Travel Photo of the Week: Fields by the Ghin Ghin Road

Whilst on a little break to the Yea area of country Victoria my 18 year, with her learner driver plates adorned, took us on a 2 hour drive on the back roads of Yea and into the highlands area of Ghin Ghin. I couldn’t resist stopping for a photo of this field with the colour contrasts of the green, yellow and blue sky. Spring time! …and if you look very closely, the clouds are smiling down on us.

Before you pull out the credit card to pay for your vacation, put down luggage and find yourself the perfect European apartment. Not sure where to travel? No problem! Determine the European vacation destination that’s going to give you just what you’re looking for by using the following information as a guide! You are now free to roam about the country.

Vacation Guide

Language holidays are becoming increasingly popular nowadays but, with English speaking countries located all over the world, it is extremely difficult to choose a destination which offers a quality English course together with sun, sea, sand and a lot more to offer. Until now, that is. The island archipelago of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea is a bilingual country so learners have plenty of opportunities to practise their English language skills outside of the classroom. This can be done whilst enjoying some of Malta’s breathtaking natural beauty, numerous sporting activities and vibrant nightlife ensuring that you leave Malta with more than just a sun-tan.

Malta’s colonial architecture and pre-historic archaeology are as much an attraction as the island’s fabulous seafood restaurants, lively bars and popular night clubs. Village markets also give English learners the opportunity, not only to pick up a bargain, but also to converse with locals putting into practice the newly-acquired language skills which have been learnt in the classroom.

If you prefer your island experience to be a little more sun-kissed then simply head to one of Malta’s beautiful beaches. There are a number of larger beaches which offer all of the facilities you’d expect from a tourist destination or, also well worth a visit are the several smaller, more secluded bays and coves which are only a short journey from the main islands but their peace and tranquillity make them seem a world away. The busier beaches tend to offer all kinds of water sports and many have dive schools giving divers of all abilities the opportunity to explore the crystal clear waters which surround Malta and are home to reefs, wrecks and diverse marine life.

English language teaching is regulated by the Maltese education authorities meaning a high standard is maintained, an example of which is Maltalingua English Language School which only employs teachers with internationally recognised certification to teach English as a second language. Combined with the high quality of teaching, Maltalingua boasts an extremely friendly and relaxed atmosphere and a rooftop terrace and private pool where students are encouraged to get to know each other outside of the classroom – only speaking English of course! The school’s modern facilities and air-conditioned classrooms make learning English both inside and outside of the classroom extremely pleasant! Sound good? It gets better as Maltalingua are currently offering the chance to win a free English course including materials, transfers and accommodation; simply guess how many tiles are in their swimming pool – more details can be found at www.maltalingua.com/competition/pool/

With its natural beauty combined with its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife and high quality English courses, Malta is waiting to welcome you on your English language holiday.

A staple that goes well with great music is the ever popular music festival. This year, why not forgo a wet, rainy and mud-laden adventure for a drier city experience? Festivals like the Exit festival in Serbia and world-famous Reading and Leeds Festivals in the UK provide a great time, but they can also be a very muddy experience. Camping offers a good time, but just imagine how much nicer it would be to sleep in a real bed, with clean sheets and a pillow for a change?

There are many city music festivals that offer great times and comfortable accommodations in hostels. Check out a great festival accommodation guide here. Enjoying music and making friends provides memories to last a lifetime. Memories made while not having to put up with mud and rain soaked clothes are even better.

The Bilbao BBK Live Festival

This festival was nominated several times for best festival awards by the UK Festival awards. Since its first year in 2006, the Bilbao BBK Live festival in Spain, on the slopes of Mount Cobetas, has offered festival goers a comfortable and fun music enjoyment experience. The venue was built specifically for the festival. Past concerts have included names like Guns N’ Roses, Pearl Jam in 2010, and Coldplay in 2011. In fact, Coldplay broke an audience attendance record by attracting over 37,000 excited fans.

Wireless Festival in London

Wireless Festival began in 2005 and has since become one of London’s premier music festivals. Famous name acts like Depeche Mode, Counting Crows, Kanye West and more recently, Pink, Black Eyed Peas, Bruno Mars and Rihanna have been thrilling audiences on stages at Olympic Park for the past seven years. This year, the Wireless Festival features Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z.

Lollapalooza in Chicago

Lollapalooza music festival takes place every summer in Grant Park in historic Chicago. Begun in 1991 as a way for the alternative rock group known as Jane’s Addiction to have a final farewell tour, the show has since taken off. The idea that began small turned into a musical festival that sees fans in attendance today from all corners of the world.

This rolling expanse of land sits on 115 pretty acres and features several stages, along with a diversity in musical artists that changes every year. Fans enjoy a wealth of musical styles including alternative rock, hip-hop, electronic music, rock, roots music and reggae. Music has been featured by artists like Nine Inch Nails, The Cure, Mumford and Sons, Steve Aoki, Eric Church and Regan and Sara.

One of the best places to stay is the new guest house called Urban Holiday Lofts, in urban Chicago. Rooms are available from two person accommodations to eight person rooms, and feature either shared or private baths. This hostel also gives guests some great amenities like free continental breakfast, free transportation from the airport, train or bus station, free WiFi, free parking and a free concierge service. Unexpected amenities that are all found at hostel prices. For more hostels close to Lollapalooza visit HostelBookers.com.

Electric Zoo In New York

New York’s famous Randall Island Park features a fun, entertaining music festival called Electric Zoo with acts like Tiesto. All genres of electronic music are featured, with appearances by well-known international DJ’s. Live acts come from all over the world to play this festival. It was named by many print publications as a top American music event. Held every year over Labour Day weekend, this festival has grown substantially.
Festivals offer great entertainment, opportunities for making friends and an enjoyable time to be remembered for a lifetime. Experiencing great music in a mud free way is the best way to enjoy the festivities.