travel sightings

Imagine the dilemma; a bank full of cash, a week away from that stressful office, a group of good mates and one huge decision. Where to go for that huge week of clubbing? Hopefully this should help you out as its aimed to be the definitive guide to the best clubs and locations across the globe.

The Big Apple is famous for a lot of things, shopping and sights predominantly but we don’t always think of our trans-Atlantic cousins as having some of the best clubs in the world- but they do! New York has always been a great city for going out, whether you’re after jazz, blues or soul. But it also has some great dance venues always playing host to big names. One of the newest ventures is 40/40, owned and operated by Jay-Z, with acres of cream leather, bright LCD screens adorning the walls and big names on the decks your sure to have a massive night hanging with the NYC celebs. But if that doesn’t sound quite glam enough then maybe you should head to Bungalow 8, in a chopper! It really is the only way to arrive!

For something quite different, why not head off in the opposite direction? Why go West when you could be going East? Bangkok; hot, humid and hedonistic. The perfect combination for some great nights. Nothing is frowned upon here and anything really does go. Bed Supperclub is the trendiest haunt right now with an incredible structure and glitzy interior. Big name DJ’s grace the decks most nights and Tuesday night plays host to the infamous hip-hop nights. But for something truly different, and why not when you’ve come so far, how about checking out an infamous GoGo bar? Fabulous costumes, scantily clad women and a few lady-boys make for a memorable night for the most hardened clubber. One Night in Bangkok may have been the name of a famous song, but one night really isn’t enough!

But when it comes to clubbing, one place has it all. Attracting over 4 million visitors a year from all over the globe, there is only one place that can claim the clubbing crown; Ibiza. Sun, sea, sand and sangria combine in ridiculous quantities to make Ibiza one of the most energetic of all clubbing resorts. Huge clubs and a season packed out with all the biggest names on the planet mean Ibiza just can’t be beaten right now! Head to El Divino for the glitz, Space for the sounds and Pacha because it’s the original, and many would say the best!

While in the Baleric islands why not go for a bit of island hopping and sample the nightlife in neighbouring Formentara or Menorca. With the same climate and easy going attitude to nightlife as Ibiza these islands also make great, albeit more low key clubbing destinations.

While in that part of the world the south coast of Spain and Portugal are popular tourist traps for club holidays. In peak season resorts like Benidorm and Albuferia are packed havens for clubbing tourists.

Abi Carter writes for I Love Ibiza, the definitive Ibiza club community and Ibiza 2009 club calendar & Ibiza club guide

Live online roulette is one game which ensures success without skills. Each spin of the wheel is different from the preceding and succeeding ones. Even a veteran live roulette player will not be able to predict what lies in store when the wheel is set spinning. No amount of mathematical calculations will reveal the mysterious nature of the outcome of the live roulette although over time many have tried.

However, players have come up with some useful tips which can help. These tips only help the player to make a wise decision about the bet. You will come across many strategies online, most of which try to charge you for payments to access the information. You can keep searching and eventually you will find a few but you have to strain them and use the ones that are indeed fruitful.

You should always adopt safe plans while playing live online roulette. It is often seen that people change the number which are betting on, with each round. This minimizes the chances of winning in live online roulette. It has been seen that the changed number wins in the next rounds. You should place your bet on one single number and wait for Lady Luck to smile at you. Once you win you can change the number, you can also try with the lower 1 to 1 bets which are more frequent in their winnings.

You should always focus on your bet. Never stress yourself with what your co-participants are betting on. The varied colored chips help in distinguishing the bets of each participant. You can bet on a number that has already been selected by any other participant. Unlike real life casino roulette there is no limit on the number of people who can bet on the same number online. You also enjoy unlimited bets on a particular number.

In a real life situation at a land based casino you should touch your chips only after the declaration of the losers by the dealer. When the payoff is distributed, you can collect the chips that you have won. This is all automatically done online so you have need to concern yourself with this. You should not bet once the dealer declares ‘no more bets’. Some dealers might use a gesture by the movement of the hand over the table of live roulette without disturbing the chips.

If you continually win in consecutive live online roulette games, you have to be courteous enough to pay a tip to the dealer. Although the dealer has no connection with your winnings, it is customary to give a tip as a token of appreciation.

You should always start betting with a small amount. Never use up all your money in the initial phase of the game. Use small bets so that you can play for a longer period of time. You never know if a bigger amount is waiting to be won in the subsequent rounds. You should practice in dummy live online roulette games before placing your bets to get accustomed with the features of the game.

For more information about the game visit live online roulette where you can read more articles and find tips on the game, you can also visit live roulette tv for the UK television version of the game.

Unlike Madagascar, where there is a profusion of indigenous wildlife, the island gem of La Reunion, its neighbour to the south-west, has very few; one of these is the spectacular Panther chameleon, a mini-kaleidescope-coloured monster which can grow to a length of 50 cms. Lying on the crossroads between Asia and Africa, fluorescent rivers of molten lava occasionally spew out of the earth’s crust and plunge into the crystal waters of the Indian Ocean, searing everything in their path. This island –jewel, similar to Hawaii, insofar as both are located above hotspots in the earth’s crust, is between Madagascar and Mauritius. And is 63 km x 45 km. There are three volcanoes here, one extinct, swathed in forests, where mountains, gorges, and spectacular waterfalls jostle shoulder-to-shoulder, vying for one’s attention.

La Reunion is the southernmost French overseas depart

The emirate has become well known as a playground for the rich and famous, with every conceivable luxury activity on offer. Shopping in the spectacular malls and souks, playing golf at championship level courses, and staying in the world’s first seven star luxury hotel are all popular attractions for people on a holiday to Dubai. But for anyone who is after a real sense of pampered luxury on their Dubai holiday, a stay at one of the country’s spa hotels or resorts is a must.

With top class facilities and an amazing range of health and beauty treatments, Dubai has some of the best spa resorts and hotels in the world, ranging from city centre luxury hotels to coastal resorts with their own private beaches. Here are five of the most luxurious places to stay on a spa holiday in Dubai…

One and Only Royal Mirage

Located near to the famous Palm Island, the One and Only Royal Mirage is an unforgettable place to stay on a Dubai spa holiday. It has a spectacular design, looking like an ancient Arabian fortress, and features 60 acres of landscaped gardens and its own private beach. The outstanding Givenchy Spa features a Hammam, massage centre, hair salon, temperature controlled swimming pools and private treatment rooms.

Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa

The massive Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa is in prime position on Jumeirah Beach. The onsite Elixir Spa has a private pedicure room, crystal steam fog room, Moroccan sauna, and a spectacular relaxation area with waterfalls, aromatherapy, music and herbal tea. The rest of the resort is just as luxurious, with a half dozen restaurants offering top class dining, numerous swimming pools and spacious rooms. If you are looking to take a spa holiday in Dubai, the Habtoor is hard to beat.

Grand Hyatt Dubai

While many of the leading resorts for Dubai spa holidays are located far outside Dubai city itself, the Grand Hyatt Dubai combines the best of both worlds – a resort style hotel that is located in the heart of the city. The Grand Spa is one of the best in the country, with an indoor swimming pool, spa bar, relaxation rooms, massage rooms and a sauna. The private treatments and overall ethos of the spa are inspired by the principles of Zen, offering a truly unique experience to those who stay here.

Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort

With its Roman themed Caracalla Spa, over a dozen restaurants and on call butler service, Le Royal Meridien is a great place to spend a luxury holiday in Dubai. It is also one of the most openly family friendly Dubai resorts; with a children’s club and babysitting facilities, you can keep the kids entertained as you while away the hours in the superb spa.

Burj al Arab

If you are interested in a luxury holiday to Dubai, the chances are that you’ve heard of the Burj al Arab. Standing on its own private island just off Jumeirah Beach, this hotel claims to be the first seven star hotel, and is certainly one of the most famous hotels in the world. It has a spa to match its prestigious reputation. The Assawan Spa and Health Club has a spectacular array of facilities; hydrotherapy baths, a solarium, oriental massage centre, 18 private treatment rooms and numerous swimming pools are just some of the facilities on offer.

Peter Vasilou is a Dubai expert for key2holidays, an online tour operator specialising in luxury Dubai holidays, as well as holidays in Australia, Cuba, the Caribbean, Europe, the Far East, the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles, Egypt and Southern Africa. Key2holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.

If you’re looking to sample a slice of rural Cuban life, then a stint in a Trinidad hotel could be just the ticket. Located in the centre of the island, the city is labelled as a UNESCO world heritage site and is a hot sleepy town filled with colonial architecture and idyllic cobbled streets. Here’s everything you need to know about it, if you’re considering making a holiday in Trinidad, Cuba a “must” for your next visit to the island.

The Town Itself

The main attraction of a holiday in Trinidad is undoubtedly the town itself. Photographers will have a field day, taking advantage of the charming traditional architecture and timeless feel of the place, while others will just enjoy wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere. There are no cars allowed in the centre, adding to its charm, and visitors can take in the city’s 1211 buildings, which are mostly made up of wonderfully restored colonial houses, painted in a selection of bright colours, topped with terracotta tiles. The whole experience of walking through the town is a mixture of fairytale beauty, Latin-American vibrancy and peaceful tranquillity.

Mixed in with the pretty surroundings are a couple of notable buildings: a handful of idyllic churches, public squares and a number of informative museums each show-casing the architecture, archaeology and history of the old town. While nearly as attraction-packed as Havana, a stay in a Trinidad hotel has enough to hold your attention and allows you to enjoy your stay in a more relaxed and traditionally Caribbean manner.

The Beach

In addition to the days you can happily invest in strolling around the delicious town itself, Trinidad’s coastal location lends itself nicely to hours (or days!) spent lounging upon its undisturbed white sands. The region has two splendid beaches – Ancon and Maria Aguilar – and both of them are local to the town and some of the best on the south coast. As for what you do there, you are largely free to pursue your interests – you can relax in the sun, go swimming or enjoy some water sports. Perhaps the best way to enjoy it though is snorkelling or scuba diving, as visitors can roam amongst the wide selection of sponges, gorgonians, sea fans, black coral and various colourful tropical fish. Those wanting a premiere dive site can find many in Cuba, whilst Trinidad’s coast is a nice plus for those who want to dive as an extra, rather than as the main focus of their trip…

The Nature Reserve

Trinidad itself is set in an absolutely stunning setting, nestled between the Sierra de Escambray Mountains and gorgeous coastline. If you want to feel even more at home with nature though, the Topes de Collantes Natural Park features an impressive selection of plants and birds, set high up in the mountains. Visitors can expect to see a selection of wildlife include various colourful birds, ferns, and precious wood trees.

The Old Sugar Mills

The city of Trinidad isn’t the only historical point of interest in the area to be granted UNESCO heritage status. The Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills) is a group of three valleys that were the island’s centre for sugar production between the 18th and late 19th century. The whole area is approximately 100 square miles, and includes the sites of more than 70 former sugar mills. Many of them are now in a bad state of repair, but the region’s inherent beauty and the history contained within the area makes it well worth a look for those staying locally in one of Trinidad’s hotels.

Far from the tanned crowds of Varadero, and the (comparatively) bustling city life of Havana, a holiday in Trinidad presents a whole new example of Cuban life that many tourists miss completely. From the charming town, to the relaxed beach and the enchanting local attractions, Trinidad, Cuba, is the perfect place to stay to sample rural life on the island, and to get away from the hectic pace of life in the UK.

Emma Lelliott is the General Manager of Captivating Cuba, an independent specialist in Trinidad holidays and hotels. With offices in Havana and the UK, Captivating Cuba can help you tailor-make the perfect Cuban holiday experience.

There’s no doubting that South Africa holidays make for a great break abroad. The culture is different, there’s plenty to see and do and the weather is perfect – especially when compared to the wet and cold that UK summers often present! There’s also plenty for families to do on holiday in South Africa, especially if they’re interested in wildlife. Here’s a list of some of the highlights:

Aquariums with a Twist

There are a number of aquariums for South Africa’s holiday makers to visit, but the factor that separates them from their UK counterparts is that some allow visitors to dive in some of the areas to get closer than ever before! It should be pointed out that the aquariums are understandably particular about who they allow to dive (you must have reached a certain level of qualification), but even if you have not reached that level, the sheer number of tropical fish makes the aquariums well worth a visit. The best of them are Two Oceans Aquarium (Cape Town) and Ushaka Marine World (Durban).

Gold Reef City

South Africa holidays may not be the main focus for theme park enthusiasts, but Gold Reef City (located just outside of Johannesburg) is a great choice if your kids have a hankering for rollercoasters during your trip! The rides at the park range from those aimed at smaller children (run-away train, giant wheel) through the water based drenchers (Miner’s revenge, Raging River Rapids, The River Ride) all the way up to The Anaconda – a rollercoaster full of ludicrous loops and twisting turns. Those wanting a real challenge should sample the Tower of Terror – a ninety degree vertical plunge sure to terrify those bold enough to try it…

Wildlife and Fantastic Reserves

With so many exotic animals indigenous to the continent, it’s no surprise that South African game reserves and wildlife sanctuaries are amongst the very best in the world, and have an excellent record for looking after the creatures. In particular, the Kruger National Park will provide an unforgettable experience for any visitors. Covering nearly 20,000 km2, the park contains more species of mammals than any other game reserve on the continent and is unparalleled in sheer numbers too, with over 9,000 giraffes, 3,000 hippos and 32,000 Burchell’s zebras!

If your children love monkeys (and what child doesn’t?) then Monkeyland on the Garden Route is also an absolute must. It’s a sanctuary that allows its wide selection of primates to roam free throughout the facility without cages. The thrill here for visitors therefore is to find the animals without having to rely on a map telling them where each species should be! This should be high on any South Africa family holiday itinerary.

Brilliant Beaches

It’s no surprise that, with its long coast line and excellent weather, beaches in South Africa are excellent. With so many of them to choose from, there’s something for everyone whether you’re looking for sun-soaked solitude, plentiful beach games or active water sports. There’s even whale watching, which is a great way to spend time with your children, and those old enough will doubtless want the opportunity to surf like the pros!

With one of the best climates in the world, South Africa family holidays looking to focus on the golden sands should head directly to the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Even in winter you’ll find warm sea and weather – the perfect thing for escaping those winter blues.

The truth is that a luxury holiday in South Africa can be an amazing experience no matter what your circumstances are. If your family finds wildlife, theme parks and beaches a big draw when visiting a country then South Africa makes for the perfect holiday location.

Robert Santry is a South Africa expert for key2holidays, an online tour operator specialising in luxury South Africa holidays, as well as trips to Australia, Cuba, the Caribbean, Europe, the Far East, the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles, Egypt and the Arabian Gulf.

Every year, drawn by the promise of gorgeous weather and beautiful beaches, thousands of travellers from the UK go on camping and mobile home holidays in the Cote d’Azur. Campsites are scattered all along the coast, and the beaches around Cannes and St Tropez are glamorous, fashionable…and usually very crowded! For many people, the hustle and bustle is very much part of the experience of camping in the Cote d’Azur, but some will crave a more secluded beach where they can relax in peace and quiet.

Fortunately, the area also contains many uninterrupted beaches for those who know how to find them or are willing to seek them out. So, if you tire of the crowds while camping in the Cote d’Azur, here are five hidden beaches to relax on…

Port de Crouton Plage

If you are going to the French Rivera with your family, why not find a Cote d’Azur campsite near this beach which is located in Juan-les-Pins. This beach is a real hidden gem, and a perfect place to go with children. The soft sand slopes very gently into the sea, making it safe for children, and the secluded location and beautiful surroundings make it just as enjoyable for adults!

Mala Plage

Despite being only ten minutes away from Monaco, Mala Plage is rarely crowded, perhaps due to the steep ten minute walk it takes to get there. It is almost child free, so it is a great place for couples looking to escape the crowds on their Cote d’Azur camping holidays. There is also a range of activities available on the beach, including jet skiing, snorkelling and diving.

Plage de Passable

The Plage de Passable, located in Villefranche bay, is an outstanding and peaceful place to swim and sunbathe. This sheltered pebble beach is popular with locals in the know, and if you are staying in a nearby Cote d’Azur campsite, you should trust their judgement! There is an excellent restaurant here, and the 4km Cap Ferrat hiking trail is a lovely walk that passes by the houses of the rich and famous who live in Villefranche.

Paloma Plage

In Cap Ferrat, the over-rich and over-trendy crowd gravitate towards the Paloma Beach Club, leaving the public beach relatively uncrowded. Take full advantage of their mistake, and enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches on the Cote d’Azur – gorgeous sand, turquoise water, and breathtaking views out over the bay.

Saleccia

If you really want to beat the crowds, then try escaping the Cote d’Azur altogether – the Saleccia beach is located on the nearby island of Corsica, and it is almost completely deserted and utterly beautiful. If you are camping in the Cote d’Azur you can get to Corsica by taking a car ferry from Nice or Cannes, and the trip is well worth it – this beach really is a local highlight.

Whether you are travelling with the family or as a couple, you don’t need to fight the crowds if you want to go to the beach while camping in the Cote d’Azur – if you like peace and quiet with your sun and sand, these five secluded beaches will be just right for you.

Stephen Lane is the Marketing Director of Canvas Holidays, one of the leading European camping and mobile home holiday companies in the UK. With over 40 years of experience, Canvas offer tailor made Cote D

Credit crunch, downturn, depression….it really is all doom and gloom everywhere you look. Seriously, you are probably considering staying at home under the bed covers every day. This is understandable in the short term, but unfortunately, it is a depressing way to live and live you must! But, there is good news amongst all this bad news. Prices have dropped in London and all companies are bending over backwards for your business. We have compiled a few tips for travellers seeking to visit London economically and have a great time.

Shop ’til you drop

Take advantage of the drop in sterling and visit London to buy your Christmas presents. At time of press the pound was 1.55 against the dollar, so if you are a traveller from the US, there is rich pickings, especially luxury goods like handbags and designer clothes. Even the sterling is dropping against the euro, so European and Middle East travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding bargains. The sales have started already and it is only October.

Hotels Accommodation

Hotels are slashing prices by at least 20% so it is worth shopping around. I find Expedia.com a great directory to find all the latest hotel promotions. Also don’t be afraid to call the hotel directly and negotiate, during a downturn everything is negotiable. Many hotels offer promotions such as stay for 3 nights and pay for 2, or free breakfast with weekend stays.

London Serviced Apartments

Serviced London apartments are a really cost effective choice of accommodation, even when compared to hotel promotional rates. For example, if a 4 star hotel rate is £140 per night for a double room which works out to be £70 per person. Whilst a one bedroom apartment at the rate of £150 per night and can accommodate up to 3 people, so that is only £50 per person. You will also enjoy more space with a separate bedroom, lounge and kitchen.

For families, it is even more of a good value choice. For example, an average two bedroom apartment is £220 per night so that is £44 per person for 5 people staying.

Apart from just price, serviced apartments are better value, ensure that your group can enjoy more living space and save money by cooking your own meals.

Transport

The price of oil has dropped now to a more realistic level, so the price of flights has reflected this. When in London, it is best to open an oyster card and top up for daily travel this is much cheaper than paying by cash, in fact it is half price. Visit www.oystercard.com

Or you can purchase one day or family travel cards. Another way to save cost is using a taxi sharing service. This service is available at a taxi rank in Paddington station.

Eating out on a budget

One of the best ways to find deals in restaurants and bars in London is to search on www.toptable.co.uk. At the moment, there are 2 for 1 promotions, or hefty discounts to entice diners.

So, as you can see it is not all bad news at all. There are so many bargains this autumn/winter, travelling to London is much cheaper than ever.

Binh Zientek Accommodation Specialist offering serviced apartments in London and throughout UK cities and Europe. Tel: +44 (0)20 7476 7963 sales@qualitylondonapartments.co.uk Official Company Websites: www.QualityLondonApartments.co.uk www.QualityCityApartments.com