If you want a memorable way to travel and see the world, as well as taking in lots of culture then you should consider taking a Baltic cruise holiday, for your main holiday this year. There is one problem though with taking a cruise holiday, if you have never taken one before, is that you will get hooked on the whole experience and explore the rest of the world this way.

This is why a good first cruise would be a Baltic cruise, you will be able to visit world-famous cities like Stockholm to take part in some rich shopping and dining experiences, or explore the huge variety of culture available in the ports along the Northern European coast and follow in the footsteps of the Vikings. Many major ports are covered as you set sail along the waters where epic clashes between Russian, German and British fleets vying for control of the seas took place.

There are varying itineraries for Baltic cruises, with stops in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Riga, and Tallinn, but you should find one that covers the placers you want to see and if you can’t you will just have to take another cruise holiday next year to cover the rest! Plus there are plenty cruise holiday deals for 2011 available so you should also be able to find the right cruise for your budget.

The great things about taking a cruise holiday, have to be the fact that you don’t have to worry about the travelling, as the captain of the ship does that for you, you don’t have to think to hard about eating as there is always plenty of choice for meals onboard and it’s easy to find entertainment for those days spent at sea, or on an evening.

Spain is one of the traditional favourite destinations for Brits travelling abroad with millions of families enjoying Spanish holidays over the years; in fact it was one of the first package holiday destinations.  One of the biggest attractions to taking a holiday in Spain is the huge amount of variety available to holidaymakers in the country, with city breaks, beach holidays, golfing holidays, cruise holidays 2011 and resort experiences all readily available thanks to Spain’s large tourism industry. 

Ibiza, Spain

Picture courtesy of Philip Larson

The country is also easy and economical to get to, with numerous flights from a variety of low cost airlines departing daily from most major UK airports and some of the smaller local ones. You can also take a cruise holiday from a UK port or alternately if you want to enjoy a cruise around the Mediterranean and a stay in Spain you could go on a fly, cruise and stay holiday.

One of the most popular places for British tourists in Spain is the south coast of the island, where holidaymakers can find a great mixture of beaches, restaurants, bars and shopping to ensure an action packed and fun break.  This area of Spain also has a large ex-pat community, making sure that home favourites are always close to hand.  The south of Spain, though, isn’t all about busy family holidays as there are also several small villages and towns in the area full of quiet, rustic charm.  Further inland from the busy coastal areas you can find some of Spain’s best resorts and golf courses, offering a more relaxing and serene family experience.

Along with traditional beach and resort holidays, Spain is also home to several great cities for tourists to explore.  Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona, amongst a host of others, are all great locations for Brits looking to combine Spanish heritage and culture with the luxuries and comforts of a cutting edge modern city.

Featured in the James Bond movies GoldenEye and Never Say Never Again, Monte Carlo is your destination not only for gambling fun, but for sunshine, fabulous beaches, and Grand Prix racing.  The one-time home of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainer III, Monte Carlo glitters with celebrities and stars, and you can get in on the action during your holiday.

For fun and excitement, drive a Ferrari.  Ferraris are available to rent by the hour, and nothing matches seeing the beauty of Monte Carlo from the driver’s seat of one of these powerful machines.  Listen to the roar of the engine as you take it up one of the many twisting roads.

Afterwards, soak up the sun on Larvotto Beach, near the city centre, or enjoy true relaxation at Les Thermes Marins Spa on Avenue de Monte-Carlo.  If you tire of the beach, tour some of the gorgeous gardens (jardins) that dot the city.  Jardin Exotique has hundreds of plants, flowers and cacti, along with a grotto and views over Monaco and out to the sea.

What would a trip to Monte Carlo be without visiting the famed Casino de Monte-Carlo?  The interior is stunning in its marble and bronze opulence, and although you do not need a tuxedo or evening gown to enter, there are plenty of people inside that are well dressed.  The exterior of the building and the surrounding gardens are also worth a minimum of an hour of your time, so do not rush yourself through this experience.

Monte Carlo

Picture courtesy of Wolfiewolf

Dresden, a city in eastern Germany, has quite a lot to offer visitors in terms of history and culture.  The city was devastated during World War II, but in recent years, the city has fully recovered and has returned to its role as Germany’s primary artistic and cultural city.

One of the most impressive attractions in Dresden is the Frauenkirche.  It is a Lutheran church that used to be the architectural highlight of the city, until it was destroyed during World War II.  Until 2005, the church remained incomplete; in late 2005, the interior and exterior were finally reconstructed.  The church now serves as a monument of hope and reconciliation.

Dresden is also home to Semper’s Opera House.  It is reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance, and the opera house dominates the western part of Dresden.  After being bombed in World War II, the opera house was finally reconstructed in 1985.  Visitors who wish to attend an opera in this building, rather than just admire it, should book well in advance, as tickets are difficult to obtain. 

The Dresden Gallery of Old Masters displays artwork from famous Dutch and Flemish painters, as well as an assortment of German and Spanish artwork.  It is located near the Dresden Gallery of Modern Masters, a gallery dedicated to modern artwork from all over Europe.

Walking through Dresden makes it clear that the city is an important cultural bastion for Germany.  Visitors can enjoy cathedrals, art galleries, museums, beautiful architecture, and learn more about German history in the process.

Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, is a prime holiday destination.  Osaka has a long and interesting history, beginning with the construction of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s castle in the 16th century.  At one point, it was also the commercial capital of Japan.  This combination of history and culture makes Osaka an essential stop for visitors.

Shinsekai is a relatively new district in Osaka.  Before World War II influenced Japan, Shinsekai was constructed to be an important area in the city.  The most striking feature of the area is the Tsutentaku Tower.  It was intended to be similar to the Eiffel Tower, and provides a wonderful photo opportunity to all visitors.  The whole district is very similar to Coney Island in New York.

History buffs are sure to enjoy a trip to the Osaka Museum of History.  Newly constructed, it only opened to the public in 2003.  Since it is across the street from Osaka Castle, the top floor has a wonderful view of the castle.  Museum exhibits outline the history of the city, beginning with Japan’s ancient history, and leading up to the Showa Period.

Osaka Castle may very well be the highlight of Osaka.  It was originally built in 1583, destroyed a few decades later, and rebuilt in the 1620s.  It was burnt down in 1665 and finally rebuilt in 1931.  The castle has everything you would expect from a castle from this period of Japanese history, with gates, turrets, moats, a huge garden with 600 cherry trees, and an impressive castle tower.  The Osaka Castle Park has recreational areas, a sports facility, and a religious shrine.

Visitors that travel to Japan should make a stop in Osaka, a city rich in history, culture, and entertainment.

Barcelona is a city that has something to offer for everyone, with great beaches, plenty of culture, Gaudi’s modernist architecture and a excellent mix of restaurants, bars and nightlife, which make it a the perfect destination for a weekend break.

You will firstly notice that Barcelona is a city that mixes old with new, with its long history there are a great number of ancient monuments, buildings and attractions such as; the Cathedral la Seu, located in the Barri Gotic (Gothic centre) district of the city and is Barcelona’s official catholic cathedral or the 75 acre Parc de la Ciutadella which is right in the middle of Barcelona city.

As well as the Arc de Triomf (or Triumf), not to be confused with the one in Pairs, this one sits at the main entrance to the Parc de la Ciutadella. These are mixed in with modern architecture and most noticeably mesmerizing and stunning buildings by architect Antonio Gaudi.

You can also take in the wide range art offered in Barcelona, the Museu Picasso showcases and charts the great artist’s life and artistic development a must for art lovers, as well as a gallery come museum dedicated to artist and sculptor Joan Miro.

Shopping, whether it’s for designer clothes or local made specialities are top on the list for many visitors, Barcelona offers a great selection of designer boutiques, high street names and Spanish stores, as well as amazing local markets which are a treasure trove or the famous Mercat San Josep (market) which was built in 1840 and is the big fresh produce market in Barcelona city.

One street that shouldn’t be missed when visiting Barcelona is the Passeig de Garcia, not as famous as the as Ramblas, it does offer the best buildings, boutiques, restaurants and cafes. It features many great ornately decorated street lights which are part of Gaudi’s (early) works, as well as modernist architecture and plenty of Neo-Classical and Gothic buildings.

One thing you will find when visiting Barcelona is that you will wish you were there longer, and will probably find yourself coming back again to enjoy more of what this fantastic city has to offer.

Parc de la Ciutadella

Picture courtesy of philTizzani

If you have ever travelled to Florida you already know that the Sunshine State is one of the most lush and gorgeous of those in the U.S.  While you may have visited Orlando and the Disney theme parks or Miami and its pristine beaches you might not have found out that West Palm Beach has a lot to offer as well.  West Palm Beach is a growing and vibrant community that is just north of Miami.

Things to See
The culture in West Palm Beach is actually quite diverse, it is made up of a combination of urban chic, old money, and new age.  There are plenty of museums to explore and performing arts throughout the year.  For example, don’t miss the Flagler Museum on the island of Palm Beach featuring famous art in the setting of the restored home of Henry Flagler.  The Norton Art Museum in downtown West Palm Beach offers a vast collection of classic and modern art and if you are lucky enough to be in town when there is a play on, pay a visit to the Kravis Centre for Performing Arts.

Things to Do
Florida is famous for its beaches and there are more than 40 miles of sandy beaches along the Palm Beach County coast.  The Gulf Stream keeps the waters fairly warm all year long, so you can swim even in the winter.  For snorkelling adventures, visit the John D. MacArthur Beach State Park on Singer Island, but do keep in mind that there might be sharks in the water. 

West Palm Beach at night

Picture courtesy of Gregory Moine

Seattle

With a compact downtown area and perhaps the best public transportation system in the US, Seattle is the perfect place for short breaks.  Visit the Pike Place Market, the Space Needle and the Washington Park Arboretum or take a cruise across Lake Washington to Blake Island.

Boston

As one of the oldest cities in the US, Boston is full of tradition.  It is easy to get around on foot or on wheels, so you are sure to get the most out of city breaks to this East Coast gem.  The Freedom Trail, Boston Common, the Public Garden, Faneuil Hall Market, shopping on Newbury Street and Fenway Park are just a few of Boston’s not to be missed landmarks.

San Francisco

It is easier than ever to book affordable short breaks to San Francisco, hotels and restaurants have dramatically lowered their prices, but the city remains as fabulous as it has always been.  Wander through the famed Haight-Ashbury district, tour the Museum of Modern Art, visit vibrant Chinatown, Golden Gate Park or Fisherman’s Wharf and take in all there is to see and do in this amazing city.

Atlanta

A booming city with a promising future, Atlanta blends Southern charm and Northern sophistication.  Weekend breaks to Atlanta should include visits to the Martin Luther King Jr. Historical Site, the Jimmy Carter Library, the Georgia Aquarium and Olympic Park.  There is also world-class shopping, great restaurants and excellent nightlife.

Chicago

Chicago is a fun, family-friendly city, with plenty to offer everyone on weekend breaks.  Blues and jazz clubs, top notch theatre, a rich sports tradition, loads of museums, Navy Pier, the world-famous Field Museum, the Sears Tower, Hyde Park and the Lincoln Park Zoo are just a few of the attractions you are sure to enjoy.

Paris has to be one of the most romantic cities in the world, so small elegant hotels seem to be on every corner in the city centre; actually choosing one out of so many  can be a challenge.

For sheer opulence, the Hotel Napoleon, on the Avenue de Friedland, is hard to beat. It was built in the Art Deco style in vogue in the ‘Belle Epoque’, when Paris was at the height of its fame as the destination of the rich and famous.

Completely renovated in 2001, the hotel retains its traditional furniture, decoration and art work, whilst incorporating modern necessities such as air-conditioning and soundproofing. The hotel is just a few steps from the Arc de Triomphe, and the rooms with balconies have the most breathtaking views of Paris.

Nothing could be more different in style from the Napoleon than the Kube. Tucked away in a quiet street in Montmartre, the Kube exudes ultra-retro styling from behind an historic façade. If it’s 21st century modernity you’re after, this is the place. It has 41 bedrooms spread around an open air courtyard, and they are all quite unique in style.

The rooms are luminous, spacious and full of gadgets – digital imprint door openings, the latest coffee machines, high speed internet access, LCD TV with games console, and amazing lighting effects.

If you can tear yourself away from your room, the hotel boasts the first ice bar in Paris. The Ice Kube is a great experience, but don’t forget to take a coat – even in the height of summer it will be chilly.

Austria is a country of astounding contrast, with a landscape that swoops from the snow-topped peaks of the Alps down into the recesses of the Danube Valley.  Known for its clean mountain air and clear lakes, Austria provides the perfect backdrop for a wide variety of activities, from hiking among the hills to strolling through amazing museums and taking in buildings of great historical significance.

Salzburg Austria is a historic city encircled by mountains and straddling the river Salzach.  Its cobbled streets lead to sophisticated squares, allowing the visitor to immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding baroque architecture.  The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg is also rich in musical culture, with the Salzburg Festival being considered one of the world’s most important musical festivals.

But music, gorgeous architecture and breath-taking scenery isn’t all Salzburg has to offer.  The city puts on approximately 4,000 different cultural events every year, with something on offer all year around.  This includes hiking and open-air concerts in summer and winter’s winter sports and Christmas markets.

When visiting Salzburg, there are some sites that you shouldn’t miss.  These include the Salzburger Dom cathedral, St. Peter’s monastery, Salzburg Castle, Mozart Square and Mozart’s birthplace, and Salzburg’s busiest alley – the Getreidegasse.

Also in our list of things to do are: enjoy a Monk brewed beer in the Müllner Bräu beer garden; eat a mozartkugel from the Konditorei Fürst, and be sure to take to the hills – after all, these hills are alive with the Sound of Music!