BY CLAY LARROY
There is nothing more
exciting than travelling. Whether you are going for a road trip to see
something new in your own state, or heading off to somewhere for the very first
time to visit a city you have always dreamed of, there are some travel basics that you should
know. Travel in the
off seasons from November to April, to avoid crowds,
save money and enjoy temperate weather. In those months, many families with
children cannot travel due to school commitments, making many tourist
attractions much less crowded. This may also result in lower costs for airfare
and hotels. When
you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!
Fortunately
for we commoners, the high cost of maintaining these vast and elaborate
residences has driven many castle owners to extend accommodations to the
public. Many castles have been restored, leaving the medieval décor intact
while adding modern amenities. Many castles and so-called "castle
hotels" offer high-end and even luxurious stays for one night or for weeks
on end.
It is
possible to obtain exclusive use of a castle property with enough advance
notices. "Exclusive use" of a property indicates that you and your
party will be the only guests in the castle during your visit, essentially a
charter of the entire property. There likely will be minimum stay requirements
and charges for such usage, as well as some possible minimal usage of dining
and banquet facilities.
So
called "self-catering" castle stays are those where the property is
hired on an "accommodation only" basis. Meals and other services are
not a part of the package price, although guests are sometimes provided use of
kitchen facilities.
Room
sizes for sleeping within castles vary, but in general are characterized by the
familiar "double/twin/single/suite" nomenclature. Generally speaking,
the better grades of rooms are typically larger with better furnishings and
views. Likewise the styling of the bedrooms and beds will vary not only from
castle to castle but from room to room. Not every room will have four poster
beds and lush tapestries. If you have particular tastes and preferences, make
sure to make them clear to your travel consultant well in advance of booking!
Dining
is often a highlight of a castle stay. In some instances, not only will you
have the opportunity to dine as the royals do, but you may be sitting next to
one. Dinner can be an occasion for all guests to dine with the residing duke or
lord. If this is the case, be sure to ask your tour operator about dress code.
Some tours and stays include all meals while others include only one meal.
Others may offer food on an a-la-carte basis. Determine the meal plans offered
by the properties in which you are interested and make sure to include the cost
of the meals in your final budget calculations.
Many
castles have a variety of onsite activities which may include horseback riding,
fishing, falconry, trekking, cycling and croquet. Some castles even have tennis
courts and putting courses. Check to see if advance reservations for these
activities are needed. For visiting nearby towns, the castle’s staff may
provide car hire. A great many guests hold their weddings at castles. Because
this is an area of frequent inquiry, many tour operators have special packages
available for wedding parties and ceremonies.
In
some instances, castle property management has developed very elaborate tours
and even role-playing games or contests. Many castles have wonderful gardens,
some of historical significance. Castle properties sometimes include garden
mazes on their grounds. The mazes typically consist of high hedges formed into
a walking path that turns in upon itself with many puzzle-like paths and
circuits. Most mazes are constructed of hedges, but others are constructed of
bricks, logs, concrete and other materials.
Many
castles have dress codes for various times of the day or particular activities,
while others do not. The dress code varies from castle to castle, but most have
relaxed standards for daytime wear with slightly more formal requirements at
dinner. Be sure to check in advance to ensure your comfort and conformity with
any requirements.
Often
situated in the lush countryside, castles are not always easily accessible by
public transportation. Consequently, hiring a car is often a good option, and
can be arranged by your travel consultant. Car access also enables you to visit
nearby towns and attractions. Remember to map out your journey beforehand and
be prepared for slow and bumpy country roads.
As
many castles have narrow staircases and elevators are few, smaller luggage is
advisable. If you are going on a castle tour, there may be an extra charge for
bringing additional luggage. You will also want to find out if your destination
offers log fires or central heating, and pack according to your destination and
season. As usual, pack only what you need. You do not really want to carry more
that you must, and there will almost always be more than ample opportunity for
shopping along the way!
What
child wouldn’t jump at the chance to live like a prince or princess, to slay
imaginary dragons on the castle grounds, or let down fantastical hair from an
actual tower? Castles indulge children’s fantasies as well as those of adults.
Though not all castles are child-friendly, many will accommodate young ones.
Your tour operator should be able to tell you which sites have designated
family rooms, interconnecting rooms and/or rollaway beds. Certain castles also
provide play areas, children’s menus and early dining hours. Those properties
that are child friendly vary with the minimal acceptable age, so be sure to
check if your party includes persons less than 18 years of age. As previously
noted, make sure that the properties you visit will accommodate any physical
limitations of members of your party.
The
cost of a tour or a castle stay varies widely with the country in which the
property in located and the special amenities each property offers. As your
travel consultant develops your itinerary, make sure to provide your optimal
budget to ensure the final costs are in line with your expectations.
Accommodations and castle entry fees are usually included in the price of the
tour; airline tickets are not. Your travel agent can find the best possible air
values given your destination and season of travel. Many tour packages include
breakfast and dinner in the itinerary. In general, you will need money to pay
for lunches, snacks, drinks and of course, shopping.
When
pricing your stay, remember to take into consideration any Value Added Tax
(VAT) levied by many countries in Europe and elsewhere. Because VAT is often as
high as 20% of the cost of an accommodation or good purchased, the amount is
often not insignificant! Many travelers assume that VAT is refundable. However,
this is typically not the case for services such as transportation,
accommodation, food, gas or any other goods or services consumed within the
country itself. Ensure that the price you are quoted includes all taxes and
other fees.
Castles
are the stuff of dreams. Fulfill yours today!
REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” – Dalai
Lama
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