Exploring the world has never been so easy. You can simply find out about new destinations, places to stay, things to do and pre-plan your whole holiday and make all reservations, including air travel, accommodation, transport and activities, from your home – thanks to the Internet.

Deciding for yourself and making your own reservations is probably the safest way to ensure you get what you want while you are on holiday. Even though travelers still depend on travel agents to get all the travel plans made, most travelers have now realized the convenience of planning and arranging a vacation from home.

The biggest issue faced by most online travel planners is not knowing reliable sources to book through. Especially as you make payments for your bookings through the internet you want some kind of guarantee that you are getting your money’s worth.

To be on the safe side, book through bigger service providers. If you are booking a flight go for a well known airline or book through a recognized travel site. It is also advisable to go for a travel reservation site that provides you with a bigger and better selection.

Online lodging option providers, such as roomsnet.com, boast a range of hotels from all over the world. In fact roomsnet alone features more than 52,000 hotels giving you easy access to accommodation anywhere in the world. Roomsnet also provides a 24hr customer care service assuring reliable support until you get to your destination.

The other fear that most travelers have is losing money due to cancellation of air line tickets and hotel accommodation. Online lodging option providers feature their own policies generally covering same types of travel related situations. As most hotels maintain their own cancellation deadline and special no-show policies, online lodging option providers’ policies are also based on these, such is the case with roomsnet.com. Refund, change and cancellation policies are best clarified before you make reservations. You can either check this with the service provider or with the hotel you are planning on booking.

If your holiday plans require a quaint, rural and more personalized experience, the ideal lodging option for you would be the smaller B&Bs. Commonly located in smaller towns and rural area, B&B lodgings are great for those travelers who plan to explore the local towns and attractions.

So what makes a B&B so special that tourist all over the world long for this type of accommodation? Generally they are run by a single person or a small family in either a house or a small building providing simple but personalized facilities and services. The atmosphere is definitely homey compared to the traditional hotel.

B&B lodging is used by traveler all over who need a home to come back to after a day’s excursions. And since most often they are run by locals there is the added advantage of you being able to get a better idea of the locality through your host. B&B lodgings are located all over the world and it’s very easy to book them through any B&B supplier. But the best way to compare rates and find the ideal B&B accommodation for you is by doing your own research online.

The biggest complaint by B&B fans is the fact that it’s difficult to compare their rates and facilities. So it’s best to try one of the bigger online lodging option providers, who would not only provide you with a bigger selection but also more information such as facilities and nearby attractions. Roomsnet.com, a leading online lodging options provider, features more than 53,000 hotels, B&Bs and luxury boutiques from all over the world.

The custom oriented online service provided by roomsnet is unique and its online reservation system provides information regarding hotels and other forms of accommodation, and different destinations. It allows you to browse hotels all over the world, compare rates and make reservations online. The 24hr customer service deal with Roomsnet related complaints and booking issues.

Thinking of exploring the world on a low budget? Well, no matter what your destination is, be it an expensive popular city or an unexplored exotic little village, it is essential that your trip is problem free. So before you hop on to the next flight out to a random destination, do your research well, plan well and plan smart so that you can make the most of your journeys – make it successful, hassle free and exciting.

Picking the destination to suit your needs and your budget is the biggest step. Travel plans also depend on how intimately you want to explore the planned destinations. If you want to cruise through two or three adjoining countries most often you can find well organized bus or rail tours taking you through the changing landscapes of different States –especially in East Asia and Eastern Europe. Try some of the popular travel sites for information on different destinations and best ways to explore them. Popular online travel option provider roomsnet.com supply information on hotels as well as destinations. Roomsnet also addresses problems faced by travelers through its online community.

Sticking to your budget is the most important factor for most travelers, especially if you plan to do a lot of exploration. When planning your trip keep in mind that your budget should include travel fare, accommodation, food and beverages and other activities you have in store. Proper research on daily living expenses in different countries and entry ticket fare for the attractions you wish to visit is a must before you set out.

For great lodging option deals try some of the online lodging options providers for special deals. Lodging option provider roomsnet boasts over 52,000 hotels from all over the world and provides great bargain deals for the budget traveler. Information on hotels, different destinations and events are provided by roomsnet. Problems faced by the budget traveler have been taken into consideration by roomsnet and it is a one stop shop for all your travel information.

With the best of Mediterranean climate of long summers, pleasant winters and lots of sunshine, Antalya is a perfect holiday destination. The biggest attraction here is its exquisite natural beauty, especially the coastal attractions and the lovely beaches, which is well complemented by a plenteous historic past which is showcased by a selection of interesting sights. And if you are willing to venture away from the city, the complete Antalya experience is yours!

Generally the summer months bring in a lively atmosphere to Antalya as the city stirs with holidaymakers in search of sun, sand and sea. The beaches are gorgeous during the summer and are the main attraction during this time of the year. And even though the main public beach can get a little too busy during the peak season there are other beaches at Bedibi, Tekirova, Phaselis, Olympos, Kas-Kaputas and Kermer which provide less crowded atmosphere to enjoy the holiday. Most waterfront hotels offer their own beaches for guests.

Antalya offers a dazzling array of interesting sights and most of these sights are located in the old town better known as Kaleici. Located in the city’s historic district, Kaleici features narrow streets which lead up to marvelous pieces of original ancient Turkish architecture.  This historic city centre, which had embraced many civilizations, is now an attractive little town with hotels, bars and restaurants. Amongst the attractions to look out for are the memorial Hadrian Arch and the Clock Tower, both dating back to the Hellenistic era, and the port’s marina which has been completely restored.

The ancient city of Perge, perched on a hill just outside of Antalya, is believed to date back to the 4th century BC or earlier. Home to one of Asia Minor’s oldest Christian communities it had played a significant role in the Roman imperial times. The remarkable ruins and archaeological attractions include the Temple of Artemis along with the theatre, churches and palaestra and the acropolis which was built during the Bronze Age. Perge is located approximately 15km east of Antalya.

Originally a base used by Alexander the Great during the winter months, the ancient Lycian city of Phaselis dates back to the 6th century. The main attraction here is the Hadrianus gate which was built in 129 AD to welcome the Roman emperor Hadrianus. Other wonderful ancient ruins at Phaselis include temples, a theatre, an archway, an amphitheatre and an aqueduct. The small museum onsite offers information on the background of the city. A swim in one of the fascinating little bays of Phaselis provides a perfect ending for day exploring the ruins. The city is about 56 km away from Antalya.

The dark blue tiled fluted minaret of the Yivli Minare Mosque is the landmark of the city. Built in 1230 the minaret reaches a height of 38 metres. The original structure had been a Byzantine church which was later converted to a mosque during the reign of the Seljuk sultan Ala ad-Din Kay Qubadh (1220-1237). The current structure, a reconstruction on the original in the 14th century, boasts six domes and is one of the oldest examples of multi-dome construction in Anatolia. Today the building houses the Antalya Ethnographic Museum.

For a relaxing holiday on one of the cleanest beaches of the Lycian coast, with an added advantage of easy access to lovely pine forests, visit Kalkan on the western shores of Antalya. Originally an old fishing village the small town with it historical sights, white washed little houses and warm traditional Turkish hospitability offers the ideal Antalya holiday with the just the correct blend of nature and ancient attractions.

They don’t call it the ‘city that never sleeps’ for nothing. Nightlife in New York accommodates every taste – even the craziest, and the number of options available can actually be overwhelming. From bars for smokers to Burlesque Shows to trendy dive bars, the city has it all.

With a collection of offerings ranging from hip-hop to house to punk, New York is probably the best city to spend the night dancing away. Some of the hottest dance clubs in the city include Cielo, providing soulful house music and various genres of electronic in the Meatpacking District, the club is built for dancing and boasts an impressive sound system, and Touch, a 12,000 square foot, three level high-end design dance venue on 52nd Street.

A growing attraction in New York City, several establishments host travelling Burlesque troupes. These nights filled with music, dance, song and humour are generally not scheduled in advance and it’s always better to check in advance to make sure the event is actually taking place. Venues famous for Burlesque are, Public Assembly at 70 North 6th Street with a 4,000 square foot area which features various events with Burlesque on Monday nights and the Slipper Room, 167 Orchard Street, featuring a variety of performances including Burlesque and sketch comedy.

Enjoy cheaper drinks in shabby surroundings at the dive bars which have become the modern trend. Featuring a kind of shabbiness that is really desirable, especially if the mood calls for it, there are many of this sort in New York. Surviving over 50 years, the Billymark’s West, 9th Avenue, is probably the original dive bar in the city. Try the notoriously anonymous Alibi Club in Brooklyn for dirt cheap drinks or for the ‘diviest’ experience try the Montero’s Bar and Grill in Brooklyn.

Being the jazz capital of the world, New York boasts some of the best jazz venues. Jazz at Lincoln Center, 60th Street, is a world-renowned arts organisation dedicated to Jazz. It features a comprehensive array of guest artists performing at varied events. Originally the hotbed of jazz the Birdland has now re-emerged in Midtown Manhattan with some of the best jazz on the planet, featuring some of the best known in the field. For pitch perfect jazz by world-class performers, in a warm, comfortable atmosphere try the Jazz standard, 27th Street.

In case you are venturing out in New York all by your self, the city is brimming with singles and there are exclusive singles’ hangout joints. The Long Island City Lic Bar is a classis New York watering hole with a friendly atmosphere and allows dogs and smoking. The Last Exit on Atlantic Avenue is a classic example of Brooklyn’s vibrant night scene featuring weekly live performances and an outdoor garden. Some other hot spots for singles include the roof top at the Delancey, The Larry Lawrence, Grand Street, and the gastro-pub style music venue, the White Rabbit

Late night dining – the excitement, the booze, the energetic dancing is sure to leave you exhausted and hungry. For a late bite try the Coffee Shop, 16th Street, for a range of diner food and fine Brazilian, stuffed delicatessen sandwiches at the Carnegie Deli, 55th Street, or Tom’s Restaurant for a range of dinner specials in a friendly atmosphere.

Luring thousands of visitors every year, the Phuket Island in Thailand boasts a tropical monsoon climate. With irresistible scenic beauty, unforgettable hospitality and excellent cuisine it makes a lovely holiday destination. Its monsoon climate ensures warm weather throughout the year with ample showers.

The best time to visit Phuket, and its busiest time, would be from late October until early April. The weather during this time is quite mild – it’s less humid with a cool breeze due to the north-east monsoon, and the beach conditions are ideal for diving and sailing. Average temperature during this time is 24 to 32 degrees Celsius.

During September and October Phuket experiences the wettest season but its also a great time to visit in order to avoid the crowds and also to get good discounted rates for lodging, as there is plenty of beautiful sunny periods between the heavy rains – typical monsoon!

Phuket features exotic festivals and events spread out through the year. Most are rather bizarre but certainly full of fun and entertainment. Some of the events lined up for the year 2010 are:

Chinese New Year, February 14th 2010 – Vibrant celebrations and ear splitting firecrackers are in store to cheer the Year of the Dog in. Visitors can experience local customs, colourful processions and great shopping bargains as the Chinese community in Phuket prepares for their most important festival of the year. Old Sino, the Portuguese quarter of Phuket also lights up with lively Dragon Procession and other forms of entertainment. Being very popular for its cuisine, this season highlights the popular traditional fare.

April 13th – 15th, 2010 – enjoy the Songkran Festival when the Thailand celebrates its traditional Thai New Year. Very much an outdoor festival, it features plenty of boisterous water throwing. The age-old tradition of sprinkling water on the hand to wish good luck has, in the recent years, been transformed to an exciting festival involving a lot of water throwing, by bucketfuls, at each other

Enjoy the colouful Phuket Vegetarian Festival during late September and early October. Usually held over a period of nine days this celebrates the Chinese community’s belief of abstaining from meat, during the ninth lunar month, for better health and peace of mind. The festival involves a range of street entertainment, parades and lots of sacred rituals. Chinese shrines and temples feature aesthetic displays of self-mortification rituals performed by devotees.

The night of November 21st boasts one of the most beautiful and mystical festivals, the Loy Kratong Festival. Believed to have originated in Sukhothai about 800 years ago, the festival involves thousands of lights floating on every expanse of water. A festival adored by children, it is believed to bring good fortune for those who partake in it.

Of course there is much more happening in Phuket every year, throughout the year, be it festivals or seasonal events and they suit all visitors of all ages. And even if it’s a short stay where there is no ‘festival’ as such, there is always the exotic beauty of Phuket Island and delectable Thai cuisine to indulge in.

Think breathtaking historical settings tinged with a hint of romance and the city that comes to mind first is Venice. With its weaving waterways and unique gondolas, Venice is the city of dreams. Renowned as one of the most beautiful places in the world, a visit to Venice is a must, while most first time visitors find they are not satisfied with just one visit.

There are many places that are worth a visit in Venice, with a few of the most interesting places being mentioned in this article.  So get yourself a gondola and enjoy all that Venice has on offer!

One of the world’s largest squares is St. Mark’s Square of the Piazza San Marco. Also bustling with people it is a lovely place to mingle and enjoy coffee or a soft drink while enjoying impromptu music sessions.  From here you can also visit the Basilica San Marco or St. Mark’s Basilica, which includes St. Mark’s Treasure.

The famous Rialto Bridge is another must visit, as it was the heart of the city for over four hundred years. It now has many shops on either side selling good perfect for tourists

The Duke or Doge was the most important political figure in old Venice and the home, which is actually a castle, is now a landmark and popular attraction in modern day Venice. Visit the Palazzo Ducale to get an idea of what life was like in earlier times, as it was from here that matters of state were conducted.

The House of Gold or Ca’ d’Oro is a gothic building which offers one of the finest views of the Grand Canal. It has an impressive façade and was restored by Baron Franchetti in the early twentieth century and houses many works of art such as sculptures and paintings.

Another landmark location and place of interest is the Galleria Dell’Academia, which has a breathtaking collection of art work, any art connoisseurs’ dream location. It has among others Titan’s Pieta and Bellini’s Madonna Enthroned. It has four rooms housing all the art work and the number of visitors allowed to enter, at a time are limited.

For those who enjoy some old fashioned shopping visit the Rialto Markets and be exposed to an array of fruits, vegetables, clothes and knick knacks perfect as souvenirs. The Fish market has been around forever, so be sure to try out the famous seafood,

Of course no trip to Venice would be complete without a gondola ride. As all transportation within the city is done on water, hire yourself a gondola for a special sightseeing tour or travel on a water bus or Vaporati and take in all that this beautiful city has to offer.

While most of the above mentioned places allow free access some may charge a fee. A visitor to Venice may also travel to Verona which is not too far away especially by train. The city made famous by the star crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet has much to offer as well to a tourist, from awe inspiring architecture to Roman ruins to restaurants for a tasty meal.

The second largest city in Spain, both in size and population, Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, one of the seventeen autonomous communities that make up the country. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean, on the north-eastern coast of the Iberian peninsular, Barcelona’s ‘Mediterranean-ess’ is not only due to its location but also because of its history, tradition and cultural influences.

The history of Barcelona dates back to the second century BC when a Roman colony was established in the city. With its rich history and the onset of industrialization during the 19th century Barcelona has experienced spectacular growth. Having a multi-faceted and diverse blend, this very modern city preserves its historic Gothic centre almost intact within the new urbanized city and therefore provides visitors with a host of old and new attractions.

Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, is one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist attractions. The finished structure is expected to accommodate 13,000 people and will boast 18 towers each to reach a height of 90 to 120 metres. This remarkable structure, although yet to be completed, also features a museum which tells the story of the church and a trip to the top of one of the towers offer magnificent views over Barcelona.

La Rambla or Les Rambles is the famous and crowded street that is popular amongst locals as well as tourists. A wide boulevard that connects the Placa de Cataluniya, a square, and the Monument a Colom, a column devoted to Christoffel Columbus, was originally a small stream flowing just out side the city. The middle part of the Ramble is dedicated to pedestrians and boasts various stalls, kiosks and artists.

Located on a hill near the centre of Barcelona is the famous Montjuic. An Iberis Celts settlement several thousands of years ago, today it features various attractions. The Palau Nacional or the National Palace, is a majestic neo-baroque style building which is home to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. At the centre of the plaza right in front of the Palau Nacional is the Magic Fountain offering a great view of the palace. Montjuic also features a large 18th century fortress built by the Bourbons. Originally built to defend the city of Barcelona it now functions as a museum.

For an intriguing and unusual experience try the Parc Guell. Started out as a development project the park was supposed to represent a residential garden village based on English models. When the garden village became a commercial failure the city acquired it and established a park. Its main features, the Staircase and Pavilions designed by Antoni Gaudi, adds a fairytale touch with its curved roofs, bright mosaic designs, ornamental spires and a dragon-like lizard as the centre of the Trencadis-ceramic staircase.

This just summarises some of the most popular attractions in a city filled with interesting places to visit and see. And depending on individual’s interest and time available the popularity of attractions may differ but Barcelona most certainly caters to all.

Being one of the most beautiful cities in the world, it is essential for any visitor to Paris to be able to make the best of the opportunity and see as much of the city as possible. And getting around Paris is much easier than any other populated city.

Walking would be the best option, provided one has a good idea of the city layout, as it gives a visitor ample time to breathe in and absorb the beauty the city has to offer. Also, Paris proper is actually very compact, about 6km wide, and walking is reasonably easy. Of course if it’s too tiring there are always plenty of other travel options to choose from.

For safe and fast transportation the Paris Metro is the best option. Comprising of 200 kilometres of rail track it covers 370 stations. Lines are numbered 1-15 direction of which is indicated by the last station on the line. In order to reach a specified destination it might be necessary to change lines although this does not involve purchasing of additional tickets.

The RER trains extend public transport to the suburbs of Paris. The five lines A-E operate from about five thirty in the morning till about half past midnight (like the Metro) and Metro tickets can be used when travelling inside Paris. For travels outside the Paris area, such as to the airport and Disneyland Paris, special RER fares and tickets apply.

For a more entertaining journey try the Paris bus system; this offers better views of the city and makes it easier to get accustomed to the city layout. Maps indicating bus routes are available at bus shelters as well as the Metro stations. Buses generally function from 6:30 am till 8:30 pm with a few extending their services till past mid-night. Metro tickets can be used to travel in the buses as well.

Tickets for the Metro, bus and RER can be purchased at subway stations, bus terminals and registered retailers displaying the RATP sign, and a booklet of ten offers a good saving. And although using the Metro requires only one ticket the bus would require more than one depending on the number of stages of the journey. Special buses such as the Noctambus or the Roissybus have higher fares and ticket for these busses can be purchased only on the specific bus. A Paris Visite, a special pass, offers an unlimited number of trips on all types of Parisian public transport. So for those who wish to travel around a lot using the public transport system, this would be the best option.

A taxi is a good option if you are pressed for time or if privacy is preferred. Otherwise it’s not the most convenient option as it’s difficult to just hail one on the street. Taxis are generally found in multitudes outside train stations and airports and outside restaurants and nightclubs in the evenings. Taxis charge additional fees at train station ramps, for extra luggage and even for a fourth passenger.

A Paris L’Open bus tour is an easy way to see the city. It provides commentaries in English and French and offers the flexibility of descending and ascending the next bus when the passenger is ready to continue with the journey. The full journey lasts two hours fifteen minutes and Paris Visite cardholders receive a discount.

Lastly, avoid the Metro and the RER during the rush hour: 8:00-10:00am and 5:00-8:00pm. Best option is to walk as even some bus lines can get really crowded. The most over crowded Metro lines are 1,2,4,11,12 and 13 and Metro lines 6 and 2 offer an added advantage of impressive views of the city as they run mostly above ground.

There is something about India that has made it an eternally popular travel destination. It embodies the Asian culture and its mysticism has always acted as a lure for European visitors. With its snow dusted mountains, sun washed beaches, cultural temples, feisty festivals and interesting cities, a holiday in India is one that you will never forget. Below are some the best places India has on offer.

Take a classic trip to Rajasthan

Rajasthan with its Arabian feel is one of the most stunning and vibrant regions in India. The splendid desert, walled cities, the camel market make this an exhilarating holiday destination and well worth a week’s stay at least. Shopping in Rajasthan is a treat, appealing to both foreign and local tourists, as the quality, of the products, is good and the prices cheap. The nature lover will be thrilled by the four national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan.

Discover Southern India

Southern India is a thriving, hot and culturally rich region in India which has always attracted visitors from all over. This part of India is home to some of the oldest prehistoric settlements with ancient arts and crafts and temples. Being a coastal region it has sunny beaches to offer. All these reason combine help to make the south of India a truly inspired holiday destination.

Explore Darjeeling

Home to the famous Darjeeling black tea, Darjeeling is surrounded by mountains. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the majestic mansions and churches, botanical gardens and Buddhist and Hindu temples. Walk along the streets to find colourful handicrafts shops, Indian fairs and street shops.

Visit Agra

Agra really needs no introduction being where the monument of eternal love, the Taj Mahal is based. Attracting thousands and thousands of visitors each year Agra also has the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri complex which are worth visiting along with many more sites of interest.

Goa’s Beaches

Goa is one of India’s most famous and popular tourist destinations. With its soft sandy beaches and laid back atmosphere it is no surprise that Goa attracts over two million visitors each year. India’s smallest state it maybe but Goa has two World Heritage Sites to boast of.

Udaipur

Udaipur meaning the ‘City of Lakes’ is also known as the ‘Venice of the East’ as it considered as one of the most romantic cities in the world. This makes it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in India. It has a magnificent history, culture and a breathtaking scenic location and it filled with palaces, many of which have now been converted into hotels.

Thailand really needs no introduction. Referred to as the golden land, it has a rich cultural background which has and still does, attract hoards of visitors to the country, making it one of the most popular countries in Southeast Asia. With its diverse landscape which includes white sandy beaches, along with its hospitable people and unique cuisine, the country attracts visitors from around the globe. Another feature that adds to the whole holiday experience is the ease with which a visitor can travel around as it is hassle free and cost effective to access buses and trains in Thailand.

1 – Bangkok – The most famous of Thailand’s cities is of course Bangkok, which is also the country’s capital city. Abundant with shopping centers, hotels, it also has the modern element of endless traffic. This, however, is not a deterrent, as Bangkok can be explored by walking and is also a very safe city, as it has the lowest crime rate in the world.

2 – Chiang Mai – Known as the “Rose of the North” due to the blossoms that flourish in the mountain atmosphere. It is a popular city with tourists because it is blessed with natural beauty and has many attractions on offer. Chiang Mai was the first Southeast Asian state to make the transition to rule by Thais from the Mon and Khmer culture domination.

3 – Phuket – The largest island in Thailand’s west coast it is surrounded by splendid beaches. It is a wonderful holiday destination for all and is especially popular with honeymooners. Phuket brings to mind a colourfulness that is reflected throughout the country, from its splendid beaches, to water sports, plentiful restaurants and natural resorts. It is no wonder Phuket is a popular tourist destination.

4 – Krabi – Offering pristine beaches and unspoiled islands, Krabi is a popular tourist destination, if not very well known. It offers national parks, smaller islands worth exploring, bird watching and many water based activities such as kayaking, snorkeling and sailing. It also has waterfalls and caves to explore, ideal for those who love trekking.

5 – Pattaya – It attracts thousands of tourists from the world over as it is one of Thailand’s foremost beach resorts. Visitors can enjoy water skiing, swimming, sunbathing, and trips to offshore coral islands or rent out water scooters and explore Pattaya bay. Offering a wide range of accommodation options, Pattaya is one of the best places, be it with family, friends or individually, to visit for a memorable holiday.

6 – Chiang Rai – It is a tourism gateway to Myanmar and Laos and attracts tourists because it is rich in natural attractions and historical sites. It is a beautiful vacation destination ideal for a relaxing getaway.

7 – Nong Khai – Situated along the Mekong River, Nong Khai is blessed with natural beauty. It is always has an abundance of holidaymakers as it has lots to offer any vacationer.

Any visit to Thailand, no matter which area you travel to, is bound to be an enjoyable experience. Tourists can indulge themselves with an active holiday or simply relax their cares away, which ever option they choose; a holiday in Thailand is an unforgettable experience.

With the top holiday destinations for 2010 having been predicted, UK travelers have already started their holiday preparations. Spain occupies the top three slots out of the 10. Below are the top 10 holiday destinations for UK travelers.

1 – Malaga

Holding the number one position Malaga or Costa Del Sol, is known as the European capital for culture. Located in the southern most coast, of Spain, Malaga is famous for its excellent weather and sandy beaches. It is a superb holiday destination for golf lovers, while there are also theme parks and many other attractions that make it a holiday destination for the whole family.

2 – Tenerife

Tenerife is known as the Island of Promise as it always keeps its promise to delight visitors. Wide open skies, Volcano Mountains, splendid beaches and wildlife are just some of the attractions Tenerife has on offer. Couple those attractions with world class hotels, exceptional cuisine and stunning views, and its easy to see why Tenerife holds the number two position.

3 –  Alicante

Alicante is synonymous with sun, sand and surf. Situated in Costa Blanca it is not only the sun worshippers that will enjoy Alicante as it has historical monuments and mountains providing excellent views. With well known main landmarks like Castillo de Santa Barbara which is situated on Mount Benacantil, it is no wonder that Alicante holds third place in the list of top destinations.

4 – Orlando

Orlando is the super tourism capital of the world, thanks to a brilliant climate, fascinating attractions, amazing choice of clubs and bars and limitless day time activities. It is also a family friendly destination with many theme parks, such as Disney Animal Kingdom, Disney MGM Studio and Universal Studio, which are a major contribution as to why people flock to Orlando.

5 – Dalaman

Dalaman is a popular area in Turky which is well known for its natural beauty. With splendid beaches where scuba diving is popular with good restaurants close by, Dalaman is a good family vacation destination. Families can take in the Dalaman history and culture while indulging in some skiing and hiking.

6 – Faro

Faro is a modern, lovely city with attractive landmarks and attractions. It also has shopping centers catering especially for tourists, good bars, restaurants and a splendid nightlife. For holidaymakers it is an exciting destination, as it offers some excellent sightseeing opportunities such as the Cidade Velha and its famous attraction, Igreja do Carmo, the chapel featured here is decorated with the bones of more than 1200 monks.

7 – New York

It is no surprise that New York is on the list. Its charms are endless and it holds a romantic appeal to all visitors alike. New York is always bustling, be it with culture, entertainment or business. Known as a cultural jungle it also offers beaches, Nature Sea, forested mountains, small towns and a wide range of historical attractions.

8 – Palma

Located in the south coast of the Balearic Islands, Palma is the capital city and is the economic and cultural hub. It is also a center for most of Majorca’s hotels and restaurants and so can be called one of Spain’s most important tourist destinations, attracting visitors from all over the world. UK travelers will enjoy exploring the Serra de Tramuntana mountain ranges, the east coast beaches, the Palace of Almudaina, the Bellver caste and the many other attractions Palma has on offer.

9 – Lanzarote

A splendid island in the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is very popular with tourists. With is dry and sunny climate people are treated to a completely enchanting island, with an extraordinary volcanic landscape. Places like the Timanfaya National Park, El Golfo and the Los Verdes caves are also popular with tourists

10 – Geneva

Geneva is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and is home to the European headquarters of the United Nations. The city offers many cultural events, world class entertainment, top rated restaurants and unlimited recreational activities. The sheer beauty of the city is what make Geneva one of the top recommended countries for UK visitors.

Italy is a well known idyllic vaccation destination where tourists are guaranteed a perfect holiday. However, it is always advisable to be careful and ensure a hassle free journey by considering the following tips and advice.

1 – A holidaymakers should always have a valid passport with them at all times. While a visa is not usually necessary if you have visited the country less than 3 months before, for those who do require visa it is advisable to always keep copies of your passport, visa and other important documents with you. Keep them separate from the originals.

2 – It is better to leave a copy of your trip planner with your family and close friends, so that incase of an emergency you can be contacted by them. Make sure to mention the places you intend to visit, the hotels you will be staying at and other important information.

3 – Learn some basic but important Italian phrases as English is not widely spoken in Italy. Some basic phrases are given below:

Buongiorno – Good day
Buonasera – Good evening/afternoon – it is customary to use one of these greetings when entering small shops
Arrivederci – Goodbye
Per favore – Please
Grazie – Thank you
Scusi – Excuse me
Parla inglese? – Do you speak English?
Non parlo italiano – I don’t speak Italian
Dov’è il bagno? – Where’s the bathroom?

4 – If you are planning on driving yourself around while on holiday in Italy, make sure you have a valid International Driver’s License. Also citizens from non-EU countries will require International insurance.

5 – Make sure you pack practical clothing such as comfortable shoes, light sweaters and coats for Italy always enjoys a pleasant climate. However, some places and functions may require formal attire, so make sure you take some with you as well on your trip.

6 – It is best to avoid drinking tap water while holidaying in Italy as it can be chlorinated. Stick to bottled water as a safer option.

7 – The good news is all major credit cards are acceptable in Italy such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa Card in all hotels, restaurants, shops, shopping malls etc. Be careful and mindful of your purse, handbag, knapsacks and wallets at all times and always double check that your cards are returned to you and that you have them in your possession at all times.

8 – Always make sure that you exchange your money at recognized money changing agents only. There are money changers available at the banks as well and this can be done every weekday between 8.30 am and 1.30pm.

9- Transport in Italy is quite convenient with coaches, trains, buses being the most commonly used modes. Most towns in Italy can be reached through public transport, so when traveling make sure you have enough Euros with you, so you can pay for your transport.

10 – Even if you are not carrying your laptop do not worry as you can stay connected always. There are cyber cafes all over Italy, while hotels too usually provide excellent communication services.

For anyone planning a holiday, Italy is a destination worth considering as it has beautiful and historic cities, rich in romance and mouth watering cuisine. One visit is never enough and that is why most visitors find themselves returning to this one of a kind holiday destination over and over again.

1. Rome

Home to the Vatican Rome is a bustling city full of life and vitality. It also houses St. Peters plus a host of other monuments, churches, beautiful fountains and other sites of historical and archaeological value. Filled with excellent restaurants and a range of nightlife options the many attractions of Rome are too numerous to name all, but Capitoline Hill, Mouth of Truth, the famous Catacombs, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Vatican City and the Colosseum are just some of the fantastic sites.

Rome has some fabulous events worth participating in, such as the Eurochocolate, Good Friday Procession, Expo Tevere, the International Urban Theatre Festival and the Rome Marathon just to mention a few.

2 – Venice

Mention Venice and immediately comes to mind weaving water ways and gondolas, the stuff songs are written about. One of Italy’s most romantic cities it attracts more and more visitors each year. The heart of Venice is the Piazza San Marco, while the city also has many museums, palaces and churches worth visiting. So go on a gondola ride and visit the Campanile Di San Marco, Accademia Gallery, Parco Delle Rimembranze and the Ponte Di Rialto, while being serenaded by your gondolier, if you’re lucky!

3 – Florence

Florence is the capital city of Tuscany which brings to mind breath taking scenery filled with vineyards and old but beautiful villas. Florence is one of the most visited destinations, especially by art lovers already familiar with the Florence Renaissance treasures. Its Duomo and Baptistery are glorious but crowded with tourists as is their large piazza. Piazza Del Signoria, Palazzo Strozzi, Palazzo Pitti, Casa Buonarroti, Santa Maria Novella and Medici Chapel are some of the famous attractions in Florence.

4 – Milan

Synonymous with the fashion industry Milan is one of the richest cities in Europe with a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Home to many top designers it is from Milan that many made their venture into the fashion world. Despite the glitzy glamorous side of Milan it has its historical attractions as well, as do most of the Italian cities. The Palazzo Cusani, Santa Maria Delle Grazie, Brera Gallery, Palazzo Litta and Palazzo Marino are just some of the attractions available in Milan.

5 – Naples

Naples is situated in the coast south of Rome and it is one of the most important cities in Southern Italy. Even after the renovation it contains the old setup with historic and artistic places. Naples is filled with street markets and many restaurants. Naples is also home to some of the most beautiful harbors.

7. Bologna

Bologna is well known for its beauty and wealth. Streets of Bologna are lined with beautiful arcades, ideal for shoppers and tourists to purchase essentials or souvenirs and hangout. There are several attractive squares, historic buildings, beautiful churches, monuments, café and restaurants.

8 – Verona

The well known setting for the most famous of star crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, Verona is the third largest city in Italy. The venue for the top Italian opera festival, Verona is the fourth most visited city by holiday makers to Italy.

9-  Perugia

Situated in central Italy, Perguia is home to large universities surrounded by lush green hills and ancient walls. During July tourists can enjoy two weeks of music bliss with live concerts and exhibitions while enjoying the amazing food available in Perguia.

10 – Genoa

Genoa is situated in the northwest coast of Italy and was a 2004 European Culture Capital making it an ever better place to visit now. It has galleries and museums so tourists interested in culture will not be disappointed.