Not only is the Eiffel Tower the tallest structure in Paris, but it is one of the most frequented tourist attractions in the world. Tourists come here to see the fantastic views out over this magnificent city from Le Dame de Fer – the Iron Lady – as the Eiffel Tower is also known. Visitors can even make the experience more romantic by having dinner at one of the two restaurants which are situated on this three level tower which measures 1,063 feet tall.

The Eiffel Tower was created at the end of the 19th century by the designer Gustave Eiffel and has stood the test of time as a must see attraction in the City of Light.

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Milan's Piazza del Duomo - Photo: Fil.ippo

If you only have two days to spend in Milan you should plan well ahead as there are a lot of things to see and do in this cosmopolitan Italian hotspot. Milan is more than a fashion capital, its cultural and entertainment scene is one that visitors surely enjoy.

Take your coffee in one of Milan’s most famous and ancient pasticcerie, Caffe Cova. Situated in the chic area of Via Montenapoleone, this café was an important place for the Milan elite, as well as a favorite haunt for intellectuals, artists, musicians, writers and politicians.

With map and guides in hand, start your tour at the Piazza del Duomo which is basically at the center of Milan’s concentric circle layout. From here, you can actually visit famous attractions like the Duomo di Milano which is the fourth largest church in the world and the seat of the Archbishop of Milan; the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II a four-storey shopping arcade renowned for its architecture (it is a double arcade formed from two glass-vaulted edifices at right angles and covered over by an arching glass and cast iron roof); the Palazzo Reale di Milano which used to be the seat of government of the city of Milan and is now a cultural and historical landmark; and several other monuments, churches and museums.

Going beyond the Piazza del Duomo to the north end is the Piazza della Scalla, home to Milan’s most popular opera house Teatro alla Scalla. Visitors can also see the monument of the great artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci. For more of Da Vinci’s work, head on out to Santa Maria delle Grazie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and where his famous painting “The Last Supper” is on display.

You can take a break from cultural sightseeing and go shopping at Via Montenapoleone, the city’s high-fashion shopping district, or stroll leisurely through its relaxing parks and gardens such as the Trenno Park, Boscoincitta, Sempione Park near Castello Sforzesco and Parco Lambro. Many of Milan’s gardens are done in a Neo-classical style landscape and are full of botanical wonders. If you are a sports fan, check the football game schedules and catch one at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza located in the San Siro district.

When nighttime comes, step out and check Milan’s bustling nightlife which is renowned around Europe. Head out to the Brera district and sample the drinks and food in its many nightclubs and bars or the Navigli/Ticinese area for the eateries around the quays and canals.

Getting around Milan is easy with its extensive subway system, trams and buses that practically run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What can you recommend seeing or doing in Milan? Make a comment and let everybody know your travel tips!

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Rome's Ponte Sant'Angelo bridge

It’s not always easy being a tourist, and quite often you stick out like a sore thumb – a target for sales pitches, thieves and unwanted attention. Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and with fine wine and famous cuisine as well as stunning architecture and a diverse culture, it’s no wonder people flock here. However, the more touristic the city, the more savvy the local people, so the more you have to try to blend in to avoid the tourist traps. In Italy, it pays to look like a local – don’t know how? Alas, nay fear, here it is: your essential guide to integrating in Italy.

What to wear

The first step to fitting in is looking the part, and that means the right dress sense. The Italians are famed for their style, sophistication and finesse. There are some very simple ways in which you can dress to embrace the Italian vibe. First and foremost, big trainers and baseball caps are a no go – wear comfy shoes (but shoes not trainers) and a sun hat is fine (but a stylish one free from logos). Men in Italy don’t often wear shorts outside the beach and sports grounds – lightweight trousers are worn in cities with a shirt. For ladies, tailored knee-length shorts or cool skirts work in the hot climate. In Rome particularly, be aware of religious customs – for entering religious sites cover your shoulders – as breaking such customs gives you away as a tourist instantly and shows a disregard for local culture. Sunglasses are essential with long, hot and sunny days. Of course, the best way to look Italian is to shop Italian. Famed for their fashion industry, there are clothes shops scattered everywhere, not just in Milan. Scoping out the shops gives you an idea of what people are wearing and a few smart purchases can go a long way.

What to eat

One of the many outdoor cafes in Italy

When it comes to eating and drinking, there are few better places in the world. Italians are famous for their cuisine and relaxed piazza lifestyles. Whether you are an ice-cream lover, pizza fanatic, wine connoisseur or coffee devotee, you will be in heaven in Italy. Locals demand the best cooking, and so instead of hanging out in tourist havens with multi-lingual menus, try going to a local hang-out – this is a sure sign of great food and a different atmosphere. Drink and eat what the locals eat and always ask staff for recommendations. Trust people and engage with them – Italians are friendly and particularly in local haunts. From friendly locals, you can get the lowdown on what to really do in the city and where – whether it’s a music concert in Rome or the best coffee shop in Florence, local people are the ones that know.

Speaking Italian

Possibly the most important thing to do before you arrive is learn the basics in Italian. By having a couple of phrases to engage people, you will get a more friendly welcome and more out of the trip. You will blend in better and feel more included in the country.

So, there are the essentials – dress the part, act the part and speak the part. With these tools you are half way there. Of course, you still have the how to get there and where to stay to sort out, but that can be easy enough. Just like the hotels London offers, there are hotels in Rome for every budget and taste, as well as bed and breakfasts across Tuscany and serviced apartments in Milan. So, holiday in Italy sorted – but not as a typical tourist.

What are your tips for blending in like a local in Italy? Make a comment and let everybody know!

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Split in half since the invasion of the Turkish army in 1974, tourists now have to make a choice between visiting North Cyprus or South Cyprus. While the South is prosperous and contains the Greek Cypriot population, the North is poorer having failed to gain international recognition since the war.

However as the island tries to reunify, various land and road crossings have been opened up in Cyprus so that now visitors can see cross at their leisure. With that in mind, here are 10 reasons to visit North and South Cyprus.

Southern Cyprus

Sea caves near Cape Gkreko - Photo: Boris SV

The Akamas Peninsula

While the invading Turkish army managed to capture many beautiful parts Cyprus including the wild spit of land known as the Karpaz Peninsula, the stunning Akamas Peninsula still resides in the (southern) Republic of Cyprus. Both areas are amazing to walk around and welcome wild animals such as nesting turtles.

The Troodos Mountains

Reaching nearly 2,000 metres the Troodos are a cool refuge from the blazing summer heat. There are also wine routes and lots of wonderful little villages to walk around, all with their own unique characters.

Hala Sultan Tekke

Near to Larnaca airport is a stretch of salt lake overlooked by an important Muslim mosque and shrine. The lake is visited by pink flamingos during the spring and when the sun sets around the mosque the view is quite spectacular.

The Zenobi

When this ferry ship sunk off the coast of Larnaca it created one of the world’s best wreck dives. Scuba divers who have their advanced qualification will be absolutely enthralled.

Ayia Napa

Dazzling beaches made this the clubbers choice in the 1990’s and a whole garage music scene exploded in Ayia Napa. The resort has since declined but is still a fun place to go for a night out and its coastline in unrivalled.

Northern Cyprus

A deserted hotel in the town of Varosha - Photo: Danielzolli

Kyrenia

You won’t find a prettier medieval harbour. Make sure to climb up to the ancient castle which overlooks the harbour for some spectacular views. You can also get a drink on the opulent seaside terrace of the Rocks Hotel.

Varosha

This settlement on the east coast was literally abandoned when the invaders arrived and fenced it off. Time has preserved it exactly as it was since the invasion and you can even see cars from the 1970s still in the shop windows. The Ghost Town of Varosha is a spooky place but well worth visiting. Photographs are not allowed.

Famagusta

Near to Varosha stands another decaying city. Famagusta is much older and used to be one of the richest cities in Europe at the height of its powers. Today you can see the old ruins of Salamis and the Lala Mustafa Pasa Camii cathedral which has incredible decorations.

Bellapais Abbey

Beautifully preserved, this old abbey stands on a hill. Surrounded by lush foliage and a gentle breeze, it is a truly amazing place to visit.

Nicosia

Be sure to walk into the old town of Nicosia. You can even do this from the south side, as long as you bring your passport. It is a strange experience as you walk across the divide and see the bullet-laden buildings which now stand in the demilitarised zone. You will notice the difference immediately, especially the Islamic architecture. There is an attractive mosque which was converted from an old church, and the Arabahmet district is full of restored houses and mansions.

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Bridge Cottage in Scotland

If you’re over the usual holiday of driving, staying in a motel, the obligatory tourist attractions and tired kids, then rethink your next holiday plans. Try booking holiday cottages for your accommodation, and watch the whole family relax. For the busy mum, there are cottages available with enclosed gardens so you don’t have to worry about the kids wandering off – although some are equipped with games rooms, negating the need to roam. Fully fenced yards are also great for the family that travel with their pets, making it easier for furry family members to have their own safe place to play. So mum can take a break, too, there’s cooking facilities so the rest of the family can prepare meals and the laundry means you can pack less and wash as you go.

If it’s a romantic weekend you’re planning, then choose from a seaside cottage replete with thatched roof and cosy restaurants close by. Take a virtual tour of the accommodation before you get there, to see if it’s to your liking. And surprise her with a welcome package on the pillow of chocolates and champagne, and a CD of her favourite songs.

Maybe you need to celebrate and party hard – in that case a city cottage within walking distance to pubs and night life is ideal. Book a place big enough for several other friends and split the costs; being close to the action also means less in taxi fares after the big night out! Larger holiday cottages are also perfect for family reunions. Get the entire family together and spend a weekend under the one roof – renew old relationships and form ones with the newest members of your family.

Holiday cottages are the perfect way to combine the best of home living with holidaying – at a fraction of the cost.

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