Avoca is a small village near Arklow in County Wicklow, Ireland, where Avoca Handweavers, the well known clothing manufacturing and retail business, first started out. The picturesque village of Avoca itself is the fictional home of the BBC’s Ballykissangel.

The Avoca brand has fast become a real success story and the company now employs around 600 people. The old mill at Avoca was originally established in 1723 as a farmers’ cooperative for grinding corn and spinning and weaving sheep’s wool.

In the 1920s three sisters, the Wynnes, inherited the mill which had become run down. They injected new life into the enterprise, introducing color from natural dyes and soon they were selling their famous Avoca Handweavers tweeds all over the world, designing cloth for the Parisdesigner Elsa Schiaparelli, a waistcoat for King George VI and baby blankets for the children of Queen Elizabeth II. But, as with many family run businesses, when the sisters passed away the mill became neglected and faced closure.

Then in 1974, Donald Pratt, a solicitor engaged to handle the sale of the mill decided to buy it himself. Along with his wife, he set about getting Avoca Handweavers back on its feet. The mill at Avoca Villagewas soon humming again, as the Pratts began exporting hand-woven rugs and throws first to the UK and then beyond.

The old mill at Avoca village is open for visiting seven days a week. You can tour the mill and see the whole weaving process first hand for free. Plus, there’s an Avoca shop and cafe onsite too.

The Avoca Company has now developed nine large retail outlets around Ireland and has opened one in Annapolis, Maryland. Many of these also have large food halls and cafes attached.

For accommodations, try the Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt, County Wicklow, which follows the tradition of an elegant hotel fashioned with the latest amenities. In other words, this classical setting is a classic Ritz-Carlton. Expect the formal, but not stuffy entranceway, high ceilings, dark wood trim, velvety, oversized sofas, heavy drapes and courteous staff so familiar to visitors to the Naples, Bostonor most other Ritz Carltons.

Want to travel back in time in Ireland? Wicklow County holds a treasure of site for the historically- and culturally-minded traveler. This story is courtesy of “West Coast Woman”, by Suzanne Barratt

First up is Powerscourt House and Gardens. Situated dramatically at the foot of Great Sugar Loaf Mountain in County Wicklow is one of the world’s great gardens and probably the finest in Ireland. It is without a doubt a place not to be rushed. It offers a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping Italian garden terraces, statues, fountains and ornamental lakes and a magnificent collection of over 200 varieties of shrubs and trees. Originally commissioned in the 1730s by the first Viscount Powerscourt, the gardens were finally completed in the 1870s by the 7th Viscount, who added the accessories of statues, urns and ornamental gates.

Sadly, the Palladian mansion, extensively altered between 1731 and 1741 by Georgian architect Richard Cassels, was reduced to a burnt-out shell after a fire in 1974. The Slazenger family, the present owners of Powerscourt, have restored the ground floor and upstairs ballroom. An exhibit at the entrance relates this and gives an excellent introduction to the history of the estate.

A suggestion: take a slow walk down the Italianate stairway to the Triton Lake and stand between the two statues of Pegasus to view the central fountain which is modeled on a 17th century work of Bernini. Energetic visitors might like to take in Powerscourt’s Waterfall-Ireland’s highest at 398 feet. Finally, do visit the cafe splendidly run by the Avoca Company and take tea or lunch on the outside terrace.

Next stop is Glendalough and the Military Road, without which, no stay in County Wicklow would be complete. Glendalough, “The Valley of Two Lakes,” is one of Ireland’s greatest wonders, sheltered by wooded slopes and containing the ruins of a monastic city and the spirits of generations of Celtic saints.

Founded in the sixth century by St. Kevin, this monastery was to become one of the most preeminent religious centers in Europe. For centuries it has attracted holy men and pilgrims to pray, and delight in the natural beauty of the place. St. Kevin, born in 498, was educated by monks and then ordained. Noted for his piety and disdainful of material wealth, he determined to live life as a hermit and sought out a secluded place in the Glendalough Valley.

Starting your visit at the excellent Glendalough Visitor Center is advised, as is taking a guided tour of the main monastic site to learn more of the signature landmark of the Round Tower, St. Kevin’s Cathedral, Celtic crosses and other monuments. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. If time permits you may enjoy a walk to both the Lower and Upper Lake. There is a cluster of more monuments, including St. Kevin’s Cell near the Upper Lake. It’s best to get to the site early so as to avoid large groups of students and allow you to wander freely among the ruins absorbing the powerful aura of timelessness and sanctity that pervades this fascinating place.

If you’re traveling by car it’s worth driving back from Glendalough to Powerscourt along the Military Road which is also known as the Wilderness Highway of Ireland or, more correctly, the R115. This road takes you through not only the very heart of the Wicklow Mountains, but across the most scenic, high heather desert and barren bog land of the county. You’ll pass through the remote and narrow Sally Gap which is the highest crossroads in all of Ireland and, as it happens, where St. Patrick is thought to have died. Built by the British to flush out Irish rebels after the 1798 uprising, the Military Road is said to be haunted by ghosts of the soldiers.

But enough of ghosts, the question is, do you believe in fairies? According to the guides at Bru na Boinne, Newgrange and Knowth, it is possibly the fact that people believed fairies could get “very upset” that has allowed these important archaeological sites to remain largely intact despite frequent invasions or more recent demand, or rural development.

Before the spread of the Celts, there was evidence that in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, small, structured races populated parts of Europe and the British Isles. A Celtic foundation myth tells that in Ireland, the Thuathe de Danaan or the People of the Goddess Danu, built and resided in the great barrows and tumuli that dot the landscape to this day. Displaced by the stronger, fearsome Celts, they eventually evolved into being “the little people,” the fairies and other enchanted beings who are rumored to continually resurface to haunt and protect the tombs and fairy mounds they once built. According to myths that have survived through the ages, to do damage to these Neolithic mounds will unleash the anger of the fairies.

Nine hundred years older than Stonehenge, and five hundred older than the Pyramids, Newgrange, the centerpiece of the Briu na Boinne (dwelling place of the River Boyne) complex of prehistoric passage tombs, dates back over 5,000 years.

The visitor center tells vou more of what is known about tbe building and significance of these passage tombs and, while undoubtedly functioned as burial tombs, archaeologists think they were much more. They’re just not sure what exactly.

What is certain is that both Newgrange and Knowth were designed with the sun in mind. At Newgrange, on the winter solstice the sun sweeps down the 62-foot passageway to strike the back chamber wall. If you can’t make the trip on that day your guide switches off all the lights and then simulates the effect as if by magic. It’s very impressive.

At Knowth, which has both an east and a west facing chamber, the sun shines on the central chamber during both winter and spring equinoxes. Both sites are reached from the visitor center via a time-ticketed shuttle minibus service. Bru na Boinne is very popular. It’s best to get there early or travel with a tour operator.

Dear Fellow Travelers,

Just a quick post to let you know to stay away from traveling with TAROM Airlines. Recently, I took a trip from Bucharest to Suceava (ie northern Romania) and was charged an extra 20 EURO’s cause they didn’t have me in on their computer. After coming back to the States, I called the travel agency that I booked the flight with and they told me it was Tarom’s fault and that they had had problems with them before. To boot…they charged me an extra 20 EURO’s for my baggage being overweight….which it was…but didn’t really make my day either!!!

Travel by the train system is good, but if you are in a hurry, make sure you get on the one that is high speed and provides a sleeper train. I took the slower one back from Suceava to Bucharest and it took me about 6 hours…which by plane would be only an hour…and by car probably only 3 hours….The train likes to make many stops!!! Feel free to email me for more info on travel and/or anything about Romania. I have many connections and information….Happy Travels…..rjgeraghty3@juno.com. Please put HOSTEL TRAVELER in Subject Line so I won’t delete.

Perhaps not the Last Crusade, there are many other adventurous destinations that may be worthy of those with the bold spirit of Indiana Jones. And, wip and fedora are optional.

Consider in the South of France, Apt Cathedral (Cathedrale Sainte-Anne d’Apt), which is a former cathedral, and national monument of France, in the town of Apt in Provence. Now the church of Saint Anne, the former cathedral was the seat of the bishop of Apt until the French Revolution.

According to historic accounts Saint Anne was the mother of the Virgin Mary, who in turn was the mother of Jesus Christ. Saint Anne’s life of service to God did not end with the one great gift of her daughter. According to legends of an early account of her life, when her husband Joachim died, Anne married his brother Cleophas, with whom she had another daughter. This child was also named Mary and became the mother of James the Lesser, Joseph the Just, Simon, and Jude. Anne later married again and had another daughter who gave birth to James the Greater and John the Evangelist.

Saint Anne did not live to see the torment and execution of Christ. However, even in death she continued to play an important part in the lives of early Christians. Sometime after the resurrection of Christ, Mary Magdalene, her brother Lazarus, and other apostles were driven from Jerusalem because of their faith. They journeyed by boat carrying the remains of Saint Anne and set ashore in Marseille, France. Her remains were taken farther inland from the coast to what is now France, where they were concealed in a crypt. These events were transcribed in the Martyrology of Apt, dating from the second century.

Charlemagne consulted the text in an attempt to locate her body nearly seven hundred years later. All efforts appeared to be in vain until the reconsecration of the Cathedral of Apt. During this ceremony, a fourteen-year-old deaf mute began striking the main altar with his staff, greatly disturbing those in attendance, including the emperor. Charlemagne was so impressed with the determination of the boy to draw attention to the altar that he gave orders to open its stairs after the mass. An underground door sealed with stones was uncovered. When these were removed, the boy led the group through the underground catacombs of the church to a wall, which he also struck with his staff. The company eagerly broke through the wall to find a crypt containing a casket of cypress wood. Inscribed on it were the words “Here lies the body of Blessed Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary.” Charlemagne had the recollection of these events written up, notarized, and sent to the pope in Rome. The original papers of this corre ­spondence are still in existence today.

Because of these events, the Cathedral of Apt became an important pilgrimage site, and the cult of Saint Anne spread throughout France, becoming particularly strong in Brittany. Many Breton legends claim Saint Anne as a Breton queen who escaped a brutal husband. One legend sup ­poses that angels led her to a ship that landed in Jerusalem, where she gave birth to the Virgin Mary.

Thinking of the Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana) in Southern Italy evokes many images of romance … seaside activities and sunny beaches. But there are other aspects of visiting this beautiful region of Italy. Small resort towns of Positano and Amalfi have much to offer, including culture, shopping, boating, fine dining, and 5 star hotels. But, for nature lovers, there is another less-explored side to Amalfi. Situated at the foot of rugged mountain peaks that form the Sorrentine peninsula, the hillside villages along the Amalfi coast are perfect starting points for nature walks and hikes.

There are hikes and trails that have been mapped out, at varying degrees of difficulty. If you prefer a leisurely walk through forests overlooking the sea, this area is for you. There are also more difficult trails leading to the peaks and between towns for the more adventurous.

Here’s an example of one of our favorite Amalfi Coast hikes, which leads from the town square of the town of Amalfi to the small hilltown of Pogerola. From the main square in front of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, ascend the main street for 500 yards, until the road goes through an archway under a block of houses. Then take the side road to the left (Via Casamare). Follow this around a hairpin bend to it’s end. The path starts here with steps climbing the hillside, and ultimately leading directly to the main square in Pogerola.

This path provide an attractive route to or from the hilltop village of Pogerola. The easily graded and exceptionally well-built path is unusual in that it goes through light woodland rather than farmed terraces with ever wider views as you gain altitude. The path winds its way towards the mountains, climbing the northern flank of a side spur of the main Amalfi Valley.

Walking time: approximately 1 hour.

Search and book accommodation in Amalfi and Sorrento.

Many travelers have stayed away from Naples (Napoli), Italy in recent years. Tour companies have bypassed this cultural center from ancient Greek and Roman heritage, owing to reports of crime, and hectic daily Neapolitan life. But, we decided to make this interesting and cultural city a centerpiece of our recent travels in Italy.

It is true that life and traffic in Naples can be frenetic and tricky to navigate. However, the historic center of the ancient Kingdom of Naples is truly a gem not to be overlooked. Exploring the narrow streets on foot can be an enchanting experience. The medieval cathedrals and churches are excellent locations to explore some of Italy’s greatest artistic wonders.

Sitting in the shadows of Vesuvius, the volcano that erupted in 79 AD, burying Pompeii in a virtual time capsule under 6 feet of ash, Naples carries on its daily life complacent about the prospects of another eruption at some unknown future point in time. We encountered a number of older and younger travelers, enjoying the unique charms of the city, not the least of which is the local Neapolitan cuisine. A seaside kingdom, Naples is famous for its abundant seafood, and the cuisine reflects this heritage with some of the best Italian fare in southern Italy.

Naples can be an excellent base for exploring surrounding areas of interest, including Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, and others. For the more adventurous, join a tour of the crater of the active volcano Vesuvius. Within the city limits, exploring the historic city center can afford days of exciting finds. The National Archeology museum not only contains the ancient Roman treasures of Pompeii, but also other rare antiquities from the Greek and Roman periods, and far-flung civilizations including ancient Egypt. Also native to Naples are the many street vendors and shopfronts which produce fine hand-made Nativity scenes.

As far as lodging, there are a wide range of hotels and hostels that can be booked at any time of the year. We like to experience the local hospitality and chose a moderately priced bed and breakfast bordering on the historic center, named Il Giardino Segreto (The Secret Garden). With tongue in cheek, this B&B’s website advertises to stay in Naples, and “don’t die.” While somwhat humorous, the owners are beckoning for travelers around the globe to visit their fascinating city, and actually find that it is pleasant and safe to stay. In fact, entering at Via Foria 216, one would never recognize that a private bed and breakfast exists behing the iron gates, bordering apartment buildings and storefronts. Entering behind the gate (which is accessible 24 hours), one enters into a serene refuge with large and surprisingly quiet guestrooms. To the rear, a private door enters onto the Secret Garden, which is a hidden botanical paradise with tropical flora and palm trees found elsewhere in places like Florida or Mexico. The bed and breakfast’s owners are at your service, and will offer advice, touring recommendations (and maps), and an excellent Italian breakfast.

Along Via Foria, which borders the north end of the central historic district, it is safe to stroll day or night. And there are several fine sidewalk dining options offering local fare. One notable option is the Sailor’s Daughter, which for half the price of a high-end tourist restaurant, will serve up a feast of local pasta and seafood favorites. Don’t forget to end the evening with a glass of the local favorite, Limoncello, a lemon-based liquor, made from native lemons the size of grapefruits.

Our advice to anyone who is planning a trip to Southern Italy, is to not bypass the cultural gem of Naple (Napoli). You can book a variety of excellent hostels, hotels, and B&B’s by clicking here: Naples Hotels and Hostels

If you have interesting experiences or recommendations on traveling to Naples (Napoli), Italy, please post them here, and share with your fellow travelers to Italy.

Stay at cheap hostels and youth hostels in order to save money on your trip. It is more fun to stay at these budget hostels as they are affordable and are convenient. These are best suitable for backpackers and provide them with the basic necessities so that their stay is comfortable. If you are traveling to London and wish to know about the cheap hostels or youth hostels there, then you can take help from www.hosteltraveler.com. Through this website you can not only get a list of different budget hostels but can also book your lodging. In other words it allows you to make online reservation that can save you a lot of time and money.

The website is very popular with backpackers and travelers who book their cheap hostels or budget hostels through it. You can also book your budget hostels in London through hosteltraveler.com. All you need to do is to log on to the website and select the region you would be traveling to. A list of hostels and other types of accommodation would be provided to you and you can sort through it on the basis of price, class and rating. You can book budget hostels that best suits your requirement and hence save your time and money.

Italy

Southern Italy. Alleged victims of the tarantula spider’s bite could supposedly cure themselves through frenzied dancing, which sweated out the poison. The dance is characterized by light, quick steps and a “teasing” flirt. The strange private ritual takes place annually on June 29th at 6am at the celebrations for the Feasts of Saints Peter and Paul in Galatina, the only place on theSalentinePeninsula where tarantism has survived.

Source: Eyewitness Travel Guide - Italy 2005

The beauty of London is breathtaking and far beyond words. Every time I am in the city I find something new to explore. The sheer variety of life in London is overwhelming, and the energy buzz is contagious. But London is as expensive as it is beautiful. Sightseeing can be quite pricey out here. You obviously won €™t want to miss out on some of the breathtaking sights just to save on your money, so why not cut down your costs by booking one of the incredibly cheap hostels in the city.

These cheap hostels provide you accommodation at prices that are down-to-earth allowing you to save more and giving you the chance to see more of the panoramic city. And mind you these cheap hostels are cheap only in terms of the cost. Otherwise these hostels are as comfortable as any hotel and much in competence with the luxury accommodations that you can find in the city. Other than offering you an inexpensive sojourn, these cheap hostels also offer you a variety of other facilities like a guided tour to the town, live music and dance performances, barbecues, and curious games too. Now, you obviously will not find all this fun and frolic in the highbrow hotels.

After having been to both the high-end five stars and these cheap hostels too, I can say with certainty that these cheap hostels have their own charm. To know more, feel free to log on to www.hosteltraveler.com