Archive for October, 2011

Costa Blanca Holidays Measure Up To Great Expectations

October 28th, 2011

With its potent mix of sun, sassy nightlife and delightful hospitality, the Costa Blanca is hot stuff this holiday season. Here the term beach culture is firmly engrained in the vocabulary of tourist and local alike. The region’s natural beauty has attracted discerning travellers for centuries and it continues to garner a reputation for top quality hotels, excellent hospitality, golden sands and perfect sunsets. The additional ingredient to this winning formula is of course a vivacious nightlife. Costa Blanca holidays have it all in spades.

Spain has been attracting holidaymakers for decades with its potent mix of party atmosphere and natural charm. Savvy shoppers can find some great holiday deals at the moment and this region is definitely one to watch for a bargain. Spain’s ‘White Coast’ stretches languorously south from the bustling city of Valencia and boasts Benidorm and Alicante as key resorts.

Earthly delights in Alicante
Forming the centrepiece of Costa Blanca holidays for local connoisseurs, Alicante is an elegant and discerning choice for foreign tourists too. It is a traditional Mediterranean beauty with a historic centre, wide esplanades and a relaxed street life of pavement cafes.

This city is famous for its rice dishes and an evening meal is particularly tasty at restaurant Darsena in the port area. This local’s favourite has been serving up ‘caldero’, the Alicante version of paella, since the 1950s and there is a good reason they are still at it.

In town, many restaurants clustered around the ‘ayuntamiento’ or town hall offer good deals on Spanish favourites. For a stylish alternative to the local eatery, head to Calle San Fernando and check out some of the most fashionable haunts in the city. La Taberna del Gourmet is one of the most attractively appointed interiors and has a creative array of tapas dishes. Then there is Monastrell, which has a minimalist décor and serves an upmarket Spanish menu to a discerning crowd.

After dark, there is lots of fun to be had in the old town area of El Barrio. After midnight head to Z Klub on Plaza Gabriel Miro. Here you can dance the night away to life-preserving club tunes. If you want a place that blends the aspirational with the kitsch, make a beeline for Celestial Copas on Calle San Pascua and flirt with the pretty people.

Basking in Benidorm
After a hard day’s sunbathing on Benidorm’s famed beaches, kick back in one of the town’s lively restaurants and bars. If you like your meal freshly caught, Posada del Mar on Paseo Colon is where you can enjoy top-notch seafood with sophisticated holiday surroundings to boot.

Coming To Tbilisi

October 24th, 2011

Tbilisi Airport is a modern, efficient aerodrome with excellent connections from Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. The national flagship carrier Airzena connects Tbilisi with many major European cities. But flights to Tbilisi are also offered by several European network carriers. Lufthansa, Turkish Airways and several other airlines connect Tbilisi with the whole world through their vast networks.

Budget airlines like Air Baltic and Pegasus also offer connections from many cities in Europe for low rates starting at 200 Euro per round trip. A taxi fare from Tbilisi Airport to the city costs around 12 Euro. Cheaper options to the city center include a railway link and the public bus.

Railway connections to Batumi, Kutaisi, and Borjomi and many other cities in Georgia are available. International trains are going to Tbilisi from Yerevan and Baku. A lot of regional and international destinations can also easily and economically accessed by buses.

Tbilisi is a good base for day trips, as many famous places are located within short distance. The famous rock monastery Davit Gareja, the cave city Uplistsikhe and the Stalin Museum in Gori can easily be covered by day trips. Local tour operators’ offer guided tours for economic rates. If three or four people are sharing the cost, it is also feasible to hire a taxi.

Hotels in Tbilisi includes a big choice of different places in all kinds of styles and categories. High end hotels in Tbilisi, like the Sheraton Metekhi Palace, the Radisson Blu Iveria, or the Marriott feature all amenities one can wish for. They include swimming pools, restaurants, fitness areas and banks and can help to organize day trips or rental cars. With conference rooms included, these hotels are the perfect place for business travelers.

The choice of mid range and budget places is big, with a constantly growing number. Prices for the high end hotels begin at 200 USD per room. Rooms in economic hotels in the city center can already be found for 35 USD, but 50-100 USD is reasonable for a mid range hotel. Most of these places have their own websites and are also featured in booking engines, making it easy to get detailed information and to book ahead.

Hostels in Tbilisi are an economic option for backpackers and other travelers on a small budget. Often, hostels are located in small charming buildings within the city center. It is possible to spend the night for as little as 10 USD in a hostel. They are usually equipped with a kitchen and a common room and are therefore a good place to get in contact with fellow travelers.

Apartments in Tbilisi are another interesting option for travelers. Especially when staying for an extended period, it is more economical to rent an apartment compared to staying in a hotel. An apartment gives more freedom by being able to cater independently and to invite guests. It is also attractive for families with children, who need more than one bedroom while still living together in the same place. There are several agencies on the internet that also rent out apartments on a daily basis.