City Breaks in the USA

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.

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Two Contrasting Boutique Hotels in Paris

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.

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Salzburg Austria: The Hills and City are Alive with Music

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!

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Country Guide: Israel

Israel may be a small country of just over 20,000 km2 and 75% Jewish, but there is a surprising variety of landscapes and cultures to explore on a trip here. 

Jerusalem is the capital city and arguably one of the most controversial cities in the world.  Three religions have their most important sacred sites in the Old City: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, and there are synagogues, mosques, and churches all within just metres of each other.  The wooded mountains of the region offer magnificent views and many chances for outdoor activities. 

Just an hour’s drive away, Tel Aviv is Jerusalem’s secular cousin, with a vibrant beach atmosphere.  The Bauhaus architecture here has earned World Heritage Site status. 

In the north, the cities of Tiberias, Akko, and Caesarea offer an eclectic mix of old and new, once again mixing different religions with secular modernism.  Druize and Arab villages are common, as are agricultural kibbutzim.  The landscape mixes mountains and orchards, with the large Hula Nature Reserve and the Sea of Galilee as highlights. 

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth; the hills of Jerusalem drop dramatically into the desert surrounding the mineral-rich sea fed by the Jordan River. 

The Negev Desert comprises the southern half of the country, with the Ramon Crater offering eerie sights.  Bedouin camps dot the sparse landscape, the least populated in the country.  The resort city Eilat sits at the southernmost tip of Israel, with fancy hotels and great diving in the Red Sea.

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City Guide to New York City

New York City, the city that never sleeps, offers tourists an incredible nightlife, theatrical experience, dining options, and a glimpse of American history.  From the Statue of Liberty to the site of the World Trade Center disaster, there are many things to see and do around New York City.

Statue of Liberty

Statue of Liberty

Picture courtesy of featherboa

Where to Visit
Depending on the type of trip you would prefer, your choice of destinations might vary.  The most popular places to see while in New York City are worth a visit, no matter what your preferences.  To see New Yorkers in action, take a stroll through Central Park, visit the hustle and bustle of Time Square, or stop by Rockefeller Center to see a television filming. 

Angels at Rockefeller Center, NYC

Angels at Rockefeller Center, NYC

Picture courtesy of Francisco Diez

If history is your interest, the rich archives and memorials at Ellis Island will not disappoint.  Learn about the immigration process and how America became the nation it is today.  Climb to the top of the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building for the best view in the city, but only if you are not afraid of heights!

Empire State Building, NYC

Empire State Building, NYC

Picture courtesy of Francisco Diez

What to See
Do not leave New York City without taking in a show on Broadway.  Many popular movie and television stars can be caught onstage in various shows, both straight plays and musicals.  Experience theatre at its best, and then experience the nightlife at the Copacabana. 

New York 196 Broadway, Time Square

New York 196 Broadway, Time Square

Picture courtesy of Allie_Caulfield

What to Eat
Sample something from a street vendor and a slice of real New York pizza for the full experience.  A trip to Chinatown and a meal in Little Italy will round out your visit’s menu perfectly.

Facade in Chinatown, New York

Facade in Chinatown, New York

Picture courtesy of Martin Solli

 

 

 

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Visit Fort Lauderdale for Sand, Sun and Sea Food

While Fort Lauderdale may be most famous for being perhaps the USA’s busiest cruise ship port, the small city provides the perfect retreat for anyone looking for long stretches of beach, glorious sun and a range of restaurants offering the best in seafood.  About an hour’s drive from bustling Miami, Fort Lauderdale has a long beachfront of hotels and restaurants, along with sublime waterways that are home to some of the country’s wealthiest citizens.

With its own airport, access to Fort Lauderdale is easy and though many travelling there may be destined for the huge cruise ships lining its port, the easy-going pace of the city provides the relaxation many crave.  Golden sands, stretching out into the distance in both directions along the coastal strip, offer sunbathing, swimming and water sports.  With its hotels and restaurants only a short distance away, wandering gently around and relaxing is almost impossible to avoid.

Behind the beachfront lie the glorious waterways that meander throughout Fort Lauderdale.  Home to Manatees in the warmer seasons, exploring the watercourses by boat is both an ideal way of getting around and also learning more about the area.  As a bonus, this mode of transport provides a fantastic opportunity to glimpse the huge and ornate mansions and yachts that pepper the shores.

Fort Lauderdale is a fantastic place for anyone looking to enjoy the bustle of Miami, while allowing themselves days of gentle exploration.  With a buzzing gay nightlife, family festivals throughout the year and sublime, freshly caught and prepared seafood, it will definitely leave a lasting impression.

 

Fort Lauderdale Beach

Fort Lauderdale Beach

Picture courtesy of miamism

 

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Travel destinations for some sun in autumn – Part 5

Now we have come to the end of our section on great holiday destinations to visit after the height of summer, in autumn, we have looked at many places where you can still enjoy high temperature, places that you can explore without crowds and places that are just generally nice and relaxing at this time of year. The last two places to visit are below.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Croatia has become increasingly popular over the last few years as a holiday destinations and during the summer months Dubrovnik in no exception, during the summer months it can be extremely busy with endless cruise ships docking in its port, and already overcrowded streets and beaches. When it comes to the autumn though, it completely changes to become a tranquil and relaxing place to while away your days, the weather is less humid, with a maximum average temperature of around 25C, the sea is still warm enough for swimming and accommodation and ferries prices drop considerably.

 

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Picture courtesy of Mike McHolm

Île de Ré, France

This tiny island, just off the west coast of France, is a favourite with French holidaymakers and it is connected to the mainland by a bridge which means during the summer it can be extremely busy. However come autumn many visitors have returned to the mainland leaving this tiny island much more peaceful. Île de Ré is one of France’s sunniest regions with average temperature in autumn around 23C, making autumn one of the best times to saddle up and explore the island’s 100km of cycle tracks. You can cruise past endless sandy beaches which will be pretty much empty at this time of year, vineyards, pine forests and oyster farms, before ending up at Saint Martin, the island’s capital, which is overflowing with gourmet restaurants.

 

Île de Ré, France

Île de Ré, France

Picture courtesy of Gael Chardon

 

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A taste of Berlin

European destinations such as France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands to name a few, can provide an interesting and insightful holiday for those who do not wish to spend their time away sat on a beach.

If you have a keen interest in history then a visit to Berlin in Germany will be right up your street, not only do you have the well documented history from the past 100 years but also the history before World War 1 & 2 to get into. You can easily get a flight to Berlin, and there are many cheap hotels to stay in around the city, which will make a great base.

After the Berlin Wall fell the city began a long journey to rebuilding and regenerating itself, however still not forgetting key parts of its history such as the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, Check Point Charlie and the remaining Wall so no matter where you go you will always be able to find some history.

This is a city for everyone, with a huge amount of history to take, unbelievable architecture, old and new as well as contemporary shops and clothing boutiques which open until 8pm – 9pm and also shops selling traditional German clothing. To top notch restaurants or simple snack bars that sell traditional German fare including a Berlin staple the currywurst. Berlin is also very easy to get around with highly efficient public transport and roads you will find it a shock to the system.

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Summer holiday to Belfast

Sitting around on a beach on holiday is not everyone’s cup of tea, some people like to get out and about and explore the sights and sound of this world, if you’re not looking to travel too far for your summer holiday and want to take in some history and culture then why not hop on a flight to Belfast and explore this fascinating city and its surrounding area.

The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is its largest city which is steeped in history, it is mainly remembered for the Troubles that dominated Northern Irelands Politics for nearly three decades and scarred many people’s lives over there and here as well. Although Belfast is still coming to terms with the aftermath of the peace process which was instigated by the 1998 Good Friday Agreement the city itself is starting to turn itself around, undergoing major redevelopment and trying to attract tourists.

If you have a keen interest in history then you will find plenty to keep you occupied, learning how the city began back in the early 1100’s as a cluster of forts, and how it developed its self from then on to become what it is today. Some places of interest include: St Anne’s Cathedral, Odyssey Leisure Centre, Ulster Museum and the Botanical gardens to name but a few.

Belfast also offers many great places to eat offering a wide range of cuisines as well as typical Irish food and drink you can also have a great night out in the city with many fun bars and clubs. For those who like some retail therapy you can indulge in some shopping too from designer goods to highstreet buys as well as local crafts and art so you have plenty to keep you occupied during your visit.

Northern Ireland is easy to get around and Belfast makes a great starting point to visit the rest of the country.

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A Baltic cruise holiday

A visit to the Baltic capitals will be no ordinary holiday, the Baltic is a fascinating and captivating region steeped in history with so much to explore and unearth. With a cruise holiday you will get to cross the waves of the Baltic ocean that were once ruled by the mighty Vikings and where great wars were fought by the surrounding countries each vying for control of this great ocean.

You can experience some of the many cultures in Europe and enjoy magnificent scenery as you travel from city to city on a Baltic cruise. Setting off from the UK your first stop is the Danish city of Copenhagen recognised by its dominating skyline as you approach, Copenhagen as with most cities in the Baltic has some of Europe’s most fascinating Architecture and Copenhagen is also one of Europe’s greenest cities. From here you will set out on a cruise exploring many of the wonderful cities the Baltic ocean has to offer such as Gothenburg, Helsinki, St Petersburg, Oslo, Riger, Stockholm and Tallin enjoy the culture, explore each cities history and soak into the atmosphere of each destination.

Different itineraries also offer the chance to explore less discovered destinations along the way, small ports where hanseatic merchants once traded, with quaint centuries-old fishermen’s houses, winding streets and local charm. With so much to see its difficult to decide where to start, there are many great cruise deals that off many different itineraries so all you have to decide is what you want to see first, then book another one next year to start exploring more of this great region.

 

Boat setting sail into the Baltic Ocean

Boat setting sail into the Baltic Ocean

Picture courtesy of MarvinSiefke

 

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