England

London Hotels for the Budget Traveler Despite it being one of the most expensive cities to visit and live in, London still remains a sought after travel destination for a myriad of reasons. And if it gives you any comfort, the capital is actually number 12 on the list of the top 20 cities to visit around the world, so whether you are a budget or luxe traveler, London will welcome you with open arms. If you’re planning on visiting this beautiful city and are still looking for a place to stay, here are three hotels you might be interested in: Hotel 55 – £65 per night Although cheaper than most international chains in the area, boutique hotels in the capital are generally pricey, but there are a few exceptions. Over in Hanger Lane is a minimalistically designed accommodation, a contemporary hotel situated in the suburbs. Here they have 26 cozy, air conditioned bedrooms, with several in-room amenities. And if you’ve got a sensitive back, know that you’ll fall asleep in comfort with high thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and an orthopedic mattress. The Hoxton – £69 per night A dream come true for those on a tight budget, The Hoxton on Great Eastern Street is known for its occasional £1 room sales, which usually sell out after a few minutes. Nonetheless, the regular rates are still within an affordable price range. With services like mini breakfast delivered to your room, they’re all about being more than just a place to sleep. It’s a place of work and play, engaging their guests with hotel neighbors through events. As part of the Soho House Group, you’ll also have plenty of bar and dining options where you can hang alongside the locals. Hotel Ibis London Heathrow Airport – £55 per night Good …

TRAVELLING IN EUROPE IS CHEAP – SAID NO ONE And we wonder why! Let us guess – you have worked for a few years now, saved up on some cash (may be just a lac) and browsed through Lonely Planet and Tripadvisor to prepare yourself forthat epic Eurotrip! You totally deserve that sabbatical and the holidays – but not the way the world sells it to you! Let us give you some protips and a sample of what your trip could look like and also the least it could cost. Protip No. 1 – read up on parts of Europe that you do not hear about! Yes, Europe is more than the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Red Light district in Amsterdam, Oktoberfest in Munich, Vatican City, Snowy peak experiences in Switzerland! There are parts of Europe which have much more to offer – the underrated, underground and way more beautiful places at half the prices. So what are we talking about? We are talking about – Ruin Bars in Budapest (Hungary), the lake island experience in Bled and Vintgar Gorge (Slovenia), the castles in Bratislava (Slovakia), the Volksfest (Wassen) in Stuttgart (Germany), the river Duoroin Porto (Portugal) and much more! Not convinced? Have a look at the pictures below This was clicked at Kuplung(Budapest, Hungary) during one of our many Eurotrips! There is whole underground vibe to this place and unimaginable colors of drinks at the bar counter! Strike a conversation with the people sitting on the next table – you will be surprised to find how much people travel and how many of them love India! We discovered this place with the help of our very pretty Barparade guide Dory! Barparades are awesome – for about 8 Euros a person you get free shots (Tequila / Jagermeister / the …

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Travel File No. 5: Borough Market Where do you go for your purchase in London if you are food fashionista? For fashionable gourmet local and international produce – the chefs, the restaurateurs and the gourmands endorse the Borough Market. In the heart of London, a stone’s throw from London Bridge station is one of Britain’s  most famous and renowned food market. It is a sprawling affair offering exciting local and exotic gourmet produce, a foodie’s haven, the say, a place for anyone who cares about the quality of the food they eat. Filled with amateur cooks and professional, or those who simply just happen to love eating throng its halls filled with aromas, taste and colours. The market itself is steeped in History. Existing on the borough high street since the 13th century, it was closed down in 1755 by the parliament. But a group of local residents raised money to buy a patch of land and reopened the market. The present buildings were designed in 1851. But it was in the 1990’s that the market is said to have begun its retail transformation. Stallholders come to trade at the market from different parts of the UK.Traditional European products are also imported and sold here. Produce sold here includes fresh fruit and vegetables, fine cheeses, oils, spices and seasonings, fresh and cured meats, sea food, freshly baked bread, confectionary,  and pastries. There is also a wide variety of cooked food on sale.With 160 market businesses – farmers, bakers,  selling their produce, it is said to be Britain’s answer to famous European markets like the Bocqueria in Barcelona or the Marche Bastille in Paris. Borough Market has become a fashionable place to buy food, glamourised by the British media, chefs and movies that shopped and shot here. All this media attention has created …

Snowdon Mountain Railways was officially opened on 6th April 1896. Today, it is a major tourist pull attracting people keen for an experience of riding on a train to get to the highest peak in England and Wales. Here are some shots of the train against the spectacular views of the Snowdonia National park. For train timings and prices check the official Snowdon Mountain Railways website: http://www.snowdonrailway.co.uk/times_prices.php Snowdon Mountain Railway station is located in Llanberis on the A4086 T First train leaves Llanberis at 09.00 am with later trains running at frequent intervals subject to customer demand.  During peak time the train could run at half hourly frequency. The train travels 4.7 miles. A return ticket allows for an approximate 30 minute stop at the summit before returning on the same train. Hafod Eryri is the Visitor Centre at the Summit. The centre has a refreshment area offering a selection of snacks and drinks Adult return fare is ￡25 from Llanberis to Summit The trains run from May to October   The train is a single track line and brings back the old world feel

Here is what I did It was a surprise find as I went out on a drive with my family. However, this is one of those places which do not have a stark presence on a tourist map and is solely for the viewing pleasure of those residing in the nearby towns which makes the place special. I spent a couple of hours and took some great pictures of an evening well spent. Clad in green, the Sandstone cliff on the West Bay beach   West Bay is a sea side resort close to the ‘market town’ of Bridport located in West Dorset. It is situated at the Western end of the Chesil beach. I visited what is known as the ‘East Beach’ south of the Bridport harbour. The beach itself is a very fine shingle ridged beach.   The West bay beach is formed of fine shingle and sand. The beach is best locations to find fossils on the Jurassic coastline It seemed like a quiet place even in the month of July although it is said to be popular amongst tourists. There was a RV park close for those interested in camping holidays. There are a plenty of fast food places around the harbour and no dearth of hearty fish and chips. West Bay and surrounding  area offers great coastal walks The beach itself lies on what is called the Jurassic Coast which stretches between the Dorset and East Devon coast. And it is part of the area recognized as ‘area of outstanding natural beauty’. Here is what you could do Fossil hunting – “(West Bay) is considered to be possibly the most successful place to find fossils along Lyme Bay’s Jurassic Coastline.” Fishing– You could fish from the beaches Camping– Eype beach close by offers great options …

View of Seaford Head in the distance as you walk along the coast Here is what I did It is beautiful, well-connected, yet remote. It is shy, reserved yet friendly town of Seaford. Get on the train from London Victoria to Eastbourne. Change at Lewes for Seaford and you will be rolling down past the white cliffs, green pastures dotted with horses and sheep, passing through Newhaven harbour, caravan park of Bishopstones to arrive into Seaford. Looking back at Newhaven town hazy in twilight I was looking for a beach close to London for a quiet afternoon and the image of a serene white beauty wearing lustrous green scarf facing the frothy sea – Seaford head – glared at me. I could not resist the mysterious charm of the white cliff and I set out with my husband to find this gem. A lone seagull atop a street lamp in Seaford I got off at Bishopstone which is described as a hamlet with a population of 200 people. As we got out of the station we landed straight on the doorstep of the mighty, cold calming sea, peaking out of the sheets or rather heaps of little stones around it. Seaford head visible at a distance was about 2 miles and behind me was the gorgeous town of Newhaven. Row of plush houses by the coast (from Bishopstone to Seaford) With cold autumn winds and a mild sun shining, the beach was almost abandoned except for a few locals striding down for their walk. As I neared Seaford, there were more people some walking the dog, playing with their kids or just having a good time. But to most of these people Seaford and its towering beauty, views of ocean, the setting sun and villages and towns visible in the distance …

Here is a peek into the second hand book market on South bank by the river Thames under the arches of Waterloo bridge. This doesn’t make it to the must see list of London and is therefore a great secret place for wonderful view, literature and a great afternoon. Leave a comment with your feedback on this.