The 2012 UEFA European Football Championship is getting closer. If you just love football and want to
be sure not to miss out on anything – book a car hire already now! The rental cars sell out very fast during this period. The rates are getting more expensive closer to the pick up date – unlike when you book a trip.
So be sure to get the right rental car at the right rate.

Be there for the final in July. Watch the Irish players on the 10th of June when they meet Croatia in Poznan or watch the game on the 14th of June when Ireland meets Spain in Gdansk. Or be there to cheer for the thriller game between Ireland and Italy on the 18th of June in Poznan.

Poland has more to offer than exiting football games. Explore this beautiful country by using a rental car.
If you want to see some football games alsio in Ukraine you can enjoy an almost tropical climate in the south and visit the island of Crimea in the Black Sea. This area is often called the Crimean Riviera.

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Every year the site www.travelsupermarket.com publishes the 50 most poplar travel destinations and places in the world. The data is based upon the amount of visitors during last year (2011). They divide it into seven different cateories. This list below is good if you wish to see the most popular sites in the world or if you wish to avoid them

Here you will see the three top listings in each category:

Public Places

Times Square in New York 39 200 000 visitors
Central Park, New York 38 000 000 visitors
Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas 29 467 000 visitors

Heritage

Union Station, Washington D.C. 37 000 000 visitors
Grand Central Terminal, New York 21 600 000 visitors
Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris 13 650 000 visitors

Amusement Parks

Disney World Magic Kingdom Florida, 16 972 000 visitors
Disneyland Park, California 15 980 000 visitors
Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo 14 452 000 visitors

Market

Faneuil Hall Market Place, Boston 18 000 000 visitors
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul 15 000 000 visitors
Pike Place Market, Seattle 10 000 000 visitors

Seaside attractions

Pier 39, San Francisco 14 000 000 visitors
Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront, Hong Kong 10 320 000 visitors
South Street Seaport, New York 9 000 000 visitors

Naturals

Niagra Falls 22 500 0000 visitors
Great Smokey Mountains National Park 9 463 538

Museums

National Air And Space Museum, Washington D.C. 8 300 000 visitors
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Washington D.C. 6 800 000 visitors
British Museum, London 5 842 138 visitors

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March and April are perfect months to enjoy skiing in Germany. Pick up your rental car in Munich, make sure you rent a roomy car so that you can fit all your things. Head to the perfect ski resort or try out a few different kinds. Here is a list of ski resorts in the south of Germany.

Ski resort Silberberg – Family ski fun

Blue slopes 2km red slopes 2km
1 chairlift, 1 carpet lift
2 ski lodges
Day pass adults € 14,-
Day pass children € 11,-

Ski town of Mitterdorf – Ideal for families

Blue slopes 1km red slopes 4km black slopes 1km
5 ski tows, 1 chair lift, 2 carpet lifts
4 ski lodges
Day pass adults € 20,-
Day pass children € 14,-

Ski area Spitzingsee – Near Schliersee

Blue slopes 10km red slopes 10km black slopes 5km
12 ski tows, 3 chair lifts, 1 gondol lift 1 special child ski lift
16 ski lodges/cabins
2 After Ski Bars
Day ski pass adults € 31,-
Day pass children € 15,-

Skiing in Zugspitze Garmisch – Germanys glacier

Blue slopes 3km, red slopes 19km
8 ski tows, 1 chair lift, 2 Gondol lifts, 1 funicular
4 ski lodges
Day ski pass adults € 39,-
Day pass children € 21,50

Ski resort Grasgehren – Snow guarantee December – April

Blue slopes 6,5km, red slopes 4,5km
4 Ski tows, 1 chair lift, 1 special child ski lift
1 ski lodge
1 After Ski Bar
Day ski pass adults € 22,-
Day pass children € 14,-

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Around the globe there are many comfortable, beutiful and stylish hotels. But there are also some that wants to set themselves apart by providing extraordinary experiences. When staying at such hotels the accomodation is the attraction itself, not the surroundings. We have browsed the Internet for nuts and silly hotels. Here are some of them:

The Ice hotel in Sweden

In the Northern part of Sweden you will find the little village of Jukkasjarvi. Each year a hotel is being built here – all of  ice and snow! In the middle of November a crew of designers, snow builders and ice sculptors arrive to complete this unique Ice hotel. Stay over in an ice-suite and begin the day with a visit in the warm sauna, enjoy a drink in the ice bar and experience the northern lights and the breathtaking mountain views. Staying at this hotel costs from approx. 110 EUR per night.

Underwater hotel in Fiji

On a little island in Fiji there is an underwater hotel called Poseidon Resorts. The hotel, which lies 12 meters under the surface, has 22 rooms with a 270 degrees angle of sea view. To be able to get up to the surface you must use a lift! But who needs to do that when there are 6 restaurants and 7 bars available on the sea floor. You can even get married here! One week in this odd and fabulous hotel would set you back 230 000 Eur (per couple).

Compact sleeping in Japan

Capsule Inn is what is sounds like – a hotel with capsules. If the underwater hotel in Fiji was luxurious this must be considered as low budget. Staying at this hotel is not an option if you suffer from claustrophobia or if you are a light sleeper. In your little capsule you have access to a small TV-monitor and you have Internet connection. To stay here would cost you from 8 EUR per night.

Sleep in a wine barrel

In Stavoren in the Netherlands you can find accommodation in an old wine barrel. From around 50 EUR per person and night you can get a barrel of your own, with a nice little front porch at the hotel De Vrouwe van Stavoren.

Invite a giraffe to breakfast

Approx. 20 km from Nairobi in Kenya you can stay in an old and beautiful mansion from the 1930s. That is in fact not very odd. The strange thing is that in the garden there are free-range giraffes. At breakfast they might pay you a visit by sticking their heads through the windows and snatch a bite of your sandwitch. Giraff Manor is something extra ordinary for people wild about giraffes.

Live in the tree crowns

The hotel called Woodpecker in the Swedish town of Vasteras consists of a a little red and white tree house 13 meters up in a big oak tree. In the middle of the city park the Swedish artist Mikael Grenberg has designed this unusual cabin. It houses two people and once you have checked in you just pull up the rope ladder and seattle in. Halp pension is offered and breakfast and dinner can be brought to your little porch in the air.

Fancy visiting one of these odd hotels? Why not book a rental car from Auto Europe at the same time?

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The days are getting longer now and the light is slowley coming back again. It is time to plan your spring holiday. Auto Europe has listed a few popular spring destionations for you.

Meet the spring in Rome

Rome is a magic city that can be visited many times. There are so many attractions and sights. Try not to cover them all at once! Make out a theme for your Rome visit. That way you can relax and enjoy this beautiful city better.

• Go to the opera or the theatre
• Expore the tasty italian gourmet kitchen.
• Visit the best mueums
• Just wander along all the fabulous streets of Rome.

Romantic weekend in Paris

The same goes for Paris, the large capital of France. Paris is divided into arrondissements and each and every one of them has something to offer. Choose a few and explore them.

Coastal drive in Portugal

Portugal has a very inviting and long coast line. Hire a car and visit quaint little towns and villages. In the south there is the famous Algarve coast and in the north you can visit the old town Porto along the West coast of Portugal.

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With only a few days left to christmas there is lots to do. Presents to buy, food to cook and decorations to put up. Make sure you can relax on Christmas Eve. Light a candle in the window and take a sip of your hot mulled cider. Maybe plan for your next summer holiday? Dream off to the white, sandy beaches and warm continental breases. Write down some places you want to visit and some things you want to do on your coming holiday. Make sure you reserve a cheap car hire with Auto Europe. Then there will be enough money left for all the fun activities.

We at Auto Europe wish you a Marry christmas!

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Why not spend New Year’s eve abroad? Enjoy the festive celebrations that are taking place around our globe on December 31.

Watch the ball drop in New York

In Times Square the over 100 years old annual tradition of the ball drop is well worth a visit. Visit Times Square and secure your spot among the hundreds of thousands of people that every year come to watch the Waterford Crystal ball fall on a pole.

Splendid fireworks in Dubai

The tallest building in the world is called Burj Khalifa and is located in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. In Dubai New Year’s Eve is celebrated in grand style. Over 80% of the inhabitants are forigners and the christian traditions are common and very much appreciated. How would you celebrate the coming new year if you where rich? With a massive firework of course! Fireworks are placed along all sides of the 828 meter tall building and when lit the whole building looks like a firecracker.

Magical New year in the Niagara Falls

Do like the canadians. Gather your friends and visit the Queen Victoria park. Enjoy an outdoor pick nick, a free concert and of course the lovely illuminated Niagara Falls. Fireworks light up the sky above the fall later during the evening. Rent a car in Canada and explore the beautiful surroundings.

Pop the bottle in Kitzbühel

In the austrian little town of Kitzbühel you can combine good skiing with New Year’s partying. Take a romantic hourse-drawn sleigh ride through the medieaval alleys, attend an Austrian New Year’s ball or watch performances of the Rote Teufel ski School, drink hot Glühwein and hum along in folk songs by the mountain of Hahnenkamm.
Rent a car in Innsbruck and drive to Kitzbühel for all the fun.

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For those who love winter sports, a trip to the Alps is a must this winter. Therefore we present our favourite and most popular destinations in France, Italy and Switzerland.

Switzerland:

Zermatt
This beautiful ski resort is situated in the southern part of Switzerland and is a classic alpine resort. Zermatt is surrounded by several parts of the Alps, such as Matterhorn (4478 m) and Monte Rosa, who with its 4634 m height is the tallest mountain in Switzerland. Zermatt is known to have few all-year-around-inhabitants, however, the town is in winter season full of both Swiss and international people, who come to Zermatt to enjoy skiing on the highest slopes in Europe. Book for example a car hire in Geneva and drive to Zermatt.

Verbier
Verbier has over the past years become a public favourite. This vibrant ski resort offers great Off Piste Skiing for the daring and for those who would rather stick to the slopes, an impressive 150 km of ski slopes and 38 ski lifts are available to get around and about. Verbier has something for everyone and skiing for all ages. The ski schools offer fun for the kids, while >après-ski is a well known playground for the grown ups. Book a car rental and get ready for your ski holiday!

France:

Chamonix
This well-known ski resort, located in the Eastern part of France has been nick-named Chamonix, even though the full name is in fact Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Unlike many other ski resorts, this area has more visitors in summer than in winter, as many come here to climb and hike. But it is in winter the beauty and charm of its nature can be fully appreciated. With a difference of 4000 meters between mountain and valley, Chamonix provides an impressive natural experience on your ski trip and in the city of Chamonix, you can enjoy tasty food, good music and a vibrant nightlife. A car hire is a good possibility to also visit other ski resorts, such as the Italian Alpine resort Cormayeur.

Val-d’Isère
The Tarentaise Valley in France is know for its many popular ski resorts, with one particularly attractive resort, Val-d’Isère. With so many skiing and snowboarding possibilities around, it is worthwhile to rent a car and get around between the different ski resorts. Buy for example a weekly ski pass that gives you access to the whole region. This beautiful valley also offers great dining possibilities, where you can eat good quality French cuisine and try the best French wines.

Italy:

Cortina
Cortina D’Ampezzo is a luxurious ski holiday option. Here you can find fine boutiques, stay at 5 star hotels and enjoy great skiing. Rent a car in Bolzano and discover the surroundings of Cortina. The resort is not for professionals and is thus aimed more at beginners and medium skilled skiers, which fits the Italian skiing style perfectly. Here is it all about your look when you ski and the bubbly nightlife.

Courmayeur
The town lies at the foot of the majestic Mont Blanc, with only a short distance to the French part of Switzerland. You can therefore rent a car in Geneva and drive the short distance to Cormayeur. Enjoy the cosy Italian culture and take the opportunity to enjoy a really good espresso, grappa or Italian pasta.

Winter tires for your ski holiday

Wherever you choose to go this winter, be sure to get a car hire with winter tires. For extra equipment such a snow chains and ski racks, be sure to book these in advance to make sure they are available.

Book a car hire for your ski trip with Auto Europe and save!

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December is steadily moving closer and already the 25th of November, the traditional Christmas markets will open throughout Germany. If you haven’t experienced this immaculate concept, then Germany is well worth a visit between the 25th of November and Christmas eve on the 25th of November. A long weekend will allow you to not only get into Christmas spirit but with a rental car, you are able to experience all the sights away from the Christmas markets. As a little treat before Christmas, we would like to recommend our favourite Christmas markets in Germany.

The largest Christmas market in Germany takes place in Nuremberg. Set in a medieval setting, this unique market is 400 years old and continues to bring people to the event every year. At the market you will find stalls selling Christmas decorations and sweets, such as gingerbread, roasted almonds and a variety of Christmas cookies. This markets as something for everyone, so do not miss the chance to taste a cup of the popular winter drink, Glühwein.

If you are heading to Munich during the Advent season, be sure to visit the Christmas market on Marienplatz. The city’s main square hosts a market, which is located directly in front of the city town hall. This market also offers the typical German Christmas treats and is visited by tourists as well as locals.
Within the region of Bavaria, we also recommend the Christmas market in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The city is a hidden jewel full of medieval knights and the market is placed in one of the most picturesque region. Rent a car in Nuremberg and experience the Christmas spirit.

Other regions in Germany also offer Christmas markets and traditions. In Berlin, for example, there are many markets spread over the different regions. The largest market is found in the Spandau district and has over 250 wooden houses that sell items and sweets of all kinds. During the weekend, the market has up to 400 exhibitors and the market is filled with sweet aromas of cinnamon and chestnuts. Find a cheap car hire in Berlin and experience Germany’s capital, then travel to Hamburg where the bubbling city offers many Christmas events in the month of December.

Book a car hire in Germany and experience the Christmas spirit.

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That special time of the year is getting closer by the day – no use trying to deny it, ignore it or keep it hidden under the bed. Actually, keep that space free for hiding gifts instead of your Christmas Holiday spirit! Fair enough, November has only now begun but that gives you the ideal timing to go for a tour of the available Christmas markets and get some amazing ideas and creative offerings for family and friends.

Of course that’s all fine and dandy, but we all know the weather is far from helpful to outings such as these so what about hiring a car in Ireland or whichever location you choose? Find out which are the most appealing markets, there is one for every need and whim so as to not let anyone be a bad Santa this year!

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