With a history of more than two thousand years, there are plenty of attractions that are located within a short distance from each other. This offers you an opportunity to see what cultural attractions the city has to offer in a short time so that you can get the entire time you need to relax at its breath taking golden sandy beaches. You can take time to visit the city’s religious centrepiece known as the Cathedral of Valencia which is not only stunning, but also inspirational enough to make you appreciate Valencia’s cultural heritage. Another hot spot attraction that you should schedule time to visit while on holiday in Valencia is the City of Arts and Sciences. It is arguably the most famous architectural masterpiece in the city, and it draws its design inspiration from animal skeletons and the space-age.

While on holiday in the city of Valencia, take some time to indulge in its exceptionally specific and vibrant nightlife. It is normally said that the residents of Valencia are party freaks who often party every single day of the week. You will surely be excited by the new cultural experiences that are coupled by a perfect night out if you come to Valencia with an open mind. The city has numerous pubs, and clubs that will definitely make you hop joints. Among the most famous and exciting night club is Radio City, which is located around various historical sites in Barrio del Carmen and a thrilling neighborhood of bars, cafes, restaurants and night clubs. Other locations that will guarantee a visitor an intense nightlife include Avenida de Aragon, Xu’quer, and Ca’novas squares.

Valenciais also endowed with a multitude of shopping outlets that offer almost anything from traditional handicrafts to the latest fashion wear. The most popular destination that is traditionally a shopping zone in Valencia is located to the south of the city’s historic centre, and here you can indulge in shopping for pottery, ceramics, wines, food stuffs and cloth wear. The famous shopping streets in this zone include Jorge Juan, Colo’n, Cirilo Amoro’s, and Don Juan de Austria.
Written by Mike who is a travel writer at www.spanishtravelguide.co.uk and www.londondaytrip.co.uk

C’an Marca Caves
Another breathtaking natural site is to be found in the C’an Marca Caves. At over one hundred thousand years old the interior of the caves are beginning to fossilise and are steeped in history. Learn about them on a guided tour as you meander around the stalagmites and stalactites and cascades of beautifully clear water. A visit here will see you take on a new appreciation for Mother Nature and as they are found at 8-10 metres above sea level, it also provides some stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea.

Hippy markets
The hippy markets are a definite must see during your holiday to Ibiza. Punta Arabí at Es Cana is the original and the biggest on the island and here you will find countless stalls flanking the winding footpaths, sheltered from the sun by the shade of the overhanging pine trees. Stuffed full of unique products from all over the world and all handmade, this is your one stop shop for souvenirs.
Las Salinas Salt Flats
Located on the southern tip of the island, this is probably one of the most famous sights in Ibiza. The salt fields have been in use by the locals for over 2,000 years. During the long, hot summer months the water of the lake gradually evaporates leaving behind a huge expanse of sparkling white salt on the lake bed. Head here using car hire Ibiza airport for some fantastic views at sunset!

Scuba Diving
Boasting warm and wonderfully clear waters and a gorgeous coastline, much of Ibiza’s appeal lies in its beaches. The wonders extend under the waves too and one of the best ways to experience it is to go scuba diving and explore the many underwater caves and wreck dives.

Castle
Both history and culture can be found on Ibiza, get a dose of both with a visit to Ibiza Castle, also known as Dalt Villa, perched atop a large hill overlooking the old town. A climb to top affords wonderful views over the surrounding town and out to the ocean and there are also two museums to explore. Back down in the town, there is a variety of churches and museums waiting to be discovered too.

Day trip to Formentera
The neighbouring island of Formentera is often forgotten by visitors to Ibiza but just a short and easy ferry ride away awaits an island of natural beauty and serenity. The island makes for an ideal day trip and when you are here you will delight in the blissfully empty beaches and the spattering of traditional villages.
Of course the night life in Ibiza is excellent but this is proof that there is plenty more on offer to be enjoyed too so strike the right balance and have the holiday of a lifetime!

Bio: Kerri Ware is a travel blogger and writes for Economy Car Hire, a car hire broker offering great deals for car hire across Ibiza and beyond. Follow us on Twitter @economycarhire.

There is more than one reason to visit Chinatown in New York City. First of all, there is the shop district. Women in particular will love this place which is filled with dozens of shops. Visitors can buy anything from purses and watches to boots and jewelry. Tourists should expect to spend at least 2 or 3 hours in this district. After such a shopping spree, most individuals get hungry. There’s no need to worry about that. Chinatown in New York City features countless Chinese restaurants. They serve the best and most authentic Chinese food and they have affordable prices. Some of the most exquisite Chinese restaurants in this area are Prosperity Dumpling and Big Wong King.

The tourists who are interested in buying their own ingredients and try a new Chinese recipe will adore the fishmongers and green – grocers in this district. They’re all Chinese and they can be seen on East Broadway, Mott Street, Canal Street and Mulberry Street. They sell fresh ingredients at very good prices. While we’re talking about the food sector, we should also mention the Chinese bakeries. They are absolutely lovely and their products are delicious. They’re a lot different from the French and American bakeries. Lung Moon Bakery and Golden Fung Wong Bakery are worth a visit. The tourists should try the red bean bread rolls and the sesame balls.

People cannot pass trough Chinatown and not try the tea. Even the persons who are not into tea are going to love this exquisite Chinese liquor. Everybody knows that the Chinese make some of the best tea in the world. The bubble tea and the herbal tea are definitely the most delicious. The tourists should taste them in Ya Ya Tea Garden and Vivi Bubble Tea.
With a full stomach, people can start sightseeing. The most famous landmark in Chinatown is the Museum of Chinese in America. Here, the visitors can discover the Chinese immigrating history and culture by observing artifacts, images and historic papers. Part of the Chinese culture is also the Mahayana Buddhist Temple. It is the largest in Chinatown and features a golden Buddha.

One thing that the tourists must not miss when visiting New York Chinatown is the Chinese New Year Parade. It takes place on February or January and it’s absolutely amazing. The celebrations last 2 days and the visitors have the chance to see a lot of events, traditional costumes, dragon and lion dancers and the famous firecracker ceremony. New York Chinatown is definitely something that people shouldn’t miss when visiting the “City that never sleeps”.

This article was written by Ioana on behalf of Nycvacationrentalsonline.com, a travel company that has over 350 New York vacation rentals as well as cheap NYC apartments for those on a budget.

London might not be the first place that comes to mind when you are considering a spa break, but you might be surprised at the large number of spas that can be found in the city. You might also be surprised at how reasonably priced some of them are; you can start to enjoy a spa experience for as little as £25, though naturally an overnight stay in a luxury five star spa hotel is likely to cost considerable more, perhaps as much as £250, and you can pay much more if you wish to. A day package in a popular spa hotel in Mayfair begins at around £300, though if you are new to the spa experience, then it might be advisable to start with a fairly modest spa experience to see how much you enjoy it.

So, let’s have a look at what you should expect from your spa experience. Let’s say that you have booked several treatments, for instance a facial, a body treatment such as a Vichy shower, a massage, a manicure, a pedicure and, to top it off, a visit to the hairdresser who will restyle your hair.

Altogether that is full day so you should ensure that you turn up early; a good fifteen minutes is recommended. The receptionist will do the appropriate paperwork which will include information on your lifestyle and medical history, for instance you will be asked if you have any allergies or a heart condition. Then you will be taken to the changing rooms where you will change from your day clothes into a spa gown and robe and you will relax in the waiting area while you wait for your first treatment.

When it is time you will be taken to the room where the facial treatments and invited to lie on a couch. The therapist will talk to you about your skin and complexion and explain to you what she will do and what she hopes to achieve. The treatment will be soothing and relaxing and will leave you feeling great.

Next you will move to the massage room and you will be asked to lie face down on the massage table. You will receive a gentle body scrub which will leave you feeling simultaneously relaxed and elated and this will be followed by a Vichy shower.  If you have not before experienced one, a Vichy shower is an overhead shower that is controlled by the therapist. You simply lie where you are and enjoy it as it cleanses your skin.

By now you are feeling fantastic but it is not all over yet; you still have a manicure, a pedicure and a visit to the hair stylist to look forward to.

A spa experience should make you feel pampered and special and when it is over you should both look and feel good. It is an experience that is best shared with a special friend or a group of friends, so why not give it a go?

India
There are a staggering 1.1 billion people who live and work in India and it is the second most populated country in the world after China. It bristles with an eclectic mix of people from differing ethnicities and for the foreign traveller it is a cultural cocktail. Speaking of differences, the country itself is a place of extremes, from the hustle and bustle, heat and noise, smells and colours of the vibrant city of Mumbai, to the sparsely populated but majestic areas of Shimla Ladakh and Mount Abu in the North of the country where you can go trekking in the hills. India is awash with stunning historical forts and of course a visit to India wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Agra where you can see the Taj Mahal in all its splendour. With flights to India currently great value this place is a must visit.

Morocco
A Morocco holiday is a must in 2012. Although it’s only 19kms away from the European mainland, Morocco is a world away. A visit here will awaken, all of your senses. Why not stay in a fabulous Riyadh in Marrakesh, where you can experience your own personal peace and tranquillity amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. A trip to Marrakesh wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Jema El Fnaa (the main city square which is now a UNESCO world heritage site) and the tiny streets of the Medina. Alternatively take a trip up into the awe inspiring Atlas mountains, or travel south towards the stunning whitewashed fishing ports of Asilah and Essaouira. Morocco is all about sights, sounds smells and tastes, so embrace it!

UK
So why would we choose the UK as a must see destination in 2012? Well why not! For most of us, we are so embroiled in booking that great holiday destination abroad that we forget what’s on our own doorstep. From the stunning snow capped peaks and lochs of Scotland, to the rolling fells and lakes of Cumbria, from the hustle and bustle of the historic capital London, to the quaint seaside towns of Devon and Cornwall, the UK has it all. In addition to the diversity that the UK offers, this year (2012) sees the arrival of the London Olympics, not to mention the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, so there is sure to be plenty of things to see and do all throughout the year. Book a guest house in Brighton and enjoy the seaside while you’re at it! If you hadn’t thought of the UK as being a top travel destination for 2012, then you might want to think again.

Volunteer abroad
If you have a particular skill such as a teacher or IT expert, or feel that you are fit and healthy, then why not volunteer abroad. There are many companies and organisations out there that will offer travel, accommodation and food, in return for work. Simply Google volunteer work and see what comes up. By doing this you can get to see some of the most far flung countries that would otherwise cost you the earth, for a fraction of the price, or in some cases… for free.

Travel insurance deals
Another great way to save on your holiday is to get a great deal on your travel insurance cover. Don’t take the first one that is handed to you, and only get yourself covered for what you really need. Search online, especially comparison sites and you’ll be surprised at what you can unearth.

Budget bus companies
If you fancy travelling from place to place then you might want to look at travelling by bus. The US especially, has some great budget bus companies that can offer all mod cons such as comfortable reclining seats, free wi-fi connection and the obligatory on board loo. Okay it may take a little longer to get to your destination, but for a serious budget busting price, does it really matter.

Japan
Japan has had its troubles of late and in the wake of the Tsunami that hit last year, it’s really pushing hard to bring back the tourists. As a result it’s offering some great travel and accommodation deals.

Free air miles
If you really want to travel for free, then you can always accumulate free air miles. Many credit card companies are using air miles as a promotion for spending with them. As long as you are careful with your credit card spending and make sure it’s paid off so as not to incur interest, this is a great way of getting a free flight.

Travel out of season
One of the best ways to travel on the cheap is to travel out of season. The downside to this is that you have to be a little flexible on your travel arrangements, but if you can go just outside of the school holidays and peak season you can save yourself as much as 50%.

Groupon
The online company Groupon is a ‘deal of the day’ website that offers heavily discounted items including hotels. Again you do have to be flexible to take advantage of some of the offers, but once you’ve bought, then in many cases you can have up to six months to redeem your voucher.

So there you have it, 7 top tips for travel in 2012.

The small enclave of narrow alleys and stone houses looks like it was designed as a film set ready to welcome the tales of kings and queens but this genuine French village dates back to the 11th century. Made famous in the letters that Madame de Sevigne, the acclaimed writer, sent to her daughter, Grignan is a paradise for History and literature enthusiasts. The letters were compiled and published in 1726 and became celebrated for the vivid and detailed account they offered on the life around the region. A marble stone in front of the altar in the collegiate church marks the sealed entrance to Madame de Sevigne’s tomb.

Grignan Castle

Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/michalo/6052498325/sizes/m/in/photostream/

The most impressive Grignan site, though, is the amazingly well preserved Renaissance castle, transformed into a museum, sheltered behind high walls at the village’s core from which you can gaze at the immense lavender plant fields and maybe pick up a lavender bunch or two to bring home with you. Like it happens in many ancient European cities, the houses in the centre of the old town have been converted to hotels and B&B’S which mean you can almost pretend to be a character of a historical novel by staying in a real 16th century house.

Field of Lavender Plants

Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stefanochiarelli/4866161118/sizes/m/in/
photostream/

Some of the most picturesque options are the Le Sevigne and the Le Clair de La Plume, both within a few meters from the castle. For a mid-season scape, the price for a double room at Le Sevigne is around £250 for four nights. If you are taking your children along, then an extra bed will cost an extra £90. At the Clair de La Plume, a couple alone can expect to pay £500 while triple rooms go for £763. Perks include free bicycle tours around the vineyards and lavender fields, breakfast prepared with ingredients from the local market and on site tea room and restaurant set in an antique kitchen.

Truffles, wine, sunflower fields and lavender bunches

If you’ve booked your trip between spring and summer, then expect to arrive in a village that will look more like a living garden. Old and rare rose species, bright-yellow sunflower fields and the delicate purple of lavender bunches will be popping up in all your pictures. During the long days of July you can attend night festivals that revolve around writing: meet storytellers, poetry readers, calligraphers across the street and have a go at mastering the art of correspondence. When the sun begins to set but the breeze is still warm, lose yourself in the enthusiastic and genuine night markets.

Wondering where the food is? Grignan is a proper French village and won’t disappoint you when it comes to savouring some of the best delicacies of the Rhone-Alpes region. L’Eclectic and Le Poeme are not only fancy names to give to your restaurant; they are also two of the well-reviewed places you’ll find. Truffles, fresh fish and sea food stew and the famous pan bagnat, a wonderful version of tuna sandwich with grilled peppers and a fine olive oil drizzle are on the menu.

For most people, packing for a trip can be a chore and it’s hard to know just which floaty summer dress or pair of designer sunglasses will make the grade. You’ll also have to take into account a country’s varying weather conditions and ensure you pack a range of clothes to suit all climates.

Beach holidays, just what do you put in that suitcase?
When carving out a list of beach holiday essentials it critical to ensure you have a core selection of clothing that you can mix-and-match to create different looks. Choose two base colours like grey or black to start with. After that, choose three colours to compliment your base colour clothes as well as others that you can use for accents such as white, red, and pink. Remember to pack a few stylish bikinis or swimming costumes and a lightweight water proof coat to be prepared for any eventuality.

Be weather conscious. Even though beach resorts usually enjoy hours of sunshine you can never be sure when the weather will turn. Bearing this is mind you should always check weather conditions before heading off on vacation to ensure you’re holiday isn’t blighted by a bad spell of weather.

Pack a selection of hats and sunglasses to protect you from the damaging effect of the sun and UV rays.  A hat will also protect your scalp from burning. Packing a selection of kaftans to throw over your swimwear as you take a beach stroll will also help to shield you from the suns’ harmful rays.

A hot spot for sunshine year after year is Tenerife, and with cheap holidays in Turkey appealing to travellers for the glorious sunshine it is essential to protect yourself.

Bring your own hand sanitizer. This will mean that you can be assured of keeping your hands clean, even if public toilets or other areas don’t have soap available.

Other essentials
Place your valuables inside your carry-on. Keep your valuables such as passports, booking information, jewellery, and credit cards close to hand by putting them in carry-on totes. This will ensure maximum safety for your possessions.

Bring along chargers for your mobile phone and camera, as well as an all-important travel adaptor. You’ll be creating a bank of holiday memories with the numerous snaps you take, and you don’t want this to be ruined by a camera battery going flat on day two of your vacation.  Taking a travel adaptor will also mean that you can pack and use electrical items from home, such as hairdryers.

Try and be realistic and sparing with what you pack. You want to ensure that you have just enough to meet you needs for the duration of your break. Many low cost carriers that transport tourists on cheap Turkey holidays and other attractive locations are guilty of limiting the amount you can bring onto flights, a capsule wardrobe and decanting toiletries into smaller bottles should help to leave a little room left in your suitcase for gifts.

Firstly, there is no doubt that you can’t go to Dublin without having at least one pint of the famous ‘black stuff. However, here you can do it in real style by drinking your pint in what is regarded as the highest pub in the country – Johnny Fox’s.

It is set high in the Dublin Mountains and the owners of Johnny Fox’s refuse to accept the claims of other pubs who say this particular award should be theirs. Among them are the Ponderosa Pub in County Derry’s Glenshane Pass (famous for its 1,000 ft high club) and Creedon’s Pub in County Kerry.

Whether Johnny Fox’s claim is deserved or not, no one is entirely sure, but it certainly is high up and they not only serve a great pint but they also offer some great home-cooked Irish food.

Alternatively, you could also visit the studio of the artist rightfully considered as Ireland’s finest and one of the great masters of the last century – Francis Bacon. Located in the Hugh Lane Gallery, the entire contents of Bacon’s London studios were donated in 1998 by the artist’s heir, his former lover John Edwards.

Bacon’s former South Kensington studio in Reece Mews was meticulously deconstructed and painstakingly put back together again down to the tiniest detail. In fact, the reconstructed studio includes the original floor, the doors, ceiling, walls and shelves.

Here you will see exactly how Bacon used to work and you can browse through the fascinating artefacts left by the great figurative artist, which number around 7,000 items. Included are over 1,500 photographs, 100 unfinished canvases, nearly 600 books and literally thousands of items Bacon would use for his painting.

While there are numerous great churches worth visiting in the city, St. Michan’s Church is among the finest of them all and it has a dark secret of its own. Hidden in its underground vaults are numerous preserved bodies and the kids will just love the spooky aura the place exudes. The good news is that guided tours of the vaults are available just about all year round.

While it was largely reconstructed in 1686, the church actually dates back to the 11th century and displays some of the finest artwork you will see in this city. Inside, the church is packed with magnificent carvings and splendid ornaments.

However, the undoubted highlight has to be the beautifully adorned organ, which the church claims was once played by the great German composer Handel.

It is open for viewing Monday to Friday from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm in the winter months, while during the summer the church opens at 10.00 am and closes its doors at 4.30 pm. Fortunately, it is open from 10.00 am to 12.45 pm on Saturdays all year round. There is a small fee for the guided tour of the vaults.

After all these excursions you are probably going to find yourself feeling a little hungry and in need of some food. While the options are numerous, if you want to go somewhere a little different, you should try either Gallagher’s Boxty House or the Brick Alley Cafe in East Street, Temple Bar.

As you may have already guessed, Gallagher’s Boxty House is famous for its wonderful boxty, which is a dish unique to Ireland. Resembling an Irish potato pancake or dumpling, this delicious dish comes topped with a choice of tasty Irish cheeses or fine smoked salmon and dill. The hearty starters start at around six euros.

Alternatively, the Brick Alley Cafe is one of the coolest cafes in the city and is regularly packed with its many loyal customers. The food here is great and the tiny wooden tables make for interesting dining. What is so unusual about it is that the main courses go for as little as five euros.

Finally, after you have eaten you could go on a somewhat guilty visit to the Jeanie Johnson Famine Ship. This is an exact, fully functioning replica of the famous Famine Ship that carried thousands of starved Irish people off to better lands. The museum is fascinating and costs a mere five euros to enter. There are many
hotels in Dublin city centre all within short walking distance of the major attractions, and with loads of cheap flights to Dublin available daily from the UK, what are you waiting for?

This is just a selection of some of the most unusual attractions in Dublin. There are plenty more, such as climbing the magnificent Sugar Loaf Mountain or getting yourself an old-fashioned hot-towel shave in Westmoreland Street.

Although on a scale of all the undesirable events and emotions we might have to endure, boredom might seem to be fairly benign; but being bored really is a waste of life. When you are bored you feel that there is nothing for you to do and you have no interest in the things that surround you. Another word for boredom is ennui, which is also synonymous with a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction. Philosophers and psychologists have produced many books on the subject of boredom and how to overcome it, but the answer is very simple: do something different and treat yourself. Forget any concerns that doing so is too self-indulgent; a little self indulgence can work miracles for our feeling of well-being and general health.

So what does turn your pages? We have already mentioned city breaks, and although a trip to Paris in the spring might sound a little clichéd, spring really is a great time to visit that city, and it is only a short train journey away. Prague is another exciting destination, especially if you have never been there. There is so much to see and do, and the Prague night life is legendary. Amsterdam is another popular destination and can easily be reached by either train or plane. With its canals, art galleries, museums and night life there is never a lack of entertainment. There are many exciting cities all over Europe where it is well worth spending a city break.

The ultimate in treating yourself is by taking a spa break and indulging in some of those delicious spa treatments. A spa break can really be a life enhancing experience from which you will return feeling like a new person. There are many locations in both cities and in the countryside where you can enjoy the ultimate in spa luxury, especially if you share the experience with a group of friends.