How to enhance your travelling experience

Article by Barton Wyatt estate agents Surrey

Holidays are expensive, but we simply can’t do without them. That feeling when you hit the road is irreplaceable simply by the fact that it feels that you’re leaving all of your troubles behind. While amazing when it comes to services, 5 star hotels are amazing to stay in, but also very expensive. There are ways to travel smart though so here are a couple of tips to get you going:

Travel Off Season and Eat at Local Restaurants

You’d be surprised how much prices go down off season. Not to mention that the overall place is quieter and it gives you the space to truly relax. I mean, isn’t that what you left for in the first place? Restaurants shouldn’t be an issue if you stick to the one filled with locals instead to the big ones that are usually filled with tourists. You’d be surprised of how much better food can taste and for a much lower price simply because their cuisine only has local influences. Think of it as truly experiencing the taste of Italy or Spain or North America. Wherever you would like to go, local food is a must try.

Walk

Easy isn’t it? It also does wonders for your office strained body. Do you know how many hidden beauties all cities have? You would walk right past that beautiful church in a hidden alley or past that amazing sculpture or great coffee shop if you would be in a car or bus. You can’t truly get the feel of a place if you don’t have it under your feet all day long. It would be a pity to miss all of the good things that are not in tourist guides so take out your comfiest sneakers, fill that bottle of water and get going after a great breakfast.

Try Rental Homes

The advantages are countless: you have great conditions at a lower price than at a hotel; you feel like home because of the owner’s personal touches, you get to enjoy your privacy and best part about it is that there is no one to pester you about a schedule or itinerary. You make your own program so if one day you simply feel like lying around watching the trees from day till dawn and swim in the pool till your skin crumples up there’s nothing and no one stopping you. Rental homes like Virginia Water are great both for families and large groups and simply offer you the freedom that you crave for on a holiday.

Rent a Car

Fly to your desired country and rent a car. This offers you all the mobility you need to go see not only your hotel area and the surroundings of the city but also take a leap of faith across the borders and even see another country’s beauty in one day.  One day at Lake Como, the second in Switzerland; how tempting is that?

In Conclusion

A trip doesn’t have to be expensive to be the best time you’ve ever had. Make sure you have all you require equiped, that you take all the right people and that your sole purpose is to come back with unforgettable memories to keep you going till the next flight away from home.

It's time to get green fingered and in the garden as National Gardening Week kicks off

Today marks the start of this year's Royal Horticultural Society National Gardening Week, bringing with it an array of events and activities taking place across the country, with thousands of people, charities, retailers and culture and heritage organisations getting involved. In light of this, and with the UK sunshine starting to make an appearance and the evenings growing longer, people will be looking outside for their own patch of springtime.

This year's event will introduce the first ever National Open Gardens Day, on the 17th April which will see gardens that usually charge an entrance fee, or those that are ordinarily closed to the public, opening their gates for free, allowing as many people as possible the chance to experience the enjoyment and tranquillity that a beautiful garden can provide. The Royal Horticultural Society's (RHS) Garden Wisley, set in the scenic Surrey landscape will be one of many offering free entry for the day.

There is a wealth of stunning garden space in Surrey. The World renowned Royal Landscape of Windsor Great Park, bordering Virginia Water is location to the celebrated Savill Garden and Valley Gardens.

James Wyatt, Partner of award-winning Surrey estate agents Barton Wyatt located in Virginia Water, comments on the inspiration that can be found in the local scenery,

"As spring approaches we are once again reminded of Surrey's striking landscape and all that its nature has to offer. This is my favourite time of year with fabulous displays of camellias, magnolias and the incredible rhododendrons in the Royal Park starting to bloom. Outdoor space can be a key factor when searching for the right property as the garden and outside facilities are an important extension of a house. From a secluded area of tranquillity to an additional space to entertain, a garden is an asset to any property and the two are often inextricably linked."

Britain is now a nation of budding gardeners, with a 2014 RHS survey showing that 77% of people garden and 82% admit that it does makethem feel happier. With gardens becoming an integral part of home life, their significance when purchasing a new property also increases.

With unlimited potential, Barton Wyatt's detached bungalow, Amraoti, featured on the Wentworth Estate in Virginia Water would be the perfect project for any budding gardener. The property sits in a level plot of approximately 0.42 of an acre and is available for £1,500,000. Surrounded by Surrey's natural splendour, this is the perfect landscape to inspire and create a completely personalised stunning outdoor haven.

Another property within this beautiful estate is Tangle Copse, a charming original Tarrant Wentworth family home set within stunning gardens of approximately 1.6 acres facing due south to the rear. The outdoor facilities also include a tennis court, a pool and a summer house. The property is available for £5,500,000.

In the equally picturesque neighbouring town of Ascot is Winbar, a beautifully refurbished and modernised family house, available for £2,600,000. The rear garden includes a large heated swimming pool, BBQ with kitchen, a Jacuzzi and a wide tiled terrace area that is ideal for entertaining.

For more information please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.