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The Top Five Budget Rental Cottages in the Lake District

Opting to holiday within the United Kingdom has become increasingly popular again, particularly since there have been many scares concerning travel agents going bust and holidays simply being incredibly expensive.

Opting for holiday cottages UK is a great way to have a budget holiday, particularly in the Lake District.  Whether you are going on holiday as a couple, as a family or with a group there will be Lake District holiday cottages available that suit all your needs.  Let us look at the top five budget cottages in the Lake District, to give you a feel and idea of what is available.

 

Best Budget Rental Cottage Lake District for Romantic Breaks 

 

If you want to go on a romantic break with just you and your partner, where you can take the time to get to know each other and fall in love all over again, but only have a small budget, the Low Jock Star Country Guest House and Cottages are for you.

Lily Cottage in particular is great for a budget holiday, at only around £40 per night.  It has only one bedroom and the entire cottage is stylishly decorated with solid oak furniture.  All necessary equipment is available to make your stay comfortable and romantic.  

Although you may want to spend all your time simply being in each other’s presence, there are also plenty of things for you to do in the area, including individual photography classes.  Being right near the historic market town of Kendal, you can also go on a nice daytrip, or alternatively visit the Lake District National Park for a fantastic walk in nature. 

Best Pet Friendly Budget Cottage Lake District 

If you want to bring your four legged friend with you on holiday, you will obviously be looking for cheap holiday cottages UK that are classed as pet friendly.  Pet friendly almost always refers to a dog, so if you are thinking of bringing a different pet (cat, lizard, bird, fish or rodents for example), you need to contact the cottage owners. 

A great example of a pet friendly cottage is the Old Sunday School in Slaggyford.

This is on the border of the Lake District and Northumberland.  It sleeps six people in three bedrooms and is a fantastic character property, including an old fashioned potbellied stove.  And at just £269 per week, it is very affordable.

Around the cottage you will find a great village pub and the Moors are right on your doorstep for long and fun walks. 

Best Budget Historic Cottage Lake District for Families 

 

If you like the idea of a cottage that is steeped in history and if you want to take the kids on holiday with you as well, the Peat House near Windermere is for you.  This cottage, placed in the small Row hamlet, was awarded a four star graded listing.  This means it is not only historical, it is also in excellent condition and comfortable for those who are staying in it.  Prices vary, but can be as low as £295 per week. The cottage has two bedrooms, sleeping four, so it’s perfect for families.   

There are many towns within driving distance of the cottage, but you could also decide to stay on the grounds and go for walks through the fell or use the leisure club at the nearby hotel, which is included in the price of the rental.   

Best Budget Unusual Cottage Lake District for Families 

 

If you are looking for an unusual cottage on a budget, Berts Cottage in Westmorland is certainly something to consider.

It sleeps four in two bedrooms, so you can take the children.  It is classed as an upside down cottage, making it very unusual.  It has a gorgeous sitting, living and dining area with oak beams on the ceiling and stones on the walls.  Prices depend on when you are going, but they start at just £210 for a week. 

Berts Cottage is in a great location if you enjoy golf, cycling or walking, as there are some fantastic nature areas right on your doorstep. 

Best Budget Cottage Lake District for Large Groups 

 

If you want to go out with a large group, be they family or friends, and are on a budget, Irton Hall is a fantastic choice.  It is a listed building, thought to date bake to the 13^th century.  It comprises of several different buildings, with the Pele Tower (the oldest building) sleeping up to 15 people in 5 bedrooms, for just £1,300 per week. 

As you can see, there is no need to spend an arm and a leg on holidays anymore.  The Lake District is one of the most beautiful areas of the United Kingdom and it is right on your doorstep.  Regardless of the type of cottage you are looking for, you can find it in the Lake District and at a price you can afford as well.

 

Please note that this post is by Tom Brennan, courtesy of Fresh Egg

 

Competition: Start the year with a trip abroad courtesy of Sol Hotels!

 

 

This cracking competition on Europebudgetguide.com comes courtesy of Sol Hotels. If you haven't stayed at any of their properties, I urge you to check out their site-some great budget friendly options there with hotels in Berlin starting at just 44 euros a night. Good luck!

 

 

Do you need a holiday ?

With the start of a New Year and the Christmas holidays over , already many of us are thinking the same thing.

Look no further than this timely competition being run by Sol Hotels  who are offering you and three of your close friends/family to be whisked away to the Canary Islands for four nights.

 

 

 

 

Rules of engagement

Simple

1. Become a fan of the Sol Hotel Facebook page
2. Share what 4 items are an absolute must-pack for your suitcase
3. Invite your friends to vote for your list

 

What will you choose for your list?

 

My tip: Try adding something quirky, unique to your list that you think will get people's attention.

 

How about a dinosaur-shaped rubber ring.

Your moleskine notebook.

Or a solar charger to keep your gadgets fully juiced.  Provided there is sun where you are going!

 

The competition closes 18/01/12, 11:59pm!

Good luck!

Please note that this is a Sponsored post

 

 

Win iPad2, Interrail tickets, RTW Flights with Hostelbookers Christmas Giveaway

 

 

 If you like surprises and prizes, HostelBookers have a thing or two in Santa's sack this year, just for you!

In the spirit of a traditional advent calendar, HostelBookers will be getting fun and festive giving away fantastic prizes every day between 1st and 24th December.

We can't promise everyone a white Christmas but we can offer prizes including iPad2, free accommodation, a Kindle, InterRail tickets, Round-The-Word Expert flights and much more...ding dong indeed!

To Enter

 

Come play with us in three easy steps...

1 Go to HostelBookers Facebook page.

2. Like Hostelbookers.

3. Click on the 'Christmas Giveaway' tab and answer a question.

A new question will be posted daily at midnight 00:00 GMT up to and including 24th December.

Winners will be notified by email and announced on the blog once they claim their prize.

Answers will be posted on the Facebook wall and on the blog.

 

For more information and terms and conditions click here

 

HostelBookers is the leading budget accommodation website in the travel industry not to apply a service charge and is, on average, 8.7% cheaper than its nearest competitor. It features over 20,000 hostels, cheap hotels and budget properties on its website in over 3,500 destinations across the world.

 

Follow us on Twitter @hostelbookers

Please note that this competition is a sponsored post by Hostelbookers

 

Budget Barcelona Bites: 3 tips from a local

 

Grace Cartwright, Edinburgh based regular contributor to Europebudgetguide.com was in Barcelona for her exchange Erasmus year.

In this post she shares with us 3 of her favourite budget eats in Barcelona. If you missed, here is her earlier post of how to enjoy Barcelona on the cheap

 

From fighting through crowds.....at the Sagrada Familia to traipsing the colourful expanses of Parc Güell, Barcelona can be an exhausting place. 

Luckily the city doesn’t disappoint when it comes to tasty pitstops.

Although Spain is more often famed for tapas there are some daytime eateries in Barcelona that will give you your energy back in no time. 

All of the below are central, but the nearest metro stations are noted for convenience (you never know when it rains)!

El Passatore: Images courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/literarycauldron/

If you are closer to the beach front, stray away from the overpriced boardwalk and head to El Passatore to purchase a three course ‘menu del día’ for €7 (drink included).

Whenever I have guests staying from abroad I make sure to take them here as the value for money is unrivalled.

Nearest Metro Station: Placita Palau, Metro Barceloneta

I would be lying if I called Antic Teatre an eatery, for it is actually a garden bar which only sells drink. However you are at liberty to bring in any of your own food and enjoy it below the trees and fairy lights that adorn the area. So head to the nearest supermarket and get yourself some chorizo, cheese and bread then accompany it with a beer from Antic Teatre.

Nearest Metro Station : (C/Verdaguer, Metro Urquinoana)

 

Saving the best for last, Bo D B is so famous for its salads and overstuffed sandwiches. that even the permanent queue out of the door should not deter you.

Offering takeaway and sit in, I would personally recommend the marinated chicken with all the salad they can fit. The best news is that these guys are one of the cheapest around as well.

Nearest Metro Station: (C/Fusteria, Metro Jaume)

 

If you have any budget Barcelona bites to share with us, please leave your suggestions below!

 

Clubbing in Rotterdam- Have any budget tips to share?

 

On Friday ( 28th October, 2011) I'm off on another epic budget weekend to the trendy city of Rotterdam with the cheap coach travel specialist: Eurolines.

Rotterdam by night

I have to be honest- I prefer low cost airline and trains over buses. It's been awhile since I hopped around Europe on a bus ( I guess when flying was more expensive) so this is going to be an experience.

With fares of just £39 return it's definitely budget friendly. Whether its comfortable and fun-we'll see!

I've flicked through the brochure - seen pictures of Rotterdam's superb architecture, it has a great year round line up of festivals and events ( Voted Event and Festival City of the year 3 years in a row) plus a great arts scene and clutch of world-class museusm- Rotterdam seems to have all the right ingredients of a fun, short break destination.

Especially when you consider its superb nightlife which will be the focus of my trip.

I am keen to check out  De Witte Aap which was recently voted by the Lonely Planet as the 'Best Bar in the World' !

I'll be also doing some beer tasting at Rotterdam's only brewery -De Pelgrim in Delfshaven.

Where to go clubbing then in Rotterdam?

I'd love to hear your budget tips of great places to go clubbing so....

Please share them below or

Via Twitter:  www.twitter.com/budgettraveller  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discover Scotland through its stories: Scottish International Storytelling Festival

As a local native of Edinburgh, I am always proud to share and help raise the profile of some great local events and the Scottish International Storytelling Festival is one of these events. Lindsey Corr, from the Scottish Storytelling Centre gives us a lowdown of the highlights of this year's festival.

Hello!

Taking place between the 21-30th October the Scottish International Storytelling Festival presents a programme of storytelling showcasing the legends and myths of Scotland, in exploration with another corner of the globe, highlighting the power of storytelling as an ancient and modern artform.

 

Storytelling is a wonderful gateway to culture as its heritage is directly informed by the stories of place, and the Festival explores Scottish customs and international traditions.

 

This year the focus is on Islands and the Festival explores the human need to explore, travel and discover as there is something about islands that catches our imagination, gives birth to stories, inspires melody and sets the foot tapping. In a feast of island culture the Festival celebrates the stories of Scotland’s islands along with those of the Mediterranean as we follow in the footsteps of Odysseus as he traversed the world in search of wonder; kicking off with A Thousand Island Welcomes on Friday 21 October at 7.30pm, featuring a host of Scottish storytelling talent and respected musicians who throw open the door of hospitality with an evening of enchantments from Scotland’s isles.

 

 

Meet the Storytellers alongside Island Nights

 

The Storytelling Centre presents a programme of Island Nights which partner up a Scottish atoll with a Mediterranean isle, to explore and celebrate the similarities and differences in island traditions, stories and music, perfectly showcasing traditional entertainment using a ceilidh event that brings the word back to its original meaning – the swapping of yarns, songs and music in an inclusive, authentic and relaxed evening. This theme gives the opportunity for the Festival to share seminal Scottish tales of pirates, fishermen, selkies and journeys while visiting Mediterranean storytellers from Cyprus, Crete, Sardinia and Greece remember the ancient gods, heroes and monsters from their own culture.

 

6 Island Nights events take place at the Centre, with 8 taking place on Scotland’s Islands, as part of the Festival on Tour, which showcases visiting storytellers in remoter areas of Scotland, ensuring everyone can experience and be part of the Festival.

 

Continuing the allure of Islands, we explore their cultures through our free series of Meet the Storyteller events. Each evening at the Centre at 5pm, a Scottish or Mediterranean storyteller share their traditions, customs and stories in a relaxed and informal session.

 

There’s tales in every artform

 

As well as the Festival’s usual international raconteurs, we have developed our programme to include dancers, musicians and artists. Cypriot printmaker Hambis Tsangaris, aims to be the voice of his country and uses his colourful print works to tell the story of Cyprus; its torments and joys, its beauty and folk traditions in a free lecture, Cyprus: An Island Experience on Wednesday 26 October at 6pm. He teams up with Heleni Achilleos, who originally hails from Cyprus but is now based in the UK, to share the traditions of Cyprus’ folktales  with all the family in Aphrodite's Island - Gods, Goddesses, Heroes and Champions on Saturday 22 October at 2pm and both also takes part in our Edinburgh Partner Venue event Printing Tales on Sunday 23 October at 1.30pm, when participants get the opportunity to create their own linocut after inspirational Cypriot tales at Edinburgh Printmakers.

 

Sofia Papdia is a Greek-Cypriot dancer who has lived in Cyprus and Athens and has 5 years’ experience in teaching Greek traditional dances to Greeks and non-Greeks in the UK; she takes the opportunity to showcase some stunning traditional costumes and helps us learn a few steps in Dancing the Stories on Saturday 29 October at 11am.

 

Doing it for the Kids

 

Storytelling is a great way for youngsters to engage with literacy and explore their imaginations, and each year the Festival has a rich and varied programme for families to get involved with yarn weaving and game playing.

 

The Yard Adventure Centre will be transformed into a Greek columned temple covered with vines and sprinkled with gold on Saturday 22 October at 11am as storytellers Ailie Finlay and Marie Louise Cochrane bring to life the legends of King Midas and the Golden Touch, Pandora’s Box and The Trojan Horse using multi-sensory props, smells and music, enabling those with visual impairment, and complex and multiple disabilities to enjoy these ancient tales.

 

Check out the Magic Carpet: Storytelling Festival Special! events at the National Museum of Scotland on Tuesday 25, Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 October at 10.30am, as well as the irrepressible Mac-a-Story duo who present high energy tales of the Olympics and sporting deeds in a contest to find the Champion of Champions at 2pm and 3.30pm.

Royal Botanic Garden presents two sessions of Tales from the Forest and the Sea on Sunday 23 October at 2pm and 4pm while at the Centre we have Team Olympus: Gods, Goddesses, Heroes and Champions which promises tales of Olympic proportions and plenty of craft activities. Plus the magical Tell-a-Story Day, with events both at the Storytelling Centre and at North Edinburgh Arts Centre on Friday 28 October at 10am and 11am respectively.  

 

The Big Finish

 

The Finale weekend of the Festival promises to mesmerise both regular storyteller-goers and those new to experience the engrossing artform, with a weekend of activity at Edinburgh’s gothic Hub Centre at the top of the Royal Mile. The Festival offers the unprecedented opportunity to witness a live performance of Homer’s epic The Odyssey, featuring a myriad of storytellers and musicians coming together for a spectacular afternoon and evening session on Saturday 29 October at 3pm and 7pm.

 

Storyteller Bob Pegg perfectly sums up the excitement of taking on the almost 3000 year old storytelling classic:

 

This is the greatest epic in Western history, with the scope of a Hollywood blockbuster. How can the humble storyteller convey the intricacies of character and recreate the spectacular imagery? The answer: by taking the story back to its original form, For there's little doubt that, before it was written down by Homer nearly 3000 years ago, the Odyssey was told, possibly even sung, by bards in public performance. If we storytellers do our job well, a great cinema screen - complete with 3-D and surround sound - will light up in the individual heads of our audience, giving each one them a personalised viewing of the story, from the slow-burning beginning, through adventures and romance, to the vengeful carnage of the conclusion.

Listen to one of Bob’s stories here.

 

The final day of the Festival sees the usual exploration of the seasonal changes as the city prepares for the Winter Solstice, and mark’s Old Hallows Eve by exploring the traditional tales and legends of the spirit world with Hosting the Spirits on Sunday 30 October at 7.30pm at the Hub, as well as a chance to explore the link between Saints and Islands in an afternoon event which explores the spiritual roots of religion in A Circle of Saints at 3pm.  

 

For full details and a downloadable programme see www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk or visit us at 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR  

 

' Traveldudes Vs Dog ' Rivedoux Plage, Ile De Re. A photo essay of an epic battle!

 

Recently I was privelieged to be a guest of the Poitou Charentes Tourism board and invited to explore the beautiful city of La Rochelle, Marais Poiteven and the unforgettable island of Ile De Re.

Ile De Re is blessed with some stunning beaches and none better than the Rivedoux Plage where the Island's Kite Surfing school is located.

I was in the brilliant company of Melvin Boecher, Titus (BabyDudes) Astrid Boecher aka Traveldudes, Iain Mallory from Mallory on Travel, Sue Lowry from Magellan PR and Isabelle Kenis from Isabelles Travel Guide

Some  of the best holiday memories are often not made of just a great meal, an amazing beach, superb chocolate cake and a beautiful sunset

BUT.... of great friends and small moments that create a memory for eternity.

So I present to you one of these laugh out loud funny memorable moments from our trip and time at Riverdoux Plage where our brave hero- Melvin encounters a local dog and tries to tame it......

Does he succeed?

The stage is set for

TRAVELDUDES VS DOG

LET THE BATTLE COMMENCE!

In which our hero, Melvin introduces himself + Traveldudes to our local four legged friend....

In which Sue ...uses her magical powers to tame the dog

In which..Melvin uses his infamous ' scoop the poop'  technique to tame the beast!

 

Our brave hero changes tactics: Will local delicacy- seaweed!!?? do the trick?

 

But the dog suspicious of Melvin's intentions makes a dash...

 

Dog doesn't fall for the seaweed strangely!

Zut Alor! Magician Melvin brings out the oldest trick in the book : The Indian Rope Trick!!

( Oooooooooooh)

But the wily salty sea-dog resists!! Bravo!!

 

And leaves the scene triumphant

The final score from Ile De Re was :

Traveldudes 0 Dog 1 

L'Epic finale indeed!

Well done Melvin- good effort mate!

If you want to discover more 'epic' moments from the trip why not pop over to my other blog 'BudgetTraveller' and check out why Red is the Colour in La Rochelle   and why the streets of La Rochelle are perfect to get lost in

Merci beaucoup!

 

 

 

 

Things to do in Basel on a budget: 6 ace tips

 

Known as the Cultural Capital of Switzerland or University City Basel offers a diverse range of cultural, historical and leisure experiences. Here are some top tips to make the most of this city on a budget.

1) Top budget tip for Basel

 To start making some essential savings it’s worthwhile investing in the BaselCard. 

A 48 hour card costs 27CHF With the BaselCard you a free guided tour of the city, free sightseeing tour on the ferry plus free entrance to various attractions including some of those featured below.

 

2) Kunst Museum Basel

St Alban-Graben 16

 

Even if you are not an art lover, there is something here for everyone. In winter in the past they’ve even put up a free ice rink!

The museum holds a wide collection of art dating from various periods. It holds the largest collection of Holbein work plus has minor artworks of Picasso. In the past it has held exhibitions of famous artists like Warhol.

 

Price: Adults- Sfr 12, Students: Sfr 5. Kids go free.  Free with BaselCard 

Top tip: 1st Sunday of the month is free entrance. 

 

3) Museum Tinguely

 
 Photo credit: Courtesy of Suzanne http://www.flickr.com/photos/wurzeltod/

The building, designed by Mario Botta, is dedicated to the life and work of the major Swiss iron sculptor Jean Tinguely. Jean Tinguely (1925-1991) was an artist who grew up in Basel and later belonged to the Parisian avant-garde in the 1950s and 60s. He is well known in Basel for his machine sculptures in the square in front of the city theater.

The best way to approach the Musuem is by going up the Rhine along the Kleinbasel bank, and then through Solitude Park ( a very nice place specially now in Autumn )

Opening hours are Tuesday – Sunday 11 am to 7 pm, closed Mondays.

Admission : 15 Swiss Francs for adults or 10 CHF (reduced) 

Paul Sacher-Anlage 1, 4058 Basle, Switzerland 

 

4) Münster

Photocredit: Patrick H : http://www.flickr.com/photos/-heinecke-/

Originally a Catholic cathedral and today a reformed Protestant church, it was built between 1019 and 1500 in Romanesque and Gothic styles.

Pfalz, a small square in the back of the building, is a good viewpoint to see the city, but for 4 CHF, you can go up to the top of one of the church towers and see an awesome full view of Basel.

Rittergasse 3, 4051 Basle, Switzerland

 

5) Karikatur and Cartoon Museum

  

One of the more unique destinations in Basel is the Karikatur and Cartoon Museum. The museum is situated in reconstructed buildings with architecture resembling a gothic theme. Visitors to the museum will be intrigued by the various displays of caricatures and cartoons from the early 1900s to present.

Entry: CHF 9 ( Free with the Basel Pass)

6) Eating in Basel on a budget

 

Given that Switzerland is pretty expensive , my suggestion is to prepare your food and shop at the supermarkets with the odd meal here or there. Here are some general tips:-

 

Do check out Café Tacuba (Malzgasse 1 St Alban Grabe Basel, Basel Stadt 4052 ) it's a great meeting point for locals and does great coffee and pastries. They offer good value for money lunch on weekdays.Plus they have free wifi. 

Manor, a department store, has Manora restaurants that usually have affordable options and serves a little bit of everything from pizza to stir-fries. You can usually eat there for around CHF 15. 

COOP and Migros supermarkets have cafeterias in central locations that serve okay food that isn't expensive.

How to get there 

BMI runs flights to Basel from just £79 

 

Note:  This post is courtesy of BMI.  

 

Have any budget tips to share of Basel? Please leave your comments below!!

 

 

 

Laughter, Love + Calm: 3 offbeat Krakow experiences

 

Krakow has been the highlight of my budget travels this year- I stayed for 4 days and soaked in so many unique sights, tastes and glimpses of life-was a life enrichening experience.

To finish off my Krakow series, I wanted to end with some unique offbeat experiences that stand out in my memory when I retrace my footsteps to this beautiful historic city.

Here is Part 1 of my 2 part series of unique offbeat Krakow experiences-enjoy and as always don't be shy to share your thoughts and Krakow experiences.

 

Andrzej Mleczko Art Gallery 

( FREE)

 

‘The funniest cartoon is still a man, a pavement and a banana peel’

Andrzej Mleczko 

 

Situated on the ul Sw Jana away from the buzz of Rynek Glowny is Andrzej Mleczko: native illustrator and political satirist’s art gallery.

 

I stumbled across this place while trying to escape the crowds of Rynek Glowny and wow, I really had a bellyful of laughs at some of his very politically incorrect but very humorous drawings. His illustrations are affordable and make an excellent souvenir-recommend.

 

Krakow Lovers Bridge 

 

On the way to Podgorze from Kazimierz I stumbled upon a unique tradition and bridge like no other: Father Bernard’s Footbridge, known also as the Krakow Lovers Bridge.

 

A romantic tradition that took root in the city of love, Paris has now spread to Seville, Moscow and Krakow too.

 

Newlyweds and Krakow lovers pledge themselves to each other by fixing a padlock to the footbridge over the Wisla and then throw the key into the water. 

 

Spokoj

Stepping back into time with style

After a ramble around the sights of Rynek Glowny I was desperate for a cool drink, some shade ( 32 C in June) and my favourite thing: FREE WIFI. So I turned left, then right, then left (Love doing this when I am a stranger in town) and suddenly glimpsed this leafy archway (on Bracka Street) that lured me into this packed courtyard of trendy Krakowians sipping beer. The buzz was amazing here. Unfortunately there was no seats left so I hopped up the staircase that led me to Spokoj. Spokoj was a perfect oasis of calm which was the word 'Spokoj' translates into English.

The interior walls were like something out of a 70’s British sitcom or hippy commune- nice touches with retro furniture, radiosets, TV’s and boardgames to pass the time.

Music is awesome- 60’s, 70’s funk jazz and classic French songs.

 

Beer is cheap at around 6 zloty’s (which is about £1.50) - so budget friendly and the wifi is excellent btw.

 

If you missed....

Here is link to the Cheap Eats in Krakow Part 1 and Cheap Eats in Krakow Part 2

and also review of the memorable Jewish Galicia Museum 

Thank you to..

easyJet Holidays for sponsoring my trip to Krakow

 

 

 

We are creating the future of travel media at #TBUIBK : My thoughts

 

 

I was asked today for a summary of #TBUIBK -so many talking points were covered which you will read about. Here are my observations...

I am borrowing and taking inspiration from a post from William Bakker Chief Strategist at Think! Social Media who wrote an awesome article about how travel bloggers are reinventing the future of destination marketing : Click here )

I like to think...

After #TBUIBK travel bloggers are actively creating the future of travel media

Simply not offering just a vision of the future of travel media

Photo used under Creative Commons from dullhunk

The conference brought together a unique mix of professionals: travel bloggers, photographers, social media professionals from all over the world, joggers/journo-bloggers (whatever ridiculous term you can think of) destination marketing organisations..

 

Put together these diverse range of professionals in a room and watch the *sparks* fly:

Ideas, products and messages were spreading around the room like viruses. 

What I’ve seen before and still am constantly amazed is how creative and multi skilled travel bloggers are.

All of us are unique and blessed with a very sophisticated range of skills. We create good content , can take good photographs, savvy with the latest modern technology , create and start a blog, VERY social media savvy and also are excellent network builders.

 

However that very jack of all trades badge does bite us in the ass a lot. ( All the time )

 

During the first panel debate at #TBUIBK blog trips and bloggers working with PR, we got dragged into the age old debate journo vs blogger. Are we the same? Should we expect differential treatment? Should we get paid to attend press trips?

( I personally think no. A few pro travel bloggers might get paid because of their time being limited ... but generally for 95% of us, we have to be more entrepreneurial about we sell our skills and monetize our blog )

 

Kevin May from Tnooz, put forward an intriguing question towards the panel as to whether bloggers consider themselves as a community builder/marketers

There was a mixed reaction from the bloggers at the conference. Some see them as community builders, some as content creator, some see it as way of allowing them to travel and fit their lifestyle choice-no one blogger is alike. 

My personal take on this is that we a combination of all of the above and more. 

Many of us have at the conference have alter egos with business backgrounds in different areas of business.

Because blogging by nature is more personal, bloggers are quite diverse and unique.

Blogs are a multi-peer medium. The blogger share their personal take and seeks acknowledgment and feedback. We are not uni-directional. We want to be recognized and influence.  

As a travel blogger I don’t want to be defined and put in a box.

 

That’s because I haven’t realised my full potential yet and I am still learning about what I can achieve and offer.

Like all bloggers at the conference I think.

 

We learnt from the BEST at #TBUIBK

TBUIBK highlight: Ken Kaminesky with Melvin @traveldudes and Michaela @comunicami on the photo tour of Innsbruck

1. We learnt about how to take better photographs via photo walks with Ken Kaminesky
2. We discovered emerging cutting edge trends like Iphoneography from Kirsten Alana.
3. We learnt about how to be a more professional, ethical and better writer from Abigail King.
4. The important of marketing yourself effectively: We learnt how to brand and market yourself to travel PR companies from Ruth Haffenden from Four bgb.
5. We learnt how to think of your blog as a business by demonstrating the value of your audience and niche from Janice Waugh and Keith Jenkins. 
6. We were given a masterclass presentation about how to (+swear a lot) create a kickass WordPress blog from John O’ Nolan- a guy who is working with the biggest names in the business.
7. Learning how to network (v.important skill ), create lasting relationships and work the room like Melvin from Traveldudes and that guy in the orange shoes. What’s his name again? :)

 

 

We can be the best if only we learn from the best. That’s what was #TBUIBK‘s greatest legacy.

Dynamic Duo!: Ayngelina Brogan: Bacon is Magic and Michael Hodson: Go See Write

It was a privilege to be amongst so many talented and amazing people. I think everyone who attended came away inspired with new ideas.

We are still evolving 

We fail, fail, fail ( a lot, rant rant rant #insaneinthebrain  ) but in the end we keep trying because we want to learn, EVOLVE

 

We EVOLVE as publishers because the needs and demands of our readers are changing. The media landscape is changing rapidly-online channels are becoming more and more dominant and newspapers are in decline.

 

Travel PR and DMO’s are having to respond to these changes in the landscape and reach out to where their audiences are and that is why travel bloggers we are in demand.

 

'We're the heirs to the glimmering world'

 ( The National (Awesome band) Song: The Geese of Beverly Road )

Travel Bloggers discovering a new glimmering world in Mieming, Tirol on a blog trip post #TBUIBK :)

We still don’t know our potential yet. The sky is the limit. These are are very exciting times.  

Let’s not get carried away. 

We to learn to do the little things better to make a bigger difference. 

We have to be better at the basics of writing, be as honest and transparent as possible with our stats so we can build better trust plus we have to be prepared to take on board any constructive criticism.

We have to be more professional and package, present ourselves better to travel companies. (#mediakisamust #noexcuses #reallynoexcuses )

 

Not just speaking to journalists, publishers, travel companies but looking outside our world and looking at the other bloggers in other sectors like fashion, tech and learn from them. 

The next few months is a challenge for the blogging community to show we can evolve further and be even more awesome.

So it’s important we don’t stand still- we keep talking to each other, keep sharing, keep learning, keep making mistakes, keep enjoying the process and keep evolving.

I think at the same time there is a lot journalists, marketers, DMO’s, travel PR can learn from us just as much as we can learn from them.

 

Why we have reached the 'Tipping Point'

The good news is that we’re already at the 'Tipping Point' : a phrase coined by Malcolm Gladwell in his landmark book called ‘The Tipping Point’ (great book to read, highly recommend) 

I quote one of his three laws that creates a tipping point: 

“The Law of the Few" -the first law states 

"The success of any kind of social epidemic is heavily dependent on the involvement of people with a particular and rare set of social gifts." 

Sounds familiar? 

In order to bring about the phenonmenal change there are two more laws he quotes:  the ‘stickiness factor’ : the specific content of a message that renders its impact memorable and lastly the ‘power of context.’ 

I think travel blogging ticks all. Which is why we are making the future of travel media and becoming an integral cog in the travel industry.

Any questions and comments? Thank you. 

PS: Big thank you to Oliver for organising Travel Bloggers Unite Innsbruck and to all those who led the workshops with utmost dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm- you are all a shining star in the sky and role model for me.

Biggest thanks to all the delegates/friends I met- you were freaking awesome, you created a perfect reality for a few days, I felt so rich and blessed-was one of the most amazing weeks of my life. I love you all.

 

 

Win a week at any Park Inn hotel in Europe with the Park Inn Rally Facebook Competition

Park Inn have launched a fun filled, exciting competition called the ‘Park Inn Rally’ which allow entrants the opportunity to win a week at any of the Park Inn Hotels in Europe plus shorter weekend stays and Rezidor gift cards worth upto 150 euros.

So how to play and enter

1) Visit Park Inn Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/parkinnrally

2) The aim of the game is to drive across Europe, collecting as many miles as possible.

To progress, you’ll need to answer a series of questions when they are released on a regular basis. There are twelve questions in total and each has three clues. You will have three attempts to guess the correct location of the landmark from one of the Europe’ most vibrant and beautiful cities.

The first attempt is worth 500 miles. You’ll see just one photo clue for the landmark and will have three options to choose from. If answered correctly, you’ll get 500 miles and will automatically drive to the correct location on the map. If you initially answer incorrectly, you’ll get a second clue worth 200 miles with only two options to choose from. If you answer incorrectly a second time, the last and final clue is released and is worth 100 miles. It’s safe to say you’ll know what the answer is this time!

The more answers you get correct with the least clues will earn more miles. The questions are released on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week, so don’t forget to come back to check if you’ve answered all the available questions.

To make this game even more exciting, Park Inn have hidden special offers (available at Park Inn hotel chain like free starters or desserts, free drinks and free wi-fi ) throughout the journey so try to spot them while driving around. You’ll also notice that each location you drive to shows you some of Europe’s most beautiful landmarks and you can click around the map to find out more.

Deadline to enter: 28^th August, 2011.

Goodluck!

The Park Inn Rally competition builds on the success of the previous Play4 game where Park Inn Rally offered customers a chance to connect with the Park Inn network across Europe, learn more about their hotel destinations and win some great prizes.

Note: This post is sponsored by Park Inn Hotel