Europe Archives - Seek Your Trip

August 22, 2017 by Arlene

European Road Trips With a Difference

What better way to see a country than to jump in your car and drive through its heart? Well, if you are looking for a European road trip with a difference, we have some incredible roads to show you which will help you to not only see the countryside of some of Europe’s finest countries, but roads which will add some real excitement to your journey.

With our partners yourparkingspace we have put together some of the continent’s finest road trip destinations.

Germany’s Black Forest Adventure

Deep in the heart of Germany’s Black Forest you will find Route 500, a 31 mile pass that will take you through a series of winding and exciting roads from Freudenstadt to Baden-Baden. Throughout the journey you will sweep through speedy sections and countless bends as you cut through the forest and the mountains within it. During this 1 hour section of road you will be treated to some glorious scenery and plenty of places to stop off for a photograph. If you want to enjoy this route at its quietest time then aim to get away as early as possible.

Exploring The Scottish Cairngorms

Scotland has some of the finest countryside that you are likely to find in Europe with thick and green forests interspersed with lakes, rivers and rugged landscapes. What better way to explore the beautiful Scottish countryside then than cutting through it on what is considered to be the best driving road in the British Isles, the A93 or the Old Military road as it is often referred to. This road slices through the Cairngorms National Park and aside from the breathtaking scenery which you will see as you drive, you will also be treated to a road with ups, downs and tight bends for you to navigate as you try to take in the views.

Italian Drama

If you are looking for a road trip which does not only offer a feast for the eyes but also one which will test your driving, the Stelvio Pass in Italy is where you should go. This 30 mile stretch is by far and away one of the most theatrical roads in Europe and as you take in the splendour of both the Swiss and the Italian Alps, you will be driving on a route with 48 hairpin bends as you climb to the top of the mountains before sloping back down with one of the most awe-inspiring views of natural beauty which you are likely to find anywhere in the continent.

Here is a little bit more about some of the roads which you can experience throughout Europe.

April 18, 2017 by Arlene

Top Tips for International Students Making a Home In Britain

Leaving your loved ones to move to university can be a daunting task for any student, but can be an even bigger challenge for those who chose to move abroad and become an international student. Not only will you be faced with the typical challenges of student life, you will also have to deal with the additional adaptations that come from being in a completely new country where every is different and new to you.

There are several things you need to tackle before you set off on your new educational journey as an international student that will help ease you into the British life. So to give you a helping hand, we’ve listed some of the top tips to consider before arriving in your new country.

Get Your Visa Right

This may seem like a given but it is so commonly overlooked so it needs to be mentioned! The last thing you want to do is not be able to get into the country and endless hours of organising your placement. If you’re coming to study from a country that is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), then you’re covered under Free Movement, however you will need to have a European Health Insurance Card if you want to use the NHS at any point. Please bear in mind that following Brexit, there will be changes to this so if you’re looking for EEA pr or family permits you’ll need to check what the latest policy is.

Alternatively, if you’re a non-EU member, you’ll need to make sure you sort out your student visa well before you arrive. For the majority, you will need to obtain a tier 4 visa for your study, that is unless your course is less than 6 months long so then you will be eligible for a Student Visitor Visa instead.

A move to the UK will always be best advised from the advice of bodies that deal with this daily. The capital always receives a lot of applications so to give yourself the best chance it is always best to check with an immigration solicitors in London, or speak to your chosen university or course head. You’ll find that most universities have international coordinators who are there to help you with the logistics of your paperwork, application and move as a whole.

Research! Research! Research!

You need to thorough research every detail of your move. The area, the university and where you’ll be living. Whilst it is important to local area, most international students find it is easier to adapt to UK life by joining societies and groups with the area that are off your home nationality. Where it is online groups or forums, or actual clubs that you attend, they’re all great sources of information and support from people who’ve been in your shoes. Find local versions of your hobbies prior to your move as it will help settle you in a lot quicker.

When it comes to accommodation if not looking to move to on site campus’ in provided student accommodation, you need highlight places where you can stay locally that has an easy commute. Ensure you look into what deposits you’ll need as well as I.D in order to secure a place. If you’re looking to use a house share solution, you should meet your potential flat mates first to see if you get on with them and would be happy to live with them.

Don’t Forget Your Finances

Aside from already knowing your financial situation and how you’ll be funding your study, you need to ensure you’ve got all of your bases covered. Each bank will off a different rate and fee to transfer money to and from UK based accounts. They may also have offers on that are specially catered for international students. You’ll need to make sure that these aren’t solely for new accounts and that you won’t encounter large fees further down the line, especially if you’re studying on a course that is due to last a number of years. Before you even get to that point, though, most UK banks have extremely stringent policies on opening an account as a foreign national, so make sure you have all the documentation that you’ll need. You might also qualify for bursaries, scholarships or even specialist funding so it is more than worth checking to see if you fit the application criteria for these.

Travelling and Calling Back Home

Settling in any new place can be hard and at some point, home sickness will set in. It is at this point that you have the capability to get in touch with your friends and family back home to get that support you need. The main UK phone networks have fantastic deals with international operators, meaning your existing phone will more than likely still function here. This however is a more expensive options, as a lot of the time it is much cheaper to get out a UK mobile phone based contract which gives you access to apps like Viber, Skype and Facetime so you can contact your loved ones over the internet for free. As there easy to use, even your anti-technology parents back home can pick them up with ease. There are also low cost international call operators such as Lebara, LycaMobile and RebTel that offer exceptional rates on international calling, some of which are from under 1p per minute of call time.

January 18, 2014 by author

4 Key Differences Between River Cruises and Ocean Cruises

To many people, ocean cruises and river cruises both fall squarely into the ‘cruising’ category, with little in the way of separation. While these two different methods of water travel might seem similar, they have far more differences than similarities.

From the size of the ship to the focus of the cruise, the differences between a river cruise and an ocean cruise are incredible. Read on to learn the four most important differences to consider before you book a cruise for your family this year.

1. Ocean cruises are all about the boat

Many ocean cruises spend days travelling from one destination to another, making the boat far more of an attraction than the destination itself. Because of this, most cruise ships have incredible facilities, ranging from swimming pools to casinos.

On a river cruise, the focus of the experience is different. With shorelines visible at all times, the focus of a river cruise is far less about the boat itself – which is always smaller than an oceangoing cruise ship – but the beautiful scenery out the window.

If incredible facilities, exotic casinos, and a luxurious onboard experience are what you’re looking for, an ocean cruise is sure to satisfy. However, if culture and scenery are your idea of a great holiday, a river cruise is more likely to suit your tastes.

2. River cruises are far more personal

Oceangoing cruise ships range from large to gigantic, boasting hundreds of rooms and facilities that make five-star hotels seem small. River cruise ships, on the other hand, tend to be smaller and more personal vessels.

Instead of giant dining halls, travellers on river cruise ships can enjoy a much more personal experience. Far from being a limiting factor, the smaller size of the ship is an excellent quality that enhances the experience of a European river cruise.

3. Ocean cruises can be rough and stormy

If you often feel seasick, an ocean cruise might not be for you. While ocean cruises frequently encounter stormy weather and serious waves, river cruises are largely protected from extreme weather by their surroundings.

While the ocean experience is certainly exhilarating, travellers seeking a blend of culture, natural beauty, and peaceful conditions will probably enjoy a river cruise more than a cruise on the ocean.

4. River cruises drop you right in the action

Even coastal destinations are often out of reach for oceangoing vessels. Due to the size of most cruise ships, many need to dock at ports that are far away from their destinations, forcing travellers into a long and boring coach journey.

This article was written by Shearings Holidays. From Cologne to Budapest, Danube river cruises with Shearings allow you to exit the ship right into your favourite European destinations.

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Photo by motiqua on Flickr

December 23, 2013 by Arlene

The Rise of the River Cruise

From the Rhine to the Danube, river cruises are quickly becoming the best way to see Europe’s finest rivers. These relaxing yet interesting trips take visitors to some of the Continent’s most intriguing cities, through some of its best scenery, and past many of its most impressive castles and historical monuments.

For a long time, however, it wasn’t this way. River cruises have historically come in second place for travellers, falling behind their oceangoing alternatives in terms of amenities and adventure. Over the last decade, the balance has changed, with more people than ever before travelling down Europe’s most impressive rivers.

Popular destinations include the Danube – the Continent’s second-longest river, and a major biodiversity hot spot – and the Rhine. The Danube itself passes beside a long list of European capitals and cultural hot spots, giving it an adventurous appeal that many tourists believe is missing on the traditional European holiday.

After all, how many other cruises let you visit Vienna, Budapest, and the UNESCO World Heritage City of Regensburg from a single ship? While ocean cruises are all about enjoying the incredible views, river cruises combine scenery and culture to create a very appealing package for travellers.

The cruise ships themselves are part of the appeal. No longer the compact cruisers of previous decades, today’s river cruises are incredibly modern. Satellite TVs and Internet access allow even the most technology addicted to relax and unwind, and live bands and group entertainment make the ships a very social environment.

Then there’s the setting – some of Europe’s most magnificent rivers. With another incredible attracting waiting around every bend in the river, trips along the Rhine and Danube are packed with activity. Stop at castles and remote wineries, or visit some of Central Europe’s most exciting cultural centres and historical cities.

In many ways, river cruises are replacing the heavily marketed ocean cruises that attracted passengers en mass over the last 20 years. The ships are newer, with a selection of incredible features, and the destinations truly remarkable. The river cruise experience, it seems, appeals to a huge audience of modern travellers.

From Cologne to Vienna, Budapest to Antwerp, no other form of European travel makes it so easy to see the Continent’s highlights. Enjoy the best of Europe with a stress-free holiday this year – forget the traditional ways to travel and make your way around Europe on a relaxing, interesting, and very rewarding river cruise.

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Photo by tambako on Flickr

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30 min web-assisted TDIs: 95€ per participant