European Travel Magazine - November 2013

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Issue 2 November 2013 Issue

2 November 2013

EuropeanTravel Magazine

IN THIS ISSUE

London Heathrow Airport

What To Do In Faro

Top Barcelona Hotels

LONDON ZOO The flightless or the swinging monkeys, an unforgettable animal adventure awaits the entire family. TRAVEL THROUGH MALAGA You’ll be amazed at all there is to do when traveling around Malaga Spain. EGYPT RESORTS AND ATTRACTIONS A trip to Egypt promises to be exotic and interesting expierence. 5 REASONS SKIING IS GOOD FOR YOU We’ve long suspected: skiing and snowboarding are good for you.


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Destination of the month: Algarve Th e Algar ve The Per fec t Fam il y Ho l iday D es tinatio n Taking a holiday in the Algarve, Portugal during the winter season is a wonderful way to escape the cold and rainy weather and enjoy the warmth of this stunning area. The space and flexibility you can enjoy if you spend your holiday in one of the many Algarve villas that are available for rent will make it that much more special. This part of Portugal is in the southern most region of the country and has a wonderfully mild climate all year round. The coastline also happens to be one of the most beautiful in Europe. Portugal is a wonderful, safe place for the whole family to stay, and at a price that will not break the bank. With mile upon mile of uncrowded, sandy beaches, the Algarve has a superb year round climate. Pretty coastal towns and villages boast old churches and bustling markets, pavement cafes serving excellent snacks, and fishing

boats on the beach. The Algarve in Portugal boasts an average 320 days of sunshine a year, gentle breezes coming off the Atlantic, and a laid back lifestyle that you thought had vanished. While you are staying in the Algarve, you will be able to enjoy some of the fine attractions that the area has to offer. For the golf lover there are some world class golf courses. There are clubs and bars if you are looking for some nightlife. You can also enjoy many outdoor activities like tennis and horseback riding. In fact, there is a little something for everyone. But the greatest form of relaxation will be to simply mix with the locals at the tavern in a nearby village!


CONTENTS

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4 The Holy Island Of Lindisfarne The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is a tidal island off the northeast coast of England. It is also known just as Holy Island. It constitutes the civil parish of Holy Island in Northumberland. Holy Island has a recorded history from the sixth century. It was an important centre of Celtic Christianity under Saints Aidan, Cuthbert, Eadfrith and Eadberht.

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Things To See And Do In Faro

Fear Of Flying? Just Relax It Away

Five Great Reasons To Stay In A Boutique Hotel

If you’re planning a trip to Portugal’s fabulous Faro but are lacking in inspiration, worry not! We have the perfect suggestions to satisfy everyone from the most die-hard sun seeker to the art-loving culture vulture.

The process is so simple and natural that you will be amazed just how quickly you will see the benefits! Just imagine yourself laying on that beach now. A thousand mils away and not a care in the world! How fantastic would that be?

Boutique hotels are usually in enviable locations. A townhouse right in the middle of the city, a chateau in rural France or a stunning beach retreat in the Maldives, boutique hotels exist to provide you with the very best location for your holiday.

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London Heathrow Airport Guide

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Top Luxury 4 & 5* Barcelona Hotels

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Egypt Resorts And Attractions

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Reasons Why Skiing Is Good For You

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A Guide To Travel Through Malaga

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London Zoo - Days Out With The Kids


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The Holy Island of Lindisfarne The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is a tidal island off the northeast coast of England. It is also known just as Holy Island. It constitutes the civil parish of Holy Island in Northumberland. Holy Island has a recorded history from the sixth century. It was an important centre of Celtic Christianity under Saints Aidan, Cuthbert, Eadfrith and Eadberht. After Viking invasions and the Norman invasion of England a priory was reestablished. A small castle was built upon it in 1550


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HOW TO GET THERE

There are 3 main ways to get to Lindisfarne: walk across the sands at low tide (only advisable with a local guide), use the shuttle bus service from Berwick-uponTweed or drive across the tidal causeway. Walk: The Pilgrim’s Crossing is a clearly marked walking route from the mainland to the island that crosses the sand and mud. However, due to the tidal nature of this crossing it is strongly advised that this route is only attempted with an experienced local guide. Bus: Local bus service 477 runs from nearby Berwick-upon-Tweed, however it can be somewhat irregular due to tidal patterns, and does not run every day through winter months. Travellers are advised to make local enquiries before making arrangements around the bus service. Drive: The main east coast road the A1 is conveniently located for Lindisfarne. The turning is located in the small village of Beal (which appears to consist only of The Plough Hotel and a service station, both on the eastern side of the road). The turning is signed as “Holy Island”. The distance from the turning to the island is approximately 5 miles. Access to Lindisfarne is affected by local tides. This point cannot be expressed enough as many people get stranded on the causeway every year requiring coastguard rescue (sometimes including helicopter rescue). Tide tables are available locally and are published on the internet. The Holy Island of Lindisfarne publishes information on and about the island on www.lindisfarne.org.uk Due to its size and nature, Lindisfarne has very few roads. Those that exist tend to be narrow and often have tourists walking on them. There is a large car park available before entering the settlement on the island. The car park is pay & display, priced at £4.40 for a stay of over 3 hours (correct as of May 3rd 2008). On-street parking is virtually non-existant. Some B&B establishments may offer parking, however this should be checked when booking. Lindisfarne has a number of small Bed & Breakfast establishments, a small hotel and pubs offering accommodation. Cafe Bean Goose: 01289 389083 UK Cottages: Have holiday cottages on the island of Lindisfarne and in the surrounding area of Northumberland.


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I f you’re p l a nning a t r ip to Po r tugal ’s f a bulo us Fa ro bu t a re la c k in g in inspiratio n, wor r y n o t ! We h ave the pe r fec t sugge s tion s to satisfy e ve r yone f ro m th e m ost die -ha rd sun s e e k er to the a r t-loving cult u re v u lt ure.

A s the capital of P ortugal ’ s ever popular A lgarve region , F aro is overflowing


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Things To See And Do In Faro

As the capital of Portugal’s ever popular Algarve region, Faro is overflowing with things to see and do.

With temperatures reaching the high teens through the winter and average temperatures regularly exceeding a scorching 30 degrees from June to September, Faro’s Mediterranean climate is ideal for anyone wanting to escape the British winter chill or to take advantage of continental Europe’s great summer weather.

Praia de Faro is Faro’s most easily accessible beach, and is a short bus ride from the centre of Faro. Other beaches are situated on the sand spits (‘ilhas’) in the area, and can be reached by ferry, which leave regularly from the pier in Porta Nova. These beaches feature idyllic stretches of white sand, and are great for a peaceful few hours of relaxation. The Ilha de Barreta is a particularly beautiful beach which doesn’t get too busy. For anyone wanting to explore Portugal’s great outdoors, Faro is conveniently situated beside the Ria Formosa lagoon. It is a Portuguese Natural Park, and is visited by around 30,000 birds each

year, so is a prime spot for birdwatchers. There are also bars and restaurants in the area if you want to get out of the city centre.

The old town is brimming with winding streets and outdoor cafes for a pitstop from the sun, where all sorts of traditional Portuguese dishes can be picked up. Food in Faro is reasonably priced, and it isn’t unusual for Faro’s residents to enjoy a full sit-down meal for lunch. People in Faro tend to be very laidback, and there is a strong focus on fun and socialising. Cities in the Algarve are also known for serving up a variety of top quality Portuguese wines , so wine buffs can take advantage of the relatively cheap prices to try a tipple or two. As for those looking for a spot of Portuguese culture or to learn a little more about the history of the area, there are some fascinating museums documenting the Algarve’s archaeological findings, cultural heritage and maritime history. These are a winner for curious kids and history-loving adults alike,

overflowing with things to see and do .

and are a brilliant way to while away a few hours.

If you want to see some of the lesser-known parts of Faro, you might want to head to the forest close to the Praia de Faro. Here you can spot birds, butterflies and lizards, and is a secluded, serene place to go for a walk. If you hire a car in Faro you can explore the attractive whitewashed hillside town of Alte, which is around a 45 minute drive from Faro Airport. It’s surrounded by trees and feels authentically Portuguese, and is just 20 minutes from the beaches of Albufeira. Faro Cathedral, in its Renaissance and Baroque style, is located in the heart of Faro’s medieval quarter, and is a must-see. The sprawling vistas of the Algarve can be observed by climbing the cathedral’s tower. Another rather more macabre experience is a trip to the Capela dos Ossos, decorated with the skulls and bones of more than 1,000 monks.

Faro’s marina

Faro’s Civil Government building

The City Hall

Carmo Church

There are so many options in Faro that your only prob- Square in central lem might be fitting it all in! Faro


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F ear O f F lying ? J ust R ela x I t Away The advancements in science and industry in that last 100 years have left us humans somewhat baffled. You will often hear it said that in the last century, we as human beings have made more accomplishments than at any other time in recorded history. But did it all get a little big, a little to fast? It seems that these days’ people tend to be more afraid of different things and as humans; we seem a lot more ‘phobic’ than our recent ancestors. I don’t for one minute think that we have evolved into complete phobic beings, but more like the world, science and industry have all evolved and left us behind, thus creating loads of new unnatural scenarios to intimidate us. I believe that one of these ‘unnatural scenarios’ is flying. For instance it was only a couple of life times ago (if that) that the Write Brothers created their flying machine. And It wasn’t until the middle of the last century (not even a lifetime ago) that we began to fly commercially and start taking our holidays abroad, however just because it may be unnatural, it doesn’t mean that we have to keep any fears of flying that we may have. Hypnosis, EFT and NLP can all be used with extreme effective-

ness to eliminate your fear of flying, however I use all three as to make sure it goes away and stays away! This way you aren’t always sitting there just waiting for it to come back, but actually enjoying the experience that once terrified you. Whether it affects you in your business life or just the family holiday, a fear of flying can cause no end of upset and unhappiness, however there is now an effective and in most cases a quick solution. For years Hypnotherapy has been used by so many people worldwide to allow them to swiftly get rid of their fear of flying and allow them to feel comfortable and in fact rather enjoy the whole experience. If you are tired and always regretting not doing the things that you have always wanted to do because of a fear of flying, then why not see how Hypnotherapy and Self Hypnosis can help you further. The process is so simple and natural that you will be amazed just how quickly you will see the benefits! Just imagine yourself laying on that beach now. A thousand mils away and not a care in the world! How fantastic would that be?

I f you are tired and


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always regretting not doing the things that you have always wanted to do


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F ive G reat R easons To S tay I n A B outi q ue H otel If you’ve never stayed in a boutique hotel before, here are some reasons why you should book one today. Location Boutique hotels are usually in enviable locations. A townhouse right in the middle of the city, a chateau in rural France or a stunning beach retreat in the Maldives, boutique hotels exist to provide you with the very best location for your holiday. City hotels are in prestigious shopping areas, next to great restaurants, within a stone’s throw from the theater or stumbling distance from the top nightspots. They provide a retreat in the middle of town where you can wind down, rest your weary feet and take advantage of the staff’s outstanding local knowledge. Alternatively, chill out on a private beach, where your bedroom doors fold open onto the sand and where you can snorkel without seeing another human being. Or just take in the countryside from a castle on top of a hill. Design If you want to experience real design, choose a boutique hotel. More than a few art-deco ornaments or modern art in the foyer, these hotels have design running through their core and it is

a pleasure to stay somewhere that’s been designed and decorated with an eye for detail and finish. From the accessories in the bathroom to the china in the restaurant, everything is design-led, without being design-conscious. Size By their nature, boutique hotels are small. Even in large buildings, these hotel owners reduce the number of rooms available so that they can increase the size of the rooms and the public spaces and provide better service. The size of a hotel in this sector isn’t based on how much floor space it has, but how many rooms it offers, because this affects the ambiance and the service. Service Service is all-important in boutique hotels. Hotel staff are trained to ensure that guests want for nothing, and yet the service is discreet, so guests don’t feel hassled or intimidated. The lower number of guests at each hotel means that the service can be impeccable, and it usually is.

Price The term “boutique hotels” may give the impression that these hotels are all expensive, but that’s not the case. In fact, you may be surprised by how affordable many of them are. For the same price or very slightly more than you might pay for a very ordinary chain hotel, you could be staying somewhere with real atmosphere and real service. Whilst some of the boutique hotels are very exclusive and therefore very expensive, many of them are perfectly affordable.

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London H eathrow A irport G uide

In terms of passenger numbers, Heathrow is the largest airport in Europe. The airport lies on the edge of Greater London, 24 kilometers west of the city center. There are four terminals (1-4) Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are connected with each other, and Terminal 4 is accessible by the free Heathrow Express train. A new terminal was opened in 2008 on the west side of the airport, but finishing this terminal is not the end of the work which

Contact Address London Heathrow Airport 234 Bath Road Harlington Middlesex UB3 5AP Great Britain Telephone, fax, email Telephone: +44(0)870 000 0123 Fax: +44(0)20 8745 4290 Airport codes IATA airport code: LHR ICAO airport code: EGLL

will actually be done in 2015. Heathrow will then have the capacity for 90 million passengers per year. Local transport Train There are train stations in the Central Hall of Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and in Terminal 4. The Heathrow Express leaves every 15 minutes to Paddington Station, travel time is 15 minutes. A cheaper alternative is the slow train Heathrow Connect, which also goes to Paddington Station, travel time is 30 minutes, but does not leave from the station in Terminal 4. Trains leave from Paddington Station to the west and southwest of England, and it is also an important station of the London metro network. In addition the airport is the end point of the Piccadilly metro line. Car & Bus The airport lies along highways M4 and M25. For Terminals 1, 2 and 3 you take the M4 exit 4a and on the M25 exit 15. For Terminal 4 you take exit 3 and exit 14, respectively. Bear in mind that the roads around London and especially around the airport can be extremely busy. The A2 Airbus stops at all terminals and goes to King’s Cross Station, this station is on an intersection of the metro and train lines. At night the bus line N9 goes to

the center of London. Many local bus lines go to Heathrow Airport, most have their stops in the central area of Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Furthermore, there are long distance buses that go to more than 500 destinations in Great Britain. The largest bus company is National Express. Car Rental In all terminals there are counters for car rental companies: National/Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and Sixt. Taxi The famous black taxis of London are in front of all terminals. Expect that a ride to the center of London takes a minimum of one hour. Airport Parking There are short-term parking areas close to all terminals, a little further away there are the Business Car Parks and even further away are the areas for long-term


A n ew te r mina l wa s open ed in 2008 o n t h e west sid e of th e a ir por t, but finish in g t h is ter m in a l is n o t t h e en d of the wor k which will a c t u a lly b e d o n e in 2015. Heath row will the n have t h e ca p a cit y fo r 90 m illio n pass en g e rs per ye a r.

parking, the areas are developed by NCP Services A shuttle bus (Hotel Hoppa) goes from Terminals 1, 2 and 3 to the largest hotels in the city, another shuttle service, Hotelink goes to hotels in the center of London. Shops & Restaurants Heathrow Airport offers what you would expect from one of the largest airports in the world, an enormous range of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants in all terminals. Baggage There are counters in all terminals for the Excess Baggage Company, you can store baggage there. In addition there are counters in all terminals for lost and found items. There are porters present. Information There are general information

counters in all terminals that you can also reach directly through special telephones that are on the wall in many places in the airport. Information about public transportation is available through separate counters in Terminals 1 and 3 and outside Terminal 4. In addition there is a tourist kiosk in Terminal 3 called the Hotel and Traveler Center. Disabled Facilities Heathrow Airport is extremely accessible for the disabled. There are wheelchair ramps, adapted elevators, restrooms and telephones. There is an induction loop for the hearing impaired as well as a special telephone line. Furthermore, there are reserved

parking places and seating forth disabled. A wheelchair accessible shuttle bus goes between the terminals. Most buses and trains are also accessible for wheelchairs. Other Services There are ATM’s and money exchange offices in all terminals, there is a post office in Terminals 2 and 4. There is wireless internet present and an internet cafe in Terminal 4. Furthermore, there are children’s play areas and baby changing rooms. The First Aid office is on the ground floor of the Queen’s Building. There is a pharmacy in Terminal 1 that can distribute prescription medications.


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Top Lu xu r y 4 & 5* B arcelon a H ote l s H esperia F ira S uites 5 * Apartments: suite-apartments equipped with bedroom, living room, fully equipped kitchen, en-suite bathroom with hairdryer and magnifying mirror, free digital safe, minibar, independent fax/computer connection, air conditioning, heating and lcd flat screen tv in the living room and the bedroom. facilities: cafe-bar, business corner and wi-free service (free wifi access throughout the hotel). M elia B arcelona S ky 4 * This modern architecture building constructed by architechture domnique perrault is a landmark for innovation as far as the image of the heart of barcelona is concerned. the building is an avant-garde skycrapers with modern technologies and design. it boasts several cuisine options with three restaurants, as well as a spa, a pool in the 6th floor and a solarium, a gym.

E urostars B cn D esign H otel 5 * A perfect oasis for your vacation weekend, come see what eurostars bcn design is known for Located in the city centre of Barcelona. 24 Hour Check-In, Coffee shop, Restaraunt, Internet Access, Cable / Satellite Television, Fitness Center, Laundry Service, Currency Exchange, 24 Hour Room Service, Business Centre, 24 Hour Room Service

C laris H otel 5 * In the ancient vedruna palace (19th century), the hotel combines tradition and modernity, antique and vanguard design. renovated in 2012, the hotel offers luxury rooms, full of original artwork (indian sculptures, napoleon prints and antique furniture), jacuzzi (some rooms), minibar, satellite tv, air conditioning, telephone, safe and internet/ fax. executive rooms feature pre-columbian art.


E UROP E AN T RAV E L M AGAZIN E H ilton B arcelona 5 * Enjoy the convenient location in the heart of Barcelona’s financial district at the Hilton Barcelona hotel. Travel to the hotel by car from Barcelona International Airport in just 15 minutes and from Sants Train Station in five. Walk for just five minutes to reach the Maria Cristina underground station or take a bus from in front of the hotel.

M ajestic H otel & S pa B arcelona 5 * A 5 star luxury establishment offering numerous options for business or pleasure. featuring 275 guestrooms with a classic decor, 41 suites with views of the paseo de gracia and a 300m2 penthouse with private terrace, outdoor jacuzzi and breathtaking views of the sagrada familia. guest facilities include the pool with city views, the majestic spa and 2 bars anmd restaurants serving haut cuisine. L e M eridien B arcelona H otel 5 * Among the facilities and services include wi-fi in public areas and in conference centre, banquet hall, meeting rooms, restaurant and bar with access to the “ramblas” and a fully equipped fitness centre. the hotel offers 233 rooms and suites equipped with features such as bathroom with special shower system, air conditioning, 42” plasma tv with satellite interactive system and lcd screen. O hla H otel 5 * Located on the former site of the first count of barcelona’s palace; the current building contrasts its avant-garde design interiors with a neoclassical facade punctuated by sculptural pieces by artist frederic amat. it offers 74 rooms, a rooftop swimming pool and views of the city, gym & wellness centre, meeting room and the michelin-star restaurant.

P rincesa S ofia H otel 5 *

The Princesa Sofia is a luxurious 5 star hotel, located in the heart of Barcelona’s most exclusive residential, financial and shopping district. The hotel is arranged over 19 floors and is surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens and a terrace. The hotel ranks as the largest in Barcelona; 500 guest rooms elegantly combine stylish design with extensive modern amenities.

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E gypt R esorts A nd Attractions If you make a decision to spend your vacation in Egypt, usually you have a choice of two sea resorts

Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh. They both are very popular, but Hurghada is situated in African continent while Sharm El Sheikh lies on Sinai peninsula. About 30 years ago Hurghada was just a simple fishing village. But now, with it’s a resort with crystal clear water, untouched reefs. It has become one of the best Egyptian tourist destinations. A significant part of its fame Hurghada gained as one of the best diving centres of the world. Like all oriental cities Hurghada make living out of trade, so if when you walk along the city, be ready to beat off the pressing offers of the sell-

ers, deserving to make you buy their souvenirs. There are some more entertainments except shopping and diving in Hurghada. You can make a jeep trip to a desert, visit Bedouin’s village there; you can see corals and some natural preserves. Hurghada is also has aqua-park. Fishing is one of the popular tourist’s activities in Hurghada too. Today, Hurghada is known as a party town, particularly among Europeans. Locals and others will tell you that life begins at night in Hurghada, with the many, many clubs. The best time to visit Hurghada is OctoberNovember. In winter there

are strong winds and it becomes dark very early. When you are in Hurghada don’t miss the chance to see one of the most outstanding monuments of Egypt history – Luxor and the Valley of the King. Pharaoh’s tombs and ancient temples are worth visiting. Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the most accessible and developed tourist resort communities on the Sinai peninsula. All around are Bedouins, colorful tents, mountains and sea. Na’ama Beach is one of the center of the tourist activities. Located just north of Sharm, this area is developing into a resort town of its own.

Shopping For those who like shopping, the Sharm El-Sheikh mall provides shops with both foreign and local products, including jewelry, leather goods, clothing, pottery and books. Nobody leaves Sharm el-Sheikh without several useless but very pleasant souvenirs. Like Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh is famous for diving too, but it has more diversity in corals

Information When you going to Egypt, be aware that 3-star hotels in Egypt have nothing to do with 3-star hotels in Europe. So, it’s better to choose 4 or 5 star hotel. Probably it saves you from many inconveniences. Often, the large hotels have zoos, playgrounds, discos, bars, a number of pools and even small theaters.


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R easons W hy S kiing I s G ood F or You At last, solid proof for what we’ve long suspected: skiing and snowboarding are good for you. And that’s not just because they’re both great fun and put a smile on your face but because this also improves our health, happiness, red blood cell count and makes us live longer. The evidence has always been there for us to see: the bearded septuagenarian bounding past you for the fifteenth time as you struggle down your first run of the day. Here’s his secret… Sunlight. Are you SAD? 1 in 50 people in the UK suffer from seasonal affective disorder which is a type of depression which commonly occurs during the winter months when the days are shorter. You travel to and from work in the dark, are cooped up in the office all day, and levels of serotonin, the brain’s natural mood lifter, drop. SADs can vary from mild winter blues to a more severe form where people can’t function in the winter without treatment. So get treatment and get up on the mountain. You may get depressed about the cost of a beer on the slopes, but that’s not quite the same thing. Adrenalin. We’re all just animals, obviously some creationists may disagree, but we

need to exercise our fight or flight responses. What safer, or better, way of doing this than searching out the steepest black run you can find, or something just a little bit beyond your normal comfort zone. The adrenalin surge will activate the beta receptors in your nervous system causing your heart to beat faster and increasing air to the lungs. This stimulates the brain, and the endorphin rush of relief when it’s over, will make you feel like a super human after every run. You can then undo the good work done by celebrating with some après ski in the bar afterwards. Altitude. Can the news get any better? Just being at altitude can make you thin, fit and desirable – at least the first two are true. A couple of years ago the Austrian Moderate Altitude Study was carried out. Men who were overweight and suffered from high blood pressure and high cholesterol were prescribed walks at an altitude of between 1400m and 2000M. The result? Exercise at altitude improves heart function and circulation, lowers blood pressure and burns calories. There was also an increased number of young red blood cells. So, as far

as the theory goes, skiing rocks and just getting off at the top of the Aiguille du Midi (3842m) could add years to your life. Fresh Air. Spending time in the great outdoors helps to prevent disease and boost recovery. You can avoid the pretty nasty particles which float around in the urban air. According to some Harvard boffins in their Six Cities 1993 study those people living in the most polluted cities have a 26% greater risk of dying young than those in the cleanest. So give yourself a break from the congested traffic and polluted air and breath in that fresh, crisp, revitalising mountain air. Learning. Learning is good for us. Your parents told you so and they were right, but they and you need to heed that advice. Learning new skills later in life can slow down the onset of dementia. Attempting challenges such as learning a foreign language – which you can practice at the bar – or new skills, such as skiing, will reduce the risk of getting age related symptoms and diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

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A G uide To T ravel T hrough M alaga You’ll be amazed at all there is to do when traveling around Malaga Spain. You’ll find this city on the Costa del Sol, which is near the Mediterranean Sea. You’ll enjoy the beautiful warm Mediterranean weather and climate of this area. Everyone of course loves to visit in the summer when the weather is nice and hot, but as well visiting in the Winter months can be quite pleasant too due to the near perfect mild temperatures that you’ll experience. Of course summer is the busiest in this area of Spain, so you’ll want to be speedy about making your reservations to ensure you get the best deals on flights, hotels, and even rental cars if need be. If you do need to rent a car you can actually do so right at the airport at arrival, if not you can hire a car service which will drive you to your destination hotel and also bring you back to the airport at the end of the trip. However, waiting until you get there, especially in the summer is not recommended being that it’s such a busiest time, you may get stuck (literally). There is certainly no shortage of things to do when you visit around the area of Costa del Sol and Malaga Spain. If you enjoy seeing old architecture and experiencing a bit of history then visiting the Alca-

zabo or the Citadel, which is the greatest fortress in Andalucia would be a great choice for your sightseeing agenda. This citadel was built sometime between the eighth and eleventh century. You’ll also, as a history buff, want to hit one or two of the museum there on the site of the citadel. One is actually an archeological museum and is an area favorite.

This cathedral was began to be built in 1528 however construction was an on and off again thing for about the next 200 years or so, which was simply due to the lack of funds. This one Cathedral therefore has a multitude of different designs within it since construction was started and stopped so many different times.

If you love fourteenth century architecture and buildings then be sure to check out the castle that is located in Malaga. This is the castle of Gibralfaro, and is open for you to tour to actually experience the areas full and beautiful history. You’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful view of he entire city as well as the port from Gibrlfaro. This castle is actually very near the citadel, which makes it a convenient tour for you and can probably be accomplished in just one day.

You’ll surely have no shortage of history to witness and explore before you in the Costa del Sol, as well as be able to enjoy the great weather as well as be near some of the finest beaches and ports in the world.

There is actually an amusement park in the Costa del Sol, which is the Tivoli Amusement Park. This is great if you’re visiting the area with you entire family or just looking for an adventure. The park hosts daily shows, has great rides, and has beautiful botanical gardens for you to tour. If you want to see a great landmark of the area then you should visit The Cathedral of Malaga.

T here is certainly no


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no shortage of things to do when you visit around the area of C osta del S ol


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London Zoo - Days Out With The Kids A day at the London Zoo with the kids can be one of the most memorable days of their childhood. Whether the kids seek an adventure filled with animals of the sea, the slithering reptiles, the magnificent airbound, the flightless or the swinging monkeys, an unforgettable animal adventure awaits the entire family.


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The London Zoo is located in the heart of London near Primrose Hill and Regents Park. You will be able to access the zoo by automobile, bus or tube. It is important to note that the zoo does not allow for re-entry once you leave the premises, so be certain to plan for the entire duration of your visit prior to walking through the entrance. Have a Plan The zoo is quite large with a number of exhibits and animal attractions. In order to fully maximize your time at the zoo and to ensure everyone in the family leaves happy, devise a plan at home. Create a list of must see animals and animal attractions, the animals everyone would like see and one for the animals everyone can live without seeing if you run out of time or the weather becomes unfavorable. Keep in mind, a number of animals are housed indoors and several indoor exhibits exist on such occasions. The Older Kids Kids between the ages of 11 and 15 are able to participate in the Junior Keeper For A Day program. The children will spend 3 ½ hours in the morning on a supervised excursion of a behind-the-scenes look into the life of a zookeeper and to be able to meet the animals up close. They will feed the animals, learn about the animals and learn exactly what it takes to care for such animals. Logistics Children often have loads of energy in the morning and they begin to lose momentum come the afternoon. Consider the logistics of your adventure to accommodate the energy levels of your children as a way to maximize the enjoyment of your time at the zoo. Start at the far end of the zoo in the morning and work your way to the front as the day progresses. Once the children are sufficiently exhausted, you will be near the exit which will help to preserve the cherished memories of the day rather than to struggle to get your children to the exit while passing all of the animal exhibits once again. Save Money The zoo has a tiered payment scale based on age and time of year. It is far more affordable to visit the zoo during off-peak season rather than during peak season. You will receive a discount by booking online and if you have a membership for those who intend to visit frequently. Do not forget that one adult enters for free with any child registered in the Junior Keeper program. You might also consider bringing your own snacks; however, be certain to check the food policies on the website prior to your departure to ensure the policy has not changed.


E UROP E AN T RAV E L M AGAZIN E

Issue 2 November 2013


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