Category: General
A Tourists Global Guide To Tipping
Tipping Etiquette Worldwide Guide
A handy guide of how much to tip in places around the world.
That age old dilemma of what to tip in an unfamiliar country is solved for you below with our infographic. Just take a look to see what’s the right amount to tip whether you are at a restaurant or in a taxi. And once you are armed with your new found tipping savvy, head off to our great locations to try it out. Whether its the in the posh restaurants of London, or the relaxed coffee shops of Amsterdam, you can rest assured you know just the right amount to give.
Loving Apartments has great self-catering accommodation, so take a look at our London apartments, Amsterdam apartments, Barcelona apartments or Paris apartments or other fantastic locations that we love.
Tipping Etiquette Worldwide Guide
Tipping Etiquette Worldwide Guide – An infographic by the team at Loving Apartments
Win a Fabulous 3 Night Stay in Amsterdam for You and 3 Friends
Has Amsterdam always been on your travel wish list, but you just haven’t got around to visiting yet? Or maybe you’re a seasoned Amsterdammer, just waiting for an excuse to return. Either way, be sure to check out our current competition for the chance to win yourself and 3 friends a 3 night stay in Amsterdam.
The lucky winner will be staying in the Leidseplein Oasis – a fantastic 3 bedroom apartment located in the middle of Amsterdam’s most famous shopping street, P.C. Hooftstraat. The apartment is in the ideal location for exploring the city, just a short stroll to the Leidseplein, Vondel Park, Museum Quarter, and many other attractions.
This stylish and centrally located Amsterdam apartment is spread over three floors, and will offer comfortable and spacious open-plan living for you and your guests. Relax in your home from home accommodation, which offers a variety of facilities including a DVD and CD player, internet, washing machine and dishwasher – ensuring your stay is as comfortable as possible.
The Leidseplein Oasis apartment has 3 bedrooms, with 2 double beds and 2 singles. The prize provides accommodation for up to 4 guests, with the option to pay a supplement to accommodate more if desired. If you choose your stay during the summer months, you can enjoy a drink or al fresco dining on your own terrace. The apartment owner also offers an optional pick-up service from Schiphol airport directly to the apartment for just €30.
The Amsterdam competition is running from the 12th January – 13th February, with entrants required to answer an Amsterdam related question. The winner will be picked at random and informed after this date. Enter now for your chance to win.
Calling All Bloggers
Are you as passionate about travelling and exploring new adventures as we are? Do you want to write about places that excite and interest you whilst getting paid for doing as such? If so, we’re calling on you to share your experiences and love of travelling and to write articles for the blogs section of our website. It doesn’t matter if it’s your favourite landmark, the best restaurants to dine at or an undiscovered gem; if it interests us we’ll post your article and give you money for doing so.
However you approach the blog is completely up to you; it can be in the form of a countdown list on your favourite shopping destinations or simply a tale from your experiences of travelling. However, the subject must be focused on one of our destinations.
These are:
• Amsterdam
• Barcelona
• Berlin
• Budapest
• London
• Madrid
• Paris
• Prague
• Rome
• Sitges
• Verbier
• Zermatt
How much we pay you for your article depends on the length. For 300 word articles we pay £10, and for 500 word articles we pay £15. If you’re a keen writer and want to share your experiences with a larger audience, e-mail us at info@lovingapartments.com and if we like what we read, we’ll post your article in our blogs section in due course.
For Terms and Conditions, please click here.
Good luck and get writing!
Treat Yourself to a Winter Weekend in London and Receive 1 Night Free
London is a dazzling city to visit during the winter months, with so much to see and do. During the run-up to Christmas, the city becomes a magical winter wonderland, with fabulous festive events, perfect pre-Christmas shopping, and activities to make your Christmas and New Year extra special.
With Christmas presents to buy, and spending money a must, we know how important it is to get the best deal possible for your London accommodation. How does 1 night for free sound? You’ll be thinking Christmas has come early with our amazing Stay 3, Pay 2 bargain offer for a Winter Weekend in London.
We have a range of beautiful and stylish London apartments included in this not to be missed special promotion, so you will benefit from paying less for your London accommodation with no compromise on quality. There are a selection of studio and 1 bedroom apartments included in the offer that are ideally situated in the heart of the city, including Canary Wharf, Southbank, and Camden.
Take advantage of this fantastic special offer and book your London apartment now>>
The Spookiest City Break Activities for Halloween
If you’re looking to combine art and culture with ghosts and ghouls, then check out our top destinations to take a chilling trip to over the Halloween weekend. We’ve got some great activities sure to frighten even the most fearless traveller…
London
With London’s gruesome history of crime and punishment, it’s not surprising that it is home to one of the most chilling historic attractions – The London Bridge Experience and London Tombs. From 27th- 31st October, the show increases the fright factor, with a Halloween special, that plays on the heightened senses of every visitor. ‘Phobophobia’ will attack its visitor’s deepest phobias with snakes and spiders, confined spaces and dripping blood. Visitors should also be on the watch for ghoulish figures lurking in the shadows lying in wait for the most unsuspecting of victims. Visit the official website for more information and ticketing.
Prague
Explore the dark and sinister side of Prague with a walking ghost tour through the historic Old Town. Your guide will lead you by lantern into the back streets and gloomy alleyways, while relaying frightening stories and ghostly legends. Many visitors have claimed ghostly sightings in historic Prague, and it is said that if you take your camera along, you may capture faint outlines of ghostly figures, visible only by photograph. Arrange your walking ghost tour for a creepy city break to Prague.
Amsterdam – During the Spanish inquisition in the 16th century, The Netherlands experienced horrific torture and death in the forms of hanging and beheadings. Witchcraft was strictly forbidden, and during this time, many witch hunts took place, with thousands of people being burned at the stake. Visitors can discover Amsterdam’s frightening and eye-opening experience – the Amsterdam Dungeon, to relive some of the terrifying occurrences during this period, as well as discovering Rembrandt’s evil secret. Find out more information on The Amsterdam Dungeon.
Paris – The Catacombs of Paris is a labyrinth burial ground that was created in the 18th century. For almost 30 years, the Parisian people buried the bones of their deceased within this underground maze of caverns and tombs. This was due to a lack of overcrowding in city cemeteries and the use of inadequate burial methods, which led to disease and infection contaminating the surrounding local areas. Almost 6 million individual remains were buried within the Catacombs, and visitors can explore the crypts below the streets of Paris, for a shocking but fascinating exploration into Parisian history.
Berlin – Berlin’s Nocti Vagus, or ‘Dark Restaurant’ as it is known, takes its everyday theme of dining on the dark, and throws in some special ghoulish features in celebration of Halloween. Dining in pitch black in Nocti Vagus, it is considered that guests will experience heightened senses in taste and smell, at the absence of their sight. Food is served by blind waiters, and on the 30th-31st October a chilling evening can be enjoyed, by those who dare. Advanced reservations are recommended.
To book accommodation for your Halloween getaway, visit LovingApartments.com and view our range of budget to luxury apartment rentals in London, Prague, Amsterdam, Paris, and Berlin.
Fancy an apartment with a bit of a difference?
It’s good to be different, and it’s certainly the case with our selection of unique apartments. These apartments are distinctive for their unusual décor or location, and offer great accommodation for an exciting city, beach or mountain break.
Budapest
Perfect for a city break with the girls
This fashionable apartment is located in the centre of Budapest, just steps from the famous Raday Street and brand new shopping area – Corvin setany. Quirky and feminine, this apartment is great to visit with the girls or on a romantic break.
View apartment >
Prague
Live like royalty in your own turret
This beautiful and contemporary apartment is reminiscent of a magical Central European Fairy Tale. Inside a lovely Art Nouveau building, the apartment is located close to the River Vltava, the famous Dancing Building and Karlova Namesti – the largest square in Prague. View apartment >
Amsterdam
Loved up on the canals of Amsterdam
This romantic houseboat was originally a sea-going fishing boat, built just after the Second World War, and has been lovingly restored to offer traditional canal living. Located just a few minutes’ walk from Centraal Station, the Love Boat provides romantic accommodation in the heart of Amsterdam. View apartment >
Barcelona
Stylish contemporary living
This fabulous loft apartment is located in the Eixample district – an area greatly influenced by Gaudi. This bachelor pad-style apartment boasts a smart and stylish interior with five balconies to observe the hustle and bustle of Barcelona from above. View apartment >
Zermatt
It’s all about the views…
Whether you’re relaxing in the lounge, lying in bed, or even taking a bath – there are spectacular views to be had from almost every room. Designed by Heinz Julen, this beautiful luxurious penthouse has floor to ceiling windows, for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. View apartment >
Sitges
Beautiful and rustic romantic retreat
This lovely apartment is just a short stroll from the beach, located in the heart of the Old Town. The apartment is perfect for a romantic beach getaway, with a terrace for tranquil alfresco dining and soft interior lighting and artistic décor.
View apartment >
Amsterdam
Beach views inside, canals views outside
Located above the famous Greenhouse Effect Coffeeshop, Hotel and Bar, are a selection of themed rooms available on a B&B basis. The popular ‘Topical Dream’ has a beach backdrop, a hammock and a palm tree to complete the experience. The accommodation is located on the Warmoesstraat , in the heart of Amsterdam. View apartment >
Budapest
Colourful fun for all
This bright and lively apartment appeals to visitors of all ages, boasting contemporary furniture and décor inspired by Achille Castiglioni. After a day exploring this fantastic city, the fun just doesn’t stop when you return to this quirky apartment, and sleeping up to 6 guests is perfect for groups or families. View apartment >
Apartment Rentals are Great for Family Holidays…Here’s Why.
As lovely as travelling on a family holiday is, and spending some quality time together, small tiffs and disagreements do occur, when together for days on end in cramped accommodation. Staying in a hotel for your family holiday often only provides you with somewhere to lay your head at night and somewhere to take a shower, whereas a holiday apartment gives you greater facilities and welcomed space for both parents and children to enjoy.
Family apartment rentals provide a home-from-home environment, giving your family the flexibility to both explore your holiday destination, and comfortably relax during the times you are not out-and-about. Many family apartments are located in the heart of fantastic city destinations, meaning you can have popular tourist spots on your apartment doorstep. Great locations within the city centre, can save you not only time and money from unnecessary travelling, but also the hassle of transporting your family around, which can be particularly hectic with young children.
With comfortable home furnishings, and your own fully equipped kitchen, your family is not dictated by hotel restaurant opening times and lack of variety for child-friendly menus. A family holiday apartment gives you the option to dine at your family’s leisure - for the fraction of the cost of dining out. If you have your heart set on visiting local restaurants, you can still save by self-catering for breakfast and lunch, which you’ll find, when eating out for 3 meals a day, can significantly increase the family budget.
Family apartment rentals often offer multiple private bedrooms and separate living areas, as you would expect from a family home. Spacious accommodation and individual rooms give children a separate area for playtime, and also means that mum and dad don’t have to tip-toe round after putting the children to bed, as you would find staying in a hotel. TV’s, DVD and CD players are among some of the home comforts that can be enjoyed when staying in a family apartment, in addition to select apartments providing communal swimming pools, terraces and private gardens.
Apartments, all-round, offer greater value for money and provide higher quality accommodation for all the family to enjoy. Did we also mention that they are often cheaper than hotels…
Loving Apartments offer family-friendly holiday apartments in the following destinations; Amsterdam, Barcelona, Budapest, Dublin, London, Madrid, Paris, Prague, Rome, Sitges, Verbier, Zermatt.
Top 5 Music Festivals in Europe
The summer festival season is here and it’s time to dig out your sunglasses and sunscreen or wellies and waterproofs, depending on your choice of destination. Europe offers some of the finest music events, attracting visitors from far and wide, struck down with festival fever. In addition to the fantastic line-ups, music festivals are a great excuse to travel and experience a new and exciting city culture. It was tough, but we’ve managed to narrow it down to our top 5 favourite festivals.
1 Glastonbury. Notorious for attracting great British weather, the world-famous Glastonbury festival attracts over 135,000 visitors to the muddy fields of South-West England. Some of the biggest names in rock, indie, pop, R&B and dance perform at this 5 day festival, across over 30 stages. Apart from the obvious musical entertainment, festival-goers can enjoy weird and wonderful performances within the theatre and circus area, art, film and dance. A trip up to ‘The Park’ is a must to appreciate the spectacular panoramic views of the festival. A standrd ticket will set you back £195 including camping. Visit the official Glastonbury site for more details.
2011 dates – 22nd – 26th June.
2 Sziget. Attracting over 400,000 visitors each year, Sziget is Europe’s largest music and cultural festival, taking place in Budapest. This year’s festival has an impressive line including Amy Winehouse, Dizzee Rascal, Kasabian, Manic Street Preachers, Pulp and The Chemical Brothers to name a few. In between concerts you can enjoy the alternative activities, ranging from sport to theatre and bungee jumping to tattooing. A day ticket for Sziget costs 45€, a full ticket including camping, 170€, and without camping 140€. Visit the official site for more info.
2011 dates – 8th-15th August.
3 Sonar. Barcelona’s hottest music festival is not your traditional field festival, incorporating more of a city vibe and emphasising Barcelona’s year-round vibrant nightlife. This 3 day festival combines international new media art and electronic music and is split into Sonar by Day – focusing on seeking out new talent, and Sonar by Night – showcasing some of the top DJ’s and performers from around the world. A full Sonar pass, including day and night entertainment is 155€, with individual day or evening passes from 39€. Visit the official site for more info.
2011 dates – 16th – 18th June.
4 Oxegen. Dublin hosts the music festival that has been voted the greatest festival in Europe, for 2 years running. Oxegen is a vibrant 3 day festival, attracting a younger audience, with its line-up of modern pop, indie and dance acts, campsite party culture and attractions. This year’s headliners include, Coldplay, Beyonce, Foo Fighters and The Black Eyed Peas with tickets from €224.50 including 3 days camping. Visit the official site here.
2011 dates – 7th – 10th July.
5 Rock en Seine. The French festival of Rock en Seine takes place just outside of Paris in the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud. This 3 day event is not what you would expect from a rock festival, attracting a more sophisticated clientele, sipping chilled champagne rather than lukewarm cider. Rock en Seine attracts over 100,000 visitors to enjoy a variety of international rock, dance and hip-hop acts. A day pass costs €49, and a 3 day pass €109 without camping. Visit the official site for more info.
2011 dates – 26th- 28th August.
Top 5 Romantic Summer Getaways to Europe
There’s no better way to impressive that special someone, than by whisking them away to a fabulous European city. Whether you’re looking for a ‘quickie’ weekend away, the perfect honeymoon, or inspiration for that picture-perfect spot to pop the question, we’ve picked some great locations and activities, sure to melt the heart of any visitor.
1. Paris – Considered to be one of the most romantic destinations in the world, Paris is rich in art, culture, cuisine and fine wines – a sure combination to ignite the flames of any romantic getaway. Treat your partner to a trip up the Eiffel Tower to appreciate breath-taking views of the city, stroll hand-in-hand along the banks of the Seine, and capture your special moment outside the Sacre-Coeur with a portrait of the two of you, sketched by one of the many local artists.
2. Rome – When visiting Rome with your loved one, you’ll be swept up by the Italian romantic atmosphere, radiating from the city’s stunning landmarks, mouth-watering cuisine and panoramic views. The Eternal City is known to inspire public displays of affection, from both locals and tourists alike. This feeling of passion is infectious and hopeless romantics can enjoy a candle-lit dinner cruise down the Tiber, or a horse-drawn carriage from the Spanish Steps, through the charming streets of Rome. The enchanting Trevi Fountain is a magnificent spot to share a kiss, beautifully illuminated by night, and legend has it, that if 2 coins are thrown into the fountain, it will lead to good luck and a new romance, and three to marriage or divorce…
3. Barcelona - Barcelona has an abundance of intimate spots to enjoy with your partner, from beautiful beaches with stunning sunsets to tranquil parks and cosy restaurants. Barcelona’s picturesque beaches are perfect for a romantic stroll along the Mediterranean, or for more energetic couples, they also offers many water sports. The Magic Fountain is a must for hopeless romantics, with spectacular colourful water and music displays, located outside of Barcelona Palace, and for those moved by architecture, a tour of La Sagrada Familia will have any love-struck couple swooning over Gaudi’s iconic masterpiece.
4. London – A romantic getaway to London is unforgettable for any visitor, and you simply need to stroll along the banks of the River Thames at dusk to be encapsulated by the city’s charming ambience. A panoramic view of the city skyline and illuminated landmarks are best appreciated taking an evening trip on the London Eye, where couples can snuggle up to each other in their glass capsule. Watch a romantic movie at Somerset House on the beautiful outdoor cinema, or during the festive season, skate hand-in-hand with your loved one on London’s largest outdoor ice-rink. A romantic experience of London is not complete without a trip to one of Leicester Square’s famous theatre productions, or a stroll through the quaint markets of Covent Garden.
5. Budapest – Many consider Budapest to be the most beautiful city in Europe with its stunning architecture and profound history. The most romantic way to explore the city is to meander down the River Danube on your evening river cruise, to appreciate the magnificent landmarks that line the river banks, such as Buda Castle, Gellert Hill and Hungarian Parliament. A trip to one of Budapest’s many thermal baths and springs, is the ideal activity for couples looking to relax, along with a trip to the tranquil and car-free parks of Margaret Island. A romantic evening can be enjoyed at Buda Castle, with wine tasting in its labyrinth of underground corridors and storage rooms.
