Win! One of six family tickets to Blenheim Palace

March 4, 2013, 10:00 pm

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Easter is just around the corner and to celebrate this exciting time of year for families, we're giving away six family tickets to Blenheim Palace, Park and Gardens in Oxfordshire, worth £55 each.

The tickets include entrance for two adults and two children or one adult and three children into the magnificent country house and its surrounding park. As well as enjoying the fun Easter activities, the tickets are valid until 13th December, so you can return with the children each season to see the wonderful changes in the park and gardens.

This Easter there's a whole host of family fun to be had at Blenheim Palace, with A Knights Trail Easter Challenge from 29th to 30th March including family activities and knights' shields hidden around the Pleasure Gardens and a chocolate prize to be claimed.

On 31st March and 1st April families can meet loveable furry characters Sid and Scrat from the animated film series Ice Age, plus popular children's television characters Mike the Knight and Little Princess.

There will also be a bouncy castle, 'Pottering About' and traditional fairground rides (small additional charges apply).

In addition, you can enjoy the estate's permanent attractions including the giant Marlborough hedge Maze, The Butterfly House and the Adventure Play Area.

After the Easter hunters have explored the Pleasure Gardens, families can catch the miniature train up to the Palace to see the beautiful Easter display on the grand saloon table and meet the fascinating inhabitants of the Palace's past in Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story.

Blenheim Palace is set in 2,100 acres of spectacular parkland in the heart of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds and is only eight miles from Oxford. For more information visit blenheimpalace.com

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Video of the day: a sunny day in Venice

March 5, 2013, 2:58 am

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Filed under: Venice

What does the city of Venice conjure up for you?

Is it gondalas slipping down the sleepy waterways or the butter-yellow facades of churches and crumbling museums?

Is it tourist ferries taxying visitors from island to island over the golden, sun-soaked lagoon at sunset? Or is it the hidden glimpses of daily life: waiters in tuxedos balancing glasses of Prosecco on a terrace; pink pansies growing in window boxes and the white linen drying in the breeze against rainbow-painted houses; a gondola gliding by?

Whatever it is, this colourful Vimeo video, entitled 'Around Venezia', should transport you right there.

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Could you handle a holiday in the World's most extreme places?

March 5, 2013, 3:55 pm

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Filed under: World travel

From the end of the world to the top of it and from the hottest place on earth to a land where the thermometre can drop to -71.2C, the world has never been more accessible to those brave enough to travel to its extremes.

Could you handle a holiday in the rainiest place on the planet? Or a balloon ride over 90 degrees north? Check out our collection of the craziest and most adventurous holidays out there.

The world's most extreme holidays

Ride the train to the end of the world
 Board the narrow-gauge steam train from Estacion Fin del Mundo – the station at the end of the world – in Ushuaia on the southernmost tip of South America to the rugged peaks and glacial valleys of Tierra del Fuego National Park. The steam train once transported convicts to work at the timber yards and still follows the same route overlooking the Pipo river valley, winding through Sub-Antarctic forest before arriving at Estación del Parque. <a href="http://www.audleytravel.com/Destinations/South-America/Argentina/Itinerary-Ideas/Ultimate-Patagonia.aspx" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;">Audley travel</a> runs an epic 16-day Ultimate Patagonia trip starting in Buenos Aires, taking in Ushuaia, the Tierra Del Fuego Park, the dramatic scenery of the Torres del Paine Park and the Perito Moreno glacier. From £4,775 per person.
Climb closest to the moon
 Mount Everest may be the tallest mountain, but trekking across the snow-covered, conical peak of Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador is the furthest point from the centre of the earth you can get without a spacesuit. <a href="http://www.surtrek.com/chimborazo_climbing.html" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;">Surtrek.com</a> runs climbing trips all over Ecuador and their two-day summit trek to Chimborazo starts in the capital city Quito, drives through the Avenue of the Volcanoes and follows the winding road up the slopes of Chimborazo. The summit climb starts at 00:00 hours on day two and, weather permitting, will reveal a breathtaking panorama of the Ecuadorian Andes, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Amazon rainforest to the east. Prices from $494 per person, including climbing equipment, guides and transportation, excludes flights.
Soak in thermal springs in the world's driest desert
 With its stark, lunar landscape, red mountains and blazing blue sky, parts of the the Atacama Desert in Chile haven't seen rain for 400 years. It may not be the first place you’d expect to find thermal springs and spa hotels, which is why <a href="http://www.tierraatacama.com" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;">The Tierra Atacama hotel and Uma spa</a> is a bit of a find. An oasis with open-air yoga platform and private hot tubs and spectacular views of the Licancur volcano. Join Tierra’s 4x4 trip to the Puritama hot springs: eight natural pools where the temperature stays at an inviting 33 C. Seven nights full board including excursions, and airport transfers is $3,500 per person.
Live under the sea
 According to Sebastian the crab from The Little Mermaid: ‘Under the sea, darling it’s better, down where it’s wetter, take it from me.’ And you can’t get much more under the sea than the <a href="http://www.poseidonresorts.com/poseidon_main.html" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;">Poseidon Undersea Resort</a>. Set in the cerulean waters of a 5,000-acre Fijian lagoon, this is the world’s first seafloor hotel. Guests stay in luxurious, pod-like villas 40 feet underwater, surrounded by coral gardens teeming with marine wildlife. Just beyond the coral reef the seabed plunges into a dark abyss, which guests can explore in the resort’s very own submersibles. This underwater wonderland comes with a hefty price tag, the introductory package, including four nights above water and two below, costs $30,000 per couple, per week.
Eat with the cannibals in the last great wilderness
 The nomadic Korowai tribes live under the dense, emerald canopy of Papua New Guinea’s rainforest and are reported to still practice ritual cannibalism in the present day.Puretravel.comwill take you trekking through the lush Baliem Valley to meet some of these enigmatic tribes on their 14-day adventure tour. Jungle guides will take you to stay with the Korowai Batu where you’ll join their Sago Grub feast. While the thought of feasting on fat grubs may not seem immediately appealing look on the bright side, at least it keeps you off the menu! Prices from £3,950 per person including guides, accommodation, internal flights and transfers, excluding international flights.
Drive across the hottest place on earth
 The landscape of Death Valley, California is like nowhere else. This is a land of extremes where rare rainstorms force the arid land to burst into bloom and strange salt formations warp the scenery. While the towering, purple peaks are dusted with snow, the temperature can soar to 56.7C, which makes driving through this eerie, moonscape an experience like no other. <a href="http://www.timeandplaceluxuryholidays.com/america/fly-drive-classic-west">Timeandplaceluxuryholidays.com</a> operates a 15-day Classic West fly drive holiday travelling from San Francisco, through Yosemite, Death Valley and the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas and Los Angeles for £1,579 per person, including flights and car hire.
Sledging in the coldest place on earth
 Only 57 people visited Oymyakon, Yakutia - the kingdom of cold - last year and 18 of those intrepid travellers were British. This snow-laden, ice age town wedged in the north east of Russia is the coldest inhabited place on earth. In mid-January the temperature drops to -50 C and the lowest recorded temperature was logged at a frostbitten  -71.2 C in 1972. <a href="http://en.planetyakutia.com/tours/tours/0001049/" target="_blank">Planetyakutia.com</a> operates an eight-day Pole of Cold expedition for the brave, starting with husky sledging, ice fishing and a meeting with the mayor of Oymyakon to collect your certificate for visiting and ending with an introduction to the life of the reindeer herders of Yuchugey. Prices and departure dates on application.
Go caving in the world's wettest town
 Cherrapunjee is a small town perched on the southern edge of the Khasi Hills in the Indian state of Meghalaya. While the title of world's rainiest place is disputed, Cherrapunjee has the dubious accolade of recording the most rainfall in 1974 when it rained 24,555 mm…that’s about 80 feet! The torrential rain has carved out labyrinthine networks of caves in the limestone rocks making it the perfect destination for thrill seeking cavers.<a href="http://www.cherrapunjee.com/index.php?mid=28&footer=true" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;">Cherrapunjee.com</a> organises guided caving trips for the amateur to the advanced. The resort also takes guests to see the living root bridges of Cherrapunjee – Indian rubber trees that have formed secondary roots across eroded riverbanks creating natural bridges. An executive double costs £46 per night; caving trips must be booked with the resort in advance.
Snorkel and sail the most remote reefs in the world
 The Pitcairn Islands are about as far away from any inhabited land that you can get. This cluster of four fertile volcanic islands is marooned in the Pacific Ocean and inhabited by only 67 people who are mostly descended from pirates. Apparently a crew of mutineers from the infamous ship, the Bounty, landed here and, along with some Tahitian men and women, colonized the island. The locals still speak an 18thcentury sea-faring dialect and the place names have been christened in true buccaneer fashion – look out for Bitey-Bitey, Oh Dear, Bang on Iron and Little George Cocknuts. Join <a href="http://www.paradiseadventures.com.au/pitcairn_island.htm" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;">paradiseadventures.com</a> for your own high seas adventure sailing from Easter Island to Pitcairn to scuba and snorkel in the beautiful reefs and catch a glimpse of the sunken shipwrecked Bounty herself. From AUS$ 3,345 per person.
Fly a hot air balloon over the top of the world
 The world’s Northern-most tip – the Arctic North Pole is a frozen landscape that has bewitched and challenged countless polar explorers. Smash through the Arctic Ocean pack ice aboard the 50 Years of Victory icebreaker with <a href="http://www.discover-the-world.co.uk/en/holidays/high-arctic/north-pole/" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;">discover-the-world.co.uk</a>. Visit Franz Joseph Land - Eurasia's most northerly archipelago - and spot arctic foxes and polar bears on land and beluga whales and narwhals from the ship’s helicopter. There's only one way to finish this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and that’s taking the optional hot air balloon trip over the North Pole. The 13-night cruise departs in June and starts from £15,260 per person.

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Win! A family break at Cadbury World this Easter

March 6, 2013, 12:40 am

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Filed under: Travel News

We've teamed up with Cadbury World to offer two lucky users the chance to win a chocolate-filled family break this Easter.

Each winner will receive a family ticket to Cadbury World and an overnight stay at the newly-refurbished Jurys Inn Birmingham.

Cadbury World will be hosting an 'egg-cellent' schedule of activity over Easter, running from Good Friday to Easter Monday (29 March to 1 April). Families will enjoy an Easter Egg Trail, have the chance to win Cadbury World prizes in an Easter bonnet competition and can purchase handmade chocolate Easter eggs from The World's Biggest Cadbury Shop.

From 29 March to 14 April, family entertainers will also be in the marquee for visitors to enjoy.

To complete your visit, the prize also includes an overnight stay at Birmingham's Jurys Inn on Broad Street. Having recently had a complete makeover, Jurys Inn is ready to show off! Enjoy one of the hotel's new stylish bedrooms, the sumptuous new look bar and The Grill on Broad Street restaurant.

Cadbury World's family ticket allows two adults and two children to visit the attraction. The Jurys Inn overnight stay accommodates up to two adults and two children at Jurys Inn Birmingham for one night of their choice (subject to availability).

For more information visit cadburyworld.co.uk and jurysinn.com

For your chance to win this fabulous prize, visit our Facebook page and enter your details before 13 March 2013

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20 places to travel to this spring

March 7, 2013, 3:06 am

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Filed under: World travel

20 reasons to travel this spring Sri Lanka. Western & Oriental

Spring is the perfect time to travel. The weather in Europe is mild, you can embrace the great outdoors in America and enjoy a spot of late-season skiing in the Middle East.

This season, Orlando welcomes new and exciting rides to its theme parks, an epic train journey comes to Wales and cheap flights to Moscow put Russia firmly on the budget traveller's map.

Discover more top destinations for a holiday this spring...

20 reasons to travel this spring

There's still snow and sun in Lebanon
 For a late-season ski trip and a city break rolled in one, head for Lebanon, where you can explore bustling Beirut and get active on the ski slopes at Cedars Ski Resort, located less than an hour away. This spring, <a href="http://www.rotana.com/rotanahotelandresorts/lebanon/beirut/gefinorrotana" target="_blank">Gefinor Rotana</a>, in the centre of Beirut, is offering stays from £61 per night and a special ski rate (transfers, ski passes and ski rental) from just £54 per day. Lebanon is a lesser-known ski spot and is home to six ski resorts and 30km of pistes. Gefinor Rotana is home to a rooftop pool, so you can enjoy days in the sun and the sea is nearby too.
Mallorca is marvellous without the crowds
 Desperate for sunshine? From 23 March, <a href="http://www.vueling.com/en/" target="_blank">Veuling </a>is operating a new flight route from Heathrow to Mallorca, giving you the perfect excuse for an early island escape. Check in to <a href="http://www.jumeirah.com/Hotels-and-Resorts/Reiseziele/Mallorca/Jumeirah-Port-Soller-Hotel--Spa/" target="_blank">Jumeirah Port Soller</a>, which offers luxury on the ruggedly beautiful northwest coast of Mallorca with stunning mountain or sea views from every room. The family-friendly hotel offers access to a cyclist's paradise, as well as shopping and culture galore. Don't miss a tram ride and exploring the lively port of the old town.
It's the perfect time for ice caving in Norway
 After a long winter, the sun returns to the far north of Norway and you can experience blue light during dawn and dusk and Northern Lights during the hours of darkness. March is high season in Spitsburgen, when you can enjoy snowmobile safaris and ice carving with the return of the sun. <a href="http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hurtigruten</a> offers an ice caving break in the heart of the Longyear Glacier from £811 per person, including a 45km snowmobile safari in the Arctic Desert and a wilderness evening at a local camp.
The Orient-Express goes to Pembrokeshire
 This spring you can enjoy a luxurious train journey in Pembrokeshire, with <a href="http://www.orient-express.com/" target="_blank">Orient-Express</a> celebrating the beauty and history of Wales in March and May. Journeys on the Northern Belle will take in the stunning coastline and there is a special excursion to St Davids, Britain's smallest city. You'll enjoy the best views in Wales while sipping champagne on a timeless train ride. The St Davids journey from Cardiff and Swansea takes place on 2 March and the Pembrokeshire coastline trip is from Bath, Bristol and Cardiff on 9 May. From £340 per person including a special Bellini brunch on the outward journey followed by a four-course gourmet meal with champagne and wine on the journey home.
Australia gets a new scenic cycle route
 With the intensity of the Australian summer over, March is a great time to visit South West Australia and this year you can test your peddling power on a new off-road cycling trail, with brilliant wildlife opportunities through magnificent forests, coasts and bushland. The Munda Biddi Trail stretches over 1,000km from Perth to Albany and opens its final section this spring. It's the perfect place to spot western brush wallabies, emus, kangaroos and possums - especially near the lush rock pools along the trail. <a href="http://www.austravel.com/" target="_blank">Austravel</a> offers return flights and accommodation in March from £1,589 per person.
Paris becomes accessible for all
 Never thought you'd hear the word 'cheap' and 'Paris' in a sentence? Explorer and entrepreneur Neil Laughton launches new airline <a href="https://www.brightoncityairways.com/cgi-bin/flightbooking" target="_blank">Brighton City Airways</a> this March, bringing Paris closer to those living in the South of England, without the hassle of travelling to London. The cost-effective airline offers daily flights from Shoreham Airport to Paris Pontoise with VIP service, spacious cabins in LET-410 planes that seat 19 people and check in just 15 minutes before take-off. Prices start from £69.
Fresh air, dry weather and beautiful landscapes in the Namibian autumn
 Spring for us is autumn in Namibia and it's a particularly wonderful time to visit when April and May are dry with a freshness in the air and greenery in the landscape. It doesn't have to be expensive either, as <a href="http://www.wildaboutafrica.com/namibia/northern-namibia-camping-safari/overview" target="_blank">Wild about Africa</a> offers an 11-day affordable trip to Namibia from £1,847 per person, with camping in scenic spots, meeting local Himba people, enjoying game drives through Etosha and visiting the Africat Foundation. Flights from Heathrow and three nights at a guesthouse are included.
New flights to Croatia make it a Mediterranean hotspot
 Croatia joins the EU this year and is set to become an exciting destination for European breaks. The airlines know it too and are launching new flights to this stunning corner of Europe. <a href="http://www.ryanair.com/en" target="_blank">Ryanair</a> is launching flights from the East Midlands and Liverpool to Zadar from April and <a href="http://www.norwegian.com/en/" target="_blank">Norwegian</a> starts its routes from Gatwick to Split and Dubrovnik in April. Explore Croatia by sea with <a href="http://www.sail-croatia.com/" target="_blank">Sail Croatia</a>, which offers seven-night trips from £319 in April and May, taking in Split, Dubrovnik, Mljet and Hvar. <a href="http://www.croatiaholidays.eu/" target="_blank">Explore Croatia</a> offers beautiful villas, farmhouses and luxury apartments if you're looking for a relaxed stay on land.
The world's 'coolest' theme park attraction comes to Orlando
 Never has a theme park been so cold - until now! <a href="http://www.seaworldparks.co.uk/" target="_blank">SeaWorld Orlando</a> is launching an incredibly cool attraction this spring, Antarctica - Empire of the Penguin. The brilliant new ride takes you to the frozen wilderness of Antarctica through the eyes of the world's most loved bird, the penguin. The state-of-the-art interactive ride combined with an animal attraction, offers a journey like no other to the coldest and most barren place on earth.
Visitors to Wales can fly on the world's largest zip wire attraction
 You don't have to travel too far for an exciting experience this spring as the largest zip wire attraction in the Northern Hemisphere opens in Wales this March. The exhilarating new experience in Bethesda, near Bangor, will see visitors fly through the skies for over a mile at speeds of up to 75mph. Located in the world's largest old slate quarry, <a href="http://www.zipworld.co.uk/" target="_blank">Zip World</a> takes you over a mountain lake with panoramic views over Snowdonia, the Isle of Anglesey and even the Isle of Man on a clear day. From £45 for adults and £36 for children.
You can be a beach bum and culture vulture in Sri Lanka
 Thanks to <a href="http://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_gb" target="_blank">British Airways</a> launching new flights to Colombo this April, Sri Lanka is looking even more attractive to travellers in search of a varied holiday destination. A new highway linking the capital to the south cuts road journeys to the southern beaches and the wildlife in Yala National Park by half. Combine a relaxing beach break with a safari in Yala National Park or the temples and cultural sites to make the most of Sri Lanka this spring. <a href="http://www.wandotravel.com/holiday/sri-lanka/multi-centre/private-tour-featuring-sigirya-kandy-and-tea-country-by-private-vehicle-with-driver-guide/" target="_blank">Western & Oriental</a> offers a 14-night Sri Lanka Tour including a Yala safari and the beach near Galle from £2,145 per adult.
Moscow for the masses as cheap flights bring the Russian city closer for all
 Once a pricey holiday destination, Moscow is now accessible for all as this spring <a href="http://www.easyjet.com/en" target="_blank">easyJet </a>launches cheap flights to the Russian capital from London Gatwick and Manchester for as little as £47.49. The weather is mild, the days are long and the city's trees and parks begin to bloom in spring. Be sure to visit the spectacular Moscow Kremlin, Red Square, Old Arbat and the department store GUM.
You can stay in a stunning French chateau in an unspoilt corner of France
 Travellers from Edinburgh Airport can get a taste of the South of France this spring as <a href="http://www.ryanair.com/en" target="_blank">Ryanair</a> is launching flights to Beziers in April. Just 30 minutes from the pretty French town's airport, lies the stunning <a href="http://www.lescarrasses.com/" target="_blank">Chateau Les Carrasses</a>, nestled in the heart of the unspoilt Languedoc region. Spring is the ideal time to visit, with the warm Mediterranean climate, clear blue skies and low season prices. Take advantage of two nights for the price of one, including a three-course dinner, three-course lunch and two breakfasts from £150 per person until the end of April.
It's time to ski, hike and kayak in Utah
 Get the best of the end of season snow and pop your shorts and T-shirt on for a hike in Utah, where you can ski, kayak, and ride in places like Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and Monument Valley. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the array of activities on offer and discover this magnificent part of America. <a href="http://www.skisafari.com/Ski-USA-Utah-and-Las-Vegas-Safari-Details.aspx" target="_blank">Ski Safari</a> offers a Utah and Las Vegas package, which allows you to sample Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Deer Valley, Snowbird and much more over 14 days from £1,295 per person.
The Rocky Mountaineer adds a new destination to its classic rail journey
 Canada's iconic <a href="http://www.rockymountaineer.com/en_GB/" target="_blank">Rocky Mountaineer</a> adds a new destination to its First Passage to the West journey this spring. Spectacular Lake Louise will be introduced to the route on 24 April, enabling guests staying at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise the luxury of a quick and direct transfer to their hotel. The stop marks the return of passenger rail service to Lake Louise for the first time in over two decades, giving you the perfect excuse for a scenic holiday by rail.
A new yoga retreat in Cyprus means you can start spring healthy
 If you failed being healthy at the start of the year and want to spring clean your lifestyle, this May sees the first yoga resort opening in Europe. Zening Resort in Cyprus is dedicated to yoga, meditation and wellness with classes that run throughout the day for any willing participants. The team is made up of nutritionists, personal trainers, spa therapists and yoga masters, and you can take full advantage of the eco-resort's facilities, such as the smoothie bar, culinary classes and the swimming pools. A week's yoga holiday including flights and transfers starts from £949 per person with <a href="http://thehealthyholidaycompany.co.uk/travel-blog/2012/12/22/zening-eco-resort-in-cyprus/" target="_blank">The Healthy Holiday Company</a>.
Wonderful weather, wild animals and flowers galore on a South African safari
 Hit South Africa this spring and enjoy a safari holiday at <a href="http://www.kwandwe.com/" target="_blank">Kwandwe Game Reserve</a>, with lovely sunny days, warm evenings, wild flowers in bloom and new beginnings for the animals, when springbok, Red hartebeest and gemsbok all drop their young. Kwandwe offers luxury safari lodges for couples and families. If you're travelling with little ones, they can be taken on special children's safaris to spot non-dangerous animals and take part in 'poo safaris', Minnow fishing trips and 'Big Five' cookie baking.
Colourful camper vans become the coolest way to travel South West France
 Always wanted to take a road trip in a retro VW camper van? For a funky and affordable spring holiday in France, rent Pucci, Jardi, Fleur, Gary or Hippy from <a href="https://wedubyou.com/" target="_blank">WeDubYou.com</a> for fun travels around the historic villages of Issigeac, Monpazier and Monflanquin or the cool surfing towns of the west coast. The camper vans are equipped with iPod music, stylish tableware and bedding, and you can opt for the VIP add-on to have the fridge stocked with local goodies and champagne. Seven nights in a camper van costs from £375, based on pick-up and drop-off at Bergerac Airport.
Jamaica is sunny and stylish this spring
 If you like full-on heat, you should visit Jamaica in the spring before the first rainy season sets in from May to June. But if you like the short, tropical showers that provide a welcome break from the afternoon heat, travel in May, when you can also discover Caribbean fashion at Style Week Jamaica in a five-day extravaganza in capital city, Kingston, with fashion shows, cocktail receptions and after-parties. <a href="http://www.caribtours.co.uk/" target="_blank">Caribtours</a> is offering a seven-night package at Strawberry Hill from £1,635 per person, including flights, accommodation, private transfers and use of a lounge at Gatwick.
Spring fever hits Stockholm
 It may still be cold for some, but the snow melting and 10C means spring in Stockholm, with the Swedes celebrating the milder weather. Restaurants and bars start setting up their outdoor seating in April and there are wonderful events and festivals to enjoy throughout the season. This May, the ABBA Museum is set to open at the Swedish Music Hall of Fame, marking the band's career from 1970 until 1983. Travel for three nights with <a href="http://www.taberhols.co.uk/" target="_blank">Taber Holidays</a> from £543 per person. If you're planning on spending extra time in Sweden and want to explore more of the country, spring marks oyster season in West Sweden and the Nordic Championships in Oyster Opening (4 May) sees contestants racing to open 30 oysters at impressive speeds. Stay at <a href="http://www.tanumstrand.se/uk" target="_blank">Tanums Hotel</a>, overlooking Grebbestad harbour, from £188 per person for two nights.

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Secret stowaway: Pet cat survives six-hour plane journey in suitcase

March 7, 2013, 3:14 am

≫ Next: World Book Day: what novel transports you?

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Filed under: World travel

Newsteam

A pet cat who curled up and went to sleep in her owner's suitcase has made a 3,400 mile plane journey from Egypt to England completely undetected. Scroll down for video.

Mervat Ciuti, who lives in Egypt, thought she had left her beloved Persian cat Bisou with relatives in Cairo while she visited her sister in Nottingham.

When it became clear that seven-year-old Bisou was missing, her relatives and rang her as she was driving up the M1 in a taxi to Nottingham, reports the Daily Mirror.

The driver stopped the car and offered to search the case.

Monica explained: "He said 'don't look' as he opened the bag. But Bisou was alive. We just couldn't believe it," she told the newspaper.

The cat had spent the journey in the hold of the packed plane to Heathrow along with hundreds of other bags.

She is being kept in quarantine at kennels in Chesterfield until she can be shipped back to Egypt in the summer.

Speaking in the Mirror, kennels boss Mike Binks said it was a "miracle" the animal had survived the six-hour flight.

He added: "She would have been well insulated with all the bags around her and she's very furry."

Mark Hughes, of Notts county council which arranged the quarantine, said: "We've had cats coming into the UK in cargo ship containers - but never in a suitcase."

Bisou isn't the first cat to survive a plane journey undetected.

In September 2012, US citizen Ethel Maze kitten Bob-Bob took a flight from Ohio to Disney World Florida in her luggage.

Related articles

Cat finds its way home after going missing on holiday

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World Book Day: what novel transports you?

March 7, 2013, 3:39 am

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Filed under: Travel News

Today is World Book Day and, to mark the day of this literary event, we're asking if a book has ever inspired you to travel and which of your favourite books has the ability to take you far, far away from home.

Does reading The Life of Pi sweep you away to Pondicherry's world of spices, tigers and lotus flowers in India or does The Poisonwood Bible take you to the depths of the sweltering Congo or does delving into Wuthering Heights leave you lost on the wild, windswept Yorkshire Moors.

Did reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo encourage you to book a trip to Sweden or The Beach send you packing to Thailand's shoreline?

Tell us below where books have inspired you to venture.

Britain's best literary locations

Bram Stoker's Whitby
 Dracula author Bram Stoker found inspiration for his famous horror novel in the North East fishing town of Whitby. With its imposing Abbey overlooking cliff tops, old cobbled streets and misty sky, it's not hard to see why. If you're visiting Whitby on a literary break, be sure to join the Bram Stoker Dracula Experience guided tour with Stoker trivia, spooky stories and the chance to see the 56-kilo cape that Christopher Lee wore in the second Dracula film. Around Whitby there's St Mary's Churchyard to visit if you're brave enough and every October the Bram Stoker International Film Festival takes place. Apart from its spooky connections, Whitby is a pretty town with narrow winding streets to explore and the Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey.
Arthur Conan Doyle's Edinburgh
 Author of Sherlock Holmes and The Lost World Arthur Conan Doyle was born in Edinburgh and even though he left the city for England and later Vienna, it's said that many of his works were influenced by Scotland's capital. The Salisbury Crags were apparently a backdrop for The Lost World and his most famous book Sherlock Holmes was based on a character he met at the Royal College of Surgeons. Don't miss the bronze statue of the author that stands in Picardy Place connecting the top of Leith Walk to the east end of the street.
Dickens Country, Kent
 2012 celebrates author Charles Dickens's 200th birthday, so what better way to mark the anniversary than to visit Kent, where he spent most of his childhood and the last 13 years of his life? Rochester is the Dickens capital Kent, where Great Expectations was set. Gad's Hill Place in Higham is the house that Dickens fell in love with and bought when he became a successful writer, which is now a school and Restoration House was the model for the mansion Satis House in Great Expectations. Find out about the events and attractions for Dickens' 200th birthday at <a href="http://www.dickens2012.org/" target="_blank">dickens2012.org</a>
Beatrix Potter's Lake District
 Author of the Peter Rabbit books Beatrix Potter spent her childhood holidays in the Lake District, which became a huge influence for her stories. After her success, Beatrix bought Hill Top in Ambleside and based many of her books on the house, its garden and the farm. She often visited Brockhole in Windermere, the home of her cousin Edith, which is today the Lake District Visitor Centre. Other must-visits if you're a Beatrix Potter fan include the Tower Bank Arms pub, which can be seen in one of the sketches for The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, the beautiful Yew Tree Farm, which was once owned by Potter and stunning Keswick and Derwentwater, which were settings for her books and characters like Squirrel Nutkin, Benjamin Bunny and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle.
Keats' London
 Visit the home of poet John Keats in Hampstead, London where he lived with his friend Charles Brown from 1818 to 1820. This was the setting that inspired most of Keats' memorable poetry, like Ode to a Nightingale, which he wrote while sitting under a plum tree in the garden. He also met his fiancée Fanny Brawne here and it was at this home that he coughed blood into his handkerchief and said: 'That drop of blood is my death warrant. I must die.' He then left for Rome and died a year later.
Bronte Country, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire Pennines
 The wild moors and rugged countryside of West Yorkshire and the East Lancashire Pennines were home to Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte who lived in the village of Haworth from 1820 to 1861. The region inspired some of their most famous novels, including Emily's Wuthering Heights and Charlotte's Jane Eyre. You can see the dramatic landscape they described for yourself with the 43-mile walk Bronte Way that takes in the Pennines, Haworth and Oakwell Hall. Be sure to visit the sisters' former home, which is now the Bronte Parsonage Museum full of their personal possessions and an exhibition about their fascinating lives. Other must-sees in the region are the Bronte Falls (pictured), where you can enjoy a picnic and see the nearby rock chair, where Charlotte is said to have come to meditate. There's also Oakwell Hall, which inspired Charlotte's description of Fieldhead in Shirley and Red House, where Charlotte's lifelong friend Mary Taylor lived.
Shakespeare Country, Stratford-upon-Avon
 Visit playwright and poet William Shakespeare's birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon where he lives on throughout the market town attracting millions of visitors every year to the renowned Royal Shakespeare Theatre, his last home New Place and the museum Nash's House. The many Tudor buildings of the town take you back to Shakespeare's time and a visit here is a must as there's so much to see, from his wife Anne Hathaway's Cottage to the Holy Trinity Church where he was baptised and buried. In 2012, the World Shakespeare Festival takes place from 23 April to 9 September, celebrating how the world performs, engages and teaches his works.
A.A Milne's East Sussex
 Take the whole family to Ashdown Forest in East Sussex to discover A.A Milne's world of Winnie-the-Pooh. The forest became the setting of the children's author's stories, which were inspired by his son and his toy animals. Around Ashdown Forest you'll find Roo's sandpit and the North Pole, as well as Owl's tree in Hundred Acre Wood, which in real life is 500 Acre Wood. Be sure to visit Poohsticks Bridge in Posingford Wood, where you can play Pooh Sticks like Christopher Robin and Pooh Bear.
Jane Austen's Bath
 Follow in Jane Austen's footsteps and discover the Georgian city of Bath, where the author lived between 1801 and 1806. The architecture of the city remains unchanged from the streets depicted in Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. At the Jane Austen Centre set in a Georgian town house, just doors from where she lived, you can see an exhibition of costumes, films clips and manuscripts. Once you've learned about Austen's life in Bath, head upstairs to the Regency Tea Rooms where you can drink tea before stopping at a souvenir shop to pick up an 'I Love Darcy' t-shirt!
Agatha Christie's English Riviera
 Visit Queen of Crime Agatha Christie's hometown of the elegant English Riviera, which she chose as a setting for many of her novels. Christie's former holiday home Greenway, near Brixham is a must to explore her family’s collections and the romantic woodland garden. Her writings were often inspired by the towns of Devon, the countryside of her home and the coast of the English Riviera. Torquay's Imperial Hotel featured in Peril at End House, The Body in the Library and Sleeping Murder. Walk the Agatha Christie Mile, which takes in many landmarks of Christie's past, like The Grand Hotel where she had her honeymoon, Torquay Museum with the Agatha Christie Exhibition and Princess Pier, where she enjoyed roller-skating.

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In pictures: Beautiful gardens around the world

March 8, 2013, 12:36 am

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Filed under: World travel

In pictures: Beautiful gardens around the world Gary Rogers

The winners of the latest International Garden Photographer of the Year (IGPY) have been announced, and the results are beautiful.

Dennis Frates gained top prize in the "wildflower landscapes" category with this "astounding" image, called Penstemon Sunrise, taken in Crater Lake National Park in Oregon.

"Penstemon only grows in a very few isolated spots around Crater Lake," says Dennis. " Of course every year is different, but with some scouting you can find small patches like this one. Often they don't always fit into a good composition, but this location had the flowers, lake and sunrise visible together.... I was excited to find an image that showed three aspects altogether."

Philip Smith, IGPY director, said the image was technically superb. "The composition is wonderfully balanced... The light on the rock is what creates the magic. The photographer has waited for exactly the right moment on the right day and he has made a huge effort to be in the right place... This image is a fantastic example of the sheer tenacity and adaptability of plant life."

Click on the image below to see more winning entries.

Winners of the International Garden Photographer of the year 2013

Dogwood Cover, Canberra, Australia
 Category winner: 'The beauty of plants'. Photographer Debbie Hartley, who took this image while visiting the annual 'Floriade' event, says: "The dogwood tree grows freely in the park. I was attracted to the masses of beautiful pink flowers. I looked up and loved the contrast of the pink against the blue sky. It pays to look up!"
Sunrise at Ballue, Bazouges-la-Perouse, France
 Category winner: 'Beautiful gardens'. Winning photographer Nic Barlow was visiting Chateau de la Ballue where he saw this sunrise over the gardens. " I loved the formal topiary and revisited many times," he said.
Determination, Swansea, Wales
 Category winner: 'New shoots.' Photographer Alan Gregg says: "This is an image of the opening bud of a Welsh Poppy, taken in early morning light. A new day brings new life."
Searching for snails, Hampshire
 Category winner: 'Wildlife in the garden'. Photographer Liam Marsh says: "In this photograph a man is searching for snails by torchlight in the glow of his house. It's really a scene from the point of view of the snail and happens in gardens every night across the country.... I had to wait for a perfectly clear night with a deep blue sky... Credit also needs to go to the snail that perfected the correct pose at the right time."
Kite Flying on Clifton Downs, Bristol
 Category winner: 'Breathing spaces' (sponsored by The National Trust). Photographer Rob Hunt says: "At the end of a bleak January day, kite flying was perfect for working up an appetite. The afternoon light was beautiful and the wind was biting."
Urban Forest 2, London, England
 Category winner: 'Greening the city'. This photo was taken at Elephant and Castle, London, which is threatened by developers. Photographer Paul Debois says: "The estate is now condemned but it has over 200 trees. There is now a battle between the developers and locals, who will accept redevelopment provided the trees are left in place. It is a small natural haven in an area subjet to heavy urban development. There is a real danger that it could be completely destroyed."
Long-tailed tit
 Category: Young GPOTY. Samuel Aron, aged 14, says: "I took this shot in the winter. I found that the evening light really brought out the bird's colours and its feather detail. These birds have always been hard to photograph due to their annoying habit of always moving... I was really pleased when I got this shot."
A Hidden World, Orvieto, Umbria, Italy
 Category winner: 'Portfolios'. Photographer Paul Harcourt Davies says: "I am lucky that insecticides and pesticides were never used here, and each day brings something small of interest... Serendipity played a large part."
Spring in the Box garden, north-west Germany
 Category winner: 'European garden photography.' Photographer Gary Rogers says: "I shot this photograph on a beautiful spring afternoon in one of my favourite gardens... Rolf Walter, the owner, has spent years growing and trimming his box plants and this is just a small corner of his fantastic garden. I was inspired by the light at this very moment."
Penstemon Sunrise, Ohio
 Overall winner and category winner: 'Wildflower landscapes'. Photographer Dennis Frates says: "The wind here was a problem... I had to wait a good deal of time for it to stop moving the flowers, which made me nervous, thinking I would miss the sunrise."
Another Small Paradise in Sintra, Portugal
 Category: 'Parques de Sintra'. Winner Cleon Santos says: "I was trying to find a different view of this small waterfall... I ended up with this photo showing the water running into the lake, the clouds reflected in the water. Both plants are fairly normal in the Sintra environment: what is special in this is the location, one on top of an old tree just above the waterfall and the other complementing the environment."
Sunrise on Misty Mountains, Anhui, China
 Category winner: 'Trees, woods and forests'. Photographer Gloria King says: "I travelled from Canada to China, and this visit included a three-day stay in Huangshan... We were treated to a spectacular display of the sun rising over the mountains and flowing mist."

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The purr-fect coffee shop? London cafe will have cats for you to pet

March 9, 2013, 5:25 am

≫ Next: Win! A spa break for two at Selsdon Park Hotel & Golf Club

≪ Previous: In pictures: Beautiful gardens around the world

Filed under: Travel News

Love cats and coffee? New London cafe will let you pay by the hour to pet cats Cat cafe in Chongqing, China. Rex

Japan's popular cat cafe concept, where customers pay by the hour to pet cats and enjoy a cup of coffee, is coming to London.

ABC News reports that Australian entrepreneur Lauren Pears says a cat cafe is 'just like a regular cafe. It sells coffee, tea, cakes and snacks. The only difference is that it is full of cats.'

Pears is looking for a suitable site to open Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium, which she hopes to bring to Londoners by May.

According to the Daily Mail, the 30-year-old's dream was made possible when she raised £100,000 through crowd-funding website Inidegogo.

Cat cafes took off in Tokyo in the noughties and Pears says she sees it becoming a craze in London due to the congested living conditions, people's time constraints and landlords that don't take kindly to tenants with pets.

Love cats and coffee? New London cafe will let you pay by the hour to pet cats Cat cafe in Chongqing, China. Rex

The entrepreneur is looking for potential sites in Old Street and says she has already found 15 felines to start with - all of which come from the Mayhew Animal Home in Kensal Green.

'Many cats will soon be adopted and spend their lives in the lap of luxury,' she wrote on her blog.

'And many Londoners and visitors will soon be relaxing with a mug of hot beverage of choice and a bundle of purring joy.'

The cat cafe concept seems to spreading. One opened in Chongqing, China last year, as well as in Vienna, Austria. There is also one in St Petersburg.

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Win! A spa break for two at Selsdon Park Hotel & Golf Club

March 11, 2013, 4:20 am

≫ Next: Amazing Abu Dhabi: Ten things to do in the up-and-coming emirate

≪ Previous: The purr-fect coffee shop? London cafe will have cats for you to pet

Filed under: Travel News

Swap the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a relaxing spa getaway in the countryside. We're giving away a two-night break for two at Selsdon Park Hotel & Golf Club.

The four-star country mansion is located in the heart of the Surrey countryside, just a 15-minute train journey from central London, offering the ultimate destination for a relaxing rural retreat.

You and your guest will be treated to a decadent meal in the hotel's stylish Tempus bar and restaurant where you can choose from delicious dishes, such as roast fillet of salmon with spaghetti of vegetables and lobster cream sauce, butternut squash with chickpea and lentil massala, naan bread, coriander rice and onion bhajis or slow braised feather blade of beef with champ mash, sautéed seasonal greens and peppercorn cream sauce.

If that wasn't enough to whet your appetite, you'll also be able to choose between an hour-long treatment in the hotel's luxury spa or a round of golf on the 18-hole championship golf course.

At the hotel you can while the hours away relaxing by the pool, perfect your swing on the golf course, explore the beautifully manicured grounds and enjoy the leisure facilities including the sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.

Relaxing treatments available in the spa include the full body aromatic massage, the Mediterranean delights massage and diamond noir facial.

Selsdon Park Hotel and Golf Club, part of the award-winning PH Hotels group, is also close to Chessington Zoo, Thorpe Park, Ascot Racecourse and Chessington World of Adventures if you fancy exploring further afield during your break.

The prize includes: two nights bed and breakfast for two people with a three-course dinner and bottle of house wine on one night, and a one-hour spa treatment or a round of golf each. The prize is valid for six months and is subject to availability.

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Amazing Abu Dhabi: Ten things to do in the up-and-coming emirate

March 11, 2013, 10:46 pm

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Filed under: World travel

Amazing Abu Dhabi: Ten things to do in the underrated emirate Visit Abu Dhabi

We're always on the lookout for up-and-coming holiday destinations and think Abu Dhabi has the credentials for a sunshine city break without the crowds.

The emirate boasts beautiful untouched beaches, striking skyscrapers and state-of-the-art attractions. It's glamorous and luxurious - but not in a showy way like its neighbour Dubai.

Abu Dhabi is turning itself into a centre for arts and culture with the likes of the Guggenheim and Louvre in construction. But what we love most is that there's something for everyone.

Adventurers can go kayaking in the mangroves, shopaholics will love the unique markets and foodies won't want to miss Friday brunch.

Relaxed and cool while exuberant and wild, the Middle Eastern city is where you can watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, reach 150mph on the world's fastest rollercoaster at Ferrari World and sip high tea 300 metres above at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers.

Whether you'd like to splash out on a no-expense-spared getaway or enjoy an affordable escape in the sun, we've selected a few of the best things to see and do in Abu Dhabi...

Top things to do in Abu Dhabi

Shop for dates, pottery and gold carpets
 Whether you're into haute couture or traditional souvenirs, Abu Dhabi is a shopping haven, with  huge malls and souks. For a unique shopping experience, visit the Date Market and sample a variety of dried dates from across Arabia. There are plump and juicy, chocolate-covered and almond-filled dates among many others to browse and buy. Opposite lies the Iranian Souk with its colourful carpets, beautiful pottery and souvenirs. If you want a truly lavish shopping experience, visit <a href="http://mirajabudhabi.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Miraj</a> with its museum-like displays of gold carpets (yes - carpets made of gold!), marble-topped tables and Arabic calligraphy-engraved vases. Here you'll find items fit for a royal - we spotted an intricate Iranian carpet made using real gold, worth a whopping £25k!
Enjoy a fast and furious day out at Ferrari World
 Fancy spending a day among fast cars and rollercoasters? Of course you do! At the wonderfully wacky <a href="http://www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com/" target="_blank">Ferrari World</a>, the whole family can enjoy thrilling rides, theatrical shows and Ferraris galore. The indoor theme park is filled with all things Ferrari and Italian, with rustic family dining options, travels through Italy in a miniature 1958 Ferrari 250 California on the Bell'Italia ride and simulator experiences. Learn all there is to know about the history of the supercar manufacturer on the Made in Maranello tour and get up close to beautiful Ferraris in Galleria Ferrari. Thrill-seekers won't want to miss a ride on Formula Rossa, the world's fastest rollercoaster, which accelerates 240km/h in less than five seconds. Adults AED 225 (£40); children AED 185 (£33).
Indulge in Friday brunch at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
 Brunch is big in the UAE and <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/abu-dhabi/" target="_blank">Fairmont Bab Al Bahr</a> is one of the most favoured spots in Abu Dhabi for the decadent experience. There are 18 different food stations, including a Marco Pierre White Carvery, freshly rolled sushi and a room filled with all kinds of desserts, from pancakes to a chocolate fountain. After indulging in brunch, relax in the hotel's Beach Club, with a poolside Jacuzzi, temperature-controlled swimming pools and two private sandy beaches to choose from. Fridays 12-4pm; from AED 249 (£45).
Be impressed by the iconic Emirates Palace
 Built as an iconic landmark in Abu Dhabi, <a href="http://www.kempinski.com/en/abudhabi/emirates-palace/welcome/" target="_blank">Emirates Palace</a> certainly lives up to its grand promise, offering visitors and guests unrivalled luxury, hospitality at its finest and a truly memorable experience in the emirate. Whether you're checking in to the lavish hotel or dining at one of its fine restaurants, a trip to Abu Dhabi won't be complete without visiting Emirates Palace. The Palace sits within 240 acres of manicured gardens and features 114 domes, 1,002 chandeliers and 394 luxury rooms and suites. Be sure to look up at the main patterned dome, walking across the expansive marble floor beneath it and check out the world's first gold vending machine, which dispenses 1g, 5g and 10g gold bars!
Delve into Abu Dhabi's past at the Heritage Village
 Abu Dhabi is home to modern architecture and skyscrapers but a visit to the Heritage Village will give you a glimpse of the emirate's past and allow you to see how it looked before it became a hub for high-rise hotels and broad boulevards. The open-air museum displays the traditional aspects of desert life, with craftsmen demonstrating skills, such as metal work and pottery, falconry demos and stalls selling everything from pottery to perfumes and leather to spices. Free.
Marvel at the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
 We've seen a few mosques in our time but <a href="http://www.szgmc.ae/en/" target="_blank">Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque</a> is one that truly lives up to its name. The striking white mosque is one of the world's largest, featuring 82 domes, 1,000 columns and 24-carat gold gilded chandeliers. It's where you'll find the world's largest hand-knotted carpet, as well as a massive chandelier weighing 12 tonnes. Visit in the late afternoon in time for the sunset tour, where you will be taken in and around the architectural landmark by a guide. Conservative clothing is recommended, although abayas are provided for women - the perfect opportunity to try on the local dress. Free.
Check out the spectacular views from Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
 For the most magnificent views over Abu Dhabi head to the 74th level of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers to the <a href="http://www.jumeirah.com/en/Hotels-and-Resorts/Destinations/Abu-Dhabi/Jumeirah-at-Etihad-Towers/Restaurants-Nightlife/Casual-Dining/Observation-Deck/?cm_sp=ZoneTwoNearCrossSellHeader-_-Activities-_-Observation+Deck+at+300" target="_blank">Observation Deck at 300</a> and experience the uninterrupted bird's eye perspective of the city's skyline, the Corniche and Arabian Gulf. Enjoy the 360-degree panoramic vistas in detail with the observation binoculars and when you've taken in the views from the dizzying height of 300 metres, relax in one of the designer leather seats with the city's highest high tea. Entrance AED 75 (£13).
Spend a lazy and luxurious day at Monte Carlo Beach Club
 For a decadent day at the beach, look no further than <a href="http://www.montecarlobeachclub.ae/" target="_blank">Monte Carlo Beach Club</a> in Saadiyat, offering laidback lounging spaces, excellent Mediterranean dishes at restaurant Le Deck and a spectacular pool flanked by cabanas for lazy days in the sun. The beach club protects its stunning surroundings, preserving the sand dunes that attract nesting hawksbill turtles. For children, there is a kids' club and pool, and adults looking to do more than relax can indulge in spa treatments or work out in the fitness suite. From AED 400 (£72) for a day pass.
Stay at a slick and affordable hotel with a beach
 Looking for a hotel that's trendy, luxurious and great value for money? <a href="http://www.shangri-la.com/abudhabi/traders/" target="_blank">Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri</a> is a contemporary gem located across from the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and boasting bold decor, open spaces and a fresh ambiance. The rooms are spacious and stylish, there are superb cocktails and lounging at the pool and the hotel has its own private beach. We love the Lobby Lounge, with its cool colours, relaxing atmosphere and stunning glass roof. Double rooms from AED 464 (£77) per room per night.
Check in to an architectural masterpiece
 The sleek and sophisticated <a href="http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/abudhabi" target="_blank">Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi</a> offers guests an exciting hotel experience in Abu Dhabi. The luxury architectural landmark is located within the Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit and its design and contemporary style reflect its fast-speed setting. Watch motor racing as you dine at Arabic restaurant Atayeb, chill out in the blissful spa and soak up the sunshine from the rooftop pool. Deluxe rooms from AED 550 (£100) per night. <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/2013/02/13/hotel-review-yas-viceroy-abu-dhabi/" target="_blank">Read our review of Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi </a>
Wind your way through the mangroves in a kayak
 Believe it or not, oil-rich Abu Dhabi has green credentials and one of the most magnificent ways to see how the city preserves the natural environment is by kayaking through the mangroves. Tour operator <a href="http://noukhada.ae/" target="_blank">Noukhada</a> offers guided paddling tours deep in the heart of the mangroves, where guests can escape the busy city and kayak through beautiful lagoons, narrow channels and under a full canopy of mangroves. Noukhada promotes awareness of the region's vital eco-system while providing a unique adventure for visitors to the emirate. AED 150 (£27).

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Video: Teenager dangles from speeding train

March 12, 2013, 12:15 am

≫ Next: Join the party! Disneyland Paris extends its 20th anniversary celebrations

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Filed under: Travel News

A teenage boy who climbed out of a speeding train window and clung to the carriage as part of a stunt has been told he is lucky to be alive.

Fellow passengers looked on in disbelief as he climbed out of the window, at one point holding on with one hand and giving his friends the thumbs up.

The train was packed with youths who were travelling back from a music festival for under-18s in Melbourne, Australia.

Psychologist Sandy Rae told Australian news station Ninemsn: "This young teenager is very lucky to be alive."

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Join the party! Disneyland Paris extends its 20th anniversary celebrations

March 12, 2013, 12:10 am

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Filed under: Short breaks, Family holidays

Join the party! Disneyland Paris extend their 20th anniversary celebrations Disneyland(R)

Disneyland Paris is extending its 20th Anniversary celebrations, giving you even more reasons than ever before to make the most of this extraordinary event.

Until September 30th 2013, the park will be pulling out all the stops, with a host of new shows and parades, including an amazing illuminations spectacular at the Sleeping Beauty Castle, as well as the chance to meet Mickey Mouse backstage.

Join the party! Disneyland Paris extend their 20th anniversary celebrations Disneyland(R)

More sparkling lights and fairy dust than ever before will be showered across the park, and new costumes, colours, features and surprises will make this an explosion of a party you simply can't miss.

Need more reasons to go to the party of the year? Don't worry, we've got 20...

1 Be wowed by the night time show
Disney Dreams is the unmissable night time spectacular show, which will take place at the majestic Sleeping Beauty Castle. Follow Peter Pan's adventure as he weaves his way between timeless Disney stories, dashing through incredible lasers and fantastic fountains. The show features castle projections, water screens, firework displays and laser effects and will also use 30-foot high water screens in the moats in front of the castle that will serve as giant canvases for Disney animated scenes set to music.

Join the party! Disneyland Paris extends its 20th anniversary celebrations Disneyland(R)

2 Discover the Disney Magic on the Parade Carnival
Disney Magic on Parade casts Disney Characters in a fantastic carnival especially for the 20th anniversary. Flying out from their unforgettable stories trailing light, colour, music and magic, they glide through the park's party atmosphere, before Mickey and friends shine in a spectacular finale. There will be new costumes, floats, music and choreography together with a theme of light and colour for the anniversary celebration.

Disneyland(R)

3 Sing along to the new 20th Anniversary Parade Anthem
Magic Everywhere is the theme tune for the Disney Magic on Parade, which was created to celebrate the park's 20th birthday. Making reference to "celebrating 20 years of joy and laughter", there's all the ingredients you need from a Disney tune, including references to storybooks, as well as twinkly 'pixie dust' sounds.

Join the party! Disneyland Paris extend their 20th anniversary celebrations Disneyland(R)

4 Meet Mickey Mouse backstage
Everybody's favourite mouse is taking time out and welcomes you to meet him backstage in the rehearsal room of his theatre in Fantasyland. On your way to the stage door, enjoy a tour of the ornate music hall and laugh along with some classic short films featuring Mickey and his friends. Once backstage, you'll be invited to join Mickey for a special audience with the star himself who'll share some of his favourite props and costumes and pose for a special photo souvenir with you and your family.

5 Enjoy the party for longer
The 20th Anniversary Extended Hours mean more time to enjoy the magic, lights and colours for the 20th Anniversary at Disneyland Paris.

6 Take in the 20th anniversary costumesYour favourite characters, like Donald Duck, Goofy, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, will be wearing their 20th birthday 'Sorcerer's Apprentice' outfits for you to marvel over.

7 See the park's magical makeover
To celebrate the 20th Anniversary, Disneyland Park will be showered with sparkling lights and fairy dust, making the experience more magical than ever.

8 Take part in the 20th Anniversary Daytime Hub Celebration
The whole family can enjoy a wonderful new show that takes place on the stage (the Hub) in front of the castle.

9 Let the Main Street USA celebrations dazzle you
Excitement is in the air, as one of the most famous streets in the world celebrates the 20th Anniversary, and welcomes you to this unique celebration of magic, lights and colours with even more twinkles and memorable glowings‐on than ever before.

10 Fall in love with old-fashioned romance
Paris is already known for its links with romance, but there's nothing like the childhood romance of celebrating the birthplace of fairytales.

11 Visit Paris' most popular attraction
Disneyland Paris is now officially the most popular tourist attraction in the Paris region, overtaking the iconic Eiffel Tower.

12 Be a kid again
It's the one place in the world where age is just a number - it doesn't matter whether you're 4 or 40, it will bring out the magic of childhood for anyone and everyone.

13 Make the most of birthday offers
Disneyland(R) Paris are promoting brilliant offers in conjunction with the park's 20th birthday, save up to 30% on your hotel and tickets and for a limited time, kids under 12 go for free. www.disneylandparis.com. *Offer available till March 28th 2013*

14 See the celebration train
Throughout the day, the festive Birthday Train will be pulling in to Disneyland Park's Central Plaza. It's bringing the all-time Disney favourites like Minnie, Chip and Dale, Donald, Daisy and Pluto to Sleeping Beauty Castle, where they'll take their places to meet with their fans and friends!

15 Get there in one morning
One minute you can be having breakfast at home, and the next? Lunch at Disneyland Paris! From London St Pancras it's just a 2 hour, 45 minute journey directly to Disneyland Paris Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station, which is literally at the gates of the Parks.

16 Shop at the brand new World of Disney store
World of Disney will be the flagship store of Disney Village and the whole resort when it opens in 2012. Sitting right at the heart of Disneyland Paris between the two parks, it will stock every Disney item you can dream of. Based on similar stores at the Downtown Disney areas in Florida and California, it will be only the third store under this exclusive brand and is expected to completely replace the existing Disney Store in Disney Village.

17 Disney Princesses: A Royal Invitation
The Disney Princesses will be welcoming guests in a brand-new location. Located next to the "it's a small world" attraction, this meet 'n' great opportunity is dedicated to Disney's great heroines and is simply brimming with magic. Every day, one of the Disney Princesses invites visitors to an enchanted rendezvous, so make sure you take them up on the opportunity to strike your own royal pose with them.

18 Snap up 20th Anniversary items
There are set to be some fabulous 'retro-vintage' 20th anniversary merchandise pieces going on sale, which will make wonderful keepsakes for any Disney fan.

19 Sip on 20th birthday drinks
As well as a range of birthday merchandise, there'll be a special Disneyland Paris 20th Anniversary wine by Domaine Bertrand. It will be available in a commemorative bottle as red, white or rosé, perfect for displaying - or drinking.

20 Enter through golden arches
For the 20th Anniversary, the entire front façade of the station, the beautiful stone edifice which greets you as you take your first steps into Disneyland Park, will turn a dazzling gold. There's nothing like starting as you mean to go on...

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Are these the ten best beaches in the UK?

March 13, 2013, 3:20 am

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Filed under: Beach breaks, UK travel

The ice creams have been sampled, the seas paddled and the sand tested for structural sandcastle integrity - and the results of the Traveller's Choice 2013 awards for the best beaches in the UK have been decided.

Voters in TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice poll of the best 25 beaches across the UK have named the beautiful Rhossili Bay in Swansea as winner of the UK's best beach and, with its stretch of mellow, golden sand, pristine cobalt waters and rolling green hills, it's not hard to see why.

Although a Welsh beach has secured top spot in the list, beaches in Cornwall, Dorset and Tyne and Wear also featured in the top ten.

Check out our gallery of the top ten below, do you think the voters got it spot on or is your favourite beach missing from the list?

The UK's ten best beaches (according to Tripadvisor)

9. Filey Beach, North Yorkshire
 The good: "This is unquestionably the finest beach in the world; no seascape will take your breath away more." The bad: "Filey needs a tidy. The walk from our camp to Filey was littered with exposed pipework, and brickwork particular visible at low tide." Did you know? Filey Beach was once home to Yorkshire's only Butlin's holiday camp. The camp closed in 1983 but those with fond memories have set up a <a href="http://www.rememberfileybutlins.co.uk/index.html" target="_blank">website dedicated to remembering it</a>.
8. Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset
 The good: "One of the 10,0000 wonders of the world" raves one Tripadvisor reviewer, while another says: "Sandcastle makers heaven!" The bad: "Whats all the fuss about? 60's apartments and tacky seaside galore."Did you know? Property here is notoriously pricey. In 2009 a 1,393-square-metre plot was reported to have been put up for sale for £13.5 million. Some houses going for a steal at £7,750,000! <div> </div>
7. Weymouth Beach, Dorset
 The good: "It's a beach. It's got sand, and clean sea. Enough said really." The bad: "All the above reviews are fine - that is if you can find somewhere to sit squashed in among the hoardes." Did you know? Weymouth was given a Royal seal of approval by King George III. He used to visit during times of illness for a restorative paddle and has been credited for popularising bathing in the bay.
6. Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall
 The good: "Just watch the waves all day. Sunny but very windy day which is the best way to see Fistral Beach. Can spend hours walking around the headland then sit and have a drink whilst watching the surfers." The bad: "Parking restrictions a nightmare." Did you know? The British Surfing Association, Newquay Surf Life Saving Club and the Newquay Boardriders Club are all based at Fistral Beach and the Boardmasters Festival is also held there.
5. Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth, Dorset
 The good: "Hengistbury Head is one of my favourite places in the world. It's one of those spots that restores peace to your mind." The bad: "A bit bleak and windy, not much to do except pitch and put." Did you know? People have been settling at Hegistbury Head since the Stone Age and it has over a million visitors per year.
4. Longsands Beach, Newcastle upon Tyne
 The good: "My 'Safe Place'. I must have walked this beach over a hundred times in all weathers and it never fails to amaze me." The bad: "Why does everywhere you go for a pleasant walk have to be infested with dogs and their stupid owners?" Did you know: Longsands has its own webcam, so you can check out the weather before you head for the beach, see it <a href="http://www.tynemouth.org.uk/webcam.pl" target="_blank">here</a>
3. Porthminster Beach, St Ives, Cornwall
 The good: "Sun, Sea and a secret seal that visits the shore here most days. Family-friendly with lots locally to see and do - like dipping your toes back into 1960's seaside family holidays for the day." The bad: "Great beach but there are so many more spectacular and less populated beaches in the St Ives area" Did you know? It's home to the <a href="http://www.porthminstercafe.co.uk" target="_blank">Porthminter Cafe</a>, multi-award winning seafood restaurant smack bang on the shoreline.
2. Woolacombe Beach, Woolacombe, Devon
 The good: "Heaven. The nicest beach I've seen in the UK." The bad: "Get your binoculars out...the sea is over there. The tide was out but there was a disproportionate amount of dry/wet sand (as in miles of wet and a small patch of dry) considering how far out the sea was." Woolacombe trivia: During the Second World War, the U.S. Army based their Assault Training Centre here. Thousands of small boat crews and infantry practised amphibious landing assaults on the beach because its long flat shape was considered to be like the Omaha Beach landing area.
1. Rhossili Bay, Swansea, Wales
 The good: Reviewers can't praise Rhossili Bay highly enough. This "gem in the crown of Gower" has "unbelievable views"; it's "clean and peaceful... "The BEST in the West."... "The most amazing sight on the lovely Gower Coast." The bad: "It is a lovely beach, but it is more of an adult-orientated one, you park your car up the top of the hill and start walking, either down to the beach, or over the cliffs, which if you have children, I would not recommend." Rhossili trivia: Rhossili Bay featured in the Opening Ceremony at the London 2012 Olympic Games when a youth choir sang Bread of Heaven live on the beach there and also appeared in TV show Torchwood.
10. St. Brelade's Bay Beach, Jersey
 The good: One Tripadvisor reviewer says: "The Caribbean in the Channel Islands! A wonderful, enormous beach with soft white sand and plenty of quality restaurants and coffee shops on its fringe." The bad: It's a lovely beach, but the sandy area is very small so the sitting area can bet a bit crowded." Did you know? St Brelade's Church is found in the centre the bay because, according to legend, the original site happened to be home to fairies and when the workmen dug foundations for the church they came in the night and moved them to the beach.

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How many stars? Seven! The world's most luxurious hotels

March 13, 2013, 8:09 pm

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Filed under: World travel

Seven of the world's seven-star hotels Burj Al Arab

Ok, so we know that seven-star hotels aren't officially recognised (the international rating system only reaches five stars). But this hasn't stopped some hotels from going totally overboard on extravagance and and all-out-luxury and awarding themselves a couple of extra stars just to impress. See some of the world's seven-star hotels below...

The world's seven-star hotels

Pangu 7 Star Hotel, Beijing
 Designed by world-famous architect C.Y. Lee, <a href="http://www.panguhotel.com/en/" target="_blank">Pangu 7 Star Hotel</a> has labelled itself as a 'luxury seven-star hotel' offering breathtaking views of Beijing's Olympic Park, deluxe restaurants, lavish residences and opulent Sky Courtyards. The hotel resembles the form of the most powerful animal in the Chinese zodiac - the dragon. The interiors combine Chinese classical tradition and contemporary European glamour, with rare Italian marble and hand-embroidered silk wallpaper.
Burj Al Arab, Dubai
 Ask anyone to name a seven-star hotel and they'll probably say the <a href="http://www.jumeirah.com/Hotels-and-Resorts/Reiseziele/Dubai/Burj-Al-Arab/" target="_blank">Burj Al Arab</a>, for this legendary and symbolic hotel in Dubai is consistently voted the world's most luxurious hotel and the first seven-star hotel. Burj Al Arab is an all-suite hotel boasting discreet in-suite check-in, a brigade of highly trained butlers, a chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce for guests and a helipad for those wanting to make a stylish arrival. The most lavish suite is the two-bedroom Royal Suite with opulent interiors, majestic colours and sumptuous furniture.
Seven Stars Galleria, Milan
 When hotelier Alessandro Rosso decided to open a new hotel in Milan, he didn't just want to create the best hotel in town. He wanted to open a hotel so good that it needed a whole new rating system. <a href="http://www.sevenstarsgalleria.com/" target="_blank">Seven Stars Galleria</a> is said to be Europe's only seven-star hotel offering just seven suites with 24-hour butler service, a private entrance inside a narrow courtyard and meals designed specifically for you. The hotel will find out everything you like before you arrive - how you like your pillows, music preferences and the type of bed you want. It is known as the 'seventh heaven' and for shopaholics it's shopping heaven as a lift will take them to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy's oldest shopping mall.
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
 It's no surprise that the most expensive hotel ever built has seven-star status and <a href="http://www.kempinski.com/en/abudhabi/emirates-palace/welcome/" target="_blank">Emirates Palace</a> is the place to find out what makes a seven-star hotel. It cost an estimated three billion US dollars to build and features a 1.3km private beach, 394 rooms and suites, 128 kitchens and 114 domes. Marble used in the hotel was imported from 13 countries and 5kg of pure edible gold is used per year for decorating desserts. Impressed? Emirates Palace also has 12 outdoor fountains, 1002 chandeliers, two huge wall carpets from Thailand weighing a tonne each and a gold vending machine!
Apeiron, Dubai
 This futuristic hotel in Dubai is still under design but is set to be another seven-star hotel in the glamorous city. Architects of Apeiron, <a href="http://www.syb.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sybarite</a> say arrival to the hotel will be by air or sea and some of its facilities will include an exclusive spa, a restaurant with panoramic underwater views and a butterfly jungle with tropical plants and exotic butterflies. There will also be Michelin-starred dining spots, private clubs and luxury boutiques in Apeiron, which means infinity, and the hotel on its own island could be the Burj Al Arab's biggest rival!
Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul
 The new <a href="http://www.shangri-la.com/istanbul/shangrila/pre-opening/" target="_blank">Shangri-La Hotel</a> in Istanbul is set to open in spring 2013 and local media have tipped it to be Turkey's first seven-star hotel. Although Shangri-La hasn't given itself seven-star status, it has said the hotel on the coast of the Bosphorus Strait which has been built on the site of a former tobacco factory from the 1930s will consist of 14 storeys, of which seven will be underground. There will be 186 rooms and several restaurants and bars including a rooftop restaurant with views of the city's skyline.
Taj Falaknuma Palace, India
 <a href="http://www.tajhotels.com/Luxury/Grand-Palaces-And-Iconic-Hotels/Taj-Falaknuma-Palace-Hyderabad/Overview.html" target="_blank">Taj Falaknuma Palace</a> was built in 1884 and was the home of the seventh Nizam, the world's richest man in his heyday. The hotel has been labelled by local media as India's only seven-star hotel and is reportedly the grandest of all the palaces in the country. Falaknuma Palace translates as 'the heavenly abode' and inside the magnificent Hyderabad palace, there are 60 rooms with original features, priceless furnishings including Belgian Osler Chandeliers, English furniture and stained glass windows, and the library with its walnut-carved roof, which is a replica of that in Windsor Castle.

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A beginner's guide to cruising: ten things you need to know

March 13, 2013, 10:11 pm

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Filed under: Cruises

A beginner's guide to cruising
P&O Cruises

First time on a cruise? Here's all you need to know. From tipping tips to what to wear, here's how to avoid making a faux pas at sea. Liz Jarvis, Editor of Cruise International magazine, gives her top tips on how to make sure your cruise is plain sailing...

Your guide to cruise ship etiquette

Tip, tip, tip
 Tipping policies can vary widely between cruise lines. Many will add a service charge to your shipboard account, payable at the end of your cruise, while others leave it to your discretion. On US-owned ships, tipping is expected and you'll be given envelopes with suggested gratuities to be paid at the end of your cruise. Other lines such as P&O have 'fixed-rate tipping' which you're free to vary according to how much you appreciate the service.
Know what you're paying for
 On cruises where drinks aren't included, when you sign for them you'll be required to add a service charge – it's a good idea to hold on to those receipts so you can keep track of how much you're spending. Always find out if tipping is included in the price, or whether it will be added on so you know what to budget, and if necessary, make sure you have some cash ready to put in an envelope at the end of your cruise to hand directly to your cabin steward and waiters. The crew work incredibly hard to make your cruise enjoyable and the tips they receive are crucial: so show them how much you appreciate what they've done for you.
Go with the flow
 It goes without saying that sometimes things go wrong. For example, our toilet system stopped working for a few hours when I was on a cruise in South East Asia recently. These things happen. It's helpful to inform the crew, but rest assured they'll be trying to fix it. Remember also that sometimes your ship may not be able to dock in a particular port because of adverse weather conditions. This is no one's fault, and they have your best interest at heart – so try not to get too worked up about it.
Don't get left behind!
 It can be easy to lose track of time if you're off exploring when you're in port – but remember that if you're not back on your ship in time there's a real possibility it will depart without you (I've been on a cruise where this actually happened to a couple of passengers. I honestly have no idea how they got home).
Try not to become part of the entertainment
 If you're not sure whether a show is for you, sit at the back. That way, you won't disturb anyone – including the performers - if you decide to leave and head for the bar.
Be prepared to share
 On some cruise lines you may have to share your table with strangers. Find out what the score is beforehand, and request the right-sized table – the best size is six or eight, so you can have a decent conversation but also you're not stuck with people you have nothing in common with.
Pace yourself
 If you're on an all-inclusive trip where alcohol is part of the deal it can be tempting to keep indulging – but remember that it's very easy to reach your limit, which can be embarrassing at the least and downright irritating for everyone else! Take it easy. And if there's an all you can eat buffet, try not to eat everything in sight. Your waistline and the other passengers will thank you, I promise.
Remember that sun loungers are for everyone
 Don't hog the seats by the pool! If you're going to get up and go for lunch, it is the height of bad manners to leave your towel to 'reserve' your space. Be considerate. I once went on a cruise where the pool deck was occupied by the same towels and bags pretty much all day. In the end I asked the staff to remove them.
Don't ignore the dress code
 Dress code can vary widely, but even the most relaxed ships have at least one formal night where you are expected to dress up, so be prepared. A smart dress for women and a tie and jacket for men is pretty much essential. Oh, and if you're travelling on a ship with a 'themed night', the very popular 'pirates', you may want to take along an eye patch and fake parrot. Trust me, some passengers make a huge effort....
And while we're on the topic of dress code...
 Yes, of course it's your holiday and you should be able to do whatever you want. But guys, unless you have the body of a Greek God, please put a shirt on when you go for lunch – and ladies, a sarong will be your new best friend.
Remember your neighbours
 Be respectful of other passengers. Unless you're in the penthouse suite, the chances are you will have neighbours. Making loads of noise late at night or smoking on the balcony (this is usually forbidden on ships) will not endear you to your fellow passengers, and could result in complaints. If you're travelling with children, encourage them to be quiet when they're outside other cabins.
Be patient
 By nature, cruises are international affairs, and you're very likely to be sharing your holiday with people from other countries. This means that you may find announcements are repeated in several languages. And, of course, not everyone queues like the British. There's no point in getting annoyed or frustrated – you're on holiday! Just let it go and start enjoying yourself.

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Floating hotels for dreamy escapes

March 13, 2013, 10:45 pm

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Filed under: World travel

Floating hotels for dreamy escapes Taj Lake Palace, India

Treat yourself to the ultimate escape by checking in to a dreamy floating hotel. From India's white marble palace on a lake to a Swedish inn on the water with its own sauna boat, browse our selection of hotels that float for a relaxing holiday...

Floating hotels around the world

Yellow Submarine Hotel, UK
 Ever wanted to sleep in a yellow submarine? In Liverpool you can spend the night in this colourful abode that pays homage to one of The Beatles' best-known songs. The <a href="http://www.yellowsubliverpool.co.uk/" target="_blank">Yellow Submarine Hotel</a> floats on a mooring in Albert Dock and features gold discs from The Beatles, the mod scooter from the film Quadrophena and interiors from Paris, Italy and New York. The groovy sub is perfect for a weekend away with friends and you can be picked up in a Rolls Royce Phantom if you're arriving at Liverpool or Manchester Airport. From £165 per night for up to eight people.
Salt & Sill, Sweden
 This super-cool Swedish inn boasts a brilliant location at the shoreline of the island of Kladesholmen on the western side of Tjorn, as well as sea views and a world-class restaurant. <a href="http://www.saltosill.se/Lodging%2Fhotel__1033.html" target="_blank">Salt & Sill</a> is a 23-room hotel built on pontoons and made of six two-storey clapboard buildings. Inside, the interiors are light and airy, and each room has its own access to an outdoor seating area so you can enjoy the sea air. As the Scandinavians are renowned for their love of saunas, the hotel wouldn't be complete without its own sauna, but this one has a twist - it's a sauna boat designed as a miniature replica of the bigger building resting on a catamaran and reaching speeds of up to 15 knots. From £188 per night including wine and truffles, a three-course dinner and breakfast.
Taj Lake Palace, India
 The floating white marble vision that is <a href="http://www.tajhotels.com/Luxury/Grand-Palaces-And-Iconic-Hotels/Taj-Lake-Palace-Udaipur/Overview.html" target="_blank">Taj Lake Palace</a> in Udaipur appears to emerge from the mist on Lake Pichola and occupies a four-acre island surrounded by cypress-shaded courtyards, gardens and fountains. One of India's most famous hotels, Taj Lake Palace is romantic, iconic and graceful. Make a magical entrancy by arriving on a gondola at twilight, with the city's lights twinkling and the Aravalli Mountains as a backdrop. Double rooms from £596 per night.
The Zambezi Queen, Namibia/Botswana
 Experience the thrill of a unique African safari from the deck of your own private suite aboard a luxury 45-metre vessel on the magnificent Chobe River, which divides Botswana from Namibia. The Zambezi Queen features 14 rooms with balconies decorated in a sophisticated, contemporary style. On the top deck of the ship is a dining room, lounge, bar and pool area. The ship was designed to maximise animal sightings and you can enjoy game watching from your room or the top deck. Two-night packages from £1,395 per person from <a href="http://www.visionsofafrica.co.uk/" target="_blank">Visions of Africa</a>.
The Ocean Flower, Maldives
 An amazing new development in the Maldives, <a href="http://www.dutchdocklands-maldives.com/Property/1/The_Ocean_Flower.html" target="_blank">The Ocean Flower</a> takes its name from a typical Maldivian flower and features 185 stunning waterfront homes connected along a flower-shaped quay. Each floating property comes with its own private pool and there is an array of facilities, such as a pristine beach, restaurants, shops, a diving centre and small private islands for relaxing and enjoying a picnic. From £628,000 to buy.
CPH Living, Denmark
 Denmark's first floating hotel <a href="http://cphliving.com/pagei.html" target="_blank">CPH Living</a> is a stylishly converted two-level barge in Copenhagen offering guests a relaxed maritime stay in its 12 rooms. You won't find a spa or restaurant here, but if you're after a unique hotel with minimalist rooms and wonderful waterside vistas, this is the place for you. Head for the huge rooftop terrace for the best views of the city skyline and harbour. Double rooms from £136 per night.
King Pacific Lodge, Canada
 For a luxury adventure, book a stay at King Pacific Lodge in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest on the west coast of British Columbia. This floating wilderness lodge built from native pine, fir, cedar and stone lies on a barge, with 17 guest rooms and suites, a wrap-around deck offering spectacular views, a spa, Jacuzzi and plunge pool. From June to September the hotel is towed from its winter home in Prince Rupert to its summer location in Barnard Harbour. Amazing experiences at the lodge include sea kayaking, whale watching and floatplane tours. Look out for the local orcas, black bears, sea lions and eagles too. From £3,047 for three nights with <a href="http://www.kiwicollection.com/hotel-detail/king-pacific-lodge" target="_blank">Kiwi Collection</a>, including scenic flights from Vancouver, gourmet meals with drinks and ecotourism activities, such as whale watching, ocean fishing and hiking.
Wine & Water, France
 In Burgundy you can spend the night in this 98-foot barge and experience a relaxing break in France. Down in the open-plan saloon, there are large windows illuminating the black leather sofas, colourful cushions and a kitchen bar where French pastries and yoghurt are laid out for you each morning. The cosy cabins in <a href="http://www.sawdays.co.uk/special-places/france/burgundy/cote-d-or/wine-water" target="_blank">Wine & Water</a> feature comfortable beds and en-suite showers. Sit on the sundeck with a glass of burgundy to make the most of this floating hotel. From £130 per night.
Aria by Aqua Expeditions, Peru
 Discover the Amazon as you enjoy the luxury of floor-to-ceiling windows, Egyptian cotton and fine Peruvian fusion cuisine on a floating adventure. <a href="http://aquaexpeditions.com/" target="_blank">Aqua Expeditions</a> brings boutique five-star luxury to the Amazon River in Peru, with its three, four and seven-night journeys into the remote Pacaya Samiria Reserve. 147-foot vessel Aria features a comfortable lounge, outdoor Jacuzzi, an exercise room and stylish interiors. Three-night Amazon Discovery Cruises from £1,557 per person based on full-board basis.
River Kwai Jungle Rafts, Thailand
 Set on a wild, remote stretch of the River Kwai, this magical floating hotel in Kanchanaburi offers 55 spacious, bamboo-walled twin rooms and a traditional, close-to-nature hotel experience on a historic river. <a href="http://www.riverkwaijunglerafts.com/" target="_blank">River Kwai Jungle Rafts</a> is surrounded by the tropical forest and magnificent mountain range, and there's no electricity here - the rooms are cooled by the river beneath and lit with lanterns at night. The floating restaurant serves authentic Thai and international food and there's a jungle bar to relax and take in the stunning surroundings. A wonderful, tranquil place to let your worries float away! £117 per night including breakfast, dinner and roundtrip boat transfer.

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Fabulous swim-up bars around the world

March 14, 2013, 8:38 pm

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Filed under: World travel

Swimming around an infinity pool while soaking up the rays is thirsty holiday work, right? That's why all the best hotels have swim-up bars these days. From Iceland to St Lucia, we've scoured the globe to find the best swimming pools with the coolest swim-up bars. Why? We just want to make darn sure that on your next holiday, you won't have that awful inconvenience of getting out of the pool when in dire need of a Tequila Sunrise...

Cream of the crop: Swim-up bars

Grand Cayman Beach Suites, Cayman Islands
 Not only does one of the fresh water swimming pools at <a href="http://www.grand-cayman-beach-suites.com/" target="_blank">Grand Cayman Beach Suites</a> have a cool swim-up bar, it has breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea too! Once you've had a refreshing cocktail at the bar, relax in the Whirlpool overlooking the pools for an afternoon of utter bliss at the Cayman Islands resort.
Crystal Cove, Barbados
 We love the romantic cave bar at <a href="http://www.crystalcovehotelbarbados.com/" target="_blank">Crystal Cove</a> in Barbados. Guests swim up to it and pass through a waterfall before they can order their drinks. The all-inclusive hotel is a natural haven and you'll find lush gardens filled with frangipani and bougainvillea. There are three sparkling lagoon-like swimming pools so going for a dip is a must!
East Winds Inn, St Lucia
 This intimate boutique hotel exudes an atmosphere of quality and exclusivity for guests at a cottage-style resort. East Winds Inn is located on one of St Lucia's most sheltered bays with thirty rooms, a yoga and pilates studio and a fitness track. When you're done being active and want to relax in the pool, head to the lovely swim-up bar for a drink. From £352 per night with <a href="http://www.essentialhotelcollection.co.uk/hotels/east_winds_inn_-_st_lucia/" target="_blank">Essential Hotel Collection</a>
Intercontinental Resort Tahiti, Tahiti
 Located in 32 acres of gardens, the Polynesian-style Intercontinental Resort Tahiti offers views of unforgettable sunsets and volcanic peaks of sister island Moorea. The swim-up Lotus Bar in the Lotus sand bottom swimming pool serves delicious cocktails mixing ingredients such as pear vodka, hazelnut syrup, blue curacao syrup and banana juice. A seven-night stay at the Intercontinental Resort Tahiti costs from £2,977 per person, including flights and transfers from <a href="http://www.holidaysplease.co.uk/holidays/tahiti-holidays/tahiti/intercontinental-resort-tahiti/" target="_blank">Holidays Please </a>
Amathus Beach Hotel Paphos, Cyprus
 The amazing pool area at <a href="http://www.amathus-hotels.com/paphos/" target="_blank">Amathus Beach Hotel Paphos</a> features a lagoon pool that loops around spacious terraces dotted with palms and lawns and is complete with a swim-up bar. It's a great place to keep the kids happy and if you tire of the pool, the beach is just steps away.
Warwick Fiji Resort and Spa, Fiji
 In Fiji, <a href="http://www.warwickfijihotel.com/" target="_blank">Warwick Fiji Resort and Spa</a> is a beachfront resort with three fabulous options for relaxing with a drink. The swim-up pool bar is the place to go for a cocktail, the Sunset Bar overlooks the beach and lagoon and the Hibiscus Lounge & Bar is where you can enjoy live entertainment too. The resort even has a restaurant in water!
Krabi La Playa Resort, Thailand
 The elegant swimming pool at <a href="http://www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk/hotel/116757 " target="_blank">Krabi La Playa Resort</a> in Thailand is where you can indulge in poolside massages, relax in spacious gardens and sit back and enjoy the Whirlpool. For a light meal and a drink on your lazy day by the pool, head for the swim-up bar and in the evening opt for a barbecue dinner and drinks from the Garden Bar.
Lagoon Bar, Iceland
 As if Iceland's Blue Lagoon wasn't cool enough, it has a <a href="http://www.bluelagoon.com/food-and-drink/lagoon-bar/" target="_blank">swim-up bar</a> too! Go bathing in the geothermal pool and you don’t even have to leave the water when you get thirsty. You’ll find nothing beats an ice-cool smoothie, slush or ice-cream after some time in the warm pool. Unless, of course, it’s a glass of wine, beer or a delicious electric-blue cocktail! Fly to Iceland from London Gatwick from £95 one-way with <a href="http://www.wowiceland.co.uk/" target="_blank">WOW air</a>
Basil's Bar, Mustique
 The world-famous <a href="http://www.basilsbar.com/" target="_blank">Basil’s Bar</a> isn't just a hangout for royals who flock to the paradise island of Mustique. This laidback bar sits right on the water’s edge and as the area is popular for sailing, people regularly jump off their yachts and swim over for a drink. It's a great place for a cooling rum punch or two along with a spot of celeb spotting.
La Vista, Ibiza
 Don't fancy sharing your swim-up bar with anyone else? Hidden bolthole La Vista in Ibiza is a stylish property with a private infinity pool complete with its own bar and sunken bar stools. Take in the spectacular sea views from the pool or stools and don't miss the dramatic Mediterranean sunset. A week's rental from £7,500 from <a href="http://www.vintagetravel.co.uk/" target="_blank">Vintage Travel</a>
One&Only Le Saint Geran, Mauritius
 This wonderful bar at <a href="http://lesaintgeran.oneandonlyresorts.com/" target="_blank">One&Only Le Saint Geran</a> in Mauritius is surrounded by the pool, giving the impression that it is on its own island. Guests can swim across, climb up and have a drink before hopping back into the pool and swimming back to their sun lounger. The bar is also connected to the restaurant via a footbridge so you can dine on a little island too.
Anantara Rasananda Phangan, Thailand
 Anantara Rasananda Phangan is located on the quiet bay of Tong Pan Noi Beach on Koh Phangan Island. Its swim-up bar overlooks the soft white sand beach and towering coconut palms - the perfect setting for sipping exotic cocktails. At the resort you can enjoy a selection of water sports, experience an eco-adventure tour around the island and indulge in treatments at the spa. A seven-night stay starts from £1,465 per person, including breakfast, transfers and return flights from London Heathrow to Koh Samui with <a href="http://www.wandotravel.com/" target="_blank">Western & Oriental</a>
Necker Island, British Virgin Islands
 You didn't think the most exclusive place in the British Virgin Islands would come without its own swim-up bar, did you? <a href="http://www.virginlimitededition.com/en/vle/our_collection/necker_island" target="_blank">Necker Island</a>'s Pool Pavilion is located at Main Beach and can be accessed from the land and beach. There is a swim-up bar off the infinity pool with rocks in the pool for guests to sit and enjoy a drink, plus a Jacuzzi right on the beach. Within the pool complex is a thatched Crocodile Pavilion with a large solid teak crocodile table where guests can be served fresh food from the Pavilion’s gourmet kitchen.
Coconut Bar, Young Island
 Apparently 'barefoot chic' is the only way to dress on Young Island in St Vincent and the Grenadines and with the incredibly laidback theme in mind, a swim to the unique <a href="http://www.youngisland.com/dining.htm" target="_blank">Coconut Bar</a> is a must. Anchored just off the beach, this swim-up bar is the perfect spot for a refreshing afternoon cocktail or fruit punch. Coconut rum and coconut milk are just two of the special Caribbean drinks served at the bar.

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Stars who are barred: Celebs behaving badly in hotels

March 15, 2013, 3:45 am

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Filed under: World travel

Honestly. What is it about celebrities and hotel rooms? Show them a swanky suite and they just can't resist doing something inexplicably and bizarrely naughty. So naughty, in fact that they've become rather adept at getting themselves barred from ever setting in foot some of the world's most famous establishments.

It all started back in the sixties when Keith Moon, the then drummer of the The Who, checked into a Holiday Inn in Michigan and embarked on a night of revelry during which he caused thousands of dollars worth of damage (he even drove a car into the hotel pool). Unsurprisingly, he was subsequently banned... and the rest is rock and roll history.

It seems the stars are still at it more than 40 years later. From "forgetting" to pay bills to trashing hotel rooms, appalling table manners to downright debauchery, modern celebs have done it all.

Have a look at our rogues' gallery of banned celebrities and their antics below.

Barred! Celebrities behaving badly in hotels around the world

John Travolta
 Both the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2143365/John-Travolta-BANNED-NYC-spa-inappropriate-behaviour-claims-masseur.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a> and <a href="http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/john-travolta-once-banned-from-peninsula-hotel-spa-report-2012125" target="_blank">US magazine</a> reported in May last year that Travolta was once banned for three years from the swanky <a href="http://www.peninsula.com/New_York/en/default.aspx" target="_blank">New York Peninsula Hotel</a> for "inappropriate behaviour" in the spa. The claims were made by Michael Caputo, a former massage therapist at the Peninsula. We won't go into detail, but whatever he did was enough to get himself barred.
Britney Spears
 Britney was apparently barred from celebrity hotspot hotel the <a href="http://www.chateaumarmont.com/" target="_blank">Chateau Marmont</a> after complaints were made about the star's eating habits during her now infamous meltdown phase in 2007 - the same year that she was spotted shaving her own head. According to reports, her table manners leave a lot to be desired as she was seen smearing food all over her face in the hotel restaurant.
Justin Bieber
 In 2012, Justin Bieber was asked to leave London's <a href="http://london.langhamhotels.co.uk/" target="_blank">Langham Hotel</a> last year - although it wasn't because he was rowdy or trashing his room: he was chucked out because somehow his fans discovered his room number and the Beliebers bombarded reception with calls, crashing their systems. Trashing a switch board? Not exactly rock and roll...
Michael Jackson
 While MJ may have thought he was living in his very own wonderland, staff at London's <a href="http://www.thedorchester.com/" target="_blank">Dorchester Hotel</a> were less than impressed with his antics. He apparently frightened a maid when he opened his door in a full Mickey Mouse outfit in 2005 and was politely <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/celebrities-banned-by-top-hotels/12" target="_blank">asked to find somewhere else to stay in 2009</a> after the hotel finally grew tired of the "circus" that accompanied him every time he visited.
Paris Hilton
 Despite being a luxury hotel heiress herself, it appears Paris Hilton can still be banned from top class hotels. In 2010 at the Las Vegas <a href="http://www.wynnlasvegas.com/" target="_blank">Wynn</a>, there were <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/01/paris-hilton-banned-from-_n_702341.html" target="_blank">reports</a> that Paris was arrested after pulling up to the entrance of the hotel with her then boyfriend, Cy Waits, when a small bag of cocaine fell from her purse. However, the ban didn't last long: apparently she's been welcomed back now though and was seen partying at the <a href="http://www.wynnlasvegas.com/NightClubs/Surrender" target="_blank">Surrender nightclub</a> at Wynn’s Encore hotel in December 2011.
Amy Winehouse
 There was no Stompin' at the Savoy for Amy Winehouse, Jazz singer Jamie Cullum and West End star Michael Ball back in 2007. The late singer and her unlikely bandmates were allegedly kicked out of <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/savoy-london/" target="_blank">The Savoy Hotel</a> for commandeering a piano and belting out some numbers. While you might have thought guests would be grateful for the impromptu concert, <a href="http://drownedinsound.com/news/1545593-winehouse-cullum-and-michael-ball-booted-out-of-the-savoy" target="_blank">reports</a> suggested that their complaints got the trio unceremoniously ejected from the Savoy's <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/savoy-london/dining/americanbar/" target="_blank">American Bar</a>.
Charlie Sheen
 Mr Sheen has a chequered past when it comes to hotel rooms. His management claims it's because he struggles to find a room he can smoke in, but it possibly has more to do with <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/2011/03/30/will-new-york-hotels-ban-charlie-sheen/">an incident in 2010</a> when Sheen had a reaction to medication and trashed his hotel room at the <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/the-plaza-new-york/" target="_blank">New York City Plaza</a> hotel, causing over £13,000 worth of damage. He has been banned for life.
Lindsay Lohan
 The troubled actress was given a temporary ban from her favourite hotel hangout, <a href="http://www.chateaumarmont.com/" target="_blank">Chateau Marmont</a> in Los Angeles in August 2012 for managing to rack up nearly £30,000 in unpaid bills. It's been <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/2012/08/29/Lindsay-Lohan-been-banned-chateau-marmont-hotel-los-angeles/">reported</a> that she amassed an impressive room service bill, which included £2,092 on her minibar, £334 on cigarettes, and £1,324 in the restaurant.
Nicki Minaj
 Another star with entourage issues is the singer Nicki Minaj who was the second celebrity to be booted out of the <a href="http://www.thedorchester.com/" target="_blank">Dorchester</a> after hordes of her fans stormed the hotel. According to the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1349550/Nicki-Minaj-kicked-Dorchester-Hotel-fans-rampage.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a> they spray painted the lift doors and started fights. Minaj later tweeted: "officially been kicked out the hotel. Lmaoooooooo." So that's rather a lot of laughing then...

Of couse, celebs don't just behave badly in hotels, either. Some are just as good at causing mayhem while travelling - particularly when they're 35,000ft in the air. Look at this lot:

Celebrity inflight antics

Sienna Miller and Rhys Ifans' frolic mid-air
 Back when this celebrity couple were loved-up and still together in 2008, they were spotted frolicking in a bed on a 12-hour flight from Los Angeles to London. Sienna and Rhys's shameless PDA was reported in the Daily Mirror. They were reportedly seen kissing and play-fighting in the Upper Class cabin. Passengers then watched as Rhys pulled off his top and jumped into Sienna's single, 33-inch bed before they watched a film, ate dinner and Rhys went back to his own seat... aah, how romantic.
Brian McFadden in trouble with Virgin
 In February 2011, former Westlife singer Brian McFadden was marched off a Virgin flight from Los Angeles to Australia, allegedly for lighting up a cigarette and being under the influence of alcohol. He denied being drunk, despite fellow passengers claiming he drank heavily, shouted and was being abusive to everyone around him before he was restrained by Australian TV presenter Kyle Sandilands. Australian Federal Police confirmed that they were asked by Virgin to meet the flight on its arrival – but as there was no formal complaint made by the airline, and the singer was interviewed and released without charge. He later tweeted: 'Wasn't arrested! Didn't smoke on the flight. And the Virgin staff were very nice. I did have a few drinks but I was not smashed and abusive. If reports were true then I would have been arrested, fined and wosrt (sic)! Banned from my favourite airline V Australia. Storm in a tea cup.'
Courtney Love ticked off by cabin crew
 Singer and actress Courtney Love was famously arrested at Heathrow Airport for "endangering an aircraft" back into 2003. According to the Daily Mail, she verbally abused crew members, and the crew said she refused to sit in her seat and put her seatbelt on. Police went on board and spoke to Love in the Upper Class cabin. She was taken to the airport's police station and later released with a caution for causing harassment, alarm and distress. As she left Love said: 'I cussed at a lady - my daughter always said I had a potty mouth.'
Justin Bieber upsets Qantas staff
 Being told off is something most teenagers are used to but when Justin Bieber was labelled a "security risk" by a Qantas flight attendant in May 2011 for acting like a child, it wasn't the reception the star usually receives. According to reports in the Daily Telegraph, Bieber was said to have left his seat in business class on a flight from Sydney to Melbourne and decided to go for a walk as the plane was taxiing. The flight attendant ordered him and his bodyguard to sit down and told him that he'd be treated like a child if he acted like one. He later apologised after she told him to respect her workplace.
Whitney Houston refuses to buckle up
 Singer Whitney Houston was almost kicked off a Delta Airlines flight in October 2011 when (in true diva style) she refused to buckle her seatbelt before the plane took off in Atlanta, Georgia. After being warned that she would have to leave the flight, the singer eventually allowed a flight attendant to do it for her and the plane was cleared for take-off. Phew!
Liam Gallagher banned from flying Cathay Pacific
 Oasis singer Liam Gallagher was famously banned for life by one airline for his behaviour.  Cathay Pacific made the drastic move after he allegedly abused crew and passengers on a flight to Australia back in 1998. Passengers complained that Gallagher smoked, swore and threw objects at them and staff on the flight from Hong Kong to Perth. In 2001, Gallagher was again in trouble with an airline when he reportedly humiliated a member of British Airways staff at Gatwick Airport by touching her bum, prompting a police investigation....
Susan Boyle has a mid-air meltdown
 The singer allegedly once kicked off at her niece in an air rage rant after her flight taking her from Tokyo to Scotland was delayed. In another incident, she had a mid-air meltdown on a night flight from LA after pulling out of America's Got Talent and was singing and crying during the flight, stopping other passengers from sleeping. Most recently in November 2011, Susan Boyle reportedly spent most of a 26-hour flight to Australia crying and arguing with her crew. Business class passengers complained about her behaviour during what was her first journey trip to Australia.
David Hasselhoff banned for having a tipple
 In 2006, TV legend David Hasselhoff was allegedly banned from a British Airways flight for being drunk. The Baywatch star was due to fly to Los Angeles from Heathrow but was said to have been staggering around, mumbling to people and even tried to pick up a shop worker at Heathrow Airport. He reportedly downed bottles of beer and shots of whisky as he waited for his flight and told BA staff he was upset about divorcing his wife of 16 years. Hasselhoff wasn't aggressive and when he was told he couldn't board the plane, agreed with the staff.
Gerard Depardieu needs the loo
 French actor Gerard Depardieu made the headlines in August 2011 when he was removed from a CityJet flight from Paris to Dublin for urinating on the plane. The aircraft was still on the ground and preparing for take-off when Depardieu asked to use the toilet but was told by staff to stay in his seat. He was then said to have stood up and took to the aisle to pee in a bottle. He later said that he had been desperate to go to the toilet after drinking a litre of water before boarding the plane. He offered to clean up any mess but was still thrown off of the flight!
Alec Baldwin's mobile phone misdemeanours
 In Decmber 2011, actor Alec Baldwin was kicked off a plane for using his mobile phone before his American Airlines flight took off. The star of 30 Rock complained on Twitter that an attendant had "reamed me out" for playing a game on his mobile phone, sparking a huge furore between the actor and the airline. American Airlines said he had been loud and abusive, while Baldwin claimed all he had been doing was playing the game Words With Friends. The saga continued when he appeared on US TV show Saturday Night Live dressed as an AA pilot and made a spoof apology, airline flight attendants.
Naomi Campbell has a lost luggage row
 In 2008, Naomi Campbell was banned from flying with British Airways over a row about her lost luggage. The supermodel, known for her fiery temper, flew into a rage when one of her bags wasn't put on the Los Angeles-bound flight. She reportedly swore at the captain and ordered him to bring her her bags. Campbell was asked to leave the flight but refused and three police officers arrived to remove her. After a violent struggle, she was handcuffed and marched off the plane by police and later released on bail after spending several hours at the police station. Getting between a fashionista and her bags? That was never going to end well!

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Win! A Nikon COOLPIX AW110

March 17, 2013, 10:32 pm

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Filed under: Travel News

Love being adventurous with your camera on holiday? We've teamed up with Nikon to offer one lucky user the chance to win a waterproof, shockproof and freeze-proof Nikon COOLPIX AW110, worth £329.99.

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The prize includes: A Nikon COOLPIX AW110 for one winner. Colour subject to availability.

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