Escaping the frenetic pace of everyday life and taking a weekend away from it all is a popular pastime the world over. That is why searching for a bargain spa voucher or exclusive spa deals is so common amongst Google users – many are looking for that opportunity to take a relaxing retreat.

But which countries harbour the world’s best spas on their shores? We have compiled a list of the nations who seem best equipped to wind you down and re-invigorate your body.

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Connectify co-founder and President Bhana Grover on how every family member can enjoy your next long drive.

Written by Bhana Grover

As a mother of two growing kids, and co-founder of a growing tech start-up, I wear more than a few ‘hats!’ Like many parents, I often find myself rushing to make the carpool line after a last-minute, afternoon meeting is called in the office. It’s quite a juggling act, this whole work-and-family balance thing, and sometimes I have to take a deep breath and repeat my friend Annette’s mantra: “you’re going to miss these days, many years from now!”

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London: Portobello Road (& the Saturday market)

Rent an apartment for a weekend through somewhere like CityBaseApartments.com, who offer London apartments short stays and long stays alike. Nestled in West London’s rather salubrious Notting Hill area, Portobello road is a haven for treasure seekers and vintage lovers alike. Sauntering from the tube past Notting Hill’s white and decidedly summery-looking Georgian townhouses to Portobello Road is something to behold in itself – but as soon as you reach Portobello road, you’ll know about it. Curiosity shops of all shapes, sizes and persuasions offer Aladdin’s-Cave-style experiences, perfect for those with a taste for anything artistic, eccentric or outrageous.

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Canary Wharf at night.

London is renowned around the world for its diversity and attracts millions of tourists year after year. Visitors are never short of things to do in the English capital – after all, there are 32 different boroughs in Greater London — but there is no way that anybody can see everything worth seeing in London in one day. London is a long-stay city.

Apartment rentals in the capital are popular amongst tourists because they provide the opportunity to chill out in luxury and see the city in style. The attractiveness of Kensington and Canary Wharf apartments, for instance, as alternative ways to experience London is growing, even despite the recession.

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Luton Aiport

Many of us have to tighten our belts right now due to the global economic crisis. But with a little forethought you can still enjoy your annual trip away, it just takes a little bit more research and organisation to make sure you save as much money as you can.

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Scotland boasts some of the most beautiful places in the UK and offers plenty of life-affirming things to do. Every traveller most likely doesn’t want the same experience from a holiday and, unsurprisingly, Scotland can cater for this variety in hunger. The delightful capital city of Edinburgh can probably cater for most of that hunger alone.

For a start, it is the home of the legendary Fringe Festival — an event that attracts thousands of visitors every August. It goes on for the whole month and features some of the most creative people in the world strutting their stuff on the streets and stages. Edinburgh has one of the best shopping streets in the UK, too: the Royal Mile. Particularly lovely at Christmas time.

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For most couples, a successful honeymoon holiday requires more than a spontaneous last-minute trip somewhere sunny. Zac Grace offers suggestions on how to prepare for that special trip.  

Princess Cruises’ Emerald Princess courtesy of  Franz Neumeier

Written by Zac Grace

It’s easy for a bride to get swept away with the excitement and planning of their wedding that the honeymoon becomes an afterthought. However, the honeymoon is the start of a couple’s life together and deserves to be just as important as the wedding planning. It’s a time not only to relax, but a getaway that will be both memorable and something a couple with cherish for years to come.

Planning the perfect honeymoon can add unwanted stress to an already busy time. Follow the ideas below to make the planning easy.

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