Posts tagged ‘General Travel’

If you are an avid traveller then you must be aware of the various travel insurance plans that the insurance companies provide. If you are not a regular traveller then some insurance companies provide an insurance plan for travellers who do not travel often and these plans cover only the single trip and the customer might purchase these along with the ticket for his/her travel.

Under any circumstances, if one intends to purchase travel insurance plans, then just like it is with the purchase of any insurance plan, it is vital that one researches on all the travel insurance plans available and then once all the information is available, sit down and compare travel insurance plans. This helps you eliminate the unnecessary players who claim to offer the most economical insurance plans while actually not offering certain important feature that a competitor might.

When one sits down to compare travel insurance plans with the information about the factors that affect it and what all would a prospective buyer want-is actually when you are able to see through the various plans that there are. More often than not, the insurance companies which proclaim to offer the most economical amongst all insurance plans actually do not offer some important features that are included in plans from some other company with the insurance premium only a little higher for the additional service. For example, a normal travel insurance plan might provide insurance against death and injury during travel, provide medical cover in case of hospitalization, coverage for baggage in case lost and stolen and at times even the personal items that the customers might want to get insured. Then for the same plan, there are companies which offer a discount if both spouses are enrolled in the plan or a whole family purchases the plan.

To be able to ascertain such nuances is why it becomes vital to compare travel insurance.

Doolin hotels have had to battle to attract visitors as the multi-national hotel chains have moved into the region. The 3 independent hotels picked here represent the best in Doolin Ireland for their wonderful rural/sea views, service and rooms.

The Aran View House Hotel is the longest running hotel in the area, attracting visitors for many decades there to enjoy the panoramic views of the Aran Islands. The traditional style and country manor charm of the decor and furnishings throughout the hotel is completed in the 19 spacious guest rooms.

Doolin Point and Doonagore

Doolin Point and Doonagore

Even though it is only a short walk into Doolin village for its restaurants and pubs the Aran View still draws in many guests and locals alike to the restaurant for its great menu of traditional Irish cuisine. The bar has also become a popular spot on summer evenings thanks to the traditional Irish music sessions that the village is renowned for.

Closer to Doolin village itself, the Ballyvara House is an unassuming modern-built guest-house in a tranquil rural setting. Inside though, it is full of surprises due to the variety of rooms. Aside from standard double/single rooms it has luxury suites with spa/Jacuzzi baths, massive quad/family rooms and 2 studio apartments.

Guests in the 2 studios have their own kitchen but can also avail of breakfast in the guest-house which is highly recommended for the friendly banter with the owners and the super range of hot/cold options – everything from pancakes with maple syrup to cereals or full Irish cooked breakfasts.

Finally the 4-star Tir Gan Ean is probably the most technically modern hotel in the region. The Celtic architecture outside is brought through to the 12 guest rooms with modern Irish furniture. The rooms also sport such creature comforts as free wifi, plasma TVs, under-floor heating and ultra modern en-suites.

The Doolin Point and Doonagore is well worth the trip so pick a good hotel to make a good trip even better.

Many of the best Clifden hotels are located on the outskirts of this charming coastal town. The three hotels short-listed here are ideally situated in Clifden Ireland within close proximity to the town and the Connemara National Park nearby and are perennial favorites with guests thanks to their great service, scenic vistas and fantastic food.

The family run Ardagh hotel has a pleasant coastal location overlooking Ardbear Bay. The rural setting makes it a great base for exploring the nearby Maumturk Mountains or enjoying the golf and fishing within walking distance.

Clifden Hotels

One of the Top 3 Clifden Hotels?

The recently refurbished guest rooms now have wifi, satellite TV and contemporary en-suites as standard while the west-facing rooms get the best ocean views. The hotel restaurant has in recent years won several awards for their seasonal Irish cuisine which has a nice balance of wholesome and modern.

The Renvyle House Hotel is a little further along the coast of Connemara. The hotels secluded location and charming country manor style building makes it feel authentically Irish and the interior retains a traditional decor throughout.

The warm comfortable guest rooms have been modernized in recent years with wi-fi and updated en-suites. As nice as the neighboring national park is there are plenty of things to do at Renvyle with their own golf course and walking trails. Of particular note is the enjoyable restaurant which provides some real culinary treats to suit all palates and, on occasion hosts gourmet weekends to really show off their skills.

Last, but certainly not least, the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel is an authentic Irish castle with bags of charm. From the moment you enter the castle estate with its woodland and manicured gardens it feels like a very special location. Inside this landmark building the furnishings are elegant and the guest rooms are high-ceilinged, individually furnished, comfortable rooms with wonderful garden views. One of the best Clifden Hotels for sure.

When it comes to Mediterranean golf holidays Portugal has the sunshine and quantity to make for a great golfing destination. This article highlights some of the key golfing regions along with the must-play courses in each.

For a trouble-free golf holiday Algarve has been welcoming holidaying golfers for decades. The area has the largest range of courses (links, parkland, desert) in the country.

Vilamoura town affords the greatest selection of courses, resorts and accommodation options and thankfully has some mature & challenging courses with a short drive of town. The 2 Vale do Lobo courses or the Oceanico Old Course are definitely the most memorable to play.

Western Algarve is open to the sea and the many links courses are made all the more tricky as a result. Some highlights are the scenic Boavista that overlooks Lagos, the hillside Parque da Floresta, Penina and the Oceanico O’Connor & Faldo courses. The Faldo course has a unique desert-style design which makes this all the more challenging with the Atlantic breeze.

Eastern Algarve experiences cooler summers and warmer winters than the region (making it playable all year round) and course like Benamor, Quinta da Ria and the pricey, but spectacular, Monte Rei can make this area truly memorable.

The Estoril region along the west coast is growing in popularity with over 10 resorts and some unique courses. Penha Longa is a championship course surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside while the links at Troia is an adventure to get to (by ferry) and an adventure to play when the sea breezes are up.

Finally, the Oeste region is an up-and-coming golf region as new course developments are springing up at Rainha, Sizandro and Paimogo to name but a few. It may not have the volume of courses, in comparison to the Algarve, but it still attracts those who wish to enjoy scenic drives mixed in with their golf holidays in Portugal.