Category: Tourism & Travel

1. Predictions of wintery weather are bad news for local roads

   Posted on 1:00pm Monday 26th Oct 2020

   Weather forecasts of freezing air to sweep over the UK by the end of October could prove to be bad news for those local roads that have not be well-maintained believes the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA).
   
   Weather forecasters WXCHARTS are predicting that Artic air from a north-westerly direction will sweep over the UK and see temperatures drop to freezing lows of 0C by the end of this month. Meanwhile, the Met Office has also predicted that north-western parts of the UK could see snow falling by the end October.
   
   This is bad news for those highway authorities who have failed to properly maintain their road networks and for the motorists who use them as the freezing temperatures could result in more potholes.
   
   Potholes are caused by water or snow freezing in cracks in the road surface. The expansion of ice results in damage and breaking up of the road surface which is made worse by repeated freeze-thaw cycles. The late start to the preventative maintenance season in some authorities due to Covid-19 led to smaller programmes being completed this year, with many unable to carry out all their planned, preventative maintenance. This is likely to lead to more expensive reactive patching over the winter.
   
   “Cold icy weather has a detrimental impact upon roads resulting in more potholes where planned proactive maintenance has not been carried out, particularly where budget has meant smaller programmes than required by carriageway asset lifecycles over a number of years ” warned Paul Boss RSTA chief executive.
   
   Boss called upon the government and local authorities to work together and invest the necessary funding to carry out planned programmes of road maintenance rather than expensive reactive pothole repair: “Patch-and-mend defies economic logic”, said Boss. “It costs only £3 to £5 per m2 to surface dress and maintain a road but costs on average over £50 per m2 to repair potholes. The expensive, emergency patch and mend repair of potholes is not a sensible use of highway budgets unlike the implementation of planned programmes of maintenance.”

    

2. Sat Nav vs maps on a Motorbike...

   Posted on 9:00am Wednesday 16th Sep 2020

   I used to like the idea of being spontaneous and also did not fancy using a sat nav however once you have tried to get a room somewhere to find you cannot get one as they are full due to a local festival, overpriced (Italy circa 2001, 11pm in a roadside motel style @ €175 comes to mind) , you cannot find one (sounds strange I know but there are miles and miles of nothing in parts of Germany and France - well apart from excellent scenery) and to book into somewhere and find it awful, we now have a final destination and plan route around it. 

   We use a combination of Biker Friendly accommodation on www.thebikerguide.co.uk and if there is nothing in the area we want we also look on other accommodation websites. 
   
   We did a trip a couple of years ago with the final destination being Colditz Castle, which you can stay in. Went in July for 3-ish weeks with everything booked, set into Sat Nav and you know what - thank goodness as it rained everyday but one. We would set off with the next place in the Sat Nav - take off route when we wanted and arrive at destination stress free.

   We stayed at some great places, travelled fantastic roads and routes, ate well, found our way easy even with the many roadwork diversions and would pass by others at the side of the road battling with a big wet soggy map to find their way. We did also pack a map as back-up or to look at a vaster area on a larger scale, however we are happy to say it return dry and not soggy. 

   I think once you have used a Sat Nav on a big trip which gets you to destinations easy, gets you out of a diversion and back on route, helps you navigate/find food and petrol, you wonder what you did before the United States military released the technology for GPS!

   The first way around a small budget for such a trip and/or even the Motorbike is to take out a small loan which will enable you to enjoy the trip, without having to save up for a long time.

3. Why Traveling by Motorbike is a Great Idea for a Student

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 2nd Sep 2020

   After the end of a grilling semester, students look forward to breaks and holidays. They'll get to dine and wine with loved ones, de-stress in a new destination, visit museums, and more. Exploring the world offers a thrilling chance at adventure, experiencing foreign and native cultures, making new relationships, and many more.  

   During school breaks many scholars can't find the time to travel, owing to the overwhelming amount of academic tasks they'll have to complete before resumption. This dilemma leaves British students asking the question "Can I get online help from a professional UK writing service?". The answer is yes you can get experienced assistance from a writing service in the UK, with Edubirdie often being the go-to option for many scholars in such scenarios. Getting this aid gives students the time to explore the world, relax, or accomplish other crucial tasks, while still having a top-notch paper.

   And if you are looking to take a trip soon, then consider travelling by motorcycle. Here's why.

   Experience Nature Unhindered

   Travelling by motorcycle gives you a clear view of nature. You'll get to see and experience the beauty of nature thanks to a magnificent display of landscapes and trees. While travelling down the road, the wind brushes across your face, the sounds of animal life fills the air, and more. Motorbike travel also offers you the chance to stop in a nice spot to appreciate these natural sights and sounds better.

   Perfect for Building Travel Albums

   When using any means of transportation other than a bike, you don't get the chance to take perfect photos. While in a car or bus, your photo sessions are limited, as the vehicle rolls past an object, scenery, or event of interest. Motorbike travel grants you the opportunity to stop at any time on the road and take those perfect shots for your album.

   Feel Free and the Alluring Sense of Adventure There's something about travelling by motorcycle that instills a sense of freedom. It's a common term many bikers used in describing the experience of the road. You'll decide your destination and stop, you can ride through the city, country town, or off track.

   You are on an adventure when you motorbike travel, as it's a trip between you and nature. Your journey's shape is in your hands.

   Learn to Admire the Little Things

   Motorbike travel often gives you the chance to appreciate simplicity. You'll learn to worry less about not having more and be content with the available resources. While on the road, there's little room on your bike, leaving you with the only option of packing the essentials. This situation helps you learn to live as a minimalist.

   Another habit you'll pick up on the road is resourcefulness, as you learn to be more prudent with money. Living minimalistic and being resourceful are both crucial attributes that shape students for success in college.  

   Experience New Cultures and Relationships  

   While travelling by motorcycle, you'll get to explore new places, experience new cultures and build new relationships with the locals. You can easily go off the main roads or tracks on a bike, getting you in closer proximity with locals. This off-road flexibly means you can explore new cities better. You'll also have a higher chance of striking up conversations with locals off the main roads. The ability to communicate and appreciate other cultures are both essential skills a student needs to achieve success after graduation. 

   Final Thoughts  

   The main aim of travelling is to make new memories and experiences. Exploring the world on a motorbike delivers you with the best of the experience. Travelling by motorcycle offers you excitement and a chance to create your adventure story.   

   It provides you with a unique way to experience nature, and pick up essential life skills. British students don't have to worry about an assignment overload getting in the way of their adventure, they can always get help from a top-notch writing service. 

    

    

    

   article supplied

4. Sat nav v maps on a Motorbike...

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 13th May 2020

   I used to like the idea of being spontaneous and also did not fancy using a sat nav however once you have tried to get a room somewhere to find you cannot get one as they are full due to a local festival, over priced (Italy circa 2001, 11 pm in a roadside motel style @ €175 comes to mind) , you cannot find one (sounds strange I know but there are miles and miles of nothing in parts of Germany and France - well apart from excellent scenery) and to book into somewhere and find it awful, we now do as above - i.e. find a final destination and plan route around it. 

   We use a combination of Biker Friendly accommodation on www.thebikerguide.co.uk and if there is nothing in the area we want we also look on other accommodation websites. 
   
   We did a trip a couple of years ago with the final destination being Colditz Castle, which you can stay in. Went in July for 3-ish weeks with everything booked, set into sat nav and you know what - thank goodness as it rained everyday but one. We would set off with the next place in the sat nav - take off route when we wanted and arrive at destination stress free.

   We stayed at some great places, travelled fantastic roads and routes, ate well, found our way easy even with the many roadwork diversions and would pass by others at the side of the road battling with a big wet soggy map to find their way. We did also pack a map as back-up or to look at a vaster area on a larger scale, however we are happy to say it return dry and not soggy. 

   I think once you have used a sat nav on a big trip which gets you to destinations easy, gets you out of a diversion and back on route, helps you navigate/find food and petrol, you wonder what you did before the United States militaryreleased the technology for GPS!

   In fact travelling without the technology and maps on hand is a gamble... 

   
   
   

5. Time for Downtime: The Best Ways to Relax in Dartmoor

   Posted on 1:00pm Thursday 30th Apr 2020

   Dartmoor is a beautiful place and perfect for a retreat. Whether you need a break from city life or simply want to get out and enjoy a new area of the UK, Dartmoor is the place to go. Relax, rejuvenate, and get rid of your stress. With this guide, you’ll master your downtime.

   1. Get Out in Nature

   One of the best things to do in Dartmoor is to explore the countryside. Dartmoor is, after all, the largest moorland in the south of England, and also features the largest area of unglaciated upland. This makes for stunning landscapes and truly tranquil walks.

   Heading out and enjoying nature walks, or even just sitting down for a picnic, does wonders for our health and wellbeing, and with so many great trails in Dartmoor, you are spoiled for choice.

   If you need help picking out some stunning walks to enjoy during your time in Dartmoor, here are our favourites:

   Fingle Gorge  

   This is a spectacular riverside walk that promises sweeping views and enchanting sounds.

   Easdon Tor

   This rock-topped hill is only ten minutes away from Moorland View on foot. Head up and enjoy 360-degree views of the area. Perfect for a sunny, clear day and especially during sunset.

   Grimspound

   Grimspound inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Hounds of Baskerville. It is known for its 24 Bronze Age roundhouses, so head on out and tour them for yourselves. 

   River Bovey

   For a flat, lovely walk, head from Moorland View to Bovey Castle. You’ll enjoy wildflower woodlands, stone bridges, and of course, end up at one of the best attractions in Dartmoor.

   2. Enjoy the Spa Facilities Available

   There are so many great spa facilities available in Dartmoor to continue your downtime from the city. 

   Relax and get pampered in a variety of locations in the area, including the stunning Bovey Castle.  

   Bovey Castle  

   Bovey castle features the Elan Spa, which offers excellent packages and views of the River Dart. 

   The Lorrens Ladies Spa  

   This ladies-only spa is elegant and offers award-winning services right on the English Riviera.  

   Wear Park Spa  

   Another award-winning spa, this one is located in a stunning manor house on the Exeter Gold and Country Club grounds.  

   3. Have a Quiet Evening In  

   Don’t be afraid to have a quiet evening in when you are in Dartmoor.   

   Your stay in Dartmoor should be relaxing and allow you to destress. Make your trip here a regular treat and explore the entire area to its fullest. Find your favourite haunts, and don’t be afraid to just spend a night in without a care in the world. Dartmoor is here for you, year after year, so experience it slowly and enjoy it luxuriously.