Summer in New York...

Many holiday makers would give you a bewildering look if you suggested that a great place to take a summer holiday break would be a trip to New York, surely that is the city to visit in December and do your Christmas shopping. Well of course it is but New York has some fabulous museums, galleries and architectural landmarks to see, but it is also a great outdoors city too. The weather is reliable but August should be avoided as it can be very humid at that time of year.

Places to visit in the summer would have to include Central Park, and a visit to the Boathouse restaurant is a must, very romantic too! A walk down the reclaimed high line will give visitors a different view of the city. This stretches 22 blocks from the Hudson to the West village for a n evening meal catching sunset over the river.

A cruise around the Statue of Liberty and onto Ellis Island will give a glimpse of what more than 12 million immigrants passed between 1892 and 1954 and also you can hear live audio recordings of the process newcomers to the city faced. Take a look at the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, this suspension bridge is 1,595 feet long and was completed in 1883. Begin near the City Hall and you will take in views of of Governors Island to the south and the Manhattan Bridge to the north, continue into Brooklyn and head up to Brooklyn Heights, for great views of Manhattan.

Visit Greenwich and take in quirky diners, wander through China Town and Little Italy, New York in the summer has so much to offer4 and you can ride on of the best transit systems in the world to many districts, all different.

Picture: kaysha

How to choose your Canadian ski resort...

Canada is famous for its winter holidays, including those at its legendary ski resorts, such as Whistler and Banff.  While these two are considered amongst the best, with good reason, there are also many other ski resorts offering great deals, and with less traffic more skiing fun can be had.  It is up to you whether you go in for the big resorts or want more room on the slopes for yourself.

Whistler, situated in Vancouver, offers something for every skier, with terrain ranging from mild to wild.  Many other winter activities are to be had here, and there is a range of accommodation from small budget to large.

Big White Ski Resort, Sun Peaks and Silver Star are all very family friendly resorts with terrain to suit early beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers.  The more family friendly holiday spots have little, however, for the avid professional.

Kicking Horse, near the town of Golden, and Revelstoke Mountain Resort, east of Silver Star and close to Revelstoke on the other hand, are every snowboarder and expert skier’s dream, with mighty slopes and offering cat and heli skiing facilities.

With a great currency exchange, particularly for those from the US, UK and Europe, Canadian skiing holidays are cheaper than ever, offering budget friendly accommodation in all areas.  Banff and Whistler provide relatively expensive lodges. Big White, Sun Peaks and Silver Star offer great value for money, while Kicking Horse and Revelstoke offer even better value.

Picture: ines saraiva

Staying in a London B&B...

Visitors to London, who are seeking reasonably priced accommodation within reach of all the great sightseeing destinations, would do well to consider staying in one of the capital’s many bed and breakfasts.

Cheaper than London hotels, bed and breakfasts, such as the Jesmond Dene Kings Cross Hotel, offer centrally-located and comfortable accommodation for those wanting to spend their days sightseeing, rather than lounging around a hotel. 

Many London bed and breakfasts are family-run, and deliver immaculate service and standards, comparable to many of the best London hotels, but at a fraction of the price.  Not only can guests be assured of a warm welcome, but many of their hosts can provide invaluable information about the best places to see, to eat and enjoy in London.

Guests can enjoy the traditional full English breakfast including freshly-cooked sausages, bacon and tomatoes to provide fuel for a busy schedule of sightseeing, or opt for a lighter Continental breakfast.  Like a hotel, a bed and breakfast will cater for all guests, so for those who do not care for a meat or pastry breakfast, there will also be a vegetarian option.  There is no need to worry about returning for dinner, as guests can dine where they please, when they please.

Many London B&Bs, like The Jesmond Dene, offer a range of rooms, from single occupancy to family rooms, and they are to be found throughout the capital.  A London bed and breakfast offers the perfect base from which to explore this great city.

Thailand: the land of sunshine smiles...

Thailand should be on any discerning tourist’s list of countries to visit.  The people are friendly, the food is terrific and the beaches are second to none.  Thailand is an enigma: you will love and hate some things at the same time, but you will find yourself constantly being drawn back to the land of sunshine smiles.

The majority of visitors arrive at Bangkok’s new Suvarnabhumi International Airport.  From there, downtown Bangkok is easily accessible.  Ensure that the taxi driver has his meter turned on before he heads off: some of them are notorious for trying to con money out of unsuspecting tourists, and be aware that driving in Thailand tends to be a little more reckless than it is in the UK! 

Places of Interest

Tourists flock to the old town area of Bangkok to see the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and to take a boat trip down the Chao Phraya River to visit the Temple of Dawn and the floating market.

Siam-Ratchadamri is one of the biggest shopping districts in the city and visitors can buy all their souvenirs as well as many useful gadgets or clothes for themselves.  There are a number of top hotels in this area too, which means that tourists do not have to tackle the Bangkok traffic each time they venture out to shop.

Phuket

After a few days in Thailand, why not take a short plane ride to Phuket?  It only takes one hour, and flights are frequent.  Spend a few days on the beach soaking up the sun before trying any of the myriad activities on offer.  The nightlife is extremely hedonistic, but the friendliness of the locals will keep you wanting to go back.

Although the completely different culture in Thailand may seem strange initially, you are sure to fall in love with the place – and be bowled over by the friendliness of the Thai people.

Picture: Shelby PDX

Beach holidays in Tasmania...

Tasmania has some of the finest beaches in the world. Though there are stunning stretches of sand all over the state, some of the best are located down the east coast of the island.

Attractions

Wineglass Bay, in Freycinet National Park, is listed as one of the top ten beaches in the world. With the whitest sand you can imagine and pink granite mountains rising straight up from the sea, there is little wonder it is such a popular beach holiday destination.

The beaches of Bicheno are awash with wildlife. Look out for the large groups of fairy penguins that come ashore every night. They can best be seen by taking an organised tour.

For visitors looking for a more extreme and adventurous holiday, Tasmania offers some of the best and biggest waves to be found anywhere on the planet. Travelling to Shipstern Bluff, in the south, will see you carrying your surf board on a 7km bush walk in a World Heritage area, before emerging onto one of the state’s most dangerous and famous surfing beaches.

Places to stay

Many of the coastal towns in Tasmania offer quaint bed and breakfasts, chain hotels and caravan parks. There are also numerous holiday homes to rent; ranging from small lodgings for two to larger properties, perfect for families or groups of friends.

Climate

Tasmania is famed for its changeable climate, so visitors should be prepared to pack light layers. The average maximum temperature on the coast, in summer, is 21°C, while the winter months average a maximum of 12°C.

Picture: p medved

The Greek Island of Kos...

For an affordable Greek getaway, you can’t beat the island of Kos, made up of a beautiful coastline small little coves and quaint fishing villages. Holidays in Kos have something to offer every traveller, whether you’re looking for a quiet relaxing getaway or a lively break away. The typical white wash villages aren’t a sight to miss, hidden in the hills. You should also try and explore the countryside here and not just the beaches; there really are some beautiful views to enjoy.

Why not look at the Cleopatra hotel Kos, in the lively town of Kardamena on the Eastern coast of the Island. There is plenty to enjoy in this resort and the Cleopatra hotel is just a ten minute walk from the harbour and beach. Self-catering is affordable and there are a number of eating options in this resort, which won’t break the bank.  If you like more amenities the Alexandra Hotel in Kos Town might be better suited. Kos Town is another lively resort and popular with many British tourists. And the Alexandra hotel is centrally located, with bed and breakfast options.

Kos Town is one of the most popular destinations; the Capital of the island has a rather lively party reputation.  It caters for every taste. With fantastic waterfront bars and restaurant’s to a typical taverna. There are also a number of bars and clubs to go to for a cheap drink as well. But Kos Town isn’t all about partying; there is a beautiful 15th century Knights castle to explore or, Venetian buildings, Roman baths and the Plane Tree of Hippocrates. Kos is actually pretty close to turkey, so as well as enjoying what this beautiful island has to offer, you can also enjoy a day long excursion to the popular Turkish resort of Bodrum.

Greece is a great choice for a summer holiday destination, favourable weather, scorching temperatures, beautiful beaches and warm turquoise waters, make for the perfect mix and there are a wide range of great deals available now for summer 2013.

Picture: krembo1

Major tourist attractions in London...

Visitors to London will appreciate just how central accommodation at the Jesmond Dene a St Pancras Hotel is.  As you can guess from the name it is across the road from St. Pancras International, the Eurostar train service hub and a straightforward two-minute walk from London tube services at King’s Cross, the Hotel provides ready access to all that London has to offer visitors.

Amongst the most famous sights in London is Tower Bridge, easily reachable from the St. Pancras/King’s Cross area.  This historical landmark was built between 1886 and 1894 to carry people over the River Thames.  It is both a suspension bridge and a bascule bridge, meaning it can be lifted to allow river traffic to pass underneath.  There is a permanent exhibition housed within the structure, The Tower Bridge Experience, which tells visitors the full story of the bridge. 

Near to the bridge is another of London’s most famous landmarks, the Tower of London.  Begun by William the Conqueror in the 1080s, the Tower’s structure was added to by subsequent monarchs.  Throughout the centuries, the Tower has been used as a palace, as well as a prison and a place for executions.  Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth I, was imprisoned in the Tower at one stage, as power shifted in 16th-century England.  The Tower houses the Crown Jewels of the Monarch, and has World Heritage Site status.  The new Crown Jewels Exhibition opened to the public in 2012 and includes the Coronation Spoon, which is more than 800 years old, as well as The Imperial State Crown, made in 1937 and worn by Queen Elizabeth II to the State Opening of Parliament.

Playa del Carmen – a perfect family holiday dest...

Playa del Carmen is not only a beautiful coastal resort town in Mexico, but also one of the best holiday destinations for families with children.  Located in Quintana Roo, on the well-known Yucatan Peninsula, this small town is especially famous for its varied activities, golden beaches and blue waters, as well as its hotel culture and vibrant nightlife.

Things to do and see 

If you are holidaying with your family, Playa del Carmen offers a plethora of activities for families with children. There are ecological parks that tourists can explore in their own time; a small zoo with monkeys, giraffes, lions, reptiles and many other animals; water parks that are ready to test the adventurous skills of children and adults alike; as well as parks with playgrounds and gardens where small children can play all day long.

Besides these activities, you can enjoy different water sports, from fishing to scuba diving and snorkelling. Nature lovers can also choose to swim with dolphins – a wonderful once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should try. 

You can also enjoy an assortment of restaurants, clubs, bars and shopping opportunities in Playa del Carmen.  Additionally, the street food should not be missed.  For the tourist who wants to have even more fun, this incredible holiday destination keeps its clubs open through most of the night.

Climate

Typically hot throughout the year, Playa del Carmen features temperatures between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius.  Although the high humidity level can make the atmosphere stifling at times, you can visit this location at any time of year without worrying about low temperatures or too much rain. 

Getting in and around

Playa del Carmen can be reached by plane from London in 11 hours. To get around the town, you can choose any of the available transport alternatives, including buses, taxis and rental cars.  Upon arriving in this coastal town, you will find various lodging options, ranging from apartments, villas and small boutique lodgings to inns, hostels and hotels.

Picture: davidgordillo

Holidays in Benidorm – Exploring the Cultural Sp...

You can explore so much of Spain when on holiday in Benidorm. Benefitting from cheap accommodation in the popular resort town such as the Fiesta Park Hotel Benidorm, you can easily get out and about and explore the magnificent sites of Spain without having to worry about expensive costs.

Many places can be easily reached from Benidorm using Spain’s efficient public transport; there also are a number of tour operators in Benidorm who offer day excursions to many of the popular sites. The Costa Blanca’s most Vibrant City is Valencia and it’s a popular day trip for many.

Valencia

When you take a full day trip to Valencia, be prepared to be packed full of sights, sounds and tastes of Spain. Valencia is the Capital city of the province and it easily mixes it rich history with modern touches. The city dates back to 138BC and has been both a Muslim city and more recently a Christian City, both of which have shaped it.

A must visit on your day trip is the museum of “Marqués de dos Aguas” and the museum of “Fallas”, both celebrate the unique Fallas fiesta held in Valencia which is the largest in the Costas. For children and teenagers the City of the Arts and Sciences will keep them interested. The museum was designed by Santiago Calatrava, a native of Valencia and offers a wide range of activities. The building houses an Opera House, an IMAX theatre as well as a science building and aquarium.

A bus tour of the city is advisable if it’s your first trip to Valencia. Join the red hop on, hop off buses as they take you around this fascinating city with routes around the Historical areas of Valencia, or its Maritime route. Another popular route is the Albufera bus route, out of the city to the Albufera nature reserve. For those who like some history with their trips, must see sights include Valencia Cathedral, Chapel of the Holy Grail and the neighbourhood of Casco Antiguo.

A day trip to Valencia will no doubt inspire you to come back to this fantastic region again, holidays in Costa Blanca are affordable and there is so much to explore you can guarantee you won’t be bored on your holiday.

Picture: atlai

Singapore: Sling some cocktails...

Singapore is located just north of the equator and on more than a few days of the year it certainly feels like it. However, July and August see some of the cooler days, if you can call 30 degrees cool.  Being equatorial, of course, means that the climate rarely fluctuates beyond a few degrees. 

The residents of this country, which is made up of 63 islands, live in a society relatively free from crime.  Holidaymakers also testify to the cleanliness of the country where it is forbidden by law to chew gum, let alone spit it on the streets.

Travel

Due to its small size, visitors can easily navigate around the islands.  The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and LRS (Light Rail Transit) systems work tirelessly to convey passengers from one destination to another.  Private car ownership is expensive and discouraged by the government, so taxi prices are extremely cheap and tourists can opt for an over-ground rather than underground mode of transportation.

Sightseeing Spots

Little India and Chinatown are favourites, as are Orchard Road, Riverside, Marina Bay and Sentosa.  Orchard Road is the main shopping street; Riverside is the old colonial area and is filled with statues, theatres, restaurants and clubs.  Marina bay is the newest part of the main island and it features shopping malls as well as the Marina Bay Sands Hotel with its distinctive three towers and spectacular boat-like roof.  Sentosa is a separate island and is home to Universal Studios.

Accommodation

Although Marina Bay attracts visitors with a penchant for more luxurious surroundings, backpackers on a tight budget often head for the cheaper areas such as Balestier, Newton or Novena.  Wherever you decide to stay, you will surely enjoy your time in Singapore – especially if you ensure you leave some time at the end of the day for a refreshing cocktail.

Picture courtesy of Small