Extracts of travel blogs commissioned by: (Formerly Content Amp)

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1 Extracts of travel blogs commissioned by: (Formerly Content Amp) Top travel app hits the mark Planning your trip both within The Emerald Isle and abroad has just got easier with the release of the Expedia IE App. The app is perfect for leisure and business travel with features which include the standard fare you find on the Expedia website adapted for i-phone, Android and tablets. You can book flights and hotels along with making use of special features like the mobile itinerary devised for use on handsets. The new app is free and can be downloaded easily via its website. For flight booking, the app searches availability from 140 airlines and displays what is one offer on a price scale, starting with the lowest cost ticket. This makes it easy to compare prices at a glance. Hotel room costs can be accessed from 205, 000 hotels with verified reviews available to help you make your final choice. A bonus that comes with the app is the mobile itinerary feature. This compiles all of your travel details minute-by-minute and displays them in local time for extra convenience.

2 Ice, ice baby? Are skiing holidays suitable for kids? Think about what a typical group of kids do when let loose in the snow. They become alive with playful snowball fights, making snow angels and, of course, loads of laughs. Kids love the snow and with so many options available for family skiing holidays can take their love of the fluffy cold white stuff further through a dabble on the slopes. If you have decided to take a winter holiday your thoughts will naturally turn to skiing and rightly so. There are scores of fantastic resorts all over the world with some of the finest in Europe. Ski holidays France for example offer packages for novice and seasoned skiers and activities for children and teenagers. The main thing is to check ahead at a resort to see what kind of fun in the snow kids can get up to while you re enjoying your skiing holiday. Many resorts have activities for all ages of child taking place in safe designated areas which means you can relax knowing that the kids are being looked after and having fun. And just think about the stories you can tell one another over dinner each night! Wining and dining around Europe We all know what Germany`s famous for; some of the best beer. This globally popular tipple is so appreciated in Germany that there are scores of beer festivals each year for punters and newbies alike. One of the biggest is Oktoberfest, held in Stuttgart in the autumn. Millions of visitors enjoy beer sampling, family events, traditional beer-making displays and fireworks at this annual extravaganza. France is traditionally the good food capital of the world with so many tasty dishes, breads, sweets and innovations in cooking originating here. Regional wines add to the appeal as visitors flock to take part in organised tours and tastings. With all things edible put on a pedestal in France, it s no surprise that chocolate has speciallydedicated events organised in its honour. Taking place in Marseille in February, Salon Du Chocolat gives lovers of all things dark, milk and white the chance to discover this sweet in all its forms.

3 From windmills to sandstone ruins: Highlights along the Rhine If you are thinking of a different option for your holiday, have you considered a European river cruise? There is something very magical about coasting along some of the continent s most famous rivers and seeing the sites from such a unique perspective. Running for nearly 800 miles though Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands, the Rhine is one of the most majestic waterways in Europe with a fascinating history. Mementoes of its long story are in evidence along its banks in the form of old ruins, farmland beauty and beautiful cities. Discover Rhine on a cruise with breathtaking vistas and stops at charming towns en route. Many Rhine river cruises set off in Amsterdam one of Europe s most beautiful cities. With a few hours to spare before pulling anchor, you can visit one of the city s excellent museums or art galleries, enjoy a stroll around the centre or, for a taste of history, visit Anne Frank s house.

4 Romantic beach break or exhilarating holiday adventure? What do we want from our honeymoons For years now, weddings in far-flung exotic spots have been in vogue with British couples choosing to tie the knot in all corners of the globe. Ideas for honeymoons are following suit as newlyweds mark their new lives with breaks that range from traditional romantic beach holidays to action-packed trips. One of the most vast and most exotic regions on earth is Asia with more than ten intriguing and beautiful countries attracting newly-married couples looking for all types of honeymoons. Freedom Asia do honeymoons in Asia which cater to traditional tastes as well as newlyweds looking for an adventurous start to their marriage. Cities with a buzzing night-life, breathtaking beaches, adventure sports and stunning wildlife are the perfect ingredients for a tailor-made honeymoon. Best uses of credit cards for travel Credit cards are great for the big purchases connected to a vacation. These include flights, accommodation, car hire and even paying for special meals in restaurants. The best providers will have schemes whereby every dollar you spend with your credit card will go towards a points scheme. When they reach a set level, points can be redeemed for travel related costs for your next trip. So that handy slip of plastic is not just good for paying for goods and services during your current vacation; every transaction builds up a points fund for next time you travel. Nobody wants to think about their credit card being lost or stolen while they are at home, let alone out of the country. The next best thing to this never happening is being under the protection of a provider which will take your security seriously. American Express, for example, operates a 24-hour customer service to deal with any such inconvenient eventuality.

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