Many a tear was shed over the summer as devoted fans the length and breadth of Britain raised a farewell glass to the ‘very last’ Last of the Summer Wine, filmed in and around Holmfirth. After 37 years, it was the end of an era, to put it mildly, but the lively little Pennine market town is looking to the future and refusing to rest on its laurels.

In recent months, several new businesses have opened and the already impressive variety of specialist shops and restaurants has grown ever wider. Life after Summer Wine? – the answer so far seems a resounding ‘YES!’ The BBC’s much-loved gentle comedy brought a tourist boom, but the town’s business community and the local authority were always keen to get across the message: “there’s much more to Holmfirth than Summer Wine” – not least the wonderfully scenic surrounding countryside waiting to be explored.

The flow of visitors from home and broad seems unlikely to ebb away any time soon, certainly not while avid viewers are still enjoying the finest vintage of the world’s longest running sitcom. The digital channel GOLD has been showing repeats on a seemingly continuous loop and sets of classic episodes are available on DVD. The series has also built up a loyal following in other countries, some of which have a long way to go to catch up with the UK.

Places to visit in Holmfirth and sights to see

The Riverside Shopping Centre is definitely worth a visit with a great mix of retailers, all under one roof, including Jiana jewellery, Bridal Boutique, Serene Living home and gifts, Firebelly woodburing stoves, Amelie ladies fashions and Medicare chemists, not forgetting the Togo Cafe, a welcome refreshment stop for weary shoppers.

Also in the riverside quarter, al fresco tables and seating outside Hervey’s Bar and in front of the neighbouring Old Bridge Hotel have helped to create a nicely relaxed, continental atmosphere – especially when the sun shines. The historic Picturedrome cinema, next door to the hotel, has become well know for live music concerts featuring some of the best known names in rock and pop through the decades.

These days you don’t have to venture very far to find a vibrant array of shops and galleries, pubs, restaurants, cafes and tearooms, bistros and cafe bars. Weekend and midweek breaks have become popular with a choice of B&B guest house, hotel and self-catering accommodation. Within easy walking distance, an array of riches awaits, whether you fancy a spot of leisurely browsing and buying, or are just looking for somewhere to enjoy a quick snack and a cuppa, a light lunch or main meal.

As well as strolling around the main shopping areas of Huddersfield Road, Victoria Street, Hollowgate and Towngate, you might like to seek out some of the hidden delights of Holmfirth which are also close by, if slightly off the beaten track.

There are shops specialising in clothes and shoes, crafts and toys, cards and gifts, plus many more which don’t really fit any of those categories. Many of the businesses here remain staunchly independent, some are carrying on a family tradition handed down through the generations.

Traditional food retailing is still very much to the fore, with independent, often family-run shops supplying freshly baked bread and cakes, fruit and veg, meat, fish and dairy products. A welcome blast from the past for visiting shoppers, traders like these have survived thanks to their loyal, regular customers who return week in week out.

Holmfirth is also well known for its Wednesday vintage market featuring antiques, collectibles and retro goods; Thursday general market and Saturday craft and food market. The ever popular farmers’ market takes place on the third Sunday of each month, 8am to 2pm. Nearby is the recently doubled-in-size Longleys ice cream parlour and coffee shop and further up Huddersfield Road, Taylors seafood restaurant and wine bar.

It’s always a little tedious having to sit through an airline’s safety demonstration, and perhaps even more-so for the crew that have to perform the arm waving demo flight after flight.

Thankfully, some airlines are using the sneaky trick of actually entertaining passengers with their flight safety announcements, so in honour of these attention grabbing raps, comedy monologues, and even choreographed dance numbers, here’s our rundown of the 9 Best Flight Safety Announcements.

9. Southwest Airlines Rap

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnOxvbGOTbM

On this flight to Oklahoma, a Southwest attendant lays out an entire rap as an introduction to flight crew and airplane rules. “All I need you to do is stomp and clap, and I’m gonna do the rest. Because I’ve had five flights today, and I just cannot do the regular, boring announcement again, or I’m gonna put myself to sleep.”

the passengers onboard duly agree, and the whole plane claps along.

8. Hilary Clinton Air Campaign

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BlaTBnBDZY

During the 2008 presidential primary, Hilary Clinton gave the pre-flight announcements a political spin with, “If you look out from the right, you’ll see an America saddled with tax cuts for the wealthiest and a war without end. If you look out from the left, you’ll see an America with a strong middle class at home and a strong reputation in the world.”

7. Virgin America Cartoon Comedy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyygn8HFTCo

This informative and visually interesting cartoon by Virgin America helps to demonstrate the airplane safety features with comedic effect.

6. Thomson Tiny Travellers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yjzv9KU0jjY

Little children act like cabin crew in this flight safety video from Thomson Airlines.

5. New Zealand Rugby Safety

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO5BFhWdgk4

Air New Zealand created this funny airline safety demo that features the All Blacks rugby team in connection with the Rugby World Cup 2011. There are cameos from the handsome players, a grandma with a lipstick-kissed poster of a team member, and even a fawning fan who’s left so breathless by a brush in the aisles with a rugby player that she has to strap on her airplane breathing mask.

4. WestJet Stand-up

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRfsdrCVf0w

Caught on camera by a passenger, this WestJet flight attendant gives a very jokey rundown of the flight safety instructions with lines such as “I know 50 ways to get out of a relationship, but only six to get out of this aircraft.”

3. Alaska Airlines Deadpan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3ZGOS1eBLE

This flight attendant from Alaska airlines keeps passengers entertainment with a series of subtle one-liners, so subtle that it takes a while for the passengers to catch on.

2. ATA Airlines

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPkpAptDTzc

Here ATA Airlines’ flight sttendant Kurt Stecker keeps the passengers laughing with his flight satefy stand-up routine.

1. Cebu Pacific Go Gaga

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lqh8e2KYIrU

This is probably the most well known flight safety video, where Cebu Pacific staff turn their love for Lady Gaga into a well choreographed onboard safety message.

Hiring a car is a great way to explore the diverse and beautiful island of Puerto Rico. My advice is to rent a car in San Juan (Puerto Rico’s capital city and where the international airport is located).

Driving in San Juan can be a bit of a challenge, but once you get out into the countryside and there is less traffic, driving is a breeze.

Driving in Puerto Rico – Rules of the Road

Puerto Rico’s driving rules are practically the same as those of the United States. Puerto Ricans drive on the right side of the road. The road signs used in Puerto Rico are the same shapes and colours as U.S. road signs. Most road signs are marked in Spanish and English. Seatbelts are required by law and must be worn by all people in the car.

Child seats are mandatory as well. Road conditions on major highways are typically quite good. However, you can expect to find some potholes on smaller roads or and uneven/dirt roads in the middle of the island and in smaller cities and towns.

Highway System

The road numbers used to mark highways are useful for figuring out what kind of road you are on. Single-digit road names (like Route 1) are the older highways. These roads are also characterized by traffic lights and intersections every few blocks. Speed limits on these roads tend to be slower than those on newer highways.

Double-digit road names (like Route 18) are either newer major highways or toll roads. Triple-digit road names (like Road 186) are smaller country roads.

Four-digit road names (like Road 9966) are usually single-lane roads that lead to residential areas or very small towns (it’s easy to get lost on these, since some of them do not even show up on maps). My advice is to stick to the older or newer highways and don’t be afraid to ask for directions if you get lost (most Puerto Ricans speak English very well).

El Yunque Rainforest and Luquillo

One of Puerto Rico’s most popular tourist spots is the El Yunque Rainforest, located approximately 40 kilometers southeast of San Juan (it takes about an hour to get there by car). There are many hiking paths and breathtaking natural attractions to see in this area. Be sure to stop by the visitor’s lodge when you first arrive to get a feel for what El Yunque has to offer.

Three miles past El Yunque you will find Luquillo, one of Puerto Rico’s most famous surf spots. There is a pristine beach here as well as food stands where you can grab some authentic Puerto Rican food at excellent prices.

Directions to El Yunque and Luquillo from San Juan: From San Juan take Road 26 towards Carolina until you reach Road 3. Take Road 3 towards Fajardo for about 20 minutes until you get to Rio Grande. Take Road 191 to El Yunque.
Enjoy your Puerto Rican adventure!

The coastal city of Malibu often conjures images of surfers, seafood restaurants and multi-million dollar mansions. It is also home to the world-famous Getty Villa (museum and art centre) and Pepperdine University.

The beautiful coastal scenery and Malibu Canyon inland make Malibu the perfect place for a lazy afternoon drive.

Getting there from Los Angeles

To get to Malibu from Los Angeles, simply take the Pacific Coast Highway north and you’ll run right into Malibu (just past Pacific Palisades).

What to See & Do in Malibu

Located on the border of Pacific Palisades and Malibu, the former residence of the wealthy industrialist J. Paul Getty is now an ancient art museum (mostly Roman, Greek and Etruscan art) and educational centre. Though it is not necessary to pay to visit the museum, on-site parking costs $15.

It is necessary to reserve an entry ticket online and print it so that you have a copy in-hand when arriving at the gate. Tickets can also be obtained via phone (visit http://www.getty.edu/visit/ for more information). The Getty Villa is open Wednesday–Monday from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and closed on Tuesdays.

Grab Some Fresh Seafood at Neptune’s Net

Neptune’s Net is one of Malibu’s most famous restaurants. The coastal location adds to the ambiance of this casual seafood eatery. Menu specialities include lobster, Pacific oysters, shrimp, clams, mussels and a variety of non-seafood items.

Lounge on the Beach in Paradise Grove

The secluded beach of Paradise Grove used to be one of the best kept secrets in Malibu, however it’s become quite popular in the last few years. In addition to the pristine beach, there is a great restaurant on-site with coastal views.

Tour a Vineyard

The Malibu Family Wines Vineyard offers daily tours and tastings. There is also a lovely restaurant on the vineyard if you get hungry. Take home a bottle (or two) from their on-site wine shop.

Go Hiking in Malibu Creek State Park

The 7.000 acres of land that make up Malibu Creek State Park were acquired by the state of California in 1974. Before that, it was divided up into three plots that belonged to Ronald Reagan, Bob Hope and 20th Century Fox. The park is located in the middle of the Santa Monica Mountains. As you might have guessed, Malibu Creek runs directly through the park. There is a trail that runs along Malibu Creek that passes by a stunning gorge and Century Lake. The park is quite popular among hikers and picnickers. Many movie scenes are also shot in this area—if you’re lucky you might see a celebrity or two.

How to get there: From Pacific Coast Highway, turn inland on Malibu Canyon Road and proceed 6.5 miles to the park entrance, 0.25 mile south of Mulholland Highway. If you’re coming from the San Fernando Valley, exit the Ventura Freeway (101) on Las Virgenes Road and continue four miles to the park entrance.

If you don’t find it scary enough to drive down a dark and quiet country road on your own, imagine encountering a phantom auto or having an ephemeral being step out in front of you.

Haunted roads are found the world over, from the misty roads of Scotland and the busiest roads in Hong Kong to lonely roads in the United States. If you’d rather avoid the supernatural happenings reported on these roads, you may just want to find another way home.

Tuen Mun Road – Hong Kong

Considered one of the deadliest roads in the world, Tuen Mun Road has seen countless fatalities over the years. The road is also the most important and one of the most used roads in Hong Kong, so it’s nearly impossible to avoid. Tuen Mun Road is a catch-22 of haunting: Ghosts of those who have been killed on the road are said to step into traffic, causing motorists to swerve out of the way and get into serious or fatal accidents themselves. These new victims then return as ghosts to cause even more accidents on the road.

A229 – England

The A229 from Kent to Sussex has two well-known spectres haunting it. The first is believed to be a woman named Judith Langham, who was killed on the road on her wedding day in 1965. She appears on the road in her white dress, and just as people stop their cars to avoid hitting her, she disappears. The second ghost is a hitchhiker who gets into the cars and talks about all the things that have gone wrong with the world and how he’ll make them better. Once drivers reach a certain spot on the road, however, he simply disappears.

Bloodspoint Road – Illinois, United States

Bloodspoint Road is just one of several intersecting roads throughout Boone County, Illinois, that can raise the hair on the back of your neck. These roads have been witness to murders, suicides, hangings and even a child that was hit by a train. Several children died when a bus rolled off a bridge in this area. There’s also said to be a witch who hanged her children in an old farmhouse, and though the building no longer exists, several people say they’ve seen it through the trees. People who have driven this road say they’ve seen children along the sides, hand marks on cars and lights in the trees.

M6 – England

The M6 in England has been in existence in some form or fashion for about 2,000 years, so it’s no wonder that more than a few spooky legends have been linked to it over time. The road was once used by soldiers during the Roman occupation of England, and Roman soldiers have been seen along the road and walking through traffic. There is also a phantom truck that drives against the flow of traffic as well as a ghostly woman who has been seen hitchhiking along the side of the road.

Boy Scout Lane – Wisconsin, United States

According to the stories, a troop of boy scouts in the late 1950s or early 1960s were on an overnight expedition in order to earn merit badges. As they slept around the campfire, either their scout master or the bus driver (depending on the story) killed each and every one of the boys. A second variation on the story says that one of the boys accidently dropped a lantern that night and a forest fire engulfed the entire troop. There are no actual records of any of these events on Boy Scout Lane, but there have been many stories about paranormal activity and sightings in the area anyway.

A75 Kinmont Straight – Scotland

Nicknamed “the ghost road,” this road in southwest Scotland has been the site of hundreds of unexplained sightings. Drivers have reported seeing a couple walking in front of their vehicles, birds flying into their windshields and then disappearing, apparitions of people walking toward vehicles and other ghostly creatures (including goats, wild dogs and cats) appearing out of nowhere.

N9 – South Africa

The section of road between Uniondale and Willowmore is known for the Uniondale Phantom Hitchhiker, a ghost known as Marie Charlotte Roux. The girl was killed in a car accident on the road in 1968, and she was first reported as a hitchhiker on Good Friday in 1976, when she caught a ride and then mysteriously disappeared from the backseat. She appeared two years later (again on Good Friday) and caught a ride with a motorcyclist, who also reported that she disappeared after only a couple miles. The phantom has made other appearances on Good Friday since then as well.

Annie’s Road – New Jersey, United States

This road is said to be haunted by a woman in a white or blue dress. Though everyone can agree that a woman named Annie was killed on the road, versions of the story take multiple turns from there. Some say that Annie was killed on her wedding night; others say she was decapitated on her prom night and dragged along the road. Drivers say that when they pass by Annie’s Road at midnight they see her ghost walking along the road, and she apparently appears on the anniversary of her death every year as well.

Belchen Tunnel – Switzerland

This tunnel forms part of the A2 motorway from Basel to Chiasso. Though the first known Belchen ghost was male, it is a woman that appeared in January 1981 that made headlines. This woman, who has been spotted standing outside of the tunnel, wears white clothing. Drivers say that she steps out in front of vehicles and occasionally even speaks to them.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

It’s hard to imagine a more rugged, picturesque drive than the one along Oahu’s North Shore. Popular with surfers, tourists and locals, the North Shore is definitely a must see on your next trip to Oahu. The main drive is approximately 100 miles round-trip, starting from Waikiki.

If you’re planning on returning to Waikiki for the night, budget at least 4 hours for your drive. There are plenty of places to stop and photo opportunities along the way. Traffic tends to be very heavy between 3:00pm-5:00pm, so a morning drive is typically best (or have dinner on the North Shore and come back later at night).

How to Get There

If you’re coming from Waikiki, get onto the H-1 West (which connects Waikiki to the Aiea). Drive north on H-1 towards Pearlridge Shopping Center (this is easy if you follow the Aiea/Pearlridge signs). Keep going until you see Wal-Mart & Sam’s Club (on your right). You’ll soon notice signs to go to Mililani/Wahiawa and Waipahu, this is the direction you want to take.

Take Kamehameha Highway (Highway 99) through Mililani, (passing by Schofield Barracks & Wahiawa). Around Haleiwa, Kamehameha Highway will turn into Highway 83. This is the road you will take to the North Shore.

What to See and Do

The Polynesian Cultural Center (founded in 1963) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve and share the cultural heritage (arts, crafts, food, etc.) of Polynesia. The Center is organized according to six Polynesian “islands”: Fiji, Hawaii, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga. The simulated islands are spread throughout the 43-acre plot with a lovely freshwater lagoon in the middle. Nightly luaus and performances feature traditional music and dance.

See their website for more information: http://www.polynesia.com/

Close to the Polynesian Culture Center is La’ie Point, which offers fantastic views of the North Shore’s coastline (great photo opportunity).

Located in Kahuku, The James Campbell Nature Wildlife Refuge, one of Hawaii’s only wetlands, is open to visitors from the third Saturday in October until the third Saturday in February. The Refuge serves as a habitat for approximately 119 species of birds, including the largest group of wetland birds in Hawaii.

See their website for more information: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=12529

When you’re done, stop at a shrimp cart in Kahuku and enjoy some of the freshest shellfish you’ve ever tasted.

Grab a bite to eat and browse the eclectic shops in the historic town of Haleiwa. The architecture you’ll see is called Hale’iwa is paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) style and dates back to when the town was founded in the early 1900s. Here you’ll find everything from art galleries to surf shops to clothiers to jewelry shops.

There are a variety of funky and welcoming eateries that make the perfect place to stop and grab a bite to eat before you head back to the city.

For more information on tourist venues, shops, restaurants and events on Oahu’s North Shore, visit: http://www.gonorthshore.org/

Some people have a genuine fear of flying. It can be a bit unnerving floating in mid-air, but luckily the law of physics is on our side.

What can be truly terrifying is when the airplane we’re in has to land at an airport with a runway that’s a bit too short, at an awkward angle or in some other way forces us to bite our nails as we come in for our final descent.

If flying isn’t your idea of a good time, you’ll definitely want to pop a valium before taking off or landing at any of these airports.

25. Reagan National Airport – Washington, DC, United States

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQbeI7s7–U

Located smack in the centre of two overlapping air-exclusion zones, Reagan National requires pilots flying the so-called River Visual into the airport to follow the Potomac while steering clear of sensitive sites such as the Pentagon and CIA headquarters.

On taking off, pilots need to climb quickly and execute a steep left bank to avoid flying over the White House.

24. Gibraltar Airport – Gibraltar

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQdgYeX4uWo

Sandwiched between the Mediterranean Sea and the Bay of Algeciras, the runway for this airport is only 6,000 feet long. This strip of land is narrow and short. Planes landing too soon will hit the water and those that land too late risk not having enough room to stop.

In order to secure a landing, a pilot must engage the brakes immediately and completely upon touching down. The other bizarre thing about this runway is that a highway to Spain intersects it.

When planes are scheduled to take off and land, gates come down to block the road and police patrol the traffic to ensure aircraft can cross the road safely.

23. John F. Kennedy International Airport – New York, United States

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4YoXyYBbYA

Pilots scheduled to land at this airport much be especially diligent so that they don’t run into aircraft arriving at La Guardia and Newark, two other busy airports in the area.

There’s nothing particularly dangerous or scary about the runways at JFK, but the air traffic here can be akin to navigating New York City’s roads.

22. Madeira Airport – Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvKBX0Ud2n0

Pilots must be specially trained to land at this airport, which is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and mountains on the other. Runway 5 at Madeira Airport is the real problem spot.

Pilots must make a clockwise approach and point their aircraft at the mountains before making a last-minute bank to the right in order to properly land on the runway.

21. Barra International Airport – Outer Hebrides, Scotland

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQJEZqyLI08

This is the only airport in the world where airplanes land on the beach, and the whole thing is literally washed away once a day by the tide. Because the airport is lit by natural lighting, pilots on late afternoon flights are assisted by headlights from cars in a nearby parking lot.

A sign warns interested bystanders to keep off the beach when the windsock is flying because that is when the airport is active.

20. Congonhas Airport – Sao Paulo, Brazil

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rciaJ-88lU

Most major cities have an airport, but rarely are they built just 5 miles from the city center, especially in metropolises like Sao Paulo. Congonhas’ close proximity to downtown can be attributed in part to the fact that it was completed in 1936, with the city experiencing rapid development in the following decades.

While having an airport only 5 miles from the city center may be a convenience for commuters, it places a strain on both pilots and air traffic control crews.

19. Don Mueang International Airport – Bangkok, Thailand

From a distance Don Mueang International looks like any other midsize airport. However, smack-dab in the middle of the two runways is an 18-hole golf course.

Stewart Schreckengast, a professor of aviation technology at Purdue University and a former aviation consultant with MITRE says one of the major problems is that the only taxiways were located at the end of the runways. “We recommended that they build an additional taxiway in the middle, from side to side, and they said ‘absolutely not, that will take out a green and one fairway.’”

18. Yeager Airport – Charleston, West Virginia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCBCwIBXeUs

Located on Coonskin Ridge in Charleston, West Virginia, Yeager Airport’s cliff face, at an elevation of 982 feet, can be intimidating, especially when you only have 6,302 feet of runway (the closed secondary runway is a mere 4,750 feet).

17. La Aurora International Airport – Guatemala City, Guatemala

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxyoKNtDAHs

Surrounding mountains, a high altitude, an active volcano, and a steep drop at the end of the runway make flying into La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City a scary ride, even from a pilot’s point of view.

16. LaGuardia Airport – New York City, New York

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPSm78_Zuj4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JC2i8jSvXU

The main, 7,000-foot runways at New York’s LaGuardia Airport were extended back in 1967—over water. In case gliding over Flushing and Bowery bays isn’t enough of a thrill, pilots have to avoid interfering with flights from two other extremely busy airports nearby: JFK and Newark.

Plus, the airport is located a mere eight miles from Midtown Manhattan, sometimes creating the illusion that the plane is skimming rooftops.

15. Wellington International Airport – Wellington, New Zealand

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBYpQ5aB-sY

With a single, short, 6,351-foot runway that appears to begin and end in crystal blue waters, it’s easy to see why flying into Wellington may make you uneasy.

The winds are so strong coming into this airport that approaching planes wobble and often land at an angle.

14. John Wayne Airport – Santa Ana, California

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE1PESSwxA4

Strict noise reduction requirements may not seem scary at first, but if you’re not expecting engine cutbacks during takeoff you might be spooked.

The main runway, at 5,701 feet, is one of the shortest of any major airport in the United States. The short runway, coupled with local noise restrictions, requires a takeoff at or near full power, followed by a steep climb, a sudden reduction in power, and two turns closely following the Upper Newport Bay.

Pilot holds brakes, hits engines at full throttle, climbs steeply and cuts engines right at freeway, causing the plane to drop like a roller coaster.

13. Matekane Air Strip – Lesotho

Matekane’s small 1,312ft runway is perched-perilously on the edge of a 7,550ft drop – which is where you quite literally take-off into. This is a base-jump equivalent, for the plane drops down the face of a 2,000ft cliff as soon as it leaves the tarmac. Then the plane starts flying.

Apparently, when you take-off in Lesotho’s mountains, it’s better to take-off downwind and downhill than into wind and uphill, as those mountains are just too high to clear.

12. Ice Runway – Antarctica

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMw8Jsqrnaw

The Ice Runway is one of three major airstrips used to haul supplies and researchers to Antarctica’s McMurdo Station. As its name implies, there are no paved runways here—just long stretches of ice and snow that are meticulously groomed.

There is no shortage of space on the Ice Runway, so super-size aircraft like the C-130 Hercules and the C-17 Globemaster III can land with relative ease. The real challenge is making sure that the weight of the aircraft and cargo doesn’t bust the ice or get the plane stuck in soft snow.

11. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport – Saba, Netherlands Antilles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIuS4qx9WE4

Located on the very north-eastern tip of the island, this airport is prone to stormy trade winds and spin-drifts.

Pilots must make their approach over water, and if they don’t hit the 1,300-foot runway with accurate timing, they need to take off again before falling off the cliffs into the water on the other side.

10. Tioman Island – Malaysia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vw6iGTRXVC4

This beautiful tropic isle lies off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, due east of Kuala Lumpur and roughly north-northeast of Singapore.

The Malaysian Airlines and Berjaya Air bring people to this volcanic island in South China Sea. Pilots must first set their planes on a heading directly into a mountain range, with the pilot then performing a 90 degree turn to line up the runway.

Late touchdowns are ill-advised as overshooting the runway means plunging off a sheer cliff.

9. Sandane – Norway

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aT0ByDNVhs

This Nordic nail-biter of a runway runs is just 2,600 feet, running perpendicular to two imposing fjords— Nordfjord and Gloppefjord—at the base of a rugged peninsula.

It’s doubtful that the single landing strip, which is operated by the Norwegian government, will ever see expansion due to its watery confines.

8. Kansai International Airport – Osaka, Japan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsLb4SIQqx4

Land is a scarce resource in Japan, so engineers headed roughly 3 miles offshore into Osaka Bay to build this colossal structure. Work on the man-made island started in 1987, and by 1994 jumbo jets were touching down.

Travellers can get from the airport to the main island of Honshu via car, railroad or even a high-speed ferry.

7. Princess Juliana International Airport – St. Maarten

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAfQwDizpRo

This is one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean and is serviced by many international and regional airlines. The fact that 747s and A340s frequently land here is one of the most terrifying things about it. Built for small and medium planes, the runway at Princess Juliana International Airport is only slightly more than 7,150 feet long.

Those enjoying the afternoon on Maho Beach are likely to come within spitting distance of one of these jumbo jets as they come in for a landing.

6. Paro Airport – Bhutan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhEKl4anJkU

Taking off or landing at Paro Airport can feel like a flight simulation video game where players must dodge natural hazards in their way.

When ascending or descending, aircraft has to avoid hitting the jagged Himalayan Mountains through a complicated series of dips and turns. This area is also prone to high-speed winds that whip across the mountains and into the valleys.

5. Gustaf III Airport – Saint Barthélemy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9Z1ie1OdzE

Gustaf III Airport also known as Saint Barthélemy Airport is a public use airport located in the village of St. Jean on the Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy.  Most visiting aircraft carry fewer than twenty passengers, such as the Twin Otter, a common sight around Saint Barth and throughout the northern West Indies.

The short airstrip is at the base of a gentle slope ending directly on the beach. The arrival descent is extremely steep over the hilltop traffic circle and departing planes fly right over the heads of sunbathers (although small signs advise sunbathers not to lie directly at the end of the runway).

4. Kai Tak Airport – Hong Kong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKqO6gdJIz8

Kai Tak, the Mother Of All Scary Airports, has closed… words that should be spoken in the same awed yet gleeful tone of voice as “Ding, dong, the witch is dead!” This airport was the former base of the Cathay Pacific and a bunch of regional carriers. It was closed in 1998 but we cannot complete the list if we do not mention Kai Tak.

A manoeuvring airplane is close to scraping off rooftops of skyscrapers and the mountains around the Kowloon Bay. If the airplane misses the runway it might join the ships at Victoria Harbour.

3. Toncontin Airport – Tegucigalpa, Honduras

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_z5HtME9n8

Because Toncontin Airport is located in a bowl-like valley, planes must pass over mountainous terrain before pilots are forced to make a last-minute 45-degree bank in order to touch down properly.

The runway is 6,112 feet long and can only accommodate planes up to the size of a Boeing 757.

2. Courchevel International Airport – Courchevel, France

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNFNFZq2BFY

Getting to the iconic ski resort of Courchevel requires navigating the formidable French Alps before making a hair-raising landing at Courchevel International Airport. It’s airport has a certain degree of infamy in the aviation industry as home to a relatively short runway, with a length of 525 m (1,722 ft) and a gradient of 18.5%.

It’s so short that you have to land on an inclined strip to slow down and take off on a decline to pick up enough speed.

This was the airport used in the opening seen of Tomorrow Never Dies.

1. Lukla Airport – Lukla, Nepal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiIJXlMEQqI

Many people fly into this airport to begin the trek to climb Mount Everest. It’s a small airport, but at more than 9,500 feet in elevation, aircraft can’t run on full power.

The runway has a huge mountain on one end and a drop of nearly 3,300 feet on the other end.

One of the largest metropolitan areas in the Midwestern U.S., — the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul (located across the Mississippi from one another) – teems with activity and culture.

Here are some top recommendations for how to make the most out of your visit to this dynamic area.

Minneapolis

Take in Minneapolis’ vibrant arts scene

Minneapolis is home to many small galleries, arts co-ops and studios as well as major art centers such as the Walker Art Center (www.walkerart.org), Minneapolis Institute of Arts (www.artsmia.org), The Museum of Russian Art/TMORA (www.tmora.org/) and the Weisman Art Museum located on the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities campus (http://weisman.umn.edu/).

Enjoy the city’s energetic outdoor activities scene

Minneapolitans spend a good chunk of the year under snow, but that doesn’t mean they hide in their cozy homes all winter long. Regional parks offer ample trails for snow shoeing and cross-country skiers. Though there are no black diamonds, downhill skiers and snowboarders can find fun slopes within a short drive outside the city limits. When Minneapolis thaws in the spring, its happy residents flock to the three most popular urban lakes Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles to bike, jog, roller-blade, swim, or canoe.

Take in a game at the new state-of-the-art baseball stadium

Target Field (http://mlb.mlb.com/min/ballpark/index.jsp), the new home of the Minnesota Twins was named best ballpark in America by ESPN Magazine and has received countless other accolades for its environmentally friendly and artistic design. The Minnesota Vikings (yes, Favre too) still play at the nearby Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome (http://www.msfc.com/).

St. Paul

Shop and eat along Grand Avenue

St. Paul’s historic Grand Avenue is where you’ll find trendy clothing and home goods shops, restaurants and coffee shops. Stop into the renowned Café Latté, an upscale cafeteria-style restaurant, for a bite to eat.

Visit St. Paul’s Museums

Run by the Minnesota historical society, the Minnesota History Museum has permanent interactive exhibits (great for the kids) and several special exhibits per year. The also have a performing arts series (all based on Minnesota themes). The nearby Science Museum of Minnesota is a state-of-the art facility that has a variety of permanent exhibitions as well as travelling exhibits from around the world. They also have a massive Omintheater that shows science and nature films. Though the museum is geared for kids, adults will enjoy it just as much.

Soak in the culture at the Del Sol district

St. Paul’s large Hispanic population has set up residence in the colourful Del Sol district. Be sure to stop by El Burrito Mercado for authentic Mexican food and handicrafts. This neighbourhood hosts a large Cinco de Mayo celebration each year.

Tour the Cathedral and the Capital building

The Cathedral of St. Paul and the Minnesota State Capital Building are both located in St. Paul (and actually resemble each other quite a bit). It’s possible to go on guided tours of either or just walk around (with somewhat limited access) these impressive buildings yourself.

Road trips can be exhilarating. There’s something about an open road, a map and several weeks off from work that liberates the soul. However, it’s easy to get caught up in the adventure and forget to take care of the most important thing of all: your well-being.

Whether you’re the driver or passenger, it’s essential to take the proper actions and precautions to ensure your health and safety while you’re on the road.

Here are my top five tips:

1. When you get tired, stop driving

It’s easy to want to push through exhaustion keep going to reach your destination (“only 100 more kilometers!”). Truth is, we are much less responsive when we are tired and this could put you and your passengers in danger (not to mention the risk of falling asleep at the wheel). If there are several drivers, rotate regularly so that one person does not become exhausted.

2. Avoid junk food

Though it may sound fun to grab a bag of candy or a whole bunch of cookies to take on the road, foods that are high in sugar are likely to lead to energy crashes later on (not to mention the potential weight gain). Fruits, vegetables, cheeses and whole grain breads or crackers are a much better choice. Another great idea is bringing along a large container of trail mix (nuts, raisins, chocolate bits, dried fruit, etc.).

Also, stay hydrated. Similar to not loading up on junk food, it’s a good idea to avoid sugary soft drinks (colas, etc.) and opt for water instead. Always keep several large bottles of water in the car. Remember that caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea and soft drinks can dehydrate and exhaust your system in the long run.

3. Get out of the car often and explore

Not only is this fun, but the physical action of walking around gets your blood pumping, relieves (and prevents) stiff muscles, and re-energizes you for the long drive ahead.

4. Keep your car in good condition

Before driving your rental car off the lot, make sure the fluid levels are right and check the overall condition of the car (tires, scratches on the body, etc.). Returning your car in this same condition will save you both time and money. On a related note, fill your gas tank up whenever it dips below a quarter of a tank. This way you’ll be sure to stay fueled through your trip.

5. Follow the rules of the road

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the driving laws and rules in the country you’re visiting. Nothing is worse than getting into an accident that was your fault because you didn’t know the rules. Make a commitment to keeping everyone in your car safe by adhering to laws regarding speed limit, blood-alcohol level, right of way, headlights, etc. Keep local emergency numbers in the car in case you might need to use them.

There are many lovely stretches of highway to drive along in the expansive United States. Whether you’re out for a Sunday drive on the Pacific Coast Highway or speeding through the fall colours on the Midwest’s Interstate 35W, there is plenty of beauty to be seen while driving through the U.S. This post on the Pacific Coast Highway is the first in a multi-post series on the “Most Beautiful Drives in the U.S.”

It’s been called “the most beautiful drive in the U.S.,” “America’s best free attraction” and “Route 2066” (a nod to the famous Route 66). Whatever you choose to call it, there’s no denying that the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) or Highway 1 (both the official names) is a lovely drive. If you ask the state of California, the PCH is only 130 miles long (stretching between Dana Point and the city of Oxnard in southern California).

However, most locals consider the “real” Pacific Coast Highway to be made up of a variety of smaller and larger roads that run all the way down the west coast of the United States, (from the border of Canada to the border of Mexico). If you agree with this definition, then the PCH is over 1800 miles long.

Top places to stop along the Pacific Coast Highway:

Balboa Peninsula (Newport Beach)

One of the cleanest, most beautiful urban beaches in the world is on the three-mile stretch of land that is the Balboa Peninsula.

Watch body-surfers tackle the Wedge (one of the best body surfing spots in California) or walk out on the two scenic piers (Balboa and Newport Piers) to see one the large small-yacht harbour and the ornate Victorian-style Balboa Pavilion.

Malibu

Many movie stars, producers and wealthy politicians call Malibu home. And with the views of the Pacific Ocean from Malibu’s rocky heights, it’s easy to see why. Malibu also boasts some of the best seafood restaurants in the state (both casual and upscale).

Morro Bay

The eclectic town of Morro Bay is a great place to stop for a cup of java and a stroll by the expansive bay. If you’re lucky, you’ll get the change to see adorable otters frolicking in the water.

Hearst Castle

The famous former home of newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst is definitely worth a stop. Gaze upon the gorgeous gardens, art collection (including Roman remains and medieval tapestries) and the architectural eccentricities (imported Spanish convent doors). Jaw-dropping opulence at its best.

Big Sur

The stretch of PCH between Hearst Castle and the charming city of Carmel is known as Big Sur (made famous, of course, by Jack Kerouac). Have your camera ready: the cliffs and bridges traversed by PCH provide for some great panoramic views. Hope for a sunny day—it is breathtakingly beautiful to look down on the glimmering water.

The Redwood Forest

Northern California is home to the Redwood Forest that stretches 100s of miles. It boasts some of the biggest trees in the world. A trip to northern California just isn’t’ complete without driving through the tunnel carved through the base of a Redwood or having someone take a picture of you attempting to wrap your arms around one of their formidable trunks.