A friend of mine came to visit me a couple of months ago, so I’m no stranger to hosting people. But my friend was the same age as me, and thus shares my interests. My parents are in their sixties and, although spry, won’t be up for the usual round of clubs and pubs that typifies the Shanghai experience. Having said that, my mum read a feature I wrote for a magazine about Shanghai nightlife, and has expressed an interest in attending ‘Ladies’ Night’ at Mexican bar Zapatas which I mentioned in the article. That could be interesting…

Shanghai is a very modern city, which means that there aren’t as many historical sights as in places like Beijing and Xi’an. But we do have the Yu Garden and the alleys of the old town, then the old French Concession and the stately buildings of the Bund.  There’s also an area called Xintiandi (New Heaven and Earth) which is scorned by resident expats thanks to its overstated hipness and overinflated prices, but which visitors seem to love. I remember really liking it when I visited Shanghai for the first time, so I think my parents will like it.

They are staying for two weeks around my birthday, which is great as they’ll be able to meet my new friends en masse at my party. For the middle weekend that they’re here we’re planning to go to Beijing. It will be my first time leaving Shanghai in more than six months, and I’m really looking forward to it. We’ll also go to the water towns Hangzhou and Suzhou which are a must for visitors.

I’m looking forward to showing them the city. Hopefully it will help me get over the six month blues!

For the cheapest flights to Shanghai visit www.FlightComparison.co.uk.

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We don’t recommend going in high summer (between June and September) as the weather is extremely hot. Spring and autumn are the ideal times to go, as temperatures are warm without being uncomfortable.

Thanks to rapid development, Almaty suffers from smog, but this won’t stop you from enjoying the wide boulevards and historic attractions. One of the most beautiful sights is Zenkov Cathedral, which is situated in pretty Panfilov Park. The cathedral is built entirely of wood and contains no nails, so it is a miracle that it survived the 1911 earthquake. Find out about this, and other aspects of Almaty’s history at the Central State Museum.

Almaty is surrounded by mountains, including Kok Tobe (Green Hill) on its south-eastern outskirts. It is home to a popular recreation area with amusement rides, restaurants, and viewpoints. Get there from downtown Almaty on the aerial tramway line which starts near to Hotel Kazakhstan. Look out for the rather random bronze statue of The Beatles by sculptor Eduard Kazaryan, which was erected in 2007.

Also on Kok Tobe is the Almaty Tower, built between 1975 and 1983. Unlike other TV towers, it made of steel rather than concrete, and is the tallest free-standing tubular steel structure in the world at 1219 feet. It has two observation decks, but unfortunately they’re not open to the public. The tower was built by architecture firm Terziev, Savchenko, Akimov and Ostroumov, and can weather earthquakes of up to 10 on the Richter scale.

Some airlines fly direct to Almaty from the UK, but most require a stopover along the way, often in Frankfurt. As for travel once you get there, the bus system is good, although walking and biking are cheaper and more fun.

For the cheapest flights to Almaty visit FlightComparison.co.uk.

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Dear Travel Doctor,

I left uni last year and have been travelling ever since. I’m thinking of moving to either New Zealand or Australia to work for a year, and need some advice about the practicalities. Any tips?

- Cam, Lincoln

Hi Cam,

Sounds like a big adventure. A cousin of mine did something similar, so I know just the sort of stuff that will be useful. The first thing you’ll need to do is get a visa. The best way is to get in touch with your nearest Aussie or New Zealand embassy and they’ll tell you what to do.

Then, once you’re all visa-d up, you’ll need to think about how best to present yourself to prospective employers. Prepare your CV before you go, and make sure you have plenty of copies. Save it onto a USB key and have a copy in your email inbox, just to make sure you always have access to it. As always, check it thoroughly for mistakes. There’s nothing more unprofessional and off-putting than a CV riddled with errors.

If you decide on Australia, you’ll need to get a Tax File Number as soon as you get there. Until you have one, you’ll be taxed 48% instead of the 29% standard rate for travelers on a working visa. For more info visit www.ato.gov.au. If you choose New Zealand, you’ll need an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number. See www.ird.govt.nz for more details.

Once you’re all sorted with your number, sign up with a local recruitment agency. If you’re looking for a job in retail, hospitality, or construction, or seasonal work, you should approach employers in person. Especially in New Zealand, it can be beneficial to look for work in places that are a little off the beaten track from the big cities.

After you get a job, you’ll need to have a bank account where your employer can deposit your wages. If you’re in Australia, try to open one within six weeks of arriving, otherwise the amount of identification you’ll need will increase. During the first six weeks, all you’ll need is your passport. As for New Zealand, you’ll need a permanent address, but this can be a P. O. Box.

When you get back to the UK, bear in mind that you can claim tax back. Visit www.taxback.com for more details.

Hope that helps! Enjoy your big adventure.

For the cheapest flights to Australia and New Zealand visit FlightComparison.co.uk.

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It’s a well-known fact that pollution, global warming, and deforestation are harming the planet’s human and animal populations, but the dangers to geographical phenomena and locations should not be underestimated. Many of the world’s most beautiful and important sites are falling foul of human-imposed threats and, although measures are in place to limit the damage, you should take the opportunity to see these attractions before they disappear forever.

The Dead Sea lies between Israel and Jordan and holds historic as well as geographic significance. Here, the Dead Sea scrolls were found, and it’s also here that generations of people have enjoyed the salt-laden waters for their therapeutic value. But the lowest dry point on earth is under threat from irrigation, and experts predict that it will have evaporated in around fifty years.

The future of Australia’s most incredible natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef, is also in jeopardy. Stretching for 1600 miles along Queensland’s coast, the reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and is home to many endangered species. This living, breathing undersea rainforest has been in existence for 500,000 years. Scientists predict that a three degree rise in global temperature would spell the death of the entire reef, taking countless species with it

It isn’t only environmental concerns, but the influence of human beings that has already destroyed many sections of the Great Wall of China. The wall is a feat of human achievement; it was begun over two centuries before the birth of Christ and finished in the 17^th century, and spans China from the Gobi Desert to the grasslands of Mongolia. Many parts of its 4500 length have fallen into ruin thanks to neglect, and the ravages of tourists.

Montana’s Glacier National Park was created as the last Ice Age came to an end, and is awe-inspiring proof of nature’s might. However, the park’s 150 glaciers began to melt in the middle of the 19^th century, and now only around 20 remain. By 2030 there will be none left, which is disastrous for the flora and fauna that rely on it for food and habitat.

The Amazon Rainforest is nicknamed the ‘lungs of the planet’ as it provides around 20 percent of the world’s oxygen. The forest covers over half of Brazil and makes up half of the earth’s rainforest. There is so much wildlife in there that much of it is yet to be discovered and categorised. This is why its inevitable destruction is so saddening. If deforestation carries on at current rates, the Amazon will be depleted by 40 percent in 20 years, and will be totally gone by 2100.  

Fingers crossed that governments and scientists will pull together to halt the damage to these sights and phenomena, so that our children’s children will be able to enjoy them too.

For the cheapest flights to world destinations visit FlightComparison.co.uk.

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Riga, Latvia’s capital, is architecturally beautiful, and extremely welcoming. It’s a port town, located on the Gulf of Riga and the Daugava River, and its local cuisine reflects the maritime setting. In fact, Latvian food is gaining in popularity, making it a reason in itself to visit.

Winters in Latvia reach sub-zero temperatures. Spring and autumn are chilly too, so you’ll have to decide whether you want to see the city clad in snow, or illuminated by summer sun.

Summer is a great time to go boating on the Gulf too. But if you’re more of a land-based traveler, there’s a lot to see as well. The Old Town is particularly pretty, complete with those traditional Eastern European buildings with their gothic charm. One of the most striking is the Lutheran cathedral which is the largest church in the Baltic States. It was built in the 13th century and has a world-famous organ from 1844. St Peter’s Church is also a stunning landmark with its 123 metre tower. Behind it stands St John’s Church, a 13th century chapel.

Explore Riga’s past at the Museum of Latvian History which is housed in Riga Castle along with the Museum of Foreign Art. There’s also the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum (Brīvdabas Muzejs) by Jugla Lake, which recalls Latvia’s rural past with reconstructed houses, farm buildings, and churches.

The Powder Tower (Pulvertornis) is the only tower that is left from the original city walls. It contains The Latvian Museum of War. On a similar theme is the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, commemorating the country’s various invasions between 1940 to 1991.

If you like museums but want a change from dry history, Try the Motor Museum (Motormuzejs) in Mežciems which holds a collection of retro motorcycles and automobiles, including Brezhnev’s and Stalin’s armoured limos.

Also look out for the Art Nouveau architecture Alberta and Elizabetes Streets. Another striking sight is the Riga Radio and TV Tower – Europe’s third highest tower.

If you’re travelling with kids, take them to the Riga Zoo and Mežaparks (Forest Park) where they can ride a Ferris wheel. They might also enjoy the Riga Circus, which is the Baltics’ only permanent circus.

There are more and more flights operating to and from Riga these days, both budget airlines and regular services. Once you get there, the best way to get around is by bus or taxi. The same goes for getting into town from the airport.

For the cheapest flights to Riga, visit FlightComparison.co.uk.

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Close to my apartment is Zhongshan Park, where I have been many times. One nice feature of Chinese parks is the sight of elderly folk practising t’ai chi, and groups of middle-aged couples ballroom dancing to sedate music. Zhongshan has all of this, as well as a boating lake and lawns (which, bizarrely, visitors aren’t allowed to walk on). Another favourite of mine is Lu Xun Park in the northerly Hong Kou district. This part of town is particularly grey, so the park is a welcome antidote to the urban sprawl. It is dedicated to China’s most famous 20th century writer and activist, Lu Xun, and contains a museum devoted to him and his works.

There are many parks that I haven’t visited yet, but will do as the weather warms up. One that fascinates me is Chang Feng Park, which holds such delights as a go-karting track and a marine centre where you can dive with sharks.

Then there’s Century Park, the biggest city park. It’s located out in Pudong and is spread out over nearly 1.5 million square metres. The biggest park in Shanghai’s municipality, though, is the Gongqing Forest Park. Originally silt land, it was turned into a tree nursery in the 1950s and is now a huge expanse of lawns and arboretums. There are even chalets for rent, if you want to escape city life for a weekend. Sounds tempting…

For the cheapest flights to Shanghai visit FlightComparison.co.uk.

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Your first sightseeing destination should be Capitol Hill. Home to much of Seattle’s alternative culture, you’ll find coffeehouses, clubs, cafes and funky shops.

Once you’ve spent some time soaking up the indie atmosphere there, swap the cool vibes for the more touristy feel of the Seattle Center. This area is home to one of Seattle’s most famous and striking buildings – the Space Needle.

To get in touch with Seattle’s history, head to Pike Place Market. You may need to hold you nose, as the market is full of fish vendors touting their wares.
As for galleries and museums, Seattle is well served. The best galleries are the Henry Art Gallery opened in 1927, the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) and the Frye Art Museum is a free museum on First Hill. Good museums include the Loghouse Museum in Alki, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, the Museum of History and Industry and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture.

The Woodland Park Zoo is a great way to spend an afternoon if the weather is good. Likewise, the Seattle Aquarium on the waterfront.

All the tourist sights in Seattle are reachable by trolley, including the Space Needle, Pike Place, the International District, and the Seattle Art Museum. Metro Transit Buses are good for getting from A to B. Another good option for warmer weather is biking.

Seattle’s main flight hub is the Sea-Tac Airport. It’s quite a distance away from the city, but shuttle buses and taxis will get you into town. Renting a car isn’t a bad idea, despite heavy traffic during rush hour. You’ll find rental agencies at the airport.

For the cheapest flights to Seattle, visit FlightComparison.co.uk.

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-    Kathryn, London

Hi Kathryn.

You’re absolutely right. There is so much to explore in Paris that it can often seem daunting if you only have a couple of days to cram everything in. I am a huge fan of Paris myself, and have visited many times, so here is my Top 10:

1. The Eiffel Tower. Of course! What could be more quintessentially Parisian than that old iron delight? The tower was built for the 1889 World Expo, and didn’t go down too well with the locals when it was unveiled. However, it has since turned out to be a national icon, and no trip to Gay Paree is complete without a visit.

2. Notre Dame Cathedral. Situated on a willow-strewn island in the middle of the Seine, this Gothic beauty took over a century to build. Climb up one of the towers for amazing views of the city.

3. Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees. At the end of one of Europe’s most chi-chi shopping streets is the Napoleonic archway that celebrates France’s war victories.

4. Versailles. This is the palace of the former kings of France, and is situated a little way outside of Paris. Go there if you have time – it’s gorgeous.

5. The Louvre. The Mona Lisa. Need I say more?

6. Pere Lachaise Cemetery. Must-sees here include the crypts and the graves of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde and Richard Wright.

7. Seine River Cruise. A good way of seeing Paris from the river, and very romantic too.

8. Musee d’Orsay. This is one of the most-visited museums in the world, and a must for art lovers.

9. The Sorbonne. This is one of Europe’s oldest universities, established in 1257.

10. Sacre Coeur and Montmartre. Bohemian beauty abounds among the quaint cafes and street markets of Montmartre, overseen by the pretty white basilica on the hill.

So I hope you manage to pack all of this into your trip. Enjoy!

For the cheapest flights to Paris, visit FlightComparison.co.uk.

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Harbin is China’s most northerly provincial capital, situated in the Heilongjiang Province, and thus closer to Russia than it is to Beijing. The city’s name comes from a Manchu word which means “a place for drying fishing nets”. It has a variety of nicknames including “the pearl on the swan’s neck” (because Heilongjiang Province is shaped like a swan) “Oriental Moscow” or “Oriental Paris” thanks to its European architecture, and the “Ice City” because of its freezing winters.

It is these winters that play host to one of China’s best loved attractions – the Ice Festival.  Temperatures can reach minus 40 at the coldest times, and remain below freezing for much of the year. Each winter, the city comes alive with ice sculptures. Officially the festival runs from January 5th until February 15th, but often opens at the end of December and carried on into March.

Harbin’s tradition of snow and ice sculpting dates back to Manchu times, but it wasn’t until 1963 that the first official show was held. The Ice Festival began in 1985. Over the past 20 years it has grown and grown, and now attracts over a million visitors a year from across the globe. International teams come here to impress the public with their extravagant work. Three locations play host to the sculptures: Sun Island Park (Taiyangdao Gongyuan), Zhaolin Park (Zhaolin Gongyuan) and Harbin Ice and Snow World.

Sun Island Park is also popular when the weather warms up in the summertime. It is situated along the north bank of the Songhua River, and is enjoyed by both locals and visitors. Harbin’s architecture seems more Russian than Chinese, thanks to the Soviet influence, and the domes of the cathedral could almost convince you that you were in Moscow instead.

For the cheapest flights to Harbin, visit FlightComparison.co.uk.

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There is plenty to see on the cultural side of things. The Old Town is probably the most popular area with tourists. The architecture is mainly 17th and 18th century, and you’ll see many historic buildings around the Old Market Square. Particularly lovely are the merchant houses with their brightly coloured facades. The cafes and open-air restaurants give everything a quaint, old-time feeling.

Close to the Market Square is the Historical Museum of Warsaw. A visit to this museum won’t be the cheeriest of experiences, as Poland’s history is dotted with conflict and tragedy, but it’s a great way to learn about and understand the history that has made Warsaw what it is today.

Another must-see is the Royal Castle. It has been turned into a museum, so visitors get to walk around rooms and corridors that were once home to Poland’s royal family.

Warsaw’s public transport is good and convenient, and includes buses, trams, and a metro system. Buses and trams are best, as the metro system only has one line at the moment (although more are under construction).

Warsaw is served by Frederick Chopin Airport, which is only six miles from the city centre. It has plenty of facilities including shops, bars, and restaurants, and the usual array of money changers and banks. Buses are the best way to get downtown, but taxis are relatively cheap too.

For the cheapest flights to Warsaw, visit FlightComparison.co.uk.

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