Articles by Alan Liptrot on ArticleSnatch.com

Touring in Spain

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Smaller than France and larger than California, Spain is replete with impressive mountain ranges and high plateaus, which provide a source for major rivers such as the Ebro, Tagus and Guadalquivir. To the west, the country shares a border with Portugal, whilst to the north, the Pyrenees separate Spain and France. On the African continent, borders are also shared with Morocco through the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, which remain Spanish territory. Apart from many uninhabited islands in the straits of Gibraltar, including Perejil, the Kingdom rules over larger islands such as the Balearics in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. One of the more unusual territories is Llivia, which is entirely surrounded by France. After the treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659, the comarques of Capcir, Conflent, Northern Cerdanya and Vallespir were ceded to the French, however the treaty specified that villages only would pass into French hands. Llivia, though small, was considered a city due to its status as the ancient capital of Cerdanya, so remained Spanish. Spainâ€™s climate differs dramatically from region to region. **End Summary** Topics: motorcycle]]> motorbike]]> touring]]> tour]]> holiday]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot writes for Your Holiday Rentals.com, providing worldwide holiday rentals and villa rentals

Valais. The Wonderland of Switzerland

Sun, 17 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Switzerland is best known for winter sports, cuckoo clocks and chocolate, but thereâ€™s a lot more to it than that. Valais, one of the 26 cantons (regions) of Switzerland is an L-shaped valley which borders Italy to the south and France to the west; it was formed when mighty glaciers sliced a path between two alpine mountain ranges. It is the driest region in Switzerland, and also boasts the most sunshine. A network of irrigation channels (bisses), built in the Middle Ages carry water to most of the valley. Europe's tallest gravity dam is located here Grande Dixence and Hydro-electric dams from this area produce about a quarter of Swiss electricity. There is a small airport is at Sion but the nearest international airport is at Geneva, from there you can go by road or rail to Valais, but whichever mode of transport you choose, youâ€™re sure to encounter some stunning backdrops. Connecting Frutigen and Visp by rail is the longest tunnel in the world, which opened in 2007, the Lotschberg Tunnel. There are also many scenic mountain railways and cable cars. This part of Switzerland is home to 298,600 people, of whom 57,000 are foreigners. **End Summary** Topics: Switzerland]]> mountains]]> skiing]]> winter]]> valais]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot writes for Your Holiday Rentals.com, providing worldwide holiday rentals and villa rentals

The Lure of Loch Lomond

Sun, 17 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Loch Lomond may have been immortalised in song, but it is also the largest freshwater lake in Britain (by surface area) and a popular tourist destination. It occupies a surface area of 71 square kilometres between the Western Lowlands and the Southern Highlands. It is 39 kilometres long and between 1.2 and 8 kilometres wide. You will find the loch in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, in the council areas of Stirling, Argyll and Bute, and West Dumbartonshire. It southern shores lie 23 kilometres north of Glasgow, making it a perfect day trip location for anyone visiting the countryâ€™s largest city. Its eastern shores are dominated by the impressive Ben Lomond, a 974 metre peak of the Munro Mountains. A 2005 poll named Loch Lomond as the 6th greatest natural wonder of Great Britain. The only drawback with this beauty is that the A82 road, which runs the length of the western shore, is often choked with tourists during the summer months. Around 60 islands dot the surface of the loch, the largest being Inchmurrin, which is also the largest island in loch or lake in the British Isles. **End Summary** Topics: Scotland]]> loch]]> Lomond]]> song]]> highlands]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot writes for Your Holiday Rentals.com, providing worldwide holiday rentals and villa rentals

Top Ten Spanish Tapas

Sat, 16 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Iâ€™m not sure that the Spanish realise just what treasures they hold in Tapas. Rather than grabbing a burger or a boring sandwich from a Filling Station, Spaniards prefer to go to a bar and enjoy their favourite snack, along with a drink and a chat. I find a Tapa to be just enough when Iâ€™m on the road and feel like a little something to eat, and unless you particularly want to remain aloof, youâ€™ll soon find yourself having a natter with one of the locals, and if you asked him about Tapas, heâ€™d probably say something along the lines of â€˜eat when youâ€™re hungry and drink when youâ€™re thirstyâ€™, and who can fault that philosophy. Tapas originated in Andalusia, where, as the popular story goes, the people were so tired of getting flies in their drink, that they began putting a piece of bread over the glass to keep them out. This bread was often topped with ham or cheese and the rest as they say, is history. I donâ€™t know if anyone ever came up with an idea to keep the flies off the bread; maybe thatâ€™s to come. **End Summary** Topics: Spain]]> tapas]]> food]]> Andalusia]]> recipes]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot writes for Your Holiday Rentals.com, providing worldwide holiday rentals and villa rentals

Travelling to Germany

Sun, 10 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

In 1871 the German Empire was created, with the Hohenzollern dynasty of Prussia at its head. The empire was proclaimed in Versailles after the French were defeated in the Franco-Prussian War and by 1884, Germany was creating overseas colonies. In the Berlin Conference of that same year, the major European powers divided Africa, and the Germans claimed regions which included German East Africa, South West Africa, Togo and Cameroon. This rush for Africa caused tension between the powerful countries of Europe, and is often cited as a contributing factor to the conditions that led to the First World War, which was eventually triggered by the assassination of Austriaâ€™s Crown Prince, Franz Ferdinand. In one of the bloodiest conflicts in history, Germany was defeated and in June 1919, was forced to sign the Treaty of Versailles. The harshness of the treaty set the scene for the rise of Nazism in the country. With almost 10 million Germans dying, and the destruction of cities, the Second World War was a grim period in the countryâ€™s history. The east was claimed by the communists and the rest was partitioned by the Allies. **End Summary** Topics: germany]]> rhine]]> holiday]]> vacation]]> travel]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot writes for Your Holiday Rentals.com, providing worldwide holiday rentals and villa rentals

Travelling to France

Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The largest country in the European Union and the second largest in Europe, France has been a major world power for many centuries and is one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. The French colonised huge parts of North America, North West and Central Africa and numerous Pacific islands. The origin of the name France stems from the Latin word Francia, which means Land of the Franks. The word Frank had been used from the fall of the Roman Empire up to the Middle Ages, however, after the coronation of Capet as the King of the Franks, it was referred to as the Kingdom of Francia, hence France. The borders of present day France are much the same as those of ancient Gaul, which was inhabited by Celtic Gauls. After the Romans invaded in the 1st century BC, the Gauls adopted Latin, from which stems modern French. France is still under invasion today, by the 82 million foreign tourists who visit her shores annually, making it the worldâ€™s top destination. **End Summary** Topics: France]]> French]]> holiday]]> vacation]]> travel]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot writes for Your Holiday Rentals.com, providing worldwide holiday rentals and villa rentals

Canada, The Big Country

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Canada occupies the major part of northern North America and is the second biggest country in the world. Stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic, it shares land borders with the USA, both to the south and north. Long before the British and French arrived in the 15th century, the land had been inhabited by various groups of Aboriginal people. The name Canada stems from the St Lawrence Iroquoian word Kanata, which simply means village. In 1535, the then inhabitants of present day Quebec, used this term to direct Jacques Cartier, a French explorer, to the village of Stadacona. Cartier later used the word, not only to refer to that village, but the whole area around it, and by 1545, European books were using the word Canada to refer to this region. Eventually, the part of New France adjacent to the Lawrence River became known as Canada, along with the northern shores of the Great Lakes. By 1867 the name was recognised as the official name for the new country. Modern day Canada is a federation of ten provinces and three territories, which are divided into regions; Western Canada is made up of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. **End Summary** Topics: Canada]]> lakes]]> montreal]]> quebec volcano]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot writes for Your Holiday Rentals.com, providing worldwide holiday rentals and villa rentals

Motorcycle Touring

Sun, 03 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Some riders like to travel alone, and if you can cope with the solitude, this has many advantages. You decide the route, the duration of the tour and you get out of bed when you please, be it early or late. If youâ€™re heading down the motorway in France, see the sign for Spain and think â€˜Iâ€™ll have some of thatâ€™, thereâ€™s no problem, you just do it. This once happened to me by the way; I ended up in Spain without really meaning to, and had a great time. On the other side of the coin, it can be a problem when things go wrong. A breakdown is always a headache, but if youâ€™re alone it can prove very troublesome, especially if you have to leave your bike unattended. Another issue is illness; no one plans to be sick, but it can happen. Being sick is bad; being sick and alone in a foreign country is worse. Which brings us on to insurance; whether you are travelling alone or in a group, do the sensible thing, and make sure both you and your bike are covered. **End Summary** Topics: motorcycle]]> motorbike]]> touring]]> tour]]> holiday]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot is the founder of Motorbike Tours.co.uk The Company offers guided motorcycle tours in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

Red Sea Diving

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Red Sea, it's name coming from the red tinted mountains that surround it, is said to be one of the 7 Wonders of the underwater world, narrow, elongated in shape and its incredible depth (9,350ft) have led to an unequalled diversity of marine life. With more than 1,100 species of fish, and over 200 species of soft and hard coral, with the calm warm sea and clear visibility it makes Egypt a world class dive destinations for divers of all levels. One of the sunniest countries in the world, Egypt averages 11 hours of sunshine a day in the summer (April to October - average temp. 21-28C [70-83Â°F]) and 8 hours a day in the winter (November to March - average temp. 13-20C [55-67Â°F]). An exception to this is the Mediterranean coast, which, although still warm, can experience periods of cloud and rain during the winter months. On the coast and in the Nile Delta during the spring months the Khamsin desert winds blow strong. The winters in Egypt remain warm allowing pleasant travel all year round. **End Summary** Topics: Diving]]> Egypt]]> red sea]]> vacation]]> holiday]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot writes for Your Holiday Rentals.com, providing worldwide holiday rentals and villa rentals

The Triumph Story

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

History sometimes throws up some strange truths, no more so than that which tells us, that the most British of motorcycles owes its existence to a German. One Seigfried Bettmann, an immigrant from Nuremberg, began a company named the â€˜S.Betmann & Co. Import Export Agencyâ€™ in London in 1884. As an ambitious 20 year old, Bettmann bought and sold bicycles and imported sewing machines from Germany. In 1886, when he changed the name of the company to the â€˜Triumph Cycle Companyâ€™, a name synonymous with British bikes was born. A further name change along with financial backing from Dunlop a year later, saw the birth of the â€˜New Triumph Co. Ltdâ€™. Another significant development of that same year was the arrival of fellow countryman Moritz Schulte. With encouragement and capital from Schulte, Bettman purchased a site in Coventry, and in 1889, began building the first bicycles to carry the Triumph badge, but it wasnâ€™t until 1902 that the marquee was attached to a motorcycle. This first motorbike was in fact a bicycle fitted with a Belgian engine. In 1903, as production rose to more than 500 units, Triumph began building machines in their German factory. **End Summary** Topics: Triumph]]> BSA]]> motorbike]]> motorcycle]]> Bonneville]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot is the founder of Motorbike Tours.co.uk The Company offers guided motorcycle tours in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

The Treasures of Cordoba

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Due to its importance as the highest navigable point on the River Guadalquivir, Cordoba became a city of great importance. Founded by the Romans, the city boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. It was the birthplace of three famous philosophers - the Roman Stoic Seneca, the Muslim Averroes, and the Jewish Maimonides - as well as the Roman poet Lucan and several modern flamenco artists including Paco PeÃ±a, Vicente Amigo and JoaquÃn CortÃ©s. The Muslims started constructing the World famous Mezquita over 1200 years ago, it was converted into a cathedral in the 14th century and today it is an active church and a major tourist attraction.To the west of the Mezquitaâ€™s towering walls, lies the old Jewish quarter, widely regarded as being the heart of Cordoba. A stroll around this area gives an impression of moving through history. With a little imagination, it wouldnâ€™t be difficult to envisage yourself back in the 10th century, when Cordoba was one of the worldâ€™s greatest cities. Silversmiths still ply their trade in cobbled streets that are too narrow to allow access for cars. **End Summary** Topics: Cordoba]]> spain]]> mezquita]]> Andalusia]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot writes for Your Holiday Rentals.com, providing worldwide holiday rentals and villa rentals

A Brief History of Yamaha

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Although the first Yamaha motorcycle didnâ€™t appear until the mid fifties, the companyâ€™s history dates back to 1887, when the father of the company, Torakusa Yamaha began producing red organs. The Yamaha Motor Corporation sprang into life on July 1st 1955, and remains part of the Yamaha Group. It has grown to be the second largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, which is no mean feat for what was a fledgling company that arrived late in the motorcycle market. Their first offering was the YA1, a 125cc, single cylinder two-stroke, was a copy of a German motorbike. The Japanese have often been accused of copying European models, but letâ€™s not forget that BSA also used this very same design to produce their Bantam. This machine, fondly known as the Red Dragonfly, laid the foundation of Yamahaâ€™s reputation for reliability, and success on the race track contributed to the bikeâ€™s popularity. The twin cylinder YD, the first machine designed by Yamaha, was introduced in 1957. A win a Mount Asama boosted sales, but at less than 16,00 models a year output was still way behind Honda and Suzuki. **End Summary** Topics: Yamaha]]> motorbike]]> motorcycle]]> history]]> virago]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot is the founder of Motorbike Tours.co.uk The Company offers guided motorcycle tours in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

Australia's Top Ten Attractions

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

If youâ€™re planning a trip down under, try to visit some or all of these outstanding attractions. FRASER ISLAND This, the largest sand island on the planet became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992. Lush rainforests, impressive sand cliffs and memorable freshwater lakes leave a lasting impression on the thousands who visit the island each year. Apart from its long beaches of white, glistening sand, Fraser Island also draws people hoping to catch a glimpse of its famous dingo population. The island covers over four hundred acres and lies of the east coast of Australia within the jurisdiction of Queensland. Some visitors opt to take day trips, but most choose to spend a night or two on the island. One of the more unusual tourist attractions is ship that ran aground during the cyclone of 1935. SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE Known locally as â€˜The Coat-hangerâ€™, Sydney Harbour Bridge is instantly recognisable to many people around the world. Of the 1,400 men who constructed the bridge, 16 were killed before completion in 1932. The braver amongst you can do the â€˜Bridge-climbâ€™, an escorted walk to the top. As you ascend, the cars below become smaller and smaller. **End Summary** Topics: Australia]]> attractions]]> tourist]]> Sydney]]> harbour]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot writes for Your Holiday Rentals.com, providing worldwide holiday rentals and villa rentals

The Ducati Story

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

In 1926, Adriano and Marcello Ducati founded a company that specialised not in motorcycles, but the production of radio components. During the war years, they turned their attention toward electronic military equipment. This move made their factory a target for allied bombing, but despite frequent, serious damage, they managed to remain in production. In 1950, Ducati launched their first motorcycle, which was based on the already well established Cucciolo engine. This power unit, designed by Aldo Farinelli, was originally created as a strap on motor for push bikes. By the time Ducati adopted it, 200,000 units had been produced. This first creation by Ducati was capable of 40mph and 200 mpg and weighed in at 98 pounds. These bikes were badged as 55M or 65TL. Post-war economic growth put more money in Italiansâ€™ pockets and with it the need for something more sophisticated, so at the Milan Show of 1952, the company introduced the 65TS and the cruiser, which was the first four-stroke scooter in the world. Unfortunately, the public didnâ€™t embrace the idea as Ducati had hoped, and the model was withdrawn the following year with sales barely reaching the 2,000 mark. **End Summary** Topics: motorbike]]> motorcycle]]> ducati]]> history]]> racing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot is the founder of Motorbike Tours.co.uk The Company offers guided motorcycle tours in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

The Metamorphosis of Suzuki

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Contrary to popular belief, Suzuki produced cars before they moved into the two wheeled market, but the early days of the company were devoted to the production of weaving looms. The father of the company, Michio Suzuki, the son of a Japanese cotton farmer, created a brand new version of the weaving machine in the coastal village of Hamamatsu, Japan. A successful business was built upon his invention, providing employment and wealth for the company and its staff during the first thirty years of its incarnation. Although the loom side of the business was still enjoying success, Suzuki thought the time was right to diversify, so after studying the market, he decided that the way forward would be the development of a car. In 1937, a development programme was launched, and within two years many prototypes integrating a cast aluminium gearbox and crankcase had been built. However, the company had a setback as the Japanese government declared civilian cars a non-essential commodity at the outbreak of World War 2. When the war ended, Suzuki once again concentrated on the production of looms as the US government gave the go ahead for the shipping of cotton to Japan. **End Summary** Topics: motorbike]]> motorcycle]]> Suzuki]]> Japan]]> Hayabusa]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot is the founder of the motorcycle tour company Motorbike Tours. Fancy a good read? Check out Motorbike Books

Spanish Serrano Ham

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Even during the days of the Roman Empire, Jamon Serrano, or Mountain Ham, was considered a delicacy and its popularity hasnâ€™t diminished in these times of fast food. The preparation of this dry-cured, Spanish ham is anything but fast, but itâ€™s well worth waiting for. The process begins when a leg from the Landrace White Pig is rolled in sea salt and hung to cure through the changing seasons. No cooking is involved; the leg is simply left for a year to eighteen months in the mountain air, to acquire that distinct flavour we associate with Jamon Serrano. This type of extended curing renders the ham less fatty that than its Italian counterpart, Prosciutto. The skilled Ham Master will declare the ham ready after inserting a splinter of cow bone into the leg, then sniffing it before giving the go ahead for the ham to be taken down. The ham is cut paper thin from the leg which is mounted on a special stand, and often served with Manchego cheese or olives. **End Summary** Topics: Spain]]> Serrano]]> Iberico]]> ham]]> cured]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot writes for Your Holiday Rentals.com, providing worldwide holiday rentals and villa rentals

Buying a Motorcycle Ten Great Tips

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

It easy to rush into things once youâ€™ve decided to buy a new motorbike, but have a little patience and save yourself a little grief and a lot of money. DECIDE WHICH BIKE IS BEST FOR YOU Notice here, I avoided the word â€˜wantâ€™, because what you want, and what suits you best are totally different animals. Itâ€™s all very well finally aspiring to the bike of your dreams only to find that you fall off at every junction because your legs are too short, or itâ€™s so fast that it scares you to death, so retain a modicum of common sense when making your purchase. Thereâ€™s also the question of what you can afford. You may scrape together the money to buy the bike in the first place, but can you really afford to run it. Donâ€™t forget; fast bikes are costly to insure, especially if you are young or have no â€˜no claimsâ€™ bonus. DO YOUR HOMEWORK Right, youâ€™ve decided which bike to buy and youâ€™re off to get your eager hands upon the beauty, but wait, hold on a minute. Before you jump in, ought you not to test the water? Itâ€™s time to survey the market. **End Summary** Topics: motorbike]]> motorcycle]]> buying]]> new]]> used]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot is the founder of the motorcycle tour company Motorbike Tours. Fancy a good read? Check out Motorbike Books

Menu of the Day

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Pssstâ€¦Iâ€™m going to let you in one of Spainâ€™s best kept secrets. You can enjoy a three course meal with wine for the price of a snack, if you know these magic words; Menu del Dia, which means simply Menu of the Day. Normally served between two and three in the afternoon by just about every restaurant in Spain, this afternoon delight is a great way to eat good food at a very reasonable price. It all started during Francoâ€™s time as a way for workers to obtain a nutritious meal at an affordable price. Franco has gone, but thankfully Menu del Dia lives on, and is in fact as popular as ever, but you have to know about it to get it. Some restaurants advertise their Menu of the Day on a chalk board outside the establishment, whilst others will happily bring you the normal menu without mentioning the cheap option, especially ifâ€¦how can I put thisâ€¦youâ€™re not a local. **End Summary** Topics: Spain]]> menu]]> food]]> wine]]> malaga]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot writes for Your Holiday Rentals.com, providing worldwide holiday rentals and villa rentals

Ten Motorcycle Tourers

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Selecting a Tourer is a very personal thing, and Iâ€™m not saying that these ten machines are the best. Some may not be still in production, but they are all available, albeit second hand. HONDA GOLDWING GL1800 The only bit of kit that Hondaâ€™s Flagship is missing is an ashtray, and theyâ€™re probably working on that at the moment. This bike has been around a long time in one guise or another, but you only have to see the number of owners clubs and members to realise that its popularity isnâ€™t waning yet. A high-tech aluminium chassis keeps the weight down, providing a surprising turn of speed. This is the ultimate tourer, but just too bulky looking for some people. BMW K1200LT Although still quite heavy, this bike is more economical than the Goldwing. Looking around, it seems to be one of the most popular tourers around and rightly so if itâ€™s power you want, but it needs a little care on the twisties. Newer models are fitted with a reverse gear. HARLEY DAVIDSON ELECTRA GLIDE Itâ€™s big, itâ€™s brash and itâ€™s American. **End Summary** Topics: Motorbike]]> motorcycle]]> tourer]]> touring]]> tours]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot is the founder of Motorbike Tours.co.uk The Company offers guided motorcycle tours in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

Paris Top Ten Attractions

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Paris, one of the most famous and historical capital cities, has much to tempt the discerning visitor. Her are ten of my favourite must-see attractions of the most romantic city in the world. THE EIFFEL TOWER If youâ€™re looking at an image of Paris, the chances are that youâ€™ll be seeing the world famous iconic tower that has become synonymous with the city. Over six million visitors annually make their way to the tower. If you are going to be amongst them, make sure you take the lift to the top, to enjoy stunning views of the city. THE LOUVRE This could possibly be the most famous art museum in the world, largely due to Leonardo de Vinciâ€™s â€˜Mona Lisaâ€™. First opened in 1793, The Louvre is one of the oldest museums in Europe receiving almost six million visitors a year. POMPIDEU CENTRE If itâ€™s modern art that turns you on, then the Pompideu Centre is for you. Apart from the art, there is a cinema, concerts and other varied activities to entertain both children and adults. The visitor numbers are up there with the best too, being only slightly less than the Eiffel Tower. **End Summary** Topics: Paris]]> France]]> attractions]]> holiday]]> vacation]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot writes for Your Holiday Rentals.com, providing worldwide holiday rentals and villa rentals

Ten Great Motorcycle Routes in Spain (Part 1)

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

There are hundreds of fantastic motorcycle routes in Spain. This country, which God must have been created with the biker in mind, offers everything from winding coastal roads to awe inspiring mountain passes. Here are ten of my favourite routes. SANTANDER TO BURGOS The N623 which rises to more than 1000 feet above sea level is one of the best pieces of tarmac youâ€™ll ever have the privilege of using. Within its 143 kilometres are some really nice, undulating straights, downhill sweeps and hairpin bends. Stop at the top for a while and enjoy the stunning views. SORIA TO LOGRONO 96 kilometres through the Sierra de Cebolleras. Temperature differences between the top and the bottom can be huge, so be prepared. This is definitely one of the most beautiful parts of Spain. Take care which time of the year you tackle this one. Fast straights and hairpins here, so be aware. MAZARRON TO REQUENA 281 kilometres through one of the most sparsely populated areas of Spain, yet the roads are incredible. The scenery is unbelievable and it's quiet, so quiet. The spectacular nature reserve of â€˜Muela de Cortesâ€™ has a magical feel about it; **End Summary** Topics: Spain]]> motorbike]]> motorcycle]]> routes]]> holidays]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot is the founder of Motorbike Tours.co.uk The Company offers guided motorcycle tours in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

Spain's Top Ten Attractions

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Spain is absolutely bursting with places to see and things to do. These are my top ten must-see attractions. THE ALHAMBRA PALACE - GRANADA The â€˜Red Palaceâ€™ is one of Spainâ€™s most important historical monuments and tourist attractions. Having been under both Christian and Moslem control, The Alhambra has benefitted and blossomed as each of its owners has added more buildings. The oldest part of the Alahambra is the Alcazaba, which was built upon the ruins of a 9th century fort. The world famous gardens are unbelievably beautiful. THE MEZQUITA CORDOBA Itâ€™s a Christian church, but you wouldnâ€™t believe it at first glance; thatâ€™s because it used to be a Mosque. The pillars and arches you have to pass through to reach the Catholic shrines are wonderfully Arabic. The building dates back to 796 AD. If youâ€™re within 200 miles, go and see it; you wonâ€™t be disappointed. BARCELONA Revelling under Gaudiâ€™s influence, Barcelona is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Both modern and historical; Spanish yet fiercely Catalan. Connected by the high speed train and excellent air links, this city is magnificent and accessible. **End Summary** Topics: Spain]]> holiday]]> vacation]]> attractions]]> rentals]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot writes for Your Holiday Rentals.com, providing worldwide holiday rentals and villa rentals

Packing for A Motorcycle Tour Top Ten Tips

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Itâ€™s always a problem knowing what to pack for a motorcycle tour. Fortunately, that feeling of utter freedom we get when we are riding our bikes far outweighs the problem of limited luggage space. Having said that, the problem doesnâ€™t go away, but by applying a little thought, it can be overcome. Here are some tips to make life easier on the road. TRAVEL LIGHLTY Itâ€™s tempting to throw as much as possible into your panniers, but remember, every ounce you pack onto your bike reduces handling qualities. Add to this a pillion and the needle on the pleasure-ometer begins to swing to the low side. Of course, there are some things that you canâ€™t do without, but the keyword here is need. Take what you need and nothing more. If you are going on an organised guided tour, the company should (if itâ€™s worth its salt) have a back-up vehicle that will carry your luggage. PACK SENSIBLY To optimise the handling of your bike, place heavy items at the bottom of your panniers. BEFORE YOU GO In the weeks leading up to your planned tour, begin making a list of what you might need to take with you. **End Summary** Topics: Motorbike]]> motorcycle]]> tour]]> luggage]]> packing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot is the founder of Motorbike Tours.co.uk The Company offers guided motorcycle tours in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

Ten Top Tips For A Successful Villa Holiday

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Renting a holiday villa that youâ€™ve never seen can be worrying, but if you take a few simple steps beforehand, youâ€™ll find the property that suits your needs. COUNTRY If youâ€™re the type of person who doesnâ€™t take the sun very well, donâ€™t book a holiday in Spain in August. If Greek food doesnâ€™t agree with you, donâ€™t go to Greece. If you detest the sound of car horns, stay away from Italy. I know this is a little simplistic, but the point is; have a little think about which country suits your needs best. SEASON Donâ€™t be caught out by the seasons. Some hot countries can be pretty chilly in autumn and winter, especially if youâ€™re up in the hills. On the other hand, some hot countries can be just too hot in the summer. Inland is usually hotter than the coast in summer and cooler in winter. Study the climate before you book. LOCATION The countryside sounds so peaceful and appealing, but if youâ€™re stuck ten miles from the nearest grocery store, the novelty will soon wear off. Find out how many restaurants are nearby. **End Summary** Topics: Villa]]> rental]]> holiday]]> property]]> vacation]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot writes for Your Holiday Rentals.com, providing worldwide holiday rentals and villa rentals

Motorcycle Safety - Ten Top Tips

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

We all know that riding a bike carries a few more risks than sitting behind the wheel of a car, but by applying a few simple strategies, we can reduce that risk significantly. Iâ€™m not here to preach; youâ€™re going to do what you want anyway, and so you should. Iâ€™d just like you to do it safely. BE VISIBLE By wearing bright clothing and a light coloured helmet, the guy who is talking on his cell phone about last nightâ€™s game, has a better chance of seeing you. If all car drivers were as vigilant as the average motorcycle rider, we wouldnâ€™t have to take these measures, but their not, and saying sorry just isnâ€™t enough. Always ride with your headlight on. CRASH HELMET Weâ€™ve already talked about the crash helmet, but itâ€™s such a crucial piece of kit that it deserves another mention. A white or silver helmet is favourite, but thereâ€™s another aspect of the lid thatâ€™s probably more important; the fit. An ill fitting helmet can cause an accident by distraction. **End Summary** Topics: Motorbike]]> motorcycle]]> safety]]> tips]]> training]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Alan Liptrot is the founder of Motorbike Tours.co.uk The Company offers guided motorcycle tours in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.