If you’re looking for a holiday destination but still can’t make up your mind, visit the Venere.com fan page on Facebook, take our quick test and find out where you should go for your next getaway trip.

Step out your daily routine and live like hamsters

Check out The Guardian Travel Blog and watch a funny video shot at the Hamster Hotel in Brittany, France.  Featuring rooms with giant heel, haystack and seed dispenser, this hotel in Nantes offers guests the chance to live like a hamster for one night.

Weird Airport Stories

Check out Telegraph.co.uk and see pictures of the strangest things confiscated by airport security, such as snakes hidden in a Swedish girl’s bra in Stockholm, a bag of hashish stuffed into the battery compartment of a woman’s sex toy at Gatwick Airport, and, still in London, ten human eye balls swimming in a jam jar at Stansted Airport.

Essential Travel Gear

According to a survey by TripAvisor, 62% of travelers shop for travel books, maps and guides before taking a trip, while 58% buy personal care and 14% go for electronic devices. The survey also reveals that convertible pants, pashmina wrap and teddy bear are amongst TripAdvisor community members’s must-have travel accessories.

Are you a globetrotting genius?

Take Hotel.com’s “Landscapes without Landmarks” quiz and test your geography knowledge.  Will you be able to recognize Barcelona without the Sagrada Familia, Rome without St Peter Cathedral, Paris without the Eiffel Tower and London without Big Ben?

Photo of guide books by Malias

Mr & Mrs Smith have chosen the luxury Life Gallery Hotel in Athens, Greece, as ‘Hotel of the Week‘. Their last week’s pick was the Jupiter Hotel, a trendy boutique hotel in Portland, Oregon.

More Great Boutique Hotels

Hoosta Magazine shows pictures of the newly renovated Hotel Elysees Mermoz, a boutique hotel in Paris redesigned by Valérie Manoil, and Monte Carlo Beach Hotel, a luxury hotel on the French Riviera redesigned by India Mahdav.

New Delta Air Lines Routes

Delta Air Lines presents its new international flight offer for summer 2010. The new routes  operated by the American airline company will include a nonstop service from Detroit to Seoul and Hong Kong, a seasonal service between New York JFK and Copenhagen, Denmark, and Stockholm, Sweden, as well as more routes between the US and many destinations in Africa.

Frida Kahlo Museum

The Perceptive Travel Blog recommends a visit to Coyoacán, Mexico City’s historic counterculture district, and Casa Azul, a  museum dedicated to Frida Kahlo which was home to the Mexican artist.

Italian Flashpacker Andrea Di Tonto invites you to enter a contest to win a poem body writing set and a 2-night stay at the luxury Hotel Omm in Barcelona, Spain.

Party in Palm Beach, FL

Tomorrow night the trendy Hotel Biba, West Palm Beach, Florida, is holding a reggae party (8:00 pm to 1:00 am) with free champagne at the lobby from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Enjoy Fine Arts in Rimini, Italy

Le Méridien Hotel, Rimini, Italy,  offers guests an art kit in occasion of  the “Da Rembrandt a Gauguin a Picasso” art exhibition that will be held at Sismondo Castle from Oct 10th, 2009 to March 14th, 2010.

Photos courtesy of Hotel Omm Barcelona, Hotel Biba West Palm Beach and Le Méridien Hotel Rimini.

Really, they city so big and sprawling and known as one of the most expensive capitals on our planet is probably hard to visit on low budget. But do not get too skeptical! Here I am to tell you about hidden places and spots that will help you to get to know Moscow better and not to go broke.

Moscow is the city of contrast: the reflection of $200,000 cars in the dirty windows of grey blocks stuffed with small apartments; beautiful ladies in the haute couture dresses walking by the place where babushkas (old women) sell sunflower seeds and cigarettes by the piece; tired and sometimes even colorless faces on metro escalator that goes down to some of the most magnificent stations in the world. What do most people know about this metropolis? Red Square and Kremlin, sable furry and bloody red patches of history! But there is definitely so much more in Moscow you will never be able to know unless you visit this city and try to let its vibe go through you. Now, some local tips.

Tip #1: How to Move Around and Where to Go.

If you are not that familiar with traffic jams, then you will surely get to know them better in the Russian capital. However, you can get along without that knowledge. Get yourself a map of the city metro lines (you can simply download one from the Internet and print it) and walk more. There are so many amazing and special things to see simply walking around and reading the history of the country reflected in the architecture and the mood of the nation echoed in people’ style. You can start from the Red Square where you will see Kremlin in all its glory, St. Basil’s Cathedral with its picturesque domes and Lenin’s Mausoleum, then you can walk down the Moscow river, go to Gorky Park, Lubyanka Square (where the headquarters of all Russian spies are), Manezhnaya Sqare, Arbat and numerous Moscow theaters. Fantastically beautiful VDNH, numerous churches, and parks also should not be overlooked.

Tip #2: Where to Eat in Moscow.

If you are looking for some good place to eat out in Moscow, I recommend that you go to one of those places where they serve Russian cuisine. Is not food one of the best ways of understanding a new culture? What you should definitely try is Russian blini (pancakes, the best are with red caviar, for sure!), pelmeni (dumplings with meat), cold borshch (beet-root soup), smoked fish and delicious jams made from local berries. Great street/casual/cheap food at Teremok and Kroshka Kartoshka stalls you can find in many places all around the city. Besides, to eat well and really cheap (like $3 for a meal), you can go to some university canteen near GITIS theater school (metro Arbat), MArkhl architecture school (metro Kuznetsky Most), or near Moscow State University (metro Universitet). Here are some more places: Tretyakovka Café, Coffee Bean and Max Internet Café (rather good coffee, which is so hard to find fairly priced), and Yadrena Matrena. Just pretend that you are a student and walk in.

Tip #3: Where to Drink in Moscow.

I think that the name of this tip is just right because there could be no doubts about what to drink: vodka, of course! Drinking vodka in Russia is all about traditions. If you want to drink like locals do, never take a sip before raising your glass in a toast. There is such a Russian saying: if you drink without any reason, you are an alcoholic. Typical Russian Nazdorovie! will do and will definitely break the ice, if there is some. The third toast is always for love. Most people are drunk in one shot of vodka; so if you want to survive the night out, do not forget to eat before, preferably something fat. You should try different flavored vodka shots and do not forget about vodka with black pepper. Usually, vodka and other drinks are very overpriced in bars and clubs, so be ready to spend not less then $20. Visit such places as Sorry Babushka, Vision Cocktail Hall, Kitaisky Liotchik (Chinese Pilot), Propoganda, Boscow Bar and Vodka Bar (the name speaks for itself!).

Tip #4: Where to Party in Moscow.

Well, it is pretty difficult to give advice where to club in Moscow to someone who is traveling on a budget. I guess, rule number one here will be: try to avoid paying entrance fee. Usually, there is an entrance fee like $15-30 but in some clubs you can get in for free if you come early enough, before the party starts. You simply need to check out beforehand the rules on the website of the club you want to go to. Do not forget, that the more expensive is the place, the more crazy is the face control and dress code. Here are some nice places you will definitely have fun at: Solyanka, B2, Gaudi Arena, Fabrique Club, or Karma Club.

Tip #5: Where to Stay in Moscow.

After having a good drink and a lot of fun, you should have a place to go back to and have a good sleep. There are not so many cheap hostels in Moscow, but you can choose one of these Napoleon Hostel, Home Hostel, Trans Siberian Hostel, Yellow Blue Bus Hostel or Home from Home Hostel (average cheapest room $25). If this price does not work for you, you might want to try one of those hospitality social networks like HospitalityClub or CouchSurfing. These networks fuse a number of fantastic opportunities altogether: free stay, new friends and better understanding of a new culture. Russian hosts are very hospitable, they are likely to take you around the city and show some of their favorite places, teach you some funny Russian words and might even show you how Russians really drink.

Have fun in Moscow! This city is arrogant and haughty, but somehow it manages to get you interested and even attached. Moscow has its own rules and even if you do not fall in love with it at the first sight, it will definitely leave a lasting and strong impression.

Budget Accommodation in Moscow, Russia

• Hostel Camelot – Budget hotel in the center of Moscow.
• Kremlin Hostel – Budget hotel in Moscow city center.
• Suharevka Hotel – Bed & Breakfast in Chisty Prudi district, Moscow.
• Oasis – Budget accommodation in downtown Moscow.
• Napoleon Hostel – Budget hotel in Moscow’s trendy Kitai Gorod district.

Photo of Matryoshka dolls in Moscow , Russia, by Neiljs

With plenty of fairytale-like castles,  Renaissance and Baroque palaces, fascinating monasteries, impressive fortresses and lovely gardens,  Saxony is a great travel destination for either a romantic weekend break or a cultural holiday in the very heart of Europe.

Each summer, the ‘Free State of  Saxony‘,  which boasts a rich cultural heritage and a strong musical tradition, provides music and art lovers with a whole host of events. This summer’s highlights are the Medieval Festival of Weesenstein Castle, Romantic Evenings and Festival of Chamber Music at Moritzburg Castle,  the Summer Film Festival of Mildenstein Castle, Flower and Garden Show at Altzella Monastery Park,… And if you are looking for romance, classic music, ball and fine dining, do not miss the Summer Festival of Rammenau Castle.

However, since the Castles and Palaces of Saxony often house interesting museums and permanent art exhibitions, these fascinating historical landmarks are really worth a visit in any season of the year. It is really difficult to make a choice; so check out our short list of Baroque palaces, Gothic fortresses and royal residences that you shouldn’t  miss out on your Saxony castles tour:

Kriebstein Castle

The best preserved castle of Saxony,  Burg Kriebstein boasts original furniture and painted wood ceilings dating back  from the Late Gothic period. While visiting the Treasure Vault, Hunting Room, Gothic Room and Kriebstein  Chapel of this charming knight’s castle nestled in a wild, romantic forest, you will feel like  a princess or a fairytale hero.

Moritzburg Castle

Boasting superb Meissen porcelain pieces and Baroque furniture, this splendid moated castle is surrounded by enchanting woodlands, meadows and lakes. A popular tourist attraction in Saxony,  Schloss Moritzburg is really worth a visit for the  impressive collections of antlers and Baroque leather wall hangings featured in the Castle Museum, as well as its miniature lighthouse and the Pheasant Castle Moritzburg, a Saxon rococo-styled hunting palace.

Rammenau Castle

Schloss Rammenau is a charming Baroque castle situated halfway between Dresden and Bautzen. Built in the 17th Century, this Saxon Castle used to be a summer residence and boasts magnificent interiors with neo-classical influences. Interesting things to see in Rammenau include the Mirror Hall, the Blue Salon, the Golden Room, the Bulgarian room, the Chinese Room and the Devil’s Room,  as well as  the  German philosopher JG Fichte Memorial.

Dresden and the Elbe Castles

A UNESCO World Heritage Site,  the Dresden Elbe Valley is really worth a visit for Dresden’s royal residence and the three Elbe Castles. The capital city of Saxony offers an array of historical landmarks including the mysterious Dresden Fortress and the Science Tunnel, the Renaissance palace of  Dresden Stableyard featuring the  impressive “Procession of Princes” mural, and the Versailles-style Dresden Zwinger housing artistic treasures such as Raphael‘s Sistine Madonna and the Meissen porcelain carillon.

Tips for your  Saxon Castles Holiday: Romantic Castle Hotels & Palace Tour Cards

For a really romantic stay in Saxony with a touch of luxury, you can book an accommodation in a castle hotel such as the charming  Schloss Hotel Dresden-Pillnitz. This Dresden hotel on the Elbe River is located in the park of Pillnitz Castle, a former summer residence of the Kings of Saxony, and offers comfortable, quiet guest rooms, a gourmet restaurant and banqueting facilities.

In order to make visitors save time and money, the Saxony Tourist Board offers a Palaces Tour Card that allows free admission to over forty of the Saxony’s castles from Dresden to Leipzig to Chemnitz. For further information on the Saxon palaces and residences check out the Map of Saxony Castles available on the Saxony Tourist Board website.

Ms. Adventures in Italy takes you to a trip to Bellagio and Villa Melzi Gardens.  Take a look at her beautiful pictures of the lovely town on the shore of Lake Como that inspired  the luxurious Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Hotels.com TV Commercial

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Watch the brand new TV spot of Hotels.com! Featuring a friendly character named Smart, this cool TV ad shows travelers why it’s so smart to book a hotel room with Hotels.com.

Hip Paris Hotel

The trendy Apostrophe Hotel presents the surprising “Light & Shadow” room. This cozy hotel room features beautiful effects of lights and mirrors, as well as a superb bedhead with a drawing of Paris roofs at twilight that reflects on the table.

Great Airport Food

Tripso publishes a list of airport restaurants that are really worth a trip. The list includes La Salsa at San Diego Airport, Billy Goat at Chicago O’Hare, Fung Lum at San Francisco Airport and more places in US airport’s food courts.

Family Holiday in Atlanta

The Q Family Adventures Travel Blog reviews 5 outdoor activities for the family in Atlanta, GA including Amicalola Fall, Tallulah Gorge State Park, Sawnee Mountain Preserve, Unicoi State Park & Anna Ruby Falls and Water Adventures on Chattahoochee River.

Photo of Villa Balbaniello in Bellagio, Italy, by ezioman

Heather on her Travels posts an article on how to make travel films including some tips  from two experts in adventure documentary making.

Solo Travel

On Solo Traveler, Janice blogs about the high number of people from Ireland searching for solo vacation infomation on Google and shares some twitter thoughts on  why the Irish rank as  number one.

Travel Book Giveaway

Matadorgoods.com reviews “Travel Therapy – Where do you Need to Go?” by Karen Shaler and launches a cool photo context.  By entering the competition you will have the chance to win a copy of this guidebook full of trips suggestions to relax and decompress.

Sexy Hotels

Hoosta Magazine presents “Hôtels Galants“, a guide book by Jonathan Siksou reviewing 45 romantic hotels from lovely country houses to charming Renaissance castles to trendy boutique hotels.  45 great places for a naughty holiday in France and other fantastic spots around the world.

Disney World Vacation

Planning a family trip to Disneyland, California, or Disney World, Florida? According to Traveling Mom there are 3 questions to consider before you book your stay in a Disney resort.

“Capturing the Moment” picture by Aplomb

1. Dimora delle Sirene Guest House – Sorrento

The Dimora delle Sirene is a small, modern hotel in Sorrento offering comfortable guest rooms a few minutes from the city’s historic center.

Special Offer through June 2009: Book a Double Room (prepaid/not refundable) and get a 10% discount on your stay in Sorrento. Free Breakfast

2. Grand Hotel Des Palmes – Palermo

The Grand Hotel Des Palmes offers luxury accommodation in the center of Palermo, Sicily, just a few steps from Teatro Massimo and Politeama theaters. The perfect hotel to stay for a romantic holiday in Palermo.

Special Offer through June 2009: Book a 3-night stay in Standard Double Room and get a 10% discount on your reservation.

3.  Regina Napoli Hotel – Naples

The 3-star Hotel Regina Napoli offers budget accommodation near Naples train station with easy access to the city’s tourist attractions.

Special Offer through June 2009:  Double Room from €40 per night (prepaid/not refundable).

4. San Paolo Hotel – Naples

The San Paolo Hotel is an elegant hotel in Naples featuring a bar restaurant, a fitness room, business facilities, a car park, and a roofgarden with views over the Bay of Naples.

Special Offer through June 2009:  Double Room from €70 per night (prepaid/not refundable). Free breakfast

5. Sandalia Hotel – Sardinia

The perfect accommodation for a budget holiday in Sardinia, the Hotel Sandalia is a friendly bed and breakfast located in the picturesque hill village of Badesi, Olbia.

Special Offer through June 2009:  Double Room for €58 per night (prepaid/not refundable). Free breakfast

Sea, wine and sun in Cassis, Provence… City break, luxury shopping and fine dining in Cannes, French Riviera… Sport, relax and nature in Chamonix Mont Blanc… Choose the holiday that is right for you and save money on your stay!

1. Royal Cottage Hotel – Cassis, Provence

The Royal Cottage is a charming Provence hotel offering accommodation in the lovely beach resort and fishing village of Cassis. Situated about 20 km from Marseille and 50 km from Aix-en-Provence, the town is renowned for the magnificent calanques rocky cliffs of Port-Miou and excellent wines of Cassis. Set in a beautiful garden with flowers and palm trees, the Royal Cottage Hotel boasts the perfect atmosphere for a summer holiday in the South of France. Hotel facilities include a superb outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, fitness room, car park and meeting room.  Average Guest Rating: 8.7

Special Hotel Deal valid till June 12, 2009:  Book a Double Room from €150 per night. Welcome gift: a bottle of Cassis wine.

2.  Le Montaigne Hotel – Cannes, French Riviera

Le Montaigne is a trendy 4-star hotel located in the center of Cannes, French Riviera, a few minutes from the world famous Croisette promenade, the beach and the city’s best fashion shops and restaurants. Featuring contemporary furniture and design interiors, this  Cannes hotel offers comfortable guest rooms and suites. Hotel facilities include a sunny terrace, a stylish lounge bar and parking facilities. Le Montaigne Hotel is a great place to enjoy a weekend break in Cannes. Average Guest Rating: 9.0

Hot Hotel Deal valid till June, 20 2009: Double room from €105 euro per night.

3. Chalet Les Campanules Hotel – Chamonix, Mont Blanc

Located  in Les Houches mountain resort, 7 km from the city of Chamonix, the Chalet Les Campanules is a great hotel choice either for a ski break or a summer holiday in the French Alps. Housed in a typical Alpine chalet, this family-friendly hotel enjoys spectacular views of the Mont Blanc area and boasts a traditional restaurant where guests can sample delicious local specialties such as fondue, raclette and tartiflette, in a warm and cozy atmosphere. Hotel facilities also  include free car park, free shuttle to ski slopes, ski room, children’s play area, billiards and lounge bar. Average Guest Rating: 7.0

Special Hotel Deal through June 2009: Double Room from €60,30 per night.

Photo of France vacation by phil h

1. Hotel Borromeo – Rome Monti

The Hotel Borromeo is an elegant 3-star hotel close to Rome train station, Cavour metro station, Via Nazionale shopping street and few of the major city landmarks including Santa Maria Maggiore Cathedral, Piazza Venezia Square, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Characterized by picturesque cobbled streets and filled with friendly bars and traditional restaurants, the hotel area – Monti – is amongst the most beautiful neighborhoods and enjoyable places to stay in Rome. Hotel amenities include bar, roofgarden and conference room. Average hotel guest rating: 7.0

Special Hotel Deal till June 30, 2009: Double room for €130 per night (prepaid, not refundable). Free breakfast.

2. Hotel Apollo – Rome Monti

Located in Rome city center, in the picturesque Monti district, the Hotel Apollo offers accommodation close to the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia square. Also situated within walking distance of Termini train station and Colosseo metro station, this 3-star hotel is the perfect base to explore Rome. A top-rated Rome hotel, the Apollo features a bar, a spacious TV room and a shady terrace where guests can have breakfast and relax after a day of sightseeing in the Eternal City. Average hotel guest rating: 8.6

Special Hotel Deal till June 30, 2009: Double room for €155 per night (prepaid, not refundable). Free breakfast.

3. Cicerone Hotel – Rome Prati

Situated a few steps from Lepanto metro station, the Cicerone Hotel enjoys a great location in Rome, just off Via Cola di Rienzo shopping street and within walking distance of Castel Sant’Angelo and the Vatican City. This 4-star Rome hotel offers an array of services ensuring guests a great stay in the heart of the Italian capital: airport transfer, car rental, limousine service, diner, theater and airline ticket booking. Hotel amenities include a bar, a gourmet restaurant, business rooms and an underground car park. Average hotel guest rating: 8.0

Special Hotel Deal till June 30, 2009: Double room for €162 per night (prepaid, not refundable). Free breakfast.

For more accommodation in Rome and hotels in Italy visit venere.com.

Book your room in one of these two Bucharest hotels available on venere.com and enjoy a special discount.

1. Hotel Golden Tulip Bucharest

The Golden Tulip Bucharest is a city hotel overlooking the central Alea Victoriei boulevard and located within easy reach of Bucharest’s major tourist attractions such as Little Paris, the Arch of Triumph, the Royal Palace, Revolution Square, the House of Free Press. This Bucharest hotel offers beautiful, modern rooms boasting a relaxing atmosphere and featuring satellite TV, pay TV, Internet access and air conditioning. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, a sport and fitness club, as well as rooms and equipment for your business stay in Bucharest.

Special Hotel Deal valid till June 21, 2009: Standard Double Room for €90 per night (prepaid / not refundable). Free Breakfast.

2. The Amzei Hotel Bucharest

The Amzei Hotel is centrally located in Bucharest, next to Victoria Avenue, an elegant shopping street filled with boutiques, cafés and restaurants.  Boasting contemporary interior design, stylish guest rooms and deluxe facilities, this charming boutique hotel in Bucharest offers privacy and luxury in the very heart of the city. The Amzei Hotel also has a welcoming bar where guests can relax after a day of sightseeing and shopping in Bucharest. A great hotel choice either for a romantic break or a business stay in Bucharest

Special Hotel Rate valid till January 1, 2010: Deluxe room for € 109.4 per night (prepaid / not refundable). Free Breakfast.

Photo of Bucharest, Romania, by Chodaboy

Boasting a rich historical and architectural heritage, this year’s Europe Capital of Culture offers visitors all they need for an unforgettable weekend break in Eastern Europe: great choice of accommodation, remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites, interesting museums, excellent traditional and international restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and a lively program of shows, exhibitions, concerts, festivals and special events through the year.

Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy this unique cultural experience. Book your stay in Vilnius on venere.com and get the best hotels deals available till March 24, 2010!

Mikotel – Vilnius

Ideally situated in the beautiful Old Town, the Mikotel is a budget hotel in Vilnius offering double rooms for $65.4 and triple rooms for $79.6 per night (prepaid/not refundable). Free breakfast.

Hotel Comfort – Vilnius

Located in the heart of Vilnius Old Town, Hotel Comfort offers standard double rooms for $84 per night (prepaid/not refundable). Free breakfast.

Panorama Hotel – Vilnius

The modern Panorama Hotel offers comfortable accommodation in Vilnius Old Town from $84 per night (prepaid/not refundable). Free breakfast.

Photo of Vilnius Old Town by erephas

Les Jardins d’Inès Hotel – Marrakech

Dreaming of a relaxing holiday in Marrakech in a fairytale setting? Book a Suite Club at Les Jardins d’Inès resort and get a 30% discount on your stay (special hotel deal valid till Sep 22, 2009).

Nestled in a lush palm grove a few miles away from Marrakech city center, this superb boutique hotel boasts an enchanting atmosphere and offers free shuttle service to the Palmeraie Golf Club. In addition, this exclusive Marrakech hotel features a bar, a restaurant, a night club, a swimming pool, a spa and wellness center, a children’s playground and more facilities ensuring guests a fantastic stay in Morocco.

Le Grand Pavillon Hotel – Marrakech

Looking for a luxury accommodation in Marrakech? Book a Junior Suite at Le Grand Pavillon resort and get a 30% discount on your hotel stay (special price valid till Sep 22, 2009).

This exclusive hotel in Marrakech has all you need to enjoy a luxury vacation in the Moroccan imperial city. Set in the heart of a vast palm grove, this 5-star Marrakech hotel enjoys fantastic views of the Atlas Mountains and overlooks the Palmeraie Golf Club. Le Grand Pavillon also boasts an array of top-quality hotel facilities including fitness club, spa and wellness center, business center, gastronomic restaurant, bar, disco, outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and children’s playground.

And for a last-minute weekend getaway in Marrakech…

Just found a low cost flight to Marrakech? Looking for a great last-minute hotel deal in the “Red City”? Book a 3-night stay at the Sofitel Marrakech Imperial Hotel and pay for 2 nights only.

Special Offer valid on weekends (May 22-24, 2009 and 29-31, 2009) for 2 guests in classic hotel room only (prepaid/not refundable).

Overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba, the Blue Beach Club Hotel offers 20 spacious hotel rooms in the picturesque fishing village and popular beach resort of Dahab. A great place to stay when on a budget holiday on the Red Sea Coast, this charming hotel features a bar, shaded gardens and terraces, as well as a beachfront swimming pool.

Special Hotel Deal available until August 16, 2009.

Hotel Gerofotis – Lakka (Ionian Islands)

Explore the picturesque Greek countryside and stay at the welcoming Guesthouse Gerofotis, a charming traditional Mediterranean house located in Lakka, Paxi Island, and offering stunning views over the Corinthian Bay. Special Rate till September 27, 2009: Double Room from 60 euros per night (prepaid, not refundable) with free breakfast.

Apollon Hotel – Parikia (Cyclades Islands)

Enjoy the stunning sceneries and idyllic beaches of Paros Island. Book your stay in Parikia at the 3-star Apollon Hotel located only a few steps from the lovely sandy beach of Lavidia. Special Offer till June 30, 2009: Double Room from 39 euros per night (prepaid, not refundable).

Dryades Garden Studios (Cyclades Islands)

Rent an apartment on Paros Island and save money on your Greek vacation.  Book your stay at the Dryades Garden Studios for only 40 euros per night (prepaid, not refundable).  Special Price available until September 27, 2009.

Hotel Saint George Lycabettus – Athens

Book a room at the luxury Hotel Saint George Lycabettus and enjoy a romantic break in Athens, Greece, for only 115 euros per night. Special hotel deal valid for a double room (prepaid, not refundable) until December 29, 2009.

Relax in Salzburg at the Hotel Vogelweiderhof

Book a “Shaolin Package” at the lovely Hotel Vogelweiderhof in Salzburg for 210 euros per night. Special Offer including stay in a double room, breakfast, lunch, WOK dinner and 1 Shaolin treatment.

Visit Vienna and stay at the Hotel Am Brillantengrund

Book a 4-night stay at the 3-star Am Brillantengrund Hotel in Vienna city center and get a special price: Double room for 77 euros per night.

More Special Rates on Austria Hotels

Double room at the 4-star Hotel Mercure in Vienna for 139 euros per night (prepaid, not refundable).

Double Room at the 4-star Goldener Alder Hotel in Innsbruck for 119 euros per night (prepaid, not refundable).

Double Room at the 4-star AktivHotel Veronika in Seefeld mountain resort, Tyrol, for 140 euros per night (prepaid, not refundable).

Swissôtel Zürich – Zurich

Book 2 nights at the Swissôtel Hotel in Zurich and save15% on your stay. Book 4 nights and save 20%. Special Hotel Discount valid for a double room (prepaid non refundable).

Seefeld Hotel – Zurich

Special Double Weekend Offer: Book a double room for 3 nights at the 3-star Seefeld Hotel in Zurich city center and get a 30% discount off on the third night.

Hotel Leonardo – Zurich

Book 2 nights at the design Hotel Leonardo and save 10% on your stay in Zurich. Special Discount valid for a double hotel room (prepaid non refundable).

Villa Capodimonte Hotel – Naples

Book a double room at the 4-star Hotel Villa Capodimonte in Naples, Italy, from 75 euros per night. Prepaid hotel room not refundable. Breakfast not included. Special offer available till May 31, 2009.

Ucciardhome Hotel – Palermo

Book a Double Standard Room at the 4-star Hotel Ucciardhome in Palermo, Sicily, for 120 euros per night. Prepaid hotel room not refundable. Special rate available till May 31, 2009.

Exclesior Grand Hotel – Catania

Book a double room for 3 nights at the luxury Excelsior Grand Hotel in Catania, Sicily and get a 10% discount. “Scents of Sicily” special offer available till May,30 2009.

Villa Cannizzo – Ragusa

Book a 2-night stay at Villa Cannizzo Bed & Breakfast and save 5% off on your holiday in Ragusa, Sicily. Discount available till May, 31 2009.

For more Italy hotels visit venere.com.

Celebrate the Eiffel Tower’s Anniversary

Budget Travel posts an article on the Eiffel Tower turning 120 years old. If you are in Paris this summer and want to celebrate the Old Gray Lady’s anniversary, go get baguette bread and French cheese at a nearby grocery store, and enjoy a gourmet picnic on the Champs de Mars.

Plan your French Gourmet Holiday

If you are planning a holiday in France including a gourmet visit to Burgundy, check out Why Go France and find useful information on how to get from Paris to Dijon by train, car and bus.

Take a Look at One of the Trendiest Hotels in Paris

Eric the Epicure posts a blog on his stay at the Mama Shelter Hotel and shares some links to HotelChatter reviews of the most talk-about hotel in Paris.

Window-Shopping at Paris Department Stores

Eye Prefer Paris shares pictures of funny baby dolls showcased in the window of Paris’s older department store Le Bon Marché (Rive Gauche).

Enjoy a good Parisian coffee

Gridskipper lists the 8 best cafés in Paris where to linger and enjoy a good French coffee.

Photo of Tour Eiffel snack by Sakurato Kitsa

Located about 30 minutes from the city center and close to Disneyland Paris Resort, these accommodations offer high-quality facilities and services for either a great golf holiday near Paris or a family break at Disneyland.

1. Hotel Domaine de la Brie

Set right in the heart of the Crécy Golf Club, on the outskirts of the medieval town of Crécy-la-Chapelle, the Domaine de la Brie welcomes guests in the cozy setting of a 17th Century farm house converted into a charming 3-star hotel. This family-friendly hotel  boasts an array of amenities including golf facilities, gourmet restaurant, bar, terrace, garden, outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, lounge and conference facilities. In addition, the Domaine de la Brie hotel has a free car park and offers free shuttle service.

Crécy Golf Club
Direction: Route du Guérard – 77580 Crécy la Chapelle
Golf Courses: “Vignoly” (18-hole course) and “Montpichet” (18-hole course)
Facilities: Training area with bunkers and putting green, 6-hole Schooling Course, Club House Restaurant.

2. Dream Castle Hotel

Situated close to the Disney parks and the 17-hole Disneyland Golf, the Dream Castle is a charming golf hotel housed in a beautiful 17th Century-style castle. Welcoming golf fans and families in a fairy tale atmosphere, this children-friendly hotel offers great facilities including two restaurants and bar with terrace,  Spa & Beauty center with indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, Jacuzzi and fitness room, Disney Shop, children’s playgrounds, free car park and free shuttle to Disneyland. Featuring 9 conference rooms, the Dream Castle Hotel is also a great venue for corporate events.

Golf Disneyland
Direction: Allée de la Mare Houleuse – 77700 Magny Le Hongre
Golf courses: three 9-hole and 18-hole courses
Facilities: training area, putting green, club house, Goofy’s Pro Shop, bar, restaurant, conference room, changing room with shower.

3. Golf Hotel de Bussy St. Georges

Located only 10 minutes from Disneyland Paris and 30 minutes from Paris city center, the Golf Hotel de Bussy St. Georges boasts comfortable guest rooms, a restaurant serving traditional French cuisine, as well as an array of leisure facilities for the whole family: garden, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, volleyball court, table tennis and billiards. In addition, the Golf Hotel features banqueting and conference rooms and offers direct access to the Bussy Guermantes Golf Course.

Golf de Bussy-Guermantes
Direction: Promenade des Golfeurs – 77600 Bussy-Saint-Georges
Golf courses: “Parcours de la Gondoire” (9-hole golf course), “Parcours de la Jonchère” (18-hole golf course).
Facilities: golf house, golf practice, putting green, “Le Proshop” golf shop, “Les Terrasses du Golf” restaurant.

Photo of golf ball by Arnaud Bertrande