Hotel accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City is plentiful and priced to suit any budget.  Visitors can usually find a room upon arrival.  If booking once there, guests can check out the location and the room, then, if it is satisfactory, negotiate a price. 

Many hotel rooms include breakfast, so if you prefer to dine out, price conscious tourists might like to negotiate an even larger discount.  Unless you really like the first room, ask to see more rooms as many hotels have a variety of sizes, configurations and noise levels.

If your stay, however, falls upon a date of one of Vietnam’s public holidays, especially TET, then pre-booking is definitely recommended.  If staying at any of the nearby popular beach resorts such as Vung Tau, on a weekend or during a public holiday, book well in advance.

Those wanting to save money should head for the areas around Pham Ngu Lao (the backpacker district) or Ben Thanh Market, whereas people seeking more comfort will be happier around Dong Khoi Street.  All three areas are close to many of the key tourist attractions.

Gunung Mulu National Park is Sarawak’s biggest national park. Sarawak is located on the island of Borneo, near the border of Brunei. The park was named after Mount Mulu (Gunung Mulu), which rises over an accumulation of sandstone, 2,376 metres above sea level.

Unique Airport

The small airport in Gunung Mulu National Park is carved out of the Borneo jungle and is located just outside the national park boundary.  It is the gateway to the Gunung Mulu National Park. There is resort accommodation in the national park, but since there are no roads to the airport, most tour operators pick up passengers and bring them to their respective destinations. Independent travellers can take a boat ride to the park headquarters.

Gunung Mulu National Park

Gunung Mulu is famous for its spectacular limestone caves.  The Deer Cave is the world’s largest cave passage, which is so huge it can contain London’s St Paul’s Cathedral five times.  A 50-meter high mini waterfall cascading from the roof near the place called “Garden of Eden” is one of the most spectacular destinations in the cave. The world’s largest natural rock chamber, the Sarawak Chamber, could house a 40 Boeing 747 aircraft.

Many of the cave systems are accessible only to professional spelunkers but visitors can enter four well-lit caves that are open daily. A longboat trip takes tourists to Clearwater Cave, the longest cave system in Southeast Asia.  A plank walk leads to Deer Cave, where the magnificent sight of three million bats coming out of the caves for their nocturnal forage can be witnessed daily at sunset.

Hermanus, located on the southern coast of South Africa, is renowned for offering the best land-based whale watching opportunities to be found in the world.  This coastal town is known as the ‘Whale Capital of the World’, as well as the ‘Riviera of the South’.  Hermanus is located on the Whale Coast Route near Cape Town, South Africa and enjoys a Mediterranean-like climate.
 
Southern Right and Humpback whale sightings usually begin in the middle of May each year, and by September visitors will be able to see the magnificent creatures gently floating within a few feet of the shoreline.  The whales come so close to shore that the callosities on their heads can be seen quite clearly; these callosities form unique patterns on each whale, and are the whale equivalent of a human fingerprint.  These gentle giants will usually come in close to the shoreline to give birth, and whale watchers can gaze in silent awe as this miracle of nature unfolds before them.
 
There is a unique cliff path that meanders for about 12 kilometres along the Hermanus coastline.  This coastal path offers spectacular vantage points from which to see the whales frolicking and relaxing among the otters, seals, and dolphins that also inhabit the bay.  While walking along this path visitors can also admire the colourful coastal vegetation, and observe rock rabbits darting to and fro.  At low tide, whale watchers can stand on rocks that are nearly at sea level and be up close and personal with the gentle creatures that have migrated from Antarctica.  By December, most of them will have begun their journey back home.

Hermanus is about a one and a half hour drive from Cape Town International Airport and can be reached either via scenic coastal Clarence Drive, or by taking a route which travels over a spectacular mountaintop.

The British Virgin Island of Anguilla is fast becoming a celebrity retreat and top tourist hotspot for millionaire travellers and distinguished holidaymakers seeking simple luxury in a pristine paradise.    Thanks to strict regulations that keep the landscape untouched- no large cruise ships, casinos or shopping malls are around here – Anguilla has had its share of growth recently and arguably has the highest concentration of luxury properties on any island.  Caribbean holidays in Anguilla are all about exploring refined tastes, as this tiny island is becoming decidedly more sophisticated each day.

The small runway is perfect for private executive charter jets.  Once here, a luxurious accommodation option in this small paradise is the Malliouhana Hotel and Spa, a luxury resort overlooking cliffs.  Haitian art fills the rooms and jungle themes grace the terraces and common areas in this elegantly decorated resort.  Its posh new suites and pool areas add relaxation, while its spa, one of the best in the Caribbean, offers supreme pampering.

Anguilla also has a collection of super luxurious villas, featuring enormous rooms and classy minimalist interior filled with luxury amenities for a short home away from home stay.  Personal chefs, 45 foot swimming pools, private gyms, concierge and butlers are part of these masterfully architected villa rentals.

Known as one of Europe’s unspoilt gems, Portugal is a country of vibrant cities. This land of tradition is a wonderful cheap holiday destination for singles, couples and families looking to enjoy a little bit of everything. The country’s capital city of Lisbon has allot to offer including the Monsanto Forest Park, which is one of the largest urban parks in Europe.

Portugal is well known for its many ancient wonders and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These ancient wonders are scattered throughout the lands of Portugal but can be easily found.

The town of Porto is a beautiful place filled with picturesque neighbourhoods, large plazas and old world trams that still run through the streets. For a special treat, enjoy a cruise in a Douro, which are traditional boats once used to transport wine. 

If you climb the town’s main hill you will come to the Porto Cathedral. This is one of the best places in Porto to take scenic photos, which can be done after you’ve taken a few of the beautiful 12th century cathedral that adorns the hilltop. For more beautiful views, head to the towns of Avenida dos Aliados, Praca de Riberia, and Torre dos Clerigos that has a water tower, allowing more great views.

The UK cruising industry has seen a large increase in demand as the cost of flying continues to rise. It seems many people simply realize the value of taking a cruise, especially when they compare the cost to taking a similar trip by other means. 

There are currently numerous cruise deals from the UK with more being added each year. The main departure ports include Dover, Southampton and Tilbury; however, there are other UK ports with regular sailings.  If you are interested in taking part in a cruise this season your choices are almost endless.  

The Mediterranean is a common choice for those wanting a little sun and warm beaches to shake off the winter blues.  It remains the second most sought after destination. This cruising area is divided into two sections, the Western and the Eastern Mediterranean.  For those wanting to visit Italy, Spain, Portugal and France, you will need to book with a cruise company that travels through the seas of the Western Mediterranean. For those who have always wanted to explore Greece, Croatia, Turkey and other countries east of Italy, book your next cruise with a ship that travels the waters of the Eastern Mediterranean.

The standard cruise months are normally May to October, however it’s not uncommon to see cruise companies offering deals as early as March and as late as November.  Book a 2012 cruises while there are great deals to be had.

As China continues to emerge as an enthusiastic trader with the West, this once mysterious nation is becoming ever more popular as a holiday destination.  With regular flights now available from most western cities, this huge and enigmatic nation is truly opening up, whether visitors want to experience its vibrant cities or stunning landscapes. There are several locations that are particularly popular with tourists.

Beijing

Since the 2008 Olympics truly put Beijing on the world stage, the city has been a magnet for visitors from Britain and Europe, the Antipodes, the USA and Canada.

The so-called Forbidden City is located in the heart of the metropolis. This is China’s best-preserved imperial palace. Covering 74 hectares, it is also the largest ancient palatial structure in the world. From Beijing visitors can also book a tour along the fabled Great Wall.

Shanghai

Tourists are traditionally drawn to Shanghai’s main attractions, although the more intrepid love exploring places of interest, which are well off the beaten track. English language tours will take visitors to interesting destinations such as Yu Garden, with its ancient trees and pagodas. Another popular option is cycle tours.

Nanjing Road boasts China’s ‘number one shopping street’, offering a huge variety of tempting merchandise. The Bund (quay), headquarters of European, American and Japanese trading houses, is a stretch of neo-classical buildings that have recently been renovated. The skyline is particularly impressive at night.

Guangzhou

Located on the southern coastline, Guangzhou offers visitor attractions, including the Five Ram Statue in Yuexiu Park and White Cloud Mountain.

Guangzhou by night

Picture courtesy of micmac9a

Calgary, a burgeoning city of over a million, is known as the heart of the New West. Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, this bustling city has much to offer for your next holiday.

Spend a few hours among relics of history and learn about the cowboy background of the area at the Glenbow Museum. To continue your historical tour, visit Fort Calgary, a national historic site where the town first sprung to life. You might also visit Lougheed House, a mansion and gardens built in 1881 and spread over a 2.8acre estate. There is also Heritage Park Historical Village, a re-creation of the original ‘wild-west’ town.

For a more contemporary day of exploring, stroll around the shops, boutiques and restaurants of Stephen Avenue in the downtown area or take in some live music at Olympic Plaza, the site of the medal ceremonies during the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. Calgary Tower offers a 360° view of the city and surrounding area; it even has a glass floor looking 190m down to the city streets.

There are numerous museums in the area, including the Aerospace Museum and Telus World of Science. Visit both exotic and local wildlife at Calgary Zoo, Botanical Garden and Prehistoric Park. Calgary’s world-famous Stampede takes place in July each year and offers ten days of cowboy excitement. There is a rodeo with bull riding and bucking broncos, chuck-wagon races and a funfair area that thrills with spinning rides, gooey candyfloss and carnival games.

Flights from many international airports, including London, arrive daily at Calgary International Airport.

Fort Calgary and Area

Picture courtesy of MMDA 325-INGLEWOOD

The Aude region lies deep in the South of France and is named after the river which comes from the Pyrenees, the mountains which form an almost impenetrable border between France and its southern neighbour, Spain.

Its most famous city is the walled citadel of Carcassonne, its history stretching back to medieval times, and the surrounding countryside is dotted with the ruins of castles and keeps which are a remnant of the bitter war fought between the Cathars, a religious sect, and the Roman Catholic Church. The Cathars lost and the castle ruins form a fascinating historical trail for visitors to follow.

The Aude, as part of the Languedoc-Rouissillon region, is blessed with vineyards, which produce wines to rival those from Bordeaux and Burgundy, with names such as Corbières, Minervois and Fitou becoming more and more well-known outside the region.

Castelnaudry is in the north-west of the area, west of Carcassonne, and its claim to fame is cassoulet, a hearty and filling stew with its main ingredients being beans and various meats. Favourite meats for cassoulet include duck and sausage, and when teamed with local olives and cheeses it makes for a very substantial dining experience.

There are many opportunities for outdoor sports, with sailing on the Canal du Midi and skiing in the Pyrenees very popular. As the region has a long coastline on the Mediterranean Sea there is plenty of opportunity for beach holidays and a wide range of water sports.

Sitting on the coast of Thailand, Rai Leh and its surrounding beaches have long been a top destination for backpackers.  These days, however, it is not just students and adventurous types that frequent this stunning coastal area.  West Rai Leh Beach has plenty of up-market resorts which are ideally placed to take advantage of the rather dramatic views available in this beautiful peninsula.  That said, there is still a wide range of moderately priced accommodation available in East Rai Leh, as well as in Hat Ton Sai.

The landscape in this area is unbelievably gorgeous.  Soaring vegetation-covered white limestone cliffs emerge from impossibly blue waters; this is the archetypal image many people have of Thailand thanks to the film The Beach and, indeed, these surroundings form the backbone of activities here.  Either you are soaking up the rays and soaking up the ambience and beauty around you, or you are getting your climbing gear on and scaling these enormous rocks.  Hat Ton Sai is a climbing Mecca, and offers some of the most challenging climbs in the world.

For those who aren’t adrenaline junkies, there are alternatives to risking your life.  Kayaking in and out of the inlets formed by these giant rocks is a perfect – and safe – way to spend an afternoon, as is taking an island hopping snorkelling tour, during which you will enjoy the stunning beauty of the surrounding marine parks. 

Rai Leh is a real Thai island paradise – and not just for backpackers anymore