With the British summer seemingly here at last, the UK music festival season has managed to get off to a great start with RISE, Monsters of Rock, the Isle of White Festival and the recent T in the Park weekend. While Glastonbury will be much missed this year, there are many more great events across the country than even the most hardened festival goer can shake a muddy stick or tent peg at.

One of the best events in July has to be Wickerman. Although it has only been running for 4 years in Scotland, the ?Burning Man? inspired event has managed to firmly establish itself in the festival calendar as an alternative to the more commercial and mainstream events. If you are someone who likes their comfort, preferring short break holidays in a plush hotel, to mud and mayhem, then this is probably not for you. With the emphasis firmly on ?alternative lifestyle?, Wickerman consists of various organised events, alternative music, fire displays, acrobatics, and dancing, all leading up to the highlight of the festival which is the lighting of the eponymous 30ft high wickerman, which is specially constructed as a ?sacrifice to the festival gods?.

Another of July?s highlights is Womad (World Of Music And Dance). Womad was created in 1980 by Peter Gabriel and is a diverse and colourful cultural event aimed at the whole family, and features some of the best international as well as great British musical talent, alongside workshops, music and dance sessions and special events for children.

August is littered with so many great events it is difficult deciding which ones to attend:

- Big Chill is a stylish relaxed smaller scale festival than many of the other, with cool tunes, craft stalls, cinema tents, and street performers, against the great backdrop of the Malvern Hills. As the name suggests, the focus for the weekend is simply to chill out.

- V Festival, has become one of the biggest and most popular of the UK events, originally created by Richard Branson in 1996, the musical line up features current chart toppers, alongside breakthrough acts and big name established groups. This year Blur, Coldplay, The Chemical Brothers, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Morrissey and The Pixies are just a few of the huge names to be found gracing the various stages.

- The eighth annual Carling Festivals take place over the three day bank holiday weekend at the end of August. Rather than a single event, there are two different sites, one in Leeds and the other is the long running Reading Festival. Headliners this year are Franz Ferdinand, Muse, Pearl Jam, Kaiser Chiefs, Primal Scream, Maximo Park and the Arctic Monkeys.

- The Creamfields one day event in Liverpool has become the one of the biggest and most popular dance music festivals in the world, with a series of franchised events taking place across the globe. Always winning industry awards and offering big names, this year The Prodigy, Goldfrapp, The Zutons, Paul Oakenfold, Paul Van Dyk, Tiesto, DJ Shadow and Ferry Corsten are all confirmed to appear.

For those who want the full festival experience including camping onsite, remember to take a tent (Doh!) or camper van, bin bags, cash, toilet rolls, sleeping bag, sellotape or duct tape, drinks, and a mud resistant change of clothes. Also remember, whenever possible, not to leave valuables in your tent as possessions sometimes go missing, as do entire tents. Most of all however, remember to have a great time, whichever events you go to.

Submitted by: Michael Hanna

About Michael Michael is a keen writer, and internet marketer living in Scotland:

Contact details: E-mail: samqam@googlemail.com Phone: 0131 561 2251 Michael’s Website: Belfast Taxis

Spain is the largest of the three sovereign states that make up the Iberian Peninsula; Portugal and Andorra being the other two. Located in southwestern Europe, it is bordered by Portugal in the west, Gibraltar in the south, and France in the northeast. It is a country rich in culture and charm, appealing to a variety of ages and personalities because of the countless things you can do while there. Spanish is the official language, although a lot of its people can understand and speak simple English. Its rich culture and striking views, warm people and delectable food make Spain a top tourist destination.

While in Spain?

Experience the exotic and amazing Moorish influence when in the Alhambra in Granada, a vast complex that occupies the city center showcasing the rich Moorish culture spiced by Spain?s very own. The Alhambra in Grenada is what a lot of people consider to be the best preserved Moorish palace in Europe.

Visit any of Frank Gehry’s masterpieces – the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the huge fish on Barcelona beach, the convention center in Malaga – all futuristic, contemporary and edgy, which are not only delightful to look at but are as tickling and inspiring as well.

Join the local village fiesta! Spanish culture is greatly influenced by Roman Catholicism which celebrates feast days of saints every so often. Although religious in nature, fiestas are actually enveloped in fun brought about by lively music, sumptuous feasts, colorful parades and fun get-togethers.

Taste the tapas, one of Spain’s delicacies that range from potato dishes, eggs, fish and seafood, stuffed vegetables, tortillas, savory pastries and are perfect when washed down by cold drinks in any of Spain’s tapas bars.

Tap your feet at the tune of Flamenco, a must do when in the Southern part of Spain.

Visit Salvador Dali’s surreal museum cum mausoleum in the northern part of Spain. Get to know other Spanish artists such as Diego Velasquez, Miro, Goya, Picasso?

Run with the bulls in Pamplona! Or better yet, watch from a safe distance.

Spain provides detailed information on Spain, Travel To Spain, Spain Golf, Spain Hotels and more. Spain is affiliated with Barcelona Soccer.

Few cities of the world can truly stir the emotions – romantic dreams, adventurous spirit, waves of excitement, even twinges of envy. Over time, they have become the inspiration for novels and films, the obsessions of ravenous warmongers, and the marketing tools of TV producers who flash their images across our screens to make us gush, Oh, this must be an important, credible international news program that covers the big stories as they happen and Smashing! This travel show really has been to the cool places, let’s see where they venture tonight.

However, you can only really say you’ve made it as a truly great city when they write a nursery rhyme about one of your bridges, even when it’s falling down. London is the ultimate survivor. It has endured and overcome conquests, wars, fires, plagues, terrorism, youth movements, repeated sporting defeats clutched from the hand of victory, even Chris De Burgh singing Lady in Red at the top of the charts for three weeks.

Through it all, Londoners have stood proud and defiant as they adapt and continue to build their fair city. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, this enormous city offers the traveler a blend of old and new worlds like nowhere else. On one hand London is innovative, energetic, dynamic, and outrageous; on the other, historic, conservative and frustratingly established. A bangers and mash of the anticipated and unexpected, but rarely the disappointing – and those who live here wouldn’t have it any other way.

Most people know a little about London even before they have been formally introduced. It may be the familiar symbols of Royals, bowler hats, well mannered cricketing gents, well heeled ladies, majestic castles, the flowing Thames, tennis at Wimbledon, afternoon tea and scones, monopoly board landmarks, West End theatre and East End humour that spring to mind. It could be the cobble-stoned streets of Dickens, passionate football fans, fish n chips drowning in vinegar, the labyrinth of the Underground, or the cultural phenomena and festivals celebrating music over decades starting in the swinging 60′s, through punk of the 70′s, new romantic hairdo’s of the 80′s, and pop, indie rock, dance and hip hop of the 90′s and beyond.

More than this, the city is renowned for its wealth of history and culture. As home to Britain’s national art collections, striking architecture, over 200 museums, the worlds premier theatre productions, 5 major orchestras, 2 major opera companies; there is something for visitors of all historic and artistic persuasions. Anyone familiar with television shows and films set in the city might be forgiven for thinking we spend all our time in our local pub telling jokes and hard luck stories, or doing deals on goods that conveniently fell off the back of a truck.

In fact, there are more parks and green space in London than in any city of its size in the world, where we wander, picnic, and play, away from the bustle of big city living – before the pub opens anyway. The city is a shop-a-holics nirvana – just ask any female armed with a credit card and the lamest of excuses for a spending spree. From major department stores to designer boutiques and street markets, if you can’t find it in London, it probably doesn’t exist. And once you’ve lugged all that booty back to your hotel, there are hundreds of restaurants, pubs, cinemas, nightclubs, live music and comedy venues to keep you entertained well into the early hours. London has also embraced multiculturalism like very few places in the world. It has become a cultural melting pot with over 10 million people from all over the world now calling it home.

The integration of western cultures with people from Africa, West Indies, and all over Asia has transformed the city into one of the most diverse destinations for first time travelers, and the hundreds of thousands who return year after year. Just stop right there, old chap I hear you say. This is all rather charming, stirring and patriotic, but you’ve failed to even mention how damn expensive the place is! Actually, we were just getting to that part.

It’s true. London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, painfully so for some. In fact, it’s rumored that instead of using whips and chains, London dominatrix now just stand about looking very stern while converting international clients travel expenses from the merciless English Pound into their submissive local currency with a leather-bound calculator. Ouch! London is great fun so if you are visiting or planning to visit you will have a wonderful time.

Gareth Owen is the Owner and originator of London Vacation Guide. For more information and resources on visiting London please go to http://www.londonvacationguide.com

The sheer beauty of Budapest city is sure to overwhelm any visitor. The Danube River divides the city in two. Budapest never fails to surprise and enthrall in equal measure. Budapest retains its unique character with the hospitality just exactly the same whether it is the locals or the Budapest hotels. A Budapest tour has many tourist attractions, museums and art galleries which can be interspersed with day trips to a few small, picturesque towns.

Getting around to viewing the sights of Budapest is best done on the metro. Not only is it fast and efficient but also relatively inexpensive, more so if one purchases a one or three day travel card. One can make use of an interactive map to be familiar with the layout and orientation of Budapest?s main thoroughfares and individual streets so as to easily reach the places of interest.

On a sight seeing trip one can start off by going around the Belvaros (Pest Inner City). Follow this up with a longer walking trip to explore the historic sights in Buda?s Castle District. Another area to view on a sightseeing trip to the city is moving along the Pest embankment from Parliament before crossing the Margit Bridge into Buda?a Vizivaros district. One can then walk along part of the Nagykorut before finally heading towards the Varosliget (City Park).

http://www.stayreshungary.com/budapest-city-info.htm

Traveling in a new place is usually not an easy task. It would be much better to utilize your traveling time more efficiently if you could have a more understanding on the transportation facilities of your destination. This article introduces four types of transportation facilities in Paris which gives travelers to have a more in-depth understanding on Paris?s transportation services.

1. Metro and RER
Metro is the subway in the city while the RER (Reseau Express Regional) is the railway in the rural area. The subway service of Paris is started in 1900. Up to the present moment, there are 13 routes of subway and 4 routes of RER with total 367 stations which covers most parts of Paris. Therefore, if you could get used to the subway systems of Paris, it would be much leisure to travel around without any difficulties. The ticket fair inside city is unified as 7 Frs. for a single trip (billet). Ten- piece ticket booklet (carnet) is charged at 41 Frs. Besides, there is a Paris-Visite Billet which is specially designed for tourists. It is a pass for subway, RER and bus within a pre-set period of time. If you are staying in Paris for a longer period of time, you could choose to use the monthly ticket or the weekly ticket so that you take the subway, RER and bus whenever you like. Please be reminded that you have to take with you a personal photo (27 mm x 30 mm) in applying the fixed-time ticket in the station (guichet). Besides, it should be aware that the effective period of the monthly ticket is fixed from the first day to the last day of the month, and likewise Monday to Sunday for the weekly ticket. Therefore, you should count on the date when you buy the fixed-time ticket that how much the effective period is remaining.

2. Taxi
Taxi is the most convenient transportation as you could take it in any place. Usually it is easier to get the taxi in the taxi station (Tete de Taxi) in the main streets, hotel or the stations. Most of the taxi drivers are very familiar with the streets, and they could take you to your destination as long as you could mention you address clearly. Please be aware that the front seat is not for passenger, and one taxi could take 3 passengers in principal.

3. Public Bus
Most of the Paris residents like to take the public bus, but it seems to be quite difficult for tourists as they may not recognize the place to take off. However, you could enjoy the street scenery in taking the bus whereas the subway could not offer. Please be aware that you have to buy the ticket rather than just put the coins in. If you do not have a ticket, you have to tell the driver your destination, buy the ticket and put in the ticket cutter. Actually, you could use the subway ticket in taking the bus. You could just show your fixed-time subway ticket to the driver and you could get on and take off at any station you like. There is no station broadcasting service inside the bus and you have to ring the bell in advance before taking off. Therefore, it is suggested to take a bus road map at the information counter in the subway station, and find out the bus station name of your destination before you take the bus.

4. Tourist Ferry (Bateaux-Paris-ens)
Departure pier is at the Pont d?Iena which is near the Eiffel Tower. The cruise services could be divided as with and without meal provided. A single trip without meal provided is about 45 Frs. and the service hours are 10:00- 22:00 in summer time (depart in every 30 minutes) whereas 10:00-18:00 in wintertime (depart in every 1 hour). A lunch provided trip is about 300 Frs., departs at 12:30 while a dinner provided trip is about 550 Frs. departs at 20:30. Passenger must make advance booking for the meal provided cruise service and with formal attire on the trip.

About the Author: Sammy Ho has been a specialist traveler who has traveled many parts of the world. His specialists are to study different culture and living hobbies of different countries, and to learn from each place he has traveled. To find more travelers tips, hotel information and flight information in Paris, please visit website: http://geniuschoice.com/flight-paris/

Jamaica is blessed with all the qualities of a world-class golf destination. In addition to excellent year-round weather, the topography, lush vegetation and scenic beauty of our tropical island also encourages creative golf course designs by imaginative golf course architects. Jamaica is also famous for its caddies: lively, entertaining, experienced, dedicated – with an uncanny ability to track down wayward shots and to read the breaks on even the trickiest greens. We invite you to play our courses for yourself for an unforgettable golfing experience:

Montego Bay is the island’s golf capital boasting five championship golf courses, premium hotel accommodations, an international airport served by several major airlines, beaches and other recreational, shopping and entertainment facilities.

SuperClubs Ironshore

The former Ironshore Golf & Country Club is a links-style, par-72 course. Once referred to as Jamaica’s gem in the rough, it’s a demanding course with plenty of doglegs and bunkers to challenge your A-game. Since January 2000, SuperClubs has been polishing that gem. A beautifully decorated new clubhouse was built and a massive course renovation completed. The greens are in their best condition in 20 years, locals say. The 6,570-yard layout delivers what is expected – an entertaining golf experience, with several water encounters and a number of interesting blind shots. Fairways are separated by tall, frilly Australian pines, as well as flowering hibiscus and bough.

Half Moon

Designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones Sr., the course opened in 1961 and since has firmly established itself as one of prized courses that the Caribbean has to offer. Measuring a massive, 7,119 yards from the back tees, it has been selected as host venue for several professional and amateur tournaments, including the Jamaican Open and the Dunhill Cup. The course boasts some of the trademark Jones features, including runway tees and use of the land’s movement or the ‘figure eight’ routing that cleverly changes angles just enough to cause bewilderment on the windy days. The greens also demand special attention: while they are very playable, their shape and contour often force the better golfer to work the ball to get their approaches close to tucked pins, while leaving an opening for the novice player to run the ball in.

Cinnamon Hill

One instinctively marvels at the parcel of land on which Robert von Hagge-designed Cinnamon Hill GC (formerly Three Palms), at the Wyndham Rose Hall. On an island blessed with lushness and topographical character, and short on acreage, the layout moves from an open, windswept front nine into the lower elevations of the Blue Mountains on the back nine, where dense foliage traps the fairways of the incoming holes. Boasting interesting, serene, descriptive and sometimes downright intimidating names each hole has its own intriguing characteristics and is sure to leave behind a memorable experience. The surrounding scenery at #15 Mountain Falls is so striking, that a scene was shot here for the James Bond film Live and Let Die. The course is built on what was once a 400-acre plantation, and remnants of the area’s history, including aqueducts, gravestones, and ruins of historic homes, offer a crumbling reminder of a land that once breathed a life of its own, long before golf.

White Witch

Locals are quick to say that Annie Palmer still haunts the Rose Hall Great House and the estate- including the course built there on the grounds. The White Witch Course, designed by the team of Robert Von Hagge, Rick Baril and Mike Smelek, opened in August 2000 as the centerpiece of the new Ritz Carlton Rose Hall Resort. Instead of traditional tropical terrain, the layout is mountainous and rugged. The 6,718-yard course sticks to the high ground where there are cool breezes and ocean views on 16 holes. This elevated route can be intimidating, with its carries over jungle-like terrain, but the course intertwines with the mountains and provides golfers with some of the best views of the coastline.

Tryall

Tryall’s 18-hole, Ralph Plummer-designed championship course has played host to such prestigious international events as the Johnnie Walker World Championship, last won by Fred Couples in 1995. With holes that kiss the shoreline and flirt with the edges of jungle ravines, it is probably the most celebrated golf course in the Caribbean. The course stretches 6,772 yards from the ocean-side up into forested hills, past coconut groves, and back down to the sea along a route lined with flowering plants and magnificent trees. The signature par-three 4th hole incorporates the natural challenges of the Caribbean Sea and the Flint River, while the memorable par-four 7th hole provides a dramatic tee-shot through the stone pillars of the historic aqueduct that feeds the adjacent waterwheel. Tryall’s homeowners, many associated with the club for generations, have preserved the atmosphere of charming gentility that has been modernized out of many other historic properties.

Negril Hills

Nestled in the hills minutes away from Negril’s famous seven-mile white-sand beach, golf enthusiasts will find this relaxed resort’s hidden gem- the Negril Hills Golf Club. Famous for its elevated tees and greens, undulating fairways and emerald ponds, this layout promises an enjoyable round that’s a perfect break from Negril’s sand and sea. Built in 1993 by Robert Simmons, this 18-hole course spans 6,333 yards, cut into Negril’s low, rolling hills. This topography makes for fast play, with snaking fairways and mildly sloping greens. It also reveals fleeting views of Negril’s distant golden sands and calm seas. Along the fairways, coconut and other tropical trees dance in the soft sea breezes wafting in from the coast. This course is characterized by water hazards, boasting nine ponds that all come into play. Marshlands and sandtraps also lurk throughout the course, waiting to claim wayward balls.

Runaway Bay GC

The par 72 course was designed by Major John Harris from Britain and opened in 1960. From the Blue Tees, the course measures a long 6,870 yards with a slope rating of 124. The combination of the wind gusting up to 35 miles per hour, long rolling fairways with large flat greens and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, guarantee that golfers can expect an exhilarating experience whether they are beginners or accomplished players. The PGA-quality golf course has hosted many an international event including the MatchPlay games between the United Kingdom and the West Indies, the Jamaica Open and the World Cup of Golf Super-qualifier tournaments.

Sandals Ocho Rios

Formerly known as Upton Golf Club, the Sandals Golf & Country Club was established in 1951 as a 9 hole course located 700 feet above sea level in Upton, a few miles east of Ocho Rios. The original 9-hole layout which, designed by P.K. Saunders, was expanded in the early 1960s to 18 holes. In June 1992, Sandals Resorts purchased the property and set about creating one of the most elite golf courses in Jamaica. The greens were rebuilt with Tifdwarf Bermuda grass and the fairways resurfaced with Bermuda grass. Although comparatively short- 6311 yards, par 71 from the Blue Tees, the course makes for a challenging 128 slope.

Manchester

Carved into the rolling hills near Mandeville more than a century ago, the Manchester Country Club is Jamaica’s and the Caribbean’s oldest golf course. Boasting 140 years of history, it is easily the most unique in Jamaica with it’s nine greens and 18 tee locations. Founded as a Country Club in 1865 and soon after the Scots invented the game of golf, a golf course was built on the site. It is situated in the middle of the town of Mandeville, the capital of Manchester and has one of the most breath-taking scenic wonders, provided by the course’s 2201 foot elevation. Although it is a private members club, it is open to the public and is one of Mandeville’s main tourist attractions.

Caymanas

Located 9 miles outside Kingston, Caymanas GC rests in the foothills of St. Catherine and overlooks the parish’s verdant cane fields, stretching all the way to Kingston Harbour. Designed by well-known Canadian architect, Howard Watson, in the 1950s, the course’s hilly environment is brilliantly incorporated in the layout. Several of the 18 tee boxes are elevated while the fairways undulate in accordance to the topography of the craggy limestone hills. Stately Cotton and Guango trees line the fairways and guard the greens throughout the course’s 6,844 yards, creating daunting natural hazards. Strategically placed bunkers and ponds also make for more challenging play. The Club, which hosted several Caribbean Championships, including the Jamaican Open, the Jamaica Classic and Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf, is sloped at 123 from the Blue Tees and measures 6,844 yards.

Constant Spring

Located in the heart of one of Kingston’s nicest residential areas, Constant Spring was built in 1920 by Scottish architect Stanley Thompson, a mentor of Robert Trent Jones, making it one of Jamaica’s oldest golf courses. It is a tight, short course with a breathtaking view at the 13th tee, and the challenge of driving to a narrow plateau of fairway beyond a steep valley. It has hosted all of the island’s top players, many of the socially elite and more than a few concerts during its long history.

The Jamaica Golf Association, comprised of individual golfing members and golf clubs islandwide, is at the forefront of the drive to develop the game of golf for a better Jamaica.

David Leadbetter Golf Academy – Half Moon

The Academy combines the finest golf instruction available on one of Jamaica’s most challenging courses. Created by one of the masters in the art of teaching the golf swing, David Leadbetter has a unique ability to communicate and a profound dedication to the game. He is known for rebuilding Nick Faldo’s fabled swing and has worked with Ernie Els, Greg Norman and Nick Price, and has developed an exclusive group of teaching professionals to give tour-proven advice to ambitious golfers at all stages of development.

Cable & Wireless National Golf Academy

Kingston’s bustling business and entertainment hub, New Kingston, is also fast becoming the capital city’s recreational sporting center thanks in part to the addition of Cable and Wireless’ National Golf Academy. Located on lands with a view of New Kingston’s towering buildings and the distant Blue Mountains, the National Golf Academy is the island’s first public driving range and putting green. Spanning an impressive 240 yards, the driving range plays like a real golf course with undulating fairways, 6 manicured greens and well-placed holes, bunkers and ponds. From the Academy’s 23 bays you may practice your swing and drive, or on the adjacent putting green, you can hone you short game skills.

**for more information visit http://www.jam-boree.com/, Jamaica’s visitor website, the complete source for travel and tourism information featuring hand-picked deals on vacation packages, hotels, villas, flights and car rentals**

Jam-boree.com