Top ten European island beach destinations

European hotel booking site Trivago has compiled a list of the top ten most popular European island destinations.

The one thing these islands all have in common is amazing beaches. The lineup varies from the couples friendly island of Santorini, to the party capital of the world – Ibiza.

So, if you happen to be heading to Europe this summer, or just need to dream of a destination not commonly found on the “must visit” list of most Americans, check out the top ten lineup for some beachy inspiration.

%Gallery-68281%

Budget adventures near New York

In these difficult economic conditions we’re all looking for ways to save some money while still putting a little adventure into our lives. Now more than ever we need a distraction from the daily grind that won’t empty our pocket books. Fortunately, the New York Daily News is here to help, with some great suggestions for cheap adventures close to NYC.

The inexpensive escapse come in a variety of flavors, ranging from an epic mountain bike ride in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania to taking in the beauty of upstate New York via hot air balloon. Each of the suggestions includes a nice description of what to expect on the day long adventure, as well as some tips for stretching your dollars, such as the use of budget hotels, complimentary continental breakfasts, and unadvertised specials.

An example of one of the unexpected outdoor adventures includes a trip to New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest, which offers a tree-top canopy tour that put visitors at elevations between 1600 and 3000 feet as they fly through the scenic forest on ten zip lines and two suspension bridges. The travel package costs $115 but in addition to the canopy tour, travelers get a night’s stay at the historic Mount Washington Resort, a round of golf, and a visit to the hotel’s spa.

Each of the other budget adventures offer similar amenities on the cheap and with plenty of summer still ahead, it’s never too late to put a little adventure into your life. And at these prices, how can you resist?

Gadlinks for Wednesday 7.15.09


Joyous hump day! I’ve never looked forward to Wednesday as I have this particular week. There’s a good deel to look forward to when it comes to travel stories as well. Take these, for example.

More Gadlinks HERE.

Concierge.com reveals the sexiest beaches in the world

Concierge.com just revealed their 2009 lineup of the 15 sexiest beaches in the world.

The list contains little bits of paradise from all over the world, including beaches in Italy, Mexico and even one in Cuba. With a little bit of luck this Cuban stretch of beach may be open for visitors from the US in the near future.

Their list is definitely worth visiting, even if it is just for the fantastic photos of the beaches (and the good looking people enjoying them).

Click here for their lineup of the 15 sexiest beaches in the world.

Have you been to any of these beaches? Any of them in the list that you’d really like to visit? Let us know in the comment section below!

Gadlinks for Monday 6.29.09


Welcome to another glorious week of Gadlinks! It looks like the web is full of travel news and stories, so we’re not short of interesting links. Here are a few to keep your juices flowing:

  • Matador and the Dir Journal explore abandoned cities in the world and discover the possible appeal of these places as travel destinations.
  • I love summer in small seaside towns. These places really come alive! If you’re heading to the coast, consider staying in one of these seaside inns.
  • Take a narrative journey to the Scilly Isles 30 miles off the coast of Land’s End. The place doesn’t sound silly, though. It sounds purely magical.
  • What is the Mount Everest of scuba diving? Apparently, it’s a sunken ship called the Andrea Doria. Getting there is supposedly just as dangerous as climbing Everest, except you’re coming up for air instead of going back down.

‘Til tomorrow, have a great evening!

For more Gadlinks, click HERE.