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5 Tips for Budget Dining in the UK
Dec 23rd
So you’re planning your UK vacation and have already lined up all your tours of historical and cultural hotspots. Now how do you plan to feed yourself between all that touring around? Follow these tips and you’ll eat well and stay on budget during your trip.
1. Enjoy a pasty on the go
You’re hungry and want to get going on your next UK sightseeing adventure. What to do? Drop just a couple of pounds at your local pasty shop (I was quite fond of the West Cornwall Pasty Co.) and pick up a Cornish pasty.
A Cornish pasty is a half-moon shaped baked flaky pastry filled with anything from turkey to eggs. Traditional fillings include potatoes, rutabaga, onion, and seasoned beef. They come in varying sizes depending on the size of your appetite. This rich, filling treat can be eaten for breakfast or lunch and is ideal for providing a filling meal while you get a move on your day. They can be eaten with a knife and fork, but the easiest way to enjoy them is to hold them like a hot pocket and eat them out of the wrapper.
2. Grab a baguette any time of day
Like the pasty, the baguette can be eaten whilst on the move. The beauty of the baguette is that it can be filled with whatever you want: chicken mayo, falafel, tuna and bell peppers, grilled zucchini—the combinations are endless.
A decent baguette should never cost you more than three or four pounds. I lived ten minutes away from the nearest baguette shop, and there were easily another ten within a few blocks of that one. Baguettes are the perfect on the go snack if you are between tours or just taking a quick break
3. Sit down to a cuppa and sandwich in a book shop
I lived within easy walking distance of three book shops, and they each had their own in-house coffee shop. These kinds of coffee shops are very big on designer lattes and fancy whip toppings, but they serve basic coffee and tea as well.
There’s usually a panini combo on the menu that includes a hot drink, so you can get the drink and sandwich for a very decent five or six pounds. Plus you can enjoy the added comfort of being indoors (UK shops are well designed for indoor enjoyment during the months and months of gloomy weather). Of course your budget might be blown when you start gazing around at all the phenomenal titles on shelves that surround the cafe, but I’d call that a pretty fair trade for such an affordable lunch.
4. Pick up dinner from a kebob or fish ‘n chips stand
Food stands are the UK’s gift to frugal diners. Street food stands are surprisingly tasty and more than acceptably affordable. At kebab stands, you can usually buy anything as cheap as chips and cheese (less than two pounds) or shell out the big bucks for a doner kebab (be shocked if it costs you more than five pounds). As for fish n chips, you could sit down to the gourmet version at pubs and restaurants, or you could get the real deal: a fried fish slapped over a bed of fries all wrapped up in newspaper.
5. Tuck into a pub dinner
Pubs can be pricey, I don’t advocate eating at them more than once a day. Pub food is hearty and tasty, which means that it is necessarily heavy with greasy goodness. The key to budgeting at a pub is not ordering drinks. You can enjoy a very tasty, affordable dinner (whether chili or meat pies) that are comparable to if not cheaper than any American restaurant dinner. As soon as you start ordering pints of the house lager, though, say bye bye to your budget.
Analise Marcus lived in the UK as a student. Having lived the life of a starving scholar, she searches continuously for the very best to help budgeting travelers satisfy their wanderlust. A Travelocity promo code or Ryanair can save you oodles on your international adventures.
Most Original and Romantic Places to Propose in Europe
Dec 6th
Any man who has done so knows planning a proposal can be just as terrifying and stressful as planning the actual wedding. You have to make sure you have the perfect ring, make sure you set the perfect mood, but what about where you actually pop the question? Venice is too obvious, Paris it too cliché, yet if you get this highly sensitive decision wrong you’re in for a lot worse than a night on the sofa. Luckily, we’re here to help to make sure you make the right call and it’s a moment that’ll live with you both for the rest of your lives. I’m sure you’re planning on only doing this once, so in order to make it extra special, here are our four most romantic hotspots in Europe to give you one less thing to worry about when you’re planning to ask that life changing question.
Charles Bridge
The most intimately illuminated bridge in the world, Charles Bridge in Prague transforms in the evenings into a serene walkway perfect for a hand in hand romantic stroll. By day, the bridge is brimming with street performers, market stalls and tourists, but at night you’re given the privacy you need to ask the all-important question. With the modest lighting offering a perfect contrast to the night-time sky, plus with the backdrop of the stunning architecture of Prague Castle, only the stone hearted would be able to turn down a proposal of this magnitude. The bridge is completely free to visit and gives you the secluded and intimate setting in the evening you need to make a trip to Prague one you will never forget.
London Eye
If you’re looking for breath-taking views whilst you’re asking the question, the London Eye in London is more than ideal with it overlooking all of London in a prime region of the illustrious city. Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, the London Eye towers over such landmarks as Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and The Houses of Parliament, whilst the view in the evening allows you to see the city beautifully lit up. To make the occasion really special, you can buy tickets that allow priority boarding and with a glass of the finest champagne for around £30 each, which is highly recommended if you want the answer to your question to be a resounding ‘yes’.
Trevi Fountain
Located in the heart of Rome, Italy, the Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world due to its stunning architecture in a city renowned for its rich history. The best time to visit would be in the evening when it’s less busy and more intimate, whilst the low-key lighting and tranquillity of the fountain sets the perfect sentimental tone for you and your bride to be. If you’re feeling particularly nervous, you can always throw a coin in the fountain beforehand for good luck, just make sure you don’t throw the ring in by mistake.
Mount Tibidabo
If your partner is the more adventurous type, Mount Tibidabo of the Serra de Collserola mountain range in Barcelona is the perfect location. After making your way up to the peak of the mountain, you will be rewarded with a wondrous view of Barcelona in this idyllic region. However, you can also use the transportation systems to make your way to the top if you’re feeling particularly lackadaisical. With such a majestic view it’ll be tough for her to say no, yet if the worse does come to the worst you always have the local cafés and amusement park on top of the mountain to cheer you up.
We can’t guarantee your partner will say yes, but if you sweep her off her feet and take her to one of these dream locations you’ll stand a much better chance than if you take her to the local pub. If you are looking to treat the both of you and make it an experience neither of you will ever forget, be sure to check out our Holiday Apartments for your accommodation, including our vast range of London Apartments to give you and your partner the comfort and privacy to make your visit extra special.
London and the Olympics 2012: The capital is all set to welcome the world
Oct 3rd
There was a time when Olympic Games were seen as the biggest sporting extravaganza, these still are, but now these are also the most watched in the whole world. Beijing Olympic Games of 2008 were watched by more than 1 billion people. With London Olympics, the figure is expected to go up. The games are still a year away, but London has already embraced the mood of a gracious host for athletes who would be coming to the city next year from 205 nations.
The finance marathon
The initial cost for organizing the games was estimated to be around $6.5 billion, the actual cost turned out to be $15.2 billion. The organizing committee will raise around £2 billion through private funding. In the aftermath of the economic recession and the wide ranging cuts implemented by the government, the organizers are hoping to raise as much as $820 million from ticket sales.
Tickets
The planning and execution for the sale of game tickets have come under heavy criticism from the local media. According to the British broadsheet Guardian, only 30,000 of the 80,000 seats available for 100m race were on offer to the British public. The organizers are facing severe criticism for taking money out of people’s account even before they were allocated with the tickets.
Transport
London has made significant improvement in its transport network in run up to the games. A tube route by the name of ‘jubilee line’ has been opened between London and Stratford. As a tribute to the spirit of the games, an Olympic javelin service is also under construction. For those who would be driving their way to the games, a special route out of London has been created that will be connected to the javelin service.
The venues
Most of the games related construction is on track. A new Olympic park which was earlier the sight of industrial wasteland is being regenerated in Stratford. This Olympic stadium will be the host to opening and closing ceremonies and a range of other track and field events. Several other games are spread throughout the city, beach volleyball will take place at horse guard’s parade near 10 Drowning Street, a cycle time trial at Hampton court palace etc., the legendary site of Wembley stadium, now transformed into a sporting arena, will host men’s and women’s football.
Legacy
This is good news for Londoners; most of the Olympic specific venues will be donated for public use after the final ceremony on 12 August 2012. The move has created some controversy regarding land distribution, but overall it has been applauded by the environmentalists.
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About the author: Amanda Kidd is a blogger whose passion is to explore new places around the world. Amongst all, she loves beaches and her favorite has been the Virginia Beach. She enjoys blogging on travel related topics that also include frugal tips to travel and best honeymoon packages.
Zambia: 5 Must See Places
Sep 21st
Zambia is regarded as a country with great diversity in terms of sightseeing opportunities. But importantly, there are certain areas that have to be explored before you leave (if you decide to go back home that is). 5 of the most attractive areas/sights will be reviewed to help offer a truly memorable experience for any traveler seeking adventure, exploration and breathtaking views.
South Luangwa National Park
A highly attractive area for tourists, South Luangwa has many fantastic areas to relax and have a gentle stroll while looking at the many animals – making it an ideal choice for luxury safari holidays among other adventures. In particular, hippos and elephants prominently reside along their natural habitats and this offers a great opportunity to witness them adapt to the season. To heighten the experience, there is a possibility to arrange sleep outs and special bush dinners on platforms. A perfect way to get close and take memorable pictures that you can cherish forever.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls can be regarded as ‘a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty’. At a staggering 100 meters, it offers a good opportunity to witness the vast open plains – but it’s only for those who are brave enough to withstand the intense noise and spray generated from a wide 2 kilometre river.
To take full advantage of the beauty, there is an opportunity to view it from various angles – an aerial view from a micro light is available, allowing you to pierce right into the sheer depth of the cliff face. Designated walkways which have been purposefully made opposite the cliff, allow you to see the falls in all its grand glory. Depending on the season, the intense spray can provide welcome relief from the heat or when the dry season approaches, it can offer a good opportunity to walk along the lip of the falls themselves.
For anyone taking Zambia holidays, if time is limited, out of all the activities available, make sure you visit the Victoria Falls. You won’t be disappointed.
Zambezi River
Africa’s fourth largest river system has provided the power and brilliance of the Victoria Falls – but the river itself has got beauty in abundance and once this is combined with the various activities such as water sports and game viewing; it’s no surprise tourists have been attracted from all over the world.
Soweto Market
To really understand the culture and way of life within Zambia, the Soweto market really helps reveal and provide an understanding of the daily lives of those who go and shop from anything ranging from medicines and mechanical parts to vegetables. But just a word of caution, keep bags and pockets secure here because pick pocketing is quite problematic.
Henry Tayali Gallery
This is a must see location for those located within Lusaka. Apart seeing the natural surroundings, the human element of witnessing the style and creativity of the country is quite appealing. Many artifacts and marvelous artwork that was undertaken by Zambians can be viewed here – and if memories and photos aren’t enough, then you can buy and take some of those desirables pieces that can be adored by your family back home.
10 Top Budget Travel Tips: Save Money while Enjoying Honey!
Sep 20th
A vacation is due and still, you are thinking. You are definitely not ready for those ‘hole-in-the-pocket’ vacations. True! You might enjoy them as long as they last. But once you return and check your bank balance, the figures don’t seem quite appreciable. But then, you are forgetting that there are so many options available now, with a surge in the number of people taking vacations. Who knows, you might just find one in which, you needn’t worry too much about your cracking budget and at the same time, enjoy your vacation to the fullest! Here are some of the tips that might come in handy when you are planning your next vacation.
1. Booking:
Be it flight tickets or hotel rooms, you need to choose the best, yet the cheapest! First, make a list of all flight services (or hotels available) to (or in) the region of your choice. Compare one against the other. You might have your set of priorities. But then, we are talking about cheaper trips here. So, you have to be a little flexible. Choose the cheapest service possible and you could save a lot of money. After all, it might be a flight of just a few hours. When it comes to hotel, as it is not ‘just a few hours,’ you need to be a little careful. If you have any friends in the place where you are about to go, just check with them and find out if there are hotels that provide decent service at low fares. Also, hotels provide different kinds of rooms depending upon your budget.
2. Travel Date:
It is better to start your vacation on a weekday and finish it on a weekday to avoid over-booked flights. Keep your travel dates flexible to increase the chances of availability of cheaper air fares.
3. Dining:
You could save a lot by choosing low-cost dining restaurants. Many places now have head-of-the-family diners that provide decent service at low fares.
4. Don’t be ignorant:
Learn as much as possible about the place you are about to go to. Especially, the custom regulations, the currency, and other stuff like that. Otherwise, you might just end up unnecessarily paying a huge amount, making all your previous savings a waste.
5. Carry a travel guide:
This again, helps you to learn about the place, the tourist attractions and gives you a rough idea about the distance between two places and the routes. This might save you from being cheated in a new place too!
6. Clothing:
Research a little and learn about the weather conditions of the place, depending on which, you could pack your clothes. It is always better to carry a set of clothes suitable for too hot and too cold weather types, among others. This would cut down on your shopping expenses. If not, you might have to buy something which you would never use again in your life!
7. Free offers:
Hotels might offer you certain free services like massages. You could choose these hotels if they offer the activities that you are interested in.
8. Cards and coupons:
Some cities offer city cards and coupons using which, you could avail some services for free, like transportation, entry into museums or other historic places.
9. Shopping and spending:
Shopping is a fun thing to do when you are on vacation. But then, set a strict limit on your expenditure and adhere to it.
10. Using Credit cards:
Try using your credit card as much as possible. You could redeem the points later. Who knows? You might be fortunate enough to have a great gift waiting for your return home!
Who says that you need loads of money to go places? Times have changed. Now, you could follow simple tips and enjoy a simple yet memorable vacation and brag to your friends about it, on returning!
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About the author: Amanda Kidd is a blogger who also happens to be a student of event management. She loves writing for the wedding portal and luxury items. These days she is busy in writing about wedding rings.
Guatemala Mission Trip – Day1 Building a House with FromHousestoHomes.org
Sep 14th
So our first day of work with FromhousestoHomes.org(FHTH) began at 830am on August 1, 2011 at which time we were assigned our teams at the office. Our team was lead by Isaías Xoc and Abel Santos, with 6 volunteers to do the grunt work.
FHTH has built over 400 homes, at 3 houses per week, they should have completed 500 houses before the end of the year.
To be honest, I had no idea what to expect when I went to Antigua. One summer, I actually worked as a mason’s tender(the guy who keeps the mason supplied with block and mortar), so I did have a bit of experience. My experience, however, was totally different from anything that happened in Guatemala.
First, in the US, the Mason I worked for had a lot more resources at his disposal including multiple power tools, tractors and the like. The Guatemalan masons, had fewer tools. For example, a machete was used to trim block any time a custom sized block was needed. Whereas a mason in the US would have used a masons hammer and maybe a chizzle. However, the house we made is very strong, and will last for years. From the rebar reinforced footer, to the cement layers that pulled the house together; the family is getting a solid house that will be passed on to their kids years from now. Additionally, the home that we made looks like all the other homes in the area, it does not stand out. It is a very typical modern house for Guatemala which has a locking door, and a window. The new cement house unlike a cornstalk house, will keep out the vermin, as well as any torrential rains.
FromHousestoHomes.org Day 1
We started out the day, with the two leaders establishing the perimeter for the house. Then four of us guys started digging the foot and half trenches for the footer. Since the village was established on what was once fertile farmland, the soil was very loose black soil for the most part that was easily dug. Within an hour, the entire trench where the footer was to be poured was dug. After the trench was dug, Abel, used some cool hand tools to bend the rebar into the required 90 degree angels, and stuck rebar rods into the ground at set intervals within the trench.
Also, while the trenches were being dug, the kids were busy getting the materials together to make the cement for the footer. This included wheel barrows full of dark sand, 50lb bags of cement, and then wheel barrows of crushed stone. The materials were mixed, , then Isaías poured water on the materials and mixed the cement by hand with both a hoe and shovel, and then shoveled the cement into buckets. All the volunteers then formed a bucket brigade and the cement was poured into the trench to make an 8″ footer.
About the time we finished pouring the footer, the afternoon rains started, which meant lunch was beginning. For lunch that day, we had what I think was grilled chicken, rice and veggies with corn tortillas, and a bag of fruit juice(lots of pulp). To drink the juice you either punched a hole into the bag, or bit a hole into the bag and started sucking. To tell you the truth, I think if I had a lunch this good when I was in school, I would have been very happy. Any left overs were either given to the family, or to the neighbors.
After lunch, we then put one layer of block down..about the time we encountered another rain storm. After the rain, we got several more layers,and then knocked of for the day at about 430pm.
After Day 1 I myself felt pretty good, my back was hardly sore at all. It was great meeting the family, and all the kids in the neighborhood, and the view of Vulcan Agua from the family’s yard is amazing.
At night we then went out to a typical Guatemalan restaurant, and had Rosa, a friend of ours who moved from Guatemala when she was 11 translated the entire menu for us. The restaurant in itself was very unremarkable. However, it was staffed by only one young waiter, who did a fine job for being by himself in a small restaurant.
Read my other post about the Guatemala Mission Trip.
My Semester in Rome, Italy
Aug 16th
In 1982 I spent a semester in Rome, Italy. The college I attended, Temple University’s Tyler School of Art has a campus in Rome. The experience was amazing. The school didn’t have any student housing so; everyone who attended the school was completely immersed in the culture, the art, the Italian lifestyle. Although, Rome is an international city, I was surprised at how few people spoke English. This forced me to learn some Italian.
For six months I lived in a pensione with a handful of other students. I shared a small room with the woman who became my best friend. The pensione was a few blocks from Piazza di Spagna (the Spanish Steps), the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and Villa Borghese. I didn’t have to go to museums to see the art – it was everywhere.
I traveled from Rome to Venice, to Florence, Milan, Naples, Capri and Calabria. I ate and lived abundantly. From northern Italy to the southern tip, the people were amazing. The Italian people I met were some of the warmest and kindest people I’ve ever known.
My schoolwork suffered tremendously, but I learned more that semester than I did in my three other years combined.
I returned to Rome two times for exciting, and memorable Italy holidays since my first experience as a student in Rome. I haven’t been back in many, many years. I hope to go back one day in the near future. But at least I can say that I have been to Rome.
Pre-Mission Trip Antigua Guatemala Vacation
Aug 12th
Well we have been back less that a week, and the sights and smells of Antigua Guatemala are fading from my memory so I better get writing.
We got to Antigua Guatemala on Thursday the 28th of August, and were not due to start working with FromHousestohomes.org until Monday the 1st of August. We checked in to the awesome Hotel Aurora at about 2pm local time. After checking in and unpacking, we went out exploring, heading down to the square, and then down to the grocery store for tostada supplies (hard tortilla shells, black 
bean paste, and queso or cheese) which were part of our regular diet while in Antigua. We actually made tostadas for lunch for the next two days. The second day, however, we made them while at the highest point of our climb of Volcan Pacaya, one of Guatemala’s active volcanoes. The picture to the right, is of me eating one of the tostadas which were heated using a volcano vent. Have you ever had volcano tostadas?
The next day, Saturday the 30th of July, we hired Martin, our driver again to take us to Lake Atitlan, Guatemal
a’s most famous lake, which happens to also be the deepest lake in Central America.
We arrived in Panajachel, which most tourists come to initially, and then took a boat across the lake to one of the smaller lake towns. After discovering we were in the wrong town, we haggled with our captain who agreed to take us to the bigger town of Santiago were we had lunch before heading back to Panajachel to catch our ride back to Antigua. To find out more about things to do around Lake Atitlan, check out the GlobTrotterGirls post about the 7 Main towns surrounding Lake Atitlan.
Sunday, was a pretty relaxing day. We did get up and go to church at Iglesia Del Camino because it has services in both English and Spanish, and is a Bible based church. Many of the songs were the same songs we sing at our church. We even met some of the people that were in the service later on in the park.
The thing that will stay with me for a long time is all the picturesque views of Guatemala such as the water volcano that you can see from the Antigua town square to the plots of farm land that are visible from any road way. It is indeed a beautiful country. A very poor country, but a very beautiful country.
This post is now ending because it covers the shorter part of trip, our Antigua Guatemala Vacation.. The next post will be about the real reason for our trip. To build a house for a poor Guatemalan family with FromHousestohomes.org.
Other Posts in the Guatemala Vacation series
- The Guatemala fundraising post
- The initial Guatmemala Mission Trip post.
- The Guatemala Mission Trip Donors page
Summer Activities in Park City
Jun 9th
Summer Activities in Park City
Park City is definitely one of the most attractive venues when it comes to searching for a place to relax and be entertained. However, being located in Utah and having been host to the Winter Olympic Games in the past, one of the most common mistakes that people makes when planning their vacations is that Park City might not have enough to offer during the summer. Nothing could be further from the truth though, since Park City is abound with excellent options for visitors who choose to come over on summertime.
Here are just some of the most interesting of them:
- Golfing: Golf is definitely a great sport to practice in summer. An even though Park City’s legendary golf courses are open all throughout the year (with beautiful snowy landscapes in winter), summer definitely is the best season to enjoy them. Some of the most interesting golfing offers are from the Deer Valley Golf Club, which offers fair green fees even during peak season and from the Sky Lodge, which offers excellent golf packages on holidays.
- Horseback riding: Another popular activity among visitors during summer and definitely perfect for sightseeing and enjoying some gorgeous natural locations first-hand. Furthermore, visitors can take advantage of the great deals that Rocky Mountain Outfitters offers.
- Fishing: For fishing enthusiasts, Park City offers some great venues where to find fresh catch. The most popular ones in summer are the Weber and the Probo Rivers, where visitors can stay all day long enjoying the summer sun and fishing. And for those who like to get the best value for their money, North Forty Escapes offers both a fishing trip and a horseback-riding package for the price of one. Likewise, the Bear River Lodge offers a full day catch and release tour for 2 people at an excellent price.
- Rafting: For people who also like rivers but who prefer more intense emotions and experiences, one of the most appealing activities that Park City also offers is rafting, which can be enjoyed either alone or by entire families. On this respect, the Club Rec Recreation Club offers great discounts on many river-related activities, such as Kayak and Canoe rides.
- Balloon rides: Without a doubt one of the most popular summer activities in Park City, balloon rides allow its visitors to enjoy a unique and amazing view of the entire city and its gorgeous surroundings. Park City Balloon Adventures offers great deals for couples and groups to take full advantage of.
This post brought to you by Park City Vacation Rentals – specialists in luxury rentals in Park City, UT.
Lido Key Real Estate
Jun 8th
As I mentioned in the post about Lido Key, my wife and I love checking out the real estate in Lido Beach and Longboat Key. Some local agents who I met include:
- Michael Cochrane of Prudential Palms Realty, who gave me a map of the greater Sarasota area, which includes a break down by zip code. Check Michael’s site out at SarasotaMichael.com
- Jackie Kleppinger of Coldwell Bankers Residental Real Estate. Jackie was the agent who was showing 66 North Washington Dr Sarasota pictured to the right.
- Glenn Callaghan of ReMax – Starmandsrealtor.com
- Jo James of Coldwell Banker Previews International
- Dyrk Dahl of ColdWell Bankers
In addition to these realtors, if you hit Saint Armands Circle there are no less than six real estate offices, which include:
- Two Michael Saunders offices.
- Two Coldwall Banker offices
- one Prudential office
- and an office of SiestaKeyRealestate.com.
Of course if you are vacationing in the Longboat Key area, and will be around on a Sunday, I suggest just grabbing the local Sunday paper and checking out all the open houses.
Additionally, I believe that if you are interested in only renting a vacation home, these companies would probably either be able to help you, or point you in the right direction. You can also check out my post about Sarasota Vacation Rentals.
Please be sure to check out my Guatemala post if you would like to help us raise funds for our FromHousestohomes.org house building trip.
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