Breaking Blue : Helping you explore the world!

If you can’t find what you require in one of the many London markets then maybe the only other option is a shopping centre. There are so many shopping centres in London and the surrounding areas that it is easy to find any item you are looking for.

The Westfield shopping centre is the ultimate in luxury shopping. Not only does it have a vast array of shops and services, there are also many added extras that truly make this shopping centre special.  At The Westfield there are people to park your car for you, and if you need it, to carry your shopping. There are even personal shoppers available to help you find those perfect items. You can even book hotels in London at the Centre (or any destination required). All in all a shopping trip that is easy and very memorable.

The markets of Covent Garden should not be missed on any trip to London. Apple Market is popular for those looking to buy antiques, jewellery and clothing, while Jubilee Market offers arts and craft wares. Most people visit Covent Garden for the atmosphere, it is friendly and vibrant and a fun way to pass the time.

The Plaza on Oxford Street is more than just a shopping centre. It houses many shops but also has a gym for those needing to let off steam after a hard day at work. It is packed with restaurants and coffee houses and is a perfect place to shop and relax.

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Every now and again we all feel like we just need to get away, and what better place to do it than London. Booking hotels in London is really easy; a simple search of the internet or browsing through Teletext pages can often yield good results.

It doesn’t even have to cost a lot of money. For those who live further away from the capital, booking train tickets in advance can often offer some massive discounts.

There are many London hotels to suit all budgets; the cheapest are not necessarily too far out of the city. There are some bargains to be found closer to the city centre, but these may take some time to find as London is one of the most popular city destinations in the world.

Booking into a London hotel that has breakfast and evening meal included also saves money as this means no additional food costs while out exploring, but it may mean being tied to certain mealtimes.

Many of the museums in London have free admission; this allows you to explore numerous venues, without spending any money. If you are physically able, walking from place to place instead of using public transport is another way to keep costs low.

There are so many London hotels that there is bound to be something to suit your budget and with some forethought and careful planning, you can ensure costs are kept to a minimum.

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According to Doyle’s stories, Holmes and Watson occupied rooms in a Victorian boarding house on Baker Street between 1881 and 1904.  The Sherlock Holmes Museum is housed in a structure built in 1815 and is protected by the British government due to its architectural and cultural significance.

The interior has been faithfully restored and maintained just as Doyle described it in his stories.

The first floor study overlooking the street sits at the top of a long flight of stairs.  Visitors can rest in Holmes’ armchair by the fireplace, pose for photos in his bedroom just off the study, or browse his personal possessions including his magnifying glass, pipe, deerstalker hat, violin, slippers, chemistry instruments, personal notebook, and many disguises.

Doctor Watson’s bedroom is located on the second floor and overlooks a small garden at the back of the house; Mrs. Hudson, the housekeeper, has her rooms at the front.  These rooms contain more of Holmes’ personal belongings and private papers, along with a variety of evidence from his various cases.  Doctor Watson’s hand-written diary contains passages sure to be familiar to readers of “The Hound of the Baskervilles.”

On the third floor, the museum has an extensive collection of wax figures representing scenes from several of Doyle’s stories.  The attic lumber room, where lodgers stored their trunks, is also open to visitors.

The museum shop on the ground floor sells a variety of unusual and interesting items. 

Located at 221b Baker Street, the Sherlock Holmes Museum is easily accessible from most hotels in London.  It’s open daily from 9:30am to 6pm.  Admission is £6 for adults and £4 for under-16s.

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New York is one of the most visited cities in the world, receiving over 45 million tourists every year. It has a wide range of popular attractions and there are a number of bus and boat tours available that allow visitors to explore the city. New York was also home to the World Trade Center, which was a prominent tourist destination before being destroyed on the 11th September 2001 in the terrorist attacks.

New York is home to the Empire State Building, a stunning skyscraper that is famous for its involvement in the 1933 movie “King Kong”. Tourists can view the breathtaking sights of the city from the tower on the structure’s popular motion simulator and enjoy a light snack or main meal in one of the building’s eateries, which includes a sushi bar, two main restaurants and three cafes.

In addition to its stunning architecture, New York also offers a variety of fascinating museums and theatres, making it an ideal holiday destination for those who love art, history and culture, and entertainment. The city also has a variety of attractions that are suitable for families, including the Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo. Times Square is also worth a visit, particularly during special events such as Christmas and New Year.

New York offers a thriving nightlife and has plenty of bars and restaurants to suit older tourists. Those looking for a family fun day out may wish to visit Six Flags, one of the world’s most popular amusement parks. 

Whether you are looking for a location that offers plenty of culture and history or for plenty of fascinating attractions, you are sure to find everything you need to make your stay in New York a memorable one.

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The Grand Royale, London is located in Paddington neighbouring the quiet areas of Hyde Park and Nottinghill, however this premier London hotel is still close by all of the excitement. From London’s West End and museums to fine dining, this location is amazing!

The luxury hotel is situation nearby all the major transport links and is in easy reach of both Heathrow Airport and many underground stations, which is especially good for business travellers. The Grand Royale also offers a good choice when it comes down to choosing rooms.

There are 11 types of room available and all are beautifully designed and fully furnished. All of the rooms come with the following amenities: Flat-screen TV, air conditioning, in-room safe, tea-coffee making facility, telephone and high-speed Internet access.

The hotel also has other facilities outside of the rooms that guests are welcome to enjoy, these include the hotels very own restaurant and bar. The hotel also has a variety of offers available including a ‘Free Broadband Package’ and a ‘Free Breakfast Package’ all designed to help save you money!

The hotel also offers the highest standard of meeting rooms available for hire.  These rooms are equipped with the latest gadgets and gizmos for a successful meeting. However the rooms can also be used for special occasions and events, from wedding breakfasts, private dining, and Champagne receptions. The hotel is child friendly and will meet all requirements whether you are there for business or pleasure!

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Barcelona has much to offer the discerning traveller. A cosmopolitan city rich with history and culture and with a preserved Gothic centre (Barrio Gótico), Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain (after Madrid) and is Catalonia’s capital. Catalonia, bordering France to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the east, is renowned for its fine beaches. The long golden stretches of sand of the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada are popular holiday resorts for couples and families. Barcelona’s biggest beaches are Sant Sebastia and Barceloneta. The region also has ski resorts, and the Pyrenees is popular with skiers (including members of the Spanish royal family). Campers and explorers come here too, to take in the fresh air and beautiful mountain scenery of the Spanish/French frontier.

Barcelona’s airport is called El Prat de Llobregat, and is around 10 miles from the city centre. It is well-served by taxis and bus or underground services.

Eccentric 20th Century artist Salvador Dali was born in Figueres, and art-lovers are well-advised to visit the museum in the historic Girona province, showcasing his lifetime works. Other attractions in Barcelona include the Port Aventura Theme Park (in Tarragona, which is also home to Roman monuments), an aquarium, the largest stadium in Europe (Camp Nou, FC Barcelona’s training ground) and the Picasso Museum – which attracts a million visitors every year. There are also no fewer than 68 municipal parks, a huge range of bars and restaurants, and diverse shops and market stalls. The architecture of Barcelona is varied, ranging from grand, medieval structures of the Gothic Quarter to modern towers (such as Torre Agbar) – and everything in between, notably Gaudi’s magnificent Sagrada Familia Cathedral.

Barcelona provides sun, sea, sand (and even snow, if the Pyrenees appeal more than the beaches), and offers holiday-makers a diverse and vibrant slice of authentic Mediterranean life.

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Undiscovered by the majority of Brits, the Portuguese city of Oporto (Usually known as Porto) is a fascinating cultural and historical gem. The city is at the centre of the Port wine trade and the historic centre is a UNESCO world heritage site. The ancient harbour is full of traditional wine boats and is surrounded by Port wine warehouses.

Anyone with an interest in history will love Porto, steeped in Portuguese tradition and mostly unchanged for centuries it’s an architectural delight; with its 13th century Cathedral, beautiful gothic churches and intricately designed bridges spanning the Douro River. There are countless historic buildings, some displaying the famous Azuleto tiles, and many of which were constructed in the city’s golden age in the ‘20s and ‘30s.

Wine lovers can visit famous Port wine houses for tastings and guided tours to learn about the history and techniques of this regional speciality.  Set in tranquil gardens, the National Museum of Modern Art is housed in a spectacular Art Nouveau building and is a must for art lovers. Gourmets too will love the fresh seafood and pork dishes of this region.

Finding somewhere to stay in and around Porto is no problem. You can rent waterside apartments with views across to the old town, or stay a few kilometres outside the town, close to beaches and golf courses, and surrounded by natural beauty. Porto also makes an excellent base for visiting the many attractions of the area, along the Costa Verde.

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Greece’s capital and largest city is Athens; it is one of the oldest cities in the world, dating back to ancient times.  It is rich in culture and filled with history as well as being one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world.  The city has transformed itself into a cosmopolitan metropolis which is flourishing extremely well, with a sizable urban area and diverse population.  Athens is also considered the political, industrial, financial, economic, and cultural centre of Greece and features a number of activities and events.

The city of Athens is rapidly becoming a business hub in the EU (European Union) and is greatly influenced by the EU culturally and politically.  However it is the allure that the city holds for the international traveller which is well known worldwide.  It is known for its famous art, educational entities, and history as many of the great scholars such as Pericles, Socrates, and Sophocles were born in the city of Athens.

With nearly 500 hotels in Athens listed online, you could be faced with quite a challenge when trying to decide on where to stay while visiting this historic city.  Additionally, there are hundreds of private villas and vacation retreats to be taken advantage of in the city, nearly all of which are excellent values for money.  Whether you choose a hotel or a private villa, you will not be disappointed with the selection at hand.  The balmy climate, the culture, and the city’s intriguing history all make Athens a favourite destination of millions of international travellers annually.

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Nesebar is one of the oldest coastal cities in Bulgaria and is now a major seaside resort on the Black Sea coast. Often referred to as the Pearl of the Black Sea, Nesebar is a unique combination of seaside resort and museum, drawing upon over 3,000 years of history as a coastal city of importance. It is one of the more lucrative private seaside destinations in the Black Sea, located adjacent to the more tourist-trendy Sunny Beach.

Nesebar is unique in that there are two distinctly separate sections of the city: the old part of town and the mainland. The old section of the city containing the World Heritage Site and most of the ancient structures is located on a peninsula that was initially an island, but eventually connected to the mainland via a man-made isthmus. This is where the best villas and apartments can be rented for holiday excursions, although it should be noted that the prices are a little higher than the mainland. The mainland section of the city contains more modern buildings and amenities, as well as the more tourist-friendly hotels and resorts.

Where you stay in Nesebar determines the type of experience you have. There are several beaches surrounding the island and the mainland, and travellers looking for a more intimate experience will rent an apartment on the island, while those looking for an all-inclusive stay can book at one of the hotels on the mainland. However, most of the best restaurants are located on the island itself.

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Florida is a popular holiday destination for British tourists and with its 16 million citizens and 170,000 square kilometres of land Florida is as large and varied in landscape as a small country.

The state is world famous for its sun, surf and sandy beaches; there are 1500 kilometres of beaches in total.  Added to this are the attractions of the unique and natural wonders of the Everglades and the modern theme parks including Disney World. Although this might sound enough Florida has even more to offer the visitor.

Florida’s western Panhandle has some of the best beaches in the USA. It also has caverns and some of the finest canoeing around. In this region is found Tallahassee with its interesting museums and the famous Suwannee River. Cave diving, fishing and cultural tours are also all on offer.

Jacksonville, the state’s largest city is located in northeast Florida and is home to the Professional Golf Association. Golf, fishing, historical tours and the oldest marine park in the country make visiting this part of Florida very worthwhile.

Further south there is the world famous Daytona Beach and the site of NASA the American space agency. Orlando, famous for its theme parks, including Universal Studios, Disney World and Sea World, dominates Central Florida. Each of these theme parks contains so many attractions that it can take a family a whole week to explore them. However, for those who are interested in something more than theme parks the area is also home to beautiful cities such as Tampa and St. Petersburg. One of the biggest attractions of this area is the Gulf of Mexico with its stunning beaches and calm green waters.

Even further south are the Everglades, Miami and the Florida Keys. The Everglades are an experience not to be missed and Key West is the ultimate vacationer’s paradise, a place where you can fill your day with activities or just simply hang out and relax.

Not surprisingly Florida has a huge range of privately owned villas or holiday apartments that are available for rental. Some rental sites also offer extras such as Florida theme park tickets that can be delivered to the villa. Villas can be rented in various locations in Florida and some can be booked at the last minute, although it is a good idea to compare prices and offers.

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