European Travel Magazine - December 2013

Wishing All Our Readers A Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year

Issue 2 November 2013 Issue

3 December 2013

EuropeanTravel Magazine

IN THIS ISSUE

London Gatwick Airport

The Markets Of Istanbul

Top Bruges Hotels

POPULAR WATER PARKS IN LONDON A trip to London is always filled with a lot of fun and frolic. A WEEKEND IN KORTRIJK BELGIUM Kortrijk is a very attractive city in Belgium, popular with visitors looking for a weekend getaway. BEWARE OF TRAVEL SCAMS Some travel packages turn out to be very different from what was presented or what the consumer expected. MINI CRUISES A great way to enjoy a short break.

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Destination of the month: Lapland Laplan d – Eu ro pe’s Winter Pl aygro u nd It’s a well known fact that Lapland is one of the most beautiful locations in the world, especially during its winter months. It’s an absolute haven for children, but few people realize it’s actually a fantastic holiday destination for adults too. Kids love Lapland because they can meet Santa and all the other animals and wildlife that Lapland offers up, as well as some unique winter activities they might not get to take part in back home.

Adults love Lapland because of the beautiful sights and attractions that are unique to the region, as well as meaningful experiences you encounter that really stimulate the senses.

There is one place in Lapland that can’t be missed, it’s a great build up to the magic of Santa, and it’s also a place that will leave children mesmerized and adults amazed, and this place has to be the Lainio Snow Village. This village is annu-

ally constructed as soon as the temperature drops to about 10 degrees below zero, usually around October or November.

The construction is different each year, utilizing the skills of only the best specialist construction workers and tools in order to produce some really stunning buildings and sculptures, taking the art form to new levels each year. The Snow Village allows you to have a warm drink at the ice bar, spend a night in the beautiful snow hotel, explore the specially sculpted snow maze, or simply explore the village and enjoy the beautiful feats of engineering that is this beautiful village.

The Amethyst mine is another gorgeous place that has to be visited. It’s truly unique to Lapland, with its various shades of violet it is a wonderful place to visit during your stay.

CONTENTS

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4 The Markets Of Istanbul If you’re heading off on your Mediterranean family holidays, Turkey is more than likely to be one of your first choices. The ubiquitous trio of sun, sea and sand are obviously the biggest draw cards, but Turkey has a lot more to offer than that.

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A Weekend in a Kortrijk Belgium If you book yourself a Kortrijk hotel and arrive in the city with an open mind, you will have lots of options for things to see and do – especially if you are a history fan.

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London Gatwick Airport Guide

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Top Bruges Hotels

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Beware Of Travel Scams Unlike most products, travel services usually have to be paid for before they are delivered. This creates opportunities for disreputable individuals and companies.

Some travel packages turn out to be very different

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DFDS SEAWAYS Mini Cruises

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A Holiday Rental in France

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Winter sun is closer than you think Spanish hotel group Med Playa is making warm winters affordable for all this season with rooms in its Costa hotels starting from just £16 per night.

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Visiting Brussels? An Introduction

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Popular Water Parks In London

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The Markets Of Istanbul

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If you’re heading off on your Mediterranean family holidays, Turkey is more than likely to be one of your first choices. The ubiquitous trio of sun, sea and sand are obviously the biggest draw cards, but Turkey has a lot more to offer than that. Not only is Turkey steeped in a fascinating history (the remnants of which are some of the most important archaeological signposts in the world), it also has a proud and colourful culture. It’s not hard to shop, eat and drink like a local on your family holidays; Turkey has some of the most wonderful shops and bazaars you will ever see.

The Grand Bazaar Istanbul The Big Daddy of all markets, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is home to over 5000 shops and stalls. If you can’t find it in the Grand Bazaar, it simply doesn’t exist. Gold and silver jewellery, fabulously exotic antiques, metal and copper object d’art, leather goods and hand painted ceramics are just a selection of the treasures you can find. When you are travelling with children on your family holidays, Turkey’s biggest undercover bazaar is a fascinating and exciting attraction for kids of all ages. They will love the smells and sounds of the bustling bazaar.

The Turkish people love children, so they will be entertained and embraced by the locals.

The Spice Market Istanbul Whilst not strictly for the children, an excursion to the wonderfully aromatic Spice Market in Istanbul should still be included in the itinerary of your family holidays. Turkey is renowned for its exotic spices, fruits and nuts and these markets will have your head spinning and your mouth salivating with the selection on display. The first thing that hits you is obviously the smell, which permeates every nook and cranny of the markets creating a delightful, if at times overpowering, scent. Row upon row of jewel coloured spices line the stalls in huge baskets and the aisles are crowded with locals jostling for the lowest prices. As with any market in Turkey, the first price is never the last price and haggling is a way of life, so don’t be shy to ask for a discount.

Tahtakale Market District Situated in between the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Markets, the Tahtakale Market District is the most authentic taste of Turkey you will find. Almost exclusively patronised by locals, the streets of the district are lined with shops and stalls selling everything from handkerchiefs, beads, food stuffs, luggage, clothing, kitchen utensils, wooden furniture and toys, to mosque decorations and even firearms.

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Th e re are l ot s o f intere sting m useum s to visit in Kor tr ijk .

Th e m ost f ascinat ing if yo u a re v i s i tin g as a fa mily is ‘Kor tr i j k 1 3 0 2: S even Cent ur ie s in One D ay ’

I f you book yourself a K ortrijk hotel and arrive in the city with an open mind

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A Weekend in a Kortrijk Belgium Kortrijk is a very attractive city in Belgium, popular with visitors looking for a weekend getaway If you book yourself a Kortrijk hotel and arrive in the city with an open mind, you will have lots of options for things to see and do – especially if you are a history fan.

In just one weekend you’ll get plenty of time to eat out at some great restaurants and stroll around the city to take in the ambience, but you should also spend a bit of time visiting a few of the following attractions which are some of the best that Kortrijk has to offer.

The National Flax Museum is also a great place to pay a visit and presents the history of one of the most important industries of the city: cloth making.

Located in the Beeuwsaerthoeve building, you will be able to find out all about the flax production process and why flax was so important here historically.

Landmarks The Gravenkapel, or ‘Chapel of the Counts’, is attached to the Church of Notre Dame and is another handy site within easy access of your Kortrijk hotel Museums room. It dates back to 1374 There are lots of interesting and is an extremely elegant museums to visit in Kortrijk. building, especially on the The most fascinating if you inside. It has a number of are visiting as a family is interesting features, one ‘Kortrijk 1302: Seven Cenof which is that it contains turies in One Day’, which paintings of all the Counts is great for kids because of Flanders on its walls. It there are so many interacalso contains a painting by tive things to see and do.

Anthony Van Dyck, called It is the newest museum in ‘Elevation of the Cross’, and the city and very handy to a statue of St Catherine your central Kortrijk hotel; which shows her claspso put on your walking ing a wheel in one hand shoes and come and find and a sword in the other. out all about the Battle of the Golden Spurs through The Broeltorens are two exhibits, an auditorium impressive towers that look and numerous artefacts. similar but were actually

built at separate times.

They are the last part of the city wall that remains and should definitely be on your weekend itinerary.

You should also check out the Groeninge Monument which commemorates the 600th anniversary of the Battle of the Golden Spurs, which occurred in 1302.

Broel Towers

The Béguinage Further Afield If you fancy an afternoon out of the city, then leave your Kortrijk hotel behind and head to Ypres, which is not too far away. Here you can learn more about the history, and sometimes horrors, of World War I, and Griffiers House there are many cemeteries for the fallen, including the British one at Tyne Cot. Explore Kortrijk and its Surroundings When you stay in a Kortrijk hotel you’ll be able to experience all of these attractions, and more, very easily. It is a fascinating place, both culturally and historically, and you can easily spend a few days exploring the city and surrounding areas.

The only question is – is a weekend really enough?

mind , you will have lots of options for things to see and do

Count’s Chapel

Beguinage of Kortrijk

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B eware O f T ravel S cams Unlike most products, travel services usually have to be paid for before they are delivered.

This creates opportunities for disreputable individuals and companies. Some travel packages turn out to be very different from what was presented or what the consumer expected.

Some don’t materialize at all!

If you receive an offer by phone or mail for a free or extremely low-priced vacation trip to a popular destination (often Hawaii or Florida), there are a few things you should look for: * Does the price seem too good to be true? If so, it probably is. * Are you asked to give your credit card number over the phone? * Are you pressured to make an immediate decision? * Is the carrier simply identified as “a major airline,” or does the representative offer a collection of airlines without being able to say which one you will be on? * Is the representative unable or unwilling to give you a street address for the company? * Are you told you can’t leave for at least two months? (The deadline for disputing a credit card charge is 60 days, and most scam artists know this.)

If you encounter any of these symptoms, proceed cautiously.

Ask for written information to be sent to you; any legitimate travel company will be happy to oblige. If they don’t have a brochure, ask for a day or two to think it over; most bona fide deals that are good today will still

be good two days from now. If they say no to both requests, this probably isn’t the trip for you.

Some other advice: * If you are told that you’ve won a free vacation, ask if you have to buy something else in order to get it. Some packages have promoted free air fare, as long as you buy expensive hotel arrangements. Others include a free hotel stay, but no air fare. * If you are seriously considering the offer and are confident you have established the full price you will pay, compare the offer to what you might obtain elsewhere. Frequently, the appeal of free air fare or free accommodations disguises the fact that the total price is still higher than that of a regular package tour. * Get a confirmed departure date, in writing, before you pay anything. Eye skeptically any promises that an acceptable date will be arranged later. If the package involves standby or waitlist travel, or a reservation that can only be provided much later, ask if your payment is refundable if you want to cancel, and don’t pay any money you can’t afford to lose. * If the destination is a beach resort, ask the seller how far the hotel is from the beach. Then ask the hotel. * Determine the complete cost of the trip in dollars, including all service charges, taxes, processing fees, etc. * If you decide to buy the trip after checking it out, paying by credit card gives you certain legal rights to pursue a chargeback.

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B eware of travel offer that seem just too good to be true .

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W inter sun is closer than you think with M ed P laya . com Spanish hotel group Med Playa is making warm winters affordable for all this season with rooms in its Costa hotels starting from just £16 per night.

Med Playa operates a range of hotels rated up to four stars in popular holiday destinations, including the Costa Brava, Salou, Benidorm and the Costa del Sol. Their 2013/14 winter sun deals see rooms start from as little as £16 per night, meaning that a sunny Christmas getaway is within reach for those looking to banish the winter blues or recover from a hectic Yuletide celebration.

With Medplaya.com you can book direct, allowing you great prices and peace of mind as you have dealt direct with the hotel.

By focusing on their core business of providing accommodation, they can guarantee your winter sun stay will be unforgettable.

“Coming to a MedPlaya resort means coming to a place where you are our priority,” said MedPlaya commercial director Narcís Codina Negre. “The Spanish Costas have warm winter weather and year-round sunshine and are only a short flight from the dark grey winter of the UK. “Whether you want to come and enjoy a relaxing break, perhaps a little golf, or you would just like a brief escape, we have the perfect accommodation to suit.”

Med Playa’s range of hotels includes the well known and popular Flamingo Oasis in Benidorm.

This four star All Inclusive hotel

offers families and couples great value for money in a modern welcoming hotel.

Families may want to try the Med Playa Hotel Bali in Benalmadena, Costa del Sol. This three star accommodation in Benalmadena enjoys two swimming pool areas, a large bar lounge area, a playground and plenty of entertainment if you like to take part in things. An All Inclusive option is available for stays of more than 5 days. The Hotel Bali is well equipped to provide a great family winter escape.

Whatever your budget, Med Playa has something for you. Med Playa’s full range of two, three and four-star resorts can be booked directly online.

Visit www.medplayer.com to find a wide range of deals plus activity packages to enhance your stay.

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London G atwick A irport G uide

Gatwick Airport is the second largest London airport.

Although there is only one runway this airport processes 33 million passengers each year.

Many charter and budget airline companies use thisairport. There are two terminals (North and South) that are connected by a shuttle train.

Local Transport Train There is a train station in Termi-

Contact Address London Gatwick Airport West Sussex RH6 0NP Great Britain Telephone, fax, email Telephone: +44(0)870 000 2468 Fax: n/a Email: gatwick_feedback@baa.com Airport codes IATA airport code: LGW ICAO airport code: EGKK

nal South. The Gatwick Express goes to Victoria Station in London, travel time is 30 minutes, the Thameslink connects the airport to King’s Cross Station, travel time is 50 minutes. Further information about the train system can be obtained through National Rail.

Car and bus The airport is 45 kilometers south of London along the motorway M23 (exit 9). The airport is also accessible from the road between London and Brighton (A23).

Express buses leave from both terminals to London, but the main station is on the ground floor of Terminal South, most buses go from Terminal North to London.

There are ticket offices in the Arrivals Hall of both terminals for bus tickets.

Car rental – London Gatwick Airport In front of both terminals buildings, there are counters for car rental companies: National/ Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, Dollar/Thrifty and Europcar.

Taxi Taxis are in front of the Arrivals Hall of both terminals. Take into account that the road to London is frequently very busy and a taxi ride to the center of the city can last 60–90 minutes.

Airport Parking

There is a place for short-term parking at both terminals with a direct, covered connection with the terminal. A free shuttle bus goes from the long-term parking area to both terminals.

Services Shops and restaurants There is a large range of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants in both terminals. Purchased items can be delivered to your house.

Baggage There are counters in both terminals for lost and found items, you can also store baggage there.

This service is managed by Excess Baggage Company.

Information The service counters in both terminals are staffed 24 hours, the personnel speak several languages.

Al th oug h t he re is only o n e ru nway t h is a ir p o r t p ro ces s es 33 millio n pa ssen gers ea c h yea r. M a ny c h a r ter an d b udg e t a ir line co m p a n ies u se t h isa ir p o r t. Th ere are t wo ter mina ls (No r th a n d S o u t h ) t h at a re co n n ec ted by a shut t le tra i n .

Business Business facilities are offered by two hotels at the airport: Hilton and Le Meridien, both have fully equipped offices and meeting rooms, and also offer secretarial support.

There are various lounges from the airline companies. Public lounges are the Servisair Lounge in Terminal South and the Aviance Alexandra Suite in Terminal North.

Disabled facilities The terminal is extremely accessible for the disabled. There are wheelchair ramps, adapted elevators, restrooms and telephones. There are induction loops available for the hearing impaired.

Furthermore, there are reserved parking places for the disabled and also reserved seating in both terminals.

Other services There are banks, money exchange offices and ATM’s in both

terminals. There is a post office in Terminal South. Wireless internet is present in both terminals, and there is an internet cafÊ in Terminal South. There are children’s play corners and baby rooms. The medical center not only has First Aid, but also offers vaccinations. parking, the areas are developed

by NCP

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Top B ru ges H o te l s F loris H otel B ruges 3 * The Floris Hotel Bruges is Bruges newest hotel, totally renovated in 2011. 63 Spacious rooms, lounge bar, games area and reception all in a modern colonial style. Breakfast is a continental buffet with some hot items. Brilliantly located approx. 300m from Concert Hal on the Zand Square and only few minutes away from the Old Market Square.

F landers H otel B rugge 4 * This elegant hotel boasts a tranquil courtyard terrace, heated indoor pool and an extensive buffet breakfast. Flanders Hotel Brugge - Hampshire Classic is situated in the centre of Bruges, only 650 metres from the Markt. Guests can make use of free Wi-Fi in the lobby. Each morning breakfast is served in the dining room which overlooks a terrace with a pond.

C analview H otel T er R eien 2 * Great little two star hotel in a perfect location, next to the Sint Annerei canal! The hotel dates from the 19th century and has retained many beautiful original features. The bedrooms are clean, simply yet homely decorated and have good facilities. Some of the bathrooms are very small but overall this is a great value for money hotel! Some rooms offer lovely canal views.

H otel D ukes P alace 5 * Former Kempinski hotel, the Dukes’ Palace has a prime location in Bruges’ historic UNESCO World Heritage City. The hotel has 93 luxury rooms and suites many of which are historic listed rooms and have been carefully restored with frescoes and wall and ceiling ornaments from the 15th century. At the Duke’s Palace, guests experience a high quality service in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

E UROP E AN T RAV E L M AGAZIN E M ontanus H otel 4 * The historic, romantic Montanus hotel, situated in the house of a previous mayor of the city is located in the heart of Bruges, in walking distance from all the main highlights of the city. Old style elements and a tasteful decoration characterize the hotel. Both the cottage-style garden pavilion and the grand mansion provide romantic guest rooms.

H otel M artin ’ s B rugge 3 * With its perfect location just behind the Belfry, Martin’s Brugge is known for its trendy and warm atmosphere. Rooms are decorated with great care given to detail. Each room disposes of a flat-screen TV. Martin’s Bar is at guests’ disposal to taste a variety of regional beers.

In the evening you will be spoilt with a lot of choice for different restaurants, all on the doorstep of the hotel.

H otel A cademie 4 * Hotel Academie is a contemporary four-star hotel set right in the historic golden triangle of Bruges, approx. 50 metres from the famous Minnewater (Lake of Love) and Begijnhof (Beguine Convent). All other interesting sights of Bruges are within walking distance. With 90 stylish rooms, it provides all the necessary comforts such as air-conditioning, telephone and TV. H otel J an B rito 4 * Hotel Jan Brito is a charming hotel situated in a 16th century listed building. It’s an elegant refurbished mansion, conserving unique decorations from former centuries. The hotel is located in the heart of Bruges, only a few steps away from most of the romantic canals. A warm and personal welcome is guaranteed.

N H B rugge 4 * The NH Brugge uniquely boasts all the modern conveniences of a contemporary facility within the antiquated charm of a 17th century monastery. Amid stained glass windows, exposed wood beams and bricks fireplaces, the 149 room NH Brugge hotel offers guests 8 multifunctional meeting rooms along with an impressive array of luxurious amenities to enjoy.

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D F D S S E AWAY S M ini C ruises A mini cruise is a great way to enjoy a short break to Europe and recharge your batteries on your holiday.

A mini cruise is a great way to enjoy a short break to Europe and recharge your batteries on your holiday.

Enjoy 2 nights onboard our well equipped ferries and return home feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Combining comfort and entertainment with adventure in your chosen destination, a mini cruise is ideal for families, couples looking for a romantic break and groups looking to get away from it all. We do our best to help you unwind with 2 night’s comfortable accommodation and the chance to experience a new culture before catching your return ferry to the UK refreshed

and well entertained.

Our ferries sail to top mustsee destinations including Amsterdam , Esbjerg and Haarlem with convenient departure dates and times to fit into your busy lifestyle.

Already been? Our mix of activity and themed mini cruises offer something a little different.

If you’ve already been on one of our standard European mini breaks and fancy a change this time, have you considered an activity or themed mini cruise ? We organise both seasonal and one-off ferry trips featur-

ing lively onboard entertainment on your journey across the high seas, including adding an exciting twist to an Amsterdam mini cruise with Halloween and school disco themes.

A festive shopping trip to Belgium or Denmark is another option - allowing you to discover your chosen destination for a specific event.

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A H oliday R ental in F rance P erfect for the T raveling G olfer

If you’re a golfer who loves to travel, you’ll find plenty of exciting golf courses with one of the many golf holiday rentals in France.

Whether you want to golf at only one course or cruise the French Riviera to various locations and courses, there are plenty of golf courses in France to fit your style and budget.

North and South France’s Finest France offers some of the finest golf courses, with more than 25 of the top 100 courses in Europe.

When taking a golf holiday in the south of France, there are many well-known clubs and courses to try out such as the Royal Mougin Golf Club, Monte Carlo Golf Club, Cannes-Mandelieu Old Course, Domaine de Terre Blanche, Golf Country Club de Vievola, and St. Endreol Golf, to name a few.

In northern France, there are top quality courses such as Le Touquet, Hardelot Les Pins, Belle Dune, and Nampont St. Martin Golf Course.

A golf holiday south of France is often preferable year round due to the milder climate and

gorgeous scenery. The weather is beautiful most days, and many of the golf courses in southern France were designed by some of Europe’s most skilled golf course architects. And though there are premier golf courses in the south of France, this doesn’t always mean extravagant prices or pro-style golf only.

You can find courses to fit almost any budget and also courses that welcome golfers of all skill levels.

You’ll also be able to tour some of the finest cities in Europe such as Marseille, Vence, Cannes, Nice, Monaco, or Toulon. Many of these cities are just a very short distance from the French Riviera, so you can secure great holiday rentals in France and tour several areas around the French Riviera. South France holiday rentals are available at hotels and resorts, or you might find a cozy apartment to spend your golf holiday.

Package Ideas for a Golf Holiday in France When traveling to France, choose golf holiday packages that will cater to your needs and location, whether staying north or south of France. If you need to stay only a few nights, many hotels and resorts offer packages for two to four nights and a couple of games of golf. If you need to stay longer, find golf packages that are discounted for longer stays. If it’s variety you want, another type of package is a golf cruise in which you can sail to different hot spots and play golf on different courses.

French Riviera golf cruises are particularly popular.

You might also choose to stay in an area that’s saturated with golf courses so you can try out a new one every day. Areas such as Vence (south of France) or Nice offer many courses, tourist attractions, and beautiful scenery.

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V isiting B russels ?

A n I ntroduction To T ravelling To T he H eart O f E uropes C harming C apital C ity Tagged as the capital of Europe, Brussels boasts a number of attractions to lure the most fussy of travelers. From fine dining and quaint architecture to a vibrant nightlife and it’s many landmarks, there’s something to appeal to everyone in Brussels.

Look around the streets of Brussels and you’ll see people from a wide variety of backgrounds and culture – a testimony to the cosmopolitan nature of the city. Aside from the many expats posted here from around the world, Brussels also plays host to immigrants from Turkey, Greece and North Africa.

The dominant language in Brussels is French, but Flemish is also spoken in certain pockets of the city as is a unique mix of the two languages (called Marollien or Brusselse Sproek).

So what’s Brussels characterized by?

- Fine food and tasty beers. You can’t help but be impressed by the wide variety of food options

open to the Brussels visitor. The national dish is “moules et frites” and must be sampled but the city also offers a magnificent choice of ethnic foods including Turkish, Chinese, Moroccan, Vietnamese, Tunisian, Italian and more.

- The vibrant “Grand-Place” is the very heart of Brussels and should be the first port of call for the newly arrived visitor.

Many believe it to be among the finest town squares to be found anywhere in the world.

- Brussels is the EU capital, and as such is the location of an increasing number of European Union buildings.

- Brussels gave birth to the “art nouveau” architectural movement in the late 1890’s. This was to spread to many other countries who embraced the bold new combination of materials such as stone, iron and exquisite tiles. Some examples of famous landmarks you can visit that are a testimony to the movement are the Hotels Metropole & Solvay, Musee horta and Maison Saint Cyr. The Art

Nouveau movement was spearheaded by Belgian architects Victor Horta and Henry van de Velde.

- Lovers of architecture, museums and cathedrals will be satisfied by the good mix on display. Aside from the wide range of museums, there’s the “Cathedrale des Sts Michel et Gudule” who’s origins can be traced back to 1072.

- Chocolate. Belgian chocolate is reputed to be the best in the world and Brussels offers many chocolate shops where you can stock up on fine chocolate to take home.

Whether you come to Brussels for the culture, architecture or just the heavenly chocolate, you’re certain to have an enjoyable time.

T agged as the capital

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capital of E urope , B russels boasts a number of attractions to lure fussy travelers

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Popular Water Parks In London A trip to London is always filled with a lot of fun and frolic. Especially if you are traveling with your family London can be a perfect destination for an exciting holiday or vacation.

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Although cost is not the sole deciding factor most of these water parks have lot many features which are sure to give you an enjoyable outing with your families and kids.

The following are some of the most popular water parks in London : 1) Oasis Swimming Pool: Located in the heart of the city, this water park offers two heated swimming pools which are located indoors as well as outdoors. It can be frequented all the year around and also has loads of other entertainment and sport options such as a health suite with an efficient masseurs and masseuses, a squash court, a sauna, a gymnasium and a cafeteria as well. The pools are well guarded by hoists in order to discourage unlawful entry. The Oasis Swimming Pool is a great place to visit with families and kids.

2) Leyton Leisure Lagoon: A perfect destination for your children especially if you are looking at an option which engages play and learn games. This Water Park conducts swimming classes for kids who are interested in learning how to swim. Children below the age of five can be kept busy at the creche which engages them in play and learn activities. Moreover there are a variety of fun filled water games such as flip n fun, water scooters, water walkers and wet play sessions on a large sized fun flume that ends on uniquely shaped pool of a standard size. Your kids are surely well taken care of while you can take a walk around the other places in the park.

3) Waterfront Leisure Center: Located at about eight miles away from the city of London, the Waterfront Leisure Center is a perfect getaway destination for you and your kids. The best way to get to this water park is by train and you can check with the National Rail Enquiries for the train schedules. The park houses two swimming pools that conduct pool sessions for all age groups.

Some of these sessions also offer training in new techniques. Both the pools are quite large with a length spread across 25 meters and four lanes.

Activities such as a 65 meter snake slide, a waterfall along with wave machines, volcanoes, water jets and a five lane water slide will definitely make your kids go wet and wild. The water park also offers a spa facility which allows you to relax and rejuvenate as your kids are having fun in the pool.

The above destinations offer perfect family and are easily among the most popular water parks in London.

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Issue 3 December 2013