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Autumn: the most wonder-fall season of all

Posted on 15/10/2012 by Rebecca

Autumn always makes us want to curl up with a hot drink, watch the leaves fall and explore the beautiful colours of nature. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a cosy getaway? Cities such as Amsterdam, Prague and Toronto are perfect destinations for an autumn trip away. To inspire you, we’ve put together some tips on the best destinations and autumn actvities for the perfect cosy break – including the top museums, parks and events in each city: Continue reading →

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Beer o’ clock – time for Oktoberfest!

Posted on 31/08/2012 by Rebecca

The lederhosen and dirndls have been dusted off, the women are practising their braiding skills and the men are training their livers in preparation for the world’s most famous beer festival: Oktoberfest Continue reading →

Posted in Travel tips | Tagged beer, Infographic, Oktoberfest | Leave a comment

“3 Things in the City I Love” Contest – #3thingscityilove

Posted on 26/07/2012 by Harriet

Is there a city that you are in love with and would recommend to anyone? Now there is the chance to write about your favourite city in the world as well as being in for the chance of winning some great prizes! Velvet Escape and Traveldudes, have teamed up with Wimdu to bring you the “3 Things in the City I Love” Contest.

Continue reading →

Posted in Service Updates | 8 Comments

Top 5 Things to do in Moscow

Posted on 09/05/2012 by Harriet

Moscow is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, however if you are only planning a short trip there and have limited time, then we have complied a list of things that you should definitely not miss!

5) Grand Kremlin Palace

This spectacular attraction was built from 1837 and 1849 and is located on the “Borovitsky” Hill in Moscow. It was the residence of the Tsar, however now the President of Russia lives there. The palace is enormous, measuring 126m wide and 47m high. It has 5 reception halls, which are named after orders of the Russian Empire.

4) St Basil’s Cathedral

This is what Russia is renowned for. The colourful domes of the cathedral is recognised throughout the world to be one of Moscow’s finest landmarks. It is situated right in the centre of the city, making it a great meeting place as its architecture is so unique. Apparently there is no other Russian architecture like this and nothing like it can be found in the entire 1000 years of the Byzantine tradition.

St. Basil's Cathedral Source: http://laurashefler.net

3) Diamond fund

This is a very special collection of jewellery and nuggets, which is stored in the Moscow Kremlin. The collection was established in 1719 by Peter the 1^st of Russia. This is a great attraction to see, especially if you want to see a bit of Russian history.

2) Tretyakov Gallery in Lavrushinsky Lane

If you are a classic art lover, you will definitely love visiting this art gallery. It has more than 150,000 works of art – including paintings, sculptures and graphics all by Russian artists. However, as there is so much to see, make sure you make enough time to go around the gallery!

1) The Red Square

This is a World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most beautiful places in Moscow. It is free to visit and a very historical site in Russian history. It is centered right in the middle of the capital. When you visit this remarkable square, your jaw will drop with amazement!

Finding accommodation in Moscow can be difficult, especially if you want somewhere close to the centre. Wimdu has some amazing places to stay in this city, including comfortable bed & breakfasts and apartments in Moscow. If you are looking for a place with a particular amenity, then you can select this preference on Wimdu’s site. Wimdu has hundreds of offers for you to choose from, so look through all the available places suited to your trip today!

Apartment to rent in Moscow

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Come to Cornwall!

Posted on 07/05/2012 by Harriet

Not many people associate going to England to soak up some sun. However, as Cornwall is situated on the tip of England, it most certainly grabs many more rays than north of the country. There are some fabulous beaches in this region, where a lot of people go on holiday here. Many people relocate to this part of the country for retirement, as it is a great place to let off some steam and to relax from all the stress at work.

There are also many festivals that go on in this region, including the folk music tradition – which is great if you like to dance! Cornwall has also a variety of local delicacies such as the famous “Cornish Pasty”. “Saffron Cake” is also commonly eaten here, which is a cake filled with spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Cornish ice cream and fudge are famous sweet treats that come from this area of England – these are enjoyed nationwide as is the pasty!

A visit to “Tintagel Castle” is definitely worth it, as is stands close by the sea and offers a brilliant view of the shore. Catch this view on a clear blue day to get the most picturesque shot. Cornwall is home to the Eden Project, which is one of the most largest greenhouses in the world. It is located in St Austell and has 2 large domes, both having different climates to suit the variety of plants that come from all over the world. You need at least a day here to see all what is offered!

eden project cornwall day out attraction

Source: http://www.douk.com

Posted in Service Updates | Tagged Beach, castle, cornwall, eden project, holiday | Leave a comment

Travelling on a Budget in London

Posted on 26/04/2012 by Harriet

Times like these means that money can be hard to save, especially if you want to go on holiday. However, if you are planning to go to London for your next break, there is a way to enjoy the city without having to fork out a lot of money. There are plenty of free attractions to do around London – here is a list of some things that you might want to consider visiting during your stay here.

Museums

The “British Museum” and the “Museum of London” are great places to go if you have little money to spend. The “British Museum” has a great selection of Egyptian mummies and an exhibit about the “Rosetta Stone“. There is something for everyone in these museums, you can spend an entire week in these museums as they are so large with so much to see and learn.

Art Galleries

If you are an art enthusiast at all, then heading to either the “Tate Modern” or “Tate Britain” is a good idea for you. Expect to be confronted with a mixture of contemporary and past art. Both galleries completely free, however donations are encouraged and appreciated.

London’s Parks and Zoos

St James’s Park is one of the oldest Royal Parks in London. However if you want a truly spectacular experience, then head to the “Kensington Roof Garden”, which is located on top a department store. It has flamingos, a Spanish Garden and a Tudor Garden all there!

Street Markets

There are plenty of markets that are free to go around in London, such as “Camden Market” and “Portobello Market“. They are free to roam around, however if you want to buy something that will cost you money! There are lots food stores around, many suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

South Bank

South Bank has many attractions and landmarks. You can see the “London Eye“, “Big Ben” and the “Houses of Parliament” from just walking along this street! This area is a great place to rent an affordable bed & breakfast or a cheap apartment, as it is walking distance from all the main sights and attractions in the city.

Hopefully this article has given you some cheaper ideas to consider during your break in London. London is home to several universities, so there are plenty of students around all searching for cheap alternatives. England’s capital is a place where you cannot not have fun, so whatever you decide to do you will have an enjoyable experience.

Posted in Service Updates | Tagged apartment, budget, cheap, flat, kensington, London, london eye, markets, Wimdu | 3 Comments

New York, New York!

Posted on 25/04/2012 by Harriet

Ever thought about hopping over the pond to New York? This city offers so much to its tourists and is a great place to socialise and relax with friends. As soon as you get out of your taxi, at your hotel or apartment, you will notice being submerged among skyscrapers. Expect your jaw to drop with amazement as you witness these spectacular pieces of architecture. Whether you are staying in an apartment or guest house in New York, you will have a fabulous time if you book with Wimdu. Not only does booking with Wimdu ensures that you have comfortable accommodation, it also puts you in contact with the landlord of the place that you are staying at, so if you have any questions about the lodging or area you can always ask them.

Apartment in New York

To begin your trip around New York, how about starting off by strolling by Central Park? This park is absolutely beautiful and if visiting in the Summer time, its great for a picnic and also to sunbathe. To get a fantastic view of Central Park, buy a ticket to “Top of the Rock” where you can get brilliant shots of the whole of the city. Do not forget your camera, otherwise you will extremely annoyed! Another place that offers good photo opportunities, is of course the “Empire State Building“. It has over 100 floors and a brilliant observatory deck for you to go out and see the amazing view. However it can get a windy… so be prepared!

The next attractions you have to put on your list is the famous “Statue of Liberty” and “Ellis Island”. You can visit these attractions by catching the ferry from the bottom of Manhattan Island. Manhattan has an extremely good subway network, so buy a pass so that you can travel around New York without restriction for the period of your stay.

Make sure you go into a New York coffee shop and order a bagel for lunch. There are many places to eat in New York that you will want to try somewhere different every day you’re there. Along with having so many eateries, there are also so many museums and galleries! Fancy doing some shopping? Then head towards “Times Square“, where you can find so many shops and places to buy presents for friends back home. Do you love musicals? Then just around the corner is Broadway, where musicals such as “Phantom of the Opera“, the “Jersey Boys” and “The Lion King” are held. We love New York.

Source: www.newyorkproperties.co.uk

Posted in Service Updates | Tagged accommodation, Apartments, attractions, musicals, New York, new york accommodation times square attractions musicals tourism, statue of liberty, Times Square | Leave a comment

Get ready for Summer 2012!

Posted on 20/04/2012 by Harriet

Summer is just around the corner, so make sure you know what’s happening so you don’t miss out! If you are a festival addict, then you will definitely look forward to the upcoming events across the UK.

Source: http://www.clipartpal.com

May starts off with the famous “Camden Crawl” (4^th May), that lasts for 3 days (first time it’s ever been this long)! If you are a fan of “Death in Vegas”, “The Cribs” or “The Futureheads”, then this festival is definitely for you. Over 300 artists and events will be here in Camden Town and all you need is 1 ticket to cover your admission! Following this event is “The Great Escape” festival, starting on 10^th May. Bands such as “Maximo Park” and “The Temper Trap” will be head lining, so if you are a fan make sure you get your ticket quick! The location for this festival is Brighton, which is a perfect destination as its right next to the sea!

June is one of the busiest festival packed months this year! Festivals such as the “Evolution Festival”, “Download”, “RockNess 2012”, “Beach Break Live”, “Sonar Barcelona” and “Lovebox” are all happening this time of the year. “Download” is probably the most known rock festival out there, with such bands like “The Prodigy”, “Metallica” and “Black Sabbath” headlining. Hosted in Donnington Park and lasting for 3 days, makes this a “must go” to festival – if you love this sort of music! However, if rockisn’t your type of music, then we suggest “Kendal Calling” (27^th – 29^th July). Located in the beautiful Lake District, and being 3 days long, makes this the perfect break away with friends. “Dizzee Rascal”, “We Are Scientists”, Benjamin Francis Leftwich and the “Tribes” are already announced to perform at this festival.

Source: http://www.ticketroyale.com/Files/TicketRoyale/UploadedImages/p15lg16m4ued5mq413dt143d16hl10.jpeg

To finish the Summer season off, August is the month when “Leeds/Reading Festival”, “V Festival” and “Creamfields” happen. These tend to be a bit more expensive than the previous festivals mentioned, however if you look at the line ups there are many popular artists that will be performing! The “Leeds/Reading festival” has a large range of indie bands, while “V festival” has more pop artists and “Creamfields” plays mostly club/dance/techno music. So, as you can see, there is something for every music taste! Make sure you don’t miss out and book your ticket to your choice of festival soon – before its too late!

Posted in Events & Festivals | Tagged Festivals, Music, summer, sun | 4 Comments

Londoners gripes with tourists revealed

Posted on 07/03/2012 by admin

With the prospect of half a million more tourists in London over the coming months, it’s fair to say the capital is readying itself to get a little distressed with the invasion of foreign bodies.

A YouGov survey of 2,000 Brits, commissioned by Wimdu UK, asked Londoners exactly what riles them about tourists. Below are the top irritants for Londoners. Continue reading →

Posted in City Guides | Tagged City Guides, London | Leave a comment

It’s a Leap Year, What Will You do with Your Extra 24 Hours..?

Posted on 02/03/2012 by Maria

It’s a Leap Year! We’ve been given an extra day to enjoy this year so why not take a leap, take the plunge or try something new and travel somewhere you’ve always wanted to go!

We want to inspire you to make the most of this 366-day year and spend those extra 24 hours doing something unique or going somewhere sensational! If you could spend an extra day anywhere in the world where would it be and what would you do?! We have a few suggestions for traditionalists, thrill-seekers and those of you with irrepressible wanderlust!

AN ADRENALINE-PACKED 24 HOURS IN CAPE TOWN!

Maybe you want to try something that makes you feel truly alive with your extra 24 hours this year? For the thrill-seeking contingent, why not head to Cape Town, where you can experience more extreme sports in one day than you can anywhere else on the planet? In Cape Town you can go paragliding off of Table Mountain, Great White Shark cage-diving off of the Western Cape and leap 216 meters off the Bloukrans Bridge (otherwise known as the highest bungee jump in the world)! Seize the day and book one of these amazing properties for an adrenaline rush you won’t forget!

Loft Room with Amazing Views from £34

Penthouse with Stunning Views from £106

LIVE ‘LA RIVE GAUCHE’ IN PARIS!

Times have certainly changed but perhaps the most well-known of leap-year customs is that on February 29, women were traditionally encouraged to propose to men. This is believed to have been introduced in Ireland to balance the traditional roles of men and women in a similar way to how Leap Day balances the calendar. If you’re a stickler for tradition and decided to pop the question to the man in your life on February 29, why not whisk your beloved away to the most romantic city in the world? Immortalized in art, literature and film, Paris brims with old-world charm, oozes romance and has rightfully upheld its title as the City of Love. Lovers spending 24 hours in this intoxicating city, can stroll along the Champs-Elysees, enjoy a bottle of Chateaux Margaux in a cozy bistro and share a passionate embrace on the banks of the Seine. Choose from nearly 2000 of our beautiful Parisian apartments and start planning your 24 hours in Paris!

Close to Paris Sky- Entire Apartment from £49

Charm of ‘Old Paris’- Entire Apartment from £67

ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME IN PERU!

Maybe you want to venture further afield and pretend you’re Indiana Jones on your extra day this year? How about an exhilarating getaway to Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca city in the Peruvian Andes, otherwise known as the ‘Lost City of the Incas’? From the Sun Gate to the Temple of the Sun and its surrounding temples, there’s so much to explore here that your visit to Machu Picchu will be an unforgettable experience which will last you a lifetime! These Wimdu properties could be the perfect retreat while you’re on the adventure of a lifetime!

B&B in Cuzco from £14

Room with Airport Transfer and Breakfast Included from £25

Posted in Travel tips | Tagged accommodation, adventure, Apartments, B&B, bungee jumping, Cape Town, Cuzco, extra 24 hours, extreme sports, Inca, Leap Year, Machu Picchu, paragliding, Paris, Peru, pop the question, proposal, romance, room, shark diving | Leave a comment