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England

Four English Clubs in the Champions League Last Sixteen

The World Cup is over, and England’s massive population of sports fans move from obsession with the national football team to obsession with their favorite football clubs. The 2011 Champions League, the top tournament in club football, is back in February as it enters its Round of 16. Starting with over 70 clubs from around the continent, sixteen remain, and four of them, a full quarter, are from right here in England – three from London. Here’s a look at what each side faces in their upcoming matches:

Arsenal

North London’s Arsenal FC have perhaps the hardest task of any of the English clubs, taking on FC Barcelona in the Round of 16. Described by many as the greatest club side ever assembled, this Barcelona team includes World Cup winners Xavi and Andres Iniesta, as well as the best player in the world, Lionel Messi. Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal will have to call on all of their talents, and get a great performance from young Frenchman Samir Nasri, if they are going to proceed to the quarterfinals.

Arsenal Champions League Fixtures:
Arsenal vs. Barcelona in London: 16 February 2011
Barcelona vs. Arsenal in Barcelona: 8 March 2011

Reserve your seat with Arsenal tickets.

Chelsea

Another London side, Chelsea is no stranger to the Champions League knockouts, having been involved in every Round of 16 since the format changed to include this round in 2004. They have never won the tournament, but came agonizingly close in 2008 when they lost the final on penalties to Manchester United. They face a relatively soft opponent in FC Copenhagen, but at this level, no one is to be taken lightly.

Chelsea Champions League fixtures:
FC Copenhagen vs. Chelsea in Copenhagen: 22 February 2011
Chelsea vs. FC Copenhagen in London: 16 March 2011

Make sure you’re there to see them play with Chelsea tickets.

Manchester United

Manchester United have been champions of Europe three times, most recently in 2008, and are always hungry to add to the impressive trophy case at Old Trafford. This season, their attacking duo of Berbatov and Hernandez have fired them to an early lead in the domestic league, but the question is still open whether they have the squad to compete in the Champions League as well. They face off this round with France’s Olympique Marseille, a side looking to end a recent drought for French clubs in the later rounds of the competition.

Manchester United Champions League Fixtures:
Marseille vs. Manchester United: 23 February 2011 in Marseille
Manchester United vs. Marseille: 15 March 2011 in Manchester

Cheer on United at the Theater of Dreams with Manchester United tickets.

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs are a new team in the mix for the Champions League, this being their first-ever entry into the Round of 16. But with a talented young squad and a budding superstar in Welshman Gareth Bale, they are anxious to prove that they belong among Europe’s elite. They beat reigning champions Internazionale Milan in the group stages, and now face off with the other team from that famous city, AC Milan. It should be one of the great matchups of the year.

Spurs Champions League Fixtures:
AC Milan vs. Tottenham: 15 February 2011 in Milan
Tottenham vs. AC Milan: 9 March 2011 in London

Scream “Come on You Spurs!” alongside the Tottenham faithful with your Tottenham Hotspur tickets.

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England travel guide

Cheap vacation in London

London is one of the most interesting cities in the world which everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime. But planning a vacation in London isn’t exactly easy if you want to make it a cheap affair. Sure, there are many free things to do in London – most major museums can be visited for free, same for the art galleries, many history landmarks don’t require any money to be visited and , of course, you can spend a lot of time in nature – ; but when you start to add up the cost of transportation, accommodation and daily expenses, well, they add up.

Since I recently won two tickets to London, I’ve starting doing some research in order to figure out my budget. If you are not that lucky and need to find a cheap flight to London as well, then you might want to start with search for London travel deals .

If you are looking for a cheap vacation, plan to visit London in March. It’s definitely low season and the weather might actually be nice enough to allow for sightseeing. A round trip flight from Lisbon in mid-March will set you back about €56 (on EasyJet).

However, you have to do a bit of research when it comes to cheap hotels in London . London is big and you also need to consider the cost of transportation within the city when you choose a hotel. You can find a double room in a B&B for just £45 a night and you’ll be close to an underground station.

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England travel guide

Unusual vacation

How on Earth can a vacation in London be unusual? Depends on what you consider unusual, of course! Ever since I won two free flights to London (for next spring – my choice!) I’ve been looking all over the world for something … different to do while visiting the city. Sure, I enjoy visiting the top sites and taking the cliché photos. But I also love to do something totally different or unusual.

In Budapest (Hungary) I wanted to visit the House of Terror (yes, that’s a museum!), in Sighisoara (Romania) I absolutely adored the… dungeons where the prisoners where held in Medieval times…so yes, I’m a bit of a “weird traveler” or my tastes aren’t exactly what you’d call “standard”.

Hence I started the search for unusual museums museums in London. One of them is Tate Modern which hosts a selection of twentieth- and twenty-first-century work. Want to see something totally weird (errr…unusual)? On display until May 2011 is Ai Weiwei’s recently completed “Sunflower Seeds” which comprises one hundred million porcelain seeds, weighing about 150 tons, which were handmade in China, then poured and spread to form a four-inch coating on the floor. Yeah, that’s unusual enough for me!

Don’t forget to look for travel deals to London in case you plan to visit the capital during the high travel season. And apparently, this winter isn’t exactly friendly so if you are not into freezing, I’d suggest waiting until spring.

Photo by Bernadette Demeter

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Articles England

Confessions of an Anglophile

O, England: How I long for thee.

In my everyday life at home in Los Angeles, California, 5456 miles (8781 km) from the UK, I rely on the huge expat community here for immersion in English accents, the solid thwack of a Terry’s Chocolate Orange and a gentle spot of afternoon tea. I keep my eye on the BBC, bookmark cheap flights to London and make great big British plans.

But in my fantasy life, I have a wonderful flat on a quiet mews in Chelsea, hemmed in by a wrought-iron gate and overgrown with ivy. I work my steady way through all the neighborhood pubs in London, the West End’s theatre scene, all 5,000 acres of the Royal Parks. I even agree to settle on a football team.

I spend my weekends in Landmark Trust cottages, tramping across the Yorkshire Dales and tasting new wines on the Cornish Coast. Perched on chalky white cliffs, I point my smiling face into winds brought ‘cross the Strait of Dover. I wander the cobbled Tudor streets of the Cotswolds, roam the manicured grounds of fine Essex estates and swan around the gentle idylls of the Lake District like a heroine from a Jane Austen novel (who just happens to be wearing pants).

It’s a merry old English existence, that. Even from an entire continent away.

So until my dream can someday be real, I’ll just keep thinking up reasons to visit London, and I’ll share my knowledge and passion for the perfect UK journey here with you, posted on WhyGo England.

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England travel guide

Both Yorkshire Pudding & the Sandwich Hail from England

There are, of course, plenty of great reasons to visit England. It’s an easy first foreign destination for Americans, because a common language makes it accessible. There are typically lots of options on cheap flights to England because of the many international airports serving London alone.

But as a recent article about food named after cities points out, if you’re a foodie then you could do worse than make a pilgrimage to England to visit the birthplace of Yorkshire pudding and the sandwich.

Yes, the sandwich.

Just by the name, you probably could assume that Yorkshire pudding had something to do with the area of England called Yorkshire – and you’d be right. Yorkshire pudding dates from the 1700s and isn’t a dessert, despite what the name suggests. I’ve had enough mediocre Yorkshire pudding in my life that I’d be wary about trying it again, but perhaps if it’s served in Yorkshire it’s better? One can only hope.

And then there’s the sandwich. This picnic and lunchtime staple gets its name from the Earl of Sandwich in 18th century England, who didn’t want to take a break from gambling to eat and asked for a servant to bring him a bit of beef between two slices of bread. Voila, the sandwich was born.

Whatever brings you to England, whether it’s a food pilgrimage or just the need for a good helping of fish and chips, be sure to research your options for hotels in England before you book. The country is well-known for its plethora of B&Bs everywhere, many of which serve as a budget-friendly option to more expensive hotels.

photo by alexbrn

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England travel guide

England’s Glastonbury Festival Sells Out

festEngland’s annual Glastonbury Festival is the largest outdoor music festival in the world, attracting over 175,000 people to a working dairy farm in southwestern England each June.

This year’s Glastonbury Festival runs from June 23-27, 2010 and though the full lineup hasn’t been announced, you can expect big names, current stars, musical legends, and some fresh up and comers all performing on the many stages at the three day festival.

Tickets are now sold out, so if you’re among the lucky who snagged yours, check out out our Glastonbury Festival travel deals for advice on getting there and enjoying the festival cheaply.

We’ve got information on cheap airfare to Bristol, the closest airport to the festival, and budget airline deals that will help you get there from other European cities without spending a fortune.

And if you plan on driving or taking a bus, train or even cycling to the festival, we’ve got your covered there to with travel advice on how to get to the Glastonbury Festival easily and cheaply.

Photo by reds on tour

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England travel guide

Travel to England this Spring and Summer

londonspringSpring and summer are the most popular times to visit England, and with good reason. Days are warm but not hot and the grey, drizzly days of winter are long forgotten.

Sights like the London Bridge and London Eye seem ever more beautiful and the countryside blooms with wildflowers. Stroll the stylish streets of London, wander through the Cotswolds or trace the early history of the Beatles in Liverpool.

Traveling to England during peak season can make this already expensive destination even more pricey. Higher demand equals even higher prices, and the poor dollar to pound exchange rate doesn’t help matters.

You can still find cheap flights to the United Kingdom, but to get the best prices you’ll need to book in advance (or conversely, snag a good deal at the last minute) or be flexible with your travel dates. You can also look at flying into another European capital and looking for cheap flights to Heathrow on a budget carrier like Ryanair. Play around with different dates and routes to find the best deal.

If you’re travels take you to England during the World Cup this summer, be sure to pack your England World Cup jersey. We think the team’s got a pretty good chance of making it to the final, if not walking away with the whole thing.

Even if you aren’t a big fan, you’ll want to be among the crowds cheering on the team on game days. Head to a local pub, order up a few pints and you’ll be sure to make some new friends.

Photo by haemengine

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England travel guide

England Preparing for the World Cup

englandkitMuch of the English sporting world is abuzz with the countdown to World Cup 2010 – and with good reason. After not making it into the last Euros tournament and a pretty dismal track record so far when it comes to World Cups, this year I don’t think the English squad would surprise anyone if they took home the trophy (or at least made it to the final). The Italophile in me would like to credit Fabio Capello with much of the success, but in reality the team this year is pretty outstanding no matter who the manager is.

The two BootsnAll staffers who will be in South Africa for the World Cup this year aren’t England fans – one’s Scottish (so you can see the problem there) and the other’s an Aussie. But I have no doubt that they’ll be surrounded by crowds of England supporters at many of the World Cup venues – because on top of being a football-mad nation, England also produces some pretty intrepid travelers.

If you’ll be making your way from England to South Africa come June, I dearly hope you’ve already got your travel needs sorted – because with every day that passes the opportunities for deals get fewer and farther between. Still, if you’re a master procrastinator, don’t miss these tips on finding World Cup travel deals from Europe – they may help you save a few quid on your flight (which could mean a few extra beers in South Africa, either to celebrate a victory or mourn a loss).

If you’ll be visiting England during the World Cup, I’d suggest that even if you’re not a huge fan of footy that you check the schedule of games to find out when England is playing. Then, on game day, secure a spot in a cozy pub and watch the game with a crowd of English supporters cheering their team on from afar. It’s almost like being there. Only, perhaps, without the vuvuzelas.

And whether you’re making the trip to South Africa or will be watching the games on TV back in England, you’ll need to be properly outfitted lest anyone think you’re cheering for another country or (heaven forbid) just not paying attention to the tournament. You may be able to pick up a cheap knock-off jersey on the streets of London, but it may also fall apart after one washing. Instead, get an England 2010 World Cup jersey that will last – and that shows your true Three Lions pride. And, if you’re really geeking out on the games, don’t forget to get the new England away kit, too!

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England Germany travel guide

Why not Germany for a side trip from England this winter?

munichUsually during an English winter, anything you’d file under “quick getaway” would be to a warm destination – and that’s even more true this year, when snow is blanketing places that don’t typically see much of the white stuff. But just because it’s cold at home doesn’t mean the only option for a short holiday is some place warmer. In fact, one could argue (as I’m about to) that it’s the perfect time to visit another chilly climate.

I’m talking about Germany, which – technically – could qualify as heading south during the winter. If you go to southern Germany, that is.

But I digress.

The truth is that if you’re in the market for a budget-friendly trip to Germany, there’s no better time to schedule it than during the winter. It makes sense, because most people want to be jetting off to tropical beaches and sipping cocktails with little umbrellas in them when they’re on holiday. But that kind of trip isn’t usually easy on the wallet.

Right now, however, you can find all kinds of cheap flights to Germany from all over England. This isn’t necessarily the time of year you’d want to consider basking on the seaside in northern Germany, but cold temperatures are all the excuse you’ll need to enjoy all of the indoor entertainment in cities like Berlin and Munich. Spend more time in the museums because you’re not fighting long lines or big crowds. Linger in shops because you’re getting more personal attention from the merchants. And have another gigantic mug of beer because… Well, you probably don’t need an excuse for that.

Not only are airfare costs down at this time of year, you’ll also benefit from low-season rates on accommodation, too. Germany’s cities have plenty of hostels to choose from that help keep budget travelers coming back, but that doesn’t mean they don’t raise their rates during the summer. Visiting in the winter and staying in Berlin or Munich hostels will stretch your travel budget further than you thought it could go in Europe. And if you’re not a hostel-goer, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find wintertime rates on hotels in even popular cities are lower as well.

No, Germany may not be the first place you’d think of as a wintertime getaway from England, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go!

photo by Andi Licious

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England travel guide

Saving Money on an England Visit Will Serve You Well in Europe

moneyOne of the more frustrating things for US residents planning a trip to England is looking at the exchange rate. Ever since I can remember, the dollar has been pitiful against the pound – sometimes plummeting to a $2-to-the-pound rate. And to make matters worse, England is incredibly expensive even without that dismal exchange rate. Which is one reason why paying attention to your travel budget for a trip to England is so important.

Luckily, flying to England from the U.S. isn’t as expensive as flying to some other European countries. Getting a deal on airfare to Milan, for instance, is often a huge challenge – whereas finding cheap airfare to London tends to be much easier. It makes sense, really, as London Heathrow is one of the world’s busiest airports – with the huge numbers of flights going in and out every day, it’s easy to understand why so many great deals on Europe airline tickets are routed through London.

But even if you get a great deal on a flight into London, the city is still extremely costly to visit. And if London is your gateway into Europe and you’re planning to visit other places after that, you’ll need to save money wherever possible in order to extend your travel budget.

No matter where you go, one great way to get more for your money is by staying in hostels in Europe instead of in more expensive hotels. Europe is absolutely full of hostels, so finding a cheap bed shouldn’t be too difficult – although in England you’ve also got the option of B&Bs in many places which can be another inexpensive alternative. B&Bs aren’t usually as cheap as hostels, but they’re often much cheaper than hotels – and full of personal service and character.

It can be challenging to find hostels in some European cities, however, if those cities aren’t known for being major tourist destinations. Milan, for example, is a big business travel city but not a budget traveler’s paradise. Yes, there are Milan hostels, but they’re fewer and farther between than the hostels in Rome or Florence – not to mention the fact that they’re less-than-ideally located for visiting the city. Cheap Milan hotels may be a better choice, especially if you’re traveling with a friend or two and can split the costs.

There are other cities like Milan around Europe, where you might have to be more creative when thinking about ways to save money, but there will always be a cheap bed available somewhere – whether it’s called a hostel or not. And provided you’ve managed your money well in England, you won’t have to resort to something like sleeping in a train station or on a park bench by the time you’ve reached Italy!

photo by icyFrance