place to find a travel agent to help you book your next city break.

 

 

Travel Guest Post: Romantic Spring Destinations

Check out the best places to spend a romantic weekend away.

If you’re eager to get into the spirit of things during the romantic spring season, you might want to consider taking a trip overseas, as some of the world’s most romantic cities are just a short trip from the UK. Whether you’re whisking someone away for a weekend to remember or acting on a whim, you could find some great last-minute deals on transport and accommodation when you search online.

Venice is one of the most distinctive cities in Europe and in the world, and if you’ve never visited this unique city in Northern Italy before, a romantic getaway can be the perfect excuse. With its complete absence of cars, canals sweeping through the city and eye-catching baroque architecture, Venice is truly a city unlike any other. You can escape the crowds by hiring a private gondola ride down the Grand Canal at sunset. Don’t forget to try authentic Venetian pizza or a calzone, as well as gelato ice cream if you have a sweet tooth.

Rome is another Italian city steeped in romance and intrigue, and whether you’re interested in the historical title or the artistic, Italy’s capital won’t disappoint. Take a tour of world-famous monuments like the Colosseum or just enjoy spending time together in your hotel room while taking in the magnificent views over the city.

Prague is becoming increasingly popular for romantic breaks too, especially due to its easy access from the UK. Share a horse-drawn carriage ride around its medieval centre, visit stunning Prague Castle or see the sunrise at Charles Bridge, allowing you to beat the lunchtime crowds. You might also consider equally convenient and accessible Amsterdam, which offers an abundance of attractions for couples of all interests – from some of the world’s best museums to its cycling culture and more romantic canals.

No selection of European romantic break destinations would be complete without mentioning Paris, of course, which for many people represents the ultimate romantic escape. With its close proximity to the UK, Paris is ideal for last-minute city breaks. There are plenty of cheap hotels, so you can save your money for delicious French pastries and boat cruises along the Seine. A stylish, modern and amorous city, Paris offers many opportunities for couples to enjoy their shared time on this special occasion, whether you’re celebrating your first romantic break together or returning to old haunts.

If you don’t fancy travelling overseas however, you can still enjoy a great romantic break right here in the UK. Everywhere from cosmopolitan London to countryside areas could be the perfect setting for a memorable holiday or long weekend with the person closest to you.

Author: Sarah Jamerson writes for a digital marketing agency.  This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency.  This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Travel Guest Post: Paris Attractions

If you happen to be a first-time visitor to Paris, be sure to get puzzled as to what you should see and where you should go! There are literally hundreds of places and spaces that you should see and take photographs. And everything is worth seeing and exploring in detail. Maybe a lifetime will not be sufficient to see and appreciate everything in Paris. We shall try to compile a convenient to-see list from a mix of museums, historical places and monuments. A tip right at the beginning – most of these places is covered when you get yourself a Paris Pass.

There are two structures without visiting which no trip to Paris could be deemed complete. The first and foremost is the impressive Eiffel Tower. Built from iron in 1889, it has come to represent Paris today. More than 230 million visitors have visited it since its opening. The other star attraction is the Notre Dame Cathedral. The dramatic towers, statuary, stained glass and spire will surely inspire anyone. Simply the fact that it took about 100 years to build it would suffice to give an idea of the grandeur and glory within.

For the history buffs out there, the Arc de Triomphe would be an unforgettable experience. It was built by Emperor Napoléon I to evoke the feel of military power and triumph. The sculptures and relief on this 164 feet structure is definitely worth your time and the grand Avenue des Champs-Elysées is also nearby. Another such historical place would be the Sarbonne University which was founded in 1257. You could also pay a visit to the countless literary figures that have been laid to rest at the Père Lachaise Cemetery.

If you are with kids, you should not miss the Paris Disneyland! A literal wonderland for kids, this theme park would also be great fun to the adults. You could also take them to see the animals at the Jardin des Plantes zoo and have a picnic in the many gardens and parks that dot Paris. The Musee Grevin or the wax museum is sure to thrill kids into wonder as they stare at masterpieces in wax.

Speaking of museums, Paris has more than 100 of them. The one you should not miss for anything is the Louvre! It is the world’s largest in terms of the sculpture, painting and decorative objects. The most popular Mona Lisa and Venus De Milo are housed in here. You could walk through a history lane that spans hundreds of years in the Louvre alone. The Centre Georges Pompidou is considered by many Parisians as the cultural center of the city. With its modern art which you will either love or hate, this museum is something you could avoid if modern art is not your cup of tea. The same cannot be said about the National Museum of Modern Art however. Finally, the Musee d’ Orsay, with its best Impressionist collection in the world, is something you may not like to miss.

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About the author: Alia Haley is a blogger and writer. She loves writing on technology and luxury. Beside this she is fond of travelling and exploring new places. She is planning to go on a vacation this weekend and is researching a lot about best Beach Destinations. These days she is busy in writing an article on honeymoon ideas.

Travel Guest Post: Paris Attractions

If you happen to be a first-time visitor to Paris, be sure to get puzzled as to what you should see and where you should go! There are literally hundreds of places and spaces that you should see and take photographs. And everything is worth seeing and exploring in detail. Maybe a lifetime will not be sufficient to see and appreciate everything in Paris. We shall try to compile a convenient to-see list from a mix of museums, historical places and monuments. A tip right at the beginning – most of these places is covered when you get yourself a Paris Pass.

There are two structures without visiting which no trip to Paris could be deemed complete. The first and foremost is the impressive Eiffel Tower. Built from iron in 1889, it has come to represent Paris today. More than 230 million visitors have visited it since its opening. The other star attraction is the Notre Dame Cathedral. The dramatic towers, statuary, stained glass and spire will surely inspire anyone. Simply the fact that it took about 100 years to build it would suffice to give an idea of the grandeur and glory within.

For the history buffs out there, the Arc de Triomphe would be an unforgettable experience. It was built by Emperor Napoléon I to evoke the feel of military power and triumph. The sculptures and relief on this 164 feet structure is definitely worth your time and the grand Avenue des Champs-Elysées is also nearby. Another such historical place would be the Sarbonne University which was founded in 1257. You could also pay a visit to the countless literary figures that have been laid to rest at the Père Lachaise Cemetery.

If you are with kids, you should not miss the Paris Disneyland! A literal wonderland for kids, this theme park would also be great fun to the adults. You could also take them to see the animals at the Jardin des Plantes zoo and have a picnic in the many gardens and parks that dot Paris. The Musee Grevin or the wax museum is sure to thrill kids into wonder as they stare at masterpieces in wax.

Speaking of museums, Paris has more than 100 of them. The one you should not miss for anything is the Louvre! It is the world’s largest in terms of the sculpture, painting and decorative objects. The most popular Mona Lisa and Venus De Milo are housed in here. You could walk through a history lane that spans hundreds of years in the Louvre alone. The Centre Georges Pompidou is considered by many Parisians as the cultural center of the city. With its modern art which you will either love or hate, this museum is something you could avoid if modern art is not your cup of tea. The same cannot be said about the National Museum of Modern Art however. Finally, the Musee d’ Orsay, with its best Impressionist collection in the world, is something you may not like to miss.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

About the author: Alia Haley is a blogger and writer. She loves writing on technology and luxury. Beside this she is fond of travelling and exploring new places. She is planning to go on a vacation this weekend and is researching a lot about best Beach Destinations. These days she is busy in writing an article on honeymoon ideas.

Top 10 Places to Spend NYE

I have a bad case of wanderlust. Every chance I get, I am on a plane to explore something new. New Years Eve gives me the perfect excuse. Here is my list of the top 10 places you should be come midnight on January 31^st:

1.)    New York City Sort of an obvious choice. This has been a NYE tradition for years. Join one million people in the middle of Times Square as they celebrate the ringing in of the New Year with the drop of the infamous New Year’s Eve ball from the top of the flagpole of One Times Square.

2.)    Sydney, Australia They definitely know how to party down under with firework shows over the harbor at 9pm and midnight. The perfect evening: A cocktail cruise around the harbor on a beautiful yacht.

3.)    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil If you want to start the New Year with an all-out party, grab your swimsuit and white garb (traditionally thought to bring good luck)and head to the beautiful beaches of Brazil, and watch the fireworks from the pristine beaches of Copacabana

4.)    . Las Vegas, Nevada The city of sin is a perfect way to bring in the New Year. An ode to non-stop parting all-year long, Vegas rolls out the red carpet on Jan. 31^st to host the several celebs and jetsetters in town.

5.)    Negril, Jamaica If you are going for an island New Years, check out the colorful, casual beaches of Jamaica.

6.) Paris, France The city of light gets additional help with fireworks near the Eiffel Tower and nightlight that ranges from formal balls to small parties.

7.) London, England Cruise down the Thames River or gather at The London and watch Big Ben bring in the New Year at the stroke of midnight.

8.) Miami, Florida The younger jet set crew heads here to the sexy beaches and exotic nightlife. Watch fireworks from your glam hotel, or any of the many South Beach parties.

9.) Edinburgh, Scotland Scotts keep the party going with a four day celebration! Known as the biggest street party in Europe, join celebrating Europeans for celebration events for all ages!

10.) Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok celebrates New Years’ three times annually; January for Chinese New Year, April for Thai New Year and December for Western New Year.

Paris, France

I love the romance of Paris…the beautiful architecture, strong lines and picture-perfect monuments.

Even ordinary signs have appeal to me in French.

I have an obsession with Laduree. This classy, elegant pastry shop on the Champs Elysses has been around since 1862. The celadon green box with silver writing is the Tiffany and Co of sweets.

The inventor of the double-decker macaroon, they sell 15,000 a day.