Palma at night

Written by Ross Fraser

Palma, the capital of Mallorca, is a European city that can beat many tourist cities hands down. Small enough to navigate your way around easily, but big enough to keep you entertained for a long weekend to a week.

To many people Mallorca is synonymous with drunken sun-burnt tourists and cheap package holidays. But step away from the mega resorts of Magaluf and Palma Nova and you will find the capital of Mallorca. Palma is a city with thousands of years of history and tradition but also grown up and modern. This blend of old and new has created a vibrant, cultural melting pot that is fascinating to explore and will leave you wanting to come back again and again.

As a weekend break spot Palma has many things to do on the ‘tourist trail’ – both the old Palma and the new Palma. Some you will know, some you may not, but they are all worth seeing if you get the chance to visit it.

Old Palma

Palma is layered with hundreds of years of history as the city changed hands from different civilizations. In order to get a better understanding of who lived here there are three places that you must see.

Banys Arabs

Situated in the gardens of Can Fontirroig in the Can Serra (near the cathedral) the Banys Arabs (Literally Arab Baths) are one of the few remaining examples of Moorish culture preserved on the island and also the single most important monument to Muslim domination of the island. The baths are made up of a square room with 12 columns which was originally used for hot baths. Build in the XI century and only remain in part – the cold baths no longer exist and it is suggested that the baths originally formed part of a Moorish palace.

Llotja Exchange

This now somewhat weather beaten 15th century Gothic building was originally built as the merchant house and stock exchange and turned Mallorca into a booming profitable island. Now the building stands testament to a bygone era and houses the odd exhibition into the bargain.

La Seu

You can’t come to Palma and not see the cathedral; it is one of the most striking buildings in the city. Construction of this stunning building started in the 13th century and took around 300 years to build. Predominately a Gothic building in design – however the main facade was replaced in 1851 after an earthquake. In 1903 to 1914 Gaudi carried out a number of renovations to La Seu opening up windows and adding new stained glass. The outcome of all this has created a hybrid of Renaissance and Gothic elements which mixed in with modern design create a striking and a must see piece of religious architecture.

Contemporary Palma

Spain to me is as much about art as it is history and the contemporary art movement has long been a key element in the success of many artists in Mallorca and across Spain. Thankfully Palma is blessed with a number of contemporary art venues that you should try and visit when you are there.

Pilar and Joan Miro Foundation in Mallorca

You cannot think of modern art without thinking of Joan Miró. And Son Abrines just outside Cala Major was the final home for Joan and his wife from 1956 until his death. Following his death, The Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation was the result of Joan Miró’s last will. This really is a truly magical place and one that cannot be missed from a visit to Palma.

Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum

Es Baluard (named so because of the ship yard that once stood there) now houses a contemporary gallery. The design of the building is one of the most striking things about it, rising like a concrete phoenix from the remains of previous buildings that once stood there. This gallery houses a collection of local Mallorcan work as well as work from a number of key 20th century including Rene Magritte, Oskar Kokoschka and Edouard Vuillard.

Museu d’Art Espanyol Contemporani – Fundacion Juan March

This is a great place to visit to get a true understanding of what Spain has given to contemporary art. There is a permanent collection of around 70 notable pieces from a selection of 20th century artists – Including Salvador Dali, Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso.

It’s easy to think of Spain and immediately think of Barcelona and Madrid, but Palma really is a fantastic city break destination and one that will always have a special place in my heart!

Find more information at:
Pilar and Joan Miro Foundation
Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum
Museu d’Art Espanyol Contemporani – Fundacion Juan March

Ross Fraser is a travel blogger who runs his own blog Europe Traveller. He is also extremely passionate about Majorca from his 20+ years of visiting the island. You can learn more about Palma on his site.

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Balcone view from the Hotel Belfast Paris.

Hotel Belfast Paris is located in the heart of the prestigious area Etoile-Champs Elysées, probably the closest hotel to the famed Arc de Triomphe and to the Champs Elysées. From our superior rooms we had our breakfast on the balcony with a view on the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, which was rather chic.

The building dates from the 18th century and is a classic Parisian building in all aspects. The venue sets an example of the refinement and elegance of the French classic style. While being in the center of Paris, the hotel offers a calm setting in which you can relax after a busy day in the city.

My luminous and spacious room offered modern comforts such as air conditioning, Internet access, LCD flat screen TV and soundproofed walls. It was decorated with beautiful antique furnishings and elegant fabrics. Although facing the street, the room was surprisingly quiet.

Another advantage of the hotel location is the Air France coach stop from Charles De Gaulle Airport and a metro and RER station entrance, both just in front of the hotel front door – so easy access to all major spots in Paris within minutes. The service minded staff makes you feel at home and I want to thank them all for making my stay memorable.

Of course, while there, as it was our first time in Paris, we went up to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and enjoyed the amazing view of the city. We saw as far as the business district called La Defense and on the other side the Louvre; also the Eiffel Tower and many Parisian building roofs that give the city its unique grey colour.

On the Avenue des Champs Elysées, we had fun getting through the huge 66 shop, with a wide display of famous brand items. In the Chocolate Bar Mauboussin, also on 66, av. des Champs-Elysées, I ordered a delicious chocolate.

As for restaurants in the area I had a great dinner at Graindorge, rue de l’Arc de Triomphe, very close to the hotel, and got delighted with their Flemish cuisine and excellent beer. Another memorable dinner was L’Angle du Faubourg, rue du Faubourg Saint Honore, especially their sublime dessert of pear with coffee. The area is literally crammed with exceptional restaurants that can satisfy everybody.

Hotel Belfast Paris is an excellent choice considering its superb location, high level of service and reasonable rates. Booking through the hotel’s website hotelbelfastparis.com guarantees the lowest rates, sometimes up to 20% cheaper than through third party reservation sites.

Choose Belfast for a unique stay in Paris close to the best parts of the city and all the great attractions. Not just for your stay but also for your wallet. To find similar hotels to this in these prices ranges or better, try explorotel.com/france/ile_de_france/paris/hotels/hotel_belfast

This is a sponsored post.

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The Balearic Islands lie between Spain and North Africa in the Mediterranean Sea. These beautiful islands are a province of Spain and are a popular travel destination. Balearic Islands holidays are perfect for travellers who want long sunny days, fun on the beach, good food and lively nightclubs. The average summer temperature for these islands is a balmy 29 degrees Celsius with little rainfall. There are four main islands each with its individual characteristics.

Ibiza is known as “’party central,” and is home to some of the most famous nightclubs in the world. Along with its lively nightlife, Ibiza has more than 80 different beaches to choose from. While some beaches are hot spots for the crowds, it is possible to find a more secluded place, to spend a day in the sun. There are plenty of water sport activities available on the island as well, including snorkelling, wind surfing, and sailing.

Majorca is another island that has plenty beaches and nightlife. In addition to the many water sports on this island, there is also golfing, horseback riding and go-carting. Majorca also offers many water parks and theme parks for the kids. Travellers will want to visit the many historic sites of this island. Ancient Roman ruins, a beautiful 13th century cathedral and medieval castles are all must sees while here.

Cala d'Alcaufar, Menorca

For travellers desiring a more relaxed and quiet pace, the Island of Menorca is perfect. This island is known as “the Jewel of the Balearics” and has more beaches than the other three put together. Rich in history, Menorca has many ancient sites and monuments to visit. The quieter pace makes this island perfect for families, although there are still plenty of water sports and the diving here is supposed to be the best the region has to offer.

As far as the cuisine goes, the fresh seafood tops the list among visitors as well as locals. There is myriad of other fine dishes to choose from including fine pastries and sweets, fine wines and other Mediterranean treats.

Beautiful beaches, exciting nightclubs and a rich history are what make these islands a perfect holiday destination. For travellers planning for Spain holidays these islands are not to be missed. Try Travelmatch.co.uk for great deals to the Balearic Islands.

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Boats in the Lake District

Written by Jen Smith

With the weak Euro against the pound, the tourism industry is hoping for a bumper year for UK holidays.

It is the family that many tourism operators are hoping will be returning to holiday in the UK. For the last 20 years, more and more families have been going abroad to Europe for their summer holiday and year on year the UK market has been decreasing. The UK seaside used to be thriving and although such places as Devon and Cornwall are still busy in the summer, on the whole, it is less popular. The UK has so many fantastic places like Scotland and Wales for walking, the Northumberland coast where there is 10 miles of coast with some of the cleanest and whitest sand in the country, down to Dorset and the Isle of White.

The UK of course does have a downside in the weather but what the UK lacks in sunshine, it makes up for in activities and good old fashioned fun. The Lake District is especially suited to families with its vast choice of activities. Firstly there are the fells. Walking and taking in the spectacular scenery in the Lake District is not only good exercise but it is free. Other activities in Cumbria and the Lake District are Muncaster Castle, the World Owl Trust, Ravenglass Steam Railway, Lake District Coast Aquarium, Puzzling Place and Derwent Pencil Museum in Keswick, Beatrix Potter Museum and cycling tours at Grizedale Forest. A trip to the Lakes isn’t complete without a boat trip. Windermere, Coniston, Ullswater and Derwentwater are the main lakes for boat trips. It gives a different perspective on the fells from the water than on land.

An organized Lake District family holiday break takes away all the stress of having to think of what to do each day. An organized package takes care of all the booking of venues and has an itinerary each day. This kind of holiday helps families get the most out of their District holidays and can include activities such as sailing, walking, museum trips, picnics and cycling. Many have been designed to enable families to spend time together but also making consideration for the parents by giving them a few hours of freedom with the children only activities.
 
The Euro is not the only reason UK family holidays are predicted to increase. The awareness of climate change and the impact of flying on the environment is something that is making families think twice about going abroad. A return flight from London to Barcelona for example produces half of tonne of carbon dioxide per person. That is an awful lot when compared with a return car journey from London to the Lake District which creates a 10th of a tonne of carbon dioxide. Once a family has realized what good they are doing for their children’s future, money saved and most importantly, how much fun can be had on a holiday in the UK, it is sure to make the UK tourism industry flourish once again.

Jen Smith writes about Lake District holidays and other travel related issues.

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Westminster Abbey

Written by Ronnie

If you’re visiting London, having a bit of insider information can turn that nice London vacation into a great pleasure.

You see, it’s only been through running our blog and the questions readers asked that I realised there are little things that we Londoners know that guide books never mention and visitors are never told.

We decided to bring out a free London mini guide, titled What Every Tourist Ought To Know About London, so everyone could have that insider information.

The guide is split into two parts. The first part is about things you need to think about and plan before you come to London. The second part has tips and advice for when you’re actually in London.

Do you know how to pick a good London hotel?

We didn’t want to go over ground that guide books usually cover. So, for instance, one of our chapters goes into how to pick a good London hotel using Tripadvisor.

Let’s face it, we all use Tripadvisor, but there’s a right way and a wrong way to use it. Now guide books don’t tell you what that is and in fact neither does Tripadvisor. But we do.

Also many people don’t realise that if you really want to know something about a city you need to read the bloggers who blog about that city.

I’ll tell you now, in London there are lots of blogs. So what we’ve done is highlight 15 of the best ones that we think cover every aspect of the city. I’m not saying follow each of them, but find a couple that you like and you’ll get a much greater understanding of London.

Other chapters in the first part such as what’s the best London travel guide, where to get the best Pound exchange rate and what to wear as a tourist will all help you save time and money in your prep for London.

What are you going to do when you get to London?

I’ve lived in London all my life and one of the advantages I say about living in London is it doesn’t matter where else you go in the world. Everything seems cheap to you.

London is expensive. This is why in part 2 of the guide we mention the Days Out offers, which give you 2 for 1 offers at various London attractions. We tell you how to get those offers, what stations to go to and what to ask for.

But London’s not just about sightseeing. If you don’t want to be conned or treated like a tourist you need to have a basic knowledge of how London works.

You see, London is the most diverse city in the world. All cultures are here. Yet a tourist still stands out like a sore thumb. To help you fit in more easily our 10 quick London tips is an essential read.

But one of my favourite chapters is the one about money saving tips that all Londoners know, but tourists don’t. This chapter alone makes the guide worth getting because it’s all too easy to fall into one of those traps.

I could go on and mention other chapters such as where and how much to tip or the one about what to do when it rains in London.

But I think the best thing to do if you’re visiting London is to download the guide from epok.com and if you have any questions to leave a comment below.

Ronnie is one of the co-founders of EPok.com; it helps visitors to London save money on eating out and going out in London. He also writes for their London blog 3 Guys on a London bus.

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A trip to London: Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace. If just reading this list makes your eye lids heavy then this tour guide is for you. London is the heart of the country and is home to National treasures (Eastenders excluded) but it is also a patchwork of different cultures and an influence which makes our country truly great and unique.

On the surface, London is the same as any metropolis in the world. Fast-paced, impersonal and cold but look deeper and you may well find more than meets the eye. If you baulk at the idea of history tours, why not join the Da Vinci Code tour? Retrace the story on foot and breathe fresh life into London’s landmarks for a more than reasonable £20.

Or if you’re a gossip magazine reader and the idea of spotting celebs has you foaming at the mouth, why not pop into Madame Tussauds and find them all under one roof? Although steer clear of the Alan Titchmarsh statue which is currently cleaned twice a week due to the amount of granny lipstick it attracts. Be impressed by their likeness or amused by their lack of, these statues even have their own fans on Facebook! If attractions, the thought of site seeing and west end shows has your pulse racing then why not research London theatre tickets to find the show for you. Popular on the West End at the moment is Wicked the Musical – definitely worth a watch.

London is also famous for its sporting history. Not only is it the home of the 2012 Olympics but it boasts five Premier league football teams. Even if you don’t follow a team, why not pick one and go for the day. Feel the joy of cheering along with 40,000 Chelsea fans or the pain that it is to be a “Hammer”.

If shopping is more your style then what more could you want than Oxford Street? World renowned with many of the major retailers such as Topshop housing flagship stores there and a gaggle of celebrities begging to turn on the famous Christmas lights each year.

Dining is a treat. London is a tasting platter of world cuisine from Celeb favorite The Ivy to a Chinese All you can eat buffet. All tastes are catered for. And when most of us are just hitting the sack, London hits the tiles. Drink in a Camden pub with Noel Fielding or schmooze over cocktails in Soho’s Geisha bar.

London may be the heart of the country but take the time to feel its beat and it’s likely to find a place in yours.

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Cala Mariolu © asibiri on Flickr CC BY 2.0

Written by Giulia Garau

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia looks like a large footprint. Sardinian people are known for their proud and mistrustful nature, but also for their hospitality: guests are sacred, treated with great warmth and respect. Let me lead you to discover Sardinia in the simplest existing way: through our five senses. This is the best way to enjoy Sardinia in its totality. Just take a little time, relax and enjoy your reading!

SIGHT

Dunes of Piscinas © perledivetro on Flickr

Sardinia is one of the less populated Italian regions and preserves unique and pristine landscapes. The dunes of Piscinas, the Sardinian desert, are the highest in Europe (they reach up to 100 meters), and the wide Gennargentu Mountains offers the chance to visit unspoilt landscapes and to admire endemic animal species. Of course, a beautiful view is also done by the beaches and the sea, for which the Island has become popular all over the world.

HEARING

Gruppo Folk “Città di Quarto” © cristianocani on Flickr

The music plays an important role in Sardinian culture. You can hear the folk music in every town festival, accompanied by the typical popular dances; very popular is the Cantu a Tenore, which has been classed among intangible world heritage by Unesco. The typical instrument which usually accompanies the dances is the Launeddas, consisting in three pipes and played using circular breathing.

TOUCH

Punta S'Arena

When I’m lying on the beach, I like the sand slipping through my fingers. In Sardinia there are both rocky hidden coves and large sandy beaches. Some beaches are very appreciated because of the whiteness and thinness of the sand, which is like flour. You can find them for example in Siniscola (Nuoro), Lido di Orrì (Ogliastra), Su Giudeu (Cagliari). Another beach I like is Is Arenas, in Oristano area, called the grains of rice beach thanks to the small grains of coloured quartz.

SMELL

Strawberry Tree © cristianocani on Flickr

What strikes the most are the smells of the vegetation, which you can smell everywhere, in large part characterized by the Mediterranean maquis: holm oaks, cork oaks, juniper trees as well as strawberry trees, myrte, cistus. Typical of rocky territories are also helichrysum and broom, while in non-rocky territories you can frequently see cistus, rosemary and mastic trees. The symbol flower of Sardinia is the wild peony.

TASTE

Sardinian Sweets © cristianocani on Flickr

The forced isolation over the centuries, due to the geographic position, enabled to preserve the ancient gastronomic traditions by using fresh and genuine products. Sardinian people use darum weath semolina to produce many varieties of pasta and bread, like the famous Malloreddus (typical pasta), Pane Carasau (typical thin bread). Starters are very important in Sardinian culinary culture, so people often open the meal with olives or a tasty piece of matured cheese. There is a large variety of sweets and cookies, many of them prepared with almonds; another common ingredient is the Sapa (cooked grape must syrup). The meals are accompanied by a large variety of regional wines, resulting from an ancient wine tradition (Cannonau, Vermentino, Nepente), and by very appreciated liquors (like Mirto — myrte liquor).

Giulia Garau works for Charming Sardinia Luxury Hotels, a travel agency based in Sardinia. She is a travel lover and writes for the blog www.charmingitaly.com, where she shares tips, information, suggestions and curiosities about Italian culture, traditions, and events.

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Rather than giving you reasons/excuses for my absence, I will only say that I’m glad to be back. Instead of transfering to Dreamhost I decided to stay with MediaTemple, for now. First out, some blog posts by various guest authors from around the world.

Pictured above, from a few days ago, two friends on the beach of Gullbranna and Tönnersa Nature Reserve in Halland, Sweden.

I hope you’re having a great summer so far!

Oh, and by the way, I’m happy to say that Travel Blissful was one of the 50 winners in Awarding the Web’s 2010 Top Travel Blog Award sponsored by Online Schools.

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The Uffizi Gallery at night

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cfwee/ / CC BY 2.0

Written by Roberta Leoni

The Uffizi Gallery is located in Florence, Italy. It was commissioned to be built by Cosimo I de Medici in 1560. The architect, Giorgio Vasari, began construction on what was to be the offices of the Magistrates for Florence. This is how the Uffizi (offices) got its name. When Vasari passed away the work was continued by Bernardo Buontalenti and Alfonso Parigi. Following the designs which Vasari had made the building was completed in 1581.

The Medici family had an extensive collection of artwork they either collected or had commissioned by some of the leading artists of the time. Such great masterpieces needed to be displayed. The Uffizi was the perfect place to do this. The works were put on display and anyone who wanted to view them simply needed to ask for a personal showing. The Uffizi Gallery opened its doors to the public in 1765. This makes it one of the oldest museums in the world.

Built in a U shape, the Uffizi Gallery is open at one end to overlook the Arno River. The entire building is a work of art on its own accord. The ceilings are painted with impressive art work as you walk in the main corridor. You will also find many sculptures and statues to hold your interest.

La Primavera - Alessandro Botticelli

There are works of art by some of the best artisans in Florence. Great painters like Michelangelo and Raphaello Santi have works displayed in the Uffizi Gallery. The museum is also home to collections from Botticelli and Tizian Flora.

You can spend three hours in the Uffizi and not see everything. The collection is massive. There are over 700 self portraits of the artists. Most of them were presented to the gallery by the artist, themselves. A few even made the trip to do so in person.

You will be able to see the wonderful Birth of Venus by Botticelli. Also in the gallery are works by Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio. There are 45 rooms on the second and third floors which comprise of the Uffizi Gallery. Each room is set to chronologically show style of painting throughout the ages. Although you may want to view every one of the beautiful pieces of artwork, there are more than just paintings. The Uffizi Gallery also has statues, tapestries, and an entire room devoted to miniatures.

If you want to gain entrance into the Uffizi Gallery, you can stand in line for a ticket. This line can move very slowly during the busy season. Typically, in July or so, the waiting can take hours. There is a way to avoid the queue. You can make reservations for a tour. There is a small fee of 3€ to place the reservation. When you show up at your appointed time, there is no wait. You just go to the second door and pay your entrance fee to begin your tour. It is well worth the added fee to know you will be able to view the exquisite masterpieces which are on display in the Uffizi Gallery.

Roberta Leoni writes articles for http://www.allflorence.com, a useful resource to find cheap apartments in Florence and 1&2 star hotels in Florence. Roberta is a tourist guide and specialises in the Uffizi Gallery history.

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After Storm © Ivan Cruz

After storm in the Carpathians, the largest mountain range in Europe.

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The Jurassic Coast

Written by Rebecca Tom

Wow, a real piece of dinosaur in your hand. It’s a possibility…

Fossil hunting is not just for geography and geology types — it’s a fun activity that can be enjoyed by anyone. Dorset, in the south of England, offers world-class fossil beds on beautiful shorelines where you can have a go at hunting for dinosaur bones and teeth. It’s  great fun for kids too, so why not head to Dorset? You never know what will turn up!

Dorset (and East Devon) are home to England’s only natural world heritage site, The Jurassic Coast — 95 miles of stunning coastline running from Exmouth to Studland that are designated by UNESCO as having ‘outstanding universal value’. The rocks there are truly special as the many fossils contained in them record 85 million years of Earth’s history, covering the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

You can easily spend hours on the Dorset coast looking for fossils. My favourite place for this is Charmouth. The beach has easy access, parking, a café and public toilets. It has an interesting Heritage Coast Centre on the seafront with plenty of information on the natural history and fossils of the area. The cliffs are world famous for their rocks and attract serious collectors and amateurs alike.

Walking down Charmouth beach at sunset © Rebecca Tom

There are plenty of fossils to be found all year round but the best time to look is during the spring or the winter months as there are less people about, and the storms and extreme high tides help to reveal new fossils. Charmouth is especially beautiful in the winter. Waves lash the coast and spray up over the sea wall, throwing large stones over the path at the same time. Surfers can be spotted too taking advantage of the wave power.

The most common type of fossil at Charmouth is the ammonite. They lived in the sea between 240–65 million years ago and belong to the group of predators known as the cephalopods. Living relatives include the squid, octopus, cuttlefish and nautilus. It’s amazing to discover these beautiful spiral shells and be the first human to hold them so many years after their death. Also in plentiful supply are belemnites. They first appeared around 208 million years ago and are relatives of the ammonites. Look in the shingle and on the tide line, especially as the tide starts going in. Try focussing on a small area and keep your eyes peeled.

At one end of Charmouth beach is Stonebarrow and at the other is Black Ven — the largest coastal mudslide area in Europe. Ammonite impressions can be found in the mud there but most are so delicate that they break up if not treated very carefully.

View from Charmouth © Rebecca Tom

To reach Stonebarrow you have to cross the river Char over a small bridge. Stonebarrow is good for ‘fools gold’ ammonites and crinoids – ‘sea lilies’ that are relatives of starfish. Beyond Stonebarrow is Golden Cap — the highest view on the south coast at 191m above sea level.

If you are lucky, you may come across a really amazing find (which must be registered with the World Heritage Team (01305 225101)). After heavy rain in 2000 local collector Tony Gill found the fossilised remains of a 5m long Heritage Centre.

The cliffs at Charmouth are prone to falling and can do so at any time. Mudslides also occur, especially after wet weather so keep an eye out and don’t take silly risks. Walking on the mud itself can be a mistake – my leg vanished up to my knee when I when I wasn’t paying enough attention to where I was putting my feet! Also, remember to check the tides and only set out along the coast during a falling tide. A table of the tide times can be bought in Charmouth Fossil Shop.

Durdle Door, a remarkable geological structure on the Dorset Jurassic Coast.

If this has got you interested in hunting for a dinosaur or two, why not check out some holiday cottages in Dorset, book up a few days away and see what Charmouth has to offer. Happy fossiling…

Rebecca Tom is from England and loves to travel. Her first trips outside of Europe were to Israel on a school trip and then to Thailand years later with friends. She has since been to Australia, South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and The Maldives. Next destination, Morocco.

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The coast of Nice © Lauren Salvitti

Written  by: Iain Miller

The Cote d’Azur, more commonly known in English as the French Riviera makes up the south eastern corner of France’s coastline. While this beautiful stretch of coast became one of the original resort regions in the world, it has always been a destination for travellers from other countries. The ancient Greeks came here to sell their wares to the local people and in the 1700s aristocrats from Britain used the Cote d’Azur as their favourite holiday area. In the 19th century the Russians made it into their summer retreat from St. Petersburg. The 20th century saw famous artists and writers frequently visit, as well as wealthy families from America and elsewhere in Europe. Some now refer to the Cote d’Azur as the “playground of the rich and famous”.

The Cote d’Azur sits on the Mediterranean Sea with the Alps in the background. The name comes from the beautiful azure color of the sea. The entire coastline can be travelled in 3 hours from St. Tropez to the Italian border. Some of the most glamorous beaches in the world are along this stretch of coastline. They tend to be narrow stretches of beach made up more of rock and pebbles than sand bordered by busy streets or highways.

• St. Tropez – The best beaches of St Tropez villas cover a 3 mile stretch that can be accessed easily by foot from town. Many people prefer the sandy expanses of beach farther from town called Les Salin and Plage de Pampelonne.

• St. Maxime – The beaches here are on a waterfront that is crammed with tall buildings, apartments, luxury villas and hotels. But it is considered to be a very affordable beach resort ideal for families.

• Cannes – Most of the beaches of Cannes belong to hotels and restaurants where visitors can rent lounges and umbrellas. There are also public beaches and facilities that rent sailboats. Find bargain hotels in Cannes and throughout France with Twenga.

• Antibes – This area boasts 48 beaches that include small inlets and rocky steeply sloped beaches located at the base of cliffs.

• Nice – These are probably the most well known and popular beaches of the Cote d’Azur. Some run along a public promenade and others are luxurious private beaches that offer restaurants and bars as well as equipment rental for a variety of water sports.

There are a number of wonderful reasons to visit the Cote d’Azur besides the beaches themselves.

Eastern Riviera sites:

Monte Carlo at night

• Monte Carlo in Monaco may be most famous for its casinos, but it also offers lush tropical gardens, the well known Formula One Monte Carlo Grand Prix, and the Monte Carlo Opera.

• The entire stretch of the Cote d’Azur is full of excellent art museums like the Musee Picasso in Antibes, the Fondation Maeght in St. Paul, and Musee Matisse in Nice.

Le Vieux Port

• Nice is known as the “Queen of the Riviera” and is well worth the visit to see its palaces, museums, mansions and extravagant hotels. A path along the sea called Sentier Tirepoil offers spectacular views.

Western Riviera sites:

• Moustiers St. Marie is an old village that sits at the base of a rocky cliff. A stream runs directly through the middle of the village, dividing it into two halves with a rocky canyon dotted with small waterfalls.

• The Verdon Gorge is a canyon that may the most beautiful one in all of Europe. Formed by River Verdon, it is 700 meters deep. The area is popular to those who like to hike and rock climb as well as kayak.

No matter your destinations in the Cote d’Azur or the time of year that you travel, you can count on the Mediterranean climate to be perfect for your visit. The summer days are hot and dry and the winters are quite mild.

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Liberty Department Store

Written by Fiona Hilliard

If Holly Golightly ever found herself in the midst of the mean reds while travelling through London, she’d surely find solace in the hallowed hallways of Liberty and Harrods. Who needs breakfast at Tiffany’s, when you can devour floor upon floor of weird and wonderful shopping experiences at two of London’s most exclusive luxury department stores?

Sitting snugly on the corner of Regent Street, Liberty has been providing customers with cute self-styled prints and quality designer goods from its charming mock Tudor façade since 1875. Liberty wouldn’t be British if it wasn’t just a little bit eccentric. So, how’s this for quirky — the store’s unusual timber exterior was constructed in 1924 and comes courtesy of reclaimed wood from two ships, HMS Impregnable and HMS Hindustan.

Before you even set foot in the shop, you’ll notice the remarkable window displays — heck, you might even want to photograph them. There’s good reason too. Liberty employs a team of specially trained window dressers to ensure that the windows look more like surreal art installations than run-of-the-mill dummies in frocks. They’re certainly a talking point, as are the freshly cut flowers that greet you at the entrance. And not a sheet of cellophane wrap in sight!

Once you enter the store you’ll find the ground floor split into various rooms, giving you the feeling that you’re visiting the lobby of a cosy stately home rather than a sprawling department store. Liberty’s founder Arthur Lasenby Liberty deliberately planned the building to look this way, saying at the time of its construction that he wanted customers to feel as if they were walking around their own home. The fireplaces definitely add to the effect. Anyone who has visited will agree that the laid-back ambience is a good bit different to the heaving crowds of  Topshop, Oxford Circus…

And so to Harrods. Of course you can get between the two using the Tube stops at Oxford Circus and Knightsbridge, but it is altogether much cleaner and calmer if you travel there with London car hire. By renting a car you’ll be free to shop at your leisure and you won’t have to worry about dragging shopping bags up and down staircases.

Harrods, Knightsbridge is a department store that needs little introduction.  It is brash, decadent and over the top, but in the most wonderful way.

The department store, as we know it today grew from very humble beginnings. Charles Henry Harrod established the business in the rough and ready East End area of London in 1834 as a grocery wholesale shop. With profits on the up, he was able to move to swish Knightsbridge in 1849. The building that houses the store today wasn’t completed until 1905 but over the next few decades, the company made steady progress snapping up property throughout London until it was itself bought over by the House of Fraser in 1959. Harrods remained under their management until 1985 when Egyptian shipping tycoons, the Fayed brothers splashed out £615 million on the store and set about blinging it up in their own inimitable style.

Indeed, since taking over the store, the Fayed’s have been busy putting their own distinctive stamp on the building, perhaps most noticeably through lavish Egyptian décor. Marble floors and walls give the impression that you’re wandering through a jewel encrusted Egyptian temple, while a specially employed opera singer belting out elegant arias assures you that this is a shopping experience like no other.

Two memorials commemorate the tragic deaths of Diana Princess of Wales and Dodi Fayed, Mohamed Al Fayed’s son. The first includes photographs of the couple above a pyramid shaped display case that contains a wine glass smudged with lipstick (said to be Diana’s from a Paris restaurant) and what appears to be an engagement ring, thought to have been purchased the day before they died. A second monument was constructed in 2005 close to the Egyptian escalator at door three. It is named “Innocent Victims” and is a bronze representation of the pair dancing on a beach. The jury is still out on whether the monuments are poignant or tacky.  Perhaps a little of both.

On a lighter note, anyone on the market for a new pet will find Chihuahua pups, rabbits and hamsters for sale upstairs in the pet department. Don’t forget to tog out your new canine companion in the latest designer gear from the nearby pet accessories department. See, Harrods has thought of everything — nothing is too excessive, eccentric or expensive.

Next time you’re in London, why not make the extra effort and go see what all the fuss is about for yourself? You’ll be glad you did. Check out TWENGA now for the best deals in hotels in London.

Fiona Hilliard usually writes about London car hire for award winning site ArgusCarHire.com.

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Thanks to co-founder Paul Iribarne, I received two complimentary audio tours, Buenos Aires – Palermo and Rome – Trastevere in late 2008. At first I wanted to wait listening to the tracks until I had visited these two neighborhoods in person. But since I haven’t traveled to neither Argentina nor Italy yet (and don’t know when it will happen), I rather share this with you today.

Steven and Paul, two former college roommates, assembled a dream team of professional tour guides, historians, talented writers and actors, local musicians, award-winning sound engineers, and hip web designers to fulfil their vision. The result speaks for itself — high quality, fascinating MP3 tours available in multiple languages for people all over the world. Online, rental or CD.

Made for independent travelers who want be immersed in new places, MPTours aims to provide touring experiences that will transport you into the heart of a city and appeal to all five senses. You only need an MP3 player or an iPod (and preferably comfortable shoes). No unnecessary schedules, boring tour guides, or waiting for others. You set the pace and decide what, where and when. If you notice a place that isn’t included in the itinerary, just press pause and return whenever you feel like it.

Each MPTour cost $ 14.99. Apart from the MP3 files, you will receive a printable PDF map that highlights points of interest. To get  a better grasp of the city, make sure to read the CITY INFO section before taking a tour.

Buenos Aires – Palermo

One of legendary writer Jorge Luis Borges’ celebrated areas – designer stores, high-class restaurants, superb architecture and bohemian flavor have made Palermo one of the most eclectic and popular microcosms in Buenos Aires.

Flamenco dancer at a restaurant in Palermo, Buenos Aires © Hernan Herrero

I instantly feel a liking to Marina, the narrator of Buenos Aires – Palermo, who has lived in the neighborhood since she was a little girl. She calls herself a “pioneer of the new Palermo” and combines travel tips with tales from her childhood (including where she had her first kiss at age 12 and an anecdote involving her grandparents). This mixture of personal stories and travel suggestions works very well, and the street sounds and relaxing background music further add to the quality of the tour. It consists of 12 tracks and shows you interesting aspects of Buenos Aires’ largest neighborhood.

Other Buenos Aires tours include Recoleta and San Telmo.

Rome – Trastevere

Discover the neighborhood locals call the “real Rome,” medieval Trastevere, where the rich and powerful once built luxury villas on the Tiber, and where today’s savvy Romans now come to shop, to eat and to play.

Trastevere © Carola Priore

Nina, the narrator of Rome – Trastevere, talks a bit faster than Marina and concentrates more on the sights but the two tours offer the same focus on quality and totally make me want to visit Buenos Aires and Rome to follow the tours on location. I would especially like to admire Nina’s favorite view in Trastevere.

The full San Francisco tour of  every neighborhood and landmark in the city also sounds appealing. And, whenever I finally travel to London, I look forward to experience the London audio tours of Brixton, King’s Road, Camden Town, Soho and Brick Lane. But for now, dinner and hopefully a good film with my housemates.

If you’d like to learn more about MPTours or purchase a tour, visit MP3 Audio Walking Tours of Buenos Aires, Rome, London and San Francisco.

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Dog sledding

Husky

Dog sled track

Husky dog sledding in Finland.

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