The stores are not mobbed with shoppers frantically searching for last-minute Christmas gifts. Nor are you bombarded with Christmas carols in every store and elevator you enter. And only rarely do you see homes wreathed in fairy lights or lit up with kitschy Santa Claus displays. For some people, this may be a welcome relief from the crazy commercial scene that Christmas can be. For others, however, the season might not feel ‘right’ without a few carols, fairy lights, and a couple of hours of shopping mayhem. Here’s how to get your Christmas fix in Paris.

1. Take a Stroll on the Champs-Elysées at Night

You can’t help but feel festive on the Champs-Elysées at Christmastime. Every year, the trees lining the “most beautiful avenue in the world” are swathed in thousands of sparkling blue lights infusing the street with a magical feel. In addition, many stores create special red-carpeted entrances to their establishments, complete with white awnings adorned with pine branches or white fairy lights, to celebrate the season. The lower half of the Champs- Elysées plays hosts to a vast Christmas market, and at the very foot of the avenue (Place de la Concord) rests an enormous, brilliantly-lit Ferris Wheel. If you’re not afraid of heights, be sure to end your walk by taking a ride on this huge wheel – it offers an unforgettable view of the city.

2. Shop at the Galeries Lafayette

If you’re missing the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, you’ll get your fill at the massive department store, Galeries Lafayette. The store has everything you could wish for, from designer clothing, jewelry, and cosmetics to gourmet food, electronics, and home furnishings. What’s more, if Christmas spirit was based solely on the extravagance and beauty of Christmas decorations, you couldn’t deny that Galeries Lafayette is bursting with Christmas spirit. The exterior of the store is covered with thousands of softly colored lights such that the building is transformed into several magnificent stained glass windows. The interior is just as stunning, and features a glittering Christmas tree so enormous that it seems to rise all the way to the top of the store’s elegant glass dome roof.

Galeries Lafayette, 40, boulevard Haussmann 75009 Paris – galerieslafayette.com

3. Browse the Christmas Markets

At the beginning of December, Christmas markets begin to pop up all over Paris. Each market has dozens of cozy wooden stall wreathed in pine branches and fairy lights that can’t help but make you feel cheerful. Stroll around the market and contemplate potential purchases while sipping on vin chaud (hot red wine spiced with cinnamon), or munching on pain d’épices (French-style gingerbread), both of which will surely be available at whatever market you visit. Handcrafted items feature big at these markets, and you may come away with some handmade wooden toys, hand-painted Christmas ornaments, or even a homemade knit sweater or two. You’ll also find plenty of French delicacies, including foie gras, chocolates, fresh honey, and jam, which comes in unexpected flavors such as “milk” and “caramel.”

Christmas Markets can be found at:

• Place St. Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement)
• Place St. Suplice (6th arrondissement)
• Avenue des Champs-Elysées (8th arrondissement)
• Gare de l’Est (10th arrondissement)
• Place de la Nation (11th arrondissement)
• Gare Montparnasse (14th arrondissement)
• Place des Abbesses (18th arrondissement)
• Parvis de la Défense (La Défense, line 1 metro, just outside of central Paris)

4. Attend a Church Service

With all the fuss relating to presents and decorations and Santa, a person can almost forget about the religious basis of Christmas. If you want to get back to the origins of the holiday (and sing a few Christmas carols), there are plenty of Anglophone churches in Paris that will be celebrating Christmas. Check out the following churches’ websites for their Advent schedules.

• American Cathedral of Paris (Episcopalian): americancathedral.org
• American Church in Paris (Interdenominational): acparis.org
• St. Joseph’s Catholic Church: stjoeparis.org
• St. George’s Anglican Church: stgeorgesparis.com

Great Paris Hotels near the Champs-Elysées

• Hotel Warwick Champs-Elysées – 4-star hotel – room price: €230
• Hotel Christal Champs-Elysées – 4-star hotel – room price: €260
• Hotel Residence Lord Byron – 3-star hotel – room price: €130
• Hotel Sofitel Paris Champs-Elysées – 4-star hotel – room price: €201
• Hotel Marignan Champs-Elysées – 4-star hotel – room price: €203

“The Wonder of Christmas in Paris” picture by CharlesFred

It is now a fully assimilated member of the EU and as such has been welcoming a steady stream of tourists eager to explore this former mystery. However, for those who have an interest and are prepared to look, there are some interesting, and some chilling, reminders of the dark days of the past.

• Tallinn’s former Soviet officers building

Set slightly out of the centre, the former Soviet officers building is the most obvious relic of the years of occupation. Visitors can see the once ubiquitous hammer and sickle motif that has been removed from almost all other locations in the city. It survives here because the building still belongs to the Russian government and serves as a cultural centre. The building is located at number 5, Mere Pulestee.

• Tallinn’s former Soviet soldier memorial

In 2007, Tallinn hit the global headlines when it moved a Soviet monument to the fallen of World War II. The statue had become a focal point for Estonian demonstrators of Russian ethnicity and so the Estonian government moved the monument to the Defence Forces cemetery. The monument takes the form of a bronze statue of a solider named Alyosha. The statue is considered to be an icon of the city and visitors will see depictions of the statue everywhere from mugs to t-shirts. Visitors who want to see the actual statue and not just a picture on a t-shirt should head to the cemetery at Filtree Tee, out near the coast.

• Tallinn’s former KGB headquarters

At number 1 Pagari is perhaps the most unsettling example of the Soviet legacy in Estonia. The former KGB headquarters is marked by a plaque commemorating those who died in the repressions and the menacing bricked up cellar windows. From this building the KGB unleashed not one but two waves of terror as Estonia, along with the other Baltic States, suffered a first Soviet invasion, then the Nazi invasion and occupation, followed by a second Soviet invasion.

• Tallinn’s Stalinist Monolith

Finally, competing for the most ironic of the Soviet legacy buildings is the casino that is housed in a Stalinist monolith. The wedding cake style was perfected in Moscow and spread across Eastern Europe as communist governments rushed to try and please Stalin. Estonia’s example is much smaller than the variants in other cities but is still a fine example of the style. It stands out because of the spire topped with a star pushing into the Tallinn skyline. After viewing the building, visitors can enter and have a flutter, wondering what Stalin would have thought of the current use of his favourite design style.

Visitors to Tallinn may have trouble believing that not so very long ago it was choking under a Communist dictatorship. While the relics of this time are sometimes hard to see beneath the modern veneer of the city, they are there just waiting for visitors who want to seek them out.

Top 5 Popular Tallinn Hotels on Venere.com

• Meriton Old Town Hotel – 3-star hotel – double room: €38
• Merchant’s House Hotel – 3-star hotel – double room: €89
• Hotel Viru – 3-star hotel – double room: €69
• Hotel Telegraaf – 5-star hotel – double room: €149
• Hotel Tähetorni – 3-star hotel – double room: €38

Photo of the Soviet Memorial Park at Maarjamäe, Tallinn, Estonia, by Kalevkevad

Dating back to the 6th century, Blois was home to numerous counts and kings throughout its history, including Louis XII and Francois I, and was the setting of various political dramas, most notably the rather nasty assassination of Henri, Duc of Guise. While the city is often eclipsed by bigger cities in the Loire Valley, such as Orleans and Tours, Blois holds its own in charm. It’s hard not to become enchanted with its steep, twisty cobblestone streets, lovely river view, and scattering of architectural remnants from the Middle Ages. In addition to the city itself being so enjoyable, Blois is deep in the heart of the Loire’s “châteaux country.” This makes it an excellent starting point for visiting many of the magnificent châteaux in the region.

1. Château Royal de Blois.

Visitors who adore visiting châteaux can start their exploration right in the center of the city. In its earliest beginnings, the château was a rather gloomy fortress, but from the 13th century onward was developed into one of the most fascinating castles in the region. Be sure to pay special attention to the four wings of the building, each of which was built in a different architectural style: Gothic, Flamboyant Gothic, Early Renaissance, and Classical. Also, if you’re into grisly details, take particular note of the lavishly decorated royal bedroom: it’s where the Duc of Guise was stabbed to death in 1588.

Château Royal de Blois

41000 Blois

Tel. : + 33 (0)2 54 90 33 33

Web: www.chateaudeblois.fr/

2. Maison de la Magie.

This house of magic is a popular attraction in Blois. Largely dedicated to French conjuror (and Blois native) Robert-Houdin, the small museum contains a number of artifacts, curios and instruments relating to the history and practice of magic. It also provides many interactive illusions for your amusement, as well as short magic shows four times daily.

Maison de la Magie

1, Place du Château

41000 Blois

Tel : +33 (0)2 54 55 26 26

Web: http://www.maisondelamagie.fr/

3. Musée de l’Objet.

Founded in 1996, this contemporary art museum is rapidly becoming one of Blois’s star attractions. Over 100 French and foreign artists are featured here, including Armand, Ben, César, and object-wrapping legend, Christo. The works primarily consist of conceptual sculptures made from everyday objects (think mobiles made of wooden coat hangers, or hammers that morph into handbags). Fans of the Dada, Fluxus and New Realism movements will have a special appreciation for this museum.

Musée de l’Objet

6, rue Franciade

41000 Blois.

Tel: +33 (0) 2 54 55 37 45.

Web: www.museedelobjet.org/presentation.html

4. Château Beauregard.

Blois is a virtual stone’s throw from numerous chateaux, and it’s only natural that some of them get overlooked. But the stunning Chateau Beauregard shouldn’t be. This chateau was used as hunting lodge by King Francois I, and, unlike most chateaux of the region, has been inhabited continuously since the 15th century. Smaller than most castles you’ll find in the Loire, there are only a few rooms open to the public, including, an old stone kitchen crammed with copper pots, and a beautifully decorated portrait gallery. Even while the interior of the castle is remarkable, the best part of the chateau is its grounds. When you visit, bring along a baguette, some fresh cheese and a bottle of wine so that you can dine on the grass near the duck pond, while gazing at the beauty around you.

Château de Beauregard

F-41120 Cellettes

Tel: +33 (0) 2 54 70 36 74

Web: www.beauregard-loire.com/en/index.php

Top 5 Popular Hotels in Blois on Venere.com

• Hotel France et Guise – 2-star hotel – double room: €55
• Hotel Holiday Inn Blois – 3-star hotel – double room: €97
• Hotel Saint-Jacques – 2-star hotel – double room: €48
• Hotel Tourhotel – 2-star hotel – double room: €55
• Hotel Le Savoie – 2-star hotel – double room: €49

Photo of Blois Old Town, Loire Valley, France by Gogoninja

Not only is the travel infrastructure slightly more expensive than elsewhere, especially anywhere to the East, but most activities come with a high price as well. This is a short guide of some things to do that are either free or very cheap.

• A visit to Hofburg

The Hofburg is the magnificent former Imperial Palace in the centre of Vienna. There are various museums contained within but these will be of little interest to the budget traveller since they are quite expensive for mediocre experiences, even the National Library charges admission. However, on the inside many of the buildings have been refurbished so that there is little left of their Imperial splendour meaning visitors get more of a feel for the buildings as a palace by remaining outside. The architecture is impressive and the Volksgarten is a gorgeous place to sit back and relax.

• A visit to Zentralfriedhof

Some of the most famous composers in history lived in and around Vienna, which means many of them are still about, buried in the city’s graveyards. The Zentralfriedhof contains the graves of such luminaries as Beethoven, Schubert and both the older and younger Strauss. There are also many more Austrian celebrities whose lives are an enigma to us visitors but learning about their exploits is mostly interesting. Finally, there are two Jewish parts of the cemetery. The older part was systematically trashed by the Nazis but the other one remains in use by the Jewish community of the city.

• The Vienna Prater

Any visitor to Vienna should see the Orson Wells classic The Third Man. Anyone who has will remember the iconic scene in which the Wells character delivers some of the greatest lines in movie history. ‘In Italy for 30 years under the Borgias they had warfare, terror, murder, and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Renaissance. In Switzerland they had brotherly love – they had 500 years of democracy and peace, and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock.’ These lines were delivered aboard the Riesenrad, a Ferris wheel type ride in the Prater, a park on the eastern side of the city centre. Riding the wheel itself is still possible although for a fee, while wondering in the park is completely free.

• A stroll around the Ringstrasse

A good way to see Vienna is to take a stroll around the Ringstrasse. This route will take you past most of the impressive sights as well as along a part of the Danube canal. Brief sidetracks will take you to the Stadtpark or to cafes or bars for refreshments. If you happen to be unlucky with the weather tram routes cover the complete circle so you can finish the journey without getting too wet.

Top 5 Budget Accommodation in Vienna

• Pension Carantania – 3-Star – Double Room Price: from €41
• Suite Hotel 200m zum Prater – 3-Star -Double Room Price: from €52
• Austria Trend Hotel – 3-Star – Double Room Price: from €50
• Hotel Hadrigan – 3-Star – Double Room Price: from €59
• Pension Dr. Geissler – 3-Star – Double Room Price: from €64

Photo of Euro coins and bank notes by Donaldtownsend

Christmas is one of the most eagerly anticipated holidays in London. The Christmas break in London usually extends over four days and features cheerful family get-togethers that are characterized by much feasting and gift- exchanging.

Gift exchanging is an important tradition of the Christmas celebrations though shopping for gifts for friends and family is often considered by some folk to be a highly stressful experience as they have to battle hordes of other shoppers in the high street stores which are always jam packed during the festive season. For this reason London, like many other cities around the world hosts animated Christmas markets which give shoppers the opportunity to do all their Christmas shopping in one spot.

The Greenwich Christmas Market

Maritime Greenwich is a World Heritage Site which is situated on the bank of the River Thames in South East London. This area is famous for historic landmarks like the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory, home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Meridian Line and its Greenwich Market. The Greenwich Market is a covered market which is made up of nearly 120 stalls whose vendors are market traders, up and coming artists and crafts people who retail their works at the market and make it London’s best source for unique gifts , arts and crafts and antiques. The Greenwich Market hosts a special Christmas market every year that features live entertainment, Christmas lights and various other festivities. This Christmas market will be launched this year on Friday, 27th November. Besides the Greenwich Christmas Market, other popular London markets like Camden Market and Carnaby Street also host Christmas Markets which are extremely popular with shoppers they feature products like exclusive jewelry, bespoke fashion items, toys which are perfect as gifts and stocking stuffers.

London Hotel in Greenwich : Holiday Day Inn Greenwich London

Covent Garden Christmas Market

Traditional British Christmas foods like mince pies, Christmas pudding, Figgy puddings and cider are a big part of the Christmas revelry. London’s Convent Garden market which hosts the popular Real Foods Market all year long also has a special Christmas themed market for the festive season which features several traditional British Christmas delicacies which are sourced from local farmers, artisan producers and vendors. The Convent Garden Christmas market also features much live entertainment and music and is open every Thursday and Friday until December 18th for the Christmas season. Similar Christmas food markets are held at London’s other popular foodie heavens like Borough Market, the Slow Food Market at the South Bank and the Cabbages and Frocks Market at Marylebone High Street.

London Hotel near Covent Garden : Euro Hotel

Festive Fairs

Along with specialty Christmas Markets, London also hosts several annual festive fairs like the Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair and The British Red Cross Christmas Fair which offer shoppers an additional avenue to shop for gifts for all the family from a wide range of vendors. Both these fairs are held in mid-November and provide early birds a chance to get all their Christmas shopping done before the traditional rush starts.

Christmas Shopping on London’s High Streets

London’s most famous shopping districts like Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street which are collectively known as the West End are usually all dressed up for Christmas adorned as they are with elaborate illumination displays which are popularly known ‘Christmas Lights’. These Christmas Lights are switched on by celebrities at special ceremonies which are held in early November and these lights usually stay on until early January. All the famous British stores that are located here like Marks and Spencer’s, Fortnum and Mason, Selfridges and Hamley’s have their own Christmas promotions and events for the festive season but one of the best days to shop at these stores is on the Traffic Free Shopping Day London which this year is scheduled for Saturday 5th December. On this day, the entire West End like it has for the past five years is transformed into a huge car free pedestrian shopping zone that features much entertainment and festivities along with its many shopping opportunities.

Hotel in London’s West End : The Summer Hotel

Photo of Christmas store in London, UK,  by JohnBurke

Traditional Thai massage (or Nuad Phaen Boran) is a healing art and a spiritual practice, and has little to do with the services that are offered in many of the cheap massage parlours in Bangkok. Thai massage was traditionally practiced in temples and hospitals, and many Thais use it regularly to treat medical problems and to maintain good health.

Traditional Thai massage is part of the traditional Thai system medicine. The massage uses stretching, similar to yoga stretches, and works on acupressure points and energy lines called “sen” that are believed to run through the body like the meridians in Chinese medicine. Unlike the treatments in many of Bangkok’s cheap “massage parlours”, traditional Thai massage is always done with the receiver fully clothed. When arriving at a traditional Thai massage clinic, you can expect to be handed a pair of loose pants and a long-sleeved shirt or a t-shirt to change into for the massage.

Aside from “massage parlours” that offer prostitution, Bangkok is also filled with beauty shops that offer 20-minute massages for incredibly low prices. But to get a genuine, traditional Thai massage one has to do a little bit of searching.

Wat Po Traditional Massage School

Some of the big hotels and spas in Bangkok can have good Thai massage therapists that offer therapeutic massages. But the most respected and possibly the best place in Bangkok to get a Thai massage has for long been Wat Po, the temple of the Reclining Buddha. Wat Po is the home of Thai massage in Bangkok and there are old marble tablets on the walls of the temple that illustrate the theory behind Thai massage. The Wat Po Thai traditional medical and massage school has been operating in the temple since the 1950’s, and it offers courses in Thai massage and gives massage treatments. Both are very popular with Westerners.

Traditionally a Thai massage treatment used to last three hours; today’s busy people can get one- or two-hour massages in Wat Po. The price for a one-hour massage is around THB400 (US$12.00) and for a two-hour massage THB600 (US$18.00), more expensive than at many beauty and massage parlours but a fraction of the cost of the treatment in the West. The Wat Po massage school is open for massage treatments every day, but is very popular, so be prepared to wait for a while if you haven’t booked a treatment in advance.

Top 3 Bangkok hotels offering Thai massage treatments

• Hotel Lebua at State Tower – 5-star hotel on Silom Road
• Baiyoke Sky Hotel – 4-star hotel near Siam Square
• Siam City Hotel Bangkok -  5-star hotel near Siam Square

Photo of Wat Po massage school, Bangkok, Thailand, by Santheo

It’s a sure thing that you will be spoilt for choice! Where better to celebrate the outlandish and macabre than in one of the fun-est locales in the world? Here are some options I thought look interesting.

Hallowing Shopping

If you are seriously thinking of looking the part this year, here’s where to head to:

The Piedmont Boutique’s in-house creations will make it so easy for you to create a look that’s both lively and rare. If tramping around to innumerable stores, for Halloween costume, decorations and party essentials is not your thing, the One Stop Party Shop has all of it under one roof. If like me, you are always looking for a great deal at rock bottom prices, Thrift Town has costumes for less than $10. If you’d like to raise the bar a notch, add some professionally done make-up this year. Kryolan in SOMA will give you 20% off on its Fun Faze line. Kryolan is also taking Halloween makeup appointments for Oct 30 and 31st. So happy shopping!

Kids’ fun

If the young ‘uns are bored with tricking and treating and would rather skip it this year, here are some places that promise a great time:

The USS Hornet Museum in Alameda has a Monster Bash, which is sure to be a great hit for the more nautical minded youngster. The Yerba Buena Children’s Gardens has the annual costume walk for kids under 10. Parents are allowed too! Got an intellectual tyke? The Exploratorium’s annual Halloween extravaganza will teach junior about all the creepy creatures that make Halloween so fascinating. There’s also a chance to explore a haunted Victorian!

For the older ‘kids’

Halloween is one of San Francisco’s favorite holidays. So the party hotspots are not hard to find. Here are some I would check out:

The Halloween party with Buzzin’ Fly founder Ben Watt at 103 Harriet will definitely be time well spent. Mighty is celebrating Halloween with HALLONASTY. The event promises some nasty DJing and an open vodka Red Bull bar from 9pm-10pm. Not to be missed is the Ghoulish Gala at the Legion of Honor. Open bars, delicious food and a 2500-year-old Egyptian mummy who loves to party…such fun! Then there’s the SF Halloween Ball at City Hall which is advertised as the ‘largest upscale Halloween Costume Party in San Francisco.’ You would not want to miss that. The Haunted Ball finds Ana Mandara turned into a haunted mansion that has music by DONOVAN and a $1000 cash prize for the best costume. But hurry, because tickets always sell out early!

This is just a very select listing of the fun to be had. So use this as a start to plan your own festivities and Happy Halloween to all!!

Haunted Hotels in San Francisco

• Hotel Queen Anne – 3-star hotel  in Pacific Heights, San Francisco.
• Hotel Union Square – 3-star hotel close to Union Square, San Francisco.

Photo of Halloween pumpkins by KayVee.INC

This article is for those you who, like me, share a passion in life’s little collectibles.

1. Yendor Stripwinkel

If there was a comic book heaven out there, this would be it! Tucked away amidst the modern and trendy shops along Korte Hoogstraat, this charming comic book store is to die for. The showcase is decorated with cartoon goodies, an enticing promise of the treasures inside – Asterix serving bowl, Stargate Atlantis figurines (I needed a wraith for my window ledge), Tintin comic books and so much more!! You enter into a cozy section stocked with comic books. Tons and tons of comic books (in Dutch but the ones in the back had books in English). Tintin, Leonard, Asterix, Suske and Wiske, Bleach, Naruto, Superman, Wolverine … the list is endless. There is also an interesting collection of board games, from the more common ones like Scrabble to the hilariously silly ones like the Munchkin series. Upstairs (as well as a little section of the entrance floor) showcase an impressive collection of figurines. Collectors will have a field day here. A vast selection of Star Wars figures decorated the top floor. Look out for the Imperial Soldier helmet! There were also cute Simpson figures , macabre creatures from Tim Burton movies, creepy figures from classic Hollywood movies. As for non-American goodies, did I mention Smurfs, Barbapapa and Bleach collectibles? The bottom floor, with its vast selection of jigsaw puzzles, is what I like to call birthday gifts for my little cousins – from quaint world maps to ones inspired by artistic paintings, this floor is also worth checking out.

2. The Collector’s Company

This was just an absolute delight to explore. Whether you are a fan of animated lore or looking for something cute for the little ones, this store is a fun sightseeing choice. Located in Weena Zuid, this shop will be hard to miss – there is a life size statue of Mickey Mouse greeting you with open arms right outside the shop. I loved the various paraphernalia in the shop. Disney classics like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck were available in the form of tea cups, bags and of course a quaint tea pot. There was also the pretty-in-pink Hello Kitty goodies, from gift size bath sets to adorable bags. Other than the interesting Tintin figurines (perhaps Tintin’s popularity can be attributed to the creator being Belgian?), I also noticed a fascinating collection of figurines – macabre little bits and pieces straight out of works of art from legends like Salvador Dali. The Collector’s Company also has their own website. Other than a useful online catalog, I liked the little bit about upcoming events in their shop.

3. Bully’s Fifties

A tiny shop, hidden away next to the hardware store in Havenstraat, Historische Delfshaven, I came across this shop by chance. It will be an absolute delight for fans of 1950s collectibles. I found a rustic coffee grinder, some beautiful tin boxes, fascinating collection of advertising signs ( one of a cheeky gnome caught my eye), a tiny orange tabletop television and various little knickknacks. One more thing about Bully’s – they are also interested in purchasing quaint 50s goodies that anyone is keen to sell.

Top 3 Hotels in Rotterdam

• Hotel Van Walsum – 3-star hotel – €85
• Golden Tulip Rotterdam Center – 4-star hotel – €90
• Hotel NH Atlanta – 4-star hotel – €113

Photo of toys in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, by moqub

Fate or not, I’m happy to tell you why I think these three cities are some of the best for travelers who love the spookier side of things.

It may be worth noting, however, that these three cities didn’t make the list because they have some big Halloween celebration every year, or because there’s some kind of haunted house in any of them. In fact, Halloween just isn’t a big deal in Europe. Throughout my travels, I’ve seen elements of the holiday creeping in here and there – jack o’lanterns decorating a few front windows, scary movies being shown on October 31st – but those sorts of things are few and far between (and, at least in my experience, primarily in the U.K.).

Instead, the three cities I think are the best places to spend Halloween in Europe make the grade because I just feel like they exude a splendidly creepy quality year-round. Which is a bonus if you can’t make it in time for Halloween this year.

• Halloween in Rome

As far as I’m concerned, any city that’s housed as many people over the millenia as Rome has is bound to have some scary corners. Just walking through the Colosseum and thinking of the countless gladiators who fought and died there is enough to give you the creeps. But Rome’s got more going for it than a city full of ghosts that you may or may not believe in – it’s got bones, too.

Like many other cities in Europe, Rome has catacombs which have become tourist attractions. There are more than 40 different catacombs in Rome, many of which you can visit, that served as the main burial places for the ancient Romans for centuries. They’re artistically interesting as well as slightly unnerving, if you’re into that kind of thing.

But perhaps the most famous collection of bones in Rome is at the Cappuccin Crypt, where you’ll make a small donation to get an up-close-and-personal look at five tiny chapels decorated (and I do mean decorated) with the bones of more than 4,000 Cappuccin monks. And just in case you forget that the “wallpaper” is made of the human bones of thousands of dead people, the message in the last chapel should send a chill down your spine: “As you are, we once were. As we are, you shall be.”

Rome hotel near the Colosseum: Bed & Breakfast Santiquattro Al Colosseo

• Halloween in Paris

Paris is known as the “City of Lights,” but there’s a dark side to the French capital, too. And as you’ll soon see, that dark side has been drawing tourists for more than 200 years.

One of the more well-known tourist attractions in Paris is a cemetery, but it’s not just any cemetery. Père Lachaise is the kind of cemetery where they actually sell a road map at the entrance, with points of interest marked. Those points of interest? Graves of famous people – like Chopin, Oscar Wilde, and Jim Morrison. But despite the pretty tree-lined “avenues” of Pere Lachaise, it still positively screams “spooky” to me. I mean, those tree-lined “avenues” aren’t punctuated by houses, they’re punctuated by tombs. Of dead people. Plus, any cemetery for which you need a map is a cemetery you could get lost in. Enough said.

I’ve already mentioned Rome’s Catacombs, but there’s something even scarier to me about the Paris Catacombs. They were opened in the late 18th century in order to move the city’s cemeteries away from the living, and became a tourist attraction less than a century later. But most disconcerting in my opinion is the maze-like quality of the catacombs – there are more than 300km of tunnels full of bones, and you could quite literally get lost in them. If getting lost in a maze of the bones of more than 6 million people doesn’t make your pulse race, you might already be dead yourself.

Hotel near Paris catacombs: Hotel du Lion

• Halloween in Prague

I love the creep-out factor of Rome and Paris (and, really, of several other places in Europe, too), but I think my favorite spooky city in Europe has to be Prague. And this time it’s not just about cemeteries and bones.

Prague is home to one of the coolest cemeteries I know of – the Old Jewish Cemetery in the Old Town Jewish ghetto. It’s not the scariest of cemeteries, as it’s compact and almost always crowded, so you’re not likely to get lost or feel abandoned, but the collection of tombstones is unsettling in its haphazardness. The stones are toppling in every-which-way, largely because the Jews were forced to bury their dead in layers after being given only a small parcel of land as a cemetery. To give you an indication of how gloomy the cemetery must have been decades ago, Czech author Franz Kafka used to hang out in the cemetery just to think.

Just outside Prague is one of the best-known ossuaries - or bone churches – in the world. The Sedlec Ossuary sits underneath a church and, like the Cappuccin Crypt in Rome, it’s not just piles of bones but bones used as interior decor. At Sedlec, the “artist” got quite creative – a local family’s coat of arms is on one wall, an enormous working chandelier hangs from the ceiling in the center of the chapel, and near the stairway he even left his signature and the date of his work – all in human bones.

But the thing that makes Prague my pick for the top Halloween destination in Europe is the city’s Old Town Square. By day you might focus more on the pastel-painted buildings or the hordes of tourists following flag-toting guides. But even on the brightest summer day there’s no denying that the Gothic Týn Cathedral that peers over the square from behind another building is downright menacing. It still looks to me like it’d be the perfect place for the bad guy’s lair in some Batman movie. And at night? Sure, it’s lit up and could be considered pretty, but those lights aren’t fooling anybody. One look at those pointy black spires will tell you all you need to know.

Hotel in Prague’s Jewish Quarter: Hotel President

Photo of Rome’s Catacombs by jimforest

Among the more obvious visits are also the lesser known treats: it’s just knowing where to look. This “48 hour art beat” guide gives you tips for two days of non-stop creative sensory input.

Guide is organized according to geographic region within the city and can be followed in the order presented.

Lisbon for Art Lovers: Day 1

• Museu Berardo - Start your tour out strong with a stop at the largest contemporary art collection in Lisbon. Inaugurated in 2007, the Berardo Museum which is housed in the CCB (Belem Cultural Center) has an impressive collection of the top names in contemporary art and finally puts a contemporary art space on the Lisbon map. Over 500 artists from the 20th and 21st century are represented in the collection.

• Museu da Electricidade – Moving eastward along the river, take a moment to stop by the beautiful red brick building, a former electrical plant powering the city with energy, now an electricity museum with gallery space for contemporary art shows, including the World Press Photo exhibit. Check the large poster hanging on the outdoor cistern advertising the current show.

• LX Factory – Lisbon’s newest hot spot for art, design, and creative connection. A former factory and warehouse space, the newly refurbished areas supply artist ateliers, creative office space, party rental space and an amazing bookstore with an old printing press in the middle. With two cafés, you are bound to find something to munch on as you explore the grounds, peruse the bookstore, and get connected to Lisbon’s creatives.

• Museu da Arte Antiga – This stop is probably not much of a secret, but I’m including it here because it deserves your visit. Feast on paintings that date back to the 15th century and then treat yourself to something from the café on the ground floor, which opens up to one of the most beautiful garden spaces in Lisbon. If you’ve only got 15 minutes, make sure to see Nuno Gonçalves’ polyptych and Hieronymus Bosch’s triptych.

• São Bento Street - To finish out the day, I suggest you wander up São Bento street in the São Bento district, bordering Santos. Passing the National Assembly building on the corner and heading upward, keep your eyes alert for: design/art gallery Yron, Portugal’s traditional glassware store Marinha Grande, urban street art lining both sides of the street, and the vast selection of high-end antique stores which time travel you centuries back into the houses and palaces that once housed the pricey furniture and home décor items now on display.

Lisbon for Art Lovers: Day 2

• Galeria Graça Brandão: Step into the gritty, smelly, funky neighborhood of Bairro Alto. The hip bars and expensive designer shops are an ‘art walk’ in and of themselves, spaced apart by wall graffiti and remnants of last night’s party littering the floor. One gallery to visit in particular is Graça Brandão, which will introduce you to a bit of highbrow contemporary art from Portuguese and Brazilian artists.

• Chiado 8: Wandering out of Bairro Alto, step into the heart of Chiado and find Chiado 8. The Fidelidade Mundial bank cedes a modest space to the programming of this contemporary art space, which is a satellite gallery of a larger institution, Culturgest. Free admission.

• Museu do Chiado: Wander deeper into Chiado to the Museu do Chiado, an austere, concrete building housing temporary exhibits that tend to showcase both Portuguese and non-Portuguese work from the 20th and 21st century. Also plan on enjoying a drink in their pleasant outdoor café, one of the few places also serving Sunday brunches.

• MUDE: If you’ve still got some fire under those soles, hop on the 28 eléctrico in Chiado and get off in Baixa to visit the newly opened MUDE museum. Francisco Capelo’s extensive collection of design and fashion is displayed in a former bank building, gutted and purposely left raw to house the art. The context works very well with the collection. Slated to reopen in 2010 in a more permanent space.

• Museu Nacional do Azulejo: To finish off your marathon art walk, this last visit will require a bus or taxi ride to the outskirts of the city to visit the beautiful building and collection that is the National Museum of Ceramics. Familiarize yourself with the beautiful tiles, or ‘azulejos’, that are emblematic of Lisbon. Complete with a lovely café and shop.

Design Hotels in Lisbon

• Fontana Park Hotel – 4-star hotel – Room price: €140
• Hotel Tivoli Jardim – 4-star hotel – Room price: €135
• Hotel Gar Rossio – 3-star hotel – Room price: €110
• Pension Inn Solar Do Castelo – 4-star hotel – Room price: €205
• Vip Art’s Hotel – 4-star hotel – Room price: €75

Photo of Museu Berardo, Lisbon, Portugaln by Ponto y Virgula

This is quite an old airport, originally built in 1928, but it has undergone huge modifications with the building of Terminal 4, which is now one of the largest terminals in the world.

It was designed by Antonio Lamela and Richard Rogers, and opened in February 2006 to international acclaim. Incorporating careful illumination and large glass panes and domes, it is certainly one of the best-designed airport terminals around, and if you get the chance to travel through it you should take a moment to admire the architecture. That is if you are not hot, stressed and tired after your flight.

Transport Links

The airport is situated about nine miles away from the city of Madrid. To reach it, you should take the Madrid Line on the Metro to the Nuevos Ministerios station in the city, a journey which only takes about12 minutes and leaves you in the financial district. Alternatively, you could also take the Barajas Line to central Madrid from both Terminal 2 and Terminal 4.

If you would prefer to take a bus, EMT runs regular services to the city, taking you to the Avenida de América station. From Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, take the 200 from outside the baggage reclaim area, or from Terminal 4 take the 204 from the Arrivals area. If you decide to take a taxi from the Arrivals area of any of the terminals, then it should take about 30 minutes to arrive in the city.

Airport Facilities

There are two banks in the airport, including a 24-hour bank in Terminal 1. Added to this there are plenty of restaurants and cafés, and over 100 shops. Pharmacies, nurseries, first aid and a chapel are also on offer, making it pretty much cater for all requirements.

Transfers

There is a free shuttle bus available to transfer passengers between terminals. Also, you may have to take the train to reach your boarding gate, but this is very clearly signed and will not take more than a few minutes. In fact, the whole airport is very efficiently designed, with large coloured signs dotted around clearly directing passengers to their gate areas, and stating how long the journey will take from any particular point.

Top 5 Madrid Airport Hotels:

• Hotel Melia Barajas – 4-Star Hotel – Double from €98
• Suites Kris Aeropuerto – Services Apartemnts – From €55
• Compostela Suites – Services Apartemnts – From €52
• Hotel Tryp Alameda Aeropuerto – 4-Star Hotel – Double from €95
• Hotel High Tech Madrid Aeropuerto – 4-Star Hotel – Double from €72

Photo of Madrid Airport’s Terminal 4 by marcp dmoz

The Villa has an amazing décor with each room having it’s own specific theme. The renaissance architecture is completely outshined by the sprawling fountain dotted gardens. You can find Villa D’este in the town of Tivoli. Tivoli itself is a beautiful town that sits between rolling green hills and tumbling waterfalls. You can really see why the Cardinal chose this town to set up his getaway.

The outstanding mansion is built on a hill overlooking the gardens, every window you will pass will give you an remarkable vantage point. The gardens are the real treasure of Villa D’este, after snaking your way down the balconies and grand staircases you will find your senses bombarded. The colors and smells of beautiful flowers and the sounds of hundreds of fountains of all shapes and sizes.

The garden is constructed on a series of hills, at the lowest point lies three fish packed reflecting ponds. Out of over 500 fountains you will have your own favourite choices. I loved walking next to the Fontana Delle Cento Cannelle or The Hundred Fountains. This line of one hundred water jets dropping into a decorated stone trough leads you to the Fountain of Neptune and another one of my favourites: The Water Organ Fountain. The Fontana dell’Organo is a huge crowd drawer and is an impressive display of Villa D’este hydraulic water pump technology. The Fontana dell’Organo is an elaborate hydraulic water-powered fountain that sounds off for the public every two hours (the first performance is at 10:30 AM). The water organ truly is unique and the music it creates is as beautiful as the fountain itself. The garden is the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon, strolling past fountains, grottoes, and ponds; the sound of the moving water really sets the mind at ease.

One of your options for arriving at Villa D’este is to take the train on the Rome-Pescara line and get off at the Tivoli station stop. Villa D’este is located near the center of town and is easily accessible by foot after you arrive in the Tivoli train station. The Villa opens at 8:30 AM and closes one hour before sunset but is closed on major holidays and all Mondays. The tickets cost around €10 depending on whether there are extra exhibits on display. Spend a day at Villa D’este and enjoy the relaxed ambience, but make sure you go to the bathroom before making your rounds; those fountains can really get to you.

Top 5 Hotels in Tivoli on Venere.com

• Town House Sibilla Albunea – Guest Rating 8.8 – Double Room from €70
• Hotel Tivoli – Guest Rating 8.2 – Double Room from €70
• Hotel Aurora – Guest Rating 7.7 – Double Room from €85
• Grand Hotel Duca d’Este – Guest Rating 7.6 – Double Room from €85
• Hotel Dimora Adriana – Guest Rating 7.6 – Double Room from €80

Photo of Villa d’Este, Tivoli, Italy, by Lanci Daniele

The whole city is in love with Disney and the world has flocked to Walt Disney World Resort ever since the 60s, making it the most visited recreational park in the world. But what if you’re fed up with Disney? Well here are some things to do in Orlando that don’t involve anything linked to Walt.

1. Seaworld

Sticking with the general recreational themed day out, Seaworld take you on a journey through the oceans and on rides and in front of various spectacular shows, all of which explore to deep. The latest sight to be seen is called Believe. It’s been ten years in the making and is the world’s first human and killer whale performance show.

2. Stuff yourself at the Hard Rock Café

Famous now the world over, the Hard Rock in Orlando is the largest in the whole world. With the all-American menu full of meats, potatoes, corn, coke and ice cream, you’ll end up coming out of the place the size of the whale you’ve just seen.

3. Glow in the dark mini golf.

Head down to the Putting Edge in the Festival Bay Mall for a round or two of glow in the dark mini golf. All the usual favourites are there, assault courses for the ball, various themes such as medieval and the ocean, but there is added bonus of neon glowing borders, pins and greens. It’s open late too so you’ll see it really come alive when the sun sets.

4. A lot of wine tasting.

Down at The Wine Room in Winter Park you’ll find something of a treat for all you wine lovers out there. There are over 150 electronic dispensers that can give visitors a taste of all the wine available to buy. After a few you might find yourself paying for more than you thought you would.

5. The oldest African-American municipality.

Eatonville proudly boasts it’s cultural heritage and in 1887 became the first all black town following the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. It’s about six miles north of the city centre and is well worth a visit to see the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts (The Hurston) particularly.

6. Simulate an earthquake.

If you’ve ever wondered what it must feel like to be in an earthquake then a trip to WonderWorks might be just the ticket. Like everything in the city, it resembles a theme park in style, but the actual content will educate you just as much as entertain. Most of the buildings in the park are upside down and for a real thrill there’s a 5.3 quake experience to make your hair stand on end.

7. Orlando Science Center.

More entertaining science on show here as you can become a food particle amongst other fascinating things to see and do. There are always amazingly inventive exhibitions on, such as a whole town run by children.

Top 5 Orlando Hotels:

• Sky Hotel & Resort – Hotel near Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores – $140
• Hotel Bahama Bay Resort – Hotel in Davenport – $99
• Hotel Comfort Suites – Hotel in Kissimmee – $70
• Hotel Caribe Royale – Hotel near Disneyworld Resort – $130
• Hotel Parkside Inn & Suites – Hotel in Kissimmee – $28

Photo of  Seaworld aquarium, Orlando, Florida, by Allie Caulfield

Here are 10 cinematic reasons why movie lovers love New York:

1. Bridging People and Places

The Brooklyn Bridge was a backdrop in Fantastic Four, Deep Impact and Gangs of New York. The US may be No Country for Old Men but it is for bridges. It’s one of the country’s oldest suspension bridges. The bridge, which connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, is also a symbol of human connection. It was where Sex and the City’s Miranda and Steve reconnected after their separation. Much like the Bridges of Madison County, it is a romantic spot. It would break the hearts of many to see it destroyed the way they did it in I Am Legend.

2. Treasures of Trinity

Nicolas Cage may have found a secret chamber under Trinity church in National Treasure, but the church’s real treasure is its history. The church has ties to the Masons. Now, before you get excited about this whole clues and secrets traversing the trails of the Da Vinci Code and the Angels and Demons, know that this once tallest building in New York was also the burial site of Alexander Hamilton. Architecture-wise the church sports neo-Gothic style.

3. Zero in on the Heroes

Another Nicolas Cage film was shot in New York, this time reliving one of the city’s darkest hours. Oliver Stone’s take on World Trade Center wasn’t about who’s to blame nor about who’s the villain. It was about the Heroes. Because of its height, the once tallest building in the world was often captured in movies. Visitors at Ground Zero will grasp the immensity of what could no longer be seen. This is no location nor occasion to wear that Mona Lisa Smile.

4. Big on Music, Big on Comedy, Big on Hair

While Meg Ryan is Sleepless in Seattle, tourists who are sleepless in New York are kept awake by Hairspray’s infectious energy. The colorful 60’s costumes and flamboyant 175 wigs, which used an astonishing 80 cans of hairspray a week, are so visually entertaining. Critics say “It’s a happy, funny, sunny show!” The Broadway musical comes back to the big screen in the big shape of John Travolta with a whole lot of incredible back, front and sides as the 300-pounder Edna Turnblad.

5. A View to a Kill

If you’re short on time, go up the Top of the Rock Observation deck at the Rockefeller Plaza and you’ll see many New York landmarks in one spot: Central Park, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty. It’s a killer view up there – a black ocean of sparkling stars. In Elf, Will Ferrell shows his date the biggest Christmas tree he’s found in New York – in Rockefeller Plaza. Also within the building is the Target Breezeway. The room’s motion-detection technology tracks visitor’s movements with flickering lights of psychedelic colors and sounds. The only thing missing is Austin Powers.

6. Snobby Stockbrokers

Like the rest of the movies, with the exception of Wall Street, tourists can only pose outside the New York Stock Exchange Building. Its trading floor was off limits to cameras until The Talented Mr. Ripley, I mean Stone, came into the picture. Oliver Stone must have been so convincing that he managed to shoot 45 minutes with actual brokers on the floor. 1987 must have been A Good Year for Stone and his actor, Michael Douglas, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor.

7. An Animal of Epic Proportions

Tourists flock around the bull for a photo op. Some rub its nose, horns and testicles for good luck – something that would merit a scene in Ace Ventura, Pet Detective. Clueless on why a beast is unleashed in the Financial District? The Raging Bull is one of the world’s best-known symbols of American capitalism. Who knows what the Joy Luck Club has to say about the bull in astrology but to the Manhattanites, it’s a symbol of aggressive financial optimism and prosperity.

8. Unquenchable Torch

Some say the Statue has been in more cinemas than popcorn. Daryl Hannah’s momentous first steps on land were near the Statue’s base in Splash. The Statue of Liberty has ushered in a mermaid, countless visitors and immigrants to the US but the Statue is herself an immigrant from Paris. The statue, which was originally intended for Egypt, was given by the French to the Americans as a present. The city’s movie star has been standing there since 1886 and hopefully, till the Day After Tomorrow.

9. Love is in The Air.. and creepy creatures, too!

Serendipity 3 Restaurant menu consists of an item, which only a Rich Man’s Wife could afford – the most expensive ice cream in Guinness World Record! The restaurant caught media attention with movie-goers falling in love with its namesake movie, diners enjoying its delicious desserts and creepy creatures making some not-so-delectable-news. It was temporarily closed due to rodent and fly infestation and the presence of more than 100 live cockroaches. Oh Ben! Don’t worry it’s not Joe’s Apartment. The restaurant reopened 3 weeks later after passing the health inspection.

10. Lovers in New York

A curtain of Manhattan skyscrapers and trees envelope the place. If that’s not romantic enough, go to the lovers’ lane, which is the route of horse-drawn carriages. The Proposals happen in these carriage rides in Central Park. Location scouts could not have picked a better location for the romantic comedies You Don’t Mess With The Zohan and Music and Lyrics.

These ten locations are just some of the many locations in New York immortalized in celluloid. There are many reasons why a tourist will Love New York but movie fanatics simply love the City for being the location of many Hollywood films.

Movie Set Hotels in New York

• Hotel Giraffe – Featured in Sex and the City: The Movie
• Hotel 17 – Set of Woody Allen’s movie Manhattan Murder Mystery
• Crowne Plaza Times Square Hotel – Located in the heart of Times Square, a New York landmark featured in many movies.

Photo of movie set in New York by Iain Browne

Especially now that the public baths have been re-opened to the public (in a brand new building across the road from the Roman ruins… see  thermaebathspa.com for more details on that one) and the high street full of fashionable stores and cafes, it can be easy for visitors to see Bath as a rainy day destination. And it is true that the city caters to England’s traditional weather, but that is only half of the personality of the city. The true beauty of Bath does not lie steaming in the natural springs or rest in the reliefs on the façade of the Gothic-style abbey, but is in the parks and outdoor sights. Bath offers some of the best city parks outside of London, and are not to be missed.

The Circus

Just to the northwest of the city centre is the Circus, a perfect circle of Georgian houses constructed out of the startlingly white Somerset stone that cloaks the entire city. Constructed during the 18th century, the circle breaks in 3 places for adjoining roads (so is easy to find) and houses a huge chestnut tree in the centre, under which you can always find residents lazing about on hotter days. The circular architecture is a rare sight (many sights around England such as this were destroyed in the Second World War….much of Bath was also damaged) and is complimented by the semi-circle of houses in the same style just down Brock St. The Royal Crescent has been a symbol of Bath as much as the Circus has, and has the added advantage of looking out over Victoria Park.

Victoria Park

Victoria Park slopes down the valley side towards the centre of town, comprised of many small paths, band stands and a fantastic adventure play area for children. At the top of the 57 acres of gardens is the meadow on front of the Royal Crescent, originally used as a grazing pasture for livestock inside the city walls. Opened in 1830 by the young Queen Victoria, the park has remained a quiet refuge for residents and a place in the centre of the city where people can lie in the grass, walk under trees. There are also cultural events inside the park, including an open-air theatre for plays and musical shows and a variety of sports fields for tennis, bowls, etc. As you carry on walking west through the gardens along the main road that bisects the park, visitors come upon the Bath Botanical Gardens. In the author’s opinion, these are some of the loveliest flower gardens in England not found in National Trust estates. The flowerbeds are meticulously kept, and the variety of pant-life is remarkable for a country that seems to be gray and raining most of the time. In the north section of the Botanical Gardens is the relatively new addition of the Great Dell, a natural depression in the side of the Bath valley that is a peaceful, shadowy refuge of conifers.

Parade Gardens

Walking back through the city centre, just behind the Abbey, are the Parade Gardens, a small walled park along the banks of the River Avon. The park is free for city residents but only a few pounds for visitors. On sunny days the park is speckled with lawn chairs, and families will gather for picnics. On Sundays the bandstand is filled with a local horn band, and the gardens are also a sight for local primary school plays and choral events. Below the noise of the city, the Parade Gardens are one of those rare places in the middle of a city that is almost completely silent. Just up the river is the Pulteney Bridge, an 18th century bridge lined with small shops, comparable to the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Further on down Great Pulteney St are the Sydney Gardens, an extensive space with a maze and many other entertainments where Georgian families would come to amuse themselves. It is said that Jane Austen (one of the city’s most famous residents) would come down to the Sydney Gardens with her sisters and spend all day playing in the maze. At the gates of the Sydney Gardens is the house of William Holburne, which is now a University Art museum, housing collections from the 18th and 19th century with painters such as Guardi, Turner and Gainsborough present.

Alexandra Park

If you find yourself still searching for that perfect park bench or willow tree, the last large city park can be found at the top of the steep hill behind Bath Spa railway station. Alexandra Park looks over the beautiful Bath valley. On a sunny day, the city literally glows as the sunlight bounces off of the white somerset stone. I may be a little bias having grown up in this area, but I believe it to be one of the most beautiful places in the United Kingdom. The Alexandra Parks are also very large and many hours can be spent wandering around taking in the beautiful hill-top views.

As well as the larger gardens, there are also a high number of smaller gardens and squares tucked away around the city that are just waiting to be discovered. There are also the ever-popular open top buses and the beautiful streets to explore when the sun is shining. So take advantage of the break in the clouds, and discover why England in the sun is one of the most beautiful places I know of.

Top 5 Hotels in Bath, UK

• Hotel Express by Holiday Inn Bath – 2-star Hotel – Double from £ 109
• Hotel Barcelo’ Combe Grove Manor – 4-star Hotel – Double from £ 189
• Queen Charlottes Orangery – Bed & Breakfast – Double from £ 110
• Wentworth House Hotel – 2-star Hotel – Double from £ 75
• Bath Priory Hotel & Restaurant – 4-star Hotel – Double from £ 260

Photo of the Circus, Bath, UK, by Shanathalas

But there are times where the hustle and bustle of city life can take its toll on you, and all you feel like doing is retreating to tranquility in the more peaceful rural areas. There are two day-long excursions that can be taken from St. Petersburg that will help to revitalize your energy and experience the cultural and architectural beauty of Russia.

• Novgorod

Novgorod is a must if in Russia. You may also hear the town being referred to as Veliky Novgorod. It is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but its cultural significance is resonant all throughout the country. It is located between St. Petersburg (189 km away) and Moscow (531 km away), and is easily accessible by car, bus, and train. Some of the buildings in the city have been established since the 11th century, making it unique, prized locale in Russia and its surrounding areas. One of the most stunning monuments I visited was the Millennium of Russia, a historical emblem in the middle of the city square that represents some of Russia’s most important figures in bronzed avatars. Housed within the walls of the Novgorod Kremlin are some of Russia’s most aged and cherished monuments—the oldest palace (the Chamber of the Facets), the oldest Russian bell tower, and the oldest Russian clock tower. The splendor of Russian architecture does not stop there, as there are scores of monasteries and cathedrals such as the Yuriev Monastery and the St. Sophia Cathedral, to feast your eyes upon and keep you in awe.

• Catherine the Great’s Palace in Pushkin

The magical kingdom of Catherine the Great is located in close proximity to St. Petersburg, only about 25 miles southeast in a lovely town called Pushkin. The light blue and white contrast of the facade of the palace radiates a certain kind of Rococo European-style elegance. It served as the summer vacation home of the Russian Tsars. All throughout the palace, the parquet floors beautifully match the opulent intricacy of the wall decor. In every room, the walls are smothered in fine art masterpieces and regal collectibles. There is a grand ballroom trimmed with gold leaves on the ceiling and encapsulated by windows on all four walls. If not for its historical significance, it is well worth a visit for its high aesthetic value. It’s truly a majestic experience. The surrounding areas of the quaint town of Pushkin are also really beautiful, but I found the Palace to be at the center of all the main attractions. There are a slew of churches and displays of ancient architecture scattered throughout the town for your viewing after you are done with experiencing the sheer glory of the Palace.

Top 5 Hotels in St Petersburg, Russia

• Hotel Petro Palace – 4-star Hotel – Double Room from €179
• Comfort Hotel St Petersburg – 3-star Hotel – Double Room from €124
• Hotel Nouvelle Europe – 3-star Hotel – Double Room from €48
• Hotel Herzen House – 3-star Hotel – Double Room from €113
• Hotel Nikita – 3-star Hotel – Double Room from €45

Photo of the Church of Our Saviour on Nereditsa Hill, Novgorod, Russia, by wOLD

For centuries, Paris has embraced and inspired scores of famous writers, from Molière to Fitzgerald to Wilde to Djuna Barnes. When exploring the city, you can hardly escape the presence of these masters. You might drop into a seemingly ordinary café, only to see a plaque noting that Hemingway wrote “The Sun Also Rises,” there  (Café de la Mairie). Or maybe the hotel you’ve chosen to stay at just happens to be the one in which Henry Miller resided temporarily in 1930 (Hotel St-Germain des Prés). Once you start paying attention, you’ll never stop noticing all the monuments, plaques, museums, restaurants, and street names that honor Paris’s literary giants. Here are just a few of the places you might visit to gain inspiration from or pay homage to some of the finest writers in history.

1. Les Deux Magots.

Of all the literary landmarks in Paris, this is one probably the most famous. Although some people scoff that it’s become nothing but a tourist trap, how could any lover of literature miss visiting the café to which James Baldwin rushed immediately upon arriving in Paris to meet with Richard Wright? The café that hangs a photo of a young Simone de Beauvoir busily scribbling in a notebook in that very place? The favored haunt of Hemingway, Bréton and Camus? Don’t worry about the tasteless salads, if it’s literary ghosts you seek, this is the right place. 6 Place St Germain des Prés, 6th arrondissement.

2. Café de Flore.

Located right next door to Les Deux Magots, the café is equally close in fame. It is particularly known for de Beauvoir and Sartre having virtually lived in the upstairs dining room, but was also regularly enjoyed by writers such as Laurence Durrell , Truman Capote, and, of course Hemingway (who seemed to be everywhere). If you want the true feel of the past, definitely seat yourself in the upstairs dining room. Even today you will find many writers camped there, scribbling or typing away, hoping to absorb the spirit of those that came before them. 172 boulevard St. Germain, 6th arrondissement.

3. Maison Victor Hugo.

On the lovely Place des Vosges, you’ll find a small museum celebrating the life and works of Victor Hugo. The museum isn’t just a museum, however. It is part of the former Hôtel de Roham Guéménée, where Victor Hugo lived for 16 years (1832-1848). The museum/apartment is full of treasures to satisfy any Hugo fan: manuscripts, photos, samples of his handwriting, etchings, and some of his furniture. 6, Place des Vosges, 4th arrondissement.

4. Maison Balzac.

Balzac lovers will appreciate visiting the home-turned-museum in which the great writer penned much of his sequence of plays, novels, and stories, collectively titled “La Comédie Humaine.” The museum features plenty of Balzac memorabilia, including his writing desk, chair, and tea kettle, which famously kept him company through long nights of writing. 47 rue Raynouard, 16th arrondissement.

5. 27, rue des Fleurus, 6th arrondissement.

It’s not a museum, but nonetheless many admirers flock to the address where Gertrude Stein lived first with her brother Leo and then with her partner, Alice B. Toklas. Go there to stand before the plaque to commemorating the famous author’s home on this quiet street, and imagine the fabulous art collection and sparkling salons she held within.

6. 14, rue Monsieur-le-Prince, 6th arrondissement.

Richard Wright lived at this address for some 11 years (1948-1959), with his wife and two daughters. The famed author of Native Son and Black Boy was buddies with Sartre and Camus, and due to their influence, wrote what is known as the first American existentialist novel, The Outsider. Wright loved France so much that upon his death, he became one of the many authors to be buried at the Parisian cemetery, Père Lachaise.

7. 12, rue de l’Odéon, 6th arrondissement.

Site of the original Shakespeare and Company, the lending library and English-language bookstore owned by Sylvia Beach and frequented by the likes of Hemmingway, Ezra Pound, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sherwood Anderson and James Joyce. The shop was more than a library/bookstore, but a haven for struggling writers. In 1941, after 22 years of business, it closed its doors, allegedly because Beach refused to sell her last copy of Finnegan’s Wake to a German official. Ten years later, a new Shakespeare and Company bookstore, named in tribute to the original and serving the same purpose, was opened by George Whitman several blocks away from the one on rue de l’Odéon. It remains a sanctuary for many writers to this day (37, rue de la Bûcherie, 5th arrondissement).

5 Landmark hotels in Literary Paris:

Photo of  Café de Flore, Paris, by Scorbette37

But don’t be expecting scones with jam and cream, earl grey and old ladies crashing into cake stands. The elegant tea rooms in Granada are something quite different but equally as enchanting and irresistible.

The close proximity to the tip of northern Africa down in the southern towns and cities in Spain has led to a certain Arabic buzz to the air that has permeated into the output in the shops and the cafés. All around the Plaza Neuva, which is quite central in the city and not too far from the majestic Cathedral, you will find a host of these charming little tea rooms, known as teterias that are rich with teas you might have never encountered before.

Some teas come with milk, some with water, some with water and a host of greenery for flavour. The teas are all served in delightful looking glass and metal cups and often in a host of totally unique tea pots. You will smell the tea before you taste it. Rich aromas from all over Africa and Asia fill these little cafes. You could hear the Moorish music before you see it. The staff treat their tea very seriously and are more than used to people walking in off the street not knowing which to choose. They will guide you through the flavours and how they are served so you get the most interesting afternoon brew.

Some of the best to look out for are Sueños de Alambra, which comes with hot water, and Te Pakistani, which is served with hot or cold milk depending on what you ask for. There are a great number of fruit teas as well as herbal teas. But don’t expect many to come in a bag. These teas are as fresh as the oranges in Seville.

If you’re with young children, or even people who aren’t that into tea, then don’t worry, as there’s something extra special for them too. The milkshakes and the fruit juices in these accommodating tea rooms are to die for. A good one is called Limonada and is an Arabic juice of lemon and mint. Then quite a few of them also serve light snacks such as crepes or northern African sweet pastries and cookies.

You’ll find yourself wasting hours in these warm and cost little tea rooms. You could even do a crawl from one to the other all afternoon, soaking up tea like a sponge. Some of the best to look out for are on Calle Caldereria Nueva 4 and Calles Caldereria Nueva & Caldereria Vieja.

Cozy Hotels in Granada, Spain:

• Room Mate Shalma – 3-star Hotel – Double Room from €130
• Room Mate Leo – 3-star Hotel – Double Room from €107
• Hesperia Granada – 4-star Hotel – Double Room from €59

Photo of tea house in Granada, Spain by Hector de Pereda

so named because it follows the Otley Road which runs from Leeds city centre (starting as Woodhouse Lane), out to Far Headingley and beyond.

The Otley Run is a route well trodden by the student clubs and societies (frequently in fancy dress), and if you want to see a bit of the real Leeds outside the city centre, then this crawl will show you a side of the city that is both studenty and local, from friendly, cosy pubs to the more upbeat and trendy bars. So, hold onto your hats, I am now going to take you on the mother of all pub crawls:

1. Woodies Ale House, Far Headingley

This is the traditional start of the Otley Run, but Woodies is a great place to go for a drink in its own right. Close to Leeds Metropolitan University Beckett Park Campus, Woodies is loved for its good ales, and is fraternised by locals and students alike. It’s an old pub which is open plan and has a nice wooden interior and a beer garden. You can get Greene King and Ruddles here – so say no more!

2. The Three Horseshoes, Far Headingley

Heading back down the Otley Road in the direction of the city centre you next come to The Three Horseshoes, which is a small traditional stone built pub. There is a welcoming atmosphere, and the place is renowned for its pub quizzes and home cooked food.

3. The New Inn, Far Headingley

The next on the route is the New Inn, which is another pretty stone built pub which looks a bit like a country cottage. You can sit out on benches at the front and watch the world go by as you sip on a real ale, and if the weather’s cold, then you can lounge inside on their comfy chairs and sofas.

4. Headingley Taps, Headingley

The Headingley Taps has an interesting frontage that would not be out of place on the canalside in Amsterdam, but it’s actually like that because it used to be a water pumping station! Now it’s a Wetherspoon’s pub, and so has a fair selection of ales, lagers and other drinks at affordable prices. The service is friendly, and there is plenty of space to park your car at the front.

5. The Arc, Headingley

And now for something completely different – a modern structure in glass and concrete, The Arc really is in the shape of an arc, and has a decidedly contemporary and stylish feel. There are bars on two levels, a lovely view from the balcony, and a lawned garden. The drinks may be a little more expensive here, but the range of beers, wines and cocktails is top class.

6. The Box, Headingley

The Box also has a very urban and stylish feel, with a distinctly box-like exterior. It is a sports bar with screens showing all the big games, and it certainly seems to attract the sporty types. There is a good selection of drinks, and it is known for its large cocktails. Expect decent prices and fast service.

7. The Skyrack, Headingley

The Skyrack is another sports bar, and there are bouncers on the door. You can drink al fresco here if you wish, and they even have outdoor heaters to drive away any winter chills. If you fancy a game of pool there are a couple of pool tables in their own special area.

8. The Original Oak, Headingley

With a whopping great beer garden this pub is great for drinking outdoors, and they sometimes even have a barbecue on. This is one of the most popular student pubs in the area, with bars on two levels, sports screens, and sofas. With reasonably priced drinks this place quickly gets crowded, adding to its lively atmosphere.

9. The Hyde Park, Hyde Park Corner

Popular with students, indie rockers, and sports lovers, the Hyde Park tends to get crowded. They have regular quizzes, and even pool and poker tournaments. They do pub grub, but this is probably not the place to go for a quiet meal!

10. The Library, Woodhouse Lane

Housed in a beautiful municipal-style building, The Library actually used to be a library. They do a good selection of drinks at reasonable prices, and some decent pub food. They have some comedy nights and live music upstairs, making it a good place for small, intimate gigs.

11. The Packhorse, Woodhouse Lane

The Packhorse does a good pint, and attracts the serious real ale lovers. It has a decidedly more local feel than some of the pubs on the crawl. Loved for its character, this pub has been known to become a firm favourite with former students who have settled in the area.

12. The Eldon, Woodhouse Lane

Being right opposite the university, The Eldon is popular with both staff and students alike from that venerable institution. Here you will find a traditional pub interior of wooden screens topped by leaded glass where you can enjoy your pint of real ale in style. There are big plasma screens for watching the sports, but also places to sit where you don’t see them, if keeping an eye on the rugby or soccer is not for you. There is a menu of very reasonably priced pub food, including fish and chips, rump steak and other goodies.

13. The Fenton, Woodhouse Lane

Next on the crawl is the lively and friendly little pub known as The Fenton, which is renowned for its good and reasonably priced real ales. They have Tetley bitter, plus a couple of good guest ales, as well as a fair range of wines. There is also good pub grub with tons of chips! To keep you entertained there is a pool table and a digital juke box.

14. Strawberry Fields, (Strawbs) Woodhouse Lane

But to give you a complete change of scene – Strawberry Fields, aka Strawbs, is not really a pub at all. A cafe by day and a bar by night, you’ll know Strawbs when you see it, because the front is red with massive great strawberries painted on it. Here you can buy some terrific cocktails such as White Russian, Strawberry Sin, Banana Rumble, and a whole rainbow more of them. They also do alcopops, as well as draught and bottled lagers. And the real piece de resistance of Strawbs is that you can even get absinthe here! Mind how you go.

15. The Dry Dock, Woodhouse Lane

And finally we’ve made it to the end of our pub crawl – The Dry Dock looks like a washed up barge in the middle of the road opposite Leeds Met Uni, but in fact it’s a pretty cool pub, with a strong appeal to the alt punk, emo and screamo brigade. Having said that it is a friendly place, and you’ll love it if you like Green Day, New Order, Nine Inch Nails and the like. Here you can get a variety of beers and lagers at affordable prices.

What a long strange journey it’s been! So if you feel like reliving your student days, seeing another side of Leeds, and discovering some good pubs and bars in the process, then the Otley Run could be just what you need.

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Photo of beer ad in Leeds, UK, by Si Wilson

If you think Carnaby Street has lost its appeal of late, and is a bit to cool for school despite being full of chain shops, Kingly Court will put a smile back on your face.

Vintage boutiques, tiny little jewellery shops and enough crafty little places to grab any ‘last minute birthday presents’ in your lunch break. Here are my favourites:

Twinkled – 2nd Floor

Twinkled is a huge vintage Mecca on the second floor of Kingly Court. You’ll find anything from retro dresses to tableware and jewellery. The best buys are the household goods and accessories, but whatever your taste, you’ll find some retro and vintage goodies to suit you. The perfect antidote to all of the chain shops on Carnaby street.

Traffic People – Ground Floor

If you’re looking for a perfect timeless dress, this is the place to come. Reasonably priced at around the £50 mark, you’ll find a variety of colours, although the styles can be a little limiting. The staff are very friendly, and you’ll have fun. This shop has a concession in the flagship Topshop on Oxford Street, don’t pay extra in there, come here instead.

Bird Cage – 1st Floor

Bird Cage is the place to come for one-off gifts and lunchtime treats. Handmade purses in kimono fabrics, perfect jewellery, or lanterns. Whatever takes your fancy. If you don’t plan on spending any money until pay day, give this shop a wide berth. Otherwise you’ll come out with scented candles and all sorts of little trinkets you really didn’t need.

Black Pearl – 2nd Floor

This shop is great if you want to pick up something a little bit saucy. Nipple tassels ahoy! This is a great little shop to treat yourself to something fun. You can also pick up some great jewellery here. This is the perfect store for out of the ordinary items. Watch out for their special events as well, Cocktails and discounts all at the same time. Brilliant.

Mnini – 1st Floor

Mnini, despite it’s rather silly name, is cute. If you like your clothes to be one off ‘pieces’ then you’ll adore the collection in here. Well cut jackets and tailored items are the best buys, the rest of the items are a little over priced for what you’re getting. Hit this place in the sales and you’ll pick up some great bargains.

Marshmallow Mountain – Ground Floor

As well as a fabulous name, this vintage store is one of my favourite in London. Despite it’s highly sough after location, the prices aren’t too shocking, and you can pick up dresses for about £40. The shoes are fantastic, although as with most vintage shops, they do tend to be in the smaller sizes which is a shame. Everything is well laid out and the staff are helpful. It’s a joy to shop here.

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Photo of Kingly Court, London, UK by Lenkolaf