holiday cottages in Wales

A Guide to Conwy Castle, North Wales

A visit to Conwy would just not be complete without checking out what is perhaps the medieval town’s main sightseeing attraction, that being Conwy Castle, but in order for you to make the most out of your visit and enjoy the best possible experience of Conwy Castle, there is some information which could come in handy.

Getting into Conwy

The best form of accommodation you can select for your stay in Conwy would perhaps be a holiday cottage, quite simply because it’ll probably have you staying in a residential building with all the charm and character of the Conwy architecture, while at the same time offering you inclusive views of Conwy Castle, something which likely comes with quick and easy access to the Castle where you could probably walk. All of that is available to you once you’ve gotten into the town, which is straight-forward enough, given the fact that two major airports are each just over an hour’s drive in Liverpool and Manchester.

You can also get into Conwy by train, which you can catch with no problems at all from the UK’s major cities. Entering by road or train is an experience in itself as there are many sights to see, a lot of which form part of a rather popular North Wales road trip itinerary which typically starts out in Snowdonia and then works its way through Portmeirion and the Llyn Peninsula, finally terminating at Conwy.

Visiting the Castle

Operating times vary according to the seasons and the full operating times roster is always available from the Conwy Castle administration, but as at this very moment in time, any visitors to the Castle would have their visits falling within the schedule set out for the period running from 1 September to 31 October. The Castle is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm, with the last admissions accepted 30 minutes prior to the closing time.

The costs to get in include an admission fee of £8.95 for adults, while children (under 16), students and senior citizens pay £5.80 to enter. Disabled people along with their companions get free admission, so too children under five years of age and there is a family package which amounts to £26.60 allowing admission for two adults and up to three children under the age of 16 years.

No dogs allowed, unfortunately, except for assistance dogs. Conwy Castle is a no-smoking zone and there is a toilet available on-site for visitors with limited mobility and disability.

If you’re going to be staying long, there is safe car parking outside the Town Walls, otherwise, short-stay visitors can pay for parking just outside the visitor centre.

Restrooms are situated on the visitor centre’s lower level, fully equipped with baby change facilities while the mobile signal is fair.

Enjoy the breathtaking views from the battlements, offering a good sighting of the mountains and the sea, as well as the castle’s 125ft Great Hall shell (with no roof), accounting for the most popular vantage point from which visitors enjoy views of the castle itself and its beautiful surroundings.

Where to Stay

North Wales is home to lots of great holiday accommodation, from hotels to campsites to holiday cottages.

iKnow UK has a great guide on where to stay and what to see, go and check them out!

How I Traveled Throughout Europe while Maintaining my Website

My Diet Website Stayed In Shape While I Traveled Through Europe

I’ve always been a health-conscious person. I try to eat right and watch my weight. A few years ago, I decided to share my knowledge with the world and start my own website. The site would be about healthy topics such as diet, food and exercise. I decided to use the WordPress platform as it seemed to be very intuitive. I’ve been using it for a couple years now and really enjoy all that it offers. However, I was unsure how I was going to keep up with my website when I decided to spend three months traveling through a few countries in Europe. Fortunately, I came across a great website management company that specialized in website maintenance and WordPress management for website owners just like me. Here’s my story on how they helped me during my travels.

What About Content?

I perform most of my own content writing since it is very important to me. I understand that content marketing is a large part of Google’s algorithm. I always try to include plenty of images and text so that my readers can enjoy the articles that I write. I was unsure how I was going to handle content updates as I traveled through Europe. Then I found a website management company that would help with the creation and management of my content. They worked with me during my travels to fill in the blanks while I was off sightseeing. They helped plan topics and content strategy that would help keep my website up to date. It really helped having them create, edit and optimize content for my website.

Updating The WordPress Platform

Another challenge that I faced when I decided to travel through Europe involved keeping my WordPress website up to date. I usually handle this at home as I have everything on my desktop computer and can easily login at any time to perform updates when they are required by WordPress. I knew that I would be hiking in remote parts of Italy and would not be able to perform these updates when they would be required. By using a WordPress management company, all the updates were flawlessly put into place when I was out exploring the world.

Monitoring For Problems

One of the things that really freak me out is the possibility of having my website hacked. It happened once before, and it took me a long time to discover where the problem was and find a remedy. Fortunately, I sought out a WordPress maintenance and security team, Team WP Sekure, helped me solve the problem and got my website back up and running. I knew that my friend would not be able to help me this time if my site was attacked. The best option would be to use a website management company that could handle any problems if they occurred. Wouldn’t you know it — my website was hacked due to vulnerability in an old theme that was still placed in my main directory. This problem was solved by the company that I hired and was quickly remedied so my readers could keep abreast of content updates.

I’m really glad that I decided to use a website maintenance company to help me out with my website while I visited Italy, France and Germany. Their WordPress management skills were top-notch and saved the day.

hotel in York, iknow-UK

Budget York Holidays

The first priority of budget travellers out on a budget trip is to know the amount of money he has at hand. Knowing the amount of budget in one’s hand not only helps in cutting down expenses but also helps in planning the trip in the best way possible. The number of people down to York for tourist purposes has been on a steady rise.

For people coming to England and looking to travel to York, especially on a budget trip there are plenty of do’s and don’t’s. Here are some of them, which might be necessary Do’s or Don’ts for you:

  1. Try not to book in a York hotel if you have a low budget. A hostel would suffice for your purpose. They are way cheaper than a hotel and coupled with breakfast there, can significantly bring down your expenses.
  2. Having your lunch and dinner at pubs can work for your benefit. They are cheaper than restaurants and can cut down on your expense bill. Though there are always deals for tourists in the restaurants, but finding them is the challenge. Triptromp has solved this challenge for tourists.
  3. Do not take a travel guide unnecessarily. Most of the tourist attractions in England have self-guided tours and you would not need another guide to accompany you. Moreover, tourist guides are expensive and should only be hired when you really want to know something, like a historical site.
  4. Do great research on the fare tickets to book one with the cheapest airfare. Try to book with the airline website themselves, as the fee for cancellation would then be minimal. Third-party websites do not always offer this flexibility, but Triptromp does.!

Road trips

For those having a desire to embark on a road trip while in England, it would be worthy to note that according to rules, if you wanted to rent or drive a car in England, you would need a state issued driver’s license. Greece people and Italians though, can drive all the way from their country to England. Also, to keep a note is the fact that unlike American cities, cities in England do not have the grid-like appearance and it may be pretty difficult to navigate through the streets without a proper detailed road map.

Find out more about how to make the most of your York holiday here:

http://www.iknow-uk.com/article/ultimate_guide_to_york

The Highway Code is also an essential read as well as other laws related to driving. Do at least have a cursory glance through them as you might find it uncommon that the British drive on the left side of the road and that it necessitates passing on the right (these would be especially uncomfortable to US people in England, as they are accustomed to driving on the left side of the car on the left side of the road). It would be a good idea to have your own medical insurance too, especially as you would be roaming around a lot.

Also, if your stay in England is more than a month, you might just consider yourself buying a car! Crazy as it might sound, it actually saves costs! A car comes from as little as a £1000 whereas if you rent a car for a month, you might even have to shell out around £2500.

Outdoor Gyms are Becoming More Popular! Perfect for Travellers

Travelling is an exciting and enjoyable pursuit, and there are many wonderful and diverse countries to visit. For instance, the wonderfully evocative cities of London and Paris, for example, have much to offer in terms of cultural attractions, great food, and thriving, lively bars, while Rome is one of the most amazing and historic cities anywhere in the world. With countries such as Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria now becoming popular with visitors there is much to find across the World.

If you are a keep fit fan who is travelling, you will want to keep up at least a part of your routine. It is all too easy to become lazy and complacent when you are not at home, but it really is something you should try not to do. You may find that you put weight on quickly when enjoying different food, and long train or aeroplane journeys can mean you don’t get enough exercise, so being able to take some time out and perform your regular exercises is a valuable asset. The problem is, where do you do it?

Find the Best Outdoor Gym

If you are staying in a hotel, you may be offered the use of a gym. This can be a great way of keeping fit, but it’s not always included in the price. However, what is interesting is that outdoor gyms are becoming more prevalent. Outdoor gym equipment is appearing in public parks and other open spaces, and these are the ideal places to get your routines in when you have limited time. The commendable aspect of these gyms is their cleanliness. These facilities are often made spotless by opting for green commercial cleaning services in Fairfield, NJ or in other locations. Green cleaning services often prioritize environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, using non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning agents that pose minimal harm to both individuals and the ecosystem.

The typical outdoor gym will not include complex machinery and equipment, but simple and usable stuff that is ideal for a quick exercise routine. You will certainly find it includes an outdoor pull up bar which is one of the most versatile of all gym equipment, and you can perform a variety of chin ups, pull ups and more, all in the outdoors, and all are very sensible exercises for someone on the move who wants to keep fit. If you’re more into game-based workouts, and you have the company to play with, maybe try something more like a portable basketball hoop to help you get fit while having fun. It’s often a lot easier to work out if you actually enjoy the process of it.

The Outdoor Exercise Station

Enjoying your outdoor exercising is part of the deal, and wherever you are in the world, you will find that you are sharing the space with like-minded travellers who are looking to keep fit while they are on the move. You might even meet people who are heading your way, so may pick up new companions for the next part of your journey. For the most part, however, it’s about keeping your fitness trim and ready for the road, as you never know when you might have to show your true stamina!

So, wherever you are heading check in advance for the nearest outdoor gym, and make sure you eat healthily and enjoy your journey to the full.

Why You Should Visit Vietnam Now!

Some countries simply demand to be explored; Vietnam, with its diverse culture, glorious landscapes, stunning beaches and magnificent, vibrant cities, ranks among the best. What is it about this wonderful South-East Asian country that makes it so special? It’s all of the above and more – plus the fact the majority of Vietnam remains untouched and undeveloped and remains as it has been for centuries.

Yet to be overrun by tourists – in fact, until quite recently it would not have made a list of even possible places to visit – Vietnam is an experience like no other. The cities and towns offer you the chance to visit excellent restaurants and sample the local cuisine – seafood is a staple part of the diet, so if that is up your street you simply must go – while the amazing countryside offers a diverse and always beautiful selection of sights and scenes. Then there’s the history of the place – both ancient and recent – which is documented in some fascinating and compelling museums that are certainly worth visiting.

In case you are bothered by the thought that you might not be able to find great accommodation just because some parts are undeveloped, then you are absolutely wrong. You can find many hostels and hotels in the city center, as well as plenty of Airbnb options. If you are looking for something premium, you can also check out resorts like 베트남빈펄 (Vinpearl Vietnam). Moreover, there are also plenty of camping sites available for those who prefer the outdoors. So, book your tickets, pack the bags, and get ready to fly to this peaceful and serene country, and enjoy a few days away from the hustle and bustle of your city life.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

I want to tell you about the two main cities in Vietnam – Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. The thing is, they are both must-see places, but as different as could be. Hanoi, in the north, is a wonderful place; it offers a real opportunity to experience the old and the new of Vietnam, and the Old Quarter is simply one of the most wonderful, charming and friendly places in the world. Colourful and welcoming, there is plenty to see and do in Hanoi, and it comes highly recommended by me.

Ho Chi Minh City – formerly Saigon, and now named after the former Prime Minister who remains an icon of the country – is a bustling, lively, whirlwind of a place. You won’t find many cities as exciting and busy as this one, and yet it resonates with history and is certainly intoxicating. You can stay in anything from top-class hotels to cheap guest houses, and east in a choice of street cafes or classy restaurants – the choice is yours, but I urge you not to miss it.

Travelling in Vietnam

It is worth remembering that much of Vietnam remains undeveloped, so if you are travelling, prepare for road surfaces that are not as smooth as you are used to at home! The most popular method of travel in Vietnam is by motorcycle, and I recommend you hire one for the duration if you are planning to explore the country properly. You should check out Tigit Motorbikes, who have depots in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang where you can pick up and return your bike, and you will find their rates to be excellent, and their guarantees of reliability to be reassuring.

There really is every reason to visit this wonderful, enticing and exciting country now, before the crowds begin to flood in. It will leave you with memories you will never forget, so book your trip now, and look forward to finding out about Vietnam – a country like no other.

How to make Money while Travelling in Europe

Travelling in Europe and working at the same time can be very rewarding. Not only can you make extra money, but also enjoy your travelling experience than most people do. With Wi-Fi and the right tools of trade, working with a laptop can be convenient. Below are some of the areas you can venture into.

Online Freelancing

With technological advancement today, it is now possible for companies to hire freelancers from all parts of the world. For instance, if there is a company looking for a travel article about Europe, the chances are that they will hire a writer who has some experience with the location. It means that you have a lot of opportunities to exercise your skills and earn extra money. You may have skills ideal for online work such as copywriting, web design, or even social media consulting, and these can be great money-makers for you. The hours of engagement will depend on your niche, skills, and the amount of work available. Moreover, when you are not traveling, you can still continue working from home as a freelancer. You may need a small home office setup with basic requirements like an office desk, ergonomic chair, storage cabinets, computer system, printer, etc. Such items can be obtained online from suppliers like office monster for a simple personal office arrangement.

Blogging

This is more of a long-term solution since blogs tend not to create incomes immediately. Some blogs go for up to a year without earning anything. However, if you believe you have great work ethics and are passionate about a certain subject you would like to explore, a blog is the perfect platform for you. When staging a blog for sustainable income, you must have dedication. You must have the ability to manage it, stick to deadlines, follow a schedule, be very creative and write passionately. The much you earn is dependent on how you monetise the platform, the amount of work put in and your type of blog.

Invest in the main Asset Classes

Online trading is so far the leading platform for earning while travelling in Europe because you only need internet access and a laptop. Asset classes are a group of investments that have the same characteristics. You can only succeed by building a portfolio that demonstrates a good balance of the main asset classes, including bonds, equities and cash. Striking a good balance allows you to manage your risk and secure great returns.

Invest in CFD

Equities are great investment platforms because they tend to offer income opportunities and expose the investor to many sectors that offer growth and diversity. Owning equity in a company that has growth potential means you benefit from capital gains after the assets grow in value. Equities include mutual funds, CFDs and stocks. When you purchase a stock, for instance, you own a part of a company and get the chance to grow your returns as the business improves. Because stocks are extremely volatile, they are the riskiest in this category, and it is common for them to lose 50 percent of their value. This is the single-most important reason to research carefully on the best stocks to invest in, not forgetting to pay close attention to what CMC Markets has to say about such vehicles.

Invest in Bonds

Unlike stocks, bonds are less risky. They more of represent debts, meaning that when you purchase a bond, you lend money to a bond issuer and get a certificate for it. The cheapest way to purchase them is through ETF bonds as they are available at low rates. In fact, investing in bonds creates a balanced portfolio, calms volatility and strengthens diversification.

Day Trading

When it comes to day trading, there are many techniques that can be applied. You can find the best fit for you by researching on the different avenues available, including regular stocks, options, futures, forex and penny stocks. You can choose to be a swing trader where you are free to hold a position for long periods. It is very important for you to identify an avenue that is comfortable for and then look for the right strategy to approach your trading. What is important is to choose an approach that suits your preferences and lifestyle. You also need to have the understanding of charting and technical trading. Since day trading does not require full-time attention, it is always a viable option for travellers.

These are the most common and promising ways to earn while you travel to Europe. However, there are many more options available for you; it only requires a little research. Doing it right gives you the chance to make good money within a short period.

5 Reasons to Visit Manchester Right Now

Manchester is one of the UK’s most important cities from an economic perspective. And the city is home to plenty of famous faces, while many others have studied there. But if you’re planning a trip to Europe, the local economy and its famous alumni might not be top of your list when deciding which cities to stop off at. So just what is it about Manchester that means this city should be well up there on your list of must see spots?

  1. Sports Teams

Love sport? Then Manchester has you covered. As well as two of the biggest football teams in the country (Manchester United and Manchester City), the city has a rugby union team (Sale Sharks), there are several nearby rugby league teams and plenty of options for other sports too.

So soak up the sporting atmosphere while on your visit.

2. The Music

Famous Manchester bands include Oasis, the Smithes, Stone Roses, the Chemical Brothers and Inspiral Carpets. And that’s just a handful. There are plenty of clubs around the city that celebrate Manchester’s iconic music heritage so you can enjoy it too.

3. The Architecture

Manchester is a great city for sightseers. Walking around the city itself, you see a phenomenal mixture of old and new architecture. The red bricks of the Northern Quarter, the big glass fronted buildings of recent years and the victorian mills make Manchester a mixing pot in architectural terms. It’s great to walk around the city and enjoy the buildings.

Check out some of the buildings in this Flickr album.

4. Culture

Museums and art galleries are in huge supply in Manchester. The Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester Art Gallery, and the Imperial War Museum North are amongst over a dozen museums you can enjoy. The free entry option available to tourists is really enticing. What’s more? There are plenty of other sightseeing spots in Manchester, like Castlefield Viaduct, The Quays, the Gay Village, and Victoria Baths. All of these can offer you insights into the culture and traditions of Manchester. With a plethora of transportation options available, getting around from one place to another becomes incredibly convenient. From taxis to coach hire manchester, you have abundant choices that can cater to the size of your travel group and personal preferences.

5. The Nightlife

Manchester’s nightlife is massively varied. From the hip bars of the Northern Quarter to the trendy cocktails of Spinningfields and the indie clubs that have been part of the city’s fabric for years – there is a bar, club, restaurant or theatre to meet all tastes.

And guess what? A night out in Manchester will typically set you back just a fraction of cost of a night out in London.

So go on. Get Manchester on your list and pay us a visit. Friendly people, great nightlife and plenty of culture await you. Unfortunately, great weather is not guaranteed (or likely!) though! Bring your umbrella!

10 Steps to Plan the Perfect Vacation in 2017

There are two things you need to keep in mind if you want to have a great vacation: plan and execution. When it comes to execution, things often tend to take unexpected turns, but the more time you spend in the planning stage, the less likely you are to make a crucial oversight. You may not be able to think of everything at once, which is why you need to start making a list as soon as possible. Here are few ideas about the things you should include in your planning.

1. Decide on the Destination

The first thing you need to do is plan your destination. Think of a place you have always wanted to visit and think about making your dream come true this year. Seeing how the success of the trip depends on your personal disposition, you may want to do some research about this particular destination and what it has to offer in terms of accommodation and entertainment.

2. Set the Date

You also need to learn a thing or two about the local climate conditions and the best time to travel. Going mid-season may be extremely expensive, but going off-season can prevent you from fully enjoying all the beauties of your desired location.

3. Plan Your Route

After you have done your research on your target location(s), you need to think about the mode of transport and places you intend to visit when you arrive. If you are planning long international trips, you might want to consider renting a private jet (if required, see how much does it cost to charter a private jet?) that can easily take you around, saving you a lot of layover/flight transfer time. Whichever mode of transport you choose, ensure that it covers all your travel requirements.

4. Plan Your Budget

Speaking of budget, you need to decide on the greatest amount of money you would be willing to spend on this excursion. There are many things you need to pay for, like transportation (airplane, train, gas, and taxi services when you arrive), the hotel rooms, the restaurants, and tickets to concerts and museums. The more money you have, the more options you will have, but this doesn’t mean you should indebt yourself simply so you can go on a trip.

5. Browse for Offers

The content of the offer is not the only thing that determines its price. Different agencies will often have different offers, so it might be worth your while to check out more than a few sources before you set your mind on anything in particular. Moreover, the method of payment is as important as the price itself. For example,one of your options are layby holidays, which can be booked with an affordable deposit and then gradually paid off.

6. Pack Adequately

Another thing you should think about is packing adequately. Keep in mind that the season in your home town may not be the same as the one at your target destination (especially if you are visiting a different hemisphere). This makes things a bit more difficult, but with some research it should not be a big problem.

7. Get a Passport

In order to make an international trip you will need a passport. The process of getting one isn’t complicated, but in case of making a family trip, you will have to go through the same process for your children as well. This is why it is recommended that you start getting all the necessary documentation in advance.

8. Get the Necessary Permits

Some regions are not accessible to tourists unless they have a special permit. Examples of this are the Aboriginal territories in Australia, and some national parks. To visit them you need special permits, and seeing how there is usually a long waiting line,this too is best done in time.

9. Plan the Voyage

Flying, driving, or being on the train for hours, can be extremely boring and exhausting, which is why you need to plan what to do during the voyage itself. On a plane, you can read, listen to an audiobook, or watch something on your laptop. However, if you are traveling with kids, you need to find a way to keep them entertained as well, which usually means coming up with some interesting road trip games.

10. Safety Comes First

Keep in mind that your safety always comes first, which is why you should read a bit about the neighborhood when you look for the accommodation. Avoid going to a holiday near a warzone or a location with a high crime rate. Finally, get inoculated against local illnesses and always bring along a first aid kit.

Conclusion

With any plan, there are so many things that can go wrong. Nevertheless, by starting to plan your trip in time, you have a great chance of averting most vacation-related hazards. Finally, having everything figured out doesn’t mean your trip won’t have any spontaneous moments. It only means you will be able to focus on all the fun aspects of it rather than worry about mundane problems.