So you’ve packed your bags, your transportation is booked and you’ve managed to grab yourself a holiday apartment in Barcelona. But if you’re looking for that ‘non-touristic’, extraordinary Barcelona experience, then you can’t stop at secret sights and hidden boutiques. Why not enjoy a truly different dining experience in the Catalan capital, too?

Forget the tapas and push aside the ‘paella’ as Barcelona is home to some spectacular spots for unusual meals. From dining in the dark to a Spanish speakeasy, and even a menu consisting of only desserts, choose to have dinner at one of Barcelona’s top five eateries that offer something a little more unique than your average Spanish ‘restaurante’.

1.     A Sensory Experience

Ever wondered what it would be like to lose one of your senses? At Barcelona’s Dans Le Noir you can enjoy a three course meal served in complete darkness! Rely on taste, touch, sound and smell as you indulge in the delectable dishes served by skilled ‘blind dining’ guides. This one’s sure to take your taste buds to a whole new level!

C/ Passeig de Picasso, 10.

2.     Terrifically Terrifying

Game  for a scare? La Posada Maldita is the one place in Barcelona where it appears to be Halloween all year round! This restaurant is great for groups hitting Barcelona and provides a lot of laughs as the wait staff dress in creepy costumes while serving spooky cocktails and devilish dishes, ensuring an “edge of the seat” and all-round different dining experience.

C/ Avinguda de Flor de Maig, 57.

3.     A Speakeasy – Spanish Style

So… it appears to be a dry cleaning service from the outside, but lurking behind the shirts and jackets you will find one of Barcelona’s top-secret restaurants! Tintoreria Dontell offers various specials including a lunchtime offer of “shirt, trousers and ties for 20€”, but be careful not to let the cat out of the bag!

C/ d’Aribau, 55.

4.  That’s So Cheesy

Do you head straight for the ‘cheeses of the world’ section at the deli? Then this is one Barcelona restaurant sure to satisfy your dairy-based cravings. Cheese Me offers a menu based completely on cheesy dishes, from soups to salads and from tapas to tasty cheese desserts! We recommend the  Mimolette cannelloni filled with Goat cheese, glazed shallots with apple puree, pistachios and pine nuts!

Plaça Jacint Raventós

5.  Dessert for Dinner

Sweet tooth? Espai Sucre in Barcelona is the first dessert-only restaurant in the world. Dig into the goat ‘cheesecake’ or the lemon soup for a gastronomical experience you’ll never forget. And for those who wish to try their own hands at creating some delicious pastries, various dessert-making courses are on offer here, too!

C/ de Princesa, 53.

So, if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary on your Barcelona trip, then choose one of these top unusual restaurants for a memorable dining experience, sure to provide you with some fun stories and flavorsome anecdotes as you explore the rest of this beautiful city.

Aussie’s love a celebration, and New Year’s Eve is a real reason to party. They may even be able to ring in the new year more than once with the right travel plans. With some strategic planning, you can toast the new year more than once. Fly to a few different destinations. You are sure to find a city around the world that you want to stay over and spend some time in. Here are the top ten places that Aussies will travel to for celebrating the new year.

#1. Christmas Island is one of the first places in the world that rings in the new year. Aussies can get there by taking a flight directly from Perth or Southeast Asia. Christmas Island is a remote island so named because it was discovered on Christmas Day. Go early and take in some of the local charm with an island Day tour. Then ring in the new year at the Golden Bosun or Rumah Tinggi Tavern.

#2. After toasting in the beginning of a new year on Christmas Island, there will still be time to head back to Sydney for one of the world’s best New Year’s celebrations. Join the crowds on famous Circular Quay for the huge fireworks display. Those who arrive early enough will enjoy a series of aerial shows over the harbor.

#3. The fireworks lovers in Australia want to check out the Sydney to Hong Kong flights. The best fireworks display in the city is held at the Victoria Harbor at midnight. The spectacular display is highlighted by the skyline over the

#4. New Year’s is a special event in Tokyo. The locals visit a shrine or temple first. Then the parties begin in bars and clubs all around the city for a unique mix of modern living and tradition. Be sure to arrive in time to see the famous Harajuku girls.

#5. Although it is an ancient city, Athens, the capital city of Greece, is still a popular spot for Aussies to pick for a rocking New Year’s celebration. Syntagma Square is transformed into a winter wonderland every Christmas and is later used for a spectacular New Year’s celebration.

#6. Everybody loves Paris, and saying ‘Bonne Annee’ along with the crowd at the Champs-Elysees will be an unforgettable way to ring in the year. Head for the Place du Trocadero for a bird’s eye view of the Eiffel Tower’s fireworks show.

#7. Aussies often join the crowds that gather on the banks of the Thames in London to witness the Mayor’s fireworks display at midnight. The skies light up as Big Ben chimes in the first hour of the new year.

#8. Heading over to the other side of the world, Aussie’s love to spend New Year’s on
Rio de Janeiro’s famous Copacabana Beach. Drink champagne right on the beach and enjoy live music and a fantastic 30 minute fireworks display.

#9. Every year, about a million people crowd Time’s Square for the city that never sleep’s famous New Year’s Eve celebration. Watching the ball drop in New York City is probably the most popular New Year’s event around the world. The count down resounds through a chilly night as the New Year’s Eve Ball descends from the flagpole from One Times Square, NYC.

#10. For a New Year’s celebration with a Southern USA flair, head south to New Orleans. Enjoy some famous Cajun or Creole cuisine and then go to Jackson Square to watch the fireworks display over the mighty Mississippi River. Bourbon Street will offer plenty of champagne for toasting.

Photo by Flickr User speedphotos

What is it about Qatar? Visitors and expatriates seem to either love the place or hate it, in equal measures it would seem. It has its share of problems, for sure. But you can say that about any other country in the world.

A contributor to the blog Qatar Visitor, for example, stoutly defended the country, fending off criticism in no uncertain terms but admitting there were issues.

The contributor said, “The way labour and servants are sometimes treated here is often outrageous. Although this mistreatment does usually break Qatari laws, those laws obviously need to be better enforced.”

And later, the contributor added, “Since the current Emir has come into power, the Ministry of Information has been abolished, child slavery has been stamped out, women have been allowed to drive and encouraged to take an active role in the country and expatriate workers no longer experience night time visits by police in search of vice. Couples can walk along a road hand in hand without hassle, Christians can worship freely in their own churches and in two years, I have never been asked for money by a policeman.”

The country is gearing up for the 2022 World Cup football tournament with a string of billion-dollar infrastructure projects on the go, including a new deep-sea port for Qatar’s capital, Doha, costing an estimated $5.5bn, and a new airport, again for the capital, costing $17.5bn. Work will also begin next year on the $36bn Doha Metro system linking stadiums involved in the World Cup.

The banks in Qatar have played a major part in the development of the economy which has grown dramatically in recent decades through exploitation of the country’s vast oil resources. Huge multinational banks, such as HSBC, have helped Qatar leapfrog to the top of the GDP per capita league table. Thus Qatar can literally call itself the wealthiest country in the world.

As the tourist and expatriate numbers grow every year and the vast changes transform the country, Qataris are determined to protect the country’s rich tradition and values. Recently, the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) added its backing to a campaign promoting the country’s Law of Ethics.

The “One of US” campaign, run by a group of writers and launched on Twitter, is based on Article 57 of the Qatar Constitution which prohibits wearing indecent clothing in public. It is aimed at residents and visitors, both women and men alike.

Founder, Najla Al-Mahmoud, explained the group’s rationale was that they understood that foreigners come from a different culture and would not necessarily know what is acceptable in Qatar or the need to comply with etiquette and public decency.

The campaign also seeks to establish mutual respect among the different cultures that unite the local community to preserve the nation’s values and its heritage. Inviting all residents and visitors to respect the dress code, the dress code campaign guidelines are to be displayed on posters in shopping mall and public spaces.

These guidelines will also be placed on QTA’s website and future guides and brochures published by QTA in accordance with the Law of Ethics in Qatar.

Hana Al Emadi, of Qatar Tourism Authority, commented, “With Qatar welcoming everyone as a country that is proud of its culture and heritage, QTA lends it support to this campaign in line with the Law of Ethics.

“Qatar has rapidly become an important destination on the international stage and the number of visitors has considerably increased over the years. It is thus even more important for us to welcome those arriving from abroad and share with them dress code guidelines that will ensure they feel welcome.”

Go here for more information on QTA’s latest initiatives.

Click here for more information on Banking in Qatar.

Click here to read the blog Qatar Visitor.

Photo by Flickr User ♥ЗתōōdҰ

If you’re lucky enough to be jetting off on a round the world trip then it’s very easy to get caught up in the excitement of choosing destinations and travel routes and dreaming about all those wonderful beaches and all that time you can spend doing exactly what you want.  It’s worth remembering though that a round the world trip can also be fraught with problems (didn’t mean to burst your happiness bubble there), which are made even more challenging by being thousands of miles from home.  Whilst you can’t avoid the inevitable hiccups along the way, booking travel insurance for a round the world trip will ensure that you can cope with whatever happens financially and get yourself safely home – or on to the next adventure.  Here are some tips on how to arrange travel insurance for a round the world trip:

Make sure you have cancellation cover – no one wants to have to bail out of a trip like this at the last minute, but if something does arise that means you need to stay at home then if you have cancellation cover at least you won’t lose your money too.  Insurance that covers the costs of delays can also be very useful, as is policy that will pay out if your trip is cut short for any reason.

Look at getting cover for missed connections – remember that round the world tickets are offering great deals on the cost of the flights, but this usually means that there is little flexibility when it comes to moving your travel (unless you pay extra) or accounting for problems.  This kind of policy will provide the peace of mind of knowing that if you’re delayed on one leg of your trip and that means you miss the next flight, the policy will pay out.

Get coverage for passports, tickets and visas – unlike a normal holiday where you’re staying in one place and, most likely, locking all your valuables into a room or hotel safe every day, a round the world trip is a much more varied experience. You might be travelling to parts of the world where, as a foreigner, you are a natural target for thieves, staying in the kinds of hotels where a safe is not an option, or just spending long periods of time with your passport, tickets and visas on you whilst moving around lots of different areas.  Rather than ending up without the money to replace these essential documents, make sure they are covered before you leave.

Be sure that your medical and repatriation coverage is high enough – this is particularly important if you’re travelling long distances.  Hopefully the worst won’t happen but if for any reason you need to be flown home at some point, it’s important to make sure that your insurance will cover the cost of it, otherwise you or your relatives will have to pay for it.  This can be incredibly expensive if you are not flying home on a regular plane ticket.

Take into account the experiences you want to have – many people use a round the world trip as a great reason to try lots of new sports, experiences and adventures, such as sky diving, skiing and snowboarding or quad biking.  If you take out a standard insurance policy anything that is counted as a ‘dangerous sport’ is most likely not going to be included, which means that if you are hurt or killed doing these things your insurance won’t cover you.  If you think you might want to hurl yourself out of a plane or go bungee jumping then take out the extra cover at the start just in case.

With these tips on how to arrange travel insurance for a round the world trip you can make sure that you set off with all your ducks in a row.  That leaves you free to do what you’re meant to do on a once in a lifetime trip like this – have lots and lots of adventures. To find a quick & efficient quote, just use one of a number of websites online. One such example is Insure & Away.

Photo by Flickr User DonkeyHotey

Philadelphia – or “Philly” as it’s been nicknamed – is the largest city in the state of Pennsylvania, the fifth most populous city in the United States and home to numerous significant cultural icons, like the Liberty Bell and the Rocky statue outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Despite its moniker as “the City of Brotherly Love,” Philly (and its inhabitants) often has a tough reputation, which is nonetheless offset by its boisterous and passionate sports fans, numerous colleges and universities, adoration of the cheese steak and decided historical significance.

You could go the traditional route in Philadelphia and visit all the most popular Revolutionary War-related tourist spots, but this is a city that thrives on the unique and eccentric personalities that make up its population. Go out and get a taste of the quirk and kitsch that Philadelphia has to offer: sometimes the best things to do while you are in Philadelphia are the most unexpected ones.

Offbeat Tours

Have you heard the saying that it’s not about the destination – it’s the journey? Keep that in the back of your mind as you discover Philadelphia while getting about the city via some nontraditional transportation methods. Bikes aren’t the most spectacularly crazy way of getting anywhere, but if you’re foregoing a car, you might be pleasantly surprised by how fun and free you feel on two wheels, not to mention the fact that you’re much less likely to end up stuck in traffic. Rent a bike or hop onto a cycle with The Philadelphia Bike Tours, which will give you a three-hour jaunt to hotspots like the Liberty Bell.

Even if you don’t take a pocket protector everywhere you go, consider the I-Glide Tours, via Segway through the Art Museum area. You’ll get hooked up via wireless headset and enjoy about two and a half hours, guided by a tour expert, through the Fairmount Waterworks and Boathouse Row.

For other nifty ways to get around Philadelphia, check out the Zoo Balloon, which takes you 400 feet in the air and offers a compelling view of the city skyline, or hop on board the Philadelphia Trolley Tour, a 90-minute trip around the city that brings you to about 20 different sights.

Majorly Memorable Museums

Philadelphia has its share of eye-popping attractions in the form of some wildly out-there museums. The Mutter Museum, for instance, is a look into the history of medicine, but for many, it can send shivers down their spines, as the museum exists to give visitors “beneath-the-skin” exposure to what physicians see and study. The interior, though, is bright and tasteful, which is perhaps a startling juxtaposition to sights such as the skeleton of a seven foot, six inch man; diseased and enlarged organs; and the death cast of Siamese twins Chang and Eng.

For an equally entertaining visit, head to the Mummers Museum on South Second Street, an anthropological celebration of the art of celebration. Open since 1976, you will find within collections of costumes, paraphernalia and knick-knacks on display, as well as a colorful gift shop where you can purchase exquisite dolls in mummers’ costume, plus books and tokens of celebration.

Ghosts of the Past

The great Edgar Allen Poe, author of “The Raven,” “Annabel Lee” and “The Tell-Tale Heart,” lived throughout Philadelphia during the 1800s and the last house he, his wife and his mother-in-law occupied is the only one of his houses to survive. It’s now the Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site, with neighboring buildings comprising a gift shop and some smaller exhibits. The house/museum is free and open to the public, with guided or self-tours from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.

The Eastern State Penitentiary (ESP) is no longer inhabited by notorious criminals, but the Fairmount Avenue Fortress is open to the public year-round, daily, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. for an admission fee of $12. During the Halloween season, ESP features “Terror Behind the Walls”, a haunted house event that is guaranteed to give you an adrenaline rush. Any other time of the year is good, too, as Al Capone’s luxurious cell has been restored to its appearance when he was held here and you can view the solitary confinement cells and walk Death Row.

Image provided by George Smyth from Flickr’s Creative Commons

Pete Johnson is a contributing writer who lives in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia and works as a grant writer. He loves having friends visit, so he can show them around his city and take them to all the one-of-a-kind attractions.

Anybody who is looking forward to holidays in Malta should schedule a couple of day trips to the capital city, Valletta. While here you will have the opportunity to walk through picturesque gardens, learn about the national history and sightsee from the comfort of quaint street cafés.  You may even like to try some of the activities suggested by the specialist travel team at www.directline-holidays.co.uk.

Enjoy The Malta Experience

You can gain a fascinating insight into the history of Malta at Valletta’s premier tourist attraction. Visitors are treated to a highly informative cinema screening that charts the rise and fall of the knights of St John and the Napoleonic Empire. If you are fascinated by these tales then it’s worth continuing the learning experience at the national archaeological and war museums.

Take A Guided Tour Of St John’s Cathedral

Those of you with an interest in religious history should definitely include a visit to this impressive cathedral in the heart of Valletta. You may be surprised by the intricacy of the ornate decorations and the sheer scale of the central hall. You might even have the opportunity to listen to the St John’s choir singing traditional hymns.

Have A Look Around The Local Shops

There are a wide variety of shops, specialising in everything from jewellery to handicrafts in the heart of Valletta. Even if you’re intent on saving your hard earned euros it’s still worth taking a stroll along the waterfront retail area. You might even spot film stars such as Rachel Weisz and Brad Pitt, both of whom have visited Valletta recently.

Dine In Style

There are plenty of high quality restaurants in Valletta. However, for a truly magical dining experience you should book a table at either the Rubino or Malata. You might even be tempted to try the Maltese wine and foods such as the Lampuki pie and Bragioli beef olives.

Photo by Flickr User victoriapeckham

5. Washington D.C.

Lodged between Maryland and Virginia, but not a part of any state, Washington D.C. is home to the president and a fantastic place for families to visit. Inspirational sights such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial combined with a visit to the National Mall are a great way to learn about a country that we know so much less about than we think.

4. Chicago, Illinois

While places like New York City might not be particularly child-friendly, the same can’t be said about America’s second city, Chicago. The skyscrapers here, which have much more character than those in New York, will still impress the kids, but it’s the attractions such as the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Shedd Aquarium and rides at Navy Pier that makes Chicago ideal for families. There are even beautiful beaches that stretch into Lake Michigan to enjoy.

3. San Francisco/Yosemite National Park, California

If you’re travelling to the East Coast you’d be a fool to stay put for too long. Visit Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge in one of America’s most diverse and interesting cities before taking a ride a few hours east to Yosemite National Park. Here you can go rafting, mountain climbing, and hiking before settling down at night for roasted marshmallows over a campfire.

2. Honolulu, Hawaii

Described by Teletext Holidays as having some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, the capital of Hawaii is on one of the smaller islands, Oahu. With hundreds of hotels within walking distance to beautiful child-friendly beaches and activities such as snorkelling or dolphin swimming, it’s hard not to fall in love with this beautiful island.

1. Orlando, Florida

Every year thousands of British families head to Orlando for warm weather, all you can eat buffets and trips to some of the most exciting theme parks in the world. With half a dozen different Disney theme parks, including two water parks, and a massive Harry Potter area at Universal’s Islands of Adventure there’s no shortage of adventures.

Photo by Flickr User teamstickergiant

To experience Perth, Western Australia is to experience the perfect ingredients for a memorable holiday. Perth is home to some of the country’s best beaches, exciting nightlife, busy markets, astonishing inner city parks, calming outdoor dining and remarkable marine adventures.

Perth, capital of Western Australia can be found beside the widest expanse of the beautiful, winding Swan River. Perth withholds the best views of all from Kings Park and the Botanic Garden, which is even bigger than New York City’s Central Park. With its 988-plus acres of shaped gardens and natural greenery, there are so many paths to enjoy this wonderful park. Take a stroll on the treetop walk, experience an Indigenous cultural tour, or pack a picnic among the gum trees and aesthetically pleasing wildflowers in colorful blooms.

For action on the water, the boundless list of water-based fun includes exciting adventures like boating, fishing and surfing. Infinite beaches stretch from Perth’s famous Cottesloe Beach up the coast towards Lancelin—Western Australia’s ultimate windsurfing and sand boarding center. Or you can drive south to Rockingham and Mandurah for dolphin watching, beach picnicking and exceptional crabbing. The sophisticated inland channels intertwining this area are seamless for anyone who loves to play about on the river.

One of the best things about traveling is to experience new foods in social atmospheres. There are many pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants that are merely feet away from beaches and Swan River. For instance, the Merrywell Pub features mouthwatering foods such as Mac & Cheese Balls, Fish Tacos and Lollipop Buffalo Wings. Yum!

Perth, Western Australia is a place that offers so much; it might even call for a few trips back to experience them all. The friendliness of the people, the beauty of its scenery, and the exciting flavors all work together to make Perth the vacation of a lifetime!

Photo by Flickr User eGuide Travel

Norway may be more traditionally associated with winter holidays, but its summer beauty provides the perfect escape for outdoor adventurers and those seeking real wilderness. Of all the escorted tours Europe has to offer, none are more spectacular than journeys through the forests and fjords of this nature-rich Scandinavian country.

Bergen, Norway’s second largest city, manages to retain a small-town charm despite its size. Set on the west coast and surrounded by the Seven Mountains, the sparkling scenery epitomises classic Norwegian vistas and their paint-box of alpine colours. Founded by a Viking king in 1070, Bergen has a long and colourful history as a trading settlement and its old quayside, Bryggen, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The city provides the perfect gateway for exploring the wilderness of Norway’s west coast, where charming traditional villages such as Lofthus nestle between moss-green valleys. Here, under endless blue skies, wildflower meadows lead to fjords backed by snow capped peaks. A walk around Lofthus itself reveals cosy wooden cabins, historic stone buildings and orchards. Stroll along the path carved by monks in the twelfth century and enjoy the view over the Folgefonna glacier.

Getting back to nature is effortless in Norway, and towns and cities enjoy a natural harmony with the wildness that surrounds. Journey north from Lofthus and you can enjoy the region known as Norway’s orchard. A real-world Eden, pears, plums, cherries and apples are grown here and you can catch the blossom which falls like confetti during early summer.

Hiking, cycling and angling are all popular pursuits around the fjords and mountains, with trails to suit all abilities and air that is unmistakably fresh. Around the sleepy town of Eidfjord visitors will find a diverse range of ways to enjoy nature, including treks to the Voringsfossen waterfall which cascades 600 feet, filling the valley with mist. Another hike will take you to the region’s Viking Graves, burial mounds from the Iron Age that are the largest examples of their kind.

For anyone who wants to learn more about the mythology, history and culture that has grown up around this remarkable landscape head north to the Lofoten islands. As well as story-book villages, whale safaris and optimum conditions to spot the northern lights, the islands are home to the Lofotr Viking Museum. This complete reconstruction of a Viking chiefdom presents a living, working example of a day in the Viking world. Highlights include costumed battles, Viking banquets and cruises on a traditional Viking ship.

Photo by Flickr User Edward Dalmulder

The Greek island of Paxos is a popular holiday destination with its three resort villages of Gaios, Loggos and Lakka. Most of the restaurants on the island are located around the harbours al fresco with canopies, creating a relaxed ambience. The culinary tradition on Paxos has a distinctively Italian flavour. Mezdes, a seafood salad combo of octopus, sardines, calamari or clams, is a sought-after appetiser.

The most common Greek restaurant, the taverna, offers traditional Greek cuisine and is usually family-owned and operated. The psarotaverna specialises in fish dishes, and the menu changes depending on the day’s fresh catch. While the fish entrees seem comparatively costly, theyíre usually priced by the kilo, instead of by serving portion.

The tavernas in Gaios (the islandís capital and largest resort) serve delectable local Greek dishes, including pizza, pasta and souvlaki (kebab). Taverna Dodos sets up tables under olive trees with Greek music setting the right mood. House specialties include the classic spetzofai (country sausage with peppers and tomato), spicy or stuffed pork, and other dishes to tickle the palate of diners. Vontza, another restaurant in Gaios, is distinctive for meals made to order in a wood oven, with fresh herbs from the ownersí garden and honey from their beehives. They offer a different menu daily with a wide variety of traditional Greek meals of fish, meat and pasta.

Akis Fish Bar and Restaurant in Lakka prepares a broad selection of Mediterranean cuisine. Some of the menu items are lobster spaghetti, fresh seafood, grilled fish and various homemade pasta. Diners can also sample the scrumptious handmade desserts such as cakes, creme brulee and tarts.

The islandís smallest resort Loggos takes pride in excellent seafront tavernas serving native culinary delights like stuffed tomatoes and fresh lobster. The Olive Tree Restaurant is the place to wine and dine for special occasions. Its gourmet specialties range from Greek and Mediterranean to vegetarian cuisine. Vasilis is a charming little place that can hold its own with delicious Greek and seafood courses.

The local villages on Paxos run charcoal grill-type eateries called psistaria, which offer barbecued dishes, along with a selection of appetisers and salads. Tourists who are gastronomically adventurous may want to try kokoretsi, a tasty Greek delicacy of grilled goat innards wrapped in intestine.

Visitors on the go all day may opt for takeout at a souvlatzidika. These are Greek fastfood places serving up small souvlakis wrapped as gyros in toasted pita bread with a tangy tzatiki dip and a side dish of salad. For dessert, those with a sweet tooth can feast on mouthwatering treats at cake and coffee shops called zacharoplasteion.

A holiday on Paxos Island wonít be complete without a visit to the Olive Museum. Restored to working order, its olive press produces olive oil which islanders claim to be the finest in Greece.

Photo by Flickr User alexik