London’s many parks make it a wonderful destination for walking.

From beautiful cathedrals to world famous palaces, London is full of places to see, things to do, and items to buy. Whether you’re touring the city on one of London’s coach trips or visiting by yourself, add some of these ten attractions to your travel itinerary for an exciting, educational, and interesting trip.

1.    Ignite your passion for history

London is home to some of the UK’s best museums, many of which can be explored free of charge. Visit the British Museum in Bloomsbury for an incredible look at not just the culture of Britain itself, but of much of the world.

Other great London museums include the Charles Dickens Museum, the Foundling Museum, and the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology. London’s important role in global history makes it one of the world’s best cities for global history gurus.

2.    Go on a designer shopping spree

Home to some of the world’s best designer shops, London is the perfect place to add new additions to your wardrobe. Oxford Street is widely regarded as the city’s best place to shop, particularly for high-end brands and main street retailers.

Other great shopping districts include Bond Street, which is widely regarded as the capital of luxury shopping in London, and Covent Garden, which is home to both an excellent range of local shops and international designers.

3.    Dine at world-class restaurants

London is one of the world’s most multicultural cities, and its incredible restaurant scene is a testament to its global atmosphere. Enjoy delicious food from all around the world, whether you’re visiting with a thick wallet or a shoestring budget.

Dine in at one of the thousands of great London restaurants for lunch or dinner, or stop by a food cart, sandwich shop, or takeaway restaurant for a tasty treat during the daytime.

4.    Go for a walk in one of the parks

London is a nature lover’s paradise, with hundreds of parks spread throughout the city and its surrounding suburbs. Popular spots like Hyde Park are a great place to go for a walk during the day and escape the crowds and noise of Central London.

Other great London parks include Regent’s Park, located on the northern side of the central city, and St. James’s Park, located close to Buckingham Palace. To escape the noise of London for an afternoon, try going for a walk in Hampstead Heath.

5.    Snap photos of Tower Bridge and Big Ben

If this is your first trip to London, it’s worth spending a day visiting the city’s tourist attractions for a quick photo opportunity. Tower Bridge and Big Ben are two of the city’s best-known attractions, with one found in the City and one in Westminster.

Other popular tourist attractions include the Marble Arch, the London Eye, and of course, Buckingham Palace. Pack a good camera – or a high-end smart phone – to capture the landmarks in all their glory.

6.    Watch the Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard is a must-see event for visitors interested in the English monarchy. Drop by Buckingham Palace by 11:30AM from May and July to watch the guard change and observe one of London’s longest-lasting traditions.

7.    Stock up on used books and classic records

London is a great place to shop for used books and records. The thin streets around Charing Cross Road are widely regarded as the city’s best place to shop for used and new books, while Camden is a hotspot for alternative music and vintage records.

8.    Visit beautiful historical buildings

London is home to some of the world’s best historical buildings, many of which are conveniently located in the City. If the bright glass windows of The Shard aren’t to your liking, try St Paul’s Cathedral and the famous Tower of London.

9.    View the skyline from the London Eye

Situated on the South Bank of the Thames, the London Eye is one of the best places in London to catch a great view of the city skyline. Book ahead of time to avoid the queues and enjoy an amazing view of the expansive city skyline.

10.    Watch a live show or comedy performance

London is one of the world’s live theatre capitals, and many of the world’s greatest shows are developed within the city. Drop by one of the many theatres located in Covent Garden for a relaxing night out on the town.

From swimming to shopping, there’s a lot to keep you busy in Bournemouth.

From wonderful beaches to beautiful local gardens, Coast and Country Hotels have tracked down ten of the best things to see and do in Bournemouth. If you’re looking for fun, exciting activities to add to your itinerary, be sure to give these ones a try.

1.    Explore Bournemouth Pier

Bournemouth Pier extends into the ocean in the middle of Bournemouth’s fantastic seven-mile beach. The pier offers incredible views of the bay, with travellers able to see all the way to the Isle of Wight on a clear day.

The pier is also home to a wide variety of retail stores, making it a great place for a quick shopping trip while you appreciate the scenery.

2.    Visit the Bournemouth Oceanarium

See the South Coast’s interest aquatic life, up close and personal. The Bournemouth Oceanarium takes you under the water to learn about some of the region’s sea life, its major predators, and interest species from as far away as Africa, Southeast Asia, and the South Pacific.

• 3.    Shop for designer or vintage clothing

Bournemouth is a great destination for retail addicts, with the numerous boutiques of the city centre sure to keep passionate shoppers occupied. The Boscombe area is a great place to stock up on antiques and vintage clothing, while Westbourne is the city’s capital of designer clothing.

4.    Dine out at fantastic local restaurants

Thanks to its popularity as a resort destination, Bournemouth is home to hundreds of great international restaurants. Enjoy wonderful food from all over the world in Bournemouth’s great international restaurants, or stop by a local chippy for a great bite to eat beside the sea.

5.    Visit the beautiful Central Gardens

Bournemouth’s beautiful Central Gardens are a great place to relax, enjoy a book, and soak in the destination’s year-round warm weather. Developed in the 1870s, Bournemouth’s Central Gardens are now home to tennis courts, playgrounds, and one of the country’s best Rhododendron Walks.

6.    Relax on seven miles of beaches

Known around the country for its fantastic beaches, Bournemouth is one of the UK’s top beach resorts. Pack your swimming trunks and drop in during summer to enjoy one of the UK’s best beaches, which covers over seven miles of beautiful coastline.

7.    Enjoy great views from the Bournemouth Balloon

Experience Bournemouth from the air aboard the Bournemouth Balloon. This giant tethered balloon lets you soar into the air above Bournemouth to enjoy the view as it’s meant to be enjoyed.

8.    Visit the New Forest National Park

Just 30 minutes from the centre of Bournemouth, the New Forest National Park is home to some of the UK’s finest scenery. As one of the few expanses of untouched forest in the South East, the New Forest National Park is a stunning place to visit.

9.    Explore the incredible Corfe Castle

Located on the Isle of Purbeck – which, amazingly, isn’t really an island – is Corfe Castle. This remarkable attraction was built by William the Conqueror in the 11^th century, and was updated during the 12^th and 13^th centuries. Today, the castle is popular with visiting history gurus, with over 190,000 people visiting every year.

10.   Enjoy a quiet drink or fun night out

Bournemouth is home to hundreds of bars and clubs, making it one of the UK’s best coastal nightlife destinations. No matter what you had in mind for your evening, you’ll have no trouble finding it in Bournemouth.

Overland riding in Europe usually involves travelling in more than one country. Many places issue spot fines if you’re pulled over, and pleading ignorance rarely gets you off. Whether you’re riding a souped-up Suzuki or your prized Harley-Davidson, here’s a guide to the rules of the road in Europe.

General advice for all European countries

You must wear a crash helmet in Europe. Paperwork requirements vary from country to country, so go equipped to fulfil the strictest regulations and you’ll be covered everywhere. Take both parts of your full driving licence – the photocard and the paper part – your insurance certificate, vehicle registration documents and proof of identity (eg your passport).

Most countries require a GB sticker on the back of your bike and headlight beam conversion. Unless stated, speed limits are 130 kph on motorways, 90 kph on single carriageways and 50 kph in urban areas. You drive on the right in all of the countries listed here.

Riding in France

Dipped lights are required during the day. Horns can only be used in built-up areas if there is immediate danger. Radar detection equipment is illegal, even if it’s not turned on. Carry two NF-approved breathalysers.

Priority is generally to the right, unless the junction to the right has a white line across it. On roundabouts signs indicate who has priority. If they say “Vous n’avez pas la priorité” or “Cédez le passage”, traffic on the roundabout has priority.

You pay tolls on French motorways and the speed limit is 110 kph in bad weather (minimum speed 80 kph). On open roads the speed limit is 80-100 kph.

Rules for German roads

You must use your headlights during the day. It is OK to use a GPS with speed camera alerts, provided you deactivate them. Filtering and undertaking are illegal and it’s also illegal to overtake a school bus if it is slowing down or has stopped.

The speed limit on single carriageways is 100 kph.

Biking in Belgium

Priority is given to vehicles coming from the right, unless a junction is marked with a yellow diamond sign. Trams, and passengers getting on and off trams, also have priority. Headlights must be used in tunnels at all times.

If you’re involved in an accident you must stop to help anyone who is injured, and to prevent other drivers becoming involved. If anyone is injured or the road can’t be cleared you must call the police.

In built-up areas speed limits may be reduced to 30 kph, but this will be indicated. Speed limits are 70 kph in rural areas and 120 kph on motorways or dual carriageways with a central reservation.

The rules of the road in Luxembourg

You must be at least 18 to ride a motorbike and passengers must be at least 12. Headlights are required at all times. Priority is to the right and a red triangle sign with a black X sometimes indicates this.

In the rain, motorway speed limits are 110 kph in the rain.

Spanish road rules

Wear high-viz clothing and use headlights during the day. You are required to carry a replacement bulb kit (and the tools to fit them) and a spare pair of glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them.

You can’t use earpieces or headphones whilst riding. You can use a GPS system, but you must park before pressing any of the buttons. In built up areas and on roundabouts you give way to the left. Use your indicators before overtaking.

Speed limits are 120 kph on motorways. They vary on dual carriageways.

Riding in Italy

Wear high-viz clothing, carry a warning triangle and use headlights during the day. Only use your horn in built-up areas if the situation is dangerous, but sound it before overtaking. Radar detection equipment is illegal, even if it’s switched off.

You pay tolls to use Italian motorways and motorbikes less than 150cc are not allowed on motorways. Speed limits may lower in foggy or snowy conditions (“In caso de nebbia/neve”).

Watch out for no-drive zones in Italian cities. These are marked with a black and yellow ‘ZTL’ sign. You’ll be fined if you enter without a pass.

Ibiza by Philip Larson (Creative Commons)

The Spanish island of Ibiza is famed as being a mecca for partygoers the world over, but beyond the bright lights of San Antonio there is a whole world of Balearic charms to explore. In fact, the whole island has been designated as a World Heritage Site thanks to its wealth of culture and impressive biodiversity.

For Brits who are planning holidays to Ibiza, you only need to veer slightly off the tourist path to discover the ‘real’ Ibiza. Here are three must-see sights that will ensure that your Ibiza break is one to remember.

1.     Sa Trinxa

Nothing says relaxation like a stretch of stunning coastline and when it comes to ticking all the boxes for a perfect beach day out, Sa Trinxa does it best. Sa Trinxa is located on the popular Salinas Beach and is set against a stunning wild backdrop. As well as giving you the chance to enjoy all the usual beach activities, from splashing about in the crystal clear waters to napping on a sun lounger, Sa Trinxa is also the perfect place to make the transition from day to night.

Spend the day soothing your muscles at the natural baths and as the sun goes down, kick back with a drink and good company at the Sa Trinxa bar.

2.  Ibiza Horse Valley

Feel at one with nature at Ibiza Horse Valley, located in the picturesque village of Sant Joan. Run by David, aka the “Horse Whisperer” and his friend Cosima Jung, Horse Valley is a sanctuary for horses were visitors to the island can get up close with these gentle creatures.

For a truly unique experience, why not contact the owners prior to your trip and arrange a session swimming with the horses. Otherwise a spot of horse riding followed by a picnic makes for a magical day out.

Ibiza Sunset (Creative Commons)

3.     The waters of Cala Comte or Cala Salada

What better way to round off your holiday to Ibiza that watching the sun set from the comfort of your own “semi-rigid” boat? Explore the crystal clear waters of Cala Comte or Cala Salada in your own time, by hiring a boat from reputable companies operating in the area and enjoy a spot of snorkelling to really immerse yourself in your surroundings.

Alternatively, if you’d rather stay dry then why not simply enjoy watching the scenery pass by as you glide along the water’s surface.

Salema Beach, Portugal by F H Mira (Creative Commons)

From Groupon to travel agents to online comparison sites, there has never been a more competitive time to sell holidays. The upshot of that is when you’re looking for European package holidays or last minute deals, you have a variety to choose from whether you want relaxation in Greece, culture in Italy or exuberance in Croatia.

Finding the perfect last minute holiday

A bargain is only a bargain if you enjoy the end product. With that in mind, finding the right late deal is just as important as getting the best one. Here are a few tips to get you on the right track:

• Flexibility – If you can choose from any date and time then you are in the best position to find a bargain. Anti-social mid-week hours are always going to have less demand, and consider waiting until the schools are back for significant discounts.
• Weather – It might be a tempting deal to go to Northern Europe but be sure to check the temperatures across the board. The likes of Athens, Madrid and Nicosia will be significantly warmer than Oslo, Warsaw and Saint Petersburg.
• Options – From all-inclusive to self-catering, there are always likely to be a number of possibilities for your late summer break. Don’t pigeonhole yourself but open up to hotels, villas or apartments to give yourself a better chance.
• Price Comparison – Often it’s easiest when you have everything in front of you and websites like TravelSupermarket and Ice Lolly give you that chance when looking for late deals.

European package holiday options

Sometimes it’s a bargain to book separately but it can be cheaper to book it all in one. Not just cheaper, but easier as well. Whether you want a lazy beach holiday, an eclectic nightlife or a sightseeing trip there are plenty of options. These include:

• Balearic Islands – One of the most popular, cheapest and warmest destinations within Europe, the islands have great beaches for sunbathing and swimming. The consistent warm weather means you can rely on that at least, all you need to do is decide whether you’re a Ibiza, Mallorca or Menorca kind of group.
• Canary Islands – Another idea that gives you a diverse range of destinations is the Canaries. Nightlife to watersports to nature trails, whether you are a Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Lanzarote lover there are plenty of cheap deals to be had across the internet.
• Portugal – Another destination that tends to come in packages is a trip to Portugal. Whether it’s Porto, the Algarve or Albufeira there are some lovely areas of the country perfect for last minute sun.

Cala Mondrago on Mallorca’s East Coast

Checklist time

Once you find where to go and when to do it, be careful not to fall into the trap of extras stacking up. Everything from airport parking to car hire to money should be organised and sorted well in advance. Don’t forget adapters or toiletries either and make sure your own home is order as you leave! Most of all, enjoy that last minute sun.

Thinking of taking a quick rejuvenating break in a compact yet very fascinating city? Allow yourself to indulge in Europe’s simple pleasures when you decide to stay in Cork City, Ireland for the weekend.

Blackrock Castle, Co. Cork (www.old-picture.com)

Heavenly Escape at a Top-notch Accommodation

There’s a vast array of fun and interesting activities you can engage in for your weekend retreat in Cork City. You can mix and match them according to your liking. But make sure to choose a great accommodation where you can settle in for the night and have a serene rest to charge up for the next day.

A lot of travellers choose the Clarion hotel in Cork for its clean, stylish, and classy amenities. You can take a dip in the indoor pool, avail of a soothing massage at the spa, or have a chat with your companions in the coffee shop. Indeed it offers a fantastic venue to complete your memorable weekend break in Ireland.

Tasteful Tidbits and Treats for Everyone

Whatever you’re into, there’s bound to be something in this fine city that will capture your fancy.

Are you interested in exploring history and culture? You ought to begin by visiting the 291-year old Church of St. Anne to experience ringing the bells in the tower, drinking up the historical flavor of the place, and enjoy a spectacular view of the city. In addition, art enthusiasts should not miss dropping by the famous Crawford Gallery to view the splendid masterpieces here for free!

If you’re a food lover, eager to find pleasure in the delicious Irish food, you must certainly dine al fresco in a restaurant and order some of the classic Irish dishes. From the traditional fish pie, to the typical fish and chips, already popular in England, Ireland will surprise you with its tasty specialties.

Don’t dare forego walking around the popular English Market, which had awed even Queen Elizabeth II back in the year 2011. You’ll discover a variety of delectable delicacies here while relishing the old-age, cultural ambiance.

Meanwhile, nature lovers can enjoy a stroll at The Lough in the midst of the wildlife and breathtaking greeneries. You can feed the swans here too as you unwind in the embrace of Mother Nature in Ireland. You may wish to also visit Fitzgerald’s Park for another environmental treat.

If you are into sports, there are plenty of things here to keep you busy. You can experience an exciting rugby match at Musgrave Park or watch a great kayak polo game in the Lee Fields.

When deciding what to do while visiting the city of London, you may want to think about visiting the Mayfair casinos. These casinos are mostly historic with a few newer ones within the specific neighbourhood of London. Many of these casinos not only provide excellent places to partake in casino gaming but they are also classic examples of architecture. Keep in mind that while these casinos may be considered to be exclusive, one can still obtain membership. In order to accommodate travellers, the turnaround for membership approval is quite fast.

Of all the Mayfair casinos, the one with the most lenient membership requirements would have to be Aspinall’s. The casino was built in an older mansion for which a colonial theme was used to decorate it. There are four floors over which the casino can be found. Connecting all of the floors is a beautiful spiral staircase. Like many of the Mayfair casinos, expect to find a firm dress code to which the casino strictly follows. Smart casual is called for which would exclude casual attire like t-shirts and flip-flops.

Maxims Casino, London

Another historic casino within the Mayfair district is Maxim’s Casino. The casino was built in an older building which originated in 1862. Like Aspinall’s, the membership policy is a bit more relaxed here so visitors can expect a rather easy time of it when attempting to gain membership. It is also possible to apply for membership before travelling to London. Maxim’s offers a nice range of table minimums which appeal to many different types of gamblers. For the novice who has only played at an online casino, these are lower limits. On the other hand, higher table minimums are included for high rollers. Upstairs in Maxim’s some of Charles Dickens’s original work is on display for visitors to view.

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.