Theatre Breaks in London are combined hotel and theatre packages, and one of their key advantages is the money you will save from booking a complete package, instead of separate bookings. Some booking sites will have price guarantees, so you can be assured of the best price. The question is, what do you get for your money? Typically you’ll have a choice from many of the top West End plays, musical theatre, and comedy events, and a bed and breakfast hotel stay, often in a centrally located hotel. Online booking sites will enable you to search for shows and your chosen dates, view seating plans, and find out more about the shows, when they are booking until, and current cast details (if available). In terms of accommodation, you could choose from 3, 4, or 5 star London Hotels. As you progress you may be able to view all the hotels on offer on a map, and have the choice of ‘recommended hotels’, ‘the cheapest hotels’, or ‘hotels closest to the venue’.

Your tailored theatre break could feature a show and a hassle free overnight stay, or you could extend your trip to include shopping, or exploring some of London’s many and varied tourist attractions. Some accommodation packages will offer bed and breakfast, though there may be the option to add in dinner, or attraction tickets to your booking, depending on the agent you use.

You can book theatre breaks in London online at sites like Lastminute.com and Visit London.com. You can also buy theatre breaks from Virgin Experience Days, or check your local travel agent for a London short break or theatre break brochure. It might not be long before you’re taking the family to see The Lion King, Matilda The Musical, or Shrek The Musical, or going with friends to see Les Miserables or Phantom of the Opera. There are also plays and comedy from the likes of Mousetrap, War Horse, 39 Steps, and Driving Miss Daisy, and you could also book a theatre break with Big Night Out Comedy Clubs.

A show would not be complete without a cast, and in the past the likes of Judi Dench, Derek Jacobi, Michael Ball, Michael Crawford, and Nigel Harman, have all graced a West End stage. You could see any of them, or newcomers like Summer Strallen, Lee Mead, or Rachel Tucker.

Competitive prices, a great choice of shows, and hotels close to the West End, makes a London Theatre Break a tempting prospect.

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If you’re bats for all things vampire, you might fancy heading to where it all began: in South East Europe and the Balkans, folklore surrounding the vicious undead have existed for almost three hundred years. But be sure to pack a bit of garlic and ask for some gold coins when you get your travel money; who knows what you’ll have to ward off when you get there.

Following, the top 3 vampire hotspots in Europe:

1. Serbia

The small village of Kisiljevo in Northern Serbia is where one of the first well-documented cases of Vampirism took place. In the 18^th century, peasant Peter Plogojowitz died after a short illness; his corpse stuck around to throttle and suck the blood of his neighbours (and – oddly enough – ask his wife for his favourite pair of shoes).

There’s little of interest in the place today but Serbic superstition has preserved plenty of places of vampiric interest – head to Jagodića vodenica, a watermill near Valjevo and the former hang-out of Serbia’s most famous vampire, Sava Savanović.

In the last few years, there’ve been reports of vampire activity in some of Serbia’s more remote villages – so get comprehensive travel insurance and a stake then head to Niš or Gornje Stopanje to do some real life vampire hunting.

2. Romania

The home nation of Vlad III the Impaler: partial inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula and famous for his gruesome torture of prisoners, political enemies and people who simply ticked him off. His reputation is more positive in Romania than in the rest of the world; locals see him as someone who went to extreme lengths to defend his country, the Catholic faith and the working classes of his time.

That doesn’t stop them capitalising on his image as the ultimate bad boy, though. Go to Bran Castle and get shown around its lush, rich interior, then to Snagov Monastery where his headless body is said to be buried. The nearby Poenari Castle was one of Vlad’s fortresses in the 15^th century – climb 1,480 steps to see the now-ruined walls from which Vlad’s first wife is rumoured to have flung herself.

3. Italy

Though more famous for its food and wine than its undead, Italy’s Volterra is the hometown of the vampiric Volturi coven in the Twilight series. Italian scenes from the film version were actually filmed in Montepunciano, a Tuscan town also renowned for, you’ve guessed it, food and wine – so go hunting for locations while you enjoy its dramatic views, beautiful old buildings and renaissance architecture. You could even pretend its locally-produced pork delicacies are the flesh of a young virgin.

If you’re desperate for something a bit more gruesome, head to Palermo for a tour of the Capuchin crypts and catacombs. The bodies of about eight thousand men, women and children are preserved within – some posed, some in partially opened coffins, all displayed for the public’s icky pleasure.

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If you are looking for deserted beaches that are completely unspoilt by man then you should go to the western coast, specifically Sinai. At Ras Sudar you will find the perfect place to relax on the sand like the locals do. This is also the perfect place to experience an Egyptian beach, and there are many restaurants in the local area that serve up great, and authentic, Egyptian food.

Another great place to escape the resorts is to go to Nabq Bay. This beach is near to Sharm el Sheikh and is wonderfully quiet but it also has many of the facilities that can make a relaxing day on the beach more enjoyable. It is also easy for those staying near the beach to go into the local town where there is a great deal to do and see.

It used to be known as a place for hippies but now Dahab beach has the great restaurants and bars that you will see on most of the beaches in the country. The beaches in this region are stunning, with their shallow and calm waters. There are also some excellent diving schools here and some great activities to entertain children.

For a romantic getaway, Nuweiba is a great place to come and it also has a fantastic beach. This is actually one of the greatest beaches in all of Egypt, but it is something of a secret kept among the locals. You can reach this beach by car from Dahab and it is well worth hiring a car to make the trip.

If you want to find even more beaches that are untouched then it would be worth going to Sharm al-Maya, this is a few miles away from Naama Bay, which is a livelier place. This place doesn’t get very many visitors so you are sure to be able to enjoy it is complete peace.

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This kind of holiday can really be a cost saver, especially if you choose to go WWOOFing. This stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms and is a charity that exists to encourage people to live a life that has as little impact on the environment as possible. They do this by encouraging people to volunteer on organic farms in the UK.

In exchange for your help on the farm, where you will learn some skills, you will be given food and accommodation. Sign up for WWOOFing and you will pay a small fee and the charity will give you a list of farms in the UK that welcome volunteers. It is then down to you to approach them and ask if you can come volunteer.

Another option, which is a bit more luxurious, is to retreat to one of over twenty rural retreats and farms run by Feather Down Farm Days. Here you will stay in a tent with modern amenities such as a flushing toilet. At one of these retreats you will be able to hire equipment such as a wood stove to cook your own food. These retreats cater perfectly for families and it is possible to order food in advance so your transition into holiday mode will be smooth.

Staying on a farm will be a great experience for children as they will get to interact with all the animals. There are also great activities to suit families as many farms will offer bicycles to hire so you can see some of the beautiful surrounding countryside.

Another great idea is to take a Vintage Vacation. This is a company that operates several airstream trailers on the Isle of Wight. The trailers look incredibly retro, with interiors straight out of the past but have all the modern conveniences.

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There are many reasons why a walking holiday could be the best holiday you have ever been on, take a look at what you could already be missing out on.

A walking holiday is a good choice whatever the weather and whatever the country, there is never a better way to see a place than by foot.

You can go on your own holiday and track your own routes, whether with the whole family or just you and your partner.  Or you can choose to go with an organised company and take the opportunity to meet new people.

If you go for the latter option then this can really take the stress out of having to plan the routes and finding your way around a foreign country which can be quite hard, especially if you do not speak the language.

If you go with a special tour group then you can also be sure they will know the best places to take you, however be warned, sometimes the walks can be quite tough and take up the majority of the day so you will need to be of a reasonable fitness level to partake.

Going on a walking trip will take a lot out of you so you should be prepared and have the right clothing to take with you to make it easier on your limbs.

If you are going on a walking holiday somewhere hot then take plenty of sun cream as you could easily get burnt when outside all day.

A hat is also a good idea as this will prevent you from getting heat stroke – although you should also remember to drink plenty of water too.

Some good walking shoes will also be vital and will protect your feet, ankles and knees from the strain walking can bring.

Take blister plasters just in case though, and an extra pair of trainers may also be a comfortable alternative every now and again.

Invest in some special walking socks as these will also cushion your feet when walking.  While even if you do not expect it to rain, waterproof clothing could be a good idea too.

Ladies waterproof jackets can come in a variety of colours so you can stand out from the crowd, while combined with waterproof trousers, your whole body will be protected from the rain.

Think about taking a compass with you too as this could really help you map read if you are on your own – while a mobile phone may also be a good idea, just in case you get lost and need some help getting back.

This article has explained that while a walking holiday could be tough, you will certainly feel like you have achieved something at the end and you may even make some lifelong friends too.

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Makadi Bay is truly a diver’s dream. The vibrant coral reefs stretch across the bay just awaiting divers eager to explore their depths and discover the marine life. The area’s developers have been extremely careful to respect the integrity of the area, which makes for a beautiful diving experience in a largely untouched ecosystem. In fact, jetties have been built so swimmers looking to enjoy the sea and keep them separate from the diver’s paradise.

The coral reefs of Makadi Bay, Red Sea are nationally protected and include stunning walls and pinnacles, which enrich the bio-system and ensure an unforgettable dive. The colorful coral gardens can be enjoyed through snorkeling as well as scuba diving. Nearby Makadi Bay, about 20km south of Hurghada, is some fantastic fringing reef with easily accessible coral. Here travelers can rent snorkeling equipment and spend an afternoon, or entire day, marveling at the thriving beauty of underwater sea life in the Red Sea.

Of course, the soft sand and all that comes with a picturesque beach cannot be overlooked when planning a trip to Makadi Bay. The mild climate, tempered by a slight breeze, makes sunbathing practically mandatory for holidaymakers. With the jetties built specifically for swimmers, it is easy to spend the day sunning and swimming without wishing for anything more. Still, there are some travelers who yearn for some excitement while on holiday.

Aside from the gorgeous reefs, fantastic windsurfing and dune safaris are available to the adventurous traveler. Makadi’s climate is perfect for fun and safe windsurfing across the shallow waters in the bay. The resort offers lessons and equipment for those looking to speed across the sunlit waters. The steep dunes are something to marvel at simply because they are so spectacular themselves. While on a dune safari the adventurer will spend time at desert oases and experience a Bedouin camp.

There are many different reasons to check out the Red Sea Riviera. The area is especially popular among Italian, British, and Egyptian holidaymakers looking for sun, relaxation, and a little adventure. Not only is this part of Egypt steeped in historical significance and home to a thriving culture, but also there are many opportunities for adventure. The desert mountains create the perfect breeze for windsurfing, the dunes can be explored, and fascinating marine life can be discovered while diving. Certainly, anyone who enjoys snorkeling or scuba diving will recognize the unique beauty of Makadi Bay.

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Holidaylettings.co.uk say change your life bid for your holiday

Change a life by bidding for your next holiday – Holidaylettings.co.uk™ to launch auction of holiday home accommodation with all funds going to Cancer Research UK and Helen & Douglas House

Many of us at one time or another have wanted to donate to a charity, but can’t afford to make the donation as well as enjoying the other little luxuries in life. If you have been in this dilemma, holidaylettings.co.uk have found a resolution for you, Bid4holidays will let you have a great holiday as well as helping to change lives.

Bid4holidays is launching at 9pm on the 31^st of May. It will be run in the style of an ebay auction, where you can big for a 7-night stay at one of over 180 holiday homes. All the proceeds will go to charity so you have the pleasure of knowing that what you paid for your holiday is going to a good cause.

Each day in June, holidays in up to 6 different holiday home will be on offer. All the homes that are in the auction are also advertised on the Holiday Lettings website, and the weeks have been very generously donated by the owners of the homes. Each auction will run for only 24 hours, both starting and ending at 9pm. The funds raised will be equally split between Helen & Douglas House and Cancer Research UK.
These auctions are a further demonstration of the dedication that Holiday Letting’s has towards its chosen charities, and the target for the whole initiative is an amazing £100,000. This is both ambitious and achievable according to Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies, a spokesperson from holidaylettings.co.uk.

She said that this was a very exciting time for everyone involved in the initiative, Helen & Douglas House and Cancer Research UK were great charities to work with and the company is thrilled that they have found a way to raise significant funds by doing what they normally do but with a twist.

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Thank you Chuck Berry, Nat King Cole and everyone who have made this song part of everyone’s vocabulary but where is Route 66 and what’s so special about it?

Bobby Troup, an American songwriter had the idea to list the places the highway passes through while crossing the country. “The Mother Road” opened in 1926 and originally ran from Chicago to Los Angeles passing through eight US states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Improvements constantly altered the route until by 1985 there had been so many changes it was removed from the United States Highway System. Even so, this doesn’t stop many road trippers driving the route to see the changing landscapes across this vast country.

Not all of the route is paved so when looking for car hire you might like to consider an off-road vehicle for comfort but all will come with air-con and you will be grateful for that if your travel during the summer months when temperatures can soar to 40C in the daytime. The best months to drive the whole route is from April to October as other times can be snowy with icy driving conditions.

You won’t find Route 66 on standard road maps anymore but there are signs with the “Historic Route 66” emblem along the route to keep you on the right path.

If you want to do the whole route you need to start at Grant Park in Chicago, also known as Chicago’s “front yard” which has three world-class museums: the Art Institute, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Shedd Aquarium. Visit in June and you can enjoy the Chicago Blues Festival with its “Route 66 Roadhouse” stage on the actual pavement of old US 66 on Jackson Boulevard.

Although the whole journey can just about be done in four days there would be no joy in that so allow at least two weeks as there is over 2,000 miles to cover.

Head towards Springfield, IL and walk the same streets as Abraham Lincoln and then onto St Louis, MO and you will cross the Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi River on the north edge of the city where you can go inside the tallest man-made monument in the United States: the Gateway Arch. There’s a public observation area at the top of the arch and you can get excellent views.

Less than two hours drive away in Fanning, Missouri you can see the World’s Largest Rocking Chair which makes for a fun photo opportunity.

After Oklahoma City look out for Clinton, Oklahoma and stop at the Route 66 Museum, then switch your soundtrack to “Is This the Way to Amarillo?” as yes, it is. Amarillo, Texas is cowboy-land so you can see a mix of Old West and New West. Make sure you drive along Amarillo Boulevard as that’s part of the original Route 66.

Popular stops include Albuquerque, Nebraska, the Grand Canyon in Arizona and Las Vegas in Nevada. You might like to stay at the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona for a change from a classic motel before reaching Los Angeles and enjoying Santa Monica’s Californian beaches.

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With so much to experience in these regions, it is difficult to know where to start. However, we will focus on holidays in China, where visitors can expect to see some of the most unique views of the world from the natural beauties of Sichuan and Tibet to the impressive man made skyline of Shanghai and the Great Wall of China. The first thing that will strike you is the vastness of China which often means that you cannot take in everything that China has to offer in one visit and each holidaymaker who has visited China will agree that you will keep returning to China year after year. China boosts bustling cities, especially the South of China, in regions such as Guangdong that features cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen where visitors can experience a more westernised and modern China. While venturing away from the cities visitors can experience some of the best awe inspiring natural areas found in the world today, from the vast deserts of Xinijang to the beautiful Li River near Guilin. Whichever part of this vast country you decide to visit, you will be left awed and inspired by their architecture, culture and the people.

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See South African wildlife in the most natural settings

You don’t have to go to the main game reserves and parks to see the ‘big five’ – there are many lesser-known reserves which operate in an environmentally sensitive manner. This way you will not feel like you are on a safari conveyor belt, and you will be indirectly supporting local conservation programmes. The Madikwe game reserve is a good example where self-drive vehicles are not allowed entry. The only way to see the game here is to stay at one of the lodges or campsites within the park. Madikwe is home to around 12,000 animals including plenty of cheetah and wild dogs. It was once farmland but was returned to its natural state and is now run in collaboration with local communities. It’s worth seeking out similar South African communities which take the same balanced approach to tourism and conservation.

Back to nature on a walking safari

Experiencing the South African savannahs on foot, with an experienced guide, is a far more intense and personal experience than watching game from the safety of a vehicle. You can explore the wild, undiscovered beauty of South Africa at numerous lesser-known game reserves. Walking safaris are all about connecting with nature – listening to birdsong, following the tracks of wild animals and feeling the hot earth beneath your feet. The pace may be slower than in a 4×4, but ‘going native’ and getting back to nature in this way is far more satisfying than simply passing through.

Undiscovered Cape Town

Cheap flights to Cape Town bring a whole world of South African wilderness within your reach. Take the famous Table Mountain for example: most people just take the cable car to the top, take pictures, then come down again. But Table Mountain is part of a mountain chain with many lesser-known beauty spots, undiscovered by most tourists. Hiking around these slopes, picnicking and enjoying the amazing views is a great alternative way to see Table Mountain.

Volunteering at wildlife projects

If you always feel like just another gawping tourist being herded around, you could consider doing something really positive instead, by working as a volunteer. You’ll be living alongside fellow wildlife enthusiasts, protecting the native wildlife, and getting up close and personal with the animals too. There are many projects which welcome volunteers, from monkey conservation projects to environmental work such as bush clearing, all over South Africa. Usually there’s a minimum length of stay – at least 2 weeks in most cases.

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There are walking routes suitable for everybody, whether you’re looking for a gentle afternoon stroll or a longer route that you’ll have to stretch out over days. Luckily, there are plenty of great East Sussex Hotels for you to stay in whilst travelling the length of whichever path you choose.

One of the longer routes you could take is the Sussex section of the South Downs Way, which we’ll give you some information on in this blog post (hence the title). This walk takes you along the lovely South Downs, where you can climb up and down the rolling hills and cliff tops and see the famous Seven Sisters white cliffs.

Depending on what time of year you make your trip you’ll want to make sure you have weather-appropriate clothing. Even in summer it’s a good idea to be sure you have a fleece or jumper as the higher areas can get windy.

There are plenty of options for walking along it. Wild camping is a possibility, but you have to get permission from the landowner first. You can easily organise your trip to end at a bus stop each day though, or even arrange for pick-ups from local businesses that offer such services to ferry you back to whichever of the hotels in Sussex you’re staying at.

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While some of these dreams may seem a bit outlandish, with Exodus adventure tours almost every dream that you have ever harboured can become a reality.  Voted the Best Adventure Tour Company on the planet Earth by National Geographic Magazine and winner of countless of other accolades, there is a reason why Exodus is so well known: because they offer holiday experiences you could never hope to match.

Whether you want to spend your time in the sea diving for lost treasures and observing the wondrous reef formations of the world or would prefer to climb onto a camel as you experience the best that the desert has to offer, Exodus can make it happen.

Even those who want to up the ante on their skiing holiday this year can take advantage of an Exodus adventure tour to supplement their alpine skiing with a dog sled race, penguins, or jet skiing across the tundra.  Due to the fact that Exodus offers something for everyone, it is easy to believe that when they promise to ‘reset your compass’ they will on your next holiday.

So, you can head out to the beach for a little tanning this summer in Devon, or you can embark on one of the most exciting holidays of your choice; what is your inner compass telling you to do?

Get inspired with this video.

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Beyond that, you can feel safe, Jerusalem is very well guarded by the Israeli army and United Nations organizations especially in historic areas. You can walk around freely without having their personal belongings stolen because the rate of theft is virtually non-existent.
The city of Jerusalem has different climates depending on the season and during the summer, between June and July; it will feel a warm and dry with temperatures from 24 to 40 degrees.

If you decide to travel during this time, carry light clothing, hats and sun glasses to cover you up, plus drink plenty of water. At night, the rising thermal heat sensation is usually lower and carrying a light jacket may be a good idea.

During autumn and winter, it’s very cold, with temperatures between 0 and 22 degrees, especially at night you can go through rain and occasionally even snow. We recommend you plan your trip during the spring, between April and May, where a climate of temperatures ranges from 11 to 30 degrees. But that will endure the hot, dry winds from the desert called “Jamsín” winds.

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Although you can explore the Galapagos on your own when the cruise boat docks, it is best to have a guide if you want to view the best sites that the islands have to offer. So it is better to pay a bit more and browse through the luxury holidays option so that you can get the most out of the varied but spectacular array of natural beauties on offer.  From the cruise ship you the can visit the outer islands and see everything from the white beaches to the deep rainforests including the amazing wildlife that peaks out around every corner.

If you dock for some time it is worth taking a guided trip through the islands so that you can see firsthand the nesting birds, great giant tortoises, the water iguanas, and the sea lions as they gleefully perform their acrobatics.  In addition, some cruise tours will dock for a day or two so that you can venture into town for some unique and exquisite local goods or take advantage of the ferry system so that you can closely tour an island you otherwise would not get a chance to step foot on.

There are many different ways to choose a luxury cruise line as there are dozens of cruise companies that tour the Galapagos Islands.  You can choose to book a tour on everything from luxury ships to small luxury yachts that allow you to get even closer to the shorelines of the exotic islands.  The larger cruise ships offer you a full range or amenities as well as plenty of other entertainment options such as live shows at night and open bars while the smaller luxury yachts offer a more personalized trip through the islands.

Some people even choose to charter little romantic sailboats that offer small decks and intimate cabin space so that the holiday is truly one of a kind.  These are great for exploring the more secluded areas and for a chance at seeing wildlife that would be scared away by a larger cruise vessel.  Regardless of your choice most luxury cruise lines will offer guides when you disembark on an island.  Just be careful to make sure that you choose a trip that offers small tour group sizes so that you get the most personal experience possible.

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An internet search for “climb Kilimanjaro” throws up lots of impressive looking websites but many are “virtual businesses” – just a man, a website and a phone. Climbs are routinely sub-contracted to local operators without quality controls or risk assessment;  European laws designed to protect consumers are flouted;  and many operators do not even bother with basic insurance. They are disasters waiting to happen.  And in the case of climbing Kilimanjaro disaster may mean a fatality from Altitude Sickness.

The number one search return for “climb Kilimanjaro” says this about insurance “I am afraid that it’s an awkward situation, in that we can’t get insurance for taking treks on the mountain” (Nonsense!) and on the safety of customers money adds ” I can promise you that we are healthy financially …..but I can’t offer you any guarantees beyond my word” (Even though EU law makes it illegal not to provide a lot more than your word). And a response from another web operator shows the root of the problem:  “We are  a UK registered company for the sole purpose of booking and banking.” Presumably this is meant to let you know that the UK registered company doesn’t do anything like comply with UK laws.

This sort of deliberate deception is not just boring bureaucracy: climbing Kilimanjaro is a potentially dangerous undertaking and operators that take shortcuts to avoid costs down the mountain will look to take similar shortcuts on the mountain with disastrous consequences.

To ensure your experience on Kilimanjaro is up with that of Martina Navratilova use this checklist to vet your operator, provided by tailor-made specialist Private Kilimanjaro.

1. Make sure the operator is a member of ABTA or similar?

Membership of a recognised travel body, while not a guarantee of quality, is a good indication that the firm you are looking at is reputable and trustworthy.

2. Check that they have financial bonding and insurance

Bonding means that whatever happens you are protected financially and proper insurance not only provides protection but is another good sign of quality as an operator cannot get insurance without having well prepared operational and risk management plans

3. Check they have their own valid Tanzanian Tourist Board operating licence and do not sub-contract

In order to operate legally in Tanzania operators have to be licensed by the TTB. Some operators avoid this scrutiny by borrowing another firm’s licence. This is illegal and a sure sign of bad practise.

4. Ensure they will provide a minimum of two qualified guides on every trip (even for a single person) and a minimum ratio of 1 guide for three climbers

Two guides for just one climber might seem excessive but even guides can get ill or have an accident.  With two or more climbers,  maintaining a high guide ratio ensures that the needs of every climber can be looked after

5. Ask if you are being offered a private or group climb and a fixed or flexible itinerary

Group climbs and fixed itineraries can be cheaper but the real price paid is that the success rate is lower and a cheap climb that doesn’t get you to the top can later seem very expensive

6. Check the quality of the equipment they use and the food they provide on the mountain

Kilimanjaro is a very tough environment and a small cramped tent that leaks will totally spoil your climb as surely as a lack of good quality food.

7. Ask what happens if your flight is cancelled or your luggage delayed

Flight delays and lost luggage are an all too familiar part of life in Africa so ask what happens if you arrive a day after the climb is scheduled to start! Has it left without you?

8. Ask what happens if one of your group falls ill and has to descend

Sadly some people will get sick on Kilimanjaro and be forced to descend. Check it is possible to continue so that at least some can summit.

9. Check what is included in the price quoted

Compare costings carefully- even some of the largest operators miss out the cost of the Park Fees of up to £500 per person in the prices they quote and add these on as a locally paid cost

10. And ask for real live customer references

Do not just rely on website testimonials-they are far too easy to fake. Get some email addresses or better phone numbers and check out previous customers yourselves.

None of this of course is rocket science and it might seem a bit like hard work but if you are spending the best part of £1300 on a climb and potentially risking your life isn’t a bit of checking things out worthwhile.

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If you are planning to get married, and would like guaranteed weather in picture perfect paradise, then it should definitely be top of your list. Whether you choose a sunset ceremony on the beach, saying ‘I do’ amidst lush rainforest, embracing tropical romance in a garden of orchids, exchanging vows in front of dramatic mountaintop views or something a little more traditional in a chapel, your day is guaranteed to be one of ultimate perfection.

And why not prolong the experience with a memorable honeymoon? For those in need of a relaxing retreat, cosy up in one of their many eco-lodges, or take a luxury cruise. For the more adventurous couples backpack through vibrant forests and hike mountain trails culminating in a refreshing swim under a waterfall.

With a rich and varied culture there really is something for everyone. A Mecca for dreamers, adventurers, lovers and backpackers, Fiji can provide the ultimate wedding experience.

If this has got you nudging your better half, watch this video for an expert guide from Jane West of Tourism Fiji along with James Bell from Turquoise Holidays. Searching for paradise? You’re already halfway there…

Watch this video where Jane West and James Bell join discuss all that Fiji has to offer as the perfect wedding destination.

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Social unrest shapes music in the north-east

As rock music evolved in the early 1980s, a phenomenon emerged in Seattle, Washington. A new style took shape, a less disciplined sound that was influenced by musicians with a discontentment that showed in their lyrics. This style would come to be known as grunge, and 30 years later, it still permeates the music scene. Bands such as Pearl Jam, Nirvana and Soundgarden would become the faces of this music, and clubs such as The Original, The Crocodile Cafe and other venues would be home to this new style of music.

Grunge is still associated with Seattle, and many of the clubs where it became famous are still in existence. Travellers who want to experience a truly unique musical style that became a way of life for many people will make the journey to experience it in its birthplace.

Chicago blues – windy city music with a deep-south influence

One of the most prolific forms of music to originate in the United States is blues. Blues was predominantly an African-American music form, started around the beginning of the 19th century among slaves in the south. When the civil war ended in 1865, slaves carried the music with them, and a unique form of blues was born in Chicago, Illinois, in the early part of the 20th century. Relying heavily on amplified sounds from harmonicas and guitars, the music still influences many genres.

Chicago has been home to many famous performers, including Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, Willie Dixon and many more. Today, Chicago is still filled with famous blues clubs such as Buddy Guy’s Legends and Kingston Mines. On a road trip USA musical history is around every corner, waiting to be explored. Nowhere is this more true than in the Windy City.

Nashville shapes American music with a country sound

From the Appalachian Mountains to the heart of Texas, country music has represented life and shaped musical trends for both the 20th and 21st centuries. A blend of gospel, folk, rock, Celtic and Anglo music styles, this genre has been an integral part of life for many Americans. The heart of country music is found in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Grand Ole Opry.

After a century, country music is still one of the most important styles in the US. Artists from Elvis Presley to Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks have brought wide appeal, and the road taken by any musical traveller in the US almost certainly has to pass through Nashville.

The legendary jazz of New Orleans

For many people, it is almost impossible to separate jazz music and the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Started around the turn of the 20th century in the African-American community, jazz has a distinctive sound that has influenced other musical styles such as rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and more. Jazz reached its zenith between the 1920s and the 1960s, with such famous performers as Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie and Benny Goodman.

Jazz is still considered a way of life in New Orleans, and there is no better way to enjoy an impromptu concert than on a New Orleans street corner under the warm winter sun. A trip here for jazz has to include a stop at Preservation Hall in the French Quarter for some of the finest jazz anywhere in the country.

Rapping on the street corners in New York City

The final stop on the musical road trip is inner-city New York for rap music. Born in South Bronx, this genre started as street music, blending African rhythms with spoken lyrics and punctuated by a thumping beat. This form of music rose to prominence in the 1970s with a sound that was shaped by African, Puerto Rican and Jamaican influences.

Leaving the streets and going mainstream, rap is now one of the most popular types of music in the world, influencing rhythm and blues and reggaeton. Because rap music is so popular, it can be found in almost any club, with live freestyle performances providing unbelievable energy and excitement.

A musical road trip

American music has left an indelible mark on international music. For travellers wanting to experience the profound musical contribution of the United States, a journey including stops in Seattle, Chicago, Nashville, New Orleans and New York City would create memories to last a lifetime.

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Giedre Pukiene is the managing director of Olialia (pronounce it ‘ooh-la-la’), and yes, she’s blonde.  Giedre says that she intends to debunk the stereotype of “dumb blondes” by proving that blondes can run a business just as well as anyone, if not better.  The company is currently staffed by blonde women, and the plan is to have an all-blonde payroll at the island resort including the pilots and crew of the direct flights that will bring visitors to her resort.

Olialia is already a going enterprise in a slew of business sectors from computer software to an own-brand cola (the ads for the cola feature smashing blondes in white lab coats and cleavage) and the stated intent is to show that being a sexy blonde doesn’t make you any less smart.

Of course it doesn’t, but there may be other glitches; there is a law in the Maldives that requires resorts to hire locals for at least 50% of their staff.  Not a problem, says Giedre.

Any woman with dark hair who is surrounded by blondes at work soon goes blonde herself, presumably so she too can have more fun.

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Oban just south of Fort William is a great place to stay if you want to visit the area locally. Here, you’ll find both ferry and railway so you can travel easily, and Oban itself has a chocolate factory, and a distillery both of which can be visited. With the area being renowned for it’s seafood, it’s no surprise that there are a good number of seafood restaurants here to try out, and with the Isle of Mull just off the coast there’s a lot locally to see and do.

The Luxury Hotel Barcladine House is one of the many places locally where you could choose to stay, and this early eighteenth century building with eight bedrooms in the main house offering full board, as well as six cottages each full of its own charm and beauty offering self catering accommodation, all overlooking a courtyard, and surrounded by stunning Argyll countryside, is one of Scotland’s most unique hotels. This romantic setting makes for a perfect tête-à-tête get away, and the hospitality here is second to none as is the food which is prepared under head chef Craig Ferguson who is Scotland’s rising star Chef of 2010.

To the north lies Fort William. With its impressive landscapes this location has been used in the making of such films as Braveheart, Harry Potter and Rob Roy. In the summer, the town can be quite busy with many visitors, and the Ossians hotel on the high street puts on a traditional Scottish show daily through the summer between 8 and 10pm where you can watch traditional Scottish dancing and hear some traditional Scottish music being played. Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis overlooks Fort William, and there is a well established path to the top for those who want to try walking up it. It’s worth remembering that it will take most people the best part of a day to walk up and back down safely, and so if you want to do so, you’ll need to carry along food for the day, and extra clothing as the top lies at just over 4,400 feet and so is a lot colder than you might expect.

The isle of Mull off the Scottish coast near Oban is a large virtually unspoilt island with a 300 mile coastline. Its population is around 2,700 and the majority of the island is left natural with hills, waterfalls, sea caves, forest walks and beautiful beaches. The island is very popular with fishermen and there are also two golf courses here. The local ferry provides access not just to Mull, but also to neighbouring islands Iona, Staffa and Tresnish too.

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Travelling by car opens up the opportunity to explore all the wonderful countryside that the UK can offer, from the Scottish highlands and lochs to the moors of Exeter, the Norfolk Broads and the hills of Wales, there is plenty of diversity here in Britain.

Accommodation comes in many types too. You can choose from luxury hotels and cheap hostels, there are static caravans and campsites where you bring your own tent or B&B’s where you can enjoy a family breakfast. Of course all these options have their own price tags. Hostels tend to be thought of as just for students, but often anyone can stay there, and some have family rooms. Camping and caravanning tend to be cheapest options, with bed and breakfast and cheaper hotels coming next all the way up to luxury five star accommodation in the best hotels with many amenities laid on.

Travelling by car also means that it doesn’t matter quite so much where you stay either. You can stay 10 miles outside of the city, and travel into town for theatre shows, meals and exhibitions, or you can stay in town, and travel out into the depths of the countryside to enjoy the peace and quiet that can be found there.

When you’re looking at where and when to travel, remember to take a look online to help you find some of the best deals, and remember that if you travel outside of the peak travel times and seasons, it’s generally quieter and you can often get better prices too as some campsites, caravan parks and hotels almost double their prices during the school summer holidays.

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