Stuck in Stansted Airport - what to do?

Are you going to be stuck in Stansted Airport for most of the day? Is the connection times extremely bad? Well, don’t panic. There are plenty of things to do around Stansted airport. The fact that the airport itself lack most things that you expect from a major hub in a big city should not deter you from making the trip. If you don’t mind paying a few quid for the adventure of leaving the airport, the following are good options.

Tip 1: if you only have a few hours and don’t dare to venture out too far, walk to the SAS Radisson hotel and enjoy their buffet breakfast. The hotel itself is adjacent to the airport but you will still feel like you left the place. At least for an hour or two.

Tip 2 : if you have between 4-7 hours and really feel like you want to get away from the airport nonstop, then take a trip to Stansted Mountfichet. It is a small village only 2 miles from the airport. You can take either the train or the buss, do check for times before leaving as both runs no more than once per hour. It won’t take long before you reach the village and you are away from the airport. Stansted Mountfichet has an excellent museum, in fact it is like 3 museums in one. There is the House on the Hill Toy museum, which is the largest privately-owned toy museum in Europe. Let the toys take you back to your childhood and if you have children, they will love it. Before you enter the toy museum, there is a dinosaur encounter with a few famous dinosaurs . Then there is the Norman village and castle. All built up to show a what a Norman village would look like and with very informative talks and displays at each house or building. There are chickens, hens, deer and goats walking around the place which makes a nice little zoo for children. They have an excellent shop with fabulous goodies to eat for lunch.

Tip 3: if you have more or less the full day, why not make it into London? Stansted Airport are serviced by express trains that leaves every 15 minutes for London, and the journey takes about 45 minutes. If you aren’t in a rush and want to save some money, there is also the option of going by bus. The journey would take a minimum of 90 minutes, and depend on traffic. Once in London, you will probably have enough time to see a sight or two.

Tip 4: if an expensive journey in to London isn’t to you taste, why not go north to Cambridge instead? It is a picturesque university town, with a lot of sights. It is a smaller place, and so you will probably feel that you got more out of your day. Trains leaves for Cambridge frequently and takes less than 1 hour.

Related posts:

• Avoid paying Ryanair's credit card fee by paying with Electropay
• Backpacking in Europe; what you should know before you go
• Where to find a good car rental
• Free things to do in London

Top things to do in Seattle

Image via Wikipedia

Seattle makes for an interesting destination with plenty to see and do. As a metropolis in the north-western corner of America in the state of Washington, Seattle has something to offer most tourists. Whether you come here to enjoy the surrounding scenery of Puget Sound and the Olympic peninsula or you are bypassing the city to get to Canada, Seattle is well worth a stop-over.

Here are some of the highlights of Seattle;

The Space Needle – this famous landmark and symbol of Seattle can’t be missed. Built in 1962 for the World’s fair, it hovers 605 feet above the city. You can purchase tickets to go up in the elevator to the observation deck, 520 feet above the ground. The observation deck is rotating slowly and you will be treated to terrific views of the city and surrounding areas. There is a restaurant too if you feel like a romantic dinner.

Pike's Place Market – another highlight of Seattle is this open market. It opened already in 1907, making it one of the oldest operated public farmers' markets in the United States. There are plenty of different small stalls and shops, ranging from books, antiques, food and hand crafts but the highlights have to be the fish markets. Go and see them throwing fish around, it’s a lot more fun than it sounds.

Pacific Science Center – another major tourist destination, especially if you have children, is this hands-on museum. Like the Space Needle, it was built for the World’s fair and has wide range of hands on science exhibits, animal exhibitions and two IMAX movie theaters.

Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum & Hall of Fame – this is a fairly recently opened museum, 2000 and 2004, that pays tribute to the history and exploration of both popular music and science fiction. As you enter you are met by an impressive collection of hundreds of guitars hanging together, in all different shapes and colours. There is a separate area dedicated to Seattle music, including a lot of Jimi Hendrix memorabilia.

Seattle Waterfront & Seattle Aquarium – don’t miss the seafront of Seattle. It lies a bit away from the other attractions, but it makes for a nice stroll. There are amusement arcades, shops and restaurants here and the aquarium is one of the best ones in America.

Bruce Lee’s grave – fans of Bruce Lee are in for a treat in Seattle. The famous martial-art actor is buried here at Lakeview Cemetery, beside his son Brandon Lee. Many fans make a pilgrimage to Seattle to pay tribute to their idol, please go here for directions.

Related posts:

• Free things to do in London
• Top 10 cities or towns to visit in Europe
• Free things to do in Paris
• Great American roadtrips; the Oregon coast
• Amazing roadtrips; Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

Top 10 cities or towns to visit in Europe

Image via Wikipedia

Europe is a continent with a lot of diversity, both when it comes to history, religion and culture, and that makes these countries all the more interesting to visit. There are so many different places that everyone will find a spot that they like and can relate to. Below is a list of 10 cities or towns well worth a visit.

1. London; the capital of Great Britain is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and has plenty to offer a tourist. It does not matter what your interests are, you can be sure that you will find something that suits you. With a wide variety of attractions, historic buildings, museums and outdoor entertainment there are many ways in which to spend your day. The city comes to light in the evening and some of the highlights are the opera, a musical or theatre in theWest End, a fancy dinner at one of the top-notch restaurants or just to stroll around Leicester Square and Covent Garden.

2. Paris; known as the city of lovers, the French capital has a lot to offer. Visit the famous Louvre, climb to the top of the Eiffel tower, enjoy the little French cafés or make your way to the area of Montmartre, famous for its artist and small shops. Some of the highlight of Paris includes the fantastic Notre Dame and the white, candy like church Sacre-Cur as well as the Luxemburg Gardens.

3. Prague; situated in Eastern Europe and rich in historical areas and buildings. It is a city to walk around and soak up the atmosphere. It is relatively cheap and the beer is good. A must is Prague Castle with the amazing St. Vitu's Cathedral. The Jewish quarters with all their synagogues gives a testament to the impact of the Jews before the Second World War.

4. Vienna; this is a city rich in culture and historic buildings. This is a city that will give you everything you need and more. The most visited attraction is the Castle Schonbrunn. It is situated outside the city centre but well worth the visit. If you like amusement parks, the Prater is a place for you. It boosts with one of the oldest Ferris wheels of its kind.

5. Barcelona; soak up the sun in Spain on one of the out-door cafés in this bustling city. The famous shopping street, Las Ramblas, lies in the heart of the city and many events take place here during the day. One of the highlights has to be Gaudi's cathedral, Sagrada Familia.

6. Amsterdam; the nicest and most interesting of all the Dutch cities has a lot to offer. It is an easy city to visit as the public transport is frequent and brings you right to the heart of Amsterdam in no time. Once in the city centre, it is a fabulous place to walk around with all the old houses, the river and the bridges. A trip on one of the ferries is a must as is the Anne Frankhouse. Here one of the world's most famous diaries really comes alive. If you have an interest in diamonds, you can visit diamond factories and try a ring or two.

7. Berlin; the capital of Germany is another city that will welcome you with plenty of attractions. This is a place where east truly meets west, as this once divided city comes together as one. Alexander Platz and the TV tower in the former east, Checkpoint Charlie on the boarded between the two former countries and Brandenburger Tor in the west.

8. Copenhagen; a delightful city in the Nordic hemisphere. The amusement park Tivoli is one of the oldest in the world and has an outstanding Christmas market. The stories of H. C. Andersen come to live with the statue of the little mermaid by the sea. The shopping street Stroget is a bustling place and the castle is rather impressive.

9. Helsingborg; a stunning Swedish town situated in the very south of the country. The town stretches alongside the sea and boardwalks by the beach makes it easy to give for a stroll to feel the atmosphere. There are a few places of interest, the medieval tower from which you have a fabolous view, the heritage park and the Sofiero Castle. You can take also take one of the ferries across to Denmark.

10. Bamberg; this German town is so beautiful and old that it has made its way to the UNESCO world heritage list. The town is famous for its beer, the quarter called Little Venice and it has a lovely town hall situated in the middle of the river.

Related posts:

• Free things to do in London.
• Top 5 capitals in Europe.
• Free things to do in Paris.

Where to go in Phuket, Thailand

Image via Wikipedia

Have you ever wanted to go to Phuket? The destination in Southern Thailand that has plenty to offer a sun worshipper. If so, you have made a great decision. Thailand in itself is an interesting county with a lot of different places to visit. From north to south, there is a vast range of tourist hotspot and Phuket is one of the best destinations to soak up the sun with its mile-long white beaches. Phuket is the name of a larger area as well as the main town itself. There are plenty of places to explore and nearby areas to venture out to. Some great places are;

1. Karon and Kata Beach; these two holiday destinations caters to everyone, from backpackers to charter tourists. There is a buzz about the place and plenty of shops and restaurants. It is a popular place for charter holidays so it is wise to book accommodation before you get here if you are travelling in high season. The beaches are white, long and the sea bluer than blue. You can rent parasols and beach chairs for the day for less than €10.

2. Patong; this town is not for everyone as it gets very crowded, but it makes for a nice evening out. It is especially the shopping that makes it worth the trip. There are plenty of market stalls on the streets, selling everything from souvenirs to clothes, to electronic gadgets. There are many late night bars and various clubs for the partygoer.

3. Surin and Kamala beach; if you are looking for a more relaxed holiday with less tourists, these are the beaches to go to. They are equally nice but more low-key. There is less hotels, restaurants and shops and cater for a few resorts instead. Ii is easy to get to Patong from here on one of the Tuk-Tuks.

If you feel like venture a bit further a field and leave the mainland there are great places to go to. These are more exotic and closer to paradise, some more popular than others.

1. Ko Phi Phi; the Phi Phi Islands used to be hidden gems, known to only a few, but that all changed when the movie “the Beach” was filmed here. Although filmed on the smaller of the 2 islands, the larger one still got great PR and it is now one of the main holiday destinations around the Phuket area. The island is so popular that it is in danger of becoming too overcrowded. Even so, the main beach is stunning. The setting, a secluded bay with greenery surrounding the beach. It is a good location for all water sports and diving tours leave the island daily. It is advisable to book hotels before arriving as it gets fully booked in the high season.

2. Railay; this island is a perfect getaway. It is so remote and secluded that you can only get here by boat. There are no proper roads connecting it to the mainland and it makes the place all the more special. There are various accommodations, restaurants and a few shops. This is a place to sit back and enjoy the scenery. The dinners at night are often eaten at the beach and there are plenty of beach bars.

3. Ko Lanta; although not really in the Phuket area, it is a great island to visit and there are plenty of ways to get there from Phuket and Phi Phi Islands. Ko Lanta is a larger island and although it is similar to the mainland, the pace is slower. If you feel like renting a scooter, this is probably one of the better places as traffic isn’t as intense as elsewhere. You can go elephant trekking in the rainforest, go scuba diving or take a cooking class. The beaches can be rocky and isn’t as good as in Phuket.

Related posts:

• What to see in Ireland
• What to do in Poland
• What to do in Ireland
• What to do in London

What to do in Poland

Image by smif via Flickr

There are many places to visit in Poland, more so than I first thought when I went there. When people speak of Poland they usually mention Auschwitz or Warsaw as potential sites of interest but there are many places other than these. I have travelled around Europe many times and Poland definitely holds its own. There are beautiful towns, interesting monuments and churches, heritage sites and evidence of the Nazis presence during the Second World War.

These are a few places that I believe are worth a visit:

1. Krakow; a beautiful town with a gorgeous town square. It's a fabulous place to sit down for a meal or a drink. The houses are old fashioned but very well-maintained and beautiful. Krakow is a nice place to make your base for exploring the area. There are lots of places to visit nearby and Krakow itself is a nice place to walk around.

2. Auschwitz; the most well-known of all the Nazi's death camps and well worth a visit for history reasons. The place was left by the Nazis in a hurry so everything is as it was in 1945. The ovens, barracks and photos tell the horrific story of a mass murder of millions.

3. Wieliczka Salt Mine; in Eastern Poland lies this heritage salt mine. It's a fascinating guided tour in the mines where the workers have carved out incredible statues out of the stone. It's the best cave I have ever visited and not like anything you have ever seen before. It's a must if you are around.

4. Wroclaw; one of the nicer towns with a nice castle. That makes for a perfect day out. There are a few older buildings and churches that are worth a look.

5. Wolfschanze, Hitler's Base during World War II; in the Masurian Lake district up in Northern Poland lays Hitler's bunker. It's based in a large forest and you can walk around on your own. It's a place that not many have heard of but that is well worth the visit.

6. Slowinski National Park with the sand dunes, near Leba; this is the Sahara of Poland. You can walk around the sand dunes for hours before you realize it. There is a small museum with aero planes just before you start the journey out to the dunes, a hidden treasure.

7. Warzawa; the capital of Poland is bound to be one of the top destinations for many tourists. I didn't particularly feel it worth the visit. The city is largely rebuilt after the war and high, modern buildings are dominating. There isn't much history there and not too many places to linger. There is a fabulous market just in the outskirts and you can make a good few bargains there.

8. Czestochowa; the religious place to visit in Poland. It's a major Pilgrimage haul and there are long quest to see the museum and the famous tower. Several sightings have been noticed here and for Catholics this is a must.

Related posts:

• What to see in Ireland
• What to do in London
• Where to go in Phuket, Thailand

Free things to do in Paris

Image via Wikipedia

Paris is known as the city of romance but is a great place to go even if you are on your own. There is a certain charm in Paris which not many bigger places can brag about. It's not only that romance is in the air, but it's more that people are alive. You can stroll around in the small streets in some of the famous quarters and feel happy and peaceful.

There are a good few things to do if you don't want to pay, some more interesting than others:

1. Notre Dame - this impressive cathedral is free to visit. However, they will charge you if you want to go down to the chambers or up in the tower. The cathedral raises high above the street and creates a wonderful picture. Walk around the quarter to find the most beneficial angle.

2. The Eiffel Tower - as one of the top attractions of Paris it's expensive to go up but to see if from below is well worth the walk there. Take a bottle of wine and a baguette and enjoy the tower lying on your back in the grass after a fantastic lunch.

3. Sacre Coeur - this white marble church is absolutely amazing and can be viewed from the steps below it. There are often street entertainment and Parisienne painters around this area so you can easily stroll around for a good while.

4. Montmartre - a true Parisienne quarter with a red light district. To stroll around here takes you back decades and the atmosphere is unbelievable. There are small shops which you can go window shopping.

5. L`Arc the Triomphe - here you can visit the Unknown Soldier's grave and walk in top of the Arc without having to pay. The Arc the Triumph is in the middle of a roundabout but you get here through the walkway underground.

6. Champs-Elysee - stroll up and down this famous street of Paris. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to look at.

7. Seine - go for a walk along the river Seine and browse through the books at the various stands. It's known to have happened that people find true bargains in these stands.

8. Jardin des Tuileries - one of Paris` many gardens. Marie Antoinette is said to have wandered around here.

9. The fountain at Trocadero - a place most tourists visits. It won't cost you a penny unless you make a wish.

10. Bois de Boulogne - take a trip out to the massive forest outside of Paris and forget all about city life.

As in most cities there are free concerts, free museums and churches to visit. Take a look in one of the free papers they hand out to see what's going on.

Related posts:

• Free things to do in London
• Top5 capitals in Europe.
• 5 amazing countries to visit.

Free things to do in London

Image by Anirudh Koul via Flickr

With London’s great attractions and entertainment, it often feels like you can't do London on a budget, but that is completely untrue. Take a look at some of the less talked about events or sights and you will see that many of them are completely free. It is however easy to fall into the sightseeing craze where you want to see it all. In that case, it can prove very expensive indeed.

So, what do you do if you don't have much money and still want to soak up the famous atmosphere?

You join in on all the fun, the only exception, you won't have to pay. Whatever your hobby or interest, London offers a great variety of freebies and it's there for your taking.

1. Head over to Buckingham Palace and watch the changing of the guards. Note that in winter this occurs every other day rather than daily like in the summer. Not only is it free but every visitor to London will eventually turn up here so you get plenty of atmosphere. Once you are here, walk around the palace, take some photos and then stroll over to Harrods for some window-shopping.

2. Walk around the lovely parks; Hyde Park, St James's and St Regent's park. The Speaker's corner is an area in Hyde Park where public speaking is allowed. Sit down, relax and enjoy whatever the subject might be of today's speakers. A few blocks away you have Oxford Street with all of its shops. If you like browsing through the merchandise, this might be a place to stop.

3. London's museums are often free and very interesting. If not all the time, there are times and days when you get in without having to pay. Take a look at the British museum, Sir John Soane’s Museum, the Natural History and Science museum, Victoria & Albert Museum and the Imperial War Museum. There are plenty of interesting things in these museums to occupy you on a rainy day.

4. Take a stroll around Covent Garden and sit down and enjoy the free street entertainment. This place always drags a crowd of tourists so you won't be the only one there. The place has a terrific atmosphere and the crowd is always enthusiastic whatever the entertainment. There is usually a market as well and a few local shops. A stroll away is Leister Square which comes alive at night.

5. Visit the various markets around London. Most famous are the Portobello market, the market in Camden Town and the Notting Hill market. Why not try and find the blue door from the film Notting Hill?

6. Walking is as always free and a stroll along the river Thames is a great way to pass away a few hours. See the Globe from the outside; they sometimes act parts of the play outside. Take a closer look at the Tower Bridge and listen to the men and women entertaining the pedestrians.

7. Trafalgar Square is one of those famous places in London you shouldn't miss. Lord Nelson is
raising high above street level and the birds are being feed all around you. Sit down and look at the people passing by or try and climb up on one of the lions underneath Lord Nelson. It is great fun for all ages.

8. Piccadilly Circus is another landmark that people tend to take a look at. Walk down there and join the crowds. There are a few good restaurants and bars in this area if you are feeling hungry or thirsty.

If you do feel like spending a few pounds, I suggest that you jump on one of the busses and take a trip around London. It's a great way of seeing a lot without paying much. It's nearly as good as those tourist busses driving around. It's also good for your bearing. London is so big that you sometimes lose track of where you are and how long to get from A to B. Try and do everything in one area at the same time so that you don't have to go back and forth too much.

Related posts:

• Free things to do in Paris
• Top 10 cities or towns to visit in Europe.
• What to do in London.

What to do in Ireland

Image via Wikipedia

The Emerald Island is a fabulous place to visit and I have driven most routes of this green island and enjoyed every trip. Eire is known for many things, its genuine hospitality, the lush green fields and the traditional music, as well as Guinness and the non-stop raining, much of which is true although some of it is more of a myth and a legend.

There are a few places every tourist wants to go to and have to see, and then there are a few less touristy spots for the traveler who wants to drive on gravel roads in the middle of nowhere and get a feel for the true, rural Ireland.

1. Newgrange; this Neolithic tomb and the tombs around Newgrange are fascinating places to visit just north of Dublin. The entrance fees include guided tours to the tombs and the enthusiasm and expertise of the tour guides is first-class.

2. Cliffs of Moher; these beautiful cliffs in County Clare cannot be missed. They have recently built a new visitors centre and the security along the cliffs are much improved. All this can't take away from the stunning scenery though. On a good day you can see as far as the Aran Islands.

3. Killarney and the Ring of Kerry; I have grouped these together as you would visit these during the same trip. Killarney is a beautiful town set among the Kerry Mountains. It's close to the National Park and you can stroll to the Ross Castle or go to the Muckross House and Abbey. The Ring of Kerry is a beautiful scenic route which takes you along the peninsula.

4. The Burren; an area in Clare where you have limestone everywhere. Make sure to visit the Burren centre in Kilfenora and the Ailwee caves. The Poulnabrone Dolmen is a much photographed ancient monument and a stop here is a must.

5. Connemara National Park; rugged and dark is this part of County Galway. You can drive through the bogs or make your way along the more scenic routes. The sea town of Clifden is a lovely spot to visit with good accommodation.

6. The Aran Islands; Ireland at its most rural. You see stone houses after stone houses. Aran sweaters and other clothes as well as a variety of arts and crafts are for sale. You can rent a bike or go on one of the tours.

7. Donegal; a county less frequented by tourists, but one of Ireland's most scenic and beautiful spots. The recent economic boom has not left as much mark here as in other parts of the country so you will feel like you have traveled back in time.

8. New Ross; this little town in county Wexford has one of the best museums in Ireland. Namely the emigrant ship Dunbrody that once took Irish passengers over to America. This place is well worth a visit even if it's only to see the ship.

I often find that there are hidden treasures along the way. There are plenty of castles and abbeys hidden away along the smaller roads. Along the coast there are plenty of nice beaches to visit. Find an area you like to visit and then let the area dictate where to take you.

Related posts:

• What to see in Ireland
• Where to go in Phuket, Thailand
• What to do in London

What to do in London?

Image via Wikipedia

London is one of my favourite places in the world. Not just because of its convenient location and status as a gateway to the world, but because of the never ending sights to see and the places to stroll around in. London might seem like a hectic place but if you look behind the corner, you will find peace and tranquility too. There are places crowded with tourists, like Buckingham Palace, Madame Tussuad's and the London Eye, but also places less likely to be visited, like St James' Park. With so many attractions, there is bound to be one that you like. Here are my top 5. Perhaps you will think different? Let me know.

1. Covent Garden - to me this is the heart of London. It is a place where I return over and over again. It is a perfect place to sit down and relax and enjoy the atmosphere. There is usually market stalls to browse through and free entertainment to amuse you.

2. The Imperial War Museum - an important museum as it is dedicated to the 2 World Wars. Here you will find everything you could possible want to know and see about these wars. You really will get a feel to how it was during the London bombings in their bunker. Try it if you dare.

3. Greenwich - take a ferry from Westminister to Greewich and enjoy the Thames. In Greenwich the pace is a lot slower and strolling around the streets is interesting. There are plenty of markets where you can pick up bargains.

4. The Tower of London - meet a Beefeater and let yourself be guided through the history of London. Not many places have such a rich history and the anecdotes are told extremely well. It is an interesting place to visit and you get a lot for your money.

5. The West End - no visit to London is complete until you have visited one of the many shows in the West End. Even just walking around Leicester Square will lift your spirits.

Related posts:

• Top 10 cities or towns to visit in Europe.
• Free things to do in Paris.
• Free things to do in London.
• Top 5 capitals in Europe.
• 5 amazing countries to visit.

Top 5 destinations in Australia

Image via Wikipedia

I am continuing my top 5 lists and the subject of tonight is the wonderful land of OZ. Australia is a vast and beautiful continent and you need time and money to see most of it. I have been fortunate enough to spend 10 months Down Under and here are my highlights and places I would recommend;

1. Tasmania - this gorgeous place just south of Melbourne is like a country of its own. Take the ferry or jump on a plane to get there and then enjoy the beauty and the remoteness of this island. Take a tour around the area and see the sights. Don't forget to visit the famous and amazing Wineglass Bay, the remote parts up north where you can walk where no one has trodden before and a ghost tour in Port Arthur.

2. Western Australia -it is such a vast area that you could write a blog on WA just on its own. From Broome in the north to Perth down south, there is many places to explore and enjoy. Visit the dolphins at Monkey Mia, take a boat trip to see the humpback whales or snorkel at the Ningaloo reef. Western Australia will show you the true OZ; the remoteness and wilderness and the true spirit of the Aussies.

3. Kakadu National Park - no visit to Australia is complete before you have taken a tour to this National Park. To sleep under the stars in the rain forest, visit the spiders blocking your way to the toilets and swim in the billabongs and waterfalls. Beware of the crocodiles though and listen to the guides advise.

4. Ularu - more commonly known as Ayers Rock. This big rock is something else and to sit and see it changing its colours at sunrise or sunset is impressive. There are plenty of walks in this national park and information about the Aboriginal culture. A visit to the town of Alice Springs is also recommended.

5. Sydney - although not the capital of Australia, the largest city Down Under is a relaxed and friendly place. Go to the Blue Mountains, Bondi Beach or stroll around the harbour. You will not regret stopping over here.

Related posts:

• Top 5 capitals in Europe
• Top 10 cities or towns to visit in Europe
• 5 amazing countries to visit.
• Free things to do in London.
• Free things to do in Paris.

What to see in Ireland

Image via Wikipedia

Many people have this romantic notion of the Emerald Island and sometimes I totally get that but other times I really don't. Today is one of those days when I have trouble understanding what I am doing here. You see, it has been raining non-stop the whole summer. Well, at least it feels like that after having had only a few days of pure sunshine. Looking out my window all I see is rain, rain, rain. What better way then to remind myself, and you ,about what makes Eire a special place.

1. The Cliffs of Moher - these huge rocks by the Atlantic are not just majestic to look at, but they make a great place to go and just contemplate life. They are immensely popular so beware of the crowds but do jump over the fence if you feel like it and stroll away on your own. It is windy up there so be careful and don't do anything stupid, but it is well worth the walk.

2. The Ring of Kerry - another one of those tourist traps so do go there in low season. It is a circular drive around one of the most beautiful peninsulas you will find here. Life moves in a slower pace in Kerry, it reminds you of a time long ago. Not in a negative way mind you, but in a really really nice, soothing way.

3. The Aran Islands - take the ferry from Galway out to these rugged islands. This is the real, hard Irish life that we have seen so many times in various films. Not many people live out on these islands and the sheer desolation out there is exactly what makes them so special.

4. Achill Island - no need to take a boat out here as this island is connected to the mainland by a bridge. It is a popular holiday destination with plenty of white, sandy beaches and holiday homes. It makes for a nice, relaxing weekend.

5. Galway - my favourite town in Ireland. There are a joi de vivre here that you don't find elsewhere. Perhaps it has to do with the young, hip crowd that lives here or the fact that their main street is oh so colourful. Have lunch in one of the pubs where you can enjoy live music and sit back and relax.

Related posts:

• Top 5 destinations in Australia.
• Where to go in Thailand.
• 5 amazing countries to visit.
• What to do in Poland.
• What to do in Ireland.