Travel and tips

Holidays to Turkey are perfect for the Brits who enjoy year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches. From the sandy to the pebbled, the beaches offer the opportunity to parasail, water ski, jet ski and snorkel.
Turkey is where Europe and Asia collide and both continents have had strong influences on the country. For holidaymakers who enjoy culture and good food, Turkey is a great, holiday destination. You will find delicious and exquisite local food. There are also plenty of museums, and old ruins to visit and explore Turkey Holiday resorts.
Britons from the United Kingdom, love to holiday in the Dalaman Region. There are plenty of lovely accommodations and many things to do. The nightlife in particular, is very exciting, with many different options. There is nearly something for everyone to enjoy. Some popular stops in Turkey are the tomb of King Mausolous, which is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. St. Peter’s 15th century castle is also a draw. The city of Izmir is also a hot destination for individuals who enjoy holidaying in Turkey. Izmire was totally rebuilt after the 1922 fire destroyed it, so it is a very modern city with modern architecture. Those who enjoy partying can party at night, while those who prefer to take it easy and enjoy the scenery can relax at the parks, or on the beach. Cheap Holidays To Turkey – Turkish HolidaysTurkey is a great destination to spend the holidays. You will find plenty of sunshine, lots of beaches and beautiful mountains. Between the months of April and October, you will be able to most enjoy Turkey outdoors. So if you are an outdoorsman, this period would be the best time to visit. However, if you can have just as much fun indoors, it’s important to note that Turkey is a good place to visit during both the summer and winter seasons. If you aren’t sure where to stay while in Turkey, here are a few of some of the most popular resorts: Gumbet, Dalyan, Turunc, Kas, Icmeler and Altinkum.

A millennium of history together with an unparalleled range of sporting and cultural attractions make the UK one the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
London:home of cool BritanniaOne of the true great cities of the world, London is a year-round tourist mecca. Few cities can offer the wealth of historical and cultural splendour that London does. From the pageantry, pomp and ceremony of the royal quarter to the sheer elan of the theatres and clubs and shopping, London is a world unto itself.
transport:getting there and getting around:The UK has excellent transport network of domestic flights, coaches, and railways. There are ferries from Europe and Ireland and trains from France and Brussels via the Channel tunnel. London is the center of the UK rail network with seven major lines converging on the capital. ClimateThe weather is the main preoccupation of the British and with good reason – it’s so unpredictable. The capricious nature of the weather can result in some surprises and it’s wise to be prepared for anything. But on the whole, the climate is temperate. Temperatures in summer range from 14-30 Celsius. In the winter, temperatures plunge to 1-5 C, the days are short and dark and frosts and snow are the order of the day.
accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resortsCheck on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in LondoneventsOther than all-year round concerts, sports events, plays and shows, there are world-famous annual events too. For sports fans there’s Wimbledon in May and classical music buffs can attend the proms, a series of concerts in the Royal Albert Hall during August.
If you enjoy a touch of pageantry, you can enjoy the changing of the guard in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace at 11:30am every day in summer and every other day in winter. And if you’re there in April, don’t miss the trooping of the colour on the Queen’s birthday.
Birmingham:city of a thousand delightsOnce called the ‘city of a thousand trades’, Birmingham is now home to the UK’s second largest population and a gateway to the heart of England. Birmingham is now home to a broad array of visual and performing arts, music and theatre from such institutions as the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Birmingham Royal Ballet.
transport:getting there and getting around: From London, you can reach Birmingham in just 2 hours and 30 minutes along the M40. Birmingham International Airport (BHX) connects with many far-flung destinations including Dubai, Chicago and New York. Birmingham is also a hub for long-distance rail and coach services. Birmingham New Street Station is the major train station. For long distance coaches, the coach station in Digbeth. Local buses are boarded at the Bull Ring bus station. Birmingham also has an extensive network of cycle routes.
Accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in Birmingham.
events*Birmingham social and entertainment calendar is filled with concerts, art exhibitions, and comedy shows. Here are just a few of the most popular.
*With a large Irish population, one of the years most exciting events is the St Patrick’s Day Parade Festival held in March. *September ArtsFest: This is the UK’s largest free arts festival. It draws over 100,000 visitors each year.
Manchester:soccer mecca and cool, green metropolisFamous now for its high-profile soccer teams, Manchester is another British city with a history dating back to the Romans. transport:getting there and getting around: Efficient transport services make Manchester the gateway to the North of England. Trains regularly connect with London Euston. Journey time is around three hours. National Express coaches serve Manchester from a variety of destinations. Manchester International Airport connect with a range of domestic and international destinations. Public transport in Greater Manchester includes buses, coaches, Metrolink trams, and the local rail network. accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in Manchesterevents*Manchester Jazz Festival 21 – 28 July, citywide. The best contemporary jazz from the north and beyond.
*Manchester Pride. 17 – 27 August Manchester’s annual gay festival.
*Manchester Food and Drink Festival in October celebrates the finest Mancunian food and drink.
*Manchester Christmas Lights Switch-on in November at Albert Square. Celebrate the beginning of the festive season.

Spain, storied land of Don Quixote, is blessed with a delightful climate, relaxed people and a culture that makes wining and dining an art form. Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resortsCheck on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in SpainMadrid:royal city of artistsMadrid lacks the antiquity of other European capitals. It only became the capital in the second half of the 16th century when Phillip II plucked it from obscurity to become the seat of his court.
Transport: getting there and getting around Barajas, Madrid’s huge modern airport, offers metro connections to downtown.
The metro is a great way to get around the city and there are also buses. Plus, the compact city centre is good for walking and taxis are cheap.
climateGenerally, just about everywhere in Spain is pleasant from April to early November. However temperatures can drop to freezing in Madrid between December and February while in July and August the city smoulders with temperatures above 30 C.
AccommodationCheck on the internet for the range, location and cost of Madrid hotelsevents:what’s on and what’s hotFestivals are part of the fabric Spanish social life and the best held between Semana Santa (the week before Easter Sunday) and from September to October.
*Carnevale (February to March), *the Fiesta de la Comunidad de Madrid (2 May) *Fiestas de San Isidro (15 May) *If bullfights are to your taste, you can head to the world’s biggest bullfighting ring, the Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas. The season begins in February with main event being the mid-May feria, a four week bullfighting extravaganza during the festival of San Isidro.
Barcelona:homage to CataloniaAfter a 20 year transformation, Barcelona is now a vibrant and fashionable metropolis though still rooted in the traditional Spanish spirit.
Transport:getting there and getting aroundBarcelona airport is 7.5 miles southwest of the city. It receives many direct flights from North America and Europe. You can also get there by international train or by ferry from the Balearic Islands and Italy.
The metro is the fastest and easiest way to get around the inner city area. Barcelona is pedestrian-friendly, too.
Climate: Pleasant for most of the year with best weather from May to the end of July. September is also good. Temperatures in August can reach 34°C, perfect for a siesta. October and November are a little cooler with a chance of rain. January is the coldest month with maximum temperatures averaging 13°C.
Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resortsCheck on the internet for the range, location and cost of Barcelona hotels Events:what’s on and what’s hot Barcelona celebrates 15 official holidays a year. These include all major Catholic festivals together with New Year’s Day, Labour Day and Spanish National Day on 12 October).
*Carnaval in February-March is a ten-day long event featuring dancing and fancy-dress parades.
*Dia de Sant Jordi on 23 April celebrates Catalunya’s patron saint. *Festival del Grec, held from late June to August, features music, dance and theatre. *Festes de la Merce, celebrated around 24 September, features concerts, dancing, a cross-harbour swimming race, and a (fire race). *International Jazz Festival from late October through to the end of November.

South America is a vast continent of jungles, rain forests and some of the world’s most exciting cities. Miles and miles of fabulous beaches, soaring mountains and a passionate culture that thrives on music and dance make the region a must for a holiday. Rio de JaneiroRio sits between lush mountains and the glorious beaches fronting the Atlantic and is a true city of the imagination. The pulse of the samba is rarely absent from this city in which every day is a celebration.
ClimateLike all of coastal Brazil, Rio is sultry and humid for most of the year. Summer temperatures hover around 28 C. The rainy season occurs from October to January. Winters in Rio feature temperatures of around 23 C.
Transport:getting there and getting awayFlights connect Rio with all of Brazil and Latin America, as well as many other major cities. Buses depart for most destinations from Novo Rio Rodoviaria.
City buses are often crowded and struggle through Rio’s traffic. Rio has an excellent, air-conditioned subway system but it only covers points north of Botafogo. Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Rio de Janeiro hotelsEvents:what’s on and what’s hot*Carnaval is the five-day internationally-famous extravaganza beginning at midnight on the Friday before Ash Wednesday. Dancing, parades, head-dresses and flaunted bodies make up this unforgettable spectacle.
*The Fiestas Junina’s is celebrated in public squares throughout June. *August 15 sees music, colorful stalls and a parade celebrating the Festa de NS da Gloria do Outeiro.
*Festa da Penha is one of the largest religious festivals in the city. It’s held every Sunday in October.
Buenos AiresWith its fading architecture, grand boulevards and old-style cafes Buenos Aires seems like an European city of another era. Transport:getting there and getting awayBuenos Aires is a major transport hub for the southern part of South America. The city has two airports: Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarni (known as Ezeiza), for international flights. Domestic and regional flights use Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (Aeroparque) which is just five miles out of town. Both airports can be reached by bus. Getting around Buenos Aires is easy. The city boasts an efficient underground known as the Subte and a round-the-clock bus system. Plus the major tourist attractions are near each other so it’s well worth exploring on foot.
ClimateSummers are hot with the temperatures reaching 40 C and winters can get very cold. Spring (October to November) and Autumn (March to May) are warm and pleasant. Rain can come at any time but it tends not to be heavy.
Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Buenos Aires hotelsEvents* Buenos Aires Tango is a tango festival that takes place between late February and early March all over the city. * The Feria del Libro annual book fair celebrates Latin American literature in April at the Centro Municipal de Exposicions. * Mid-May sees the art fair, Arte BA.
*More tango related activities on June 24 when aficionados remember Carlos Gard el, the man who made the tango famous. *December features the Campeonato Abierto Argentino de Polo.
Sгo Paulo Sгo Paulo is the largest city in South America. It’s also Brazil’s most cosmopolitan and boasts pulsating nightlife, fine restaurants and an impressive cultural and arts life. Transport:getting there and getting awaySгo Paulo has three airports: Sгo Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU, for domestic and international flights) and Congonhas, (CGH, for domestic flights).
The city is very congested so the subway is the best method of getting around.The buses are very crowded.
ClimateNot as pleasant as other Brazilian cities but generally warm and sunny all year round. Rainfall is highest during the summer months.
Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Sao Paulo hotelsEvents*Sгo Paulo Fashion Week is the crowning event in the Brazilian fashion scene.
*Sгo Paulo Gay Parade in June features a huge carnival.
*Brazilian F1 Grand Prix is in October.

South Africa is a land finally moving ahead after a long period of troubles. It offers a magical tourist experience with its natural splendour, wildlife and pulsating cities.
JohannesburgJohannesburg, a vast brassy, metropolis bursting with contrasts, is the place to visit if you want to understand the real South Africa. Transport: getting there and getting awayJohannesburg International Airport (JIA), is conveniently reachable from both Pretoria and Jo’burg. It has flights all around the country. The major destinations are served by a number of budget airlines. International bus services connect Jo’burg with the nearby countries of Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. ClimateBoth Johannesburg and Pretoria can be oppressively hot in summer. Winters can get cold. Accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Johannesburg hotelsEvents: what’s on and what’s hot*The grand event of the year is the Arts Alive Festival which runs throughout September and October. The event showcases the talents of the country’s rich cultures which were long suppressed.
*The Rand Easter Show at the National Exhibition Centre in April*Jo’burg Jazz Festival in late September*The annual Gay Pride March held on the last Saturday of September.
Cape TownThe Table Mountain crowns this city but it also boasts magnificent beaches and starky beautiful landscapes and a host of flora and fauna. Transport: getting there and getting awayMany international flights connect with Cape Town. Trains and buses are available both departing from the Cape Town train station.
Taxis and ‘Rikki’ transporters will get you around the city. Minibus taxis and an efficient bus system are other choices.
ClimateWinter (June to August) can be miserably cold and wet with temperatures ranging from 7 C to 18 C. Summer, (December to March) tends to be very hot, maxing out at 26 C, and tempered by winds known as the Cape doctor.
Accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Cape Town hotelsEvents: what’s on and what’s hotCape Town is a happening place with something going on every week*January sees outdoor arts performances *October features a Food and Winde Festival*December features Carols by Candlelight in the Company’s Gardens.
*December is also the month for the Cape Town Queer Project. Outrageous fancy dress is the order of the day. DurbanBeaches on the Indian Ocean, sub-tropical jungles and a proud Zulu culture define Durban. The modern city is sophisticated and at night pulsates with taverns, lounges, theatres, discos, pubs and clubs. Transport: getting there and getting aroundDurban International Airport handles both domestic and international flights, with regularly-scheduled service to Swaziland, Mozambique, and Mauritius. Durban is South Africa’s largest port and the busiest container port in the Southern Hemisphere. Trains from Durban Railway Station connect with Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Taxis, minibus taxis and Zulu rickshaws offer transport around the city ClimateMild in both summer and winter. Rain is more common between October and May, and winters can get quite chilly in the evenings.
Accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Durban hotelsEvents: what’s on and what’s hot*March features Time of the Writer, Durban’s literature festival, at the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. *Comrades Marathon in June is run through the valley of a thousand hills in Natal, South Africa. *Durban International Film Festival is held in June at the Centre for Creative Arts.

Lands of fjords and the midnight sun, Scandinavia is a realm where ancient sagas spring to life, stave churches cling to hills on forlorn shorelines, and the legacy of the Vikings still lingers.
OsloCapital of ruggedly beautiful Norway, Oslo is a laid back city with plenty to see and do. Transport:getting there and getting aroundOslo is well connected my air from Europe and North America. The international airport is located in Gardermoen, 30 miles north of the city. Bus services connect Oslo with other Scandinavian countries, Germany and Russia. There are ferries between Oslo and other Scandinavian countries along with the UK and Germany, and trains link Oslo with Stockholm, Copenhagen, Hamburg and London.
Getting around Oslo is a snap due to its efficient subway and a range of buses, streetcars, taxis, and ferries on the fjord. Oslo is a compact city so walking is a fine option.
ClimateCompared to the rest of Scandinavia, Oslo weather is relatively benign. May to September offers long sunny days with temperature of around 16 C and up. Its coastal location make it prone to rains, however. Winter is a time of deep freezing cold with the mercury hitting 1 C in the south though the Gulf Stream keeps the coastal areas from icing up. In winter, Oslo is shrouded in snow and gloomed in perpetual twilight.
Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Oslo hotelsEvents:what’s on and what’s hot*Constitution Day (17 May) is the big bash of the year. Norwegians enjoy dressing up in traditional folk costumes. *Midsummer’s Eve is another biggy. This is celebrated with beach bonfires.
StockholmStockholm is a dream city of parks and waterways, churches, gardens, museums, palaces and castles. It’s a lively place too with a maritime cast and a cosmopolitan feel owing to a high immigrant population.
Transport:getting there and getting around Stockholm’s Arlanda airport is 28 miles north of the city. Long-distance buses use Cityterminalen which is situated adjacent to Centralstationen. From here, direct trains link Stockholm with Copenhagen, Osla, Storlien (for Trondheim) and Narvik. Ferries are available too to Helsinki and Turku.
ClimateSweden’s northern location results in a cool temperate climate. Rain is frequent all year round. Summer is delightful in Stockholm with an average of nine hours of sunshine daily between May and July. Winters are far less pleasant being, chill dark and often snowy. Temperatures average -1 C between January and March and 16 C from July to August.
Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Stockholm hotelsEvents:what’s on and what’s hot*The Summer Music Festival held at the Drottningholms Court Theatre lasts from late May through August. Enjoy performances of opera, classical music and ballet.
*A Taste of Stockholm in early June showcases the countries cuisine. The city’s restaurants set up in the central Kungstradgarden to offer food, drink and entertainment. *Mid July is the time for the Stockholm Jazz Festival blows and the gay and lesbian Stockholm Pride event is held in early August.
*The Stockholm International Film Festival is held in November. It’s one of the few existing 24-hour film festivals.
HelsinkiHelsinki is an elusive entity. It emanates touches of Sweden and of Russia but nevertheless manages to remain very much iteself. It’s an open city of parks and waterways fresh with winds blowing in from the sea. Transport:getting there and getting awayYou can reach Helsinki by air or train from Russia or by ferry from Sweden, Germany or Estonia. Helsinki Vantaa International Airport (HEL) is situated about 12 miles from the city centre.
Helsinki has one of Europe’s best public transport systems with the metro, trams, buses and ferries all accessible with a single ticket. It’s a company city, too, so walking is a pleasure. Plus there are extensive cycle trails with bikes for rent from coin machines.
ClimateWinds from the Gulf Stream and the Baltic Sea gives Helsinki enjoys a more benign climate than most of Finland. Nevertheless, winters are dark and freezing with temperatures ranging from -3 C to -5 C. The summer months from are June through September are very pleasant with temperatures of around 25 C.
Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Helsinki hotelsEvents:what’s on and what’s hot*Vappu, the May Day festival is a time for alcoholic overindulgence.
*Helsinki Day on 12 June celebrates the city’s anniversary. *The summer sees free classical and pop concerts every Sunday in Kaivopuisto park. *The crowning event of the year is the Helsinki Festival from late August through to early September which celebrates the arts

New Zealand’s wild, elemental beauty made it the perfect locale for filming Lord of the Rings. For this is a raw land of sheer mountains, icy glaciers, swift flowing rivers and geysers that spout from the hot earth.
Auckland:city of sails New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland sprawls scenically around a range of inlets and bays. Lapped by the waters of the Pacific, Auckland has a distinct seafaring air to it.
transport:getting there and getting aroundAuckland is New Zealand’s centre for international flights. You can take direct flights from here to all Australian airports, the US west coast, many Asian destinations, and London and Frankfurt. There are also a wide range of domestic flights.
Regular bus services connect Auckland with major towns and tourist attractions. And there are morning and overnight trains to Wellington daily.
Auckland is a sprawling city so walking is not convenient. Car hire or cycling are the most convenient ways to get around.
climateAuckland’s coastal location keep temperatures lower than the in the hinterlands. Temperatures hover in the mid-20°s in summer and it rarely freezes in winter.
accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resortsCheck on the internet for the range, location and cost of Auckland HotelsEvents Summer is the time when Auckland comes to life though there’s something happening all year round. *In January there are the Open Tennis Championships. *Also in January is the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, commemorating the arrival of Captain Hobson in New Zealand. *Pasifika Festival in March celebrates Polynesian culture through music and performances at Western Springs. *Ellerslie Flower Show at the Botanic Gardens in November showcases the city’s blooms *The Auckland Cup is held at Ellerslie Race Course December. Wellington As New Zealand’s capital, Wellington is home to the imposing administrative buildings of government. It’s an attractive city with a splendid harbour and terraced hills.
transport:getting there and getting aroundAir New Zealand offer direct domestic flights between Wellington airport and most major centres, including Auckland, Christchurch Regular ferry services connect Wellington with Picton on the South Island. Wellington is an important junction for bus travel, with buses north to Auckland and all major towns in between. Wellington has a train station, an efficient local bus system, many car-hire companies, and taxi services.
climate:Wellington’s coastal location gives it the reputation for being windy.
Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resortsCheck on the internet for the range, location and cost of Wellington hotelseventsAs the nation’s capital, Wellington is the centre for a host of cultural and sporting events* Wellington Cup Week in January features racing, live music, fashion in the field, celebrity judges. *February New Zealand International Arts Festival*New Zealand Festival (Biennial) October is a busy month with Wellington Fashion Festival and Wellington International Jazz Festival.
Christchurch:springboard into natureThe South Island’s largest city, Christchurch is traditionally a springboard for forays into the nearby mountains, plains, beaches and lakes. However, Christchurch has many attractions of its own to offer.
transport:getting there and getting around Christchurch is the main international gateway to the South Island. Flights connect with Australia and a few other countries. The airport is about seven miles from the city centre. There are also trains and a cheap and efficient bus service.
accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resortsCheck on the internet for the range, location and cost of Christchurch hotelsevents:*February Christchurch Festival of Flowers – an international floral celebration in the garden city. *August Christchurch International Jazz Festival – a celebration of jazz, wine and food featuring international and local talent.

Steeped in antiquity yet bursting with all that’s fashionably modern, Italy is the birthplace of La Dolce Vita – the sweet life that celebrates beauty and happiness. ClimateWinters are long and cold in the northern alps; the summers can be rainy with frequent storms. The far south is warm but often lashed by the sirocco – the hot and humid African wind that brings weeks of stifling heat to the areas south of Rome. Pleasant temperatures make spring and autumn the best times to visit Italy.
Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in ItalyMilan:cutting edge design and fine shoppingMilan’s drab facade belies the fact that it’s the innovation capital of Europe. transport: getting there and getting around Malpensa airport, located about 31 miles northwest of Milan, handles most international flights. For domestic and some European flights, Linate airport is used. Stazione Central, which as the name suggests is in the city centre offers an extensive rail network. Milan has an efficient public transport system is efficient. It includes four underground lines, buses and trams. climateOther than the odd heat wave, the climate in Milan is mostly temperate.
accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Milan hotelsevents:what’s on and what’s hotFor all its consumer-driven culture, Milan celebrates the spiritual as well as the worldly. *The first ten days of June celebrate the Festa del Naviglio, a potpourri of parades, music and various performances. *The Milan Jazz Festival gets the city swinging in November. *The Festa di Sant’Ambrogio, on 7 December is celebrated with services, offerings and fairs around the Fiera di Milano. This is also the day that Milan’s renowned opera house La Scala opens its season.
Rome:the eternal cityDrenched in history and weighted with monuments famous the world over – the Vatican and the Colosseum, Rome stands as the epitome of history and culture.
transport:getting there and getting away Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) airport is 16 miles southwest of the city with the Stazione Termini direct train running hourly into the city. The main bus station is located outside the Stazione Termini. The Rome Metro service has two lines, both of which go through Termini. It runs from 5:30 a.m to 11.30 p.m. and 0:30 on Saturdays.
climateThe climate is mild with sunny skies and pleasant temperatures. However July and August can be oppressively hot, November is often rainy, and December to February can be chill. accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resortsCheck on the internet for the range, location and cost of Rome hotelsEvents: what’s on and what’s hot*Holy Week (Easter) is time when Catholics from all over the world arrive on pilgrimages to visit the city’s churches and to hear the Pope at the Vatican. On Good Friday a procession of the Cross goes from the Colosseum to Capitoline Hill.
The Estate Romana (Roman Summer), is at the heart of Roman social life from June to September. It’s a time when the city reverberates to free concerts, street theatre and outdoor cinema. In September museums, galleries and shops stay open all night from 20:00-08:00 on the occasion called Notte Bianca (white night). It’s also a time of free concerts and other happenings all over the city.

As a holiday destination, Germany has a lot going for it – fashionable and dynamic big cities, quaint towns straight out of the Brothers Grimm, deep forests, fairy-tale castles, and to top it all off, an unequaled range of beers. ClimateLocated at the heart of Europe, Germany has a temperate climate with regional variations. The best weather is from May to October. Winter is freezing and wet.
Berlin:finally in from the coldThe fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990 ushered in a new era for this city, long cloak and dagger capital of the cold war. The Berlin of today is a dynamic and creative city with abundant theatre and music with imposing public buildings, splendid museums, sophisticated restaurants, and a host of pubs and clubs. Transport:getting there and getting around Berlin is not well served with direct flights. Connections are usually made through hubs like Frankfurt or Amsterdam. You can reach Berlin by bus from most European cities and German trains run like clockwork.
Berlin is walker and cyclist friendly and its underground system, the U/S Bahn is efficient. There’s a new tram system in the eastern parts of the city.
ClimateRain is possible in any month. The winter months from November to early March, tend to be gloomy with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Berlin hotelsEvents:what’s on and what’s hot Berlin’s calendar is loaded with annual fairs, festivals, concerts and parties.
*The Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival), the world’s second largest, is held in February. *April sees Festage (Festival Days) a host of gala concerts and operas held over 10 days. *Christopher Street Day in June is Berlin’s big gay event. *August features JazzFest Berlin.
*In November Christmas markets are held throughout the city.
Munich: Bavarian good livingCapital of the southern province of Bavaria, Munich brings to mind images of ledehosen and raised foaming steins of beer. In fact Munich is a sophisticated city that’s home to a multitude of cultural offerings including museums and a lively arts scene.
transport:getting there and getting around Munich’s Franz-Josef-Strauss Flughafen serves flights bound for Europe, New York and Sydney, either direct or via Frankfurt. It also connects with many German cities daily. Rapid trains connect with all the major German cities as well as Vienna, Prague, Zurich, Rome and Paris. Getting around Munich is easy via an excellent public transport network which includes an underground and buses. You can also cycle.
climateMay to September are the finest months. April-May and September-October offer sunny weather too. November to March is a time of sub-zero temperatures and sunless skies.
Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Munich hotelsEvents:what’s on and what’s hot Munich features events and festivals all year round.
*Fasching in January is a bawdy six-week-long extravaganza of street parties and balls. *Lent comes to an end in March with Starkbierzeit, a time for quaffing strong brews*April is the time for a mini Oktoberfest known as Fruhlingsfest.
*June features the Munich Film Festival. *Christopher Street Day in July is a three day gay fest, celebrated with street parties. *Oktoberfest, the world’s premier pub bash, is held, surprisingly, in September. Frankfurt:big city with a heartFrankfurt is often seen as a neat and tidy business city with no real soul. In fact Frankfurt spends more on the arts than other city in Europe and there’s always something on at one of its many museums. transport:getting there and getting around Frankfurt is the major European rail and air transport hub. Flughafen Frankfurt-am-Main receives flights from all over the world and Hauptbahnhof is Germany’s busiest main train station. Long-distance buses connect Frankfurt with almost all countries in easter and western Europe.
Frankfurt is not a practical city for walking. Luckily, it has a first-class public transport system composed of the city’s bus, tram, S-Bahn and U-Bahn lines. Cycling is also an attractive option as most streets have designated bike lanes. climateTypical for Germany with freezing winters with frequent storms. The summer months of June to August are hot and prone to afternoon thunderstorms.
Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Frankfurt hotelsevents:what’s on and what’s hot*February in Frankfurt is marked with the pre-Lent Fastnacht parades. *In March, there’s the International Music Trade Fair.
*Summer has many events to celebrate Frankfurt’s famed apple wine.
*In July, the riverside springs to life for Museumsuferfest with art, music and exhibitions. *September/October is the time for the world’s largest Book Fair, and the International Jazz Festival.

France is the world’s most popular tourist destination and with good reason. From the cultural splendour of Paris to the snowcapped ski resorts in the French Alps to the golden beaches of the south, France has treasures in every corner. And there are wonderful hotels, too. Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in FranceParis: city of light, fashion and romanceThink of Paris and see what images cascade through your mind – chic cafes, broad boulevards, Seine riverboats, the Eiffel tower, Notre Dame Cathedral….Paris is the quintessential capital of romance and style, the home of chic.
transport:getting there and getting aroundCharles de Gaulle airport is the main gateway to the country. France also boasts an impressive rail network. It will whisk you anywhere in the country and also to London, Amsterdam and Brussels. There are also ferries to the UK and Ireland.
Paris is a great walkers’ city and there’s always the metro if you get footsore or too hot. However, Paris is not cyclist-friendly. The river boats are most of a sightseeing vehicle than a means of transport.
Accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resortsCheck on the internet for the range, location and cost of Paris hotelsclimate The climate is temperate and Paris’s location in a basin gives it France’s lowest average rainfall. . eventsA love of celebration is part of the national character so there’s no shortage of events in Paris.
*Designers showcase their spring collection during Paris Fashion Week in early March.
*The grand event of the year is Bastille Day on 14 July. As the country’s national day, it’s a time for serious celebration with fireworks, parades and riotous street parties.
*November is the time of the Paris International Photo Fair. Nice: jewel of the Cфte d’AzurAn Italianate ambiance and cobblestoned old town gives Nice an irresistible charm. Add to this a vibrant social life, great shopping and a delightful five-mile seafront and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect vacation spot.
The beaches are mainly rocks and pebbles but the water is warm (20-25°C in summer)and clear and it’s just a short hop to nearby Cannes and St Tropeztransport:getting there and getting around Nice International Airport is around six kilometres out of town. Nice is also served by fast, extensive rail and bus networks. And there are ferries to Corsica. You can best explore the city on foot and if you’re feeling indulgent you can hire a yacht.
accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts There are a wide range of accommodation in Nice. Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Hotels in Niceclimate Mild is the perfect word to describe the climate in Nice. Daily temperatures average around 15 C, surging up to 40 C in July-August. Winters are mild too with temperatures rarely getting lower than 5 C.
events*Carnival in the second half of February features lavish parades of giant figures in papier-mache hats. Carnival ends on the evening of Mardi Gras with a spectacular fireworks display.
*There are also a number of religious events of interest. In June, the city celebrates the patron saints of St Peter and St John with processions and masses in the churches.
*The big event in summer is the Nice Jazz Festival held in July. The festival attracts top international artists.