Lanzarote is one of the seven Spanish owned Canary Islands.  Which are located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa - around four hours flying time from the UK.  Making them Europe’s closest genuine winter sun destination.

Britain is the island’s most important tourist market.  Accounting for around 55% of the 1.5 million foreign visitors who spend their holidays in Lanzarote (1) every year.  With flights to Lanzarote (2)  available from all of the major airports in the UK from all of the leading low cost operators such as easyJet, Monarch and Ryanair.

Tourism first took off here around forty years ago.  And since then Lanzarote and the Canaries have evolved to become the second most popular holiday destination in the whole of Spain after Catalonia.  Yet despite this the island retains plenty of its original character and charm and is largely unspoiled out side of the three main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca.

This fortunate state of affairs can be attributed to the work and influence of a local artist called César Manrique.  Who campaigned against untrammelled tourist development whilst securing bans on all high rise buildings and advertising hoardings.

Places To Stay
Accommodation standards on the island are high, encompassing everything from studio apartments on complexes in the main resorts through to chic rural hotels.

But the best selection of hotels and villas in Lanzarote (3) can be found in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote´s newest resort located in the south of the island.  Here four star establishments line the shore – all offering great views across to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura.  Whilst hundreds of well appointed private properties are available for rental for those who prefer the privacy of a villa holiday.

Getting Around
The best way to explore Lanzarote is by car.  As public bus services are infrequent outside of the main resorts and the island is too mountainous for cycling.  Car hire starts from as little as €15 per day and the island is easy to tour as it only measures 58km by 38km. There are also plenty of guided tours available for those who prefer not to drive when on holiday.

Sightseeing
Despite its diminutive size Lanzarote boasts loads of great visitor attractions.  The best known and most popular of which is the Timanfaya Volcano Park.  Which stands at the centre of a set of huge eruptions that shook the island
during the 18th century.  Leaving swathes of the south of Lanzarote carpeted in lava and spent volcanic cones.

LINKS
http://www.lanzaroteguidebook.com/hoidays.php

http://www.lanzaroteguidebook.com/flights.php

http://www.lanzaroteguidebook.com/car-hire.php

Cycling is very safe in Amsterdam. It is such an integral part of life in the city that training starts from an early age. A child growing up in Holland will take a week of riding classes when they start school, followed by a practical assessment set up by the local police. This is followed up by refresher courses throughout the child’s life, and even when learning to drive, being aware of and avoiding cyclists is a major part of the training. In Amsterdam you don’t really get car drivers though, they are simply cyclists behind the wheel of an automobile! This is one reason you do not see helmets in Amsterdam, as they are only likely to protect you in the event of a high speed collision with a car, and cars drive very cautiously.

As a tourist you are unlikely to have had the same level of training as the locals, but keeps your wits about you and you’ll be fine. Everyone else will certainly be looking out for you, and you are far more likely to be in a traffic accident when playing the part of the dawdling tourist walking around with your face buried in a map! If you do feel the need to wear a Helmet, expect to hear people calling out "Mooi helm!" which translates to "Nice helmet!"

The downside to having such a bicycle ‘friendly’ city is that bicycle theft is rife, and it is joked that in Amsterdam it is the second most popular sport after football! For this reason you will find that the majority of rented bikes are bright orange contraptions which stand out like a sore thumb, yet for this reason you are less likely to lose it amongst the hundreds of other bikes, and not many thieves would want to steal it. All other bikes found around the city are ancient rust buckets, with locks that are clearly worth more than the bikes themselves. However, whilst the rental companies will not charge you in the event of your bike being stolen, it is your transportation so if it is not there when you come to find it, that’s quite inconvenient. The rule of thumb is to try and ensure the bikes immediately around it are an easier target.

There are only reason 2 decisions you need to make when renting a bike, standard or folding. Folding bikes can be carried around with you, and there is no charge to take them on a bus, tram or train. Whilst standard bikes are usually accommodated there will be a charge of roughly £5.

For cycle friendly Hotels in Amsterdam, and Cheap flights to Amsterdam try a price comparison website. Flights to Amsterdam go from all major airports in the UK.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/cycling-in-amsterdam-tourist-guide-868855.html

Officially known as the Republic of Iceland, is located in northwestern Europe. It comprises of the island of Iceland and its outlying small islands in the northern Atlantic Ocean between Greenland, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, and the Faroe Islands. Iceland’s glassy glaciers, hot thermal springs, spectacular geysers, active volcanoes, lava fields, stunning waterfalls and snow-capped mountains, indeed makes it the original 'land of fire and ice'.

Iceland is a very large island with a unique landscape which is rugged and colorful with black lava, red sulfur, hot blue geysers, rivers, waterfalls, bays, fjords and green valley. The capital of Iceland is Reykjavík which is also the largest city of Iceland. Nearly half of Iceland’s population lives around Reykjavík. The popular tourist attractions are centered also centered on this city. The most famous attraction is Gullfoss double-tiered waterfall which is set off with an outstanding rainbow and hot springs of Geysir.

People might wonder what one can do in Iceland. If you hear the list you will be amazed that there are so many things to do and see here. From watching whales to chic fine dining, hiking, seeing Europe’s largest glacier Vatnajokull, fishing in rivers, horse riding, rafting, exploring the landscape on a snow scooter, shopping designing wear, Summer Solstice Festival, visit island of Grimsey to cross the Arctic Circle, visit medieval farm at Stong and what not, the list is endless.

Population & Languages

The population of Iceland is only 299,388 and the official language being spoken is Icelandish. English, Nordic languages, German are also widely spoken.

Electricity

The voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plugs used are Round pin attachment plug and "Schuko" plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts.

Geographic Location

It is located in northwestern Europe. It comprises of the island of Iceland and its outlying small islands in the northern Atlantic Ocean between Greenland, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, and the Faroe Islands. It is strategically located between Greenland and Europe

Climate

The climate of Iceland can be termed as temperate with damp and cool summers and mild and windy winters. The highest temperature recorded was 30.5°C (86.9°F) on 22 June 1939 at Teigarhorn. The lowest temperature ever recorded was -38°C (-36.4°F) on 22 January 1918 at Grímsstaðir and Möðrudalur.

Local Customs

Like any other country Iceland has its own customs too and normal courtesies should be followed. Handshaking is customary. Visitors are invited to homes when on a business trip and normal courtesies should be observed. The people pay careful attention to their appearance and, as for most Western countries, casual wear is widely acceptable. Service charges are included in the bills most of the time and tips are not expected.

Attractions
Reykjavik Attractions – Hallgrimskirkja Church, National Museum of Iceland, Botanical Gardens and the Einar Jónsson Museum

Travel

By Air – The national airline of Iceland is Icelandair which operates to many internationsl destinations such as Amsterdam, Baltimore, Boston, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Halifax, London, Minneapolis, Orlando, Oslo, Paris, Stockholm and Washington, plus other destinations in the summertime only. Other international airlines operating from Iceland include Air Greenland (website: www.airgreenland.gl) and Iceland Express (website: www.icelandexpress.com).

Other, predominantly Scandinavian, carriers also operate services. Some airlines like Condor and Corsai, operate flights during the summertime. Flights also operate to the Faroe Islands and Greenland during the summer months. Major airport is Keflavik International Airport (KEF) located at 31 miles south of Reykjavik.

Duty Free Items
1. 200 cigarettes or 250g of other tobacco products
2. 1 liter spirits and 1 liter wine, or 1 liter spirits and 6 liter beer; or 1 liter wine and 6 liter beer; or 2.25 liter wine
3. Food items up to 3kg not exceeding kr13,000
4.   Permits from Post & Telecom Authorities are required for cordless phones,   remote controls or radio transmitters. It is not required for a GSM mobile phone

Prohibited Items

Un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics, pornography, firearms, ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.