Travel Lightbulb

I love finding places that are remote, beautiful and a little bit different, and today we're off to the countryside in Hungary.  The  Káli  Art Inn is situated in the  Káli  basin, in Western Hungary. It's around two hours from Budapest, and is a great place in which to forget the outside world! It offers around 20 rooms in four different buildings, surrounded by a beautiful, well kept garden. Photo courtesy of  Káli  Art Inn The main building (which was restored in 1996) and cottages are decorated with wonderful art and are not only in a peaceful location, but it has a great history. It was an officers' mess at the turn of the century, and high ranked soldiers who were stationed in this area enjoyed their evening meals in the house - which is exactly what happens today. Photo courtesy of  Káli  Art Inn The food is very traditional with Hungarian breads, meat and cheese for breakfast. At lunch and dinner, you don't get a menu - ...

I recently stumbled across a really rustic retreat, and if you like reading....today's location will be like heaven for you! Castello di Galeazza is forty minutes north of Bologna which is the closest airport if you're visiting from outside Italy. The oldest part of the Castle is the tower, which was built in the late 14th century, and new buildings have been added throughout the centuries. It is set up as a reading retreat; a place to relax, and concerts and art exhibitions are also held here. Photos courtesy of Castello di Galeazza The Castle is open all year round; has a large garden and is set in acres of private woodland. You will never feel that this place is overrun with people, as it can accommodate just ten guests - it's more like staying in your own personal castle! Guests comment on the 'rustic' nature of the castle, so don't assume you'll find fluffy bathrobes and televisions, but you can expect frescoed ceilings, and rooms with antique furn...

Today's photo comes from Diana, who took it on a trip to Africa a few years ago. I think you'll agree it's one of the most stunning contributions so far. Over to Diana... A few years ago, I decided (smartly or maybe not so smartly) to take an overland trip in Africa by myself for five weeks. One of the stops was at Namibia's Petrified Forest which is where this picture was taken. As you can see, it isn't exactly a traditional forest, but what is amazing is that these trees washed up here in a flood estimated to have occurred over 280 million years ago - that's before the dinosaurs roamed the Earth! What a stunning shot! The colours are amazing, and you've got to love a picture with a story. Diana writes her own blog ( www.justwanderlustblog.com ) and, like me, loves to find off the beaten track places. If you'd like to contribute to this Friday feature on my blog, send your name; a photo, and a short description to: travellightbulb@hotmail.co.uk.

Recently, I was looking for somewhere different to go for a day out, and an internet search revealed that there was a farmer's market on at Hoghton Tower. I had never heard of it; but with a market to see; and a tower to explore, it sounded like it could be a fun day out. It turned out to be one of the best days out I've had in a long time, as what I experienced was totally unexpected. Hoghton is near Preston (Lancashire) and as you turn off the main roads and approach the tower, the impressive driveway really sets the scene. The tower is the ancestral home of the de Hoghton family, who have lived here since the Norman Conquest. The history of this place is quite incredible; and the guide who showed us around was not only extremely knowledgable, but also made the history come alive. By visiting you are following in the footsteps of the likes of William Shakespeare; Charles Dickens; and King James I who, at a banquet held in his honour, famously knighted a loin of beef - ...

Palm Springs is a desert city in California, just over a hundred miles east of Los Angeles. The city became a fashionable resort in the 1920s with Hollywood's movie stars attracted to the hot and dry sunny weather. The Ace Hotel and Swim Club is situated just south of downtown and close to the mountains. It's beyond cool, and very clever design has turned a motel into something very unique and quirky. D. L. THOMPSON & JON JOHNSON A lot of thought has been put into every aspect of design; and if you love a relaxed vibe and a good party, this place is for you.  The simple decoration and attention to detail (there are working record players in every room!) is fantastic - it's totally retro, and you feel as though you've stepped back into the 1970s! There is also a fabulous suite with a large outdoor patio and fire. D. L. THOMPSON & JON JOHNSON Many guests comment on the fact that the hotel has captured one of the eras of Palm Springs, and there i...

Today's photo contribution was taken by Bruce Murray, and is one of the more 'unusual' offerings I've had so far! It was taken at the Mardi Gras, which takes place this coming Tuesday (21st Feb 2012), so let's hear more about it from Bruce himself... Every year thousands travel to New Orleans to witness one of the world's biggest parties - Mardi Gras! After dark Bourbon Street is a shoulder to shoulder crush of humanity with fun; laughter, and beer for everyone. During the day; between the bars and restaurants of the French Quarter, holidaymakers will find a different kind of action in the streets, as revellers are entertained by street performers and personalities. The Naked Cowboy  travelled from his home in New York City to New Orleans, and was spotted posing with his fans by Bruce Murray On Travel , while religious advocates made their views known with jeers and signs! Thanks Bruce - I think this picture is fantastic, and sums up the madness of Mardi G...

The city of Bath, in the south west of England, is famous for fantastic architecture and spa breaks. It was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, and presents some of the finest architectural sights in Europe. It's also home to Britain's only natural thermal spa where you can enjoy the thermal waters as the Celts and Romans did over 2000 years ago. Photo courtesy of Brindleys One of Bath's principal industries is tourism with more than one million visitors staying overnight, and around 3.8 million day visitors to the city on an annual basis. Its popularity is reflected in almost 300 places of accommodation ; including over 180 bed and breakfasts, and I've found a little stunner that I think stands out from the rest.  Photo courtesy of Brindleys The Times newspaper lists Brindleys boutique Bed and Breakfast hotel as one of the coolest places to stay in the UK. A convenient five minute walk from the train and bus stations, it's set in a quiet...

As Valentine's Day approaches, I decided to look for a romantic place to stay with a difference. I certainly found that when I came across the Kakslauttanen Igloo Village, in Finland. It's located in the Northern part of the country, above the arctic circle, and is being touted as one of the most romantic getaways in the world. It's located 35km away from Ivalo airport (there are regular flights from Helsinki to Ivalo), and a bus transfer takes you straight to the hotel. Photos courtesy of Kakslauttanen Igloo Village While there is a hotel option with lovely log cabins, guests have a unique option from December/January until April - you can stay in glass or snow igloos - what a unique experience! The glass igloo is built from a special thermal glass, and the temperature inside the igloo stays at a normal level. It is equipped with a toilet and luxury beds, and provides a one of a kind opportunity to see millions of stars in the clear sky. Photos courtesy of Kaks...

Today's photo comes from Mandy & Peter Henry, who have chosen one of my favourite beaches in the world. Over to them for the details: This photo was taken in December from the balcony outside L'Azure restaurant at The Crane Resort in Barbados. This beach has been declared one of the best in the world with its almost pink sand' turquoise blue sea and rolling waves. It is accessible either from a staircase from The Crane or a glass front beach elevator. 'Put this one on your bucket list'. Great advice - if you're in Barbados, and don't go to Crane Beach, you're missing out! If you want to s hare your own travel photo with me, just send it to me using the email address on my contact page, and include a short paragraph about where it was taken.  T hanks in advance for your contributions.

Sometimes you stumble on a piece of perfection by accident, and that's exactly what happened when I found today's featured accommodation. On a driving holiday through Europe I planned some of my stops, but left others to chance. I had pre-booked 'El Convent 1613', partly because it looked so special, and also because I didn't want to miss out on a room in such a remote location. The beautiful hotel is based in a small town called La Fresnada, which has been declared an artistic historic heritage site. It is in a remote location (Zaragoza, the closest city is 90 minutes, and 120km away) with hardly any other tourists in this region, that is part of what makes it so special - it's as if no one else knows about it! Just over a decade ago, the family decided to turn their house (previously an old convent) into a small hotel with just twelve rooms. Photos do not do this place justice, and the central patio (see photo below) is a mixture of ancient and modern...

As always on the first Monday of every month, it's time for my travel ramblings! I don't know about you, but I absolutely love the excitement of travelling to long-haul destinations, but in times of recession and penny pinching it's not always easy for people to find the money to travel to far flung places.  Having said that although those sort of holidays are not necessarily as popular as they have been in the past, people are beginning to realise that venturing further afield can actually offer good value for money. With holidaymakers in the UK suffering with the weak pound; more travellers are heading further afield for winter sun, and people appear to be cutting back on luxury items and non-essential purchases to try and save up for their family breaks. Although some people dread longer flights, I treat it as part of the excitement of the journey, and love arriving in an exotic, exciting location - something the a trip to Europe can't always provide. So which ...

Today's photographic contribution comes from TV cameraman and budding photographer Dan Martland, and I think it sums up the buzz of New York perfectly. Over to Dan to tell us more. A bloody cold day in Manhattan; this was taken in Hell's Kitchen in New York, and it sure felt like hell that day! It's always hard to get a cab in the city when the weather turns bad - luckily this is 9th Ave, a great hotspot for food, with every other door being a restaurant. This is where New Yorkers eat. Don't be a tourist, and save some cash and eat well on 9th Ave - you won't be disappointed. Top tip: Try "Napkin Burger" - 45th street & 5th Ave. Dan thanks so much for your fantastic photo, and great tip!  If you have a photo you'd like featured here on Travel Lightbulb then please send it to me by email: travellightbulb@hotmail.co.uk. If you have your own blog I'll happily link to it, but it's not just for bloggers. Let me know where the photo was ta...

An affordable hotel is what most people look for when going on a city break; and if you're visiting Copenhagen, then The Avenue Hotel could be just the place for you. Within walking distance from the city centre, this boutique hotel sets new standards for the three star concept. It has also just been awarded the Best Small Hotel 2011 by International Hotel Awards. Photo courtesy of The Avenue Hotel The modern but friendly interior was designed by Mikael Mammen - known for his role in redesigning many leading restaurants and cafes in the city. There are 68 rooms, all furnished in elegant Scandinavian design with Missoni bedspreads. All rooms have hairdryers, cable TV, a fridge, and complimentary internet access. There are also 14 A+ rooms which have more space, DVD players, and cold drinks in the fridge.   Photo courtesy of The Avenue Hotel A plentiful buffet breakfast is served between 645am and 10am (1030 at weekends), with an ever changing selection of home...