Europe Archives - Seek Your Trip

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.

…

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.

…

Photo by tambako on Flickr

45 min web-assisted TDIs: 125€ per participant

45 minute IDIs @ facility: 130€ per participant

30 min web-assisted TDIs: 95€ per participant

December 9, 2013 by author

5 Must See Attractions of Moldova

Moldova is a relatively young country, having been founded around the 1990s. Be that as it may, Moldova is one of those places that adventurous travellers and backpackers must truly visit. Being a small country as compared to its immediate neighbours Romania and Ukraine, seeing all of the top tourist attractions of Moldova shouldn’t be very difficult. If you’re wondering what wonders this young and deprived country can offer, do check out the following list. It outlines some of the most popular and top tourist attractions that visitors to Moldova couldn’t afford to miss.

Soroca Fortress

The Soroca Fortress is one of the remaining structures in Moldova that dates back to the Medieval Periods. This fortress is located in the Nistru River, and is part of what was once the “Stone Belt of Fortresses” which included other fortresses scattered in the other sections of the country. The fortress is a solid structure made of rocks and stones, and served important functions during some of Moldova’s battled times. Taking a walk inside Soroca Fortress require a small fee, which is very much worth it.

Tighina Fortress

Another fortress worth mentioning is the Tighina Fortress located in Bender, Moldova. What started out as a wooden defence system evolved into a massive fortification, with walls which are about three metres thick and made of limestone and bricks. Inside the fortress is a wide plain of grass, while displays of cannons which were used during the different wars which involved the town can be seen in along the walls and towers. However, the most appealing part of touring the Tighina Fortress would be the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Orhei Vechi Monastery

This is one of the different cave monasteries found in Moldova, which forms one of the most unique kinds of travelling experiences that can be had in Moldova. The monastery is a sort of complex which includes visits to the rooms carved from the sides of the mountains. Those rooms which served varied purposes throughout time is now part of their museum, where you get to see paintings and relics of religious importance.

Curchi Monastery

About 15 kilometres away from Orhei is another famous Monatery of Moldova – the Curchi Monastery. This monastery provides a sharp contrast to the rugged appeal of the Orhei Vechi Cave Monastery. The Curchi Monastery was built around the 18^th century, which at that time was the most luxurious of all monasteries in the whole country. However, due to wars and catastrophes, the monastery fell into destruction, and remained as such until it was renovated back in 2005. The monastery has several churches within its complex, including the unfinished Church of St. Nicholas. Its main church though, the Cathedral Nasterea Domnului is where you’ll find the highest dome in Moldova which goes as high as 47 metres from the ground.

Taul Park

Taul Park is Moldova’s largest park, and is one of the most frequented places outside the country’s capital, Chisinau. The park provides varied landscapes and views for tourists to enjoy. They can walk along the network of paths and trails which should take them to a beautiful valley with a lake. Here, visitors will swans and roes gently floating on the lake’s surface. The park is also home to a wide variety of trees and bushes, which should make this a paradise for nature lovers out there.

…

Photo by akras on Flickr