Leisure Markets

Aberdeen, the ‘Silver City’ in the county of Aberdeenshire, is located 117 miles north-east of Edinburgh on the North Sea coast between the mouths of the rivers Don and Dee, and is Scotland’s third largest metropolis. Due to the enormous supply of crude oil from the North Sea, it is often called Oil Capital of Europe thereby achieving the status of Offshore Capital of Europe. Aberdeen is also is often called the “Granite City” because of its buildings, which are constructed largely of pink and gray granite.

Aberdeen has a total population of about 212,125, and ethnic groups comprised of English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh, Ulster, West Indians, Indians, Pakistanis, and others. The city experiences a temperate climate with an overall temperature of 46.2 degrees Fahrenheit (7.9 Celsius.) May to September is the best time to visit, with long hours of daylight.

Aberdeen International Airport is situated 7 miles from the city centre in Dyce and offers a wide range of domestic and some international flights like British Airways, BMI, Easyjet etc. Buses are operated by First Group, Stagecoach Group, and First Aberdeen, which has the largest share of routes with 22 services running throughout the city. Aberdeen also has regular rail services to Glasgow and Edinburgh, including long distance trains to London. Regular trains run north westerly towards Inverness and north to Dyce for the airport.

Main tourist attractions in Aberdeen include Aberdeen Art Gallery, displaying a diverse collection of works of art, such as work by the Impressionists and the Scottish Colorists; Provost Ross’ House, the third oldest dwelling in Aberdeen; James Duns house, now a museum featuring temporary exhibitions; Adens Country Park, which covers about 230 acres on the Buchan Estate which dates from the 18th Century; King’s College Conference Centre; Provost Skenes House, a good example of early burgh architecture; Braemar Castle, built in 1628 by the Earl of Mar; Doonies farm, one of the largest collections in Scotland of endangered breeds of farm animals; the Northeast Falconry Visitor Center, featuring spectacular falcons, owls and eagles and regular daily flying demonstrations; and Marischal College.

There are several family-run Bed and Breakfasts, guest houses, and hotels in Aberdeen. Visitors can check out a wide choice of Aberdeen hotels for free from the link below. Some of the best theaters can be found at King Street, Tarves, Union Street, and Rosemount Viaduct, whilst Market Street, Nicholas Lane and Union Street house some of the best nightclubs and pubs. As for shoppers, the main shopping districts focus on specialty shops such as those on Chapel and Thistle streets, as well as the reputed chains on George and Union streets.

The citys most popular festivals and events include Aberdeen International Youth Festival, with around 1000 young people from the world’s finest youth orchestras, bands, dance and theatre groups coming together; Aberdeen Jazz Festival; Aberdour Festival, music, dance and creativity from around the world including bellydancing, henna painting, tabla drumming etc; Aberdeen Highland Games, competitions showcasing the skills of sportspeople, dancers and musicians from all over Scotland; Devron Festival, celebrating years of musical fireworks; and the Spirit of Speyside Whiskey Festival.

5 Reasons Why You Should First Research Hawaii Activities And Attractions

Have you recently decided that you would like to have a Hawaii vacation? If you have, you may want to get started with your planning and the making of your reservations right away. While this is more than doable, you may also want to take the time to first examine Hawaii activities and attractions.

As important as it is to hear that you should first take the time to examine Hawaii attractions and activities, you may be wondering what the importance of doing so is. Five reasons why you should take the time to examine Hawaii activities and attractions are outlined below for your convenience.

1 Can Help You Choose Your Hawaiian Destination

As you likely already know, Hawaii is a popular vacation destination. One of the many reasons for that is the options that you have, in terms of destinations. There are a number of Hawaiian Islands for you to choose from, including Maui, Oahu, Big Island, and more. Hawaii activities and attractions can help you choose the Hawaii destination that is perfect for your next trip.

When examining Hawaii activities and attractions, you will find many similarities, especially with activities. For example, surfing is a popular activity on all the Hawaiian Islands. With that in mind, you may want to take the time to find the beaches or islands that are known for having the best surfing conditions in Hawaii, and so forth.

2 Can Help You Choose the Perfect Hawaii Vacation Rental

If you are interested in booking a stay at a Hawaii vacation rental, nearby activities and attractions can and should play a huge role in your rental choice. For example, if you are interested in participating in beach related activities, like boating, surfing, or scuba diving, you will want to closely examine beachfront Hawaii vacation rentals. On the other hand, if you are looking to hike through a national park, you will want to find vacation rentals near your intended destination.

Researching nearby activities and attractions, before booking a stay at a Hawaii vacation rental has a number of benefits. Two of those benefits include saved time and saved money. By ensuring that your Hawaii vacation rental is conveniently located, you can save on the cost of travel, whether it be the cost of public transportation or gas money, and you can save time, by eliminating unnecessary travel. This saved time and saved money can help you enjoy your next Hawaii vacation to its fullest extent.

3 Can Help You Map Out Your Vacation

Although not knowing what you want to do and see until you arrive in Hawaii can add excitement to your vacation, it can also result in you missing out on a lot. That is why you may want to take the time to research Hawaii activities and attractions. If there is a lot that you want to do and see in Hawaii, a schedule or at least a casual plan can help you accomplish your goals.

4 Lets You Know What You Need to Pack

Taking the time to research and examine nearby Hawaii attractions and activities can help you when it comes time to pack for your Hawaii vacation. For example, if you are interested in hiking through a national park, you will want to bring comfortable clothing and shoes. On the other hand, if you are looking to enjoy beach related activities, you will want to ensure that you bring your swimsuit and sunscreen.

5 Lets You Know How Much You Can Expect to Spend

If you are taking a Hawaii vacation on a budget, you may be looking to limit your expenses. One of the best ways to avoid going over your budget involves preplanning many of your Hawaii activities. Many online websites let you know how much you have to pay in admission fees for Hawaii attractions. Even if you arent provided with a fee list, you should still be able to plan ahead for the expenses that may be associated with each Hawaii activity that you would like to participate in or each attraction you would like to visit.

The above mentioned reasons are just a few of the many why you should first take the time to examine Hawaii attractions and activities, before making your Hawaii vacation rental reservations. With the ability to use the internet to your advantage, as well as request free vacation guides, you have nothing to lose by doing so.

The Parque Tropical is open every day of the year including bank holidays from 10:00 to 17:00 hours. Admission is 14 Euros per adult and 5 Euros per child and Id recommend allowing a half day to go around the Park, although some visitors have been know to spend the whole day there.

Parque Tropical is located in the north of the the island at the foot of Mount Corona, an extinct volcano which is the highest point of the island, close to the Famara Cliffs and 400 meters above sea level, with spectacular views to the islands of La Graciosa, Alegranza and Montaa Clara.

We arrived via the most scenic route which took us through Teguise, the old capital of Lanzarote, up through Los Valles to some stunning views of the island and down into the beautiful province of Haria (the valley of a thousand palms). From Haria we took the road past the Mirador del Rio (Article 22 of mine covers a separate day trip there). You will see the signs for Guinate and the Park from this point in the journey.

The park covers 11 acres of land (45,000 square feet) and includes gardens, waterfalls and lakes. The park has many species of bird (around 300 species in total), including Ostriches, Flamingos, Cranes, Hornbills, Toucans, Cockatoos, Macaws, Pheasants, Ibis, Ducks, Pigeons & Doves. There are also many species of the smaller birds like Finches, Cardinals and Love Birds. There is also a large walk-through aviary, some 34 of an acre (about 3200 sq. meters) with six species of Weaver Birds that breed naturally in the area. It is quite fascinating to watch them building their hanging nests within the aviary.

In the same area youll find Parrots and many other small birds that fly free in a this almost natural habitat. Within this aviary there is a lake of some 70metres by 7metres full of Koi Carp, some measuring a length of nearly a meter. You will also see Mandarin and Carolina Ducks swimming around between the fountains. A fascinating area of the park which must not be missed.

The Parque is known to have a successful breeding program of macaws, cockatoos, african greys and other species of parrots. Also with various doves, finches, pheasants, ornamental ducks, ostriches, rheas, trumpeter hornbills and many other small birds.

In the gardens youll find many different varieties of plants, shrubs and trees in the park, many of which have been labelled with interesting information about their particular uses and countries of origin. There is a cactus walk on the hillside with a large variety of cacti and where a waterfall drops down into the flamingo, duck and swan pool below.

Every day, there are six bird, at no extra charge. These take place at 11.30, 12.30, 13.30, 14.30, 15.30, and 16.30 where macaws and cockatoos can be seen riding their bicycles on the high wire, driving cars and scooters, adding and taking away numbers and many other tricks. The theatre where the show is performed seats 200 people and hot and cold snacks can be served to you as you watch the show or you can relax on the bar terrace which overlooks a large area of the park. There is a children’s play area here where the children can let off a bit of steam whilst the parents enjoy a quiet drink.

There is a well stocked shop in the Park, many items of which are exclusive to the Park and will not be found in any other shop on the island. There are two toilet areas in the park. The first is situated near the entrance and exit and has baby change facilities in the ladies. The other is near the bar and show theatre. There are ramps for wheelchairs, around the park and into the theatre. No dogs are allowed in the park.

Located next to the Golf course in Costa Teguise, you will find Lanzarotes one and only Aqua Park, which is open every day from 10.00 to 18:00. Most hotels offer excursions to the Aquapark (with Ticket prices including coach transfers). If you are staying in a private villa and have hired a car, its relatively easy to find. Even though there are no sign posts as such, the slides can be seen from a distance due to the low lying land in the area. We were 2 adults and 2 children. Admission cost 20 per adult + 15 per child. 2 Euros per locker, 2.50 for a sunbed, it was not the cheapest excursion, so be prepared.

The Aquapark offers a wide range of slides and pools and is an ideal day out for families of all ages. It’s fun for all the family and makes for an unforgettable day out, but go prepared.

My two boys were 6 and 11 respectively when we went there and agesize can be a problem, so make sure you check the rules on each ride before joining the queues as they will not let small children ride on the white knuckle slides (eg kamikaze and perhaps spiral depending on height). Both my lads enjoyed the fast-river and the eldest was brave enough to try the kamikaze (but only once !). The youngest will have to wait a few years. There were gentler options like the children’s pool, and play area (free) and on the day we went there was a bouncy castle, trampolines and paddle boats (extra charges apply for these).

There is also a shop and a restaurant. We had packed lunches, but having inspected the menu, we found the prices reasonable, so will probably eat there next time.

None of the pools are heated, so again choose your day. If its cloudy or overcast, it will probably be be cold in the water too. We were fortunate as the weather turned in the afternoon and it was very hot, so we were pleased the water was cold.

The life-guards were fewer than I had expected but they did seem to be very aware an at least as good as anything Ive seen in the uk. There were also limited inflatable rings on some of the rides, perhaps because people had taken them into the pool or kept them by their sunbeds !.

Conclusion : The waterpark was a great day out. Yes, the water is cool, perhaps even too cold , but so is the water everywhere (unless youve got a heated pool of course). There were not too many people in the waterpark on the day we went, which meant few queues, but Id guess this changes in the six weeks school holidays !