Kos - Ok for sunbathers and naturists

Been back from Kos a couple weeks and finally got to around to writing this post (been busy with Golf and Gardening).

This trip was with Solos and one of the reasons i chose them was that I could fly from a northern airport (Manchester) with very little extra cost instead of large flight supplements that some companies charge. I hadn't realised until i spoke with others is that you could fly from virtually any regional airport if you phone up although you would be responsible for paying for your own transfers if not from Gatwick or Manchester. As this was only a short transfer wasn't a big issue and spoke to a chap that had flown from Leeds/Bradford and it actually worked out cheaper and he had better flight times (you live and learn).

Anyway I arrived at Manchester airport in good time after parking my car (got good deal through my AA card) and was soon through security. It was then for a Boots Meal deal (£1-75) and with time to kill a couple of beers before boarding my Thomsons flight. Did look around at the gate for others that may be on the holiday but unlike other companies Solos dont give you tags for your bag so its difficult to spot anyone.

I ended up with a aisle seat for the flight sat with 3 ladies from Liverpool (mother and two daughters) who were friendly and chatty. The youngest was terrified of flying and spent most of the flight with her nails stuck in her sisters arm (i declined when she offered to swop seats, lol). Did meet them again at Kos airport before bording to come home a week later.
I did order a cheese and ham toasted sandwich on the flight as i knew we were arriving late and it was unlikely i would get anything else to eat. It took an eternity to come and lets just say it wasn't the nicest i ever tasted.

We eventually arrived at around 10-45pm and security didn't seem too interested in checking passports, hardly opened their eyes for mine. Luggage seemed ages but mine was one of the first out which at the time was pleasing, i walked out to find a taxi driver holding up a Solos sign. He had my name and one other (i wasn't alone) so we waited, then we waited, then we waited a bit more. Eventually Dean from Sheffield appeared his luggage came through 40 minutes after mine.

Didn't take long to get to the hotel and when we arrived (midnight) Chris the tour manager was waiting outside reception. He arranged for our luggage to be taken to our rooms and took us in the bar where 5 others where and introduced us (4 had been there the previous week plus Mave who had flown in earlier from east midlands). We learnt that only four of us were on the 2nd week only (Dean, Mave, myself and another lady called Trish). Some of the others we met were on a 11 day break and would only be with us until saturday while only 3 people were there for a fortnight meaning only 7 of us between sat and tues, seemed a little disjointed to me.

The Aegeon Village Hotel is built on a hill with numerous apartment blocks with mini-buses provided to take you to and from your rooms. After a couple of drinks despite us been on the 1st level Chris suggested we use the bus to get to find our rooms, was hilarious when we got on went no more than 50 yards and were at Deans room, not quite as embarrasing for me as mine was a little further.
The rooms were excellent and spotless clean in fact the hotel had many good points. Certainly cant complain about the food although it was a buffet there was plenty of choice and the quality was good. Its a big place with well over 600 people sharing the massive dining room.

As a lovely swimming pool and many other facilities with activities going on, did enter the hotel table tennis competition a couple of times and of course won (even when the Germans entered).

On the downside the charges at the hotel were a bit over the top and if you like a couple of beers (or cocktails) after your meal i'd suggest you go into town (Kardamania) its only a 10 minute walk and a taxi back only 7 euros so 2 euros each if you can drag others along. Loads of nice bars around the main square and along the harbour front. Drinks are around 1 to 2 euros each in town so a couple of drinks easily covers the taxi back.

First morning Chris walked us into town and pointed out a few of his favorite bars but dont just do them try a few they were all good, a few hidden gems.

In fact thought the hotel did everything to get your money one bloke in our group lost his room key card and they charged 20 euro for another, I'm convinced he only got his origional back that somebody had handed in.

Another money making scheme was beach towells, you paid a 15euro deposit but when handing back in at end of the week only got 12 euros back.

Did meet Kathryn about my 3rd day, was a Irish lady who was on the same holiday in Crete last year, apparently she had tried book the solos holiday but first week was fully booked so she had gone independant. Had a laugh and saw het about the place a few times (usually in the bar just before dinner).

Did I mention there was a naturist beach a short walk rom the hotel for those that way inclined, we actually had one person in the group who came regular for that reason, not for me though.

I ended up doing 3 excurrsions would have liked to have done more but such a small number of us it was hard to get others interested. One was a beach day at Paradise Beach was advertised as Bubble Beach but we failed to find any bubbles (supposed to be volcanic activity).
A few of us got some beds (3 euro) but a group near us decided to start playing irritating music, you know the type they play in night clubs hen everyone is wrecked.
So we sent Anne to go ask the man if we could move, think he fancied her because he shared his lunch with her because she came back with a boiled egg and bread roll.
We did move and it was much better, decent beach aswell.

Talking volcanos another excurrsion was to a active volcano Nisyros, it was a decent boat trip to get there, then a bus into the volcano. Chris knew the guide and arranged for us to get the front seats for the scenic drive, did also arrange for us to arrange the collection (think it was part of the seating deal.
Didn't stay in the volcano crater long, sulpher smell was a bit sickly.
While on Nisyros visited nice village in the hills for ice creamand views then finished with 2 hours free time in the main town.
I say 2 hours free time but Chris insisted on dragging us off to a restaurant in a alley somewhere despite us saying we only wanted a sandwich and passed lots of nice little cafes where we culd have sat overlooking the sea.
Obviously its a place he takes groups on a regular basis (was like long lost family with the owners) but really should give it a miss, I had spaggetti bolognaise and lets just say i've had better, in fact possibly the woest i've had.



The other trip was to Kos Town, enjoyed that was a nice place with a old castle (ruins) and plenty of historical sites. Also plenty of shops and a market if thats what rocks your boat, one of the ladys n our group put a deposit on a handbag and had to go back a couple of days later. Reckon a night trip there would be good fun shame it wasn't organised.

Despite the meals at the hotel been good four of us did go out to eat on our last night, found nice restaurant near the harbour then on to another bar for cocktails to say goodbye to Kos.

Was there during the world cup, more accuately for the England Italy match, was 1am kick off Kos time but didn't stop four of us going to watch it in the main square. Despite the defeat was good fun with virtually all the bars full of English and George Crosses flying everywhere. I say virtually all the bars because we managed to get sat in the one full of Italians, was good banter though.

Did have to buy a George Cross when Germans in the room next but one to me hung their flag outside their room, just had to be done.

As the title says, ok for sunbathers and naturists bt although i enjoyed the holiday i wont be going back.

So Americans don't like Soccer

As its World Cup year I thought I'd tell a little story from the competition back in 2006 when I was in America for the final.
I'd watched England go out to Portugal in a earlier round while I was in St Louis when Loony Rooney got sent off because of a cheating Winker but was in Chicago for the final.

I had decided to watch Italy versus France in my favorite Irish Pub "Fado".

As a soccer fan I just can't be neutral so I decided I was going to support Italy in the final and thought it would not be right to wear my England shirt. So when I got up in the morning I choose rather than wear a National shirt I would wear my Club colours the uniform of the mighty whites.

Now kick off was not while 1pm Chicago time so I decided to go for a walk up Michigan Avenue for some last minute shopping (well coffee and cake) during the morning and make my way to Fado's for about 12noon. To my amazement for the first time in the US I was seeing as many Soccer Shirts as Baseball shirts (even more surprising was that the White Sox were entertaining Boston Red Sox that day).

Eventually I made my way to Fado's and when I got there I was shocked there was a line of people 50metres long waiting to get in. As I made my way to the back of the queue assuming they were waiting to open I remember passing a group wearing them Red (Manchester) shirts who seemed to glare at my White Gods top (we never did get on with them from over the hills) I was also surprised at the number of French supporters waving their flags.

Once in the queue it became apparent that it wasn't moving very quick so a girl in front of me went to find out what the problem was. She came back and said the pub was packed and it was one out one in. Now I realised most people will be in the pub to watch the final so wouldn't be moving so we had no chance, Fado's was closed due to crowd congestion.

So I moved on to "Rock Bottom" one block away to find the same problem a great long line of people trying to get in to watch the match.

I moved south a couple of blocks where I knew a sports bar "Mother Hubbards", now this is a baseball bar so I had my doubts. However they do have a lot of televisions and I thought they may show the match on one of the smaller screens, you can only ask.

When I opened the door I was amazed it was packed, the soccer was on, Italian and French flags (plus others) were everywhere. Luckily there was a spare seat at the bar and I ended up next to another Englishman from Oxford (not everyones perfect).

The atmosphere throughout the match was fantastic with a mix of all nationalities including many Americans totally absorbed.

The staff who were not expecting this turned out worked their socks off keeping everyone supplied with food and drink (they were totally undermanned), extra time and penalties must have killed them. The girl working the bar on her own was smashing still managing a smile despite running around like an headless chicken, Baseball was never like this.

Anyway the match is now history with Italy winning the shoot out and Zidane becoming the first uniformed Frenchman to win a fight since Napolean with his stupid headbut, what a idiot, must be related to Rooney I remember thinking.

From what I saw America is slowly starting to realise this is the world game and a sporting nation like them needs to get serious about it (3 billlion people world wide can't be wrong). Lets face it playing a World series against yourself is a Joke.

Kos

Not long to my next adventure as I've booked to go to Kos with Solos in June for a week.

Its actually the 2nd week of one of their possible two week breaks (great idea to have the option) so when i arrive a lot of the rest of the group will already know each other.

I'll probably be "Billy No Mates".

Don't know much about the Island so if anyone has been I'd appreciate advice on what to see and do ?

Slovenia Mountains & Coast

Well I'm just back from a week in Slovenia with Just You another new destination for me. The fact it was a two centre holiday appealed to me, half the week in the mountains and the rest at the coast. I've done touring holidays which are hectic and beach holidays which can be too laid back for me, so this looked ideal.

Slovenia is a small country with a population of around 2 million but the scenary is stunning as you will see from some of my photos.

The holiday started really the night before at heathrow when three of us (Elaine, Sue and myself)through the Just You forum arranged to meet up in the Three Magpies for a meal. Two other members of the forum not on the holiday (Sally & Cindy) who live nearby joned us which made for a great evening. Of course most of the conversation involved the many Just You holidays we had been on.

The following morning we met the rest of our group plus Mark our tour manager who apparently in a previous life was a Gary Barlow impersonator, still we've all got embarrasing things in our past. He was good and had lots of knowledge about the area.
Our group was the smallest I've been with, only 16 of us, 5 men and 11 ladies but that was good because some recent trips i've been on had over 40 and in my opinion that is too big.

We left London in glorious sunshine only to arrive in Zagreb (yes we flew to Croatia) to heavy rain although fortunately this was the only rain we saw. The transfer to our first hotel in the mountains took around 3 hours and I'll add on our return it was 4 hours which i believe is far too long. A bit of research i've found out direct flights from Manchester, Stanstead, Luton, Gatwick & Heathrow are available to Ljubljana if you are prepaired to use the likes of Easyjet, Slovenian airlines and Wizz. Surely this is preferable for a flight which takes a little over 2 hours, long transfers are a pain.

We arrived at our first hotel the Ribno to find it very isolated in a forest but only a 10 to 15 minute drive from Lake Bled, it was very scenic and i was lucky to get a decent room with a balcony, but some in our group were not so lucky. One complaint is the bathrooms were very small, in fact reckon it would be possible to do the three S's at the same time.
The food wasn't as hot as it should have been but that wasn't helped by sharing the dining room with a coach full of South Koreans who seemed to not know how to put the lids back on. They were also a education to watch at breakfast, think they thought they had to get everthing in one go and that you couldn't go up again, many of them attempted to carry two plates, coffee, fruit juice which resulted in numerous things been dropped.
We had one long table for our group but most times at breckie it was just me and the Korean entertainment as rest of our gang were not early starters. That was surprising because most hit the sack earlier than me and it was dissapointing the bar closed at 10pm although could still get a beer by seeing reception.

First morning we visited Lake Bled which I must say is stunning although not as big as I expected (should really do my homework), probably 3 to 4 km around. We took a boat trip to the little island with the church on it, most of us climbed the 99 steps to the top. When i said boat ride a bloke (mr grumpy) rowed us across as motor boats are not allowed I believe.

Afterwards we went up to the castle for some stunning views.

Bled itself is nice with some lovely cafes which of course we checked out, they are renowned for their cakes so it would have been rude not to indulge.

The next day it was a visit to another Lake and small town Bohinj which was again very scenic, this time it was a electric boat that took us to the other end of this larger lake and a walk in the woods to a first world war cemetary which was good exercise. On the way back most of our group got dropped off in Bled, some walked around the lake but the lazy among us (guilty as charged) caught the tourist train.












Next day it was our transfer to the coast and to Portroz (port of roses). Our tour manager Mark arranged a 3 hour stop in Ljubljana which i really enjoyed, its a beautiful place. Some of the group got the funicular up to the castle (Martin walked up) while others including myself checked out the market then had a lovely lunch at one of the many restaurants along the river.






Our hotel in Portroz was good but again dissapointed with a bar that closed at 10pm, this time couldn't get a drink. The hotel had a swimming pool but i didn't get chance to try it out. Portroz itself is a nice place but don't expect a beach because there isn't one. Looks plenty to do but as we were very early in the year (season starts end of May) it was very quiet.

It was another boat ride in the morning to the "Salt Pans" described on the Just You website as a highlight of the trip, lets just say the "jury is out" on that one. Following our educational tour of the salt it was back on the boat to Piran a beautiful fishing town (The Whitby of Slovenia is my best description). Enjoyed it a lot and four of us walked back (Peter, Annette, Gillian & myself) and enjoyed a excellent lunch in St Berdardinho.

Next day it was the trip to the Postonya Caves which are fascinating although thought it a long drive just to vistit the caves and think something else could have been included. Believe in the past on the Croatia trip the Horse stud farm was included. Still its something not to be missed.

Our final day was scheduled to be a trip to a Winery but there wasn't enough interest, lets face it many of us regular travellers have done wine tasting in numerous countries and at £60 didn't look great value.
Mark arranged as an alternative a trip over to the border into Italy to the port of Trieste which was much bigger than I expected, was a good trip and in my opinion should become part of the holiday. While there we visited the castle and its gardens, plus a City tour followed by enough free time.

Actually our last night was Friday an the only time the hotel bar stayed open with live music on (would have preffered Mark doing Gary Barlow), sadly we had to be up early for the long transfer to the Airport.

Got to mention the cake shop over the road from our Portroz hotel, coffee and cakes not to be missed as holiday calories dont count.

Then of course there was Marks quiz and confessions game which got everyone involved, in fact was a nice group of people that got on well.

Its a good holiday and a country worth visiting but the transfers need sorting and would be much better in season especially at Portroz.

City Break - Barcelona

I'm just back from a long weekend in Barcelona and its obviously a nice city to visit but am not sure its great for Solo travellers. When I travel totally alone I tend to do a lot of people watching and also chat to a few people especially on a evening when I go out for a meal and cople of drinks.
However that was the problem, I found most people that was about where usually couples if not large groups of friends. Suspect its one of them destinations that couples go for a romantic break similar to the likes of Rome or Paris.

On my own I often eat in Pubs and Bars as those that have travelled alone will tell you restaurants arn't great fun, tendency is to sit there twiddling your thumbs.
Plenty of Tapas Bars but again I see it as something you would go for as a couple and share the diferent plates.

Well first two nights I ate at a couple of Irish Pubs which is usually a safe bet but to be honest Barcelona's Irish Pubs wasn't the best. First night it was largest place called Dunnes and the food was just about acceptable but not a massive choice.
2nd night a place called O'Haras and it was terrible, advertised as a irish bar and restaurant and it was basically a microwave hidden in a back room. Place was quite small but there was a group of very drunk English Women obviously on a hen do. Thought they were very rude to the locals and made me a little ashamed to be British, main thingi thought was some poor sod is gong to marry one of these.

After two average meals I decided to do a restaurant on the third night, cant remember the name but it was close to the Cathedral. I had Veal which I must admit was excellent just a shame I felt like "Billy no Mates" sat waiting for it.

4th night dd a little Italian Place and had a Pasta dish which was nice, actually ate quite early and the place was quiet and had a nice conversation with the staff.

Did look for some entertainment and visited one place which advertised live music and lets just say the singer wont be auditioning for "The Voice", terrible it was, luckily he started before I'd ordered a drink so walked straight out.

Got lots of warnings to watch out for pickpockets but to be honest it seemed a very safe city to me, never once felt any danger. Although got a discount offer from a lady of the night (which i refused before anyone asks).

So that is the negatives on Solo travel and before i tell you about what I did during the day I must say was very pleased with the food provided on British Airways flights. I flew from Manchester to Heathrow early morning and they gave me a nice toasted sandwich (wasn't really expecting much as only a 40 min flight). Then after a wait in Heathrow i got the flight to Barcelona and it was a Charcoaled chicken and roasted peppers in a flat bread, really enjoyed and was happy we got the same on the return to England.

On Arrival I'd looked up how to get to the City and got the AeroBus (HI goes to term 1 & H2 to term 2) and only costs just over 10 euros for a return ticket and they run every 10 minutes (lets be honest taxis are expensive when only one of you). It takes less than 30 minutes and drops off at The Playa de Catalunia in the city which was fortunately just around the corner from my hotel.

I stayed at a 3 star hotel "Mont Blanc" and definately had no complaints, couldn't have wished for a better location the staff were friendly and spoke good English. They provided a nice buffet continental breakfast when lots of places don't, sets you up nicely for the day. My room was only a single room, quite small but i'm not living there it was very adequate and even provided a mini-bar in the room (not that i used). Plenty of hot water for my shower and surprisingly for a small snigle room i had the biggest balcony I'd ever seen, think you could have played football on it.

Plenty to see and do in Barcelona during the day time so that wasn't a problem for a solo traveller. I had 3 full days (4 nights) and on the first i went exploring by foot which is the best way to see a city in my opinion.

In the morning i walked from my hotel and down the famous street Les Rambles which would estimate is about a mile or so. Then when reaching the port area turned left until coming to the Zoo (didn't go in) and a Park. Explored around a bit until getting a light lunch then walked back to the Old Town and spent the afternoon wandering the narrow pedestrian streets and visiting some of the interesting shops.

If I can be critical of Barcelona as a tourist city there is a lack of public toilets so when you need to go its a visit to a cafe for a coffee (of course that also makes its way to the bladder).


For the rest of the trip I got a two day ticket (35 euros) for the Hop On Hop Off buses which I can recommend. You get a set of headphones and choice of languges with the commentry. There are two routes and one day I did the Blue route (North) and the other the Red Route (South) but you can interchange.

 Both routes take about two hours if you just stay on the bus but have plenty of places you can get off so can easily take a full day (Buses are very regular and come along every 10 minutes or so). Blue route takes you to such places as the iconic Sagrada Familia church, Nou Camp stadium, Park Guell, among other places.
The red route to the Palace, Olympic Stadium, Placa Espanya, Port Vell, Port Olympic, etc.

I never visited any museums as ran out of time but would have liked to have done the Maritime Museum if I'd been there another day.
Plenty of Art museums and interesting architecture if those things rock your boat.

Also considered watching Barcelona as they played on the Sunday but kick off was a 9pm which i consdered too late so didn't bother. Tickets where easily available at places in the town for people interested.

Glad I went, its just a case of where next ?

South America

One of my Ambitions is to visit every Continent and as I've only done Europe and North America I'm looking at the possibility of visiting elsewhere.

South America has always been of interest and I've a feeling it will be there or Australia which I will visit first among the rest of the world. Maybe later this year are next year who knows.

Trouble is the prices charged by Solo holiday companies are just outside my budget to justify for one holiday. So I've been looking at a number of Cities (ok i like city breaks) and the two places I would most like to visit are Argentina and Chile so cheked out Buenos Aires & Santiago and to be fair its not as expensive as I thought it would be.

Reckon I could do two weeks for around £1300 including flights and 4 star hotels with breakfast spending a week in each city.

Whether I'll do it only time will tell, I've so many ideas.

Would love to hear from anyone who has visited these places or even others that fancy going.

Fly Drive

Everyone that knows me will realise I do like travelling over the pond to America, visited many Cities and done touring holidays (coach).

One thing I've not done over there is drive a car and I've always had a wish to do a fly/drive holiday. Trouble is its not something I would do as a solo traveller.

Definately think its a couples or friends thing to do, reckon you need company on the road would be much more of a laugh (and splits the cost of car hire and fuel).

Have actally checked a few sites that specialise in these sort of holidays and there are so many options, I'd actually enjoy the logistics of sorting my own out, in fact I've done it provisionally on a number of ocasions for difrerent areas.

Think with the £ getting stronger against the $ its maybe something i should start to look at possibly for next year or even Autumn this year.

Reckon it would be good to find others interested in the same sort of holiday, feel that 3 people would be a great number if all solo travellers (car not too crowded).

Would be great to hear from others who would be interested in this sort of thing and what areas they would like to tour. Be good to chat with people who fancy the same sort of holiday.

In the past I've looked at the costs touring Northern California & Yosemite starting from San Francisco. Another I looked at is starting from Atlanta and visiting music cities such as Nashville & Memphis, also looked at a tour of Texas. Just so many options in country of that size.

Reckon for 3 people if you plan it yourself you are looking in the region of £1,500 for a 2 week holiday (plus fuel), maybe less. That would include flights, car hire plus single room with breakfasts (many touring hotels provide) but other meals and tourist attractions would be extra.

Just one of my many dreams.

4 worst things about travelling on your own.

Travelling on Your own has its disadvantages and in my opinion these are 5 of the worst parts :-

1. Eating Out - I never feel comfortable eating in restaurants and if i do visit one tend to rush my food so i can get out. Normally I would eat in Pubs but luckily Irish Pubs seem to be everywhere. One thing I like in America is people actually eat sitting at the bar, never seems right sat at a table on your own.

2. Hotel Rooms - Very few modern hotels have single rooms which usually involves me having to pay the same as a couple. I'm sure it would make sense for hotels when built to include a percentage of smaller single rooms that they could charge a reduced price for. There are lots of us singles out there and i'm sure it would attract plenty of custom especially in touristy cities.
I'm happy with a small room its not that i want to live there (very rarely use the tv), clean, secure, comfy bed & hot water are what i require, I only want to sleep there.
Must admit if i ever get a room with two beds i feel like using both as i'm paying for it.

3. Taxis - Not there fault but can prove to add significant cost to the holiday if you have to use them a lot, if with a group you can split costs. It can start with airport transfers but i try do my homework and find out about public transport or shuttle buses.
Also try make sure i book hotels in the area i want to be so not having to use them on a night, works out better paying a little extra fo a hotel in the city centre than cheaper suberb options.
Many Cities have good public transport passes.

4. Airports - Arguably these can be boring particularly when on your own with nobody to chat with. My music player is a godsend.

What are your hates about solo travel ?

Austrian Lakes - Stunning Scenary

If you like stunning scenary one holiday I can recomend is "Austrian Lakes" with Just You , I did this in August 2012 and it is a truly beautiful place.

We stayed in a small family run place that had a lawned area on a lake which was a nice place to chill after the many excurrsions. I opted to do them all included and optional and it was a great mix.

We visited some really nice towns and cities such as St Wolfgang and Salzburg, the sound of music city was the only bad day we had but that was because of the weather. Apparently rain is not unusual but its still an impressive place.

One of the best trips for me was the excurrsion into the Czech Republic to a place called Cesky Krumlov in Southern Bohemia, just a word of warning for anyone going, they are not on the Euro so is an idea to take your credit card. Cafes will take the Euro but when a few of us visited the castle they wouldn't so paid on my card.

Other trips took us to some beautiful lakes, can't remember all of the names but it was a really good mix of places to visit.

Another word of warning to those that like a drink and a little story. A few of us went down to the village one night and visited the local bar. Had a bit of a late one and was walking back to the hotel at about 1am when all the street lights went off. We found ourselves in pitch darkness and of course its me who tripped over a kerb grazing my elbow in the process. Wasn't that drunk honest.

Got to mention another night they had traditional Austrian dancers on at the hotel, and guess who they picked on to teach a few moves.








Here are a few more photos from this trip, not sure they do it justice :-