Transportation
First, the idea of hitchhiking anywhere may be dangerous if you are in an unfamiliar territory. It is still better to take the country’s public transportation. Most countries have access to trains/railway, buses and taxis. However, there are other countries which employ more interesting methods of transport.

For instance, if you visit Kyoto, Japan, you can enjoy riding human powered rickshaws. However, this may only be good for people who only feel less pity for the one dragging the rickshaw. In some areas of India and Asia, Elephant is a mode of transportation. In some countries, taking the more popular method of transportation oftentimes prove to be cheaper. For instance, a $3 bus ride may turn out to be a $60 taxi ride for the same distance.

Requirements before Leaving
Make sure that you have in your bag all your travel documents. Keep your valid transport or any travel document safe, especially in a country where pickpockets abound. Keep in mind that there are certain countries that do not require VISA, only passport. Also, in some countries, you may even need a work permit to enter the country, most especially if the length of stay is long.

Difference in Cultures and traditions
To make your travel extra exciting, make sure to, at least, research about the country you will be travelling to. Learn the culture, and know any specific actions which may offend the locals in the country. As you know, there are certain actions which may be OK for you, but they can be considered as rude in another country. Also, take time to consider specific rules that a country may have. This is to avoid any type of punishment, or worse, jail detainment.

Insurance and Safety
If you are set to visit countries where you expect to engage in specific activities which may be dangerous, it is recommended for you to avail of a travel and medical insurance. Then, before going to a certain country, or upon arrival, check any accredited hospitals for security.

Also, take into consideration that if, for instance, you visit a tropical country, you may be encountering dangerous insects. To avoid any problems, it would be better to take the necessary injections for safety and preventive measures.

Currency and Money
It is highly recommended to do a research and compare credit cards. There are certain banks which offer cards for travelers. Include in your research information regarding conversion fees, and work on the lowest currency exchange fee. With credit cards specifically created for travelers you can benefit from low cost cash withdrawals. It is a safer way than carrying all your cash on you.

Customs
In certain countries, you may allowed to bring with you more than one hand carry luggage, while in some countries, they may be stricter. Thus, it is best to research custom related issues which you may be encountering throughout your travel.

Indeed, traveling all over the world can be extremely fun. However, you can only get the most of it by means of preparation and organization.

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A must see on Lanzarote is the nearly 20 square mile National Park of Timanfaya on the East coast of the island. UNESCO declared the Park a world biosphere reserve in 1993 and since then it has been attracting visitors with an interest in geology and the natural world. The park consists of lava fields, giving the almost lunar landscape that Lanzarote is famous for.  While the national park is named after the only live volcano on the site, Timanfay, visitors can rest assured that there hasn’t been a recorded eruption since 1824. 

Open between 9 and 5 daily there are several options for exploring this area of natural beauty. You can tour the area by bus or by foot, with it taking around 45 minutes to go round the park parameter of the park. During the tour the temperature underneath the surface here is demonstrated to guests – this is shown by pouring water into the earth to see it emit steam.  For an even more exciting experience there is also the option to tour the area by camel. with such tours running daily at around noon and lasting approximately 25 minutes a time. This is definitely the most memorable way to take in the volcanic landscape and is likely to be a highlight of your holiday.

Lanzarote boasts lunar-esque landscapes and views that you cannot find anywhere else.  Experience the ochre toned moonscape without having to travel to space; just don’t forget your camera!

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Scenic Switzerland

Switzerland provides a haven for cruise enthusiasts looking to spend their holiday exploring some of the most scenic landscape that this beautiful country has to offer. Starting in Geneva, you can spend 30 days cruising in the height of luxury through Switzerland’s stunning mountainside scenery, exploring immaculate towns, and enjoying the striking medieval architecture. With a cruise of this calibre, the hardest part will be having to return home!

The Spectacular Seine

There’s simply something special about this river, and taking a scenic cruise along the Seine as it flows through Paris is definitely something to add to your travel bucket list. Admire the stunning examples of French architecture as you explore this iconic river on board a boutique cruise vessel. The finest food, wine and cultural experiences await you on this beautiful river cruise through the heart of France. For those who want to travel out of Paris, a stop along the Seine at Les Andelys is heralded as being one of the most picturesque places in France.

Romantic Rhine

As one of the most diverse river cruises in Europe, a tour of the Rhine will take you through five different countries on a spectacular cultural journey that is simply unforgettable. These include Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Germany and France. Not only is the landscape breathtaking, but you will have the opportunity to explore a range of fascinating destinations that truly characterise European culture and lifestyle. As you cruise through Germany, you’ll have the chance to see the stunning Black Forest region with its fairy-tale style castles and picturesque scenery that is perfect for those with a passion for photography.

A stop in Amsterdam will give you a first-hand experience of the nightlife that this destination is famous for. If you want to experience a truly unforgettable European river cruising adventure, the Rhine is the cruise for you. There’s nothing like exploring the best of Europe in the utmost luxury to create memories that will last a lifetime.

For the best deals and latest information on European river cruising, check out the Cruiseabout website. Search itineraries, learn about your destinations and find unbeatable prices on your favourite cruise all in one convenient place. Treat yourself to a taste of luxury with a sophisticated European river cruise for your next holiday.

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Restaurants

As far as restaurants go, Chicago has some of the finest cuisine in the world. Few cities are so simultaneously sophisticated, eclectic and cultural. Chicago is home to many Michelin starred restaurants, the most famous Alinea in Lincoln Park, which requires tickets to be reserved months in advance. Another local favourite is the “Bayless Triad”: Topolo, Frontera and Xoco in the scenic River North neighbourhood, owned and operated by celebrity Chef Rick Bayless.

Topolo is a fine-dining experience, Xoco delivers unparalleled “Mexican street food”, and Frontera is a happy medium between the two. If you’re looking to try some of that fabled Chicago deep-dish pizza, both Giordano’s and Gino’s pizzerias are ready and willing just off Michigan Avenue. Both are Chicago “must-visits”, and are particularly suited for stag parties.

Sights

No Chicago stag party can be complete without visiting a few of the city’s cultural icons. Chicago has, arguably, the most beautiful buildings in the world, and the tallest skyscrapers in the United States. Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, is world renowned—and with good reason. Its observatory delivers an unparalleled view of an American metropolis, one that just might accelerate the heart rate.

On the other side of the Chicago River, the John Hancock Observatory rivals Willis in height, and maybe surpasses it aesthetically. Its own observatory is centrally located above the city’s Magnificent Mile district, making for an even better view than Willis’.

Should the urban sprawl tire your senses, Millennium Park on South Michigan Avenue provides much needed “natural” relief. Impeccable landscaping, lush vegetation and several nationally recognized landmarks make it a wonderful hotspot for visitors. Cloud Gate is a particularly fun attraction: What kind of stag party is it without bizarrely distorted pictures at “The Bean”?

Nightlife

Chicago’s nightlife is just what you might expect from a major world city, and is ideally suited for hosting stag parties. Its bars and lounges alternate between discrete and insane, and many offer amazing views of the city and nearby Lake Michigan. The Signature Lounge at the 96th Floor is the perfect example. Located on—you guessed it—the 96th floor of the John Hancock building, the Signature Lounge is quite a classy place to host a party. It’s got a great drink selection, amazing desserts, and a spectacular view.

What more can you ask for? Well, there’s the outdoor fire pit at the Vertigo Sky Lounge’s balcony. Reserve a table, listen to the music, order some drinks, and have a great time enjoying the city lights. If altitude isn’t your thing, the Zebra Lounge on the trendy Gold Coast might be your hangout of choice. It’s the second oldest bar in Chicago, and features live piano music every night. It’s on the smaller side, but truthfully that’s part of the appeal. The crowd is a lot of fun; dancing and socializing are the name of the game here.

If your heart is set on Chicago, keep in mind that the city has two very different seasons. Your experience is going to be a lot different in the winter, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be great: a bit colder, maybe. Spring and summer are the prime seasons to visit, however, especially if you’re planning to spend time at Millennium Park. Regardless of when you go, if you have a stag party in Chicago, you can bet your friends are going to have a hard time ever topping it.

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World Body Painting Festival (Carinthia, Austria, July 1-7). Art, music and fashion are combined in this one of a kind festival that attracts thousands of people to Austria each summer. Special effects, exhibitions, photo contests, a body painted bungy jump and the body painting championships are featured at this festival. Should it be lacking sun? No sweat, an expert artist will have one painted in an instant.

Running of the Bulls (Pamplona, Spain, July 6-14). At 7:30 each morning during the Running of the Bulls, six bulls are released out into the streets. Anyone is allowed to participate in the event, and may run at this time, but many of the over one million visitors each year prefer to be spectators, as runners have been killed during this dangerous feat. This summertime event is generally accompanied by sunny weather, but in the absence of the sun, rest assured you’ll be seeing red.

La Tomatina (Bunol, Spain). On the last Wednesday of August each year, thousands of people flock to a small town near Valencia, for a massive food fight. More than one hundred metric tons of over-ripe tomatoes are thrown during La Tomatina, an event which also features parades, dancing, music and fireworks. No need to worry about the weather; if it happens to be cloudy, the tomato puree covering both the town and people is sure to brighten things up.

Burning Man (Nevada, USA). From August 26 – September 2, Burning Man festival is an alternative celebration of art, community, self expression and self reliance. It’s a week-long annual event, held in the middle of a desert. And even if the week isn’t filled with natural sunshine, bring some sunglasses; a massive, building-sized effigy will be burning, and generating quite a bit of a glare of its own.

Las Bolas de Fuego (Nejapa, El Salvador, August 31). Literally meaning ‘balls of fire,’ Las Bolas de Fuego is an extreme festival if there ever was one, is a re-enactment of the legendary fight between San Jeronimo and the devil, and it involves two teams of young men throwing real balls of fire at each other. Sun-worshipers won’t be able to look away from this magnificent, shocking display.

Whether you’re basking in the natural rays of sunshine, or the glow of one too many crushed tomatoes, summer’s days are best spent taking in a festival. Start selling your old dvds for cash to make the extra money for warming your skin and your spirit; this season features festivals catering to every interest and for every occasion.

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There’s simply something magic about Manhattan. Locals love to live there, and travellers are always passing through to try and capture some of the famous vibe that this vivacious destination naturally exudes. It can be hard to truly expose the heart of such a busy place when you’re on holiday and only there for a limited time, so here are a few ways to make sure that you get the most out of your Manhattan experience.

Get the Best Deals

Before you start planning your Manhattan adventure, it’s important to make sure you find the best value deals on flights and accommodation so that you can set more money aside to truly enjoy your experience. Contact Flight Centre to get the most competitive prices on flight and accommodation packages, as well as some great itinerary ideas. Remember to check out their famous lowest fare guarantees to beat any quotes from competitors.

Plan Your Itinerary Before You Leave

One of the tricks to ensure you get the most out of your time in Manhattan is to have a great itinerary planned before you leave. While it’s important to have a few days free and flexible, it’s equally essential to do some research on where you want to go and what you want to do. By having your itinerary worked out, you will know how much time you have free to explore and how much is dedicated to the activities you simply don’t want to miss.

Live Like a Local

To truly get to the heart of Manhattan, you have to live like a local. Finding the best cafes, restaurants, theatres, shops and music gigs are all usually a bit of a challenge when you’re a newly arrived traveller, however now you have a few key tools on your side. Check out online blogs, reviews and even download smart phone apps that will keep you up to date on what’s happening in Manhattan and where. The internet provides a level of interconnectivity that simply wasn’t possible before, so make sure you take advantage of this invaluable resource to experience Manhattan just the way the locals like it.

Invest in Guided Tours

One of the best ways to really explore the history of Manhattan is to invest in a couple of guided tours. You will have the chance to delve deeper into its vibrant past and learn a wealth of information that you may not find out by yourself. Tours come in all different forms, and there’s something to suit every taste and interest.

It’s easy to be overwhelmed when you arrive in such a vivacious destination, so it’s essential to be prepared. By keeping these top tips in mind, you can ensure that your stay in Manhattan becomes the trip of a lifetime. Experience the best that this incredible place has to offer, and start planning your amazing Manhattan adventure today!

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The original casino opened in 1994 on the north bank of the Yarra River in the World Trade Centre, but transferred across to the south bank in 1997 as part of a huge casino and entertainment complex. Today it is one of the principal features in Southbank Promenade.

This huge complex covers over five hundred thousand square metres which makes it not only the largest casino in Australia but also the largest casino in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the largest worldwide. Now owned by Crown Limited the original casino was founded and managed by Lloyd Williams of horse racing fame.

The first thing you encounter on entering the casino is the ‘Atrium’. This is a collection of fountains and light and sound displays that are based on the seasons of the year. There are also a number of pyrotechnic towers that line the Casino promenade which provide stunning displays that are reflected in the water. You will also discover many fashion outlets including such familiar names as Burberry, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Bulgari and Versace.

Venture into the casino proper and you will find 2,500 slots and video poker games along with 500 gaming tables. It is also a famous poker venture and the host of the annual poker tournament known as the Aussie Millions, the biggest in terms of money in the whole of the southern hemisphere. The WSOP Asia Pacific will also be staged there in 2013.

The entertainment complex includes a number of hotels. Crown Towers and Crown Metropol are both large five star hotels, the latter being the largest hotel in Australia. Crown Promenade Hotel also offers luxury style accommodation. Naturally there is free Wi-Fi so if you want to get a little games practice in before you hit the gaming tables, you can try your luck at LuckyNugget.

The complex includes a number of nightclubs, many restaurants and a cinema multiplex. There is also a games arcade and bowling alley known as the Galactic Circus.

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Safety 

Following the revolution of 2011, Safety in Tunisia became an important consideration. However the country has stabilised and currently there are no travel warnings for the region. As in all countries, visitors should be vigilant, especially in crowded areas like stations and markets.

Getting in

The majority of flights from Europe will land at the main airport outside of Tunis. From here you can arrange a private transfer to your hotel or head into town and take public transport to your destination.

When to go

Tunisia’s climate is affected by two main factors, the Mediterranean in the north and the Sahara in the south. This means that the temperature can vary considerable depending on the area you visit.

If you’re planning of spending your holiday on the beaches of the north, April to June are the best months, as the heat won’t be overwhelming and the countryside will be in bloom.

Beaches

Tunisia holidays can be spent solely enjoying its spectacular beaches, and with 1,300km of coastline, the country has an abundance of world-class beaches to choose from. Some of the best are Tabarka, Hammamet and those on the Kerkennah Islands.

All of these beaches enjoy peaceful settings and clear blue seas. Hammamet probably has the most tourists, with package holiday resorts close by. Tabarka and the Kerkennah Islands on the other hand are relatively undiscovered and offer a bit of peace and quite as a result.

Sightseeing

Like all of the countries of the Mediterranean, Tunisia has a rich history stretching back thousands of years. One of the most popular attractions is the ancient city of Carthage, located on the eastern side of Lake Tunis. Most famous as the home of Dido, it was destroyed in the 2^nd century BC and today all that is left to be seen are ruins and relics.

Other attractions include Chott el Djerid, the location for the filming of Star Wars and the Sahara, where visitors can experience traditional desert towns and villages.

With a great climate, fantastic beaches, a lively culture and loads of history, Tunisia makes a great destination for a holiday. Spend days exploring the ancient cities and ruins, enjoying the local cuisine and soaking in the culture or simply pick your favourite beach, lay your towel down and enjoy!

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With the city’s theatrical repertoire ever-changing, there’s always a chance of catching something new on the stage in London. Check out some of the upcoming plays that could appeal as part of your visit!

The Commitments

Whether you’ve seen the 1991 film adaptation of the Roddy Doyle comedy-drama or not, The Commitments on stage will surely be a huge hit when it arrives at the Palace Theatre in September. Telling the story of working class Dubliners who form a soul band, your ears will be treated to a whole host of classic tunes from the likes of Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin and James Brown.

The film adaptation was a huge success, winning BAFTA awards and being nominated for a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. If the movie is anything to go by, the theatre production will be a sure-fire hit too. Preview tickets will be half-price and after the opening night on the 8th October, the producers are providing 10,000 seats for just £10 – bargain!

Horrible Histories

One for the kids now – Horrible Histories returns to the Garrick Theatre on the 7th August with Barmy Britain – Part One, while the new second instalment will arrive at the theatre on the 26th September for another load of gruesome and grisly histories that will serve up a dose of fun and education at the same time.

American Psycho

Anyone who loves a good movie will have seen this one, starring the chisel-chinned Christian Bale in one of his most ‘interesting’ roles. American Psycho tells the story of Patrick Bateman, a high-profile businessman who is also hiding the fact that he’s a chainsaw-wielding murderer. Based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis, the stage adaptation includes music and choreography that flawlessly coincides with the dark subject matter. You can find it at the Almeida Theatre from the 3rd December.

Let’s not forget the new Sam Wanamaker Playhouse that will be open for its first season, next year. Constructed on the same site as the Globe Theatre, this new indoor playhouse will mean that whatever the weather, you can enjoy a fantastic, candlelit theatre experience.

Take a look at the new release musicals (and also the ones that are coming to an end!) and take some time out of your busy schedule to enjoy a quality evening in London town. With plenty of Travelodge hotels to choose from, you can be sure that your visit won’t overstretch your budget, but will be an unforgettable one.

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Fast fact: Vienna being small compared to other cities frequented by tourists is a great advantage for those 14-day European tours covering 6 or more cities. Considering time allotted for travel from another city and leaving for the next, sleeping and eating, it can be estimated that there’s more or less 14 hours to see the beauty the Austrian capital has to offer. Here’s a quick guide on how to cover Vienna given a short period of time.

Morning

Ringstrasse. Starting off, go about the Ringstrasse. This street encircles the most prominent buildings and historical places of the city and yes, you can either go by foot or ride the tram exclusively for this route. Some of the known architecture in the Ringstrasse include the Parliament building with a neoclassical statue of Pallas Athena fronting it. A few steps from this Greek revival building stands the Gothic-style Viennese City Hall (Rathaus) which serves as the seat of both the mayor and city council of Vienna.

Opposite the Rathaus is the Burgtheater, the Austrian National Theatre standing since 1741. Walk a bit to the garden adjacent to the Burgtheater and you will find yourself at one of the city’s most charming park, the Volksgarten. It is famous for the roses and many other flowers along with the Theseus Temple. Walk along this garden and out to a vast imperial courtyard housing the Hofburg (Imperial Palace), the palace that the Habsburg dynasty has lived through their regime.

The Hofburg now holds the National Library and it is where the current Austrian president resides. The Hofburg area itself is vast, comprising the Heldenplatz, notably the plaza where Adolf Hitler announced the Anschluss of Austria to the German Reich in 1938. There you can visit the Schatzkammer (Imperial Treasury) which holds treasures spanning a thousand year of European history. Enjoy the horses at the Spanish Riding School, a center for classical dressage where riders and Lipizzan horses have public performances. Behind the Hofburg is another garden which features the statue of Mozart, if you’re lucky you’ll see the flower planting in the shape of a treble clef laid out.

The Burggarten is a gateway to many other wonderful places. There’s the Butterfly house, the Albertina and the State Opera but it is better to give those two a visit in the evening. So head over to the opposite street and see the twin museums – the Naturhistorisches Museum Wien (Museum of Natural History of Vienna) and the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History). Spare an hour or two gawking at the collections of precious stones, minerals, rare fossils on one; collections of Greek and Roman antiquities, collections of sculpture and decorative arts on the other. To cap your morning off, head to the museum at the other side of the street, the Museumsquartier, it is home to a range of installations from other museums and festivals. They often have free exhibits for you to see as well.

Just in time for lunch, head on to the Naschmarkt, it’s a 12-minute walk down from the Museumsquartier. Grab a plate of traditional Viennese food such as Gulasch, Kaiserschmarrn or Wiener Schnitzel. If you are up for Japanese, Greek, Vietnamese or Thai, the Naschmarkt is the best place to satisfy your cravings. You can also find souvenirs here that are priced relatively less compared to other shops. ^_^ And don’t forget to snap a picture of the dome of golden laurel leaves on top of the Secessionist building. Click!

Afternoon

Palaces. Two of Vienna’s famous palaces are not strategically so near each other, it would break your heart not to see both. The Belvedere, consisted of the Upper and Lower Baroque palaces is an obvious first choice being very near the Naschmarkt. Walk around the beautiful gardens that Prince Eugene of Savoy  expanded and developed to what it is today. Take a peak at the orangery or the museum that holds the works of  Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.

Continue your journey to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Schönbrunn. A quick way to see the whole of the Rococo summer residence grounds of the Habsburgs is by boarding the Liliputbahn (miniature train) that will take visitors up the hill and back. Drop off the Gloriette station and savor a cup of coffee or melange and feel like royalty. This is after all where the emperors from before had their breakfasts. Go up the deck of the Gloriette and let your eyes feast upon a panoramic view of Viennese charm. The Schönbrunn grounds hold many wonderful little secrets (palm house, Japanese garden, zoo, aquarium, labyrinth, ruins, the well that the royals used from long ago)  and they each are worth visiting but a tour inside the palace would be a once in a lifetime experience so don’t miss it. Be in awe with gold-plated side walls and see some of the 1,441-rooms along with the grand ballroom where Empress Theresa held many a great gatherings.

Head back to the city center and pay Johann Strauss a visit at the Stadtpark (Viennese City Park). Do some waltzing and then board the tram that will take you to the State Opera. From there, walk your way to the center of Vienna, the plaza by St. Stephen’s church. This would be a strip of  shopping stores, souvenir shops, coffee houses leading to the plaza so expect a lot of people. Vienna’s inner city holds a plethora of history and stories along with restaurants, museums, statues and memorials. To name a few there’s the Mozart’s house, the anchor clock, the wedding fountain, the Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial or the nameless library and the clock museum. Head on to one of the restaurants nearby for dinner and then get ready for an unforgettable evening.

Evening

Opera. Vienna’s nightscene is nothing but perfect to practice night photography. Well- illuminated buildings, festive atmosphere, the ambience of a culture-rich, peaceful city dominates the air. Despite, it is best to experience a performance at the Vienna State Opera, thus giving you a perfect taste of the city of Music. Late at night, there will still be cafes open. Grab a slice of Sacher torte at the hotel it’s offered at – just opposite the Opera House, pair it with cappuccino- you can’t come to this city without having a cuppa – it invented coffee culture after all!

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