Amongst thinking about all of the spectacular things you’re going to see and do in Paris, and where you’re going to eat, you will also need to consider where you are going to stay.  If you’re a backpacker travelling on a budget then this article is for you. 

Aloha Hostel

The Aloha Hostel is located centrally and is therefore in walking distance from the main sites of interest, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysées, the Musée Rodin and the Musée des Armées.  This hostel offers a free breakfast each morning, and a fully equipped kitchen.  It is important to note that the hostel has a lockout between 11am and 5pm and a curfew of 2am. 

Vintage Hostel

The Vintage Hostel is another fairly centrally located hostel in Paris, with easy access to the main tourist attractions of this spectacular city.  This hostel boasts its international atmosphere where you can meet other people who are enjoying Paris.  Private and dorm rooms are available, and rooms are cleaned twice a day.  There is free luggage storage available before check-in and once you have checked out.

Square Caulaincourt

The Square Caulaincourt is a hostel that is located in the district of Montmartre.  This trendy district offers cafes, pubs and restaurants.  The hostel is a few minutes walk away from Sacre Coeur and the Moulin Rouge.  This hostel is great if you are on a budget.  It has an informal atmosphere and is great for meeting and making friends with other travellers.

Cologne is one of Germany’s oldest cities and is dominated by its magnificent cathedral, the quintessential Gothic twin spires seeming to erupt from the ground like great, black icicles. Fortunately, Cologne has settled since the violent days of the Middle Ages and the even worse Wars of Religion that followed the European Reformation, and now it is a hospitable travel destination that offers a host of things to do and see.

Activities here range from theatre and classical music concerts to rock and pop, Grand Opera and everything in between. The Museum Ludwig is one of the most famous museums in Cologne, devoted to modern art and especially Pop Art. Museums are so varied and popular here that there is even a ‘Night of the Museums’ in the Autumn, during which all of them are open until late at night and there is a nominal fixed entry price. How cultured can you get?

The Lanxess Arena is one of the world’s biggest event halls, seating up to 20,000 visitors. It hosts international sports and music events and is services by 1000 staff.

The official theatre of Cologne is the Schaspielhaus and you can see everything here from dramatised classic plays and novels to light comedy, satire and burlesque. The Millowitsch Theatre is especially popular and is regarded locally as embodying the soul of the city in its eclectic performances.

If you want to get a taste of the real Germany, then Cologne makes for an ideal introduction.

It is almost 20 years since Russia turned its back on Communism, and since then it has become a popular destination for travellers who want to experience contrasting cultures.

The country, despite being dissolved in 1991, is still vast, and much of it still firmly set in the last century.  However, it has lost very little of its diversity and raw energy.

The best time to visit Russia is generally thought to be early summer or the autumn.  The high summer months can be hot in Moscow, but other areas can have summer rain.  For those who want a Doctor Zhivago experience, nothing can beat a Russian winter.

Even though Russia has opened up immensely in the last decade, visitors still need a visa to enter the country.  The issuing of a visa is not very straightforward and it can be a long-winded business.  Allow at least four weeks for completion, and do not expect to be able to obtain one from the Russian embassy as easily as applying for a passport.  You need to be “invited” by the hotel you are staying in, so accommodation needs to be booked first.

On arrival in Russia you will need to fill out an immigration form, usually given out during your flight.  You also need to register your presence in the country, but the hotel receptionist will usually take care of that for you.

Carry all your documents with you at all times, and be amenable about producing them.  You do not want to fall foul of the Russian authorities and spoil a wonderful holiday.

Istanbul is the biggest and most historic city in Turkey, and straddles Europe and Asia. It is a city of domes and minarets, and the confluence of the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus and the Golden Horn ensure that even in the sweltering summers there’s a fresh breeze. The people are some of the friendliest on earth and as well as historic shopping experiences such as the Grand Bazaar and numerous markets, there are modern shopping malls where you can buy designer brands. Istanbul is a unique mix of West and East, old and new.

The major tourist attractions derive from Byzantine and Ottoman times. Topkapi Palace, with its domes and pavilions jutting out on Seraglio Point, was the home of the Sultans, but is now a museum. Its Treasury contains some of the most magnificent items in the world, from jewel-encrusted daggers to diamonds the size of hens’ eggs.

The nearby Blue Mosque is renowned for its blue glazed tiles and ornamental glasswork.

The Dolmabahce Palace was the later home of the Sultans, standing on the waterfront. It is now likewise a museum and famed for its heavy, decadent furnishings.

Hagia Sophia is the most famous building in the city. It began life as a Byzantine church with the biggest dome in Christendom, and became a mosque when Constantinople was captured by the Turks.

The old city walls are very impressive and sections of them are virtually intact. The main route from the airport into the city centre actually passes through them, and it is only up close that you can appreciate their thickness and what a hard job it must have been to breach them. 

New York may be the city that never sleeps but it is also a great place for a quick romantic getaway.  The Big Apple can often seem intimidating for first time visitors, but it is actually quite easy to put together a romantic holiday in New York City.  And what’s even better is that Manhattan is an ideal destination at anytime of the year.

The diversity of the city is incomparable to any other place on the planet.  The culture, the food, and the people all have a unique appeal.  In order to avoid being overwhelmed, be sure to plan your New York getaway carefully before arriving.  Remember, New York City has it all – museums, performing arts, theatre, sights, shopping, and excellent food!

Romantic Things to See and Do in New York City

Of course, New York City is incredibly large and difficult to cover in just a couple of days.  However, there are some highlights of the city that you just shouldn’t miss on a romantic holiday.  For example try to take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park.  Another thing that you should also take the time to do as a couple is see the sights of Times Square and while you’re there, take in a Broadway show.

There is so much to do in New York City that you can actually make the most of even the shortest time there.  Walk hand-in-hand across the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy an ice cream or hot chocolate riding a water taxi back across the East River.

Berlin may have had a troubled history but it has overcome all adversity and transformed itself into a world-class capital and exciting destination for global visitors.

This is a multicultural city throbbing with energy and creativity, and whatever you’re interested in you’re sure to find it here. From great museums and art galleries to extensive parks and a fantastic nightlife, Berlin has everything for a short or long break. The days of the Wall and Cold War are just a troubled dream now, and life with a capital ‘L’ has rushed back into Berlin to flush away the detritus of Nazism and Communism alike.

Berlin is fairly unique as German cities go. It’s no secret that the Germans are a bit on the conservative side, but in Berlin there is such a mix of nationalities that all the old prejudices have gone out the window. The cuisine is a case in point, with Vietnamese and Turkish dishes predominating, though you can always find a bratwurst or sauerkraut if you’re desperate for it.  The club scene too has a no-holds-barred approach, with transvestite and gay bars, Russian disco and English karaoke on offer, with everything in between.

In terms of famous attractions, too, you’re spoilt for choice, with the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate competing for attention and the Charlottenburg Palace, Holocaust Memorial and Berlin Zoo each deserving a full day’s attention. And when you feel you deserve a break from the culture, pop along to some of the best brand name outlets in Europe to indulge yourself.

So you have gone to Las Vegas, and the machines have won.  Well, there are still things to see and do in this gambling mecca that do not involve handing over hard cash.

The best shopping experience in Vegas has to be the Forum Shops in Caesar’s Palace.  Even if you do not intend to spend any money, why not window shop at luxury retail outlets such as Gucci, Versace, Hugo Boss?  It is still fun to look!  While you are gazing open-mouthed at the merchandise, look up to the amazing ceiling that is painted to resemble a sunny sky.  Stay until evening and the sky will gradually change to a starry night.  Do not be alarmed if the statues come to life in the mall, it is all part of the Atlantis Fountain Show put on to entertain the shoppers.

The Circus Circus Hotel hosts the largest permanent circus in the world and the ten minute performance put on every half hour is absolutely free.  You will see top performers with traditional circus skills in a big top setting.  The shows are popular and if you cannot get a seat there is plenty of standing room.

The Mirage Hotel is great for luxury holidays and has some great free shows, such as the 54-foot volcano that erupts every night, sending smoke and flame into the sky with great realism.  In the lobby of the hotel is a 20,000 gallon saltwater aquarium with over 1,000 exotic sea creatures swimming over coral reefs.

Check out what is available in Las Vegas with your hotel receptionist and take advantage of all the freebies you can find.

Liverpool is more than the home of the John, Paul, George and Ringo.  The city’s life and culture inspired the Beatles throughout their musical careers, and it is still a vibrant, unique city with an exciting atmosphere.  It is a great destination for city-breaks, or to use as a base from which to explore the north-west of England. 

For those who love to shop, the newly built Liverpool One Shopping Centre is a must see where designer and high-street brands can be easily found.

The famous Albert Dock, where slave-ships set off for the new world, is a chilling reminder of history’s cruelty.  While there, tourists can visit the Liverpool Maritime Museum and the Museum of Liverpool Life to see real artefacts of Liverpool’s trading and seafaring history.

Liverpool’s Chinatown is well worth a visit as it is the oldest Chinatown in Europe.  Restaurants and shops pepper the streets, and the area always explodes with fireworks and good cheer at every Chinese New Year.

For a bit of excitement, visitors should head down to Matthew Street, home of the famous Cavern Club where the Beatles rocked the night away, as well as several lively Irish Bars.

Anfield Stadium is the home of England’s most successful football club, who have one of the most loyal bases of supporters in the world.  If it is possible to get tickets for a match, the rousing chorus of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” will leave spectators with no doubt about Liverpool supporters’ commitment.

Amman is the capital of Jordan located in the Middle East. Flights to Amman are available from most international airports, although some of the smaller airports will not offer direct flights. This may mean a changeover en-route, for example the traveller may need to arrange flights to London or flights to Manchester and pick up new flights to Amman once there.

Booking flights to Amman online is quick and easy and often offers extra discounts; this could mean the traveller benefits from really cheap flights. Travel agents can offer flight advice regarding changeovers or lengthy stopovers depending on departure airport.

Once in Amman there are many activities to keep even the most hardened sightseer entertained. Petra is perhaps the best known of all of the tourist attractions in Jordan and is certainly the most popular.  There are hiking trips available for those who are feeling a little energetic; otherwise a tour bus will take the traveller to all the sights. There are some amazing rock carvings that should not be missed whatever the mode of transport, and this is certainly one day out that will never be forgotten.

The Dead Sea is most definitely a place for those who wish to relax and due to the amount of salt in the water a person can float unaided in the sea for as long as they wish. There are vendors located there that sell beauty products made from Dead Sea mud; claimed to have health giving and rejuvenating properties.

Visitors to the area will be glad they came, thousands of years of history and amazing sights make this the holiday of a lifetime.

London is one of the oldest cities in Europe and very popular with tourists.  The city has an extensive range of hotels and other places to stay.  London is the capital of England and has many historical buildings from the Houses of Parliament to Buckingham Palace. The River Thames runs through the centre of London with its famous Tower Bridge.

The Tower of London is probably the most famous attraction in London, a royal palace which has a gory history.  St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most recognisable of London’s landmarks, with its large dome.  It is still a place of worship and the St Paul’s choir is well-worth hearing.  Don’t miss Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square and a chance to be photographed in front of Big Ben.

London is also renowned for its shopping.  Two of the most famous stores in London are Harrods and Fortnum and Mason.  Many people buy things from Harrods just to get a Harrods bag!  There are several good shopping streets such as Oxford Street and New Bond Street and great markets like Portobello Road and Camden Town.

Interesting places to visit include the British Museum and the National Gallery.  A scenic trip on the London Eye gives a great view of the city.

Nightlife is excellent in London, whether you want live music with chart topping bands or the unknown local bands that regularly play in London.  Take in a musical or a play at one of London’s famous theatres.  There are many excellent restaurants from all cultures, with Soho being the best place to find authentic Chinese cuisine.