While destinations further east continue to draw the masses looking for cheap thrills behind the former Iron Curtain, Vienna will remain one of the most refined cities in Europe.

The selection of exclusive luxury hotels in Vienna is excellent. The presence of the UN, IAEA and OSCE in the city means that it is used to catering for high ranking international delegations. Visitors can choose between the refined and elegant Old Masters or the chic and stylish modern additions. Either way, visitors are guaranteed an indulgent stay with masterful service.

The cuisine in Vienna is different to that in other Austrian towns, primarily because of the large migrant population in the city. Excellent restaurants are dotted around the city in almost every culinary style imaginable. The famous Weiner Schnitzel is part of traditional Austrian cooking or visitors could try something a little more exotic.

Vienna is particularly well known for its cultural attractions. These include world class theatre and opera, exquisite museums based on the former Royal collections and magical architecture. Depending on your tastes you could spend days or weeks here, lost in the world of fantasy that produced Mozart, Klimt and so many other artistic greats.

But Vienna is not just about culture, it is about exploring the finer things in life in many different ways. A number of quality private spas are located in and around the city, many building on Austrian tradition but giving them satisfyingly modern twists. Many are also built to run on renewable energy sources so a day of pampering need not come at a cost to the environment.

Just forty-five minutes from Vienna is the Neusidler-See, an inland lake that is a haven for sailing and boating of all kinds. The lake is also situated in the middle of Burgenland, the wine centre of Austria. A string of top restaurants around the lake shore mean that visitors can call in to taste the freshest fish pulled from the lake and sample the local wines.

Vienna International Airport hosts direct flights from all over the world, especially North America and the Middle East. Easyjet flies from the UK but most other budget carriers prefer to use other airports in the region, which makes them inconvenient for getting to Vienna.

For one hundred and fifty years as the capital of an empire Vienna honed the skills of providing luxury, pleasure and indulgence to those that mattered. Nowadays these skills are available to discerning guests as well as Royalty. While the travel herds head west to the coast of Spain or east to the emerging tourist markets, Vienna knows that it will always be able to attract those with suitable taste and sophistication.

Top 5 Luxury Hotels in Vienna

• Ambassador Hotel – Double room from €216
• Hotel Bristol – Double room from €275
• The Ring, Vienna’s Casual Luxury Hotel – Double room from €259
• Grand Hotel Wien – Double room from €209
• Hotel The Levante Parliament - Double room from €160

Photo courtesy of  The Ring, Vienna’s Casual Luxury Hotel

Dubai, a wealthy desert playground in the Middle East and home to some of the world’s most exclusive hotels and shopping malls contains perhaps the most diverse and eclectic variety of restaurants that any city has ever known.

From Cuban cuisine to even Mongolian, there truly is something for everyone. But of course, we’re not looking for humble backstreet fodder to ward off starvation here, but only the tastiest and (justifiably) expensive eateries that Dubai has to offer.

5. Verre – The Hilton, Dubai Creek

Dining at this large French Restaurant which is owned by Gordon Ramsay, the chef who’s more famous for professional swearing than professional cooking, will prove expensive, with meal costs stretching well into the triple digits. While the interior leaves something to be desired and the restaurant is somewhat antique compared to the new restaurants even now springing up like daisies all over Dubai, the fabulous minestrone with langoustines and minty crème brulee are sure to make it worth a visit.

4. Spectrum on one – The Fairmont Hotel

This ambitious multi-cuisine dining hangout popular with Dubai’s multicultural (and wealthy) crowd has food cooked before your very eyes from China, India, Japan, Europe, Thailand and the Middle East. The service is super polite and the servers like to add a forced personal touch to compliment their strained smiles. The only things which should be avoided are the somewhat mediocre desserts. Champagne brunch, with unlimited European bubbly, is offered at a shade over €100.

3. India Palace – Garhoud

With a slogan like “Dine like a Maharaja”, you know this sort of establishment has a lot to live up to. It’s also the cheapest restaurant on this list, with a three-course meal costing around €30 – all accompanied by live music and a terrific ambience. Items on the menu include Biryani and kormas, as well as extremely tasty Chicken Kebabs. Vegetarians may also prefer India Palace, as there is a Vegetarian emphasis here not known in many of Dubai’s other restaurants.

2. Beachcombers – The Jumeirah Beach Hotel

The emphasis on this restaurant serving Japanese, Indian, Thai, and even Malaysian cuisines is primarily on the family, with low tables and even PlayStations. Adults will enjoy knowing that their children are being well entertained whilst soaking up views of the magnificent Burj al Arab, the world’s only (self-proclaimed) seven star Hotel. It’s classy without being childish and the food is top quality. It’s an award winning, and of course correspondingly costly place to take your family, with prices for a meal at around €70-90.

1. JW’s Steakhouse – JW Marriot Dubai

Dubai’s most well known (and considered to be best) steakhouse, resplendent with classy designer interior, leather armchairs, deliciously soft steaks, and even just-off-the-boat seafood and lobster is considered among the be-all-and-end-all of culinary experiences in the city. However far the human race goes in gourmet sophistication, there’s hardly anything that appeals to the caveman instinct as much as simple, unadulterated prized animal matter. No, there is no “modern twist on old classics” or any of the boring old restaurant critic stock-phrases here, just pure meat and baked potatoes, delivered just right and screaming of classic quality. Marlon Brando. Frank Sinatra. James Dean. I contest that they all would have eaten here were they still alive. Isn’t that a good enough reason to justify the €100 and above for some meat and potatoes?

Popular Dubai Hotels & Restaurants on Venere.com

• Hotel Al Khaalej – 3-star hotel featuring a pizza restaurant
• Metropolitan Hotel Dubai – 4-star hotel with Indian restaurant, seafood restaurant, Italian restaurant and International restaurant.
• Flora Creek Hotel Apartments – 5-star hotel offering the Olive Tree Restaurant (Arabic and Asian cuisine)
• Al Manzil Hotel – 4-star hotel with sports grill restaurant, gourmet restaurant, Arabic restaurant and coffee shop
• Al Murooj Rotana Hotel – 5-star hotel with Indian restaurant, Lebanese restaurant, Latino restaurant and all-day dining International restaurant.

Photo of Towers Rotana Hotel, Dubai by Jessamyn

The Italians are a race that look beautiful enough even without their clothes on so it’s almost unfair they dress so well too. Although people are fashion conscious in the most far-flung villages in the Italian countryside, the hubbub of fashion is, and always will be, the northern city of Milan. The streets are full of the biggest and most famous designers as well as being awash with high street names you all know and love. Here is a quick run down of the best places to drag your hundreds of shopping bags along to.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan

Perhaps the most contained and grand area for shopping in Milan, the Galleria Vittorio is a must-see. If you head for the Piazza del Duomo entrance then you can’t miss the beautiful stone arch leading you in to the shopping mall. The inside is laid out like an octagon, with a majestic glass ceiling that never makes one feel claustrophobic but only enhances the feeling of class. In the very centre of the octagon, all roads lead to the dome, where the glass roof makes you feel like you’re in a see-through cathedral. The history of the building has always been rooted in clothing. For over 120 years there has been dressmaking and tailoring on the site. But now there are dozens of catwalk labels and high street names from Gucci to H & M.

Via Dante, Milan

If you like to be out in the sunshine then this subtle little pedestrian street is a brilliant walkway for shopping in Milan. Found between the Renaissance castle Castello Sforzesco and one of the most famous and lively squares in town, the Piazza Cordusio, this quaint cobbled street has some brilliant little stores where you’ll find something a little different from the norm. It’s not all clothes though. There’s jewellery and knick-knacks and also some perfect little cafes and bistros, where certain male members of your party might like to take the weight off for a little while.

Fashion Quadrilatero, Milan

This is where things get very serious. There are a few big streets in this area that add up to being the most important fashion area in Milan and then possible the world. Via Montenapoleone, Via Sant’Andrea, Via della Spiga, three street names you have to tattoo on your arm before you find an item of clothing to cover it with. The boutiques around this area have some of the most distinctive and glamorous items of clothing for both men and women. From Prada, to Armani, to Kenzo, to Gucci, Versace, Luis Vitton, D&G and YSL. If you want to come home with no money but the coolest clothes in the world, then this is where you should spend most of the day.

Trendy boutique hotels in Milan, Italy

• Watttredici Hotel
• Enterprise Hotel
• Hotel Straf

Picture of Vittorio Emanuele II Shopping Gallery in Milan, Italy, by Dan Kamminga

It is a gambler’s frontier and a culinary paradise for every taste imaginable. For all practical purposes, this mecca located on the French Riviera is nothing short of a magical dream-world. Situated between coastal mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco offers the tourist an exceptional locale that is a blend of culture, picturesque gardens, and the smell of wealth all in one package.

Monte Carlo is the epitome of spectacularly exciting nightlife featuring a wide array of casinos and clubs to provide you with endless entertainment venues that will carry you through the night until the sun rises to start another day.

Be prepared to splurge a bit while you are there as you must sample the bars and clubs that define the Monte Carlo nightlife. Be aware also, that since the city is situated on the water, most of these establishments feature terraces for spectacular panoramas of the harbor. The following is a list of the best bars and clubs in Monte Carlo.

1. Bar at the Columbus Monaco

The Colombus Monaco is a classy hotel with a bar and club to match. It is comfortable and quiet, and helps you escape the wealthy “stuffiness” that is Monaco incarnate. Venture out onto the terrace with your drink as you await the meal you have ordered off the broad rotisserie menu. And if you really feel like splurging a bit hire the boat service to transport you to Mala Beach for a peaceful night’s rest.

2. Zebra Square

The Grimaldi Forum’s top floor of the hi-tech ocean-front of Monte Carlo is the setting for the sister bar of the same Paris location. Though the Paris location is oftentimes noisy and crowded this club provides the visitor with a panoramic setting above the harbor. Don’t be surprised at the presence of celebrities and models while enjoying your evening here.

3. The Blue Gin

This is to say the least, a magical club that is uniquely that which is Monte Carlo. It is part of the Monaco Bay Resort with furnishings that are modern and contemporary, yet warm and relaxing. The crowd is most definitely Monaco being glamorous, well-groomed, and exceedingly wealthy.

Chill out at the best clubs to enjoy a vacation in Monte Carlo!

Photo courtesy of  the Columbus Monaco Hotel

Rumbling through the snowy forests of Siberia or sampling vodka with your fellow passengers before tumbling out into a forgotten nowhere in the middle of the night. The memories of the sights, and just as often the smells, stay with you long after the journey has finished.

Many people’s experience of Russian trains is gained on the route between Moscow and St Petersburg, the closest Russia gets to tourist hotspots. Now, however, the State Russian Railway Company has launched two new luxury trains to ply the route which means the experience will be interesting in a whole new way.

The first of these new luxury trains is the No. 4 /3 Express and will depart daily from Moscow and St Petersburg at 23:59 and arrive at the destination at 08:00. The trains will be made up of 4 categories of coaches allowing passengers to choose which level of luxury they wish to enjoy.

The trains are somewhat confusing in that there are two categories of VIP, which means, at the top end, the air conditioned compartments can be converted into a living room or office, have their own bathrooms as well as internet access and DVD players.

If that seems just too luxurious then there are standard sleeping coaches and simple seats available. And it must not be forgotten that in Russia, perhaps more than anywhere else, luxury comes at a price.

A ticket in the top VIP coach costs about 20,000 roubles for the eight hour trip between Moscow and St Petersburg. The price of a seat is between 1 and 2,000 roubles. As a point of comparison the cheapest air tickets between the two cities are currently about 1,000 roubles.

The Alexander Nevsky, a similar train that plies the route and has even higher standards of comfort and prices. Here passengers can even chose between vertical bunk style beds or, for the more intimate feel, double beds.

Anyone who has travelled by train in Russia will know that the standards of customer assistance are not traditionally high, service with a smile it is not. And yet the new trains are attempting to change this. According to Russian Railways the train crews are drawn from ‘the best conductors, stewards and restaurant staff’ available. The company also claims that ‘the train crews had to undergo competitive certification before serving on the trains.’ This may mean that the staff glower a little less and help a little more. Do not be fooled into thinking it means smiles, because it doesn’t.

One thing that is very useful about these trains is the times. They mean that visitors can have a full day in one city, a night on the train and then a full day in the next, saving themselves the cost of a hotel and flying during the day. However, this depends entirely on your ability to sleep on trains so those cheap seat tickets are out.

While only the very wealthy will be considering the luxury options provided by these trains, everyone else can take comfort from the fact that the Russian Railway company is waking up to the fact that it needs to run trains at times customers would like and with staff who actually help. These are small steps in the right direction.

Photo of Moscow – St Petersburg train ticket by jackiepoh

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).

Enzo Ferrari was a former racing car driver who during his lifetime created many sports cars including the first Ferrari race car which won the British Grand Prix in 1952. After this first Grand Prix win, Ferrari went on to dominate the world of Formula 1 racing and in the recently concluded 2008 season, team Ferrari driver, Felipe Massa finished second after champion Lewis Hamilton though Ferrari went on to win its 16th constructors title with its F2008 race car. Ferrari has also recently unveiled its F60 in preparation for the 2009 season.

Over the years as Formula 1 racing has become immensely popular and team Ferrari which has been headed by great drivers like Niki Lauda, the almost invincible Michael Schumarcher and current team leader Kimi Raikonen have contributed greatly to the cult like following that brand Ferrari enjoys today. If you are a sports car lover and do follow Formula 1 racing then perhaps you should consider making a perhaps once in a life time trip to Maranello, the home of Ferrari S.p.A. and the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One racing team.

1. Visit Ferrari S.p.A.

The main Ferrari factory which is located on Via Abetone is out of bounds for the general public though guided tours are sometimes offered for dealers and their customers so if you are not a cherished Ferrari owner you can kiss that tour goodbye though you can have a peek at the factory’s entrance hall which is open to all. The entrance hall often has displays of current production sleek and sexy sports cars and powerful Formula1 race cars.

2. Visit the Scuderia Ferrari

Ferrari’s hallowed racing car department is located on Via Ascari , a street which is named after Ferrarri’s first Formula 1 champion Alberto Ascari. This establishment is also heavily guarded but at least here you have a chance of espying test models of Ferrari race cars as they traverse between the factory gate and the Pista di Fiorano, which is Ferrari’s private test race track that is located at the end of Via Ascari. These test cars often use the Via Fornace, Via Dino Ferrari located near the Galleria Ferrari and Via Ascari to get to the Pista.

3. Visit the Galleria Ferrari

There is no need to skulk about near the Galleria Ferrari for this Ferrari museum is accessible to the public. You can gain admission into its hallowed interiors after you have paid the single adult admission charge of 13 Euros(2009 prices). At this Ferrari museum, which is located on Via Dino Ferrari you can totally immerse yourself in the various Ferrari exhibits which include a constantly changing display of forty Ferrari models, trophies, engines, photographs and production models . You can also trace the evolution of Ferrari by observing recreated models of Enzo Ferrari’s shop and residence in Modena which preceded the creation of the Maranello factory. The museum is filled to the brim with Ferrari memorabilia including vintage posters and even Enzo Ferrari’s desk and reading glasses. There is even small projection room that continuously shows racing footage as well as a life size race pit and two simulators (a GT and an F1) on which you can try out your driving skills by paying an additional 5 Euros. A gift shop is also located within the Galleria Ferrari where you can shop for official Ferrari merchandise. Galleria Ferrari also has a bookshop which sells several publications associated with the Ferrari brand, a coffee shop and a Photo point where you can arrange to take a souvenir photo of your visit to the museum.

4. Eat and drink Ferrari

Ristorante il Cavallino located on Via Abetone across the factory is known to be a favored pit stop of Ferrari engineers and managers and if you want to bask in their hallowed presence this is the ideal place for you to grab a bite. Ristotorante Montana is another such institution which is often frequented by Formula 1 drivers though it is not technically in Maranello but in the town of Fiorano. Ferrari’s famous test race track is in fact visible from the restaurant.

5. Shop Ferrari

Though both the Galleria Ferrari and the Ferrari factory both have official Ferrari merchandise stores, there are number of other stores like ‘Warm Up Ferrari’, ‘Hors Ligne’ and ‘Shopping Formula 1’ that also sell a wide range of Ferrari memorabilia like T-shirts, caps, models, key rings, all of which would be perfect as souvenirs and gifts for your friends and family from your visit to Maranello.

Photo of Ferrari logo by Gaetan Lee

Legendary Hotel Guests

Ever seen the mustachioed man on the Britain Needs You posters, calling men and women to the armed services? Lord Kitchener, who was probably one of Britain’s first male models, had a suite here. The hotel started out as high-class apartments that also attracted Russian aristocracy in the form of Grand Duke Michael as well as politician William Gladstone and Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw.

Secret Service

No longer such a secret, is the hotel’s habitation by the Secret Service during World War I. Anyone staying on the eighth floor of the hotel will be treading boards once stepped on by the James Bonds of British society back in the early 1900s, as this was where military intelligence was co-ordinated in what was then known as Block Two.

Passages to Parliament

Tunnels running from The Royal Horseguards to parliament were rumored to have been built, so politicians could escape to the safety of the command center. Indeed the Cabinet War Rooms tourist attraction on King Charles Street is not too far away from the building, which details the hub of military operations during World War II.

Intelligence Center

During the Second World War many government department were housed here as well as foreign embassies, including the Russian, on the fifth floor, the American, on the sixth floor and the Air Training Corps occupied the seventh floor. Wartime prime minister Winston Churchill commanded operations from this intelligence center.

Churchill’s Drinking Hole

As Churchill was partial to a tipple or two throughout his career, it makes sense that this was one of his favorite drinking holes. After all, the Royal Horseguards is merely across the water from parliament. The Churchill Bar inside used to be the National Liberal Club frequented by many British politicians wanting to unwind.

Modern Day Inspiration

Up and coming London fashion designer Aimee McWilliams planned to put her latest collection on display at the Royal Horseguards, which was one of the inspirations for her new line entitled Capsule. The clothes embody the character, history and style of this hotel and were expected to be auctioned off for charity after the exhibition.

Visit TripAdvisor and get the 2009 Traveler’s Choice list.

This year’s Best Hotel Bergain is the Hotel Vecchio Asilo. Located in San Geminiano, Italy, the charming Vecchio Asilo guest house is one the best rated Tuscany hotels on venere.com with a 9.7 user rating.

Other TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice categories are Best All-Inclusive Resorts, Best Family Accommodations, Best Inns and Bed & Breakfasts, Best Hidden Gems, Best Romantic Hotels, Best Hotels in the Top 25 World Cities, Best Service, Best Luxury Hotels and Best Hotel Brands.

A big surprise this year is that none of the many romantic Paris hotels is listed in the Top 10 Hotels for Romance.

Authentic Travel Experience

On Enduring Wanderlust, Gennaro Salamone gives four great tips on how to enjoy a travel picnic whether the setting is a small Italian village in the Tuscany countryside,  the banks of the River Seine in Paris or the Great Lawn of Central Park in New York.

Controversial Travel Trend

Vagabondish publishes an article by Jesse Cooper on 2009’s best travel destinations for riot tourism.

Amongst this year’s hot spots are several European countries: France and Italy for the violent demonstrations against government economic reforms,  Greece for the current clashes between youth and police, Denmark for the protests around Copenhagen’s hippy enclave Christiania, Russia for the growing social tensions, and Iceland for the violent reactions to the country’s bankruptcy in the capital city of Reykjavik.

Luxury & Boutique Hotels Specialist

Travel Blissful publishes an interview with Tamara Heber-Percy, co-founder and manager of Mr & Mrs Smith boutique & luxury hotel guide.

New York Times Travel Reporters

Congratulations to the winners of the second annual New York Times contest Win a Trip With Nick: Leana Wen and Will Okun will travel with Pulitzer Prize Winning Nicholas Kristof on a reporting trip to Africa.

Andorra is lank-locked tightly between France and Spain deep in the heart of the Pyrenees. It is only 180 square-miles, which makes it the 6th smallest country in Europe. There is suggestion that the name comes from the Arabic al-Dorra, which means forest but little is actually known of its name. The country became an entity unto itself officially in 1288, when the surrounding rulers created the Principality but still all co-inhabited the mountainous area none the less. It actually wasn’t until very recently in 1993 that France loosened its reigns enough for Andorra to become an independent state. There are now seven parishes that all each have their own mini-governments and govern law and order for their inhabitants.

As a tourist in Andorra, you’d be very welcome indeed. After all it does account for over 80% of the country’s annual GDP. Roughly 9 million people flock to Andorra every year and much of the magnetism comes from the fact that it’s a tax haven where you don’t pay duty on anything due to Andorra not yet being part of the European Union.

• Skiing in Andorra

The ski resorts are the biggest earners for the tourists industry in Andorra. It’s probably the best place for a skiing holiday if you’ve never been before or are a little bit new to the sport. The ski slopes are all quite manageable and there are some of the largest ski schools in Europe there to help too.

• Hiking Tours in Andorra

As well as skiing, there are some cracking hiking tours in Andorra and this is very popular with visitors. These are best explored though in the summer when all the snow has melted.

• Shopping in Andorra

Shopping is as famous in Andorra as skiing. There are around 2000 shops in the tiny mountainous state, which works on about 1 shop for every 40 people living there. The best shops are found in the capital Andorra la Vella, which is pretty much the one place you want to be to sample more than just the world of skiing.

• Sightseeing in Andorra

Some of the new and luxury buildings will make you think you’re in Monaco but in the mountains. Some of the older buildings though in the historic area designed in a Romanesque style in the 11th Century. The highlight of this area are the churches Santa Coloma and Sant Esteve, which was made even grander in the 1960s and boasted some very impressive wood carvings.

• Nightlife in Andorra

If you want to round your trip off with a drink, some food and a dance then head to La Borsa at Avinguda de Tarragona 36 in the Historic Quarter. There’s also a good chance you’ll come back as rich as some of the inhabitants too as there’s a casino inside.

Photo of Andorra by lorentey

•  Romantic Luxury Hotels in Bali

Offering luxurious accommodations, top quality services, award-winning swimming pools and spa & wellness centers in an intimate atmosphere,  Villa Kubu Hotel (Seminyak), Uma Ubud Hotel (Gianyar) and Alila Ubud Hotel (Ubud) are 3 of the most romantic hotels in Bali.

•  Romantic Restaurants in London

Anna reviews three of  the most romantic restaurants in London: Bateaux London, Gordon Ramsay’s Claridge’s and Roussillon. If you’re planning a special London weekend with your lover, be sure to make a reservation at one of these gourmet restaurants.

• Romantic Things to Do in Budapest

Phil lists the best things to do in Budapest for travelers planning a second honeymoon in the Hungarian capital. Margaret Island, Széchenyi Thermal Bath and the labyrinth of Buda Castle are not to be missed when on a romantic break in Budapest.

• Romantic Things to Do in Copenhagen

In this travel blog post, Kesha takes you for a stroll through Romantic Copenhagen and its fairytale castles. A visit to Amalienborg Palace, Cupid at Thorvaldsen Museum and a night at the Opera are some the best things to do and see when on a weekend of romance in Copenhagen.

• A Scenic Drive on the Romantic Road

For travelers dreaming of a fairytale holiday with their loved one, Anna suggests a trip driving Germany’s Romantic Road. Wonderful castles, lovely villages, breathtaking sceneries, cozy hotels and gourmet restaurants make this German region the perfect destination for a romantic road trip in Europe.

Visiting Paris, France, and looking for authentic French entertainment?  Gridskipper lists six great cabarets in the French capital.

Planning a trip to Thailand or Indonesia with your young child? On Delicious Baby, read a guest post by Pamela Schultz about her traveling experience in south East Asita with her daughter.

Want to travel in style? Mr & Mrs Smith present the best luxury travel accessories. Their A to Z list includes stylish luggages, trendy sun glasses,  fantastic beauty products,  electronic gadgets, and more luxury travel items.

Flying to Rome, Italy? On cnn.com, check out a photo gallery showing wonderful examples of Roman architecture.

Historical tourism, cultural tourism, architectural tourism, tourism for shopping or just tourism for fun- whatever the kind of tourism France has quenched every tourist’s thirst. But France is also the ideal country to play host to another kind of tourism. If your idea of a good time is a glass of full bodied wine in your hand and the smell of ripening grapes in your nose then this is a blog for you. This is a wine lover’s guide to France. Almost every region of France has a winery or two. Then there are some more famous. If you have ever sipped on trampled and aged grapes then you must have heard at least three region names- Champagne, Burgundy and Bordeaux. Some other more popular regions are Alsace, Loire Valley, Rhône Valley, Provence and Savoie.

Champagne

Remember the old black and white movies with stylish heroes clicking champagne glasses with perfectly coiffed heroines in chic parties! All those spell-binding movie scenes have this region of France to thank. Legend has it that Dom Pérignon, a Benedictine monk, discovered this symbol of sophistication by accident in his abbey in a town called Hautvillers. Large wine houses like Mumm, Moët and Chandon, along with more than a hundred other famous names, host guided tours of their wineries, with wine tasting opportunities in their cellars. Wine enthusiasts can go crazy here with the option of tasting anything from old wines to the current vintage. There are more than wine tours too. The most important city of the region is Reims which saw twenty five kings donning the mantle of royalty at its famous Notre-Dame Cathedral. This magnificent Gothic church is one of the most beautiful in the world. Reims is also the only place where one can see the labyrinth of crayères, the dark limestone caverns that are the ideal environment for storing bubbly. Epernay, the other half of the twin capitals of Champagne, has several champagne houses more easily accessible than in Reims. Other attractions of the region include the capital of the Counts of Champagne, Troyes, thirteenth century medieval castles and bridges and so much more.

Burgundy

Colorful tiles crisscross with golden ones to cover the roofs of the houses of this predominantly white wine making region. Once including almost all of Belgium and Holland, the duchy of Burgundy was one of the most influential regions of Europe with powerful princes like Charles the Bold. Visits to the wine producing little villages are always welcomed by the locals. There are several open air markets that sell all the locally produced food and wines. One of the more famous towns in the region is Chablis, the chief producer of the most famous white wine of the same name. Beaune is another picture postcard like city in the region. The Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune, a hospital that ran for about four centuries until it stopped functioning in the nineteenth, holds an annual wine auction in November. The Trois Glorieuses wine auction has two purposes- raising money for charity and, in the process, setting current vintage wine prices. Marché aux Vins is a church from the thirteenth century now converted into a wine cellar that regularly hosts wine tasting. To burn off the calories from the wine tasting take a bike ride on the beautiful trail of Bourgogne Randonnees. And it’s not just wines either. The famous Dijon mustard comes from the city of Dijon. The Ducal palace and its museum in Dijon are a must see for all history, art and architecture buffs.

Bordeaux

Sitting at the south western waterfront border of France, Bordeaux is a port city most well known for its famous wines. Gourmet Touring is, as the name suggests, a company that offers to tailor a tour of this region the way only locals of this region could. Driving through the wine country in a GPS fitted car with a pre-programmed route of your choice is absolutely the best way to get the most out of your Bordeaux vacation. The Bordeaux Wine School is not only a great place to sample some great wines but can also be an educational trip. Experts teach the art of wine tasting and help tune and train the visual and the olfactory senses to be able to differentiate between wines. Rue St Catherine offers great shopping experience for all kinds of budgets from the designer boutiques at the upscale Grand Theater end to the more casual and cheaper Place de la Victorie end. Chateau Haut-Marbuzet – Henri Duboscq is one of the best winery-chateaus to visit in the area. Sample some excellent wines, buy what you like, and have the owner guide you through the whole process. Other tourist attractions include the Croiseur Colbert, one of the largest battleships of French Navy, the Grand Theater, Europe’s only surviving wood framed theater and the Palais de la Bourse, which was formerly the stock exchange and now houses Bordeaux’s Chamber of Commerce. For the art lover there is the CAPC Musee d’Art Contemporain and the Musee des Beaux-Arts. Several cathedrals and churches complete the tourism experience of the region.

So pick up your own wine glasses and prepare to experience your own wine lover’s guide to France.

Photo of champagne glass originally posted by  1. RX Photongraphy

You can check out the Champs-Elysées is you want to be in the heart of the celebration. The celebration begins at 9 p.m. and people will bring bottles of champagne and glasses. You can see a great view of the famed Eiffel Tower from the spot and mingle with both locals and tourists alike. Also, there are many bars and clubs that are open around this area so you can hit the club either before or after midnight.

1. See a Paris cabaret show

Paris is home to cabaret, so a great place to go is to see a cabaret show. Be sure to check out a cabaret show during New Year’s. Moulin Rouge is one of the longest running and includes a dinner, dance, and a show.

Moulin Rouge is also known as the oldest cabaret show in Paris. Started in the early twentieth century by Henri de Toulouse Lautrec, Le Moulin Rouge has been attended by famous singers, dancers, actors, and actresses like Ginger Rogers, Liza Minnelli, and Frank Sinatra.

In addition to a great show, you can try choices from a special menu just for New Year’s Eve. These include Foie Gras, Salmon, Brie with Truffles, Grilled Loin of Lamb, and Chestnut Variations. It also comes with a Vintage Pol Roger bottle of Champagne per person. The meal starts at 9 p.m. and at midnight, the Féérie shows start followed by a cotillion until the early hours of the morning. The price for this special event isn’t cheap at 570 euros per person, but it is an indulgence that is for a very special time of year.

2. Have dinner at a Paris brasserie

Visiting a Brasserie or a casual restaurant or diner is a great and inexpensive way to have a nice meal on New Year’s before the big celebration. A great Brasserie is L’Ardoise Paris. Their menu offering include appetizers like Red tunas tartare marinated with ginger and basil and Raviolis of langoustine. Their main courses include Grilled beef Onglet with warm shallot coulis and Saint Pierre filet with shitake and tarragon butter. They also have a delectable selection of desserts including the classic Baba au Rum, Mascarpone cream with wild strawberry coulis and red fruits, and Vanilla crème brulee.

3. Enjoy fireworks and fantastic views of Paris

If you are looking for a breathtaking view of the city of lights and you are so over the Eiffel Tower, you can view the fireworks from The Sacre Coeur Cathedral plaza in Montmarte. On a clear night, you can see the entire Paris skyline.

Other things you can do anywhere in the city are fun traditions that you can find only in Paris. Try one of their papillottes, or chocolates or any confections that “pop” when you open the wrapping. You can find these at any shop like a confection shop.

Surprisingly to many U.S. citizens, fireworks and firecrackers are legal in Paris and can be bought anywhere. You can attend many of the street parties where they are firing them off. As always with any firework, use caution.

Photo of the Eiffel Tower, Paris on New Year’s Eve originally posted by viZZZual.com

Paola and Gianni, who are used to booking hotel rooms through venere.com, were very happy to stay in a beautiful luxury hotel in Rome for the first time in their life. The couple from Sassari, Sardinia,  really enjoyed the luxury and comfort of their splendid, romantic hotel suite.

Thanks to Paola and Gianni too for their kindness and good humor!

Just like with the other attractions and events that are target destinations while in Shanghai, shopping in the city has to be experienced. Shanghai’s tourist industry has thrived so well because of standards of shopping in the city. The shopping areas have been conveniently laid out in four cities and on four streets. Here is a breakdown of these four most popular shopping destinations in the Orient:

China’s #1 commercial street is Nanjing Road which was already being developed at the beginning of the 20th Century. Clusters of a wide array of shops that range from the very old to the very modern stand in harmony together on Nanjing Road and all of them seem to continually prosper year after year.

No less famous is Huaihai Road. Famous for featuring the world’s top-end fashion designers and “gurus”, Huaihai Road is oftentimes touted for being one of the more elegant areas in Shanghai.

North Sichuan Road is the most targeted destination for the budget shopper. It is well-known for offering inexpensive, quality merchandise.

Finally, food and tourism are very well provided on Middle Tibet Road – the last of the four fabled streets.

While you’re perusing Huaihai Road, Parkson Shopping Center is highly recommended and well worth the visit. Prices here are very affordable and most shops feature a variety of special offers that are set up as either discounts or unique promotions. You’ll find that even shopping for brand names is not only easy, but highly affordable as well.

Another popular shopping haven is again located on Huaihai Road. Leading designer brands such as Boss, Ferragamo, Gucci, and Hugo are all available at Maison Mode, located at No.1312, Huaihai Road. It is safe to say that Maison Mode has enhanced Huaihai Road more than another other retail establishment.

The bustling “Four Cities” in Shanghai that there shopping industry is the most revered for are as follows:

• New Shanghai Shopping City

• Jiali Sleepless City

• Xujiahui Shopping City

• Yuyuan Shopping City

Yuyuan Shopping City offers a very broad array of consumer goods specialized Chinese goods to antiques, gold and silver jewelry, and exotic jadeware. Xujiahui Shopping City is a newly-established entertainment and shopping plaza that contains large stores where you can shop on a budget or spend up into the mid-price ranges. On a grander scale and offering the best amenities and facilities is New Shanghai Shopping City, in the middle of Pudong Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone. Finally, the gem of the four is Jiali Sleepless City which faces the Shanghai Railway Station, thus being very convenient to get back and forth from.

Despite the fact that these destinations listed in this content are the key shopping areas and facilities, don’t be afraid to wander slightly off the beaten path and find those very affordable hole-in-the-wall shops. You can enjoy Shanghai on a very serious budget.

Photo of Yuyuan Shopping Center, Shanghai, China originally posted by d’n'c

If there’s one thing that Hollywood has taught us in the 100 years, it’s that glamorous destinations where you go to be seen are also the sort of places a top secret agent like Bond also visits incognito. However, that’s not the sort of case any more with the latest movie which attempts to jump off the bondwagon (see what I did there) in favour of injecting some realism into the franchise.

Which could be described as being like trying to mix Greek mythology with brushing your teeth – some would argue that the combination doesn’t make for a happy marriage – still, it’s Bond, isn’t it?

So in chronological order, here are some of the locations that fanatics of Ian Fleming’s finest should be checking out:

• Lake Garda, Italy

Probably one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, if not the most beautiful lake in the world.

Has been a top holiday destination for years. What makes Lake Garda so awesome is the sheer size of it. It’s the largest lake in Italy, and one of the largest in southern Europe.

Around it is situated numerous towns and like, featuring lovely old architecture and luxurious lakeside hotels. Well worth a visit, especially now Bond’s given it the unofficial sniff of approval.

• Siena, Italy

Soon after the lake scene comes Siena, a lovely city with typically sublime Italian architecture.

Particularly worthy of note is (of course) the Cathedral of Siena, which practically oozes Gothicism. Something well worth seeing because of being rather strange is the Palazzo Pubblico, a palatial town hall with a brick tower and frescos in nearly every room. You just can’t beat Europe for things like this.

• Lake Constance, Austria

The new Bond hangs around an awful lot of lakes, doesn’t he?

Maybe Quantum like the views while conducting their nefarious schemes – who knows?

What we do know is that Lake Constance is an entirely different kind of lake – it’s much smaller and attracts far fewer tourists – which is either a very good thing or a very bad thing depending on your state of mind. (Here is the where Quantum get their Solace, get it?)

Lake Constance is known for being in a very weird location, bordering Germany, Switzerland and Austria at the same time – not bad for a lake that’s half the size of Garda.

• Kazan, Russia

Situated in European Russia, Kazan is a major hub for commerce, culture and industry in Russia. What makes it particularly interesting is that it’s home of the Tatar Culture, a rather fascinating ethnic Islamic group who reside well, all over Eurasia really. Kazan itself features the Kazan Kremlin, a complete white, rather impressive building, constructed at the command of Ivan the Terrible, one of history’s most diabolical autocrats. Additionally, there is the Qolsharif Mosque

which can only be described as rather cool.

Keep Travelling!

Photo of Lake Garda at sunset originally posted by motumboe

Rovinj, a stunning picturesque town of on the Istrian peninsula is now aiming for the top end market, with the opening of the five star Hotel Monte Mulini by the end 2008. Developed by Maistra d.d., Croatia’s leading hotel and tourism company, and designed by leading architects and interior designers WATG, Hotel Monte Mulini epitomizes Maistra’s ambition to position Rovinj as the elite destination in Croatia.

Fine Restaurants in Rovinj

Rovinj is in the heart of gastronomic Croatia, with heady white truffles, freshly caught seafood and fish and Istrian prosciutto, washed down with exquisite Teran, Merlot or Malvazija, the local blossomy white wine. Expect this and more in the Monte Mulini’s two gourmet restaurants, which chef Tomislav Gretic – who opened Dubai’s Asia de Cuba and perfected his craft at Zurich’s Dolder Grand and Dubrovnik’s Palace Hotel – aims to make the best in the area. The restaurant terrace seats 70 and overlooks the pool and gardens, with a further 128 covers available inside on cooler evenings. Alongside its world-class chef, Maistra’s sommelier Emil Perdec will preside over the Monte Mulini’s traditionally styled wine vault, which includes a private tasting and dining room and a further spacious terrace. Emil Perdec is proud to be the best sommelier in Croatia, having won several awards and twice the prestigious Trophée Ruinart in France, popularly known as the European Championship for Sommeliers.

Tourist Attractions in Rovinj

A short stroll along the marina from Monte Mulini is Rovinj, perhaps one of the most picturesque towns in the Mediterranean. Part of the Venetian Empire for over 500 years, the old town is perched on a narrow peninsula high up on a hill, cluttered with Venetian terracotta-roofed houses and crowned by the 18th century Church of St Euphemia, whose bell tower dominates Rovinj’s skyline. Atmospheric cobbled alleys invite visitors to wander around and explore colorful galleries and shops, filled with local arts and crafts. A central square is edged with lively cafes and restaurants spreading out on to a charming harbor crammed with sailing and fishing boats – perfect to watch the world go by.

In high summer, days in Rovinj are spent on the pine-backed, pebbly beaches minutes from the hotel. But there is more to Rovinj than beach front chic and those wanting to explore the delights of the region will find that Rovinj is an excellent base, all the year round. The nearby town of Pula has an impressive Roman amphitheater and art deco market and, for outdoor enthusiasts, the region offers incredibly diverse landscapes – from the rocky coast to pine-clad mountains and hills draped in cypress trees and olive groves. A highlight is the 11km long nearby Lim Fjord, a protected nature area which is perfect for Nordic Walking. Other recreational activities in the area include hiking in the unique forest preserve Zlatni Rt, as well as free climbing, mountain biking and water-based sports such as diving, snorkeling or sailing.

Hotel Monte Mulini

Maistra’s Hotel Monte Mulini is a haven of contemporary style and comfort and will be a luxurious all-year-round getaway destination. Set into the hillside of the Golden Cape, minutes from Rovinj’s town centre, it is surrounded by a lush century old protected nature park and overlooks a small bay.

The hotel offers spacious rooms and suites, all with spectacular views of the hotel’s chic pool area, the crystal-clear sea and the surrounding nature reserve. The public areas are bright and airy, with double height spaces to maximize light and enhance views of the surrounding natural beauty. Guest rooms, too, are spacious and contemporary, featuring sensual fabrics and textures, bespoke furniture and original Croatian artwork. A regal color palette with shades of gold, purple and aubergine, is used throughout the hotel – creating an ambience of warm, soothing luxury.

Photos of Hotel Monte Mulini, Rovinj, Croatia courtesy of Maistra Hotels and Resorts

Airline Gossip: On Gadling, read the story of a drunk flight attendant arrested by the police on a plane set to fly to Faro, Portugal.

Free wireless Internet access in Bangkok: Travelhappy announces that free wifi access will be available in Bangkok until June 2009.

Celebrity Hotel: According to Luxist, ‘Baywatch’ star Pamela Anderson is planning to open a hotel in Dubai.

Rock Star News: The NME reports that priceless music instruments were stolen from Iggy and The Stooges’ truck just outside their hotel in Montreal, Canada.