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Europe is arguably the most diverse continent in the world consisting of 50 separate sovereign states. Each have their own distinct culture, history and climate. For the best of the sunshine, head south to Greece and Cyprus, Turkey, Morocco, Spain, Portugal and Southern Italy. The hot climate makes for a slower way of life, afternoon siestas and late-night socializing. Central Europe has many delights such as the laid-back culture of Holland, a great cultural capital in Paris, Swiss chocolate, German Beer, and Venetian gondolas. Scandinavia sits atop Europe and requires an extra layer of clothing. Hotels made of ice, the beauty of Malmo, and Helsinki nightlife make Northern Europe a definite must-do. Eastern Europe, however, is the backpackers’ current hotspot. The landscapes and architecture are magnificent. Europe is the land of culture, diversity and beauty. by Luke Bell the germany network The Backpacker Network Germany is a selection of hostels throughout Germany. Backpacker Network Germany means “friendship - not franchise”. All hostels are privately run and serve the needs of the independent traveller. This is not a chain but a community of distinctive hostels, each having its own unique appeal whilst sharing many similarities. No membership - or creditcards are required. Stay in an international environment with like-minded backpackers and get the complete travel experience. Be clever and grab a “pocketguide” to use safe, free and easy “confirmed OFF-line Booking” of the Backpacker Network Germany. See www.backpackernetwork.de for full details of the hostels involved. Explore Germany this summer! plus - italy PLUS, Aka: “People like us” have been making life easier for backpackers worldwide for over 5 years. With tips, trips, clips, pics and an online booking engine run by fellow backpackers, PLUS knows exactly what you need no matter what type of traveller you are! In the last 12 months they have opened up 2 amazing hostels in Prague and Florence, both equipped with pool, sauna, restaurant, internet access, bar and much more! These are additions to the already popular PLUS properties in Venice, Rome and across the rest of Italy. This year is huge as they are starting their “soon to become world famous” Thursday night theme parties... every Thursday (surprise surprise). They will run during June, July and August in Prague, Florence, Rome and Venice. You'll have the chance to win great prizes and “experience the PLUS difference”. For more details on their parties, accommodation, or any general enquiry check out www.plusted.com or contact them at info@plusted.com. See advert on Pg 57. great european beaches
tours Smashed!Travel: Ski & Surf trips in Europe. www.smashedtravel.com Scanbalt Tours: Scandinavia & the Baltic region. www.scanbaltexperience.com International Friends: Europe Tours/Breaks. www.internationalfriends.co.uk Tracks Travel: Europe Breaks. www.tracks-travel.com spanish culture Looking for somewhere funky, creative and lively? Try Valencia in Spain, for a historic but hip place to hang out! Valencia lies on the Mediterranean coast of mainland Spain, just west of the Balearic island of Ibiza and south of Barcelona. Home Hostels offer two backpacker options as well as 'Rooms Delux' and flats - something for every budget! See their advert on page 58 for full details. The hostels are found in the El Carmen district which is made up of narrow streets, bars, shops and a large majority of the city's historical sights. If you’re on a budget, head to The Central Market for a fantastic array of cheap vegetables, pastries, meats, cheeses, churros and chocolate. Opposite the Market is La Lonja. La Lonja was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 for being one of the most important and best preserved examples of Late Gothic architecture in Europe. 'Tasca Angel' lies behind La Lonja and is one of the city’s most infamous tapas bars. Always busy, this incredibly tiny tapas bar has a friendly atmosphere and the most amazing sardine dish. It’s worth it just for that and a quick beer! Remember, don’t eat before 10pm as you’ll need the energy to stay up late with the friendly locals. by Charlotte Chapman swiss alps Everyone thinks to head to Switzerland for the ski season, but it can sometimes overlooked as a summer destination. Clean air, mountainous vistas, an abundance of activities and great hostels, what more can you want? Try Lausanne Backpackers with all its rooms facing Lake Geneva and the Alps. They rent well-maintained mountain bikes by the day and their calm, shady garden is the perfect place to relax on a hot day. Yoba Riviera Lodge is also located on Lake Geneva in Vevey. Surrounded by steep mountains and stunning vineyard terraces, this is an idyllic spot to base yourself. european festival fun JULY Love Parade: 19th July. Dortmund, Germany. This fantastic festival is moving from its usual home, Berlin. However, it promises to be no less fun than previous editions of the world’s biggest street party AUGUST Amsterdam Gay Pride: 31st July-4th August. Amsterdam, Netherlands. Street parties, club circuit parties and generally lots of wild times. The famous Canal Parade is held on the Saturday. International Beer Festival: 1st3rd August. Berlin, Germany. The first weekend in August transforms the street with over a mile of stalls offering 1200 types of beer from over 180 brewers across Germany. La Tomatina: 27th August. Buñol, Spain. The world’s biggest food-throwing party, with around 20,000 people flinging 90,000 pounds of tomatoes.
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