This is a sponsored guest post by Suzie Saw.

As a Brit, I confess I’m always seeking ways to leave England behind and experience something new. But after two years of travelling abroad and hearing about other people’s great experiences in my own country, I thought I’d better explore it myself before the itchy feet set in again. One of the great things about England is its manageable size – efficient tourists are able to cover London, the Chilterns, Nottingham, York, Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool & Bath in as little time as six days! It’s easy to get around too: the bus and train network is extensive and reliable, while car hire is always an easy option with plenty of car hire comparison sites offering cheap deals.

Flickr photo by Marilyn Jane

Southern England

Devon and Dorset hosted many of my family holidays over the years, and have furnished me with many bucolic memories. Lyme Regis and Charmouth retain their relaxed atmosphere and old world charm – so archetypally English that near Shanghai, you can find a detailed replica of Lyme, or at least the local fish & chip shop, to demonstrate European culture.

For the adventurous ones, walk all the way to the end of Lyme’s Cobb on a windy day – it’s worth braving the waves to admire this ancient sea wall – and pose as Meryl Streep, looking out to sea in The French Lieutenant’s Woman. Charmouth beach is famous for its fossils, and has been scoured by fossil hunters for decades. You’re unlikely to find a whole dinosaur, but pick through the stones on the beach as you’re watching the waves and you might take an ammonite home with you.

Flickr photo by Marilyn Jane

Head on to Cornwall for more rural delights; there’s nothing like fresh sea air, cream teas and country pubs to make you feel you’re in England. The Eden project, near St Austell, has been going for over a decade. I’d never visited the famed golf-ball-come-greenhouses before and was amazed by the exciting projects there, especially the world’s largest ‘rainforest in captivity’.

Another Cornish delight is the its variety of quirky accommodation, from re-fashioned train carriages and lighthouse cottages to funky caravans. We decided to try a yurt (yes, the Mongolian round tent) based on an organic farm in South Penquite. It’s certainly camping in style, with wood burners, gas stoves and showers available. You have to bring your own sleeping bag, but the futons are way better than camping mats and there’s something magical about seeing the stars through the roof at night.

Flickr photo by Geof Wilson

Up North

Only a few days left before the dreaded job starts again, but still time enough to visit friends in the city of Leeds. Once a medieval market town, Leeds is home to the National Museum of Photography, Film & Television, with a host of on-screen delights. They have the world’s earliest TV footage, a digital media gallery and an extensive archive of TV programmes (Bagpuss, anyone?).

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park in nearby Wakefield is also well worth your attention. This summer, they have a range of ‘walk in’ artworks by Jaume Plensa. His huge metal heads greet you at the entrance, and before you start on the sculpture trail, you can strike gongs and touch his hanging poetry. The permanent installations include a huge array of Henry Moore bronzes and, most spectacularly, the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.

Flickr photo by James Whitesmith

This is a guest post by Phil Broadhead.

With its rolling hills and beautiful countryside, it is easy to understand why Yorkshire is a popular choice for outdoor-lovers. It has the greenest pastures that England has to offer, and the rolling countryscapes the UK prides itself for. Whether it is a trek up the mountains or a ramble through one of the many picturesque villages, there are walks for everyone. In terms of accommodation options, Yorkshire as a region, has some of the finest to choose from. If you’re looking to stay at cottages in Yorkshire then the Yorkshire Dales have plenty scattered throughout its rolling hills and on the doorstep of many of its walking routes.

Regardless of your walking experience or ability, Yorkshire has something to offer to everyone It has scenic fields, hillside, mountains, coastline and forests dotted with historic cities, market towns and villages that retain their charm and rustic character. Whilst looking for accommodation in Yorkshire, there are great places that will help you take full advantage of the spectacular views and locations.

Yorkshire Dales National Park

To experience the most popular places to walk, head to the Yorkshire Dales, made famous by the television programme ‘All Creatures Great and Small’. There are plenty of walks and hikes within the Yorkshire Dales National Park that vary in level of difficulty and length. Throughout the park, you’ll find moors, forests and pastureland to walk, as well as quaint villages, waterfalls and caves. Within the park are the famous three peaks; Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent. More gentle walks include Mill Gill Force Waterfalls from Askrigg and Dalby Forest.

North Yorkshire Moors National Park

With a vast open space of moorland, the North Yorkshire Moors National Park has a stunning landscape of purple topped heather bloomed heathland. Amongst the moors are clusters of villages and traditional market towns, historic abbeys, castles, churches and ancient routes. There are over 1400 miles of paths to walk along and as well as moorland, some highly recommended regional routes include the Tabular Hills Walk, Esk Valley Walk and the popular Cleveland Way National Trail, crossing moorland and coastline.

Other Worthy Walks

In the east of the region are the Yorkshire Wolds with countryside and coastline featuring award-winning walks. Routes through this part of Yorkshire include the Trans Pennine Trail and Yorkshire Wolds Way; 79 miles taking in soaring cliffs and rolling hills.

For those looking for a gentle pace there are many shorter and easier walks throughout the region. Robin Hood’s Bay in East Yorkshire has beach and cliff walks and Ramsden Reservoir Walk in Holmfirth is a circular loop with stunning views of the Pennines.

For the more hardy walkers there are some great walks for the more experienced. The popular Coast to Coast walk takes in 190 miles in total and the Six Dales Trail is a new 39 mile long distance trail. When planning a walking holiday in Yorkshire, staying at cottages in Yorkshire coast will be the perfect way to relax and unwind.

Photo credit: all flickr images above by William Chouffot.

The smallest bar in Europe: Circus Tavern. Had a blast there!

I recently spent two days walking the Peak District, an area of outstanding natural beauty and biodiversity spreading across Central and Northern England. It was a rite-of-passage weekend with three friends in the wild. We’d taken advantage of Peak District’s proximity to Manchester and Sheffield to explore abit of the area.

The trail we took ran for 56 miles. We’d planned to walk most of the daylight hours on Saturday and Sunday. Surprisingly, my feet and legs handled the distance fine.  I hadn’t expected the weekend to subject me to such harsh and challenging conditions – this is England, after all, and it’s a shock to learn that there are places not far off the beaten path but so remote and unspoiled. Nothing had prepared me for the staggering beauty it had to offer.

Highlight of Peak District: The Kinder Scout Plateau

The highlight of the trip was our destination: the broad plateau of Kinder Scout, also the highest point of the Peak District. The top is reached after a short but not particularly challenging climb, after a few miles walk along an incredible flag-stoned path across the moor. As accessible as it was, within minutes we were in a totally different world. The trails disappear into the gorse and peat, quickly becoming non-existent.

Kinder Scout at dusk is a surreal experience. It’s a bizarre, alien world-like landscape after you leave the path. The stark rocks of the trail up and at the edge of the mountain give way to desolate hillocks of black peat, the little valleys in between punctuated with boulders that appear to have been dropped from the sky and filled with almost empty riverbeds that look like they could be occupied by a raging torrent at any moment. It became even more surreal when we snapped the glow sticks we’d brought to read the (near useless) map, adding an ethereal green light to the atmosphere.

It’s also very easy to get lost. If it hadn’t been for the GPS, we might have found ourselves spending the night up there in bivvy bags: not a welcome prospect. Up on the top, leaving the science-fiction landscape of the black mounds and incongruous boulders behind, it’s a featureless expanse of blasted gorse. The glow stick necklaces we’d taken along meant we could keep track of each other without any trouble (like the glow sticks we used to check the map, they don’t wreck your night-vision as fast as a torch will).

Keeping track of where you were going was another matter. To get our bearings right, we fixed our eyes on a landmark in the distance and constantly used it as our goal. The steep and torturous route down we eventually found was beside a waterfall: challenging enough in the half-light, but in the rain that started soon after, it would have been lethal.

In conclusion, we were looking for a leisure weekend in the woods and we ended up finding quite an adventure, one that was just the start to the fun-filled weekends ahead.

Photo credits: all flickr photos above by Steve Cadman.

This is a sponsored guest post by Yuli Linssen Kaminitz.

Every summer, Europe plays host to hundreds of a myriad of festivals – from flamboyant arts festivals to colorful parades and gyrating dance parties. Each one of them is bigger, crazier and funkier than the other. London, being the hub of Europe, is a great city when it comes to festivals. In this vibrant culture capital, there is a conglomeration of unique music genres, wacky ideas and cultural attitudes. This summer, put on your wildest outfit and prepare to have a wacky time at these bizarre festivals in London!

London Naked Bike Ride

Date: June 11

The London Naked Bike Ride started as a crazy idea to raise more tolerance to the bicycles on the road in London. Today, this massive event has become so popular that even a large group of Londoners are participating just for the fun of it!  With thousands of bike riders each year taking to the streets of London stark naked, this festival catches the attention of many and proves once again that London is one of the greatest cities in the world. Besides injecting humour into our lives, the bike ride also aims to save the environment by encouraging people to cycle around town instead of using other transports.

Flickr photo by Conrad Chua

The Great Gorilla Run

Date: 24 September

The Great Gorilla Run is one of the funniest and most iconic fund-raising campaigns in the world. People from all over the world volunteer to wear ridiculous gorilla suits and run along the streets of London to raise money for gorilla conservation. All the funds generated go to help protect every type of gorilla species in Africa. Aside from raising awareness to a very important cause, the event allows people to have fun, dress up in funny costumes and use their sense of humour for charity.

Flickr photo by internets_dairy

London Burlesque Festival

Date: April

London Burlesque festival is the most prestigious event in the interntional burlesque calendar, with the world’s finest performers taking center stage in London. During this very sexy week, visitors are teased and seduced by the talented performers hailing from Australia to Los Angeles. With a packed schedule of highprofile events, Chaz Royal’s London Burlesque Week pushes the boundaries of the art of the strip and the tease to the max and delivers the electric atmosphere of an unbeatable night out. Refer to the official website for the performance schedule.

Flickr photo by Brendan Lally

London International Tattoo Convention

Date: 23-25 September

A dream come true for all tattoo lovers, the London International Tattoo Convention draws body art lovers from around the world. The festival is one of the biggest events of its kind in Europe. Aside from a great gathering of tattoo fans, the festival also showcases amazing works of talented tattoo artists. Tattoo is a truly form of art and even if you’re not a fan, this convention makes for quite an eye-opening experience.

Flickr photo by Sarah G

Want to visit one of these bizarre festivals? Plan your trip to London and be sure to book your hotel in London in advance to avoid disappointment. Have fun!

This post is sponsored by www.easytobook.com. Start searching for your cheap hotel in London today!

Last autumn, I was on Jeju island, South Korea to attend the first ever World Trail Conference. Trail experts from around the world shared interesting information about their trails, stirring my interest in traipsing these trails. I’ve barely covered any of them, but after talking to these trail experts, I’m pretty sure I’ll be walking them sometime in the near future. Meanwhile, as I plot my plans to walk them, here’s a list of the most well-known trails around the world.

1. Camino de Santiago, Spain

The Camino de Santiago, or St James Way, is the pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Northwestern Spain, where tradition has it that the remains of the apostle Saint James are buried. With over a thousand years of history, this is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage routes in the world. Today, it draws walkers from around the world – not just for religious purpose. There are a few routes to choose from, with the most popular being the 800km-long Northern Trail: starting from Paris and crossing from east to west of Spain.

2. Great Ocean Road, Australia

The Great Ocean Walk stretches 104-km along the southeastern coast of Australia in the Victoria region. From trekking through dense forests to traipsing the edge of coastal cliffs, the walk traverses a wide variety of coastal landscapes. Some of the highlights of the walk include the iconic 12 Apostles, the beautiful and serene Johanna Beach, picnic heaven of Apollo Bay and Cape Otway where koala bears are plentiful. The walk can be done independently – before setting off, it’s best to stock up on camping gear and Australian travel insurance.

3. Bruce Trail, Canada

As the oldest and longest trail in Canada, the Bruce Trail follows the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. It runs for 850km from Niagara to Tobermory, with side trails extending out to 250km.  There are many waterfalls, streams and rivers along the Bruce trail, expect to see a myriad of plant and wildlife. Niagara Falls, by far the most famous watercourse in the area, can be reached by a side trail of the Bruce Trail.

Flickr photo by Derek KP

4. John Muir Trail, USA

Running 358km through the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the John Muir Trail reveals the wild and primeval nature of North America. The trail starts from the Yosemite National Park and ends at the summit of Mount Whitney. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park. The trail was named for naturalist John Muir, who founded the Sierra Club. The best time to visit is from July to September, though snow may still linger on the higher passes.

5. Shikoku Pilgrimage, Japan

With 1,200 years of history, the Shikoku Pilgrimage (or Shikoku O-Henro) runs through 88 temples and 200 bangais along the coast of Shikoku. The trail not only puts your determination to the test, but also gives a peek into Japan’s history and tradition. As one of the longest trails in this list, it runs for over 1,400km and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete. There are a number of shorter imitative trails in Japan, such as the 150km circuit on the island of Shōdoshima, a 3km course in Ninna-ji, Kyoto and a route on the Chita Peninsula.

6. Jeju Olle Trail, South Korea

As a newly-developed trekking course on the Jeju island, the Jeju Olle is made up of 22 courses covering a total of 347km in length. The beautiful isle’s craggy coastline is lined with emerald bays and lapping beaches, while further inland hills are studded with oreums (dormant volcanoes), ensconced waterfalls and green prairies. On average, each Jeju Olle Trail is 10-18 kilometers in length and each offers a different side of Jeju. These quick shifts in topography allow walkers to enjoy farmland and forests, grasses and palm trees, fresh water ponds and ocean vistas, waterfalls and cliffs, often all on a single journey.

7. Cotswolds Way, UK

Cotswolds Way is the most famous trail in the United Kingdom, running from Chipping Campden in the north to the city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The course is 162-km long, passing through picturesque villages and scenic views, such as those at the meanders of the River Severn and the Forest of Dean. The distinctive shape of May Hill and the long spine of Malvern Hills can also be seen during much of the route. Some of the higlights of the trail include the Somerset Monument, the majestic Broadway Tower and the site of the Battle of Lansdowne.

Flickr photo by Chen Zhao

*All photos uncredited are taken by myself. They cannot be used without permission.

This is a sponsored guest post by Sergio Santos.

With a record number of over 1.5 million visitors expected to pour into London to catch a glimpse of the Royal Wedding this Spring, it could prove a challenge to scout out the best vantage points along the processional route or find the ideal viewing party location.

Many hotels in London have already sold out their suites for the big event to be held on Friday the 29th of April, others are raising their prices significantly, while airlines are also anticipated to jack up their fares dramatically as the date draws near – so make your reservations and travel plans early.

The service is set to take place at 11 a.m. at Westminster Abbey and finish about midday. The newlyweds will then proceed to travel by carriage along the route of many famous landmarks including past the House of Parliament, Horse Guards Parade, The Mall, St. James’ Park and Clarence House before returning to Buckingham Palace. Any of the above locations would afford a fine view of the royal couple, but make sure you arrive well ahead of time to secure your spot, and bring snacks, drinks, and any other essential supplies such as a jacket and camera.

Private Hotel Parties

If you don’t feel like standing the entire time or if you prefer a more relaxing party atmosphere, there are numerous fun and exciting events taking place throughout the city in celebration of the occasion. Many hotels, restaurants, and pubs are hosting Royal Wedding viewing parties where reservations may be required.

Public Outdoor Events

There are also numerous public outdoor activities that you can take advantage of such as the party at Hyde Park in central London. This spot was where Princess Diana and Charles got married in 1981. The Royal Wedding is planned to be broadcasted right here on huge screens for the over 200,000 attendees. Flickr Creative Commons by Garry Knight

South Marine Park Picnic

Another enjoyable location from which to escape the masses converging on London will be at the seafront South Marine Park in South Tyneside. The organizing committee has invited the public to pack a picnic lunch and gather with your blankets for the gala event. Here, you can avoid the crowds and watch the royal nuptials and wedding procession with in-depth coverage of the event on a giant screen.

Royal Wedding Campsite

If you can’t find an affordable hotel or if you’re looking for a unique experience near the action, you can set up your tent and stay at the Royal Wedding campsite on Clapham Common in South London. Hundreds are expected to gather here to party and enjoy giant screen viewing of this social event of the year from Thursday through Sunday.

Flickr Creative Commons photo by Ewan Munro

If you take the time to explore the plentiful options available for well-wishers to cheer on the bride and groom as they pass by, you will be sure to secure a great spot where you can sit back, watch the royal marriage and procession in comfort, and enjoy all the festivities associated with what is bound to be one of the most memorable and historic events of the decade.

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London has a special place in many travelers’ hearts thanks to its centuries of history, vibrant pop culture and the countless famous landmarks which tourists flock to every year. With the upcoming Royal Wedding and Olympic Games, the spotlight is definitely on the capital. But if you’ve exhausted the usual tourist haunts and are seeking the hidden gems and lesser-known cultural treasures of the city, follow these unique suggestions for off-the-beaten-track places to visit, brought to you by Hotels4u.com.

Flickr photo by Anirudh Koul

1. Return to your childhood

Take a trip down memory lane at the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green. This museum showcases the best toys, dolls and artefacts from childhoods past and helps us to relieve the fondest memories from our own young years. With exhibitions running all year round, this is a great place to get lost in imaginary friends, dolls and stories.

2. Enjoy the sensory overload at Smithfield Market

Smithfield Market – or to give it its proper title, London Central Market – is a hub of activity from 3am through to mid-morning, with meat traders selling their wares and many buyers haggling for a great deal. For a true sensory overload of sight, sound and smell (and even taste, at one of the local cafes) then make sure you’re there from around 7am. The market is steeped in history so it’s worth a visit to the nearby museum to learn more about its past too.

3. Swat up on your brand knowledge

Do you think you know your Kit Kat from your Crunchie? Your Daz from your Ariel? Then a visit to the Museum of Brands is a must! Whether you’re a design enthusiast or are simply keen to reminisce about the early days of advertising, from the humorous to the heart-warming, you’ll enjoy the advertisements displayed here. Visitors will often remark how many British brands they know and love – and how many they had forgotten about!

4. Discover the personal art collection of Sir John Soane

Sir John Soane was a an English architect who collected incredible works of art within his London homes, the most famous of all being his house at 12 Lincoln Inn Fields. After his death the house was turned into a museum of architecture, featuring both a collection of his drawings and models of his work, and many items from his extensive collection of antiques and artefacts. The Soane museum is situated right in the centre of London, so there are many London hotels just a few minutes’ walk or a short Tube ride away.

5. Get lost in an adult wonderland

Callooh Callay is a secret bar hidden away in a creative part of London’s eastern corner. Step through the magic wardrobe into a curious land of grown up cocktails and Alice in Wonderland-themed quirkiness. From the eccentric décor to the fabulous drinks menu, there is plenty here to intrigue and entice. You just have to know where to find it…

Image provided by hotels4u.com

6. Indulge in Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is a uniquely British pastime, with many popular London hotels such as the Savoy and the Ritz serving up a delicate blend of tea, sandwiches and cakes. For the best afternoon tea however, head to the Langham, which was awarded “Top London Afternoon Tea” by the prestigious Tea Guild in 2010. If this isn’t reason enough to go, it’s worth noting that the hotel’s Palm Court, where their tea service is held, is reputedly where the afternoon tea tradition first began – over 140 years ago.

7. Find the giant squid

The Darwin museum is a great place for children and adults alike to discover animals and species which they’ve never encountered before. And if you ask nicely, you may also get to view the colossal squid. At 2.5m long, the preserved squid is quite a sight to behold, and scientists have been able to determine a lot about its habits. Discover some fascinating facts about squid and other creatures, and gain a renewed perspective of the natural world.

Image provided by hotels4u.com

8. Meet a wise monk

Battersea Park is home to a Japanese pagoda, tended to by a resident monk who doles out kind wisdom to those who seek to meet him. Reverend Bikkhu Gyoro Nagase considers himself the keeper of the Peace Pagoda, working hard to remove litter, graffiti, and damage. He relies on donations and kindness to keep the pagoda looking as beautiful and welcoming as it does, and whether you want to volunteer to help or simply stop and ask to join him in prayer, you’re unlikely to meet anyone else like him in London.

9. Get stuck in the mud

Experience life on the farm in the heart of the city! Mudchute City Farm is a fun place for visitors of all ages. Covering 32-acres of farmland in the centre of the city, visitors to Mudchute are given the chance to get up and close to a range of barnyard animals, including pigs, sheep and horses. There are also regular daily events, from daily duck walks to summer open days.

Photo from guardian.co.uk

10. Gain free entry to the Tower of London

The Ceremony of Keys is a century-old traditional process in which the Tower of London and its gates are carefully locked up for the night. A small number of visitors may accompany the Chief Warder as he does this, giving them a special insight to the secrets of the tower and its hidden treasures. This is free of charge, however as places are limited you will need to make sure you book at least two months in advance to avoid disappointment. The good news is that the ceremony takes place every night without fail, so there are plenty of chances to attend.

This post is part of a monthly Travel Tips Series sponsored by www.hotels4u.com, where you’ll find London hotels suitable for all tastes and budgets.

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Before winter comes raging in, I’m going to make the best out of the beautiful autumn weather. With mild temperatures and balmy sunshine, autumn is considered one of the best times to travel in Europe. For those looking to unwind and spend time with your loved one or family, holiday homes might be right up your alley. Ever tried staying in a cave or a windmill? Whether you’re looking to chill by the beach or hole up in the countryside, these quirky, unusual holiday homes in Europe will surely spice up your vacation.

A Trullo in Puglia, Italy

A trullo is a circular stone building roofed with a conical construction of dry stone masonry, unique to the region of Puglia in southeastern Italy. Some trullos in the area are as old as 300 years, with history seeping through their roots. Many holiday homes in Puglia have been converted from trullos, furnished with a luxury, ethnic touch and charming country style. One property worth visiting is the charming Trullo Bellissimo, restored to its full glory and made up of 3 separate buildings that can accommodate up to 4 persons. Puglia has a deep-rooted culinary tradition, composed mostly of simple dishes, made with local products – be sure to sample some local flavors while vacationing here.

A Windmill in Santorini, the Greek Islands

In one of the most magnificent places in the world, the magical Santorini island is made up of a juxtaposition of white-and-blue domes, narrow alleyways and charming windmills – all set against the backdrop of the dark blue Aegean Sea. Its ideal location makes for the perfect base for island hopping in Greece. Approaching the island by boat, you’ll catch a glimpse of the cute clusters of white-washed towns built on the slopes of the crater. Staying in one of the windmill holiday homes is quite an extraordinary experience – sleep in the romantic ambiance of a simplistic cone-shaped room, looking out into the sea with the mill right at your window’s edge. The Green Windmill Villa is especially atmospheric, with plenty of outdoor dining space and a bean-shaped pool for lounging.

Flickr Photo by Christopher Chan

A Former water tower in London, UK

For urban travelers seeking modern, plush furnishing in a historically-enchanting building, a former water tower in London would definitely do the trick. The London Water Tower in Greenwich, built in the late 1800s, has been stylishly converted into an 8-story contemporary building, overlooking the city’s skyline and River Thames. The red-brick building itself is a sheer architectural wonder, having been featured in several magazines and UK national papers. With 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, open plan living area, 2 kitchens, a lift in the Tower and a moat around it you might not even use the 8 TV screens or WiFi.

A castle in the Dordogne, France

Castle hotels in Europe are quite a popular holiday home option, but few does it quite as well as the Chateau Lalinde in Southwest France. Poised on the edge of the Dordogne River, you can look out of your room window and watch the river stream below your feet. The 12th Century Chateau is located at the center of the most historical and picturesque region of France. Perfect for both the romantic at heart and outdoor lovers, the castle B&B promises plenty to do: hiking, painting holidays, cycling, canoeing, wine tasting or lounging at its private infinity pool. Visit world heritage sites such as the Lascaux caves, discover the best of French culinary products , music festivals and arts and crafts fairs, summer street parties and dancing in village squares .

Old commercial barge in Languedoc

You would think that sleeping on a barge is something you’d do at sea. But these days, especially in Europe, many old commercial barges have been converted into luxurious tourist accommodation. The barge Lodela was built in the 1930s, and used to sail in Belgium and Northern France. Restored in 2005, the barge is now an unusual and original form of tourist accommodation. It provides a remarkable level of comfort in an extremely pleasant setting. The barge is now docked at Languedoc-Rousillon, France, a region that offers a plethora of things to see and do: Carcassonne and its famous medieval city, UNESCO World Heritage sites and the Cathar chateaux. For obvious safety reasons, the barge is not recommended for families with children under 7 years of age or if children cannot swim yet.

To get more information about these holiday homes, search for these properties on www.pureholidayhomes.com.

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Forget Amsterdam, Paris or Barcelona. These days, the options for a short weekend getaway from London are unlimited, with exotic locations quickly sprouting up as popular short-haul destinations. Today’s sponsored post features up-and-coming getaway ideas from London, bringing us from Eastern Europe to North Africa. These destinations are just a cheap budget flight away; don’t forget to get yourself travel insurance UK before flying off to ensure a smooth journey. 

1. Valletta, Malta

The island of Malta is getting more and more attention from the tourism industry as European travelers ditch traditional holiday spots in search of empty, unexplored beaches and quaint medieval towns. The isle is often mistaken as yet another Italian playground, but its historical sandstone fortresses and plunging cliffs definitely make it unequivocally Malta.

Flickr photo by eurodrifter

2. Tel Aviv, Israel

With Easyjet adding Tel Aviv to its list of destinations, the Israeli coastal city is quickly replacing Ibiza and Mallorca to become the trendiest summer hotspot. Known as the Miami of Israel, Tel Aviv has got it all – pristine beaches, a pumping nightlife, traditional culture and gourmet restaurants. What’s more, it draws in curious travelers with its rich religious history and setting.

Flickr photo by Fanch B

3. Tunis, Tunisia

With its proximity to Europe, Tunisia is gaining popularity especially among the cruise crowd thanks to its location along the Mediterranean. With quick access to the Sahara Desert and wide, sandy beaches, the capital city of Tunis provides a versatile respite for travelers – balanced up by both adventure and relaxation.

Flickr photo by Macorig Paolo

4. Fes, Morocco

Marrakesh might be the crowd-puller with its colorful souks and vibrant street culture; Fes is ferociously rising up the ranks to become Morocco’s offbeat destination for mellow travelers who prefer to stay away from the limelight. Equally stunning, if not more, Fes is a mishmash of brick houses, square-roofed mosques and marble monuments. For those looking to soak up more local culture, you won’t be disappointed.

5. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Tourism in Croatia has shot sky-high in recent years as British tourists flock to its shores, attracted to the relatively quiet beaches and unexplored islands. Although these days it’s hard to find a spot empty of tourists in Dubrovnik, it’s still not too late to capture the ex-communist country in its full glory. Don’t wait till it becomes the next Venice!

Flickr photo by VGonPa

6. Pristina, Kosovo

Now that Easyjet flies to Pristina from Geneva and Basel (easy to get to from London), I am predicting an influx of intrepid travelers into Kosovo. Known as the youngest country in the world, Kosovo definitely has plenty to offer for the curious visitor interested in its conflicted past and ex-Yugoslavia regime. Visit post-war remnants or talk to the locals to get a better perspective of this intriguing country.

Photo from theage.com.au

7. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul has always been an extremely popular destination for the British, but with the introduction of low-cost airfares direct from London to Istanbul, a short weekend trip there is now possible. Hop on the plane on a Friday afternoon, visit the mosques and palaces in Sultanahmet then cruise the Bosphorus and get lost in the spice market the next day. 

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