Rent a holiday apartment in Notting Hill to enjoy its carnival

If you are planning to go on a holiday to Europe with a stopover at London for a few days, then make sure that it is in the month of August when the annual Notting Hill Carnival takes place. Held during the August Bank Holiday, the Carnival is one of London’s most exciting annual events attracting a considerable number of people every year. A never to be missed event, the carnival is characterized by everything that is distinctly Caribbean right from its flamboyancy, to music (Calypso and Soca) to dance and even food. 

This year the carnival is all set to be held from August 25-26^th, and if you are in a mood to be a part of this musical extravagance now is the right time to book a holiday apartment in London and more so in and around the Notting Hill area – a beautiful cosmopolitan neighborhood in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea where the likes of Robbie Williams, Stella McCartney, David Cameron and George Osborne to name a few reside or resided.

With its Victorian buildings, fashionable bars restaurants, shops and the famous Portobello Road Market, Notting Hill is without doubt  one of the most sought out neighborhoods of London and its service apartments very much in demand.  And with the carnival passing through the most of West London areas, the holiday rentals located along Chepstow Road, Westbourne Grove and Ladbroke Grove are the best ones to stay during this period.

Enjoy a fun Field Day this Saturday

Now in its 7^th edition, the outdoor music festival-Field Day is all set to rock the quaint neighbourhood of Tower Hamlets and London as a whole on Saturday 25th May. An totally new concept, this one day event combines the village fete mentality with that of music. More than 70 artists and rock bands from different genres of music have confirmed their participation and given by the past success of the event, it is estimated that around thousands of music fans will be making a beeline to Victoria Park - the event venue to see the favourite music star in action.

Rent a Holiday Apartment for the Event

With the event becoming a regular fixture on the London social scene, it is but obvious that many music enthusiasts including tourists will not just be interested in attending the event and but will prefer to rent out a holiday rental for the same in order to be close to the venue.  And considering that the event will be taking place at Victoria Park in the borough of Tower Hamlets, it makes ample sense to rent one of the few cosy serviced apartments located in the vicinity.

Getting to the Venue

One of London’s oldest public parks, the Victoria Park will be hosting the event and while cars are strict no-no given the limited parking option, one can make ample use of the city public transport system to get to the venue.

·         If coming by tube - The nearest Tube stations to Victoria Park are: Mile End (District and Central lines), Bow Road (District Line), Stratford (Jubilee Line), Bow Church (DLR) and Bethnal Green (Central line).

·         If coming by Rail -The nearest Overground rail stations to Victoria Park are: Hackney Wick (East London line), Cambridge Heath (National Rail) and Bethnal Green (National Rail).

·         If coming by Bus – Take bus routes: 8, 277, 309, 339, 388, D3, D6, S2  to get to the park. 

To know more about the Fiel day visit this FIELD DAY: TIME TO ROCK AND ENJOY, LET'S HANG ON

Romantic Things to do in Paris

As a city Paris has everything for everyone, more so if you are a couple lost in love. Whizz through our things to do for a romantic rendezvous in the city of love. 

Every city has a moniker and Paris is no exception. The city has several monikers- the city of light, fashion capital of the world etc. However, it is as the city of love that the Paris is more famous for. And if you are wondering why, you only need to visit the city to know so. In Paris one can find the writ of romance written in each and every part of the city- whether it is a monument, a gallery, a museum, a park or even a back alley or a restaurant. Love is everywhere and is probably one of the many reason why it is a favourite destination of all , more so of those in love. 

If you are one of those lucky few who plan to visit Paris for a romantic sojourn with your loved one but don’t know what to do in Paris, don’t worry given below is a list of romantic things that one can do in Paris. But before you opt for any of these things to do, do the right thing and rent out a serviced apartment or holiday apartment near any one of these attractions in Paris. Booking a rental will provide you with a romantic gateway but will also give you a kind of privacy which you will not get in a hotel. 

Spend the day enjoying the views of the city - As a city; Paris is home to some of the beautiful landmarks of the world- the Eiffel Tower, the Basilica of Sacre Coeur, Arc de Triomphe, Sainte-Chapelle, Pere Lachaise Cemetery, Grand Palais and a host of other architectural wonders and exploring them with someone you love will make it extra special. 

Take a romantic walk - It is said that the best way to discover Paris it to walk through its myriad avenues and boulevards and what better way to discover the city with your loved one by the side. The city is replete with hidden passageways, cobbled pathways which is a haven for those in love. If the idea of a romantic walk excites you, then make it a point to book a holiday home in the Latin Quarter and the Montmartre districts which are renowned for their hidden gateways 

Go on a Cruise on the River Siene – Nothing can be more romantic than discovering the city of love through a river cruise. With the Seine River meandering through a major part of the city you stand a good chance to view some of the amazing sights of Paris and the best thing about these cruises is that are available as per one’s budget. 

Declares your Love - Not many are aware but Paris is full of bridges notable among which is the Pont des Arts. The highlight of the bridges is its engraved locks with the names of the couples which are padlocked on its railing. Make sure to do the same and throw the key in Siene as a sign of everlasting love. Don’t forget to seal your love with a kiss on one of the few beautiful bridges that adorn the river. 

Stroll or Picnic at one of Paris many Gardens - Besides monuments and art galleries, Paris is teemed with several parks and gardens which provide a special ambience for those in love especially on a lazy summer afternoon. You can either stroll around hand in hand at the Jardin du Luxembourg,Jardin des Tuileries, Chateau de Versailles or opt for a quite picnic at Parc Montsouris, The Bois de Vincennes , The Bois de Boulogne or the Buttes-Chaumont. These parks with their green lawns, beautiful gardens and wooded trees provide the right place for a cuddle. 

Explore the arty side of Paris- For those who share the same passion for the arts, nothing could be more romantic than spending the day at the various museums and galleries while discussing the works of Rodin, Monet, Picasso , Davinci etc. The various sculptures and paintings are definitely bound to set the mood for a romantic evening. 

Romantic dinner for Two 
If your morning was so lovely then why shouldn’t the night be? Make it a day to be remembered forever by having a nice candlelight dinner. Options galore as to where you can go for a cosy dinner- you can opt for a dinner on a cruise or at one of the many restaurants. But if you want to make it extra special, you can always cook a nice meal in the confines of your short-term let and surprise him/her with your cookery skill. If cooking for your loved ones is in the plan then make sure to go for a holiday apartment that gives some amazing views of the city of lights. Imagine having a candlelight dinner under a starry night with the entire Paris city lit in the background! 

Source:- http://www.articlerich.com/Article/Romantic-Things-to-do-in-Paris/2578196

The Top and Best Rated Apartments in London

For those planning a vacation in London, deciding where to stay is often a prime concern – should one opt for a hotel or is a holiday apartment a better option. And if an apartment, which one and where ? If these questions boggle you too then look no further for given below are some of the best and top rated apartments that one can find in the best neighborhoods of London.

• Canary Wharf - The financial center of London that is home to some of world’s top business organization and companies, the serviced apartments of canary wharf are best suited for those looking for a place to stay close to their offices and business establishment.  Apartment to look out for Lanterns Court One Bedroom Serviced Apartment.
• Kensington and Chelsea – The heart of London and one of its most expensive neighborhoods, the neighborhood of Kensington and Chelsea and its apartments are best suited for those who like to live in sheer luxury and love being around some of the London’s most popular attractions. The best apartment you can rent out here is Kensington Apartment 3 Penthouse.
• Paddington - The holiday rentals at Paddington being close to the Paddington Railway Station are best suited for travelers looking towards exploring London of their own and who don’t mind traveling out of London for a short excursion to some nearby destination. Rent out Paddington Apartment 3 for a best and comfortable holiday
• King’s Cross – The holiday apartments at King Cross are best suited for those seeking budget accommodations. One of the least expensive neighborhood of Central London, King Cross is  highly popular with  students and artist seeking a nice place to stay that is easily affordable yet not far from the heart of London. When at  King’s Cross check out Monument Street Serviced Apartments for a luxury yet budgeted stay.

Discovering India through its Luxury Trains

For those planning a tour to India, there is no better way to discover the country other than taking a trip around the Indian countryside abroad one of the several luxury trains.  Aimed largely at travelers coming from abroad, these luxury trains will take you along some of the scenic routes of the country side and let you discover the centuries old cultural traditions and history of a country called India.

So, which are the trains that you should be taking when planning a trip to India with friends and family?

Palace on Wheels- The oldest luxury train in India that will take you across the entire princely state of Rajasthan and give you a glimpse of its royal palaces and wildlife is the Palace of Wheels. 

Covering the cities of New Delhi - Jaipur - Sawai Madhopur - Chittaurgarh - Udaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Bharatpur – Agra and back to Delhi, the train departs from Safdarjung Railway Station at 18:30 hrs every Wednesday during the months of September to April

The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels – The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels just like the Palace of Wheels departs from the Safdarjung Railway station Delhi on every Sunday during the months from October to March. Apart from a few select destination of Rajasthan, it also covers the cities of Khajuraho , Varanasi – two small descript towns that are hugely popular with foreign tourist.

The Deccan Odyssey – Sun, surf and history combines when you take a ride abroad the Deccan Odyssey. Covering the western part of India namely Goa and Maharastra, this train departs from Mumbai during the months of December and January.

The Golden Chariot- If beaches, wildlife and architecture are what you seek then a journey abroad the Golden Chariot is just right for you. The train breezes through some of the architectural rich destinations of Karnataka to the beaches of Goa during the month of October.  To board this train you need to checkout from your holidayapartment in Bangalore on a Monday.

The Maharaja Express – The most expensive luxury train of India that departs from Delhi every Saturday and Sunday and covers Delhi, Agra and most of Rajasthan, a journey on board the Maharaja Express is sheer delight. You simply need to get on it to know what luxury is all about.

For when it comes to luxury most of these trains offer amenities that are almost at par with those of luxurious serviced apartments right from the rooms (twin bedded with huge windows through which you can get a panoramic view of the countryside), wi-fi, spa, business center, bar, ayurvedic massage center, tv , channel music, lounge and restaurants to name a few.

So , what are you thinking about. Book your tickets and holiday rental before going on a luxury trip across the length and breadth of India

Understanding F1 - The Tyres

For someone with barely any idea about sports and more so about Formula 1, one thing that struck me as remotely strange amongst other things,  was why the tyres used in the race were different from the ones used in our day to day vehicles and  why  Formula 1 drivers keep on changing their tyres during a race.  I had completely forgotten about it till the recent discussion among colleagues about the upcoming F1 races at Barcelona and Monte Carlo set me thinking once again. So, to set my curiosity to rest, I logged on the computer to find out the reason why and if you too like me are confused about it, here are the answers

Why the tyre changes in the race?

With the Formula One car considered as a technical masterpiece thanks to its aerodynamics, composite construction and engines, it is but obvious that its tyres too have to be different than the normal ones. In fact, tyres constitute an important part of the entire formula 1 race and are one the few key differentiators that go on to deciding the race winner.

During a race, each team is allowed to use two types of dry weather tyres (prime and option), both of which must be used by each driver at some point in the race unless the conditions are wet. Each of these tyres are then further graded in terms of durability into ‘super-soft' , 'soft' 'medium' and 'hard' and differentiated by the colouring of the sidewall lettering. Similarly during wet conditions - the green 'intermediate tyre' for damp conditions; and the blue 'extreme wet tyre' for heavy rain are used.

 Now, the decision to use which tyre and when then depends on the race circuit and the strategies employed by the team. Thus while the Circuit de Catalunya is favourable for  medium and hard tyres given its abrasive surface and series of long, demanding medium and high-speed corners that of Monte Carlo with its short, slow corners and lack of grip is best for soft and super-soft tyres. Similarly fast circuits like Spa, Silverstone and Suzuka are suitable for harder ones. And the decision as to when to change a tyre (pit stop) is generally decided by the team management depending on the wearing down of the rubber or by thermal degradation of the tyre.

During the race including the practice races and qualifying each driver is allowed 11 sets of dry-weather tyres (six of the harder ‘prime’ and five of the softer ‘option’ specification), four sets of intermediate tyres and three sets of wet tyres. At the start of the race the cars needs to be fitted with the tyres the driver used to set his grid time during the qualifying. All of these tyres come with a bar code so that their use can be monitored by the FIA.

Book a holiday Rental

This generally sums up the reason behind the tyre changing scenario during the F1 race, though there are a few other technicalities as to the type of rubber used, dimensions etc which should be deal later until then you can catch all the live action by booking a holiday apartment or a service apartment near the race circuits.

The Six F1 tyre compounds, as supplied by Pirelli for the 2013 season (source Wikipedia)

Compound name	Colour		Tread	Driving conditions	Dry Type*
Hard	Orange**		Slick	Dry	Prime
Medium	White		Slick	Dry	Prime/Option
Soft	Yellow		Slick	Dry	Prime/Option
Super-soft	Red		Slick	Dry	Option
Intermediate	Green		Treaded	Wet (no standing water)	x
Full wet	Blue		Treaded	Wet (standing water)	x

(21 May -25 May) - Get mesmerized by the Chelsea Flower Show | Rated Apartments

Described as the greatest flower show in the world, the Chelsea Flower Show is an annual event that has kept the entire city of London redolent with the scents, sounds and sights of spring since 1862. Held on the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea since 1913, the 2013 Chelsea Flower Show marks the end of a centennial of the event at the hospital grounds. Held for a period of five days in late May, the show finds the hospital grounds get transformed into a tapestry of colours under a thousand blooms of different shapes and size.  

Attended by the members of the British royalty and televised every year by the BBC, the show has over the years has become a must-see event for garden enthusiasts from all over the world with some people actually planning their summer holidays around this time. And while there are some people who may opt for tour packages that take care of their accommodation and ticketing needs for the flower show, there are still many who prefer to make their own arrangements. Such people usually prefer to book the show tickets online and seek accommodations in one of the many serviced apartments that abound in London. The preference for such holiday apartments is largely due to their proximity to the venue and the homely feeling that they offer.

This year Chelsea Flower Show will be held from 21 May - 25 May with the show being opened to the general public from Thursday – the 23rd of May.