The city of Bordeaux is renowned for its art and history, and is the home of the greatest number of listed monuments after Paris. Since the inscription of Bordeaux: Port de la Lune as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2007, the popularity of the city as a tourist destination has soared.

Step outside the city into the surrounding region, and you are immediately in wine country. There are vineyards of international renown here, which such famous names as Ausone, Yquem, Petrus and Margaux. There are various tours that can be booked in advance to take you around the best vineyards, and by taking one of the coach tours it also gives you the freedom to enjoy the samples on offer.

Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur of fine wines, or a complete neophyte, there are vineyards to suit your tastes. As well as organised day tours, you can even book a holiday that is completely wine themed, and you will visit every vineyard from those who produce the great vintages that are known the world over, to the small independent wineries producing modern, contemporary wines created for easy drinking.

Medoc is one of the most famous wine producing areas within Bordeaux, and no afficianados will want to miss out on a visit to the great vineyards that exist here, and sample some of the finest wines available. The Sautemais is another renowned wine producing area, and to explore and enjoy the best of the Bordeaux vineyards then a longer stay is advisable.

In the same way that a fine wine shouldn’t be rushed, neither should your visits to vineyards where they are produced. Take your time to relax and enjoy and see the experts at work, it is a guarantee that once you have seen these wineries at work, you will never look at a bottle on a supermarket shelf in the same way again.

Although Brooklyn is one of the best known boroughs in New York City, what many don’t realise is that it encompasses 6 of the top neighbourhoods to live in NYC. In a relatively short space of time, Brooklyn has shed its downtrodden image and emerged as one of the desirable of the boroughs to live it, and the inclusion of the neighbourhoods in to the top 10 of places to live in New York cements its image now as one of the best.

Brooklyn scored high marks in the categories of schools, green space, creative capital, nightlife and quality of housing. It has become one of the first stops for tourists after boarding flights to New York and then choosing Brooklyn as a base to stay during a trip. The top spot for the whole of New York was Park Slope, which stretches between 15th Street to Flatbush Ave, and Prospect Park West to Fourth Avenue. This neighbourhood is blessed with acres of green space, excellent schools, a diverse retail environment, great bars and restaurants and a low crime rate.

Another great neighbourhood is Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill, as the name suggests these were previously two separate areas that have now been combined. Situated in between the equally desirable neighbourhoods of Brooklyn Heights and Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill has some superb housing, with a plethora of beautiful 19th century houses that have been well maintained and one of the most exciting retail corridors anywhere in the city.

Greenpoint is another area of Brooklyn that is highly rated, mostly by parents who rate the schools as some of the best there is. It is both cheaper and safer than the adjacent Williamsburg and is a home to a respectable amount of restaurants and bars. Whilst not the prettiest of areas, it is nevertheless an affordable and vibrant place to raise your family, just don’t go swimming in Newtown Creek.

These are just a few of the areas that are worth looking at if you are looking to come to Brooklyn, whether it is for a short trip or a longer stay. It is one of the cheapest areas in New York yet the excellent transport links tale you into the heart of the city in no time.

Many people don’t realise that apart from the history and beautiful sights that are to be seen there, Israel is also home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches. Those who make the trip to this small country are always greatly surprised at what greets them as Israel in a country not only full of culture and traditions that are so rich you will find it nowhere else in the world, but also the work it is doing towards developing itself.

Israel has an awful lot to offer the visitor, and is one of those countries that rank right at the top of the list of most talked about destinations, ideal for everything from solo travel to all inclusive holidays for families. There is a fortress by the sea that was the home of Alexander the Great that is a must see on any trip to Israel. Akko has withstood more than its share of rulers and political and climatic change, and is hugely popular with tourists.

One of the best known beach resorts in Israel is Eilat, which sits on the Red Sea. This cosmopolitan city on the coast has much to offer the tourist, and is a blend of the old and new that many don’t expect to find in this ancient country. Golden sands and modern hotels meld with architecture that has to be seen to be believed. Snorkeling in the temperate waters of the gulf will afford you the chance to see colourful and unique coral and fish like you have never seen before.

The Dead Sea is one of the major attractions in Israel, and this body of water has been renowned for its healing properties for centuries. This mineral rich body of water along with the thermal springs and famous black mud have been giving visitors a feeling of well-being since time immemorial, and this whole area is vibrant and buzzing with life.

The unique combination of 21 minerals that are found in the Dead Sea are known to revitalise, rejuvenate and make you feel better than you have for years. The high concentration of minerals and salts allow you to float on the water for hours, but there is no marine life. The hotels surrounding the Dead Sea offer great accommodation that just adds further to the appeal of this amazing corner of the world.

The Poznan region of Poland offers some of the most stunning sites in the country and there are plenty of historical sites and scenic sights, which is why tourist flock to the area every year. Within the Poznan region is the actual city of Poznan that is also historically rich.
One of the best architectural displays of history in the city is The Imperial Castle, which was once the home of German Emperor Wilhelm II. Known as one of the younger European castles, it is still a stunning sight and over a century old, with plenty of spires and towers to lend to its historical image.
Another historical landmark is the Royal Castle that sits upon Castle Hill. The castle was originally built in 1249 but was damaged in 1536 by fire, and then again during WWII. It was restored in the 1950’s and is today a proud testament to what Poland once was.
Those that do not have time to get to these monuments may want to instead stop by the Pobiedziska Miniature Open Air Museum, where mini models of all of the structures in town are housed and is a lot of fun to walk around.
Also worth a visit for some fresh air is the Lednica Landscape Park which will was built to protect the natural life that surrounds Lake Lednica. The park itself contains all the areas around the lake, as well as five islets offering plenty of forestry and trails to explore.

Think of the modern desert state of Dubai and the first things that come to mind are wealth, luxury and opulence. The speed of growth of Dubai as a tourist destination has been nothing short of mind blowing, and this once poor desert state is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. With it being only a 5 hour flight from Europe, it has quickly become one of the worlds top short break destinations, and you will experience luxury here that you never thought actually existed.

The choice of luxurious accommodations here is quite incredible, and those who are planning their first trip to Dubai may find that selecting one can be quite a daunting task. The problem is that while most top holiday resorts have a handful of luxurious accommodations, Dubai has nothing else! There are no budget B&B’ here, but in all honesty, you would be disappointed if there were as the whole persona of Dubai is glitz, glamour and sheer, unadulterated in Luxury.

The Dar Al Masyaf resort is situated in the Jumeirah district of Dubai, and once you have a look at the images of this resort which, quite frankly, looks like a whole different world, you won’t need to look any further. With 283 suites and rooms encased within in Arabian style summer houses set in courtyards and interlinked by private paths and waterways, this really is the ultimate in getting away from it all.

Nestling on the edge of the palm fringed turquoise ocean, there is nothing missing from this resort, and everything, literally, is covered. The dining experiences range from romantic beachside restaurants to the signature restaurants that serve the kind of cuisine that has to be tasted to be believed. Relax in the world famous Talise Spa facility and step out to explore Dubai with a real spring in your step.

With shuttle buses running regularly from the resort to Dubai centre you have all the ingredients for a perfect break in the middle east. If you want to visit Dubai, you want to stay at the Dar Al Masyaf hotel and resort.

Oslo is the capital of Norway and also one of the most stunning cities in the eastern region of the country. With a history that dates back almost a thousand years, the city is now a shining example of progression, history, and culture.

The city itself is shaped like a horseshoe and offers plenty of attractions for the visitor. Those looking for green space will want to head towards Frogner Park which is located in the city centre. Here you will find plenty of open space and some stunning statues created by Gustav Vigeland.

Theatre is a very important component of the culture in Oslo with over twenty different theatres spread throughout the city, therefore, while in town make sure to see a play at one of the major theatres for a performance that you will not forget.

Of course, while in Oslo, most tourists will want to indulge in shopping as well; which is one of the main activities of downtown Oslo. Here you will find the Karl Johans Gate pedestrian mall that offers all of the larger names you will recognise as well as some unique boutiques that you will grow to love.

For dining, the best places to head are the city districts of Karl Johan Gate and Torggata. While they tend to be higher priced then other areas, the food is simply the best that Oslo has to offer its visitors and well worth a few extra pounds. Within the same area are also some of the best clubs and live music venues.

Stay Somewhere Different

Instead of shacking up in a fancy hotel, why not support the locals by opting for a bed and breakfast? Bangkok is filled with cozy B&Bs that cater to the busy traveler like yourself. Do a little research online and opt for a place that has an owner who really looks after the place. Bonus: try to stay in a B&B that serves a traditional Thai breakfast so you can really soak up the local flavors.

See Something Gorgeous

Want a truly visual treat? Then head to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha! This awe-inspiring religious site is one of the oldest in Bangkok. There you’ll get a glimpse of the world famous Reclining Buddha, which is the largest that Thailand has to offer. Itching for more local culture? Take a cruise down the river to the temple to enjoy all the natural sights and sounds of this glorious city.

Get Guided by a Local

Once thing that Bangkok has in spades? Local tour guides! Simply hop online to find a company that suits you best. Itching to see all the most famous sites? There’s a tour company for that! Or maybe a very intimate guide through the city? Opt for one that takes you a bit off the beaten path. Trust us, tour guides can show you all the hidden gems of the city, including local eateries, shops and hidden historical buildings.

Dornumersiel Harbour

Many do not realise how expansive the North Sea Coastline of Germany actually is. It is a stretch of beautiful beaches, grassy dykes, designated nature reserves with large mudflats and many picturesque towns and villages. This is an unspoilt and widely undiscovered area of Germany yet has so much to offer the tourist. It can also boast to have the freshest sea air in the world.

The port of Dornumersiel sits on this coast line, and has much to offer the visitor. There is a leisure centre and a fantastic wellness and spa centre that offers all manner of treatments that will leave you feeling completely rejuvenated and like a new person. Various accommodations are dotted around the town and whether you want a caravan break or a stay in a rustic holiday home such as Risel-Ferienhaus (German only), Dornumersiel fits the bill. Risel-Ferienhaus is ideally located around 10-15 minutes walk away from the beach and close to shops for stocking up on supplies (essential during the winter months). It also has access to a shared sauna adjoined to the building, ideal for tranquil relaxation and enjoying the North See area in comfort.

Cuxhaven is a well known spa town that sits in the North Sea coastline and home to an important fisherman’s wharf. Slightly off the coast lies the island of Neuwerk, the sea recedes so far at low tide that it is possible to walk across the mudflats to the island. There are quite a few hotels in Cuxhaven and in keeping with the area they are all traditionally built and even the new ones are in the traditional style.

The small village of Rantum has a very colourful history, over the years the original settlements have been destroyed by storms or buried by sand drifts. The village today is charming and picturesque and gives you a real idea of what it is like to live in a small corner of a euro superpower that remains as it did decades ago and hasn’t been invaded by tourists.

If you want to take a holiday on the North Sea coast of Germany, check out the many websites and decide where you want to stay. Wherever you lump for on this dramatic coastline you are assured of a relaxing and peaceful holiday, and the chance to really recharge those batteries.

York, the county town of Yorkshire, is a great destination for a short break. Steeped in history and with a very strong connection to the Vikings of Scandinavia, York has much to appeal to visitors of all ages. As York is a very popular city with visitors flocking in constantly, the compact city centre can get very congested, thus making the train very much the favourite mode of transport to reach York by.

There are many rail tours to York that include your rail and hotel, and these are becoming increasingly popular.  These give you the best of both worlds as your travel and accommodation is all sorted in advance, and you have the rest of the time to explore this stunning city at your leisure.

Some of the main attractions of York, such as the Dungeons and the Jorvik Centre charge entry fees, and you can sometimes incorporate these into the price you are paying for your travel and hotel, or alternatively book them online in advance.

If there is one must see sight in York, it has to be the Minster. This magnificent minster towers over the city majestically, and can be seen from almost everywhere. Today’s Minster dates from 1220, and is the third to have stood on the site. A bolt of lightning struck the Minster in 1984, causing a devastating fire in the South Transept, the damage caused by this act of nature took 4 years to rectify.

Strolling around the cobble stone streets of York is like taking a step back in time, and no trip is complete without visiting the most popular street in Europe, Shambles. Built in such a way that the roofs of the buildings on opposite sides almost touch, Shambles was voted the most picturesque street in Britain in 2010, and is supposedly where Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books was based on.

The beautiful, classical and historical city of Vienna is not only the capital of Austria but is widely regarded as the music capital of the world. Think of Vienna and the Blue Danube, the waltz and Mozart immediately spring to mind, but there is a lot more to this city than music, although the Viennese are rightly proud of their musical heritage.

There are numerous museums and other cultural havens in Vienna, and while a lot are obviously associated with classical music, there are others that feature great works of art and tell the story of the part that occupied Austria played in WWII. Horse lovers will relish a trip to the world famous Spanish Riding School, which features the oldest breed of horses is Europe, the Lippizzans.

Visitors to Vienna are invariably music fans, and classical certainly meets modern here where they still have a traditional ball season at the beginning of the year yet also have a vast array of contemporary clubs where everything from Jazz to pop can be heard live. The combination of great live music, excellent cuisine and the unique essence of Vienna makes for some great nights out during your stay here.

While the River Danube may not exactly be blue, it is still a stunning waterway spanned by many different means of crossing including pedestrian, cycle, road and rail bridges. A short river cruise down the Danube is the perfect way to relax and take in all that Vienna has to offer, and totally embrace the culture of this fabulous city.