Sports Training Destinations in Europe

Achieving your potential in any sport requires talent, commitment and dedication. But to reach the very top of their sport, athletes rely not only on their own abilities, but also on things like highly skilled coaching staff, adequate financial funding and access to the best training facilities. You may think that countries such as Australia and the USA lead the world in sports facilities but in Europe there are now some of the finest dedicated sports training centers in the world. The southern countries of Europe such as Spain, France and Italy make ideal locations for these facilities, benefiting as they do from a mild winter climate while still being within convenient traveling distance from most European countries. In this article we will look at some of the biggest and newest facilities available and explore the new and upcoming concept of sports tourism.

The Canary Islands, part of Spain, lie on the southern-most edge of Europe in the Atlantic Ocean. The climate there is consistently mild, never experiencing really cold weather, seeing low levels of rainfall and, even in summer months, remaining relatively cool compared to some European mainland areas. Because the islands are already a popular tourist destination, there are frequent flights to Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria from many other countries, making the islands very accessible. Air fares to the Canaries during the months of January, February and March are very reasonable and provide a low cost way of escaping the harsher weather of more northerly regions in Europe.

On the island of Lanzarote lies the long-established sports resort Club La Santa, which opened in 1983 and welcomes sports fans from all over Europe. The club offers year-round training facilities and boasts a 50m open air swimming pool, six lane tartan athletics track as well as huge indoor fitness areas providing Nautilus , Cybex and Tetrix equipment. Also indoors are six badminton courts while outdoors there are 10 hard court floodlit tennis courts. Everyday the center puts on organized events like group runs, mountain bike rides, aerobics sessions and other coaching groups.

Tenerife, one of the other larger islands in the Canaries, is home to a very new centre located close to the southern village of La Caleta. Tenerife Top Training, or T3 as is more likely to be known, is a brand new high-tech sports training center that opened its doors in October 2008. It has 3 swimming pools, 50m and 25m outdoor pools in addition to an indoor therapy pool with water flow technique improvement facilities. Indoor physio and training rooms complement the outdoor tennis and football pitches. Close by is a luxury hotel providing high class accommodation, although visitors may chose to rent one of the many holiday villas close to the resort. The international airport, Reine Sofia is close by ensuring very short transfers times for visitors.

On the island of Cyprus, which is accessible by flying to the nearby and newly renovated Paphos airport, the sports resort of Coral Bay provides fantastic facilities. It was used by the Great British Olympic team as its training camp prior to the Athens Olympics and provides an outdoor Olympic 50m pool which is heated all year round. There are also 4 tennis courts and indoors a well-equipped gym and relaxation pool. Flights to Paphos are available from the UK, and with a flight time of around 4 hours, Cyprus provides a convenient location for mild weather winter training.

If a flight to Cyprus is a little too far for you, then you may opt for a shorter flight to Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands where you will a range of superb sports training facilities. The Son Hugo swimming complex provides two 50m 10 lane swimming pools, one indoors and one outdoors. Also on Mallorca is the MegaSport Fitness center located close to the capital Palma and its international airport. The center provides a range of indoor and outdoors sports areas and is located close to the international cycling velodrome and football stadium.

So for both professional and amateur athletes alike, a trip to one of these warm weather sports training centers will provide a great kick-start to the season ahead. With cheap flights provided by a number of companies to the airports nearby, the trip need not cost too much either.

Author : Dan Williams

About the Author :

If you are a sports fan looking for a low cost trip to warmer weather then Dan Williams advises a comparison of cheap flights to Tenerife Lanzarote and Paphos on the FlyThomasCook website.

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Foreign Car Rentals

There are many reasons that people travel to foreign countries. Whether it’s for business or for pleasure, travel to another place often requires the use of a car rental. Renting a car in a foreign country may not be the same as renting one at home. You need to know what it takes to get a car rental before you are preparing to leave. Public transportation is not always reliable in some places and a car is necessary. If this is the case, leaving it until last minute could greatly work against you.

The first thing that you need to do is make sure that you are able to legally drive a car in that country. In most cases you will only need your valid driver’s license. However, this is something that you need to know before you leave. Ignorance is something that could result in a great setback in your plans. Your best bet is to start off by contacting a large name rental company near you. Most of them also have rental services in various countries around the world. They can help you make arrangements to secure your rental in a specific country for a certain day. This can greatly relieve a lot of the trouble that comes with making car rental reservations.

When you do make arrangements to rent a car you must make sure to go over all of the insurance information. This should all be specified in writing as well so ask for it. To neglect to ask about insurance could result in trouble for you if you were to end up having an accident of some kind. You should also find out the traffic laws for where you are going. If you receive any tickets in a rental car then you will be responsible for the cost of the ticket otherwise the rental agency will be hounding you to pay it.

If you are traveling to Europe then it might be in your best interest to obtain an IDP so that you can drive there legally with no ease. You will have to apply for an international driver’s permit so make sure to factor the time it takes to do that into your planning. Having an IDP will allow you to drive in up to 150 different countries around the globe. It’s beneficial to have if you do a lot of travel for business.

You need to always make your car rental preparations in advance so that you are never left without a vehicle. To wait until the last minute is to take a giant risk. You could end up having no vehicle or having one that you do not want. Driving in a foreign country can be intimidating. Bring along maps of where you plan to travel to reduce your risk of getting lost or delayed. Renting a car for foreign use is relatively easy when you plan well and plan ahead. A good car rental agency will be more than happy to assist you in getting all that you need to make your trip a success.

Author : Levi Quinn

About the Author :

Are you putting off reviewing or changing your car insurance coverage? Visit Auto Insurance Rates Direct today for information on how to determine what coverage you need, then find it at a good price. Protect your whole family with the automotive policy that's right for you.

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Cruise Holidays : How to Choose Which Cruise to Take

Cruise holidays have gained enormous popularity over the last decade. The cruise industry has grown in leaps and bounds over the years and the statistics indicating the growing number of travellers with cruise holidays on their mind is just more proof for it. However, for a first time cruiser, the big question is how to choose which cruise to take. Therefore, this article will provide you a guideline about the important issues to consider while you are looking for a perfect cruise for you.

With too many cruise lines offering too many destinations, it gets very confusing for a first time cruise traveller. Also there are many myths afloat, and it is very easy for a first time cruiser to fall into their traps. How to choose which cruise to take for you actually involves some planning. First, decide your budget for that perfect cruise holiday; you can always take a loan.

Now consider what kind of a holiday you normally enjoy, or what kind of a cruise holiday you expect. It is somewhat linked to your personality and personal liking. You will find various cruises that will offer holiday packages that suit your expectations. If you want a calm and serene holiday with the least activity, spending some time in the lap of Mother Nature, then you can go for a Caribbean holiday. Enjoy the deep blue waters with some of the on-shore activities.

An Alaskan holiday is more suitable for the adventurous person, looking to explore something new. Some with a taste for history and local culture can take a European holiday package, which will include destinations such as Spain, Italy, France, etc. Once the destination is decided, you can move over to the facilities that you are expecting on board. You can find the most luxurious to least luxurious cruises in terms of facilities. The prices itself will reflect that.

Many cruises have onboard casinos and swimming pools. The cruise companies include the service charges for these in their package but why pay extra, if you are not interested in using them at all? So check your package and the facilities you are paying for. Normally all major cruise lines include activities like movies, dancing, yoga, gym, snooker tables, library and other entertainment sources, so that you do not get bored on board.

Last but not the least thing to consider when you are contemplating how to choose which cruise to take for you, is the time of travel during the year. Normally the cruise lines and destinations are very busy during the winter, summer and spring holidays. Choosing a cruise holiday during the autumn break will present you with low prices for the same, and more personalised service. The cost of your cruise holiday package will include the prices for housing, food, on board entertainment - and some cruises include the price of the drinks.

You can get your booking done by an agent who will offer you expert advice as well. Booking your cruise over the internet is another good option. The Internet offers you the ease of time and place, and as well as you can search many cruise companies. So with the above stated points it seems that your big question "how to choose which cruise to take" will stand more or less answered.


Author :Karl Guevara

About the Author :

Cruise 1st is a company offering cruise holidays for those who are looking to get the most out of their holiday without having to worry about what to do and were to go, while being in complete control of their choices and options!

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Five Essential Sights to See in Paris

Every visit to Paris the capital city of France brings memorable nostalgic feelings. In every square mile there exist sights full of splendor and beauty.

Paris is rich in historical monuments and sights that are breathe catching. If you are making a first visit to Paris, there are plenty and worthy tourist attraction sights that you simply can not afford to miss. Here are five of the best Paris tourist attraction sights, frequented due to their popularity, historical importance and sheer aesthetic appeal.

1. The louvre

The louvre is a site that boost of the world's largest and most diverse collections of pre-20th century paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects, The Louvre is one of Paris' best tourist attractions site. Ever read or heard something about the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo? Then keep in mind that the louvre is the home of this famous artistic work. Admire the lovely works of Vermeer, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Leonardo Da Vinci and countless other artistic masters. The Louvre contains a rich history spanning from the ancient or medieval period to the modern day.

2. Notre Dame cathedral

A trip to Paris is never complete without a visit to this marvelous gothic architecture. It's believed to be one of the best and beautiful cathedrals found in the entire Europe continent. Notre dame cathedral is beautifully designed with dramatic towers, stained glass, spire and statuary that are definite to take your breathe away.

This is considered to be the heart beat of ancient France. It's believed that it took over 100 years of sheer hard work and labor to complete. You can climb the North tower to see Paris from the hunchback Quasimodo's vantage. With the site you will understand why Notre Dame is one of Paris' top tourist attraction sites.


3. Eiffel Tower

If there's any breathe catching landmark in Paris is the Eiffel Tower. This magnificent tower represents an elegant and contemporary France. This iron Tower was built in 1889 for the world exposition by Gustave Eiffel. Though in the beginning, it was very unpopular with the residents of Paris who nearly pulled it down. But it currently boosts a record of over 220 million visitors. This Tower defines France and it could be very hard to imagine modern France without it.

4. Arc de Triomphe and the champs-Elysees

This 164 foot Arc de Triomphe which was commissioned by the Emperor Napoleon I was made to evoke military mighty and triumph and that is what exactly continue to do today. The monument was erected and built in an age when leaders erected one in their honor and to fulfill their egos. The monument's architectural design and sculptures commemorate napoleon's generals and soldiers' varlour in battles. Make a tour to the Arc de Triomphe to culminate or walk down the equally grandiose Avenue des Champs-Elys?. You'll definitely feel grand yourself.

5. Sacre Coeur and Montmartre

This is and unmisteakable white dome, it sits at absolutely the highest point in Paris on Montmartre knoll, or sometimes referred to as butte. This basilica, was consecrated in 1909, and is best known for its garish gold mosaic interiors and not forgetting its dramatic terraces. From here you can expect getting views of Paris on a clear day. You can take the funicular up using a metro ticket and stop over at Sacre Coeur as you explore the winding, village-like streets of Montmartre. After expending all your energy as you climb Montmartre's formidable hills and stairs, remember to view a traditional Parisian cabaret at the legendary Moulin Rouge.

Author : Gen Wright

About the Author :

This article has been written on behalf of The Co-operative Travel, the UK's largest independent travel agent. The site offers holidays to worldwide destinations including Paris City Breaks.

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