Summer is coming soon, and we can finally put away our coats, gloves, scarves and hats. This is a much easier time to go out and travel. It’s also a good time to plan a shopping weekend with your friends or your family in order to refresh your wardrobe…but where to go? No worries – here’s a few tips on the best cities for a fantastic shopping weekend.

London, the trendiest city

Of course the city at the top is London! London is without doubt the most popular city for shopping, due to its proximity to Paris and because it’s one of the trendiest capitals in the world. This capital attracts many people from neighbouring countries, who visit London to find the fashion designers’ latest creations and enjoy a cup of tea in a British way.

Where to go?

• Oxford Street: Oxford Circus Tube stop, where there are almost 300 shops and some famous brand names!
• New Bond Street: Shopping district where we can find very chic and trendy clothes – but quite expensive.
• Regent Street: Fashion shops with reasonable prices, reachable from Piccadilly Circus subway.
• Carnaby Street: Near Regent Street, this is the best place for fashion lovers, with many shops featuring urban fashion.
• Covent Garden Market: For lovers of arts and crafts.
• Notting Hill: The best district for finding antiques and vintage clothing.

Paris and its chic stores

Paris is definitely the city of good taste and chic trends. As you well know, the renowned fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld is based in Paris. However, we advise you to shop outside of the city centre in order to find more reasonable prices.

Where to go shopping in Paris?

• Le Marais: Saint-Paul metro-stop. There are many clothes shops in rue des Rosiers and art and antique stores on the place des Vosges. This is a trendy district, a little less busy than the Grand Boulevards.
• Faubourg Saint-Honoré:  This is the centre of the fashion and design in Paris, where many name brands, such as Yves Saint Laurent and Hermes, are based.
• Boulevard Haussmann:  Famous shops Galeries Lafayette and Le Printemps can be found here.
• Avenue des Champs Elysées: Especially for jewellery, handbag and lovers of cosmetics. You will find brands such as Dior, Chanel and Vuitton.
• Saint Germain des Prés: Mabillon or Saint Germain des prés metro-stops. Many chic shops are there.
• Marché de Saint-Ouen: This is the place to go if you are looking for vintage and cheap clothes, antiques and old furniture.

Milan, the fashion capital
Most famous designers have some of their stores in Milan, which makes the city the capital of fashion. This is a dream destination for people who are looking for the designers’ latest creations. With London, Paris and New York, Milan stands alongside as a city not to miss for a shopping weekend.

Where to find the best deals in Milan?

• Quadrilatero d’Oro: This is located between la via Monte Napoleone, la via della Spiga and la via Sant’Andrea. It is a very chic district in the centre, but prices can be quite high.
• La Galleria Vittorio Emanuele:  In this beautiful gallery you can find some brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton or Dolce & Gabana.
• Le Corso Buenos Aires: A big artery of the city, this shopping street has more affordable shops.
• La Via Torino: In the city centre, this pedestrian street is also full of shops, including clothes and shoes boutiques.

New York, the cosmopolitan city

The best known shopping areas are situated around of the centre of Manhattan, which is by far the main destination for tourists. There are also some trendy shops outside the centre as well, not in such close proximity to one another.
Where to go shopping in New York?

• Lower East Side and Garment District: A good place to find jeans, tops and shoes at reasonable prices.
• Greenwich Village: Many shops from independent creators; the latest styles and trendy designs as well.
• Madison Avenue: Shops and upscale department stores
• 34th Street: This is where we find Macy’s (store based on over 10 floors!)
• Between Front Street and Water Street at Brooklyn: A few antiques and clothes stores.

Barcelona, for alternative fashion

Barcelona has large pedestrian streets and two big stores which are favourable for shopping. Most European name brands are based there, which might encourage you to have a quick browse before (or perhaps after) hitting the beach.

Where to go?

• From la Plaça de Catalunya, via le Passeig de Gracia to Avenida Diagonal: Stores are quite scattered from each other but you can find Armani, Versace, Burberry, Bally, Cartier, Calvin Klein…
• El Corte Ingles stores: One is situated at Plaça de Catalunya and the other one is at Portal de l’Angel avenue.
• Avinguda del Portal de l’Angel: Here You will find shoes, clothes and luxury stores.
• Carrer de la Riera Baixa: An interesting second hand stores area.

Berlin, the city of fashion creators

Berlin has an historical relationship with fashion and creation, so this is therefore a logical destination for shopping lovers.

Where to shop in Berlin?

• Friedrichstrasse, District 205, 206 and 207: These are the upmarket districts of the city where you can find Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Galeries Lafayette.
• KaDeWe store, Tauentzienstrasse: This is a store on 6 floors.
• Kurfurstendamm: Offering beautiful window-shopping along the avenue to Tauentzienstrasse and KaDeWe store.
• Alte Schönhauser Strasse, Mulackstrasse, Weinmeisterstrasse and RochStrasse: All these streets are located in the Scheunenviertel district and have many original stores in a relatively quiet environment.

Rome, shopping without any excesses

Rome is home of many prêt-à-porter shops which are all the charm of the city. There is no huge commercial centre and large avenues (at least in the city centre) but there are many small shops.

Where to shop?

• District between la Via Del Babuino and la Via del Corso to la piazza di Spagna: This is the district of high quality products, with shops such as Armani, Gucci, Bulgari, Ferragamo, Valentino and Versace and Battistoni.
• La Via Cola di Rienzo and la Via Ottaviano: Here you can find some cheap shops to buy clothes that we wear every day.
• Viale Guglielmo Marconi and Porta Portese: The Marconi district is very young and trendy; there are many stores along the streets once you go across the Tigre Riviera.

Tokyo, the influential Asian capital

Tokyo is probably the capital to visit in Asia if you want to go shopping and get an idea about the latest collections of fashion. Japan’s capital indeed radiates far beyond its borders and also imports ideas from Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing.

Where to find great deals?

• Shibuya: Very big commercial district of the city and highly frequented. The liveliest places are Center Gai, Koen Dori, Spain Slope and big stores such as Tokyu and Shibuya 109.
• Harajuku: A young and trendy pop culture district, where we find many fashion stores of Lolita, gothic or other colorful clothes.
• Shinjuku Dori Avenue and Yasukuni Dori Avenue: Streets full of restaurants and stores.
• Shimokitazawa: Second hand clothes stores and many cheap products.
• Ginza: A luxury district with many stores of international brand names.

Copenhagen, a human size city centre

Copenhagen is a favourite for a more relaxed shopping experience, as it doesn’t draw the clamour of the bigger cities.

Where to shop in the capital of Denmark?

• Stroget district: From Kongens Nytorv to Radhuspladsen we can find many shops of creators and prêt-à-porter stores.
• Gronnedade district: Very chic stores and expensive products; this is the district of luxury.
• Kronprinsensgade: This is a good area to discover fashion and haute couture, including designers such as Munthe, Simonsen, Stig P, Bruuns Bazaar…
• Bredgade and Kongensgade store: This is the place for furniture and antique shops.

Amsterdam and its antique shops

Amsterdam is less known for prêt-à-porter than London, Paris or Milan. However, it really appeals for everything related to jewellery, books and antiques. The centre includes a large pedestrianised area, making it a relatively easy place to walk.

Where to go in Amsterdam?

• Around Dam Square: All international brand names are based in this area. Dam Square is a very popular and lively area.
• De Pijp: Some smaller shops, lots of small retailers, and a large market.
• Jordaan: A popular district with shops of all types.
• Waterlooplein: Second hand markets and some old clothes shops.
• Antique dealers’ district: located along Nieuwe Spiegelstraat, with cafés and chocolates shops nearby.

Stockholm, trendy place with Nordic influences

Stockholm is home to many designer shops. Tthe city is known in northern Europe for its dynamism and its culture that blends Anglo-Saxon, Nordic and Russian influences. There are also all international brands here.

Where to go?

•  District of the city: You can find some big stores such as PUB, NK and Ahlens, with a huge selection of clothes and decorative objects. There are also two galleries: Gallerian and Sturegallerian. And finally the commercial street, Drottninggatan, is the liveliest street of the district.
• Ostermalm district: Luxury signs and famous international brand names. There are of course some Swedish brands such as Lindberg, Holtblad, Fillipa K, Northface…
• Sodermalm district: In the street of Gotgatan we can find green and bohemian products, as well as new and second-hand clothes.

Shanghai, the liveliest town in China

Shanghai has become one of the most influential cities in Asia when it comes to fashion. The huge Chinese metropolis (home to over 23 million people) competes with Hong-Kong and Tokyo as a top shopping destination in Asia.

Where to shop?

• Nanjing street: Old and new stores; all brands are present.
• Huaihai street: Chic and elegant stores that are also quite expensive.
• Sichuan street: Moderate prices and popular items.
• Yuyuan District: Traditional Chinese goods, booksellers and craftsmen.

Hong Kong, the giant

The Hong Kong harbour, located in the south of China, still has an international face due to the presence of many expatriates who came for business and trade. Alongside its skyscrapers, Hong Kong is renowned for its shopping centre.

Where to shop in Hong Kong?

• Pacific place in Admiralty, Times Square at Causeway Bay and Langham Place at Mongkok, Central: Several large commercial centers with a high density of quality shops.

Considering the destinations listed and the density of shops in these major cities, it would be better to plan a shopping ‘weekend’ of at least 3 days. That might afford you some time to walk around and discover the city a little whilst also browsing the commercial areas. Staying a few days means booking an affordable hotel in the best location, which you can easily find with Easytobook.com.

Article written by Sandrine Sanchez, marketing assistant at Easytobook.com

Sources
http://www.linternaute.com/sortir/escapade/les-meilleures-villes-pour-faire-du-shopping/shopping-paris.shtml

Image(c) AntwerpenR

You don’t have to go for to find an amazing holiday in Europe. The continent is littered with holiday destinations from party hot beds to culturally entrenched cities and rural highlights. Travelling around the continent is even easier than before with quick connections between countries on various types of public transports you can get from a snowy mountain side to a sun kissed beach in a matter of hours.

Travelling around the continent is usually a break best fitted to a group of friends as appose to a family vacation. To keep all members of a group interested and on point it’s sometimes best to create a theme for a holiday. Sporting destinations can be a great idea for this. More relaxing pursuits such as golf make for a great holiday sport and can take you through some amazing destinations around Europe.
The Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve is famous for its lively nightlife, historical culture and mostly its amazing weather. Situated on the southern tip of Portugal the Algarve boasts some of the best European weather all year round. Nearly 10 million people visit the area per year and you are sure to find something you like in The Algarve. With seafood and fruits being some of its main exports there are some truly authentic tastes on offer. In terms of sports –  golf courses in Portugal include San Lorenzo and Quinta de Cima.

The Costa del Sol, Spain

The Costa del Sol is home to some of the most famous Spanish party spots such as Malaga and Marbella, making the area a perfect destination in your European tour. Make sure you do travel within the area and don’t just stay in one place, this way you are sure to make the most of your time. If your group really wants to get into the swing of the golfing holiday, before you go, check out online golf holiday travel agents like Yourgolftravel. Planning a holiday in this way means you won’t miss anything when you’re there.

Belek, Turkey
Turkey may not be a first destination that comes to mind when planning a trip around Europe but don’t forget, it is in the EU and can offer a more exotic feel than say Spain or Portugal. There’s a real change of culture to experience when going this far East and believe it or not, there are some really great opportunities for golf holidays too.
Images used with permission from YourGolfTravel.com

The Sunshine State has some stunning beaches that are perfect for spending relaxing days in gorgeous weather. There is nothing better than laying on a beach with a good book and a cocktail in hand – just make sure you wear sunscreen! The day does not end there. Sure a day in the sun is fantastic but when the sun goes down the party really kicks off! Do not worry if you aren’t the Spring Break partier there are lots of different options for you no matter what generation you are in. If you’re staying in Orlando villas, you may be tempted to stick to the city for your nights out – but the beaches of Florida have plenty of nightclubs and parties going on all year round. What’s better than a holiday with some fun by the beach, you definitely should not miss out. Whether it’s the star-studded glamour of Miami Beach or the more laid-back Siesta Key, there’s something for all tastes on Florida’s coast.

You may think you need to travel somewhere exotic like Thailand but great beaches are in your own backyard. Miami Beach is one of the hottest nightspots in the state, offering everything from fine dining to cocktail bars and clubs – some of the top spots include Cameo on South Beach, Mynt Lounge and the enormous party venue LIV. You should be prepared to splurge a bit here as Miami Beach comes with a price and often it is a hefty entrance fee to a club or bar. But this is your holiday so it is not the time to cheap out on good night life. This is a world class party and a night out in Miami Beach doesn’t come cheap, but you’re guaranteed an unforgettable time!

Maybe you aren’t looking for the biggest party in the planet and prefer something a little bit more low key or perhaps with a small entrance fee. Naples is the beach to visit for a more relaxed night out. While there are nightclubs to go to, they’re mixed in with theatres, open-til-late art galleries and night-time cruises.  It is a much different scene that Miami Beach so it is a good alternative if you still want to enjoy a night out but are not into the club scene. Try an evening at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts if you’re in the mood for some culture, or the Dinner Theatre for great food and entertainment. Florida is the home to gourmet cuisine with an intense Latin influence paired with a great love of seafood. You should not miss out on dining when you are here as you are sure to have many memorable meals.

Smathers Beach is a great place for those who love a spectacle – the Sunset Celebration, which takes place every night, features performance artists of all sorts. Fire jugglers, tightrope walkers, unicyclists and all manner of musicians and magicians mingle together for a unique show. Local specialties for the hungry include conch fritters and key limeade.

For an insight into how Americans like to party, forget about heading to Mexico,  try hitting Panama City Beach during Spring Break. As well as being home to Club LaVela, the largest nightclub in the US, the beach is known as the location where MTV records its annual coverage of the holiday, which draws thousands of thrill-seeking teens every year.

As you can see there are so many things to do in Florida. It is not only where people retire or Canadian snow birds flock in the winter but offers a thriving culture and night life for all.

Image (c) MathewIngram

Many tourists take flights to Thailand every year to experience the rich culture and affordable travel opportunities. It is definitely one of the most popular backpacker destinations and is very easy to travel as there is a well trodden backpacker trail. For this reason many people choose it as their first major travel experience abroad,

While there are many things to do in Thailand, here are a few of the top destinations in the country.

1. Bangkok

Known as the Big Mango, this international city can be anything a visitor wants to make of it. With top hotels and international restaurants, luxury tourists will be at home in Bangkok. Backpackers flock to Khao San Road for cheap accommodations near the major tourist sites and great museums. No trip to Thailand would be complete without a stop at the Grand Palace, though visitors should dress appropriately. Make sure you ask your hotel or hostel ahead of time what is required as you do not want to be disrespectful when showing up at any place of worship.

2. Floating Market

An easy day trip from Bangkok, the Floating Market has been attracting visitors for years. While it may be less popular among locals, this iconic landmark is always worth visiting. No travel in Thailand is complete without it.

3. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second city, and health enthusiasts will love the city’s many vegetarian restaurants. Chiang Mai is also the perfect base for those who want to go trekking in the nearby hill country.

4. Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya was the capital of an ancient Thai kingdom, and the temples and ruins in the area must be seen to be believed. Located just a few hours from Bangkok, temple fanatics will love this UNESCO world heritage site. It is definitely a sight to be seen.

5. Phuket

Not listed previously as one of the travel hotspots in Asia but it certainly is! With beautiful beaches and a lot to see and due, many people flock to Phuket every year. Many flights to Thailand go directly to Phuket so that tourists can enjoy the beaches without dealing with the traffic in the capital. While Phuket is not the cheapest destination in the region, upscale visitors will love it. Check omy picks on the best islands to visit in Thailand.

6. Koh Samui

This island is another popular destination for beach bums, and it is great for people on a budget. Koh Samui is also home to the popular Full Moon Parties. Older tourists love the laid back atmosphere on the island.

7. Mae Hong Son

While Mae Hong Son is off the beaten path, it is well worth a visit especially if you are tired of the backpacker trail.. The area is home to a number of hill tribes that each have unique and vibrant cultures. Many come to Mae Hong Son to go trekking and visit the Paduang tribe. These people are famous for stretching their necks with brass rings. Visitors can find great handicrafts in the local night market.

8. Hua Hin

This beach town is popular with Bangkok residents who want a weekend away from the big city. While the beaches in Hua Hin may not be a substitute for those in Phuket, it is a great place for those who are staying in central Thailand.

9. Hin Daeng

Hin Daeng is the top scuba diving spot in Thailand. The abundance of aquatic life makes Hin Deang perfect for those who want to go sightseeing under the sea.

10. Krabi

Krabi is a perfect destination for people who appreciate natural beauty on land and in the water. With an abundance of limestone cliffs, Krabi is home to lots of great hiking and climbing spots. The many coral reefs off the coast are popular with divers.

Image (c) Jacksoncam

So the Philippines didn’t make my list on the top travel hot spots in Asia but it has always intrigued me. I have a Filipino friend who assured me there are many places to be visited in the Philippines for newcomers and even for those who have already spent some time in the country. One can check out an island’s resorts and natural wonders only to find out that there are thousands more others to be seen.

To know about these vacation spots, I asked my friend to compile a list of must-visit places for tourists and experienced travelers alike. Personally, I have never been to any of these places so here is the list of my friend’s recommended destinations:

1. Baler, Aurora

Is a place that can be found between the sea and the mountains where the Pacific Ocean is located on the east and the Sierra Madre on the west. I think it may be a bit too far to see Australia from here.  This remote place from the city prides itself of its beautiful landscape that has been left unspoiled by many of its inhabitants. My friend suggests that people check out the Sabang Beach which offers great waves for surfing and its nearby islets are an ideal place for snorkeling activities. It is the birthplace of the first Commonwealth President Manuel Quezon and history enthusiasts can visit the Quezoniana where the ruins of the Quezon house can be found.

2. Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

The place is also known as the Summer Capital of the South because of its protected landscapes. This is because it is the ancestral home of the T’boli people and it boasts three mountain lakes wherein visitors can enjoy swimming and do water sports. Souvenirs can be purchased made especially by the T’bolis themselves such as the t’nalak cloth. Trekkers can check out the mountains for their nature hikes and take pictures as they experience the landscape firsthand.

3. Catanduanes

In the Bicol Region, the island of Catanduanes has still not been touched by civilization which is an ideal spot for people who want to relax in a nature-rich environment. My friend told me that I should finally decide to get laser eye surgery so I could see the beauty of this place. The Puraran Beach is known for the waves it has to offer to surfers where many of them go to. Tourists who are interested in snorkeling and scuba diving can explore the unspoiled white sand beaches in its coastline. I also suggest visiting the places inland for its cascading waterfalls.

4. Antique

The people of Antique pride themselves by living in the oldest pre-Spanish settlements that can be found in the country. According to local legend, the place was the territory of the famed Datu Sumakwel which was a leader of the first Malay settlement in the Philippines. The place is known for its waterfalls, lakes and rivers where water kayaking activities are possible. Mt. Madia-as is the highest peak that can be found in the province which is a sacred place for the locals. It has also been discovered recently that the Sibalom River in Antique is rich with semi-precious stones. It is quite an ideal place to acquire a unique souvenir for tourists.

5. Romblon

Made up of twenty pristine and beautiful islands, the province of Romblon has been likened to those places found in the Mediterranean islands. The island is known for its main source of marble that has earned it the nickname Marble Country in the Philippines. The 2,058 meter height of Mt. Guiting-guiting nearby is considered by many mountain climbers as a challenging location to travel. For people who are interested in swimming, its crystal-clear rivers and waterfalls (which he said would make the waterfalls in Costa Rica look small) are great places to check out in Romblon. The roads of the province also hold many beach resorts that are ideal for newcomers and dive shops for those who are into diving. Punta Corazon is one of its prized coastal beach resorts.

So what about you? Have you been to the Philippines? Where would you recommend? If you haven’t been there where would you like to go?

Image(c) Keith Baconcgo

Let’s debate.

Really, comparing Menorca and Majorca is like chalk and cheese.

Something they have in common is how easy it is to reach them. With daily flights available, it’s never been easier to reach these beautiful islands. For added convenience, add Gatwick airport parking to your holiday, leaving you free to jet off with one less worry.

Menorca has more beaches than any of the Balearics, with beautiful Punta Prima and Cala ‘n Porter two of them, yet much less commercial, unspoilt, and calm. The island’s beauty has been preserved with its lack of high-rise hotels and tourist attractions. Known as the ‘jewel of the Balearics’, Menorca in essence seems laid-back and traditional, with a strong emphasis on nature, especially towards the north. Much of the island is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, home to an abundance of migratory birds and beautiful flora.

Many activities are available, including hiking at Monte Toro, mountain biking, water sports, and visiting numerous historic monuments. Prehistoric Trepucó, and the many Bronze Age settlements on the island are fascinating and worth a visit. Naveta d’es Tudons is for the history buffs, with an interesting collection of huge tombs.

In-keeping with the easy-going pace, nightlife on Menorca is more chilled, with singers and live acts. Cala ‘n Porter has the stunning Coves d’en Xoroi, a group of caves that have been transformed into a centre of entertainment.

For Menorca, this is as wild as it gets. In short, Menorca is more about the slow pace of life – chilled out and natural.

So, onto Majorca.

In opposition, Majorca is about nightlife and busy, bustling beaches. The largest of the Balearics, Majorca is home to the capital city Palma, and world famous Magaluf, synonymous with raucous nightlife. Family friendly Alcudia, on the north of the island, is a calmer alternative, with its beautiful, long beach offering the usual plethora of water sports and diving. The island also has a water park to keep the kids occupied.

Cuevas Del Drach in Porto Cristo are a natural wonder and a must visit with one of the largest underground lakes in the world and over 2000 metres of majestic rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites. Cap de Formentor is a beautiful place to visit, known locally as the ‘meeting point of the winds’, it stands at the most northern point, with a stunning array of wildlife. A great photo opportunity.

A day trip certainty is the capital, Palma, with its cosmopolitan shops, sparkling harbour and mysterious gothic cathedral.

Inland, the terrain becomes a tad more mountainous, with Sierra de Tramuntana, offering stunning views and a serene, chilled out vibe.

Of all the resorts on the island, predictably, Magaluf and Palma Nova are the most popular, however Puerto Pollenca, situated near to Alcudia is also a bustling, popular resort. For glitz and style, Cala d’or is the place to go.  Nightlife is abundant in all of these resorts, varied and bright the island over.

So, I guess you could say Majorca is loud, Menorca is quiet. Majorca is commercialised. Menorca isn’t. However, they both have similarities – natural beauty, sun, stunning beaches, plenty to do, gastronomic delights, shopping and history.

I guess it really depends on your preference, however whatever your choice, your travel plans will be smoother, and cheaper, with the use of airport parking. A convenient shuttle takes you direct to the terminal and great rates are offered; this added extra is certainly something to think about. Try Airparks for fabulous deals.

So comparisons over, what’s your choice going to be?

White wine, red wine: it’s all the same, right? Wrong! Pairing the wrong wine with your meal can not only make you look more than a little foolish if you’re sitting across from wine connoisseur, but it can make a huge difference to the flavour of the wine, of the food and of the evening as a whole. This is no more true than if you’re eating flavoursome foods from around the world which can be beautifully accentuated by the right wine or overwhelmed by the wrong one.

The first question that should come to mind when choosing your wine is the obvious: white or red? Well that will depend on the flavours of the meal you are eating and its density as a meal. For something light such as a delicate fish or chicken dish, white wine’s subtle tastes won’t overwhelm the flavours of the food but will bring a sharpness to them. For heavier foods, such as rare meats, chilli con carne or curries, a bulky red wine to compliment the strong flavours with the wine’s own. By this logic, most French main dishes are best served with white wines, while hearty Spanish meals taste divine paired up with a red.

Next you’ll want to consider how sweet or tart (dry, in wine terms) you want the wine to be, and thisdecision too will be influenced by the flavours in your dish. This ranges between 00, which is a very dry wine, and 6 which is incredibly sweet. Again, the country of the wine’s origin often comes in to play here as the popular wines there are influenced by the meals they go along with: a full-bodied dry Spanish Rioja ambles perfectly alongside gambas pil pil or most tapas dishes while a sweet Grasa de Cotnari from Romania goes perfectly with Ciulama de pui.

Now we come to the kicker if you’re really looking to impress: the year the wine was harvested. Commonly referred to as “the vintage” by those in the know, the vintage of a wine is often mistaken to mean its age, but this is not the case. The age of the wine doesn’t matter if it comes from a bad vintage. The vintage tells you what year the grapes that made the wine were harvested in which often dictates its quality. The weather of different years will have varying effects on the wine, with more rain increasing the amount of sugar in the grapes and therefore the taste, while a drier year will produce a far less flavoursome wine. Full-bodied continental meals call for a full-bodied continental vintage, so get your hands on a wine guide if you really want to knock your guests’ socks off.

Lastly, remember the most important thing about wine is the flavour and how it tastes to you. This guide can help you pick the most typically chosen wine for your meal, but if you want to drink white wine with German schnitzel then don’t let anyone tell you otherwise: simply enjoy.

As you may remember when I was in Australia I had the opportunity to go on a dolphin cruise tour so when I went to the town of Kaikoura in New Zealand I was so excited that it is known for dolphin and whale watching.

Located on the east coast of the country’s South Island and north of Christchurch, this small town was once a sleepy fishing village but then became quite popular with tourists.

When I arrived I was worried I was not going to be there in the right season for visiting the sea animals but then discovered what made Kaikoura so popular was that you can participate in whale and dolphin watching all year round!

I was worried about where I would stay because I am so picky about accommodation and I really lucked out with hotels in Perth but it turns out that because this town relies heavily on tourism there were lots of high-end, luxury options available.

When you arrive you have two options to see the whales you can go on a cruise, like I did when during my trip down under or you can actually take a plane to see them. I wanted to see them up close so I chose the cruise.

But we didn’t just jump out into the open ocean, one of the staff showed us a few films that taught us about whales and also gave a short history of Kaikoura. Then the boring part, the safety talk about what we could and could not do while out on the boat. Our guide also warned us beforehand that while we had a large possibility of seeing dolphins and whales, it is not guaranteed like everything else in nature.

And the instructions did not end there we did head for the dock but before we got on the boat there was one last set of instructions on how to avoid sea sickness. This was really important to me because I have been sea sick often and did not want it to happen on this trip. I knew sitting on the back of the boat would help, I also knew fixating on a focal point was good but interestingly if you are getting hot you are supposed to take off layers of clothing.

We boarded the boat and it certainly wasn’t like traveling with Royal Caribbean but it was a nice size boat. As we finally left the dock our crew told stories of how they locate the whales and where they can find them. They told us to be patient and within minutes a pod of whales started swimming along the boat. Everyone rushed to the edges to take photos of them leaping out of the water, it was almost as if they were performing for us. I know I had already seen this in Australia but it really was a spectacular site to be so close to the wild.

It was good that we were distracted because I didn’t mind the boat and it seemed that I would not get sea sick which was great. Just as everyone was losing excitement for the dolphins we spotted out first whale and everyone brought out their cameras again. I guess sperm whales are very common in the area. Our guide was fantastic because he knew when the whale would dive up and down and told us when to get our cameras ready

We could not get as close to the whale and it did not try to swim along the boat but it is so gigantic that probably would have scared me. But I will always remember the first time I saw a whale and my trip to to Kaikoura in New Zealand. I heard that you can see dolphins in Burma, I just may have to go there next!

Photo (c) Aenneken

While it was always my dream to go to Thailand, one of the countries on my list was Jamaica and finally I have been able to visit. The town of Negril is known for its 7 miles of white sandy beaches and another 7 miles of its beautiful cliffs. Seen by many travelers as the most beautiful town in Jamaica, it offers a laid back atmosphere for the casual tourist compared to that of Montego Bay and is more of a tourist attraction than Ocho Rios.

People that are staying in the hotel on the beach are literally located on the beach as they can just walk outside to the beach-side in their hotel. It can take quite a walk in the water before it reaches to the neck of a person. The water here is gentle and the sand is whiter and smaller grained. The all inclusive location has the whitest sand in the area.

Before you set out on your trip you should consider getting travel insurance if you don’t already have it. Vacations should be relaxing and worry-free but if something should happen you don’t want to look back and wish you had purchased it.

One of the least expensive ways to get around in Negril is to hire a Route Taxi. There are a lot of drivers that will attempt to let you hire them and many of them are quite expensive even if you try to negotiate. That is why many people choose the Route Taxis as they will only charge a lower fee per person. Tourists should ensure that they set their prices with the driver before they enter in their taxi. Drivers that are not Route Taxis will often charge more and will tell you that these Route Taxis are not safe which is not true.

Rick’s Café is one of the places that tourists go to in Negril. Just like the tropical beauty of Vietnam, it is known for its beautiful scenery in the Cliff-side which it is built upon and tourists can even take a courageous leap below the Caribbean Sea. Even though Hurricane Ivan has made the Cliffside slip into the sea below, it has since been rebuilt and is now bigger than before. It was even rated as one of the Top Ten Bars in the world today according to some publications. The Rick’s Café has undergone extensive refurbishing and offers a gorgeous view of the Negril sunset. People that choose to go cliff diving here can do so on a sturdy concrete slab that is perched high atop the sea cliffs, which is higher than before.

Tourists that are looking for crafts to purchase can do so at the market in the edge of town which is a great place to pick up knick knacks and souvenirs. The sellers themselves are willing to bargain with tourists especially if they are looking to purchase more than one item. People can spend American dollars in almost any location in the island. Many of the roadside stand sellers have a calculator and are updated in the exchange rate. Even though these roadside sellers are quite savvy in selling their products, they can be honest to a fault when it comes to bargaining with them. If you want a good price for your purchase, you can get it. It is advised however that you should not upset the locals by killing their tourist tax.

Remember I told you in Prague I dreamed of sipping mimosas in the Caribbean and I am doing much more now in Jamaica. Unique drinks that are offered in the area include the Rum Fruit Punch or the Red Stripe Beer which the Jamaican concocts. There is also Guinness and Heineken products that can be purchased almost any shop that sells alcoholic beverages. One of the favorites by both tourists and locals is the Coconut Water which is best when coming directly from the tree. The coconut is cut open with a machete and the liquid inside is offered directly with a straw. There are also bottled coconut water offered almost anywhere in the island but not as great as drinking it straight from the green coconuts.

If you have the chance you must go to Negril, it is absolutely amazing.

Image (c) Jack Parrott

Dubai is a destination of extremes, from the simple Bedouin desert villages to the opulent gold markets and “seven star” Dubai hotels. How you experience Dubai really does depend on your lifestyle and the size of your budget; however, either end of the spectrum offers plenty of scope for fascinating things to see and do. Here’s how to explore Dubai on a limited budget.

You don’t have to be wealthy to explore the cultural riches of Dubai; just head to the some of the older, historic sights. One must-see attraction is the Dubai Museum, housed within the ancient Al Fahidi Fort. For a nominal fee you can learn about the city’s history, discover its roots in trade, oil and pearl diving, and view artefacts which date as far back as 3000 BC. The museum is located within the pedestrian-only Bastakiya quarter, which is a great place to spend some time strolling around. Here you’ll find are several galleries showcasing local art, as well as the distinctive wind-tower houses for which the quarter is known.

From there you can take a water-taxi across to the local souks to do some bargain shopping – be prepared to haggle for the best price. Even travellers on a small budget should not be afraid to browse the famous gold souk. Gold, platinum and diamond products are sold at very reasonable prices, and the government’s strict controls ensure all items sold are authentic. Of course, if you’re not in the market for jewellery there are souks selling everything from spices to perfumes. At the very least, it costs absolutely nothing to take in the incredible atmosphere.

One aspect of Dubai which can be enjoyed well on any budget is the cuisine. You don’t have to opt for fine dining to experience some phenomenal local dishes. Al Dhiyafah Road is the best spot for cheap eats, and it’s also ideal for people watching. Get your fill of tasty grilled lamb and seafood, or fresh, spicy salads. There are also some incredible curry houses here which should not be overlooked.

The laws dictate that restaurants are forbidden to serve alcohol; the only venues permitted to are hotels. So if you do fancy a drink, look for cheap hotels that come with a decent bar. A good option is Ramada Chelsea Hotels Al Barsha, which despite its four-star status has rooms for less than £80 a night. The hotel has both an in-house sports bar and a dining bar where you can order your favourite tipple.
It’s easy to daydream about experiencing Dubai at the luxury end of the spectrum, but the plushest Dubai hotels don’t come cheap. One example is the famous Burj Al Arab, Dubai’s most iconic building, and one of the tallest – and most luxurious – hotels in the world. Technically a five-star hotel, Burj Al Arab’s extreme opulence has earned it a mythical “seven-star” status, and rooms will set you back more than £1000 per night. The good news is you can still drink at the bar if you’re not a guest. Non-guests pay an entrance fee to the hotel, and you’ll have to book ahead to visit the Sky Bar on the 27th floor but the views are absolutely priceless.