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Top Summer Destinations to Visit at Least Once In A Lifetime

June 29, 2017 Travel Advice Comments Off on Top Summer Destinations to Visit at Least Once In A Lifetime
Top Summer Destinations to Visit at Least Once In A Life

Summer is the most awaited season for folks who love to travel. These warm months are the best times of the year to make a booking, pack the bags, and go for an adventure. If you cannot decide on the best place to go, here is a list of the top summer destinations to visit at least once that guarantees you an experience that is full of incredible fun and amazing adventures.

Top 5 Summer Destinations to Visit at Least Once In A Lifetime

1. Seychelles Islands
Top Summer DestinationsIf you love the sea, sand, and sun, you cannot go wrong with this island archipelago in East Africa’s southern coast. The trick here is staying in the capital city, Victoria, for a day or two before making a journey to this island paradise. Victoria is among the smallest capital cities in the world, and its attractions are worth visiting its Clock Tower, Templo Hindu, Victoria Market, Seychelles Natural History Museum, Trois Freres Trail, and the National Botanical Gardens. Once you have explored Victoria, you can then go for some water activities on the islands.

2. Havana, Cuba
Top Summer DestinationsCuba was once considered an enigma to travellers, simply because not everyone could come to visit it. However, today, you are allowed to make a trip here. You can take a stroll along the bay in Havana, enjoy Rumba music, explore and shop, visit the cigar factories, learn their culture. You will be amazed at the hospitality offered by the locals who are proud of their heritage and culture.

3. Istanbul, Turkey
Top Summer Destinations The city of Istanbul is a city that has both the Asian and European continents and it should be one of top summer destinations to visit at least once. The Bosphorous Strait separates both the continents and there are two suspension bridges, which connects both the continents. The Asian part is the older continent, and offers numerous attractions. However, the European is more attractive to visit because it is has a larger population, hence is busier, and appears to be more alive.

4. Lisbon, Portugal
Top Summer DestinationsAlthough an old city, Lisbon is able to retain its attractiveness and positive atmosphere. It is fast becoming a popular and active place for people who are looking for a new place in Europe. You will love its rich culture and history, and enjoy visiting its Torre de Belem, 3 cable railroads on a mountain side, Alfama, Bairro Alto. Since the city is surrounded by beaches, you can also engage in boat tours and water activities.

5. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Top Summer DestinationsThe last of the top summer destinations to visit at least once is Ho Chi Minh. This city has a mixture of its own culture, French, American and Chinese cultures. It has great museums, historical temples and sites, and you will have a unique experience sampling their taste of cuisine.

 

For car hire information in any of the locations above, please contact our reservation team on +44 (0)113 880 0748 or via email on sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk and they will present the best options available for you.

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The Cleanest Beaches In Europe

June 25, 2015 Croatia, Travel Advice Comments Off on The Cleanest Beaches In Europe
The Cleanest Beaches In Europe

Its that time of year when we are thinking about what to pack, finding the passports, dusting off the sun hat and setting off on our summer holidays. The biggest thing that that some look forward to is to laze on the golden beach without a care in the world.

This all sounds perfect, but have a read of the below before you dive in for a cooling dip in the sea..

The inviting ocean can look as clear as glass but who knows what can be floating around the beautiful waves. Sewage, chemicals and bodily fluids possibly but we would never know without some help from the professionals.

For almost 20 years, the EAA (European Environment Agency) and the Blue Flag Organisation have monitored the coastal waters where a lot of us love to spend our holidays. This information can help us decide where in the world we would like to take our families.

Well done to Cyprus who top the list with 100% safe and clean water. This beautiful island has it all so this should be the cherry on top for anyone considering visting.

Second on the list is a country you may not associate with a beach holiday as it is landlocked, Luxembourg. With various designated bathing areas, all of which passed the safety standards.

Malta is a close 3rd with 99% of its beaches passing the test, not a bad ratio at all when you consider the amount of beaches on such a small island.

4th is Croatia with 95% of its beaches considered clean. Three locations failed because of sewage levels!

Drawling a line under the top 5 is Greece, 93% f its beaches made the excellent grade of there were 5 that failed test, there are well over two thousand beaches in Greece so 5 failures isnt as bad as it seems.

Of other popular beach destinations, only Italy and Portugal made the top ten. Spain was 12th with 84% and the UK 14th with 79%.

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Things to do in Greece

August 14, 2014 Greece, Travel Advice Comments Off on Things to do in Greece

Greece has over sixty inhabited islands, numerous historic sites, idyllic beaches offering a wide variety of tourist attractions to explore. It is no wonder that Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. If you plan visiting this wonderful country, our car hire experts came up with a list with things to do in Greece:

Go back in time at Parthenon, Acropolis

Today, Acropolis is one of the world’s most popular archaeological site but back then in the Ancient times it was a temple built to honor the goddess Athena Parthenos. You may enter that era when the Greek art and sculpture was at its highest point. The Acropolis is a magnificent view you shall never forget, especially if you’ll have the chance to see it illuminated at night.

Fill up your memory cards for your camera in Santorini

Santorini is one of the most picturesque island in Greece. The beautiful multicolored cliffs, the deep-blue water and spectacular sunsets will leave you speechless. Santorini is also home to two of the youngest volcanic islands in the Eastern Mediterranean: Nea and Palia. Take a tour of these smoking islands and enjoy some spectacular views of steaming lava flows.
Santorini can be easily reached by flights from Athens, cruise ships and ferry connections. There are also various ways to explore the island like cycling, ATV rentals and motorbikes.

Climb Mount Olympus

This is a worthy challenge for hikers: discovering the Greek god’s home. This is the place where Zeus mounted his throne, Hades ruled the Underworld and Poseidon rocked the seas. Feel how life blends with mythology and unlock the divine mystery of this 2,919 meters high peak that cuts the sky.

Pray at Mount Athos

Mount Athos is a mountain and a peninsula in northern Greece. The peninsula houses some 1,400 monks in 20 Eastern Orthodox monasteries. The entry into Mount Athos is strictly controlled because it is an autonomous state under Greek sovereignty and only men are allowed to enter.

Spare some time for spiritual contemplation at Meteora

The Eastern Orthodox monks found a perfect asylum here, seeking retreat from the expanding Turkish occupation. As the name translates ‘Suspended in the air’, the monasteries are accessible only by steps cut into the rock formations. The impressive view would make the climbing to the 6 remaining unique monasteries pleasant.

Sail in the endless blue seas from Greece

Greece is a sailor’s paradise. You’ll find plenty of charter companies in Athens that would make your dream come true and take you to Aegina and Hydra in a one-week sailing trip or to Mykonos and Santorini in a two-week tour. If you chose to sail from Corfu or Lefkada you can explore the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea.
Sailing from island to island, you’ll have the chance to visit fishing villages or just relax and enjoy this authentic Greek trip.

Spend crazy nights in Mykonos

Feel the vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere in Greek’s most vivid island, Mykonos! It used to be famous for the narcissistic and gay hangouts but now it’s a party island that seduces its holidaymakers with its frantic vibe.

Dear Watersports lovers, welcome to your paradise

You’d be more than glad to enjoy excellent facilities for water-based adventure sports such as rafting, kayaking and canoeing in Greece. On the islands are becoming more and more popular sea-kayaking and scuba diving. There are plenty of dive centers offering instruction and rental equipment in Corfu, Kalamata, Mykonos, Preveza, Rhodes, etc.

Enjoy the sun at Myrtos Beach

Myrtos has been voted 12 times as the best beach in Greece. It is world-famous for the magical turquoise and blue colors of the water. This comes in contrast with the smooth pebbles of the beach, tall cliffs and the steep mountains behind it.

For more information about hiring a car in Greece, please contact us over the phone on +44 (0)113 880 0748 or via email on sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk

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Cape Town the City of Table Mountain

August 8, 2014 South Africa, Travel Advice Comments Off on Cape Town the City of Table Mountain

Cape Town is situated at the south-western tip of the African continent and it is called the City of Table Mountain because the whole area it’s defined and dominated by it. Robben Island, the beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens and the spectacular Cape Point, its gorgeous assets, are making this place magical. Tourists are free to walk its streets, meet its people and fall in love with Cape Town, with its District Six Museum or Castle of Good Hope, enjoying the good weather and the outdoor lifestyle.

Cape Town the City of Table Mountain is an ideal holiday destination

Cape Town the City of Table Mountain it’s an ideal holiday destination with plenty to see and do either in summer or winter. Cape Town has to offer a wonderful setting for panoramic vistas and magnificent seascapes, being one of the world’s most iconic cities.
Cape Town is surrounded by numerous beaches, Clifton for example is one of the most known. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean are not particularly warm but they are a heaven for surfers, windsurfers and kite-boarders. It’s easy to get to Clifton Beach as it’s near the Lion’s Head promontory. This is another prominent feature you can see from down in Cape Town. It was named Lion’s Head because its shape resembles a crouching lion or a sphinx. It’s worth walking to the top of it for some spectacular views.

You might want to drive to Gansbaai near Hermanus and then onto Dyer Island where you can surface view, snorkel or scuba dive (scuba dive certificate required) here, where the great white shark in its natural environment! All the necessary equipment would be provided.

The peak summer season is generally during between mid-December and early January. But many tourists prefer the hot months of February and March. Anyway, the sunset’s lovers should come in April to contemplate spectacular views, when the light is softer and the temperatures are balmy.

The best time of year to explore the slopes of Table Mountain on foot is between May and July, when the temperate winter starts. Also if you want to witness the best land-based whale-watching in the world, you’ll be able to do this until November. This is the time when the southern right whales migrate to calve and nurse.

No matter when you chose to visit Cape Town you should know that your vacation wouldn’t be complete without a cable-car trip up Table Mountain. The cable-car rotates 360º during the ascent, and once at the top is offering you fantastic views of the city.

A signifying part of the port area has been redeveloped into The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, which has become a symbol of the new South Africa and has a huge variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment opportunities. This place is also the main departure point for visits to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated and where you can take a tour of the prison and the cell left exactly as it was.

Given the above, it would be highly recommended to hire a car for a few days, if not for the whole duration of your stay. This can be arranged from Cape Town International Airport before you arrive. You’d be happy to know that the road infrastructure is excellent and road signs are of the highest international standards. Road rules include driving on the left side of the road (are identical to UK), the traffic outside of rush hour is relatively uncongested, parking is easy and even Table Mountain is helping because the ever-present mountain is a great aid to navigation.

For more information about hiring a car in Cape Town or in any location in South Africa, please contact us over the phone on +44 (0)113 880 0748 or via email on sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk

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Knaresborough’s mystery legends and folklore

August 4, 2014 Travel Advice, Travel News, UK Comments Off on Knaresborough’s mystery legends and folklore

After visiting Harrogate last weekend, we had to continue the West Yorkshire adventure and the next stop was the nearby Town of Knaresborough. We were told about this amazing town, but no words would do justice to its beautiful landscapes.
Again, the car was provided by my colleagues from Indigo Car Hire and I must say that if you plan to visit the entire district we recommend to rent a car that suits you best…
So, let’s start another travelling diary file and explore Knaresborough’s mystery legends and folklore.

Located just a few miles from Harrogate, lies in a magnificent setting built in the gorge of the River Nidd: the lovely little town of Knaresborough. Standing supreme, high on the cliff top overlooking the river, is Knaresborough Castle and down the hill the Bebra Gardens are nestling at the foot of it.

Once a royal residence, it’s said that Richard II was once imprisoned in the keep. The town’s castle is alas now just a ruin, having been destroyed by Cromwell’s forces during the civil war. Today the ramparts provide a glorious view of the Victorian stone railway viaduct and houses inspiring many artists and photographers.

Bebra gardens, the beautifully tended public park located behind castle site, should not be missed. Particularly pleasant is the riverside walk from the gardens down to the viaduct, where you can admire a number of little cafes and restaurants overlooking the river. Boats can be hired on the river during the summer season.

This town has so many interesting sights, including a market square surrounded by historic streets, boating and a mixture of charming buildings and scenic picnic areas. You can visit here the oldest chemist shop in England in the picturesque market square, and enjoy a perfect afternoon in one of the cozy old world tea rooms. And all these shrouded in mystery legends and folklore.

One good example for this is on the opposite side of the river: Mother Shipton’s Cave and the Petrifying Well, England’s oldest tourist attraction, a curious place where the famous prophetess once lived and where you can still see things being turned to stone. Mother Shipton lived 500 years ago during the reigns of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. As she grew older, her prophetic visions became known and feared throughout England.

As for the Petrifying Well, it is recorded that people travelled great distances to bathe here, as it was believed to have miraculous healing properties, as early as 1538. You’ll be able to see a whole host of everyday objects being turned to stone in the cascading waters of the Petrifying Well. Also visitors don’t forget to make a wish in the wishing well before they go.

The little cafes, great pubs, plenty of independent shops which are scattered throughout the town would make your day. There are boats available for hire, cycle tracks to follow and the riverside walks to be enjoyed. There are also some great annual events including a thriving Wednesday market, FEVA a vibrant 10 day Festival of Entertainment and Visual Arts (that celebrates everything musical and artistic.), the Great Knaresborough Bed Race ( a 3km run through town and river pushing a bed) and of course the Christmas Market.

For more information about hiring a car in West Yorkshire or in any location in UK, please contact us over the phone on +44 (0)113 880 0748 or via email on sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk

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Salzburg a fairy tale in the heart of the Alps

July 28, 2014 Austria, Travel Advice Comments Off on Salzburg a fairy tale in the heart of the Alps

There’s a fairy tale surrounded by green hills and classical music. Once you step inside you’ll walk into romantic gardens, castles and fortresses with dreaming spires. Salzburg′s attractions are loved by millions of visitors from all over the World. With a tourist-per-capita ratio higher than Venice or Florence, the city is among the busiest places of Europe all year round. We can call Salzburg a fairy tale in the heart of the Alps.

It is difficult not to burst into song when you’re seeing Mirabell Palace and Gardens for the first time. During summer Salzburg organizes small private concerts in the Marmorsaal in Schloss Mirabell. From its charming gardens you can admire the Hohensalzburg fortress which looms over the city. It’s easy to get there too, after crossing the beautiful Salzach River. The “Old Town”, is world famous for its baroque architecture and is one of the best-preserved city centers in central Europe being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Salzburg is showing at every corner that this is the place where Mozart was born. We have to admit that this amazing Austrian city is the ‘home’ of the Sound of Music…and some great beer. It’s a pleasure to walk among these wonders and feel the atmosphere which by the way is festive all seasons. During summer you can spend your time between hiking and open-air concerts and during winter between skiing and astonishing Christmas markets. Anytime you may take a walk at Getreidegasse which is in fact a long and narrow street running parallel to the river in the centre of town, with lots of shops, cafes and restaurants.

When visiting Salzburg you should hire a car

If you travel to Salzburg by car, you’ll have plenty of places to visit around the city. If you don’t have one, then when visiting Salzburg you should hire a car! Travelers are enthusiastic about visiting the entire area which is simply flabbergasting: Mount Untersberg, Mount Gaisberg, Glasenbach Klamm, National Park Hohe Tauern, Mount Großglockner, Krimml Waterfalls, etc.

One of the first impressions when you arrive in the Austrian Alps is that there are more hotels and guesthouses than dwellings. So finding a suitable accommodation would not be a problem at all in Austria. You can choose from a large range of prices and features from hostels to ultra-luxury apartments. The only thing you should keep in mind though, is that you should book your room early enough, as most of the hotels are full in high and peak season.
It is not permitted to visit Salzburg and ignore its various lakes and charming towns around them! They’re gorgeous on a level with the famous English Lake District! Try a circular route: stop in Strobl, St. Wolfgang, Bad Ischl, Ebensee, and have a dinner Gmunden. You could deviate a bit your journey at Bad Ischl, when instead of going directly to Ebensee you’d go south towards Hallstadt, a breathtaking place in the mountains.

So if you love art and history, music and silence, castles and romantic gardens, lakes and the mountains wearing the most charming green you have ever seen, then summer is the best reason to come in this wonderful Austrian area. This is one of those paradises where you can laze in the sun for hours, by the lake, somewhere in the heart of the Alps. Or you can rent a boat. Or a bike. Or you could just walk and keep asking yourself if it’s real!

If you are interested in hiring a car for your trip to Salzburg or anywhere in Austria and need guidance in terms of vehicles or any other special requirements then our reservation agents will be happy to assist you. Contact us directly by calling +44 (0)113 880 0748 or emailing us at sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk and we will get right back to you.

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Brussels the European Mecca of chocolate, art and design

July 22, 2014 Belgium, Travel Advice, Travel News Comments Off on Brussels the European Mecca of chocolate, art and design

For those who want to discover Brussels, they should know that they have many choices: on foot, by bicycle, by car or even by boat. Brussels, the result of a mild blend of 27 different cultures is the most important city at European level, being the Capital of 500 million Europeans.
Its diversity makes this place a magnificent place to have fun, relax, study or work. Brussels is home to almost 90 museums, architecture monuments, beautiful parks and fascinating walks, trendy restaurants and bars, fancy chocolate stores and art galleries.
Brussels the European Mecca of chocolate, art and design as its visitors nicknamed it, is one of Europe’s must-see destinations.

Brussels travel is considered cheaper compared to London and Paris even if it shows the same touch of charm and elegance. Hotel accommodation includes hostels and apartments for rent, star-rated hotels and of course luxury hotels. You can book online before you arrive at very reasonable prices.

Once arrived in Brussels it’s very handy to rent a car

No matter how you plan to arrive to Brussels, it would be quite easy. Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport both welcome flights from all over the world. High-speed trains are available from London, Paris and Amsterdam and you can even get there by ferry! Once arrived in Brussels it’s very handy to rent a car, just to make your tours easier and more enjoyable.

Nobody can visit Brussels without seeing The Grand Place, surrounded by the city tower and a range of beautiful 300 year old buildings. It will be hard not to notice the delicious smell of the “gaufre de Liège-Luikse waffle” here (Belgian waffle with caramelized sugar)—the best ones are available from the little shops situated all over the Grand Place-Grote Markt. There are many other places to visit nearby like Manneken Pis (the small bronze statue of a child performing one of Nature’s most basic functions, thought to represent the “irreverent spirit” of Brussels) or the Saint-Hubert Galleries (The world’s first shopping mall, opened in 1847, full of boutiques, bookshops, cafés, restaurants, a theater and cinema), but hiring a car for the rest would confer you a confortable and complete journey. Choosing what to leave behind can be a very difficult thing so you shouldn’t cut too many sightseeing from your list if you don’t want to regret later.

For example, you’ll need a car to go from The Grand Place towards the Laeken district for visiting the magnificent St. Michaels’ cathedral, the Royal Residence, the Chinese Pavillion, the Japanese Tower and the world-famous Atomium. This unavoidable icon of Brussels and Belgium is a unique creation in the history of architecture and emblematic vestige of the World Fair in Brussels. Five of the nine spheres are open to the public and the upper sphere offers spectacular views of the city of Brussels and not only. The view reaches till Antwerp when the sky is clear. On the way back to the city center visit the Sablon district with its elegant stores selling beautiful antiques. You can’t miss any of the cosmopolitan quarters of Brussels where various cultures mix in this marvellous blend of nationalities, cultures, arts, music and gastronomy.

Now that we’re speaking about gastronomy, we do have to bring Chocolate into discussion! The bohemian paved streets highlight the charming chocolate stores, were chocolate candies are being exposed like genuine jewelries in breathtaking showcases. Don’t be surprised when you buy if they’ll be handed to you by their creator wearing elegant white gloves and a mysterious smile that hides the secret recipe of these delicious masterpieces. After you have found out that Brussels denizens worship chocolate, you’ll see also that beer is another Belgian passion which won’t be missing from any restaurant or bar. Just like seafood.

If you are interested in hiring a car for your trip to Brussels or anywhere in Belgium and need guidance in terms of vehicles or any other special requirements then our reservation agents will be happy to assist you. Contact us directly by calling +44 (0)113 880 0748 or emailing us at sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk and we will get right back to you.

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Athens the city where the mythology meets the modern

July 18, 2014 Greece, Travel Advice Comments Off on Athens the city where the mythology meets the modern

The time is never enough to discover all the surprises which Athens has to offer. Not finding an enjoyable activity in this legendary capital is nearly impossible. Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece. According to Eurostat, the Athens Larger Urban Zone (LUZ) is the 7th most populous LUZ in the European Union. It’s a real cosmopolitan metropolis that would lay everything at your feet: from bars, nightclubs, restaurants and cafes to rich archaeological sites and museums. Athens the city where the mythology meets the modern, is a city that never sleeps.
When you are coming from abroad, you will probably arrive at Athens Airport which currently has two terminals with flights all over the world with various different airliners. The airport is approximately a 30 minute drive from the centre of Athens meaning car hire is a good idea to look into…

The ancient Athens monuments which can be found all around the city centre keep whispering legends that date back to mythological times, struggling to keep everything alive in our contemporary era. A large part of the town’s historic centre has been converted into the largest pedestrian zone in Europe (3 kilometers), leading to the major archaeological sites. If you wish to leave the centre behind you, you may visit, the neighboring town of Piraeus, Greece’s main port, which nowadays forms one big conglomerate with Athens and the Daphni Monastery (11 km. west), one of the most significant Byzantine monuments of the country (12th c.)

Most of us know that Athens is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Acropolis of Athens and the medieval Daphni Monastery but the Acropolis and the Parthenon dominate Athens. You’d be impressed with the visit just for the magnificent view of Athens and the surrounding temples below. Once finished the tour, don’t avoid Monastiraki, a characteristic area of “old” Athens, with lovely narrow streets and small buildings where the city’s traditional bazaar (Yousouroum) is held.

For Athenians, drinking a cup of coffee is a ritual that is often accompanied by a parea (in translation: a group of friends) and a pleasant conversation. Like most Greeks, they love their coffee, especially their frappé (iced shaken and stirred beverage) that is consumed year-round, at any hour. If you’re hungry, Athens offers you a large variety of restaurants, ranging from Mediterranean and Greek cuisine to Arabic and Asian, from budget to luxury. You can also enjoy the freshest fish varieties in fish tavernas in Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Sounio, Piraeus or Mikrolimano. Creative fish dishes can also be found at many tavernas and restaurants in Kolonaki, Syntagma, Mets, Koukaki and Pagrati.

The Greeks are known for their love-of-life lifestyle. The choices are plenty and they take full advantage of it! They like to party and will do so almost every night of the week. After midnight bars and clubbing are full and after 10:00 p.m. Athenians come for dinner at the city’s tavernas, Athens Restaurants and bar-restaurants.

Parties and fun are not only for clubs, cafes or tavernas. Parties are alive at the beach, too. Athens, Greece, has a nearby coastline with a wide variety of beaches within a relatively short distance from the centre of the city. There you can relax admiring the golden sand or the rocky lagoons. Athens has a string of beaches that begins in Pireaus and like any city the further you get out of town the better the beaches are. The best beaches are located along the south-east coast in the Glyfada district, and the beaches north-east of the city near the Marathon district are very peaceful. You can also find some nice beaches along Athens’ east coast near Rafina, a smaller seaport near the city. However, most of the time, these beaches are very crowded even if the most of them are “private”, meaning that you will have to pay an entrance fee to enjoy swimming.

If you are interested in hiring a car for your trip to Athens or anywhere in Greece and need guidance in terms of vehicles or any other special requirements then our reservation agents will be happy to assist you. Contact us directly by calling +44 (0)113 880 0748 or emailing us at sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk and we will get right back to you.

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La Costa Verde – The Green Coast of Spain – Travelling Diary

July 11, 2014 Spain, Travel Advice Comments Off on La Costa Verde – The Green Coast of Spain – Travelling Diary

Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations due to its reliable climate, beautiful beaches and good value food and drink. When we think Spain we normally think of traditional and familiar holiday destinations such as Benidorm, Magaluf, Marbella, Tenerife etc on the Costa Del Sol, Costa Blanca, in Majorca or the Canary Islands. Less familiar but infinitely more beautiful is La Costa Verde, or the Green Coast in Northern Spain.

If you prefer a less commercial holiday, with breathtaking scenery and cooler temperatures the aptly named Green Coast may be more to your taste. This is the name given to the Coastal strip in the North of Spain lying north of the Cantabrian and Basque mountains, along the Bay of Biscay. This land strip includes Asturias, Cantabria and the northern half of the Basque country from Galicia through to the French border. Although you are more likely to see rain in this area than the rest of Spain, especially through the summer months the sun is out most of the time and the sea is warm enough to swim.

It is the warm, moist climate that has created the forests and rich vegetation that give this region its name and it is a very popular holiday resort for the Spanish. The area has many old and elegant seaside towns, and a dramatic landscape featuring tiny, isolated coves along the coast and inland mountains and forests. Beauty, unique gastronomy, tradition, and rural essence are the the components of the Green Coast.

There are several airports from which you can start your journey, renting a car to have the opportunity to travel around the area, either on a circular route and dropping back at the same airport or maybe picking up from one airport and dropping off at another. Asturias, La Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, Oviedo, Santander, Bilbao and San Sebastian are all airports along the Costa Verde.

Green Spain is for travellers who want the beach, but also want to see more authentic Spain, and you will be surprised at the greenness and lusciousness of the countryside. The Green Coast is often described as the green beauty of the Scottish Highlands but with sun!!!

Asturias and Cantabria are two Northen Regions that share Green Spain´s most picturesque mountains, the Picos de Europa, along with pastoral landscapes of river valleys and gorges, misty hills and an unspoilt coast. A driving holiday would be perfect and why not treat yourself and rent a cabriolet to really make the most of the scenery, with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. Fabulous.

There are many choices of places to stay, one of the best things about Spain is the variety and value of accommodation. You can go low budget from approximately 20 euros per night for a double room, but even a four or 5 star hotel will cost you less than you think, maybe only 40/45 euros if not in peak season. Try www.littlehotels.co.uk/spain/ for economic hotels with character and charm, or there are many cottages and villas for rent, Sites such as www.ownersdirect.co.uk are also informative and useful.

Renting a car means that you can travel around, driving in Spain is generally a pleasure as there is a noticeable absence of traffic outside the big cities due to the fact that Spain is a huge country with a small population. With a car, you can make sure you make the most of your trip to the exquisite Green and often forgotten Coast of Spain.

If you are interested in hiring a car for your trip to Spain or indeed anywhere in the world and need some guidance in terms of vehicles or any other special requirements then our reservation agents will be happy to assist you. Contact us directly by calling +44 (0)113 880 0748 or emailing us at sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk and we will get right back to you.

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DVLA Opening Times

May 1, 2014 Car Hire Tips, Travel Advice, UK Comments Off on DVLA Opening Times

When you come to hiring a car you will be required to present the paper counter part of your licence, this second part is vital to being allowed to hire a vehicle in the UK. We realise that many people misplace or lose this counter part piece as it is only bit of paper; there is however something we can do so that you will still be able to get a vehicle.

The DVLA or Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency being its full name is the UK’s driving body who keep all the registers of vehicles and drivers on the roads in Britain. We can contact the DVLA on your behalf when you arrive at your location and check the details on your counterpart and still be able to give you a rental vehicle.

This call usually costs you an extra £10 as it is a premium rate phone line so please make sure that you know whether you have points or convictions on your licence as if you do you still won’t be able to hire a car. Typically you can only have up to 6 points on your licence and have no major convictions such as a DR10 or IN10 in the last five years.

The only issue when doing this is that you need to make sure the at the time you are arriving to pick up the vehicle the DVLA are open to answer the phone call and give your details to the rental company. The DVLA Opening Times for driver check service are…

DVLA Opening Times

Monday – Friday: 8:00am to 5:30pm
Saturday: 8am – 1pm
Sunday: Closed
Bank Holidays: Closed

If you are arriving when the DVLA is closed and do not have the counterpart section of your licence then we may still be able to help, but you will need to contact us before making a booking to ask about a Pre-DVLA Check.

If you are interested in hiring a car but don’t have your counter part of your licence then call us to find out all the options that you have available to you. You can reach our experienced and knowledgeable advisors on +44 (0)113 880 0748 or email us at sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk.

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