The first time I went to Paris I was 11, and predictable contributed nothing useful to the vacation. I was with my parents and older brother, and we were on one of those pre-scheduled, seven countries in 10 days via bus kind of vacations. Other than walking around a lot and getting to metaphorically check the city off my list when I got home, there wasn’t much accomplished with that kind of visit. Read the full story

A friend of mine sent me a picture of him reading by the beach in Barcelona today, and my response was a shot of the snow outside my window. Sure, I appreciate a little white around Christmastime, but the truth is that I’d much rather be sunning myself somewhere warm. My stint back to the east coast of the USA has been delightful, but I’m ready for sun and sea. That picture of my buddy (curse him!) has sent me into a bit of a tailspin reliving my glory days of Spanish beaches and cheap cervezas. So to help dull the pain (or perhaps to amplify it in a ridiculous bout of masochism,) here’s my list of the three best beaches along the Spanish Costa Brava. For better or worse (better,) this list is compiled from extensive research.

Best of Costa Brava: Palamos

Palamos is a fantastic Costa Brava town for a whole host of reasons, but the biggest and best can be summed up in a single word: gambas. Gambas, (shrimp) are a specialty in Palamos, and the chance to sample them is worth the trip alone. It’s ironic, because I don’t think Palamos boasts some of the most impressive beaches along the Costa Brava (the bar has been set ridiculously high though, so that’s not to say they’re anything less than spectacular.) But the town is walkable and offers a variety of shops and restaurants, sprawling out from the beach area with winding cobblestone streets and little hills. Hit the beach, then take a stroll, but don’t forget the gambas. There’s even a fresh fish and seafood market that opens up to the public in the evening on weekends. You can buy your own raw shrimp there to cook at home or head to one of the myriad restaurants around town to get some expertly prepared by the locals.

Best of Costa Brava: Platja d’Aro

Just up the road (alright, perhaps an hour up the road) from Palamos is Platja d’Aro, a tiny bit of Costa Brava beach belonging to the greater Girona province. Platja d’Aro is small but boasts some of the richest and most impressive summer homes in the area. Surrounded by rocky crags and forest trees, the beach seems to be a tiny pocket of civilization set in a more wild area. But the mansions that dot the landscape reveal a more cultivated history. Platja d’Aro makes my list for two main reasons. Firstly, the beach itself and surrounding views just can’t be beat. They boast some of the best that Costa Brava has to offer. But also, the trail that can be walked along this area will take you past some of these larger-than-life homes, and they too are worth a visit. Just imagining myself staying in one of these places (generally belonging to the wealthiest of celebrities, socialites and politicians) is enough to make my mouth water.

Best of Costa Brava: Cadaqués

I know Cadaqués is kind of the cliche and obvious choice on a list of the best Costa Brava beaches, but it’s earned its place on the list. The town is a smattering of small rocky pockets of beach peppered through a town full of Catalan culture and history. Salvador Dalí’s summer home is in Cadaqués, now a museum that is definitely worth a tour while you’re there. And the ports along the coast, filled with the tinkling of sailboat masts and the sparkle of the sun along the Mediterranean water, are incomparably beautiful. I’m pretty sure if I had to pick one place to live out the rest of my days in exile (because so many people who go through that get to pick,) I’d choose Cadaqués.

Photo Credit: Pierre-Selim

If you are ready for a cruise vacation, you should know which ports will be popular in the upcoming years. There are 10 ports that many people will be visiting this year. Consider the top 10 cruise ports this year.

1. Rome

Rome is expected to be one of the most popular cruise ports in 2013. At this port, travelers can try the piazzas, fresh pasta, gelatos and pizzas. Some of the best house wines you will ever try can be found in the Italian eateries. Travelers can view incredible tourist attractions such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain. The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City is also popular with visitors.

2. Sydney, Australia

Cruise deals from Sydney will be incredible this year. Sydney is home to the famous Sydney Opera House. This impressive design is one of the places that should be visited while on a cruise trip. The Harbour Bridge is also a notable attraction. Many restaurants, museums, and shopping locations are featured on the top places to visit. The beaches are also incredible at this location.

3. Barcelona

The port at Barcelona is a great place to partake in tapas and view some of the famous sites such as La Sagrada Familia. Many travelers depart from the boat and walk along the boulevard until they find a café. At the café, they spent time sampling the delectable foods and wines. Some of the great artists are also featured in this location.

4. Venice, Italy

Venice, Italy is known for its incredible gondola rides at sunset while listening to Italian arias. When you depart from the boat, try touring the city in a vaporreto and have wine and lunch at a popular trattoria.

5. Paris

Paris is known for the Eiffel Tower and The Grand Louvre Museum. When you disembark, consider these locations and the numerous other shops and parks in the area. Many visitors enjoy the Chanel, Dior, Yves St-Laurent, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Chloe, and Hermes.

6. Aruba

Aruba has some of the best beaches in the world. Many visitors try windsurfing or kite boarding while traveling to this gorgeous island.

7. Grand Turk or Turks and Caicos Islands

If you want to experience the best of the Caribbean, try Turks and Caicos. This location has numerous places to relax and unwind. Poolside bars are also popular here.

8. Cozumel

If you want sun and fun, consider the Cozumel. Take a stroll along the waterfront, or explore the area on horseback or in a jeep. This Mexican island is a great addition to any cruise.

9. London

London is also another place that many people like to visit because of Kensington Palace and other palaces. There are also numerous pubs, the London Eye, and double decker buses available to visitors.

10. Brugge

If you love guilty pleasures like chocolate and beer, you must visit Belgium. Many of the pubs feature moules’ frites, which is coveted cuisine of the area.

Top Cruises for 2013

The top cruise ports for 2013 can be found all over the world. These ports are incredible in unique ways. Consider these ports for your next vacation.

As a once and future New Yorker, I say with no little authority that Manhattan is the greatest place on earth to spend your Christmas. And while that assertion may be wholly biased and entirely subjective, it is based on some pretty real magic that seems to take hold of the city during the holidays. Christmas is virtually the only time of year that I’m not traveling, but for many, it’s the one annual chance to take a trip. If the latter is the case for you, here’s my case for packing your bags (with cold weather clothes) and heading to New York City for the Christmas season.

New York Christmas: Larger Than Life Decorations

New York City isn’t exactly known for subtly, and the city’s love of the holidays follows that general rule. From the day after Thanksgiving (and often earlier, to my personal chagrin,) the city starts decking its metaphorical halls (and many literal ones) with some of the world’s most beautiful Christmas displays. Right off Harold Square, Macy’s puts its famous “Believe” sign on display. The word – and all the joy and hope it has come to represent – glitters and shines in lovely script across the store. Just a couple blocks away Madison Square Garden displays bright Christmas cheer too, with red bows and garland galore. Other notable spots to check out include a walk down Fifth Avenue (always a pleasure but especially lovely during the holidays) and Chinatown, where a unique mix of Christmas and traditional Chinese decor can be seen. New York is always a beautiful city, but it really pulls out all the stops during Christmastime.

New York Christmas: Unforgettable Shows

I’m lucky in that I used to live in Manhattan, so getting to experience more than one of the legendary shows the city puts on during the holidays has been possible over the years. But even if you only have a short amount of time in the city for Christmas, make sure to reserve a night at the theater. Tickets can be on the pricier side, but it’s worth it. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is legendary almost entirely thanks to the unreal high kicks performed by The Rockettes. But the show also features quite a few other performances. And then there’s The Nutcracker ballet, a truly special Christmas event for any family that’s put on annually at Lincoln Center. Make sure to buy tickets well in advance, since these shows tend to sell out. But keep in mind that most Christmas shows in Manhattan continue giving performances about a week past December 25th, so don’t fret if you can’t get in beforehand.

New York Christmas: An Abundance of Holiday Cheer

New Yorkers aren’t famed for being the friendliest of folk, and I often contest that stereotype. But I’ll concede we aren’t always the most open books. During the holidays, however, that inwardness seems to melt away like so much snow. The city’s millions of residents seem to walk a little lighter, feel a little merrier, and just generally be more willing to share the joy of the season with others. That warmth manifests itself in countless ways around the city, from the Salvation Army bell ringers that set up posts on each street corner to the holiday goodies and specials that can be found in so many stores. We start ice skating in Central Park and Bryant Park, which is an absolute must-do for anyone visiting during the holidays. We promote various holiday charities and try to truly share the love during Christmas.

Photo Credit: _Fidelio_

One aspect of travel that many people overlook is handling their finances whilst travelling. Many people assume that what happens in their home country where finance is concerned will also happen abroad but this is simply not the case. There are a few things that you might want to consider before leaving home, which when handled correctly will help you save money that can be better spent on enjoying your travels.

Withdrawal fees

When abroad you may find that you incur charges either from your bank or the ATM/cash machine you use whilst abroad. There are a few things that you can do to reduce costs like these. First of all do a little research into cards that don’t charge you to withdraw money abroad. The ATM may still charge you but this will help. In terms of ATM charges, often you won’t be able avoid these but by withdrawing large amounts in one go rather than visiting the ATM several times for small amounts will help you to reduce the charges you incur.

Exchange rates

Many people make the classic mistake of accepting the first exchange rate they are offered and most people don’t realise that getting their foreign currency in the airport will get them the worst deal around. If you want to save money when buying foreign currency then it’s worth doing your research to find the best deals around. Sometimes this will mean ordering your foreign currency in advance so you might need to plan ahead but the extra planning can mean extra money for your holiday fund.

Sending money abroad

Running out of money on the road can happen to the best of us. Having money sent from home to wherever you are can be more costly than you might imagine but it doesn’t need to be. There are many ways that you can transfer funds internationally that will allow you to withdraw money abroad. Setting up an international money transfer is a quick and easy way to ensure that you don’t have to pay fees to access your own money whilst travelling.

Sometimes the costs involved in spending money abroad can feel unexpected and therefore unplanned for, however with a little research and planning, many of this costs can be avoided or greatly reduced.

Thailand’s second largest city is really attracting crowds of people, drawn to the idea of escaping the chaotic hustle and bustle of Bangkok and seeing more of this wonderful country than just beautiful beaches.  Chiang Mai is incredibly relaxed and chilled out when compared to other frenetic destinations, meaning that those who want a slower pace of life during their vacation and a chance to really soak up the way of Thai life will adore being here.

It is also slightly cheaper than other popular tourist destinations in Thailand, meaning that visitors get more for their money here.

Situated in the foothills of the southern Himalayan Mountain Range, Chiang Mai’s excellent location makes it easy for visitors to access some of Thailand’s most breath-taking natural scenery.  Spend some time trekking through the rugged jungle.  There are some fantastic national parks and mountains right on the doorstep, complete with amazing waterfalls.  There is no better way to cool down on a trek than a dip in some of the inviting waterfall pools.  Thrill seekers can opt to go high into the tree tops, walking at dizzying heights along jungle canopy walks or whizzing along zip lines.  Spend some time on the river, enjoying a pleasant boat ride or some adventurous rafting.

In Chiang Mai people can learn about, and spend time with, Thailand’s iconic great animal, the elephant.  Chiang Mai zoo also provides for a nice day.

Take time to visit hill tribes to experience an altogether different way of life and be intrigued by the different traditions.

Culture vultures will be right at home, and with a choice of over 300 temples to choose from there is plenty on offer.  One of the most famous, Wat Phathat Doi Suthep, is perched majestically in the mountains.  Enjoy the sweeping vistas whilst marvelling at this cultural gem.  Several other fine temples are within easy walking distance of each other within the city walls, including one that is home to a very life-like wax work figure of a famous monk.  The old city walls make for a nice walk, as you meander around, lost in a different world.  There are many interesting museums to learn more about this wonderful city and country.

For a city full of culture, Chiang Mai has managed to blend old with new, with many modern facilities and services, ensuring a most comfortable visit.

Chiang Mai is well known for its great selection of activities.  Take a Thai cookery course to impress friends back at home with your new culinary skills.  Take some yoga classes to learn the art of being focused and controlled whilst improving core strength, balance and flexibility, or try a spot of meditation to clear the cobwebs from your mind and experience a deep inner peace.  Those seeking a bit more action can take lessons in traditional Thai boxing and learn some Muay Thai strategies and moves.

There are many places to choose from for eating and drinking.  Whether you wish to sample some local fare or are hankering after some good home comfort food, you will find it all in Chiang Mai.  Enjoy some Thai beers, or even the local whisky, to round off your fun days.

Public transport around Chiang Mai is good, and it is an easy city to navigate.  It is also well linked to other parts of Thailand, by bus, train, mini-van and air.  There are also numerous day-trips available to nearby surrounding areas. For the cheapest flights to Chiang Mai look online but be sure to search for flights to Bangkok as well as sometimes it can be a lot cheaper to fly there and then travel North with a separate flight.

One of the advantages of living in Britain is the ease and convenience with which you can escape the daily grind of urban toil, and flee to the countryside. Trains and buses fan out from the cities to every nook and cranny, and car hire makes it even easier to explore the hills and dales less travelled.

Most Brits agree the Cotswolds are one of the most beautiful areas in the Isles. The largest of the UK’s 38 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (it was designated in 1966), the rolling hills are laden with picture postcard stone walls, beech woods and villages. Immortalised in print and paint for centuries, the Cotswolds represent the archetypal English landscape.

Author Bill Bryson has said that driving a car is the only way to truly see the Cotswolds. He’s right – its remoteness is its charm and also the drawback for public transport lubbers. Car hire will get you so far, and walking will do the rest. Once there, newcomers will see something they recognize, even impressionistically. But how did the Cotswolds become so entwined with the Arts?

Chipping Campden, a typically picturesque Cotswold town in Gloucestershire, was built on the wool trade during the Middle Ages. ‘Chipping’ comes from the Old English word ‘ceping’ meaning ‘a market-place’, and is common to many towns dating back to the 14^th Century (Norton, Sodbury etc). The honey buildings lining the high street were quarried from the local limestone, and the town boasts a number of idiosyncratic buildings, such as the Market Hall, built in 1627.

By the time it became known as the centre of the Cotswold Arts and Crafts Movement in the early 20^th Century, Chipping Campden and the surrounding areas had inspired every writer from Shakespeare to Jane Austen. Artists such as Rembrandt were moved to immortalize the landscape on canvas.

The solidification of the area’s reputation for the arts was in itself an ‘escape to the country’ of sorts.  Led by Charles Robert Ashbee, the Guild and School of Handicraft moved from the grimy slums of Edwardian East London and set up shop in Chipping Campden in 1902. Specializing in jewellery and furniture-making, the movement marked the beginning of a kind of industrial devolution, whereby the poverty and filth associated with inner city living was eschewed in favour of a pastoral existence, harking back to rural Old Albion.

Artists flocked to this romantic – perhaps illusorily so – ideal of English country life. And while today’s urbanites might be reluctant to throw off the shackles of the pressure-cooker metropolis for good, they still come to the Cotswolds to at least imagine another way of life. So if you’re looking to emulate the Cotswold way of life, search for your own weekend cottage, hire a car in London, and follow in the footsteps of some of Britain’s greatest visionaries.

Competa, Axarquia – Andalucia

It’s no secret that the Costa del Sol of Southern Spain is one of the best places to escape to the sun, surf and relaxing Catalonian lifestyle. Unfortunately, every year more and more tourists get the same great idea – and end up drowning the once picturesque coastal towns with an influx of visitors from the UK and U.S.

To avoid feeling overwhelmed by fellow tourists, consider moving away from the more popular destinations to one of the few remaining true Mediterranean gems of the Costa del Sol.

When booking your next trip to Malaga with Monarch, consider Axarquia as an alternative destination. While less known than some of the other villages in the region, Axarquia offers the perfect combination of culture, beaches, shopping, architecture, food and fun – without the hordes of summering visitors. As the most eastern province in Malaga, Axarquia manages to stay out of the way of mainstream tourism, retaining its old-world charm.

So what does Axarquia have to offer? Here are four reasons to visit.

1. Climate

True to its Mediterranean name, Axarquia offers beautiful, mild weather year round. Winters are mild and summers are toasty – fall and spring tend to blur together, without any dramatically cold season. On the coast, the seasons are less dramatic than the more mountainous inland – the coastal air keeps summer nights cool. Instead of snow, winter months may see more rain. Depending on your mood, February or September may be great months to visit, allowing for even more opportunity to avoid the crowds.

2. Beaches

The coast of Axarquia is much less developed than western Costa del Sol. If you look hard enough, it’s still possible to find rocky secluded coves or nearly empty sandy spots away from the crowds. As a fisherman’s region, you’ll also find small fishing towns, and local restaurants serving up fresh, traditionally prepared seafood dishes. Unlike some of the more developed areas, these towns are frequented by locals and stay year round, so you know your experience will be authentic.

Beach at sunset, Torrox Costa, The Axarquia, Malaga

3. Scenery

Thanks to the historic Arab influence in this region of Spain, Axarquia is home to dozens of beautiful towns and villages with unique history and gorgeous architecture. Moorish castles and ruins are surrounded by rolling hills and pockets of snow-capped mountains. For a break from the beach, day trips from the seaside are easily navigated to get a taste of the Axarquia countryside.

One of the more popular destinations for scenery is Arenas, a small town with obvious Moorish influence. The ruins of the Bentomiz Castle and fortress are thought to be from the Iberian Era, occupied and modified by the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans, in succession, before being taken over by Christians. The town also features the ruins of the Santa Catalina church.

4. Caves

The stunning Nerja Caves are open year round, offering visitors a chance to explore underground caverns and stalactites. The grand center column in the caves, Sala del Cataclismo, is the world’s largest column, reaching a height of 32 meters. For history buffs, the Palaeolithic wall paintings will also be of interest.

So if you’re contemplating a visit to Southern Spain for some much desired sun, why not explore what lies east of Malaga rather than west to discover one of the last remaining secret gems of the Mediterranean.

With its majestic Arch of Triumph, Bucharest is also known as the “Little Paris”. A sparkling city, Bucharest is like a phoenix reborn after the communist era. There are very few cities that have been so actively involved in changing their infrastructure and architectural style so dramatically in only 20 years.

Apart from having a rich cultural life, this fabulous city is filled with amazingly beautiful parks, dazzling lakes, grandiose palaces, historical monuments and impressing monasteries. Words simply can’t describe the incredible blend between the city’s traditional influences and the contemporary ones.

One of the most impressive landmarks in Bucharest, the Parliament Palace, is also the second largest building in the world, after the Pentagon. Built by the former communist president, Ceausescu, this colossal edifice is a stunning architectural piece of art that is visible from space. The Parliament Palace holds three world records: the largest building in Europe, the heaviest building in the world, and the most expensive administrative building in the world. You have to see this magnificent building in order to understand the fascination that it exercises upon its visitors.

One of the most important cultural landmarks in Romania, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, can also be found in the Parliament Palace. So, if you plan to visit the imposing Palace, make sure you don’t miss this wonderful museum.

Located near the Revolution Square, the Romanian Atheneum is an unbelievably beautiful edifice, with an exquisite architecture and a spectacular interior that represents scenes of the Romanian history. Home of the George Enescu Philarmonic, a reputable Romanian composer, the Atheneum hosts breathtaking performances that are worth attending.

The Old City Centre is a must see among the travelers coming to Bucharest. Here you will find cobblestone alleys and 19^th century buildings hosting incredible nightclubs, amazing restaurants, cozy hotels and stylish boutiques. Once again, you will be able to see the magnificent blend between old and new and the impressive way in which this magnificent city has adapted to the 21^st century’s demands.

Situated on Kiseleff, a street that hosts many historical monuments, the Village Museum is an open air museum that depicts the traditional Romanian way of life in different parts of the country. An amazingly creative museum, this place is perfect for tourists who are interested in Romania’s culture and heritage.

Grigore Antipa National History Museum, also located on the renowned Kiseleff Street, is a remarkable cultural landmark that creatively represents the evolution of species and Earth by giving access to its 300.000 incredible exhibits. A visit at this museum can be a fascinating experience, especially for the little ones. However it is highly advisable for people of all ages to visit the Grigore Antipa National Museum as it is absolutely amazing.

One other important thing that you should know when planning a trip to Bucharest is that travelling by taxi is usually fairly cheap. However, make sure the taxi driver is not asking more money than the price displayed on the car (check the price per kilometer) and also ask them to start the taxi meter at the beginning of any trip; just to be sure you are paying the right price. For flights to Bucharest visit fly.co.uk. Enjoy your trip!

I’m from an American family where holidays are very important. Like, biblically important. Despite living on (and perpetually traveling around) an entirely different continent than the rest of my family, I honestly cannot imagine not coming home for the holidays.

I’m not sure what it would look like – but it wouldn’t be pretty.

The joys of coming home for the holidays are twofold. First off, I can rest easy knowing my mother won’t begin the process of disowning me in the new year. Secondly (and more importantly,) I get the chance to be home with the people I love. It’s hard to keep in touch when I’m away! But coming home often also elicits the oft-asked question of what the heck I’m supposed to do with all this downtime?

Here’s a list of things I generally do when I’m home for a prolonged amount of time in between travels. No promises they’ll work for you, and I can’t say I’m proud of all of them. But they all kind of average out to a mildly productive holiday break.

1. Download, edit and upload photos

I take approximately four million pictures per trip (roughly) and then they take up space on my memory cards for up to months thereafter. I guard those little gigs like precious rings, but it takes me a while to muster up the energy to truly sort through them, edit them and then create Flickr sets or Facebook albums or whatever. Being home is a great time to do this, plus it’s a nice segue into sharing pictures with family and friends.

2. Watch obscene amounts of television 

Besides Barcelona football matches in bars, I rarely (if ever) watch television while I’m away from home. So when I make my epic return to the epic flat screen at my mom’s place, I somehow turn into a total TV junkie. I am frankly blown away by how easy it is to waste incredible amounts of time in front of a television. And I am totally not better than that.

3. Hang out with my grandma 

My grandma is awesome, and I really do miss her when I’m away. Plus, she’s definitely the matriarch of our family, meaning that quality time with her goes along way to reestablish my cred in the family. So I am open to all manner of help she may need around the house, which often comes with pea soup and a genuine feeing of love and warmth that kind of makes me never want to leave.

4. Bake

I love to bake, but it’s a luxury (in terms of time, money and space) i really can’t afford while on the road. So when I’m home for the holidays (a perfect excuse to bake if there ever was one,) I really go to town. Chocolate chip cookies, apple pies, and French macarons are suddenly cooling on every available surface space of my mother’s house. Plus then I have all these great gifts to give for Christmas, which serves as an excuse to visit old friends and also saves me from eating my way into a bigger pants size before I leave again.

5. Plan my next trip

Nothing like being stagnant for weeks at a time to motive a chronic under-planner to start breaking out the guide books and maps. I create wildly ambitious future plans for myself for the first half of my stint home, and then spend the second half paring them down into realistic adventures. It’s awesome to have the time to plan like that, and usually means my first trip back on the road is the best planned of all.

Photo Credit: John-Morgan