Aberdeen makes great efforts to retain and promote its ancient culture and traditional ways, from its museums and country houses that explain bygone ages, to the dim and distant past exposed at the interactive Archaeolink Prehistory Park.

Local traditions

Aberdeen Maritime Museum is an award-winning destination that fully uncovers the events behind the areas maritime history. The city’s fishermen plying their trade in the rough North Sea, to the challenges of oil exploration, shipbuilding and sea traders in their sloops. All are given space within the museums exciting displays.

Aderdeen is famous for its beef production and Aberdeen Angus beef is one of the juiciest steaks you will find on any menu. The Aberdeenshire Museum of Farming and Pitmedden Gardens in the Aden Country Park shows visitors the traditional farming practices that have been carried out in the region down the centuries.

Other areas where visitors can find Aberdeen’s old trades on display are at the Lighthouse Museum telling the story of how Scotland’s coastline has been protected over time and the Fraserburgh Heritage Centre that shows off the skills of the coopers with their barrel making.

Whisky Trail

Scotland also produces a great diverse range of aromatic whisky and the Aberdeenshire area is equally renowned for its contributions to the variety of golden nectar available.  Glenfiddich, Aberlour, Benromach, Glen Moray and Macallan all have distilleries local to Aberdeen and welcome visitors with informative tours and tasting sessions.

Castles and tales

One of the most popular historic tours around Aberdeen is the Castle Trail, taking in 16 of Scotland’s most influential fortifications. Crathes, Fraser, Huntly and Drum are set in the dramatic Scottish landscape and are the nearest to Aberdeen. Crathes with its fairytale exterior, Drum, a gorgeous old tower, with Jacobean extensions and Dunnottar precariously perched 160’ above the raging North Sea. Ghosts, film sets and tales of old all await you on the wonderful Castle trail.

Staying in Aberdeen

Radisson’s Aberdeen Park Inn Hotel is nicely situated in the centre of the “Granite City” making exploration of the immediate area simple. Whether you choose to take the castle tour or follow the whisky trail you will find travel easy from the Park Inn.

The Aberdeen city centre based hotel has 185 brightly decorated rooms that contain all modern conveniences including a high-speed Internet connection. The Park Inn also has a Bar & Grill restaurant serving up a tasty selection on their menu and a health and fitness centre for keeping you in shape while you are on tour.

Not renowned for its surfing but as the rough Atlantic Ocean collides with the Irish coastline at this point it makes an ideal place to battle the waves. The mountains of the area also provide a great challenge for those who love to scale the heights and the limestone bedrock offers plenty of opportunities for those who like exploring below ground.

Travelling out into the ocean also provides ample chance for adventure with deep sea fishing trips a regular pastime and the chance to go diving underwater in the spectacular waters around the Galway coastline. Further fun can be had bobbing around on the rivers with a number of boating and canoe clubs active in the area, and along with bikes, horses, 4×4 vehicles, motorbikes and simply walking it makes sure that there are lots of ways to discover Galway.

Galway itself has plenty of places to visit, and with over 800 years worth of history one of the largest towns in Ireland has lots to tell.

Galway City Museum opened in 2006 besides the Spanish Arch and overlooking the River Corrib. The exhibitions stretch back to the pre-historic age, right up to the present day. There are details from Galway’s medieval history and contemporary painters to the days of the dance halls and tales of the First World War.

Galway Cathedral, Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas. This is a recent stone built cathedral only having been dedicated in 1965; however, it has a definite Renaissance look to it with a classic 145’ dome perched on top.

Dunsandle Castle not far from Galway is a magical castle that holds fun medieval tours in the summer months and an exciting Santa’s grotto at Christmas. It is a unique 15^th century castle with a number of architectural features not common to Irish castle construction.

Bridgets Garden, discover some tranquil time to yourself in this gorgeous Celtic green space, 20km from central Galway. The 11-acre natural woodland and meadows are criss crossed by a series of trails, an ancient hill fort and an Ogham tree. It provides a brilliant day out for kiddies.

Accommodation

The modern Radisson Blu’s city centre hotel with its waterside views of Galway Bay is the perfect holiday hideaway. Its 282 rooms are tastefully decorated and offer visitors a comfortable and spacious place to stay. Its proximity to the ocean makes its seafood restaurant with its locally caught produce an ideal destination for fine dining, while its lounges are the perfect spot to relax and unwind.

The following suggestions have been offered by the staff writer at Door2Tour who offer a  choice of package tours including theatre breaks, events packages, cruise holidays and air tours along with a range of coach holidays, coach trips and escorted tours.

Let’s get spiritual

If by chance you happen to be holidaying in Chiang Mai and would like to sample the spiritual side of things why not consider the amazing traditions of Thai life? Be warned though, this trip comes with a very early morning wake-up call but the delights of a Northern Thai breakfast should compensate for the lack of sleep! After breakfast, you will join the locals to offer food to the monks in a tradition that has been the heart of Thai life for centuries. Really ‘get down with the locals’ as you hop aboard a Songthaew (iconic public bus) and admire the scenery along the Suthep Road with a visit to a flea market at Kad Ton Payem. You can also gain a fabulous insight into Buddhism and Dharma at Wat U-Mong – an historic 600 year old temple famed for its colourful pagoda and underground tunnel. Here is your perfect opportunity to soak up the peaceful atmosphere and discover your spiritual being as you mingle with the monks, even take time out to chat to the abbot and learn more about Buddhism. Ever meditated before? Well here’s your opportunity to see how the professionals do it through some basic meditation training from the monks!

Join a walking tour

This is probably one of the best ways of discovering more about the destination you have chosen to visit. All tours usually come with an English-speaking guide to point out all the highlights that you simply won’t want to miss or wouldn’t normally spot if you stuck to the tourist trail. A popular walking tour is that of Nairobi where you can experience the bustling and vibrant atmosphere of this exotic city. Before you head off on your tour, there will be a brief introduction meeting with your Guide, you will then begin your walk through Uhuru Park in the heart of the city then wander past the parliament buildings, the Kenyatta Conference Centre and the August 7^th Memorial Park. You’ll find ample opportunities to mingle with the locals as you walk or take a bus tour through this amazing city and don’t forget to sample the local cuisine in one of the many cafes/restaurants in Nairobi – this is how you really get a taste of Kenya!

Get back to nature

There are a majority of breaks out there that allow you to be at one with nature with the most popular being an African Safari. However, why not consider destinations that are away from the usual tourist trail such as Borneo? Here’s your chance to explore a mystical land filled with exotic animals, ancient traditions, hot springs, tribal villages, loveable orang-utans and breath-taking views! Feeling energetic then climb Mount Kinabalu, watch sea turtles as they lay their eggs in the sand and learn about life in Borneo from the people that know it the best – so start getting friendly with the locals! Whilst here, don’t forget to get up early to witness the sun rise over Mount Kinabalu, believe us when we say this is an experience you will not want to miss. Soothe those aching muscles after your energetic climb with a relaxing dip in the Poring Hot Springs that are said to have curative properties for the skin. Delve deep into the jungle, hang up your hammocks and prepare for a spot of shut-eye beneath the starry sky. Whilst in the jungle you are likely to see crocodiles, macaques, orang-utans and proboscis monkeys. Why not complete your adventure with a night with the locals where you can practice your Malaysian and learn about their traditions.

Be amazed by history

Looking for a break that includes a bit of everything? Well, you can’t go wrong with a holiday to Peru where you’ll be taken on an exciting journey that  combines modern with ancient allowing you to explore lush jungles, huge lakes and harsh deserts among many other amazing sights. The major attraction in Lima is its well preserved historical centre and there’s plenty of opportunities for you to mingle with the locals. Pay a visit to the Ballestas Islands that are known as the “Galapagos Isles of Peru” and a haven for pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingoes, sea lions and penguins! Try out sand-boarding in Nazca and budding photographers will love to capture the sand dunes at their very best, not forgetting to visit the mysterious archaeological sites that are the Nazca Lines. Head out to the Colca Canyon and be amazed at how deep it is whilst trying to spot the resident Andean condors – the world’s largest flying bird. Whilst in Peru, you can’t leave without hiking the famous Inca Trail and discovering its history buried deep within the walls of lost cities. Complete your break by relaxing in thermal baths, dine on llama steak or listen to live Andean music.

On your weekend in Warsaw you can explore the many historical sightseeing opportunities in the city, as well as dine at excellent restaurants and enjoy the lively nightlife. Here are some ideas of what to do on a visit to Warsaw:

• Stroll through the Old Town or Stare Miasto area of the city. You will feel like you have taken a trip back in time when you spend a day walking through these cobblestone streets and old fashioned buildings.
  

  Central Warsaw

• Visit the Liberator plane, a relic from World War II which has been reconstructed and is on display at the Warsaw Rising Museum.
• Visit the Warsaw Zoo, with over five-thousand diverse species of animals, an aquarium, and a reptile house!
• Stroll through the romantic royal gardens of the Wilanow Palace and enjoy a picnic along the scenic walking paths. Afterwards, enjoy a hot chocolate at Cafe Wedel near the Palace.
• At the Center for Contemporary Art you can explore many beautiful modern artworks on display within an ancient castle.
• Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This monument contains the remains of a soldier from Poland who was killed in battle in the Ukraine. It also contains the actual soil from 38 different battlegrounds where Polish soldiers have fought.
• Check out the National Museum, where you can enjoy a wonderful collection of some of the most iconic sculptures and paintings of Poland.
• Relax in the forested green spaces of Saski Garden, one of the most beautiful parks in the city.
• Visit the Palace of Culture and Science, which is the tallest building in the country. The views from the top of the entire city are amazing.
• Shop for souvenirs in the local marketplace of the Old Town Square.
• Go on a vodka tasting tour to sample the many different varieties of this Eastern European spirit that are brewed here in Poland.

These are just a few of the many things that you do on a trip to Warsaw, Poland. When you are in Warsaw, choose a hotel with a convenient location such as the Radisson Blu Warsaw Centrum Hotel which is situated within walking distance of many major attractions and features luxurious rooms with Italian, Scandinavian and Maritime-themed decor.

Enjoy your weekend getaway soaking up the culture and history of Warsaw!

Nottingham Tourist Attractions

The castle is one such destination; this is a 17^th century rebuild of the original and while the grounds are pleasant and the cave tour great fun, many visitors find the museum a little disappointing. The Galleries of Justice is another tour that gets great reviews, an enjoyable, interactive museum that explains the penal system of the 14^th century. Kids especially love this museum, with lots of demonstrations really bringing the exhibits to life.

Another great experience is the role-playing that can be found at the Games Workshop Museum who are famous for their role-playing games and figures. The museum and theme pub proves popular with even those who are only mildly interested in the subject. The enthusiastic staff make the displays fun and the bar serves good value meals.

Historic Pubs

If you are looking for a historic place to grab some lunch then Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is ideal. Dating back to 1189, it is reputed to be the oldest working pub in Britain and now includes a small museum room in the back that is full of interesting historical artefacts and exhibits. This is a very atmospheric pub, which serves a decent pint and has a nice traditional bar menu. Also nearby you will find the large bronze statue of Robin Hood, standing at over 7’ tall he’s hard to miss.

Where to stay?

Radisson Park Inn hotel in Nottingham is marvelous for business and even better for tourists, within a mile of the city centre it gives visitors easy access to the main attractions. The 172 room hotel features its own RBG Bar & Grill, a relaxing health spa, pool and sauna, as well as on site car parking and 24 hour room service.

The Park Inn has eleven spacious business rooms for conferences and meetings and the whole hotel is WiFi connected for fast Internet use.

Getting there

Nottingham is served by mainline rail services and the M1 Motorway is only 10 km to the east of the city.  Air passengers can fly to Nottingham East Midlands Airport which is only 25 km away

Nottingham, along with its fabled history also has a nice selection of attractions for visitors, luscious parks and gardens, historic churches and a detailed lace-making story. It is a vibrant and exciting city with lots of attractions, delicious places to eat and plenty to see.

Perhaps start your day by paying a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral on the Île de la Cité, a gothic masterpiece in the very centre of the city with breathtaking atmosphere that won’t cost you a cent. Take a stroll along the quiet streets of the adjacent Île St Louis and head toward the magnificent Place des Vosges on the Right Bank. The buildings in this square have the most magnificent façades in the city, and, for a sneak peak inside, take a look in the Victor Hugo museum. Entrance is free, and even if you’re not a fan of Quasimodo’s creator the museum offers a wonderful view inside one of the square’s beautiful buildings.

Although many first-timers can’t resist taking the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll save euros by admiring the steel structure from below. The Eiffel Tower is not the only Paris landmark you can admire from the outside. Take a look at the Arc de Triomphe, the Concorde, the glass pyramid in the Louvre’s magnificent courtyard, and the fascinating façade of the Centre Pompidou for free.

If you just can’t resist those museums that require entrance fees, schedule your trip for the first Sunday of the month. Get up as early as possible and wear some comfortable shoes, because you will get free entrance to the Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay, the Centre Pompidou. Other museums offer reduced admission fees on Sundays.

If you are looking for a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city or if you are at all interested in history or architecture, there are churches and cathedrals throughout the city, most of which have no admission fees (with the notable exception of the magnificent Ste Chapelle with its glorious stained glass). And if all else fails, a stroll around the tiny streets of the Left Bank will keep you entertained with the mix of remarkably modern art galleries and antique shops specializing in everything from the Roman to the Renaissance.

Paris has for centuries been home to students and bohemians with little money to their name. In the 1920s Americans flooded the city to take advantage of the cheap accommodation and food. Things have changed, and now the city is haven for the rich and the chic; boutiques line the boulevards and attract only those with unlimited American Express accounts. But Paris still retains its bohemian charm, and you’ll find you don’t need a huge bank account to get to the heart of this beautiful city. There is nothing like a romantic stroll along the banks of the Seine at sunset to remind you that the best things in life, and indeed in Paris, are free.

Post submitted by Samet Bilir who writes about technology trends, digital camera reviews, and photography, such as SLR cameras 2012. To read more articles from him visit his website at chi-photography.

This is a historic site that has many attractions which include: the Arizona memorial and Visitor Center,  the Bowfin submarine and park, the Utah, and the stars of Honolulu among other things. The point is: there are lots of things to do and see in Pearl Harbor.

U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and Visit Center

This is a memorial site that was built in order to remember the U.S navy ship (Arizona) that was attached by the Japanese military on Dec 7 1941 killing about 2,433 Americans. The remains on the ship are still there and a memorial building is built on it. Special commemorative ceremonies are usually held here on every December  7th by the U.S Navy which is  a major attraction. The tour is very popular and hence the admissions are limited. Tickets are usually offered every day starting at 7.30am on first come first served basis.  During the summer months, space runs out very quickly.

U.S.S. Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park

This is a museum located next to the Arizona and named after the 1500-ton USS Bowfin submarine used in World War 2.This submarine is located within the museum. Several other submarines that were used during this second war form major attractions of the museum as well. The cost for adults is $8; children are charged $3 for admission .The museum is open daily and therefore you can visit the site any time you feel convenient.

U.S.S UTAH

This is another ship that was attacked during the raid and forms part of the attraction in this harbor. It’s located along the west Shore of Ford Island but the visits here are restricted.

Vacation opportunities

The main vacation opportunities include the Hawaii- Oahu specials and the Westin Hawaii Prince Hotel Hawakiki. The Oahu has great facilities at low, affordable prices in addition to prepaid tickets for the local attractions. On the other hand, the hotel Hawakiki is next to Ala Moana Beach Park. In addition, it offers wonderful guest accommodations as well as a comprehensive business center for business travelers.

Guest post from the team a  People Search – a great way to find other Pearl Harbor enthusiasts or even people who want to travel there. Other people can help you learn more about your vacation destination or can even travel there with you.

It gets worse when it comes to planning family holidays. Fear not, we have ideas! With the Easter holidays not that far away you might want to tie in an Easter theme with a visit to one of these majestic cathedrals:-

Sagrada Familia – Barcelona, Spain

Not only is this cathedral unfinished, no-one is sure when it will be completed. Designed by Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi, construction actually started in 1882 – yes, you read that right – and Gaudi himself died in 1926. Nominated as a World Heritage Site, it has also been consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI.  It’s one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist attractions. Barcelona itself of course has it all, art galleries, museums and architecture. You could do worse.

Seville Cathedral, Spain

If you prefer supersize, this Gothic cathedral is the place for you! It’s the largest medieval building of its kind, the largest Roman Catholic cathedral in the world and the world’s third biggest church.

Formally known as the Cathedral of St Mary of the See, even the altarpiece is the biggest on the planet. Shame about the nave, it’s only the largest in Spain.  Continuing the theme of cathedrals that took a long time to build, construction on this one commenced in 1402 on the site of an Almohad Mosque but wasn’t finished until the 16th century. History buffs can visit the tomb of Christopher Columbus here; his remains were transported from his original resting place of Havana in 1902.  Like Sagrada Cathedral it’s also a designated World Heritage Site. I couldn’t see it being outdone by its Barcelona rival, could you?

Notre Dame, Paris

Immortalised in the Victor Hugo novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, this is one of the world’s most famous cathedrals. Construction began in 1163 and it was eventually completed in 1345. I guess the builders never took any tips from the builders of new English housing estates! This stalwart cathedral survived both the raids of the Huguenots in the 16th century and the French Revolution in 1793, undergoing restoration several times.  Famous for its 28 statues of Judean Kings and its gargoyles and grotesques, this is a must-see for all the family. Psst!  While you’re in Paris you can always pull in Disneyland too, tell the kids it’s for them.

Salisbury Cathedral

If your budget limits you to a ‘staycation’ this year (times are tough!) Salisbury could be a great starting point. And what was I saying about English builders? This medieval English cathedral was completed in just 38 years, from 1220-1258. Don’t say I told you so. Joking apart, this fine building boasts the tallest spire in Britain (404 feet) although that was added sometime later. It’s also one of the few cathedrals built in the shape of a double cross. What’s more, the original Magna Carta can be seen in its Chapter House. PS, if you’re in the area, Stonehenge isn’t far away, another one for the kids of course.

St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican, Rome

Well, as we were talking about Easter it would be rude not to mention the Vatican. Standing on the site where Peter the Apostle (considered the first pope) was believed to be buried it is strictly speaking a church rather than a cathedral.  The basilica was constructed on the orders of Emperor Constantine in 324 AD and rebuilt by Michelangelo among other artistic greats in the 16th century. It’s considered to be one of the holiest places by Christians and the shrine to St Peter is the focal point of the whole church. Appropriate for Easter don’t you think? And with the biggest dome in the world it puts even Seville’s cathedral to shame.

There are lots of options to keep family holidays happy, from adventure trips and walking holidays  to sailing holidays and camping trips. The biggest difficulty you’ll face is getting the whole family to agree on which one to go for. Good luck!

Kate Smedley regularly looks for family holidays to keep everyone happy!

Gurning competitions, worm charming and that strangest activity of all, morris dancing. My hitherto normal neighbor is going cheese rolling in the spring. Cheese rolling? I thought a cheese roll was something you had for lunch? Wrong again!

I’ve had enough of these strange British habits, it’s adventure holidays across the pond this year. Plenty of options to find sanity. Or so I thought. Our American cousins aren’t all that normal either. Take a look at these festivals and you’ll see what I mean.

St Stupid’s Day, San Francisco

The 34th annual festival of St Stupid will take place as always on 1st April. Founded by Ed Holmes – otherwise known as Bishop Joey of the First Church of the Last Laugh  - I am not making this up – this annual festival parades through the streets of San Francisco (wasn’t that an old TV series starring Peter Falk?!) Participants are encouraged to dress up in the most ridiculous costumes they can think of.

Think jester, think bubble suit, think doggie diners… think daft! If it sounds ideal for you, learn a bit of ‘stupid speak’ first, then see a doctor.  Practice the Sayings of Stupid until they trip off your tongue ‘The Tree of Life is full of limbs’, ‘so far, so what’ and ‘how time flies when you’re the janitor’. Off you go, have fun!

Headless Chicken Festival, Colorado

Never mind the perpetual rooster/Peter Griffin fights in the TV series Family Guy. If Peter Griffin had encountered the rooster who inspired this annual festival, he’d be toast. Or barbequed chicken.

Mike (yes, Mike) the Chicken’s story takes us back to September 10th 1945. Fred Olsen was dispatched by his wife Clara to find a rooster suitable for her mother-in-law’s dinner and duly decapitated Mike. Except Mike didn’t die. Headless Mike survived for another 18 months due to some bizarre twist of fate that meant his jugular vein wasn’t severed and most of his brain remained in his body – and most of his head remained in a jar. Mike flourished and lived out his life happily, feted wherever he went. In May every year, thousands flock to the annual chicken festival held in his name.  From chicken dances to 5k ‘Run Like a Headless Chicken’ races Mike’s indomitable spirit lives on! Let’s head out there! Er, see what I did there?!

Frozen Dead Guy Days, Colorado

Staying in Colorado and on the theme of things that aren’t properly dead, this festival celebrates the continual cryogenic freezing of one Norwegian Bredo Morstoel who died in 1989. To cut a long story short, Bredo wasn’t buried, he was frozen. After a four year stay packed in liquid nitrogen in California, Bredo reached his current resting place in Nederland, Colorado, close to his family. His sarcophagus is lovingly tended to every month by a group of volunteers. These ‘ice men’ pack him safely in 1600 pounds of dry ice until the science of cryonics catches up with him. Every year, in his honour, the people of Nederland celebrate with a weekend of coffin racing, brain freeze contents, the parade of hearses, the frozen salmon toss and many other weird and wonderful activities to wish Bredo happy – er – almost dead-day.

Testicle Festivals

This was enough to end my search for weird and wonderful festivals Stateside. Starting with the famous Testicle Festival of Montana, these things are everywhere, from Illinois to Montana to California and beyond. It’s a growing trend to spend a weekend eating the aforesaid items, normally previously attached to bulls. Enough already!

Guest post form Kate Smedley who concluded: “While I’m pondering my holiday choice I’ve decided if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. I’m off bog snorkeling in the not too distant future. Well, come on, it could be worse. Somehow I get the feeling I might be looking through the singles holidays websites instead of the adventure holidays travel websites sometime so.