Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

When it comes to celebrity hotspots, Las Vegas is ever-popular. And so it should be, what with its lavish hotels, trendy nightclubs, glitzy bars and dazzling casinos. So, unsurprisingly, it’s a brilliant place to come if you fancy swapping your day-to-day routine for a taste of the highlife – even if just for a week or two.

So, just how do you live like an A-lister? Well, while simply getting yourself to Sin City will certainly help, you do need to give some careful thought to where you stay, eat and party if you really want to feel like a superstar. Below, you’ll find some ideas to get you started.

Stay at…

Caesar’s Palace

Las Vegas might be overflowing with glitzy hotels with, let’s be honest, outlandish themes, but Caesar’s Palace is probably one of the most striking. Themed around ancient Rome, it looks every inch the Roman palace – well, except for the fact it’s ultra-modern and in the US, of course!

Come here and you can enjoy things like the sky-effect ceiling, which changes colour throughout the day, as well as the luxurious ‘Garden of the Gods’ pool area. Plus, it’s a brilliant place for foodies – especially for us Brits, who will feel right at home at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill. This purports to be Vegas’s most authentic example of an English pub, but considering the chef and the location, I think it’s safe to say it’ll be far fancier than your average British boozer!

The Colosseum Theatre, meanwhile, has hosted countless famous names, including Rod Stewart, Elton John and Celine Dion. So, you’ll have an amazing music venue right at your hotel. Of course, there are heaps of other luxurious places to stay so, if you don’t fancy Caesar’s Palace, there are plenty of other options.

Las Vegas (creative commons)

Eat at…

N9NE Steakhouse

Having served up amazing food to the likes of President Obama and Hugh Hefner (a diverse celebrity clientele, I know!), N9NE is no ordinary steakhouse. It’s known as a premier foodie location, as well as a prime celebrity hotspot, so booking a table here really will give you a taste of the Vegas highlife.

While serving up a whole lot of steak (which I’ll go into in more detail in a moment), this eatery offers a really wide range of meals, including some pretty impressive seafood dishes and an excellent mix of entrees. Chef Barry Dakake prepares things like dry-aged 18 oz bone-in rib-eye and prime-aged Midwestern beef 22 oz porterhouse. When it comes to steak sauces, there are four main ones to choose from, including fresh tarragon béarnaise – and if picking just one is too difficult, you can opt for samples of all four, which I think is a really nice touch.

Party at…

LAX Nightclub

Located at the Luxor Las Vegas, LAX Nightclub is easily one of the hottest joints – if not the hottest joint – in the city. This 26,000 sq ft venue is all about luxury, with red leather furniture, red velvet drapes and sparkling chandeliers adding to that lavish atmosphere.

A-list celebs absolutely love this place and, in fact, Britney Spears hosted its official opening. Come here and you can shimmy the night away to R’n’B and top 40 hits on the first floor, or book yourself a VIP loft to really live it up. The second floor, which is up an awesome Gothic staircase, is where you’ll find most of the famous names, since it’s home to the VIP tables and private dancefloor.

Sao Paulo by Jose (Creative Commons)

If you’ve already planned to travel to Brazil next year for the 2014 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Sao Paulo next June and July, you may be wondering if now’s a good time to change your travel plans. However, FIFA ensures that the tournament will go on as planned, meaning that it’s still a good time to sell your CDs here to save up for a South American vacation. If you’re trying to make sense of the recent protests ahead of your trip, here’s a primer on the situation in Brazil.

On Thursday, June 13, residents of the country’s most populated city began to peacefully protest a recent 10-cent rise in city bus fares. Many of them were students who belonged to the Free Fare Movement, which had been working to drum up protesters for several weeks prior. But what began as a stream of marches and street sit-ins quickly turned violent after images were broadcast the following Monday of police attempting to defuse the protests with tear gas and rubber bullets. In one particularly iconic image, an officer pepper sprays a woman a close range.

By Tuesday, local officials promised to rescind the raise in bus fare. But a week after the protests began, fueled by images of aggressive police activity, Brazilian media estimated that the number of demonstrators marching in the streets passed one million.

But what does this have to do with the 2014 World Cup? To get an accurate and honest assessment of the atmosphere in cities like Sao Paulo, future tourists should examine the state of politics and the economy of the South American power. Brazil, which has experienced a steady increase in GDP for the past two decades, was rated at the world’s sixth largest economy in 2011 and again in 2013. In spite of its economic success, however, wages for middle class workers remain low. The average Brazilian makes just $11,000 a year.

The disparity between the country’s GDP and the average worker’s wage is intensified when considering the shape of Sao Paulo’s infrastructure — poor transportation, frequent violence, crumbling schools and dilapidated hospitals don’t square with the high tax burden middle class workers feel they bear each year. Instead, 26.6 billion reals (US $11.7 billion) of public revenue has been earmarked for the construction of brand new stadiums, travel ports and security for world-renowned FIFA tournaments like the World Cup, with no perceived benefits for local residents.

Football Stadium Mineirao, Brazil by Everaldo Vilela (creative commons)

How the protests will play out in the short-term still remains a bit of a mystery. Looking ahead, however, FIFA officials have used the example of this year’s Confederations Cup, currently taking place amid the protest, as proof that the World Cup will not be affected. Doubling down on security, the organization has assured football spectators that the tournament is not in danger of being cancelled, and — more importantly — they will be able to enjoy the World Cup in a secure environment.

Don’t waste any more time thinking about future holiday destinations. Opt instead for a Northern Lights getaway and get ready to experience the magical show of the Aurora Borealis phenomenon.

Northern Lights (creative commons)

Before you’re on your way to take off to the Northern countryside you should keep in mind some useful tips that will transform your vacation into a sublime getaway. Also, feel free to find more tips and tricks on this website: www.theaurorazone.com

The first thing you must be aware of is the conditions in which you can actually see the Aurora Borealis. It has to be nighttime, preferably starting from  5 pm until 2 am, the sky has to be clear of all the clouds, no sun eruption because that causes solar wind and particles from the eruption must reach the Earth’s magnetic field. Look for information across the internet regarding the best time to see the spectacular show. Usually the Northern light ‘diva’ makes its appearance with more impact starting in late September and ending early in March.

Aurora Borealis ( creative commons)

Prepare your camera but keep in mind the fact that sometimes this whole show doesn’t last too long and not every camera is capable of capturing the lights very well. Most tourists know this fact so they choose a camera with a tripod in order to preserve their Aurora Borealis for later views.

Best place to see the Northern Lights are in general the non polluted countries located around the Arctic circle, like Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway. If you plan your holiday in one of  these countries you should know that you’ll have tons of opportunities to not only see the Northern Lights but to also interact with the locals and understand their culture and eat delicious traditional food. Plus, you can go on a husky safari ride that will change your life and give you the opportunity to admire the frozen landscape and of course, if you feel an adrenaline rush you can start your trip with a snowmobile ride and end it with a nice glass of mulled wine. Now that’s a true winter holiday! Or you can simply rent a car and explore the land by yourself and stop only to see the magnificent view that the Northern Lights have to offer!

Most people dream of their holiday as an oasis of serenity and joyful moments. Everyone is looking forward to disconnect themselves from the stressful lives and get the chance to relax for a few days and charge their batteries. But have you ever wondered if lazy days in the sun or spent at a spa are your thing? What if you feel an adrenaline rush to do something unique and challenging? Then a Northern Lights holiday is exactly what you need.

Northern Lights ( creative commons)

This mysterious phenomenon, the Aurora Borealis puts on a wonderful show in which the sky suddenly lights up and you see a fantastic display of twists and swirls that look almost like a lava lamp. The scenery is simply breathtaking giving everyone an uplifting experience. This attracts tourists from all over the world who are dying to see it with their own eyes. It takes place usually around the Arctic circle and usually travelers aim for countries like Finland, Iceland, Sweden and Norway. You may catch in Canada and Alaska too, but European countries are the best, according to people’s opinion.

Aurora Borealis (creative commons)

The best season to see the lights in action runs in general from late September to early April, with October and March as the optimum months. If you want to make your Northern Lights experience an over the top one you should spend your nights admiring the Aurora while taking a bath in a hot spring pool or while pampering your sense at one of the luxurious hotels of the Northern countryside where you can indulge in naturally heated geothermal pools and admire picturesque locations you have never seen before.

The Northern Lights phenomenon is an incredible opportunity for every traveler out there looking to make a genuine connection with the nature. When booking your stay keep in mind that you have many alternatives: you can choose a luxurious hotel resort that has spa facilities or stick to a fisherman’s hut or cabin to get the real taste of a northern life, see details here. Many people actually prefer the last option and even more fancy the idea of igloo hotels.Whatever your desire is you’ll enjoy every minute of the Northern Lights experience to its fullest!

From Japan to Brazil, Manchester United has a far reaching and enthusiastic fan base. Undoubtedly this is due to the team’s brilliant players throughout the years, and of course the fame and appeal of the mighty David Beckham. Even though he has retired from the beautiful game, a new generation of football fans from all over the world are choosing Manchester United as their favoured club simply because the legend that is Beckham once played for them.

But no one can call themselves a true Manchester United fan until they have, at least once, watched a home game in the atmospheric Old Trafford stadium. If you are one of the non-Manchurian fans you have to soak up the atmosphere of this great city and realise Manchester is not just great for its football but its culture too. If you are going to be a part of the former you must take a taste of the latter.

Here are the highlights of a trip to Manchester:

Restaurants

Why check in at boring old McDonald’s when you can do that in your home city? This city has something to serve every palate. It is the home of the first ever Michelin star winning restaurant in the UK at 63 Degrees, the best choice of tender beef found in various Brazilian Churrascaria restaurants and the legendary Curry Mile offering some of the finest Indian curries available. If you are going for a trip to Manchester there is no need to take a packed lunch!

Theatres

Manchester has a perpetually thriving theatre scene, rivalling that of London’s. Many of the biggest West End hits stop off on their tours in this great city.  The most famous theatres include The Palace and The Royal Exchange. In the former you are likely to see contemporary blockbusters or international classics. In the latter you can see challenging and cutting edge work from new writers.

Museums

The National Football Museum is the biggest football museum in the world.  It hosts artefacts such as the ball used in the 1966 World Cup Final won by England, the shirt worn by Maradonna when he scored his “hand of God” goal, and the shirt of the English captain, Cuthbert Ottaway, from the world’s first international football game which was England vs. Scotland in 1872.

Also worth visiting is the Museum of Science and Industry which showcases artefacts that highlight Manchester’s achievements in Science, technology and industry. There are stunning displays of aircraft and railway trains. Train rides in the museums’ grounds on old steam engine locomotives are provided on certain days.

Hotels

In such a welcoming city like Manchester there is no shortage of hotels for you to pick from. All budgets are catered for. From the luxurious Crowne Plaza Manchester to the lower priced Britannia Hotel, you will find a comfortable bed to sleep in and a high level of hospitality, especially if the staff sees you are wearing a Manchester United top!

Get your football shirt on, and get yourself to Manchester for a truly amazing experience.

Jo Tumble is a travel consultant with a penchant for Manchester. She enjoys sharing her travel tips through blogging.

The Louvre, Paris

Paris is a city of love and romance, and if you’re looking for the perfect city break with your family, then there’s nowhere better to visit than the capital of France. There’s so much to do here that it’s hard to know where to start, however if you plan your trip well in advance, you’ll have more than enough time to pack in everything you want to see. Whether you’re travelling with your loved one or with your friends, Paris caters for all, and from historical cathedrals to luxury restaurants, you’ll certainly be worn out by the end of the day! Let’s take a look at some of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris this year.

Cathedral de Notre Dame de Paris

This cathedral offers some of the most stunning Gothic architecture in the whole of France, and many believe it represents the pinnacle of medieval design and innovation. Imposing on the Parisian skyline, visiting this spectacular monument is a must for any tourist in the city, however if you can’t handle the queues leading up to the Cathedral, then you watch the sun go down over the structure along the nearby Seine.

Le Marche aux Puces de St-Ouen

If you’d like to experience the diverse street markets that Paris has to offer, then head over to Le Marche auz Puces de St-Ouen, one of the city’s most famous alternative shopping districts. From antiques and fruits to fabrics and carved figurines, you’ll be able to let your imagination run wild here, and the prices are very fair too! The locals here like to chase customers, but remember to be respectful in your offers for their produce.

Le Champ de Mars

Le Champ de Mars is one of the most stunning places in all of Paris, and locals as well as tourists enjoy basking in the sun here while taking in the amazing view of the Eifel Tower. With vibrant flowerbeds, crisp lawns and litter-free walkways, you’ll be able to pack a picnic (don’t forget the wine) and laze the day away in this wonderful and tranquil spot.

Pere Lachaise Cemetery 

If you’re looking for a little eerie excitement in Paris, then head over to the Pere Lachaise Cemetery – the most haunted cemetery in the country! Home to some very famous names like Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison, you’ll be able to visit the tombs and see the amazing shrines that fans have built for their heroes. Visit Auto Europe if you’re thinking about renting a car in Paris this summer.

Marche d’Ailgre

Paris is a city of spectacular food, and where better to try out some of these amazing flavours than at Marche d’Aligre. From mountains of cheese, stacks of sausages, flower stalls as high as lamp posts and spices by the bucket load, this is a great place to visit if you’re renting an apartment instead of staying in a hotel. Furthermore, the Marche d’Ailgre is surrounded by wonderful cafés and restaurants, so why not grab a glass of wine after you’ve finished shopping!

If you are already planning to take your family on a holiday this December, you may have another nature adventure up your sleeves. But if you have kids, let’s face it, they will be far more amused by modern destinations. So, how do you keep the holiday spirit without boring your kids? How about travelling to the places that are known to have the best displays of holiday lights? Visit this site and see how you can create spectacular lights even at home or check out five of the top cities that are known to have magnificent displays during the holiday season.

Number one on the list is Vienna, Austria. Shops are decorated with palm branches and silk ribbons from November to December. Giant chandeliers lead to St. Stephen’s cathedral and garlands of bulbs shine throughout the city.

Then there are the Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen that have an impressive display of holiday lights. One of the popular restaurants in Tivoli Lake, the Japanese pagoda gives a dream-like display of lights enhanced with the nearby lake, it is something worth watching. Why not sample some of the delicacies while you are there?

Medellin, Columbia lights creative commons

Brussels, Belgium is the next stop for our holiday light extravaganza. The magical illumination of the Grand’Place, the Christmas market, the big wheel and the Ice rink at Marché aux Poissons attracts thousands of people each year. Commonly called a ‘Winter Wonder’, this is indeed a must-see place this year.

Fourth on the list is Callaway Gardens in Georgia. Witness the magnificence of eight million lights that sparkle in the wooded landscape of this resort. Holiday scenes such as the March of the Toy Soldiers as well as beach scenes with moving lights that tell stories are some of the features of the light exhibition of the Fantasy Lights in Callaway.

Last but not the least is Medellin, Columbia. This event usually starts on the 7^th of December of each year when households start preparing their homes and backyards for the holiday season. The lights adorn the whole city from roads, parks and off course along the Medellin River. Unique themes are prepared each year creating a fantasy world perfect for kids.

These are just five of the places you can take your family to this December. Leave those boring nature trails for a while and give your kids something man-made to marvel at.

Korcula, Croatia

Many people dream of an island vacation. Escaping to an island getaway is a great choice for a vacation adventure, even if it’s just for a couple of days. Many of the more popular islands can be quite busy, especially during peak travelling season, so many tourists are turning to smaller and less well-known locations for their warm, relaxing getaways.

When going away on an island holiday, you want to make sure to protect your health and your belongings. Make sure to check into travel insurance to provide you with a bit of peace of mind. When considering insurance, you will want to find the best travel insurance quotes to meet your budget and your personal travel needs.

Korcula, Croatia

To get to Korcula, you will need to take a ferry from Dubrovnik, Croatia. The ride is about three hours, but is well worth the time taken. The island itself features beautiful, sandy beaches and some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere. The town of Korcula is just as charming, as are the olive groves, vineyards and tiny villages that dot the countryside of this small, relatively unknown island.

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Although gaining in popularity, Isla Mujeres is still less of a tourist attraction than nearby Cancun. The island is just eight miles from Cancun, across the Bahia de Mujeres, and for the longest time held just a simple farming village. Today, it offers luxurious accommodations, water sports and excursions to remote islands for fishing or day trips.

St. Eustatius

Also known as Statia by the locals, this Caribbean island’s main claim to fame is a volcanic peak, near the top of which sits the capital city of Oranjestad. As it has yet to be discovered by great throngs of tourists, this island can be quite peaceful and quiet. Although the beaches aren’t quite as extensive as those on some Caribbean islands, St. Eustatius has a charm all its own. Here you can visit a fort from the 17th century as well as one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries located in the Western Hemisphere.

Pulau Ubin

Pulau Ubin means “Granite Island.” This island, part of Singapore and existing near Changi Point, is much different than the mainland. Where much of Singapore is a fast-pace modernised world, the island of Pulau Ubin seems permanently stuck in the past. Fishermen still still live in stilted, wooden houses with thatched roofs and it can be a very refreshing change of pace. The island itself has thick forests and you might just spot some of the islands indigenous animal life, such as monkeys and wild pigs, during your visit. For those wanting a nice, comfortable beach experience, look for East Coast Park.

Water Island

This tropical paradise is located south of Saint Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. To get there, fly into St. Thomas and take a water taxi ride out to Water Island. This island has only 200 residents, and offers warm beaches and bike rides through breathtaking scenery. The island’s main claim to fame is Honeymoon Beach, which was used during the filming of the Brad Pitt movie, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”

Mustique

Mustique, which is located in the Grenadines, is pretty unique as far as island getaways are concerned. The island itself is a private island owned by the Mustique Company. There are 1,200 people living on the island, but there are never more than 500 tourists at any one time. Those 500 guests have nine islands covering 1,400 acres to choose from, making seclusion and peace easy to come by.

Sipadan Island, Malaysia

Sipadan Island, Malaysia

Located in the Celebes Sea, near Malaysia, this island is a diver’s paradise. Those in the know consider it one of the top dive spots in the world, and the dive sites appear to be frozen in time as they have suffered little of the stresses placed on other tropical reefs over the last several decades. Here you can see impressive schools of turtles, breathtaking coral reefs and even hammerhead sharks. When you’re done diving, there’s plenty of rain forest on the island itself to explore.

View of Sydney Opera House by Corey Leopold, Creative Commons

Already one of the most expensive countries in the world, Australia’s dollar continues to grow and it shows no signs of getting any cheaper in the near future. Thankfully though, you can still explore Sydney without spending a penny by making the most of some of the world’s finest architecture and stunning natural beauty right at your feet. Enjoy a great break Down Under without the debt with our guide to the best free attractions in Sydney.

Sydney Harbour Circle Walk

Miles of beautiful coastline lie within Sydney’s harbour, making it one of the most walkable cities in the world. From high cliffs to sandy coves there’s a wealth of diverse and amazing natural features and you can enjoy it all for free on a healthy and leisurely walk.

Wander along the shore and down in to bays, traverse through bush and stop by some of the city’s best viewpoints and lively neighbourhoods. The 59km walk takes around four days to complete, but you can easily break it down in to shorter loop walks and spend as much or as little time as you like letting your feet guide you.

Eveleigh Farmers’ Market

Situated inside the listed Blacksmith’s Workshop in Darlington, local stallholders flock to the market to showcase a range of delicious farm-fresh and locally-sourced produce including falafel, ice cream, sausages and Australian honeycomb. While the produce itself might not be free, it’s a lovely place to take a stroll and many stallholders are happy to dish out free samples.

Free Museums

You’ll have to pay to enter many of Sydney’s incredible museums, but there are still plenty you can explore completely cost-free. The Art Gallery of NSW is one of these and even offers complimentary guided tours as well as storytelling performances for the kids on Sunday afternoons. Other family-friendly museums include the Rocks Discovery Museum, which tells the interactive story of the establishment of the English colony and how this one time wilderness came to be populated by traders, whalers and sailors.

Sydney by Gregory Bastien (creative commons)

For a healthy dose of culture, head over to the Custom House and take in the numerous exhibitions and cultural events held throughout the year in the city’s landmark building. If you’re looking for a little peace and quiet, the museum’s library contains Australia’s largest collection of local and international newspapers and magazines and offers free internet access in its Grand Reading Room.

Marine enthusiasts should also head to the National Maritime Museum where you can find an impressive fleet of historic boats including Cold War submarine HMAS Onslow and a full-scale replica of Captain Cook’s Endeavour. You’ll have to pay to look around inside the boat, but free tours of the Cape Bowling Green lighthouse are available. Save even more money when you book flights to Australia at cheapflights.co.uk.

Sydney Olympic Park

The site of the 2000 Olympic Games is now one of the most popular recreational areas in the city and you’ll find walkways, scenic boardwalks and more than 35km of bike trails through forest and woodlands and past rare saltmarshes and rare water bird refuges. To keep the kids entertained head to the Visitor Centre and pick up a compass and essential kit to help them decipher and crack the park’s tricky mystery code.

Beach destinations are for many the epitome of a honeymoon trip. But for many modern newlyweds, as fun as unwinding by the sea might be, the culture, entertainment and general hustle and bustle enjoyed on cheap city breaks is a far more attractive prospect. What’s more, there are many cities that also offer a great deal of romance. Take a look at some of the suggestions below and if any of them take your fancy, follow this link to find out more about booking.

Venice

Is there any holiday activity in the world more romantic than being escorted via gondola along the ancient canals of Venice as the sun sets? The famed Italian city is perhaps the most romantic of all city break destinations, making it ideal for honeymoons.

While most famous for its waterways, Venice, built on 118 small islands in the lagoon where the mouths of the Po and Piave rivers join, is also home to stunning architecture, such as that found at the Piazza San Marco and Palazzo dei Dogi. There are also numerous galleries and museums to explore, not to mention dozens of excellent restaurants serving some of the best food in Italy – perfect for a romantic dinner for two as newlyweds.

Barcelona

Barcelona’s artistic and cultural heritage make it one of the world’s most popular city break destinations, and these qualities also make it a great place for honeymooners with a love of galleries and museums. Make sure to check out the Museu Picasso, Barcelona’s most-visited museum where you can view a number of the artist’s early works and learn more about his life and travels, as well as the CaixaForum, which houses an extensive private collection of contemporary art.

Barcelona is also famous for its architecture, with the works of Antoni Gaudí among the most recognisable. A trip to Parc Guell is a great way to see some of the renowned architect’s weird and wonderful creations, as well as offering the chance for a romantic stroll and the opportunity to enjoy some amazing views out over the city.

Nice

For sheer class and style, it’s hard to beat the French Riviera and Nice combines the glamour and sophistication of the region with art, history and culture. Here you have the choice of relaxing by the waterfront, cocktail in hand, at one of the city’s many trendy bars or restaurants, as well as exploring the romantic old town, the ancient Roman ruins and Nice’s many museums and art galleries.

Nice is also the perfect base to explore some of the Riviera’s other gems, such as Cannes and St Tropez, while spending some time at the region’s fabulous beaches – often considered some of the best in Europe – is also a must. Another option is to hire a car heading into the nearby countryside, where you’ll find stunning mountain scenery and picturesque villages dotted around the hillsides.

Rome

For a honeymoon destination with no shortage of things to and see, give Rome a try, where the buzz of the city, numerous sights and vibrant Italian culture will mean there is no danger of running out of things to keep you busy. Must-see attractions include the Colosseum and St Peter’s Basilica while a night-time visit to one of the Rome’s glorious water features such as the Trevi Fountain of the Four Rivers at Piazza Navona makes for a romantic way to pass an evening in the great city.