Scandinavian Sparks Blog

Looking for bars with fantastic atmosphere, great music, and tasty drinks? Did you know that Barcelona is home to some of the best bars in Europe? If not, where have you been hiding then? Here you will find the guide to my favourite bars in Barcelona, and as I am a apartment Barcelona and Barcelona nightlife expert, take note!

First and foremost, get yourself down to “Can Can”. One of the newest bars around, you will find this amazing bar at 48 Carrer de las Carretes, just off Las Ramblas at Carrer de l’Hospital. Edgy, buzzing and home to one of the sexiest cocktail makers I’ve ever seen, Can Can offers exciting and reasonably priced cocktail classics (e.g Mojito and Caipirinha) as well as an ample selection of creative concoctions; red apple martini, Strawberry Caipiroska and a drink made from spicy polish vodka, cinnamon and apple juice which tastes of apple pie. Basically, if you want it, they’ve probably got it… A definite must for a cracking night out in Barcelona, the bar also has a dj and a lively party atmosphere…

A weekend with friends in the bars in Raval is not to be missed. It was with them that I discovered my home from home – Manchester Bar!! So happy was I to discover this, that I actually asked if any jobs were going! Although named “Manchester bar” this bar is very Spanish and its red lights and cosy atmosphere make it perfect for a good drink with friends. The bar plays music by Mancs and has photos and memorabilia on the walls. The mojitos are pretty nice too!!

My third favourite bar is La Fira in Carrer de Provença 171. Reminiscent of an old fairground-cum-circus, this bar has freaky circus mirrors that make you look tall, small, fat and thin with a really long, stretched out head and is filled with old fairground seats and clowns. The fairground feel carries on onto the dancefloor – which is under a circus like canopy, and is pretty big… The music played there is mainstream, with lots of songs you will know and some Spanish ones added in there too. The majority of people are Catalan, and the drinks, (of which you are obliged to buy at least one to actually get out of the bar) range from 2€ for a chupito, to 9€ for a goldfish bowl sized glass of mojito.

A bit of advice: make sure you get Barcelona accommodation or hotels Barcelona close to the centre, that way it doesn’t matter what time you stumble home, note the metro runs till 12pm weekdays, 2:30 Fridays and all night Saturday.

Victor Hugo was a very talented man. Not only a writer and poet, he was also a dramatist, politician, academic and a proven intellectual. He contributed, like Baudelaire, to the renovation of poetry and literature.

In Paris, the two houses that he occupied have been kept intact as a tribute to his memory. The first, that of Rohan-Guéménée, is situated at place des Vosges in the district of Marais. He rented it for sixteen years between 1832 and 1848. The house was taken over by the Paris council in 1902 to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Victor Hugo by Paul Meurice (1818-1905) intimate friend and fervent defender of the author and his works. It is the first literary and monographic museum and houses graphic works and by manuscripts as important as that of the National Library of France. The house dates back 1605 when a lot was granted to Isaac Arnauld in the south-east corner of the square.

It was substantially improved by the de Rohans family, who gave the building its current name of Hôtel de Rohan-Guéménée. Victor Hugo was 30 when he moved into the house in October 1832 with his wife Adèle. Nearby the house there is lots of apartment in Paris and Paris hotels and the house is within easy walking distance of three Paris Metro stations; Saint-Paul, Chemin-Vert and Bastille and opening times are from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. It is closed on Mondays and public holidays. Phone numbers for the museum are 00 33 (1) 42 72 10 16 and for fax 00 33 (1) 42 72 06 64.

Secondly, the city of Paris also owns the house that Victor Hugo was exiled to from 1855 to 1870 in Guernesey. The Hauteville House where he lived is situated at 38 rue Hauteville in St Peter Port in Guernsey. The apartment, which is found on the second floor of Rohan-Guéménée includes original editions, paintings and sculptures in his honor, stamps, caricatures and furniture that belonged to him.

Victor Hugo bought the house on May 16, 1856 so as not to be expelled by the Guernsey law prohibiting the deporting of people with properties on the island. Built around 1800 by an English privateer, the house belonged to one William Ozanne, but gained the reputation of being haunted by the spirit of a woman who had committed suicide, and was unoccupied for several years. It was transformed, built, furnished and decorated over time by the writer who lived in it, and who returned during the summer of 1878.

The house consists of 4 levels, with the top floor featuring a glazed lookout over the surrounding islands. The garden is filled with trees and flowers growing in abundance due to the mild climate. This house was acquired by Victor Hugo with the profit from the initial success of the publication of Contemplations. Don’t forget to book your Paris accommodation in time!

When it comes to skiing and winter sports, Europe has more than its fair share of amazing resorts. From the greatly priced, to the more than reasonable, Europe has it all, and has so much to offer any skier. If youve never been to Europe on a skiing holiday, or if youre looking to expand your experience, youll find something that catches your eye without too much research, and you might just end up joining the legions of skiing fans that wouldnt go anywhere else in the world for their vacation.

Great European Skiing Destinations
On mainland Europe, you have such a varied selection. From the world famous French skiing resorts to Austria, Switzerland and the tiny principality of Andorra, youve got such a wide range of skiing to choose from. France is known the world over as the true home of skiing, and the French really know how to do a quality vacation. With naturally amazing resources, and scenery that can take your breath away, France is an ideal location for a skiing trip. Why not try the Courchevel resort, which has four different ski resorts within one, providing the perfect blend of quality and affordability in a skiing trip. From the grossly overpriced 1850 resort, the playground of Europes film stars and playboys, to the seemingly remote 1350 at the bottom of the hill, you have so much to choose from in Europes finest skiing country. With the kids or with your friends, France is truly a destination that will make for a memorable skiing vacation.

Skiing Destinations
Or how about some of the Italian resorts? Italy, famous for being the cheaper way to ski, also benefits from a diverse range of resorts, like the tiny Alba resort, as well as some larger, more sizeable areas to ski. Famous for passion and a depth of culture, Italy is the ideal place to take a skiing break in Europe, and the weathers good too! Or how about Italys neighbor, Croatia? A rising European nation, youll find a Croatian holiday outrageously good value for money, not to mention top quality. From the international standard ski resorts to their world class restaurants, Croatia is certainly a country on the up, and its skiing facilities can only improve as more and more tourists flock to their slopes each year. Additionally, Bulgaria is an excellent skiing destination to take the kids. With open arms, you will be welcomed by the Bulgarian people, who are more than eager to tell you about their rich and deep past, and welcome you as part of their future. In these expanding and developing European nations, you will come to appreciate the value of tourism, and the quality of treatment and service they are prepared to offer for your investment.

Travel Resources
How about Austria for your skiing trip? When we think of skiing, we often imagine the Alpine ideal, with breathtaking scenery and fresh, clean air. Well, it simply doesnt come much better than Austria, and if youre looking for a skiing destination that has it all, why not try Austria for that touch of class with your skiing. Or why not pop over to Switzerland for their Alps experience? Skiing the alps in the home of chocolate and cuckoo clocks, you will be amazed at how picturesque this modern nation has managed to be, whilst still becoming a world leader in financial industry.

La Soufriere Volcano

It is the highest mountain situated in the middle of Basse-Terre and is a spectacular day trip! It can be done in half a day, however you need to be fit and we recommend wearing shoes and taking sufficient amount of water! If you ant a tour group, contact HazEco.

The volcano hike is a breathtaking experience, one of the great things to do in Guadeloupe - however it isn’t for the faint hearted. In 2004 the main parking lot was destroyed by a landslide so you are now obliged to park further down which means an extra 30 minute hike through the forest. The sulphar smell is not very intoxicating at all. A bit of trivia: originally the steam was condensed and used as a medicinal drink.

Capesterre-Belle-Eau

Chutes du Carbet is the most popular destination in the region and also of Guadeloupe, comprising of three huge cascades, which is a must see! The first one is difficult to acces and reserved to specialists, the third one needs 2 hours of hiking and has an incredible 20 meter high water-fall. The second one is easier to access taking approximately 1 hour to get there and back, however it’s still a great walk with only the sounds of falling water in the mangroves. The view is simply breathtaking!

Kassavery of Capesterre-Belle-Eau is potentially one of the last places in the Lesser Antilles where you can taste the famous cake of Manioc made of coconut and banana.

Visit a Rhumerie - Rum distillery

Severin distillery in Sainte Rose is a little more industrial and cleaner than others. They’re very friendly and you’re able to freely taste rum, punch and anything else they’re brewing. They have a garden in the back and a guide to explain the numerous plants etc. The grow Ouassous which are served at the Domaine de Severin restaurant in the colonial house in the garden, which is very nice.

Isle de Pigeon

Considered as one of the best places for snorkeling and scuba diving, Isle de Pigeon is a small island just off the West Coast of Basse Terre above Bouillante. The sea is not very deep and is perfect for snorkeling as you will see similar views as those who dive! You’re not obliged to take a boat, you can also hire a kayak and paddle or join a kayak trip as the island is only approximately 1km from the shore. By the way, there are no pigeons here, despite the name!

Reserve Cousteau situated at Isle de Pigeon is simply incredible and is one of the best places on Isle de Pigeon. There are boat trips here with glass bottoms so you can admire the coral reef and vast array of sea life. Some boats will stop after about an hour and you can borrow a mask, tuba and palms and jump in the sea to see up close what’s out there. The captain will then attract fish with bread, so they can swim right next to you. You may need to inquire about this before. Make sure to think about villas to rent for holidays in advance.

Iles des Saints – Islands of the Saints

Iles des Saints is a group of picturesque islands south of Basse-Terre. There are very few cars and the best way to visit is to rent a scooter or walk. There are a number of historical sites to visit. There is a number of beautiful beaches, in particular ‘Pain de sucre’, along with various shops, galleries, restaurants and the like. Try climbing the “Chameau” (309m), the magnificent circular view is well worth the effort!

Terre-de-Haut is the largest and most populated islands of Les Saintes. It is an incredible place with fabulous walking, snorkeling, and places to stay and eat. Many people take only day trips to this island, but its worth a few nights in its own right. If you’re looking for empty beaches, a quaint village, and the feeling of having an island all to yourself, this is the place for you.

To get there you can take a boat from either Trois rivieres, Pointe a pitre or St francois and potentially some other places.

P.S. Looking for the packing tips? Read more about the packing checklist for vacation.

If you want to get away from your daily routines of work, school, sleep and eat then camping is a great choice. It provides the chance to experience nature to an extent that most people just can’t do everyday.

Tips on finding the best location for camping.
Before looking for the ideal camp site, you must first find a campground that meets your needs. Luckily, the World Wide Web has turned this task into a simple process, since most campgrounds have an Internet presence. You can check out the campsites through the website before actually going there, allowing you to make an educated decision about your choice of campground.
Just remember that much like the pictures in a restaurant’s menu card, the campsites will always look nicer on “film” than they are when you see them in person.

Before you can choose a campsite you will need to know which type of camping you’ll be doing. When a campground is labeled as “primitive”, exactly what should you expect?
When you visit a campground that’s labeled primitive, it’s critical to pack all of your essential supplies. This covers your shelter, any necessary gear, plus additional items you may need as well as the basic items such as a first aid kit. If you want the basic amenities in your campsite, such as electricity, water showers, and at the very least a pit toilet, don’t opt for a primitive campsite as they are usually deep in the wilderness.

At the other end of the spectrum, you’ll come across campgrounds that provide connections for water, sewage, and electricity - all with a glorious natural backdrop. Some campgrounds even have spas!

Many campgrounds are balanced within these two extremes. Camping in private parks usually includes all the amenities you could possibly desire. Many offer washers and dryers, shopping areas and arcades and they are glad to accommodate customers planning on an extended stay. The majority of private parks also offer bingo and other organized activities such as child-friendly games or competitions.

Campground fees.
Fees at private parks are generally higher than those of public campgrounds. Campgrounds in state parks can include everything from primitive to resort like settings. A number of them provide connections for electric, swimming pools, shower and flush toilet facilities, guided tours, play areas for the kids, and so on.
The majority of the state or national forest parks however are usually very basic. You will probably find fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets. The good news is that these campgrounds are very affordable as they may be free or only cost a few dollars per day.

Campgrounds will book quickly during nice weather, so book early!
When the weather is beautiful, most people will pick a campground early and stay there to enjoy the day as opposed to drive the whole day for a far-away campsite. It’s important to arrive early (and bring a little luck) if you wish to snag the most desired spots.
Would you want a location by the swimming pool and children’s playground? This would be a handy thing for the kids yet it also might present a noisy situation and heavy pedestrian traffic to deal with. This is also the case with sites in close proximity to bathrooms and showers. People will probably be tramping by your tent around the clock.

Would you rather be in the middle of commotion and excitement, or do you desire a calm and tranquil atmosphere? With all that camping has to offer there is sure to be something for everyone and you will find a campground that is perfect for you and your family.

For more information on Camping, visit the beginners guide to camping.

Enjoying the great outdoors, whether through fishing, camping, hiking, or other means can be an exciting adventure. The same is try when purchasing an RV for you and your family. The fact that you can take your modern “home” anywhere you like is a huge benefit and will make vacationing so much easier and more enjoyable.

Many people buy an RV for the occasional trips, but increasingly families are using them to spend long vacations or even full summers traveling around the country to see the grand sights.

Mindful of Saving Money

You are going to spend a lot of money for your RV and its options, so it is best to know how to get the most out of it. A recreational vehicle can travel quite a distance, even in one quick vacation.

Although they are made to drive numerous miles, they are still susceptible to the every day wear and tear that they will inevitably face as the overall mileage increases. This could end up costing you a lot of money if you are constantly fixing something that is going wrong due to the increased mileage on the vehicle. The cost of gasoline is no small factor here either!

What to Check

One of the best ways to get the most efficient miles out of your RV is to check the tires both before and after you take your trips. Since you are probably traveling far distances each time you get into your RV, you need to be aware that the tires may not be able to handle such distances every time. You are likely to be traveling in unfamiliar terrain, so you should be on the lookout for extensive wear and tear on your tires each time you head out.

Another way to maximize the use of your RV is to keep an eye on the tanks that are connected to it. The gas tank especially needs to be checked for leaks every time before you bring it out on an extended vacation.

Electrical System

The RV’s electrical system is equally important. You need to ensure that it is not being overloaded by any appliances or equipment that you or your family use. A faulty electrical system will certainly cut down on the number of miles you can typically get out of a recreational vehicle.

An RV is more than just another vehicle. It takes a lot of work, even more so than a typical car. However, if you treat your RV right and take it in for the proper tune ups and oil changes as well as check the tires routinely, you will find you get more out it because it will always be running properly when you and your family want to take that long awaited road trip.

South African Shark Diving Locations

South Africa is one of the prime locations to view and experience shark cage diving at its absolute best. If you want to see the Great White Shark, master predator of the ocean in action; South Africa boasts with various prime shark cage diving locations. To experience a true South African, adrenalin filled shark cage diving adventure, contact anyone one of below reputable and licensed operators to make your booking. Shark Cage Diving

Prime Locations for Shark Cage Diving

Dyer Island and Geyser Rock
Dyer Island is situated in the Southern Coast of South Africa, just 12 km off the coast of the holiday and fishing village, Gansbaai and 160 km drive from Cape Town. It is also a nature conserved area for 7 000 Jackass Penguins. Just south of Dyer Island lies Geyser Rock, a natural habitat for the Cape Fur Seals. Both of these areas have become a popular feeding ground for the Great White Sharks. The area between Dyer Island and Geyser are more familiarly known as the Shark Alley. An area well-favoured by the Great White’s for hunting prey. If you are looking for exceptional predatory action and sharks breaching, be sure to expect just that when shark cage diving at Gansbaai!
Daily Great White Shark cage diving trips are launched from Gansbaai’s neighbour, Kleinbaai. Divers can book accommodation at some of the many Bed and Breakfast establishments in Gansbaai or Kleinbaai, and enjoy good quality food at nearby restaurants. Shark Cage Diving

Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay, a Mediterranean seaside town just off the coast of the Eastern Cape Province, is situated on a sun washed peninsula embraced by the warm, Indian Ocean. It is the making of a beautiful sea life offering a diverse range of fish, seals, whales, penguins and of course plenty of Great White Sharks.

Aliwal Shoal
One of the most popular diving sites in all of South Afica, Aliwal Shoal is situated in the Kwazulu-Natal province, just off the small coastal town; Umkomaas. This shoal lies just in the inner edge of the warm, Mozambiquen current, providing great visibility for spotting sharks of up to 40 metres. This area is well-known for the Ragged Tooth Shark; a shark specie that looks very scary but is actually quite gentle by nature.

Greater St Lucia Wetland Park
This exciting diving location can be found just four hour’s drive from Kwazulu-Natal’s capital, Durban. In this area divers and interested shark cage divers can go to either Sodwana Bay, popular for Whale shark and Ragged Tooth shark spotting or St Lucia to spot Whale sharks. The water’s visibility of up to 40 meters contributes to making it a prime area for shark diving.

If you are planning a holiday to the South African coastal shores or just a short breakaway holiday and looking for some adventure filled activities to fill your holiday with, contact Apex Shark Cage Diving for your not so average, adventure of a lifetime!Shark Cage Diving

If you want to visit a city where the past is a constant reminder then look no further than the city of Rome. Regarded as the ¨Eternal City¨, Rome definitely lives up to this name as the city has seamlessly blended its past with its present.

Regardless of the type of traveler you are or the amount of time you have to experience Rome, this guide will ensure that you make the most out of your experience. The first thing that you will need to do is to limit your agenda. This is meant so that you can have a realistic view and outlook on the amount of attractions that you can visit. After all, you are supposed to enjoy your vacation and not stress yourself out.

So do not make the mistake in trying to see everything that the city of Rome has to offer. It is better for you to make your own wish list and locations that you would like to see and visit. In this way you will be experiencing Rome at your own pace instead of racing through the city. In order to pace yourself, you will need to decide which locations you would like to visit as your interests need to take priority here.

It is also essential to know that regardless of where you decide to stay within the city, Rome appartement has the suitable accommodation for you. To enjoy the most out of your stay, you will need to focus on the areas that you would want to cover upon your visit, the same holds true with the type of guides that you will carrying. You don’t really want to be carrying unnecessary information with you if you’re not going to do anything with it. appartement Rome also gives you this choice as they provide accommodation throughout the city, allowing you to freely choose your area of interest.

Another suggestion and tip would be to consider an Audio Guide that you can carry with you either on a CD or MP3 format. You will be surprised as to how useful these guides can be and they will also prevent you from looking at the distracting and disorienting information boards and maps that usually surround tourist locations.

Last but not least, it is actually possible to have a bad meal in Rome. You would also like to arm yourself with a Rome food guide as you don’t want your memories of Rome to be ruined with lousy food! Don’t hesitate any further, book your accommodation at one of the many appartement Rome and start planning your experience today!

Located between Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill, it is interesting to know that the majority of visitors are more taken by this attraction site compared to any other in Rome. It is also important to mention that the oldest and most important structures of the ancient city of Rome are located within the forum. Important structures include the Regia and surrounding complex of the Vestal Virgins.

This is where senate as well as the Republican government began. The Roman Forum further served as a city square where the people of Rome gathered for both justice and fate. Additionally, the Roman Forum also acted as the economic hub of the city and was considered to be the center of the republic and empire by everyone.

What is most astonishing is that the location of the forum first used to be a marsh. The Romans drained the area making it into what is later become known for, a center of political and social activity. The draining of the area was made possible by a large covered sewer system known as a Cloaca Maxima. All the water was then drained to the Tiber River. The Roman Forum was so popular during its day that it expanded to include temples, law courts and even a senate house.

When the Roman Empire, The Forum was unfortunately forgotten and buried. Its fate was sealed and was since then only used for cattle. Today you can find tourists admiring the ruins of what was once The Roman Forum. After all the time that has passed, people from around the world are astonished into viewing the Forum along with all the structures built within it. A modern statue of Julius Caesar can also be found at this location. Due to being such a popular attraction, make sure to arrange your accommodation ahead of time at one of the many appartement Rome. Rome appartementen are available for rent throughout the city of Rome. Book a appartementen Rome to indulge yourself in all the attractions and activities that Rome has to offer.

Upon visiting the Roman Forum, you will also be able to witness and experience the Rostra, Tullianum and the Clumn of the Phocas. The Rostra was where politicians made their speeches to the Roman public. The Tullianum acted as a prison where foreign leaders were kept and the Column of the Phocas was the last monument to be built within the forum.

If you’re looking for a fun, relaxing and tropical place to go for a holiday then Guadeloupe is a very good choice. The beaches in Guadeloupe are beautiful and clear, with lovely sandy beaches stretching for miles. The coastline is breathtaking and varies depending on the area.

The sand at Grande-Terre is white, whilst the sand on the leeward coast is brown and at the end of Basse-Terre you can actually find black sand as there are volcano’s which you can visit.

Guadeloupe is made up two principal islands, Basse-Terre & Grande-Terre, which are separated by a salt river and whose combined shape resembles a butterfly. There are also two smaller islands, Iles de la Saintes (a collection of four small islands in the South), Marie Galante (South), La Desirade (East) and two small islands under La Desirade called Iles des les Petite-Terre.

Guadeloupe is a French colony and this makes for an interesting mix of Caribbean and European cultures similar to the likes of Martinique and St. Barts. Ideally it’s recommended to speak a minimum French as not everyone speaks English.

If you are interested in the things to do in Guadeloupe, then please remember Guadeloupe is great for snorkeling and diving as there are a number of spectacular coral reefs not far from the beaches. The Pigeon Isles is namely one of the best spots with an underwater sanctuary along with the crystal clear Cousteau Reserve, which is filled with multi-coloured fauna.

The best way to see Guadeloupe is either by car or scooter, both of which are very affordable.

Plus, the infrastructure is very accommodating, there are even villas to rent for holidays

Grande-Terre

The Grande-Terre is a beautiful island surrounded by coral reefs with white and black sandy beaches, cliffs and rolling hills with vast farmland. It’s a popular destination amongst visitors, especially: Pointe-?-Pitre, Gosier, Saint-Fran?ois, Pointe des Ch?teaux, Le Moule, Pointe de la Grande Vigie and Port-Louis (excellent diving spot).

Pointe des Chateaux (Castles Point)

Situated at the most eastern part of the island its spectacular views draw many visitors, enabling you to see neighbouring islands; La Desirade, Iles des les Petite-Terre, Marie Gallante, Iles des les Saintes and sometimes more! Despite the name, there aren’t any castles, its actually a reference to the majestically carved rocks formed by the ferocious waves.

Sainte-Anne beach

The most popular Club Med Caravelle beach which is accessible to anyone and the bourg beach, with a little marina, wonderful for swimming and has every pretty white sandy beach as seen in post cards. Attention, an entrance fee is paid on weekends if you go by car. But you can park the car alongside the boulevard.

Saint Francois

A large seaside resort and fisherman’s port, which is a favourite destination for many due to its beautiful beaches and rich landscape. Centered around an old market, you can find nurseries, a fisherman’s wharf (where you can buy fresh fish each day), fresh fruit and vegetable merchants and a diverse range of local traders. At various times throughout the year there are parades, dances, festivals and local fairs along with numerous restaurants, hotels a casino and a range of other activities including a superb golf course. One of the great things about Saint Francois is its easy access to other islands as you can take a boat to many destinations such as; La Desirade, Petite-Terre and Marie-Glante.

If you’re looking for a great holiday villa in Saint Francois, Guadeloupe we recommend Villa Belle Allee which is a short distance from the town centre.

Plus, if you are smart enough, today you can find good accommodations almost everywhere. And even Hawaii luxury resorts can help you to use the same pattern and find the best type of accommodation in Guadeloupe as well.