Are you wondering where to go for your summer holiday this year? Do you want to visit Spain but are keen to explore a destination you’ve never been to before? Our suggestions of some of the top Spanish towns could give you some inspiration.

Marbella

While this might be a well-known tourist spot, there is certainly much more to the city on the Costa del Sol than first meets the eye.

Yes, there is always the chance you might bump into a Hollywood star as you wander the streets, but catching a glimpse of a celebrity should not be your main reason for visiting here.

You’ll probably be surprised by just how much culture and history is on offer here, especially if you head to the old district of the city. We’d recommend starting in the Plaza de los Naranjos, where you can admire some ornate architecture before moving on to discover what remains of its Arab fortress.

If you’re something of a culture vulture, check out a few of the quirky museums in Marbella – like the Contemporary Engraving Museum or the Museo del Bonsai, which is dedicated to the art of bonsai and can be found in the Parque Arroyo de la Represa.

Of course, one of the main reasons Marbella has maintained its enduring appeal as a destination for holidays in Spain is its favourable, warm climate and stunning sandy beaches, so you won’t struggle to find somewhere to top up your tan if you’re keen to return home with a healthy glow!

Puerto Pollensa

Have you considered booking a hotel on one of the Balearic Islands? If you’ve always struggled to decide on a destination, try Puerto Pollensa.

This is a charming resort town on Majorca’s northern coast, where you will find amazing, sweeping bays and the rolling slopes of the Tramuntana mountain range.

If you’re after an active break, this is a great place to go, as you can try your hand at numerous water sports on the main beach. Rather stay on dry land? Never fear, there are plenty of activities for you to enjoy, too.

Horse riding, hiking and cycling are just some of the things you can have a go at if, of course, you can drag yourself away from the beach! Actually, one of the best things to do on a break in Puerto Pollensa is take a horse ride along the sand early in the morning – a wonderful way to begin your day.

Ibiza Town

If you’re looking for something a little more special than a run-of-the-mill summer holiday, Ibiza Town – or Eivissa – could be a good choice.

There are plenty of luxurious places to stay if you’re on your honeymoon and with all the cultural and natural attractions in the area, you’re sure to have a break to remember.

Much of Eivissa’s old town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, so it’s worth taking the time to climb the hill to its Dalt Vila district and explore. Looking for somewhere to have a romantic meal? Head to Placa de la Vila, where you’ll find some great restaurants

There are three beaches within easy reach of Ibiza Town, but if you’re after some peace and quiet with your loved one, try Es Viver. Here, you can stretch out on the sand or enjoy a drink at one of the many open-air bars along the beach.

The massive spread of smart phones has been beneficial for thousands and thousands of people all across the world, and for a number of different reasons. For some, smart phones were a natural step forward, a simple progression in mobile phone technology. For others, they were important business tools that revolutionized the ways in which people could do their work. And, for others, they have merely been entertaining toys that double as mobile phones and miniature computers.

However, one of the very best things about smart phones for a lot of people is that they allow you to stay connected with your friends, family, life and news no matter where you are. This has made travelling a lot easier for many people who can now make good use of their smart phones abroad. So, next time you go to pick out a new mobile device, consider some of the fantastic smart phones offered by O2.

There are a number of great options when you consider this selection of phones, and ultimately your decision will depend upon your own budget and personal preferences. For example, the HTC Explorer is available as a fully capable smart phone on the cheaper and simpler side, for people who simply want email access and Internet ability, but would prefer to refrain from spending too much, whether you are in France or the UK.

Or, you could also look into the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, which is one of the most advanced smart phones on the market, and a key competitor to the Apple iPhone. Another fantastic option, however, if you would prefer to keep things in between, is the very highly reviewed Samsung Galaxy Ace, which, conveniently, comes with some very attractive travel rates from O2.

If you travel abroad within Europe, you can have a very simple plan with O2 that only requires you to pay ¬£3.07 per MB of data usage. However, once you reach the point at which you have paid ¬£40, you will no longer have to pay any more, and you can continue on with free usage until you reach 50 MB for the month. The same plan works similarly when you travel beyond Europe’s borders, with the exception that you will be paying ¬£6 per MB used (with the same ¬£40 limit). Of course, if you plan on using more data, you can also look into similar plans with expanded data plans and spending limits. Ultimately, however, as you can see, travelling abroad with your mobile phone can be both convenient and affordable under the right plan.

The tourism trade in Cardiff is big business and it’s now considered to be one of the best alternative cities to visit in the UK. It may not have the array of attractions in comparison to somewhere like London, but Cardiff definitely has its own distinctive charm.

Read on for information about the type of things you can see and do in in the Welsh capital and when it comes to booking a hotel in Cardiff, consider the Ibis hotel Cardiff gate as it has located near excellent transport links and is away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

The Millennium Stadium

Considered to be one of the finest venues of its type in both Europe and the world, the Millennium Stadium is a feat of architectural brilliance. Time your visit to Cardiff to perfection and you may be fortunate enough to attend a major sporting event (possibly a football or rugby match or a motorsport occasion) or a major music concert as some of the biggest acts around regularly play gigs at the Millennium Stadium. If not, then fear nor because you can still go on a stadium tour and learn how it was built and come away armed with an array of useful facts.

Cardiff Bay

Billed as Europe’s largest waterfront development, Cardiff Bay has enjoyed a dramatic transformation over the last few years and is now a thriving hub of hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes and even more fine pieces of architecture. The Welsh National Opera can also be found in Cardiff Bay, which is a short walk away from the city centre, as well as an arts centre, science discovery centre and a 500-acre freshwater lake with eight miles of waterfront.

Cardiff Castle

The great thing about visiting Cardiff is that the main attractions can be found right in the heart of the city or a brief walk away, like the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Bay and Cardiff Castle, which is one of the leading heritage attractions in the UK. A host of special events are staged here throughout the year, from medieval jousting to family picnics, food festivals to special readings. Learn more about the rich history and heritage of Cardiff Castle and explore the beautiful grounds.

Best Time Of Year For A Holiday To Greece

The best time of year for a holiday to Greece is during seasonal transitions. According to travel guides, visitors should arrive between April and June or September and October for Greece holidays 2012. These periods mark the arrival of mild temperatures and minimal tourist crowds.

Summertime in Greece

Grecian summers are hot and dry, with Northern winds providing occasional relief. Average daytime temperatures range between 29 and 35 degrees Celsius. Daytime highs of 38 degrees C during the month of July are common.

Visitors arriving between April and June enjoy significantly cooler weather and greater travel discounts. Later in the season, local accommodations are overpriced and overbooked with summer break crowds. This is when almost two-thirds of the British population takes their annual holiday.

Autum in Greece

Autumn marks another optimal time for holidays in Greece. September to October marks a cooling off period from warmer summer weather. Temperatures are still pleasant, allowing guests to enjoy Grecian beaches without large throngs of hovering tourists.

Less ferry and airline service is available starting at the end of October. Activity turns towards the mainland as residents prepare for the holiday season. Fall marks an excellent time to visit well-known Greek archaeological sites. This time creates the perfect escape for British families looking for a special ending to the school holiday period.

Visiting Greece during Easter

Visitors planning Greece holidays 2012 should note Greek Easter week dates. The country follows a Julian calendar, meaning that some Grecian religious holidays do not fall concurrently with Eastern observation dates. 2012 Greek Orthodox Easter falls on April 15.

Previous guests note the pageantry involved with Greek Easter celebrations. Residents create bright red Easter eggs and stay awake all night decorating the tomb, or Bier, of Christ. Families attend religious services and return to their homes afterwards for large meals.

Operating hours for local tourist attractions, bars and restaurants change during the holiday. Museums and archaeological sites close on Easter Sunday, with limited hours the Friday and Saturday before. Restaurants and bars close on Friday and Saturday evenings immediately before Easter, with most eateries offering seasonal lentil and vegetarian entrees in observation of Lent. During Easter Sunday and much of Easter Monday, all life revolves around local churches.

Traffic becomes almost intolerable during Easter in Greece. Large crowds of residents head to smaller villages in surrounding areas. Once traffic dissipates, the area becomes a ghost town until late Monday evening when returning residents clog the roadways.

Visitors come to Greece for a wide range of reasons. Sandy beaches, cultural and historical attractions make people want to plan their holidays in Greece. Optimal travel times not only help guests save money, but aides them in avoiding overwhelming crowds.

Some people want something different when they travel. Apartments in Birmingham might be good for someone looking for a long stay and that is stocked with wares not normally found in a hotel room, while others don’t want to deal with other people’s stuff. Personally, I couldn’t imagine renting out my place to someone I didn’t know… seems like a recipe to get robbed.

Take the upcoming 2012 London Olympics. If they are anything like the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, people will be doing just that – renting out their abodes to out of towners with more money than brains. What a great way to make a few hundred dollars while you go stay with your family for two weeks and split the money (unless you’re a cheap bastard). I mean, he only thing more comfortable than your own home is someone else’s.

But it’s not for everyone.

If you had your first choice, would you choose a simple hotel/hostel room or an unoccupied but not empty flat? Long stay travellers would be wise to get something rentable by the week/month rather than by the day and sometimes an option can be to shack up in someone’s apartment.

A friend of mine on his recent trip to London opted to do just that and it just so happened to be owned by some actors who spend a good deal of their time in Los Angeles. I mean, they’re not major celebrities. And when my friend told me their names, IMDB didn’t pull their names up without a little refining… but ooo! Still kind of exciting!

Hotels and hostels are great options, in my opinion, for a few nights – especially if you are travelling alone. It gives you your own space, it gives you a refuge from whatever is going on outside and they’re usually simple enough that they motivate you to spend as little time there as possible in favour of adventuring. This kind of private accommodation loses its charm on long stays because of not only the cost, but because they’re not the most stimulating of residences. An apartment on the other hand may offer you that.

The mooch in me sees staying in someone else’s place as a wicked way to somehow stick it to the man… even though I may not know who the man is, and the man may in fact be a woman. Nevertheless each option offers its own list of positives. So whether you’re in the market for a Tuscan villa, a NYC loft or London serviced apartments, know that they may provide an interesting alternative to hotel or hostel dwelling. After all, who doesn’t love to snoop?

Dear Edinburgh Hotels,

I am writing to ask you to please stop allowing the hotel chains I have heard of to be in your city. I know they are names that people trust and recognize, but when I’m out of my own country I like to imagine it is a magical world where everything is exotic, and you are ruining this. Also, please build more castles. People love castles.

Sincerely,

Me

Have you ever been somewhere overseas and been annoyed by some chain from your home country? Restaurants do this all the time and I don’t have as much of a problem with it, but hotel chains just rub me the wrong way. Am I the only one?

Take my last trip to Venice. I’m having a lovely walk through one of the many alleyways passed throngs of people to a relatively open area where I see a canal-jam of gondolas in front of a well known-hotel chain. Really? In Venice? I’m sorry, but my vision of the ridiculous city of Venice does not include something so ordinary and bland as a major hotel chain. Every hotel should be on a canal with its own Italian name, accompanied by serenading gondolier to ferry you to your room as night. Is this too much to ask?

I know many of the hotels I see may be a part of a chain but have their own unique name, but I didn’t say I was being rational. Just please pretend to be one of a kind, for my sake. I go on vacation to see something different, not what I see at home.

Well, that’s part of it at least. The other part I guess has to do with the romanticism I have for travelling. Cities are living breathing things that do what they want and do not conform to the idealized views of a starry eyed tourist. It’s kind of like how many men seriously think women do not pass gas or defecate because they can’t imagine something so beautiful doing something so disgusting. Sexist, perhaps… but the good kind!

Again, contradicting myself, something like the Days Inn Liverpool doesn’t really bother me. Maybe it’s because it’s in an English speaking country, but it doesn’t seem as out of place as one in Milan or Bangkok. If hotel chains need to operate in foreign lands, I would prefer they remain out of my sight so they don’t ruin the sights. I have that to look forward to once I get home.

The beautiful place of Italy is always visited by hopeless romantics or couples in love. It is one of the ideal places to be in for a wedding, a honeymoon or even for a proposal. Just as tourists who fell in love with the beauty of Paris, they are surely going to fall head over heels for the romantic high they would get when they visit the home of Juliet Capulet in Verona.

It may seem like a cliche but the age-old story of the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, is one reason that would bring people to Verona, Italy. And with the release of the movie Letters to Juliet, more and more people got to know about the romanticism of Verona and this popular tourist destination is likely to draw hoards of romantic hopefuls flocking to its shores along the Adige river in search of love and adventure.

Casa di Giulietta, or Juliet’s House, is where the Capuleti family is said to have lived. Located in the centre of Verona at via Cappello 23, it is a little difficult to find. Follow the directions to Piazza delle Erbe and once you see the graffiti covered sign post and the plaque above the archway, you will recognise it by the number of people inside the courtyard.

Pass through the short dark tunnel and you’ll find yourself in the intimate courtyard vying for a photo opportunity with fellow awe-struck visitors.

With romance in your heart, you’ve come to see this – Juliet’s balcony. Allow your mind to play a romantic scene from a late night fantasy or a bad Hollywood romantic comedy, whichever it may be, the balcony will surely be something you’d want to take a picture of.

The tiny balcony is indeed picture pretty. But if you believe the folklore, the Capuleti family has never lived here and the balcony was a recent addition in 1936 by the government to attract tourism. For just €4, you can visit the interior of the house to see the bed from the 1936 Zeffirelli’s movie Romeo and Juliet. But be prepared to rub shoulders with clichéd romantics reading each other passages from Shakespeare’s work on the infamous balcony.

Back in the courtyard, once you’ve elbowed enough photographers to secure a spot in front of Juliet’s bronze statue, some smart alec or a middle-aged German bloke will suddenly jump in front of your camera and grope Juliet’s right breast for luck. This peculiar tradition, as bizarre as women rubbing the bulge in Victor Noir’s trousers at Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris, was probably started by someone with a fetish for cold shiny metallic objects. But then again, there’s no harm in trying, right?

Look around you at the people in the courtyard and try to ignore the souvenir shops with kitsch Romeo and Juliet memorabilia. The posers are taking their time on the balcony and the statue. The photographers are lined up at the back sighing in frustration. Young lovers are floating in heart-shaped clouds. Remember that you’re here in the romantic heart of Verona, and there’s one more thing left to do.

The dark tunnel through which you entered houses a collection of love letter on its walls, left for the secretaries of Juliet to answer.

You are about to partake in the tradition and leave a note. And just as that important scene in the movie where Sophie found Claire’s letter to Juliet about her decision to go after Lorenzo Bartolini or not, tear a piece of paper from your spiral notebook, enter your message of love and search frantically for a method to attach it to the wall. Tempted as you may be, don’t touch the blobs of chewed up gum used to secure love notes to the graffiti wall. Get creative, and you could share a bit of adhesive tape from another note or bring your own adhesive tape.

If you’re visiting with your beloved, remember to share a kiss in the courtyard. After all, you’re in one of the most romantic parts of Italy. Relive the whole Romeo and Juliet scenes and just enjoy Casa Di Giuliettain Verona, Italy.

Costa Rica is considered as one of the most visited international destinations in Central America. In fact, one of its main sources of income is tourism. But before you go packing and booking your flight tickets, carefully plan out the details of your trip. Although, if you have to plan your trip in the last minute, there are ways to still save money even when in a hurry.

There are many things that a traveler should see when visiting Costa Rica. But since there are lots of good places to go to, here are the top 10 things to see in Costa Rica that we carefully picked out for you to fully enjoy your stay.

Rainforest Aerial Tram

There is nothing like it in the world. This guided tour of the Rain Forest canopy is – without doubt – a must do activity for anyone coming to Costa Rica. Located only 50 minutes from San Jose, the Rain Forest Aerial Tram is the premier ecotourism park of Costa Rica. In the morning, they offer a minibus service from most major hotels and other convenient points in and around San Jose. During the high season, they often offer transportation in the afternoons as well. English-speaking guides accompany all buses. The office will make arrangements to suit your convenience.

Guests can bring light-weight casual clothes, sneakers and rain gear just in case the situation calls for it. Generally, a trip to the rainforest canopy is ideal for visitors of all ages.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

10 Fun Things in Orlando, FL

Orlando is a great place to mix business and pleasure. While mom or dad are attending a convention at the Hilton Orlando Convention Center, the rest of the family can be out visiting the best sights in this central Florida city.

1. The Magic Kingdom has been a major draw since Walt Disney World opened more than 40 years ago. Mingle with Mickey and Minnie during your visit.
2. If you love movies, you’ll love Universal Studios where technology allows you to be part of your favorite films. Or you can stay behind the scenes to learn how movies are made. Harry Potter fans will want to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
3. SeaWorld Orlando lets you get up close and personal with dolphins, penguins and Beluga whales, but other sea animals, such as sharks, are best viewed outside the tank.
4. Kids who play with Legos will love Legoland, the Orlando area’s newest theme park, with its rides and hands-on activities.
5. Learn about 11 world cultures at Epcot Center, famous for its iconic Spaceship Earth that looks like a giant golf ball.
6. Alligators rule at Gatorland where you can see thousands of alligators and crocodiles as well as visit an aviary and petting zoo.
7. Orlando is more than theme parks, so when it’s time for culture, visit the Orlando Museum of Art with its permanent collections of American and African art.
8. No trip is complete without shopping. Orlando offers fabulous opportunities, including Nieman-Marcus and one of the southeast’s largest outlet malls.
   
9. Golfers will think they’re in heaven as Orlando is home to more than 170 golf courses plus some pretty famous tournaments.
10. Food is another good reason to visit Orlando. Choices range from theme park dining to upscale restaurants offering a variety of cuisines.

Find love in the most romantic place in the world – Paris! People from all over the world come to Paris just so they could spend a cozy evening and show the romantic side of them to their loved ones in this beautiful place. Although it is important to fill your special someone with your love, it is also not that bad of an idea to fill your bellies as you stare into each other’s eyes and enjoy one another’s company.

Le Maurice

Any gourmand who wants to wine and dine in a glamorous and fancy French restaurant will surely love the dining experience that they could get from Hotel Maurice. Situated in the heart of the city, Le Maurice will easily be spotted by any person craving for any good meal. The restaurant was redecorated several years ago by Philippe Starck but its old French designs were able to survive the changing atmosphere around it. With its mosaic floor, crystal chandeliers, heavy damask curtains at the windows overlooking the Tuileries Gardens across the street, Le Maurice looks even much more magnificent than it was before.

Fans of Escoffier vintage culinary techniques are going to enjoy the cuisine that Chef Yannick Alleno is going to prepare, much more than London around the corner.. In addition to recent creations such as crispy green ravioli  with a fricassee of snails and wild garlic, a starter, and spit-roasted red-wine marinated pigeon with red cabbage and apple juice, your heart and your belly are going to be filled with content.

L’Astrance

High class restaurants are almost always pricey. Anyway, you are not paying for the name of the food joint alone, but also for the good food that you will be ordering. L’Astrance, a three-star restaurant on a cobbled side street in the 16th arrondissement is a difficult place to snag a table. Thanks to Chef Pascal Barbot’s French haute cuisine, the restaurant is always fully packed with hungry patrons.

With Chef Barbot’s love for vegetables, fruits and fresh herbs combined with his brilliant and imaginative mind’s creations, people who do not usually love these healthy food options are surely going to want to ask for more.

Huitrerie Regis

Sometimes the best restaurants do not need to look that elegant on the outside. After all, it’s not the exterior that people are looking for but they are seeking for the food. Nestled in the heart of Saint Germain des Pres, this is the best place in Paris to get impeccably fresh oysters, which are delivered directly from France’s Marennes-Oléron region on the Atlantic coast. Depending on availability, clams, prawns and sea urchins may also be part of the menu which will be served with bread and butter.

Maceo

In most fancy restaurants, the menu mostly consists of meat selection with some vegetarian options. Luckily for the vegetarians, Maceo’s Chef Thierry Bourbonnais gives importance to vegetables. Incorporating vegetables in the dishes make Maceo a good choice for those who avoid meat. The good thing about Maceo’s menu is that the theme of the menu changes regularly around a single vegetable which makes people keep guessing on what is the specialty of the day.

Spring

In Paris, people would think that all restaurants are run by Parisian chefs, perhaps with a New Yorker thrown in occasionally. After all, it’s Paris, France. However, in the now popular Spring restaurant, an American chef runs the kitchen and makes the delicious dishes that tourists and locals are craving for. Ever since he became chef of the restaurant, Spring has become packed with hungry customers all waiting to get their fill of dishes such as Basque country trout with avocado and coriander flowers and grilled New Caledonian prawns on a bed of shaved baby fennel.

For those who are just going to wander around the streets of Paris in search of a fine dining experience, do not forget to check out the abovementioned restaurants. Bon appetite!