The Electric Ballroom is located in Camden high street. Many events take place there but it is mostly noted for its live music acts. In the past there have been such acts as Patrick Wolf and Crystal Castles. As well as this, shoppers will like that there are regular clothes fairs, which offer unique vintage fashion at reasonable prices. The venue is generally very small so it’s ideal if you wish to be up close to performers. In the back there is a bar if you wish to purchase drinks, but these tend to be on the expensive side. To get to the Electric Ballroom you should take the tube to Camden Town, turn right out of the station and walk straight ahead until you see it on your right.

Though Tower Bridge is an obvious attraction of London, most people underestimate the view it provides and how it is worth just crossing the bridge to look over the city at its best. In view is Big Ben, Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, St. Paul’s Cathedral and many other recognisable places from the very middle of the river. Both night and day the bridge provides these stunning views of London. There are often entertainers or buskers surrounding the bridge. To get to the Tower Bridge, take the tube to Tower Hill station.

The Café in the Crypt is located in Trafalgar Square and requires customers to walk underground to get to the restaurant. It’s very well hidden from this heavily populated area of London. The food isn’t particularly brilliant but it is the place itself that makes it worthwhile. It’s a part of London that isn’t mentioned in tourist attraction leaflets because it is generally quite unknown unless you’re well connected with St Martin’s Church. To get to the Café in the Crypt you need to go to Trafalgar Square and find the church adjacent to the National Portrait Gallery.

Dos and Don’ts

Your embassy will likely provide you with guidelines for visiting the region. The British Embassy in Dubai puts out a list of dos and don’ts that can help visitors avoid getting into trouble in the first place.

The Dubai list includes items like no sharing hotel rooms for unmarried couples, no hugging in public and other bans on open displays of affections. Using a mobile phone while driving, and tailgating, are also illegal.

Breaking the laws of the country you are visiting can mean facing a hefty fine or even jail time. Offering information about the things that are acceptable (and what is NOT acceptable) can be one of the best things your embassy will do for you.

The FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) is the agency responsible for the British Embassies around the world. This agency provided the first point of contact in the event of trouble.

Sick or Injured

The embassy can help you contact family and friends in the event you are hospitalized while abroad because of an unexpected accident or illness (these policies do not usually cover those that have traveled abroad for medical treatment). Some embassies will even send a representative to the hospital to visit you and check on the care that you are receiving.

The embassy will NOT pay for the costs that are incurred from your sickness or injuries that occur during travel. Travel insurance provides the assistance you need in these situations and should be something that you consider before you travel abroad.

Arrested, Detained or Imprisoned

The embassy will attempt to contact the detained person within the first twenty four hours of being notified of an arrest. Legal representation will have to be obtained locally, but the embassy will help by providing a list of interpreters and lawyers. Messages to family members may be sent through the embassy staff. A more active approach to helping citizens may be taken when an embassy feels that nationals are being treated unfairly (not in accordance with internationally accepted standards regarding fair trials and prisoners’ rights).

Embassies are not going to pay for costs incurred because of arrests, prevent deportation or offer legal advice. You should never expect the embassy to get you special treatment.

Other Help from an Embassy

The issuing of replacement passports will be handled by your embassy in the event your passport is lost or stolen while you are abroad. You will need to have access to your documents to get a replacement passport so consider emailing yourself the scanned documents that you can easily access from the embassy.

Most embassies will provide you with the information you need to transfer funds.

Special arrangements for transportation in the event of disasters may be handled through your embassy.

Keep in mind that some services provided by your embassy may carry a charge.

The help provided by your embassy will not make all problems go away. Consider the embassy a place to find information and basic assistance. Use the information you receive from your embassy to avoid any problems while you are travelling abroad. An embassy offers the most help before problems have occurred by giving you up to date information about the region, so use it before as well as after problems arise.

Costa Rica may be the second smallest Central American country, but it is packed with plenty of adventure holiday opportunities. The area boasts 116 sleeping and active volcanoes. There are mangrove swamps and rain forests. Costa Rica is also home to some amazing, unspoiled beaches and crystal blue waters. Adventure travel in Costa Rica is only limited by the amount of time (and money) you have to spend for your holiday.

Another top adventure holiday can be uncovered in Egypt, trekking through the deserts or snorkeling in the Red Sea. The options for adventure in Egypt can be as lengthy as the history of the region. Many of the adventure tours through Egypt are light on difficulty but rich in the culture and history.

Space is not only the final frontier, but it can be the ultimate adventure holiday (although technically it would be the best adventure holiday out of this world). Today almost anyone willing to invest the money can find adventure in space.

Adventure travel is not for everyone. There can be a great deal of physical endurance required with adventure holidays. Risk almost always walks hand in hand with the adventure. The adrenaline rush that comes from these types of activities and journeys can be enough to make some turn away.

No matter how you feel about adventure holidays, they do offer some of the most breathtaking experiences that can be found around the globe. Adventure holidays offer something for everyone – no matter how active, how old, or how experienced. The best part about adventure holidays is that they literally can be discovered in every region of the world.

Planning the best adventure holiday in the world (or out of this world) only takes a little time, creativity and maybe some deep breaths, but the results will be once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you will be talking about for the rest of your life.

Upon opening the Zippo EFS and hearing the classic clicking noise associated with the brand, you will find your classic flint and spark wheel, but no wick or chimney. Instead you will find four Tinder Sticks held snugly in place. Just open one of the Tinder Sticks, throw some sparks over it then place it into a bundle of sticks and leaves. Within minutes you will have a fire going. The bight orange casings and o-ring seal inside the Zippo EFS will not only keep the inside dry but also help it stand out in case it is dropped in a lake or on the ground when dark.

Review / Demonstration for wet Tinder Sticks

Nitecore D10

The Nitecore D10 flashlight is powered by a single AA battery. Using only this single battery this tiny flashlight at only 8.9 cm longs and 1.9 cm in diameter can produce a staggering 130 lumen light. Unique to this flashlight (and no doubt others will follow) is a metal piston inside the flashlight - this allows the user to produce up to one hundred different strengths of light by simply holding the on/off button down (this is known as Ramping). Made from a military-grade aluminium, the D10 is not only extremely tough but also resistant to water with an o-ring seal around the battery compartment. The D10 also features a momentary-on function so you can use it as an SOS signal device.

Review and Comparison to Fenix L1D-CE Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3

Leatherman Charge TTI

All Leatherman models have built in pliers, scissors, knifes, saws, tweezers, screwdrivers, bottle openers and tin openers. The Leatherman Charge TTI is the latest model. With its stainless-steel and titanium body this small yet very rugged Leatherman will help with almost every job you need to finish when out in the wild. Unlike older Leatherman models the Charge TTI has blade accessibility from the closed position, which would help a lot if you were stuck in a awkward position and needed to cut yourself loose. With each tool fitted with a locking device, there is no chance of a blade or saw accidentally folding down while in use and causing a serious accident to you or someone around you. With a simple press of the release button, each tool folds smoothly back in place. The Charge TTI also features interchangeable screwdriver bits available in a separate pack.

Med Kit

Having a well thought out and packed medical supply kit could mean the difference between an infected would, be it a cut or scrape and a clean, covered wound. Before packing a med kit research the place you going to, this will help you know what tablets and other medicine to take. Basic supplies that every Medical Kit should have inside them are headache tablets, tablets for allergic reactions, plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes, eye drops and insect repellant.

Poncho

A poncho is mainly used to keep you dry when walking in rain, but there are many other creative uses for one. With some quick thinking you could turn your poncho into shelter, tie the poncho to a tree and collect rain water, deflect wind, separate you from damp/wet ground or use them as a cover for rafts if you find yourself in a situation where you need to cross a stream.

Freeze-Dried Food

Freeze-dried meat, vegetables and fruit are a great way to have a quick hot meal when out in the wild. The best part about freeze dried food is the expiry date can be upwards of twenty years. There are a good variety of tasty dried foods out there such as beef stroganoff or apples with cinnamon. These can either be eaten straight out of the tin or hydrated in a little water.

Beef Stroganoff / Apples With Cinnamon

Water Purifier/Bottled Water

Being able to purify even the dirtiest water will help keep you hydrated. There are plenty of options to help purify dirty water, from tablets and liquids to bottles with built-in pumps. Some can even purify urine. There are even pens that produce UV lights to kill any bacteria in water, though all the dirt will remain due to no actual filtering.

Compass/Map/Satellite Phone

Three key items to take with you no matter where you go. A satellite phone works by connecting to satellites orbiting Earth, rather than how mobile phones work by picking up signals from cell towers. This means you could be anywhere in the world and still pick up a signal. A map and compass are extremely useful pieces of kit to carry with you everywhere, but make sure you invest in good examples of both.

Rope

Rope can serve many purposes while trekking through tough terrain, weather you use it to make shelter or to help someone out of a ditch or river. After making a camp fire you could tie bundles of logs up for ease of transport. A really good use for rope in the wild is to tie one end to the straps on your bag, then using the rope you can raise any bags that hold food or important gear above ground level - this will stop animals such as snakes crawling into your bags or hungry bears looking for food. Combining rope with an aforementioned Poncho will provide you with a temporary hammock, assuming two trees are close enough. A few strands of rope can also help to get a fire going.

Box Jellyfish (Chironex Fleckeri)

The Box Jellyfish is notorious for its extremely potent venom. Each tentacle is loaded with over 500,000 Cnidocytes, little harpoon-shaped needles that carry the venom. Box jellyfish are easily recognized; as their name would imply, their hood (body) is a box shape. Box Jellyfish are also the only jellyfish to have eyes. They can’t see as well as other fish or mammals but they can follow simple lights, guiding them even in darker water. Unlike other jellyfish who have small and simple nervous systems allowing them to control slight movements, Box Jellyfish have developed a full nervous system ring near the bottom of their hood (body), allowing for more control over their movement. Spending most of their time slowly gliding through the water, Box Jellyfish will not attack without being provoked, either by another animal or human. The Box Jellyfish has picked up a few nicknames: ‘the sea wasp’ and ‘marine stinger’ are most commonly used. The Box Jellyfish have developed the venom carried in their tentacles so when they can catch larger prey, there is less of a struggle and less chance the Box Jellyfish will get hurt, either from a bite, or the in case of a crab, a pinch.

Salt Water Crocodile (Crocodylas Porosus)

These 900 kg, 6 m predators (with females being smaller) are covered in less armored plates than a normal alligator or crocodile, but are adapted to sleeping underwater rather than on land. Preying on pretty much anything that causes a threat, including sharks, when taking down a large animal such as a buffalo, crocodiles will ‘death roll’: a move designed to not only drown the prey animal but also break its neck. Salt Water Crocs are often mistaken for alligators due to their much broader body, rather than the leaner body crocodiles normally have. Spending most of their time in fresh swamp waters and reaching up to 16 mph in short bursts, Salt Water Crocodiles generally swim at around 2 mph to conserve energy for any larger prey that may pass.

Blue-Ringed Octopus (Hapalochlaena)

Easily distinguished from other octopi due to their wonderfully vibrant blue and black rings and yellow body, the Blue-Ringed Octopus is also one of the most venomous animals living in Australian waters. Feeding on shrimps, small fish and even crabs, Blue-Ringed octopi pounces on their prey, much like a cat with a ball of string, then release potent venom after the first bite. The venom is called Tetrodotoxin, which cause paralysis and respiratory arrest. Within minutes this will lead to cardiac arrest. No anti-venom is available for humans, however, treatment can be given, such as squeezing the venom out of the wound. With a body size of 8 inches, Blue Ringed octopi can hide in small cracks waiting for prey or possible male or females to pass by. Blue-Ringed octopi have Chromatophore Cells, these help them to camouflage themselves until they are provoked. When deep-sea diving or snorkeling, if you spot one of these magnificent creatures don’t be tempted to get closer, just admire their colouration and movement from a safe distance.

King Brown Snake (Pseudechis Australis)

The King Brown Snake is one of the longest venomous snakes in the world and the second largest snake in Australia (the first being the Amethyst Python, reaching a staggering 9 m in length) reaching 3 m in length and are a beautiful rich-brown colour, with some being almost black in colour. With a robust body and a wide head, King Browns prey on lizards, birds, mammals and even other snakes, both constrictors and venomous. Habituating in grass and desert areas, Kings Browns will shelter under sand, rocks and even rubbish piles - don’t let the size fool you - King Browns can curl up and hide pretty much anywhere waiting for prey and end up accidentally bite a human on the leg or foot. The King Brown is capable of delivering a massive 100 mg of venom in a single bite.

Funnel Web Spider (Atrax robustus)

The Funnel Web Spider is know throughout Australia and is feared by people due to the high potency of the venom and the fact they can hide anywhere from sheds to toilets, having a body length of only 2 - 7 cm. Even with the high potency of the Funnel Web’s venom people can and have survived (for instance, this story about a 94-year old grandmother who has survived two bites: http://current.com/129tm4c). The body of the Funnel Web ranges from a blue and black coloration to brown and even a plum colour. As with most arachnids the female is not only significantly larger than the male, but also lives longer. Funnel Webs like to stay in the comfort of their silk-lined burrows generally waiting for prey such as insects, mice and lizards to come to them. Using the fine hairs on their legs and body Funnel Webs can stay underwater for up to 24 hours. Using the tiny pockets of air collected on the hair on their bodies they can keep breathing, unlike most arachnids who would drown, even after being submerged. Provoking the Funnel Web will lead to a bite. Remember, when a spider raises up its four front legs with its fangs showing, back away, don’t be stupid and try to get close. Funnel Web burrows are easily spotted: they are enclosed burrows with web lining around the front of the entrance and a piece of bark or leaves will be near by - this is the door the Funnel Web will pop out from to catch unsuspecting prey.

A volcanic eruption from a fissure in Laki in 1783 created the year without a summer. The massive ash cloud sent up by that volcano caused a cooling of the earth’s atmosphere that resulted in something similar to a mini ice age in the Northern Hemisphere. The drop in temperature harmed agriculture around the world. The eruption lasted for several months.

The ash clouds from these eruptions can reach the upper levels of the atmosphere and hang around for many weeks. Ashes at this level reflect the sun and cause the temperatures to fall.

The eruption of Eyjafjallajokull is not expected to have the same catastrophic effects that the Iceland eruption of the 1700’s had on the world. This eruption has only lasted just over a month while the Laki eruption continued for several months.

Experts are hesitant to say that the Eyjafjallajokull eruption has ended. The volcano is quiet, but that does not mean that it is time to relax. Airlines still have to deal with all of the ash that continues to float around the atmosphere. The sharp, glass-like ash can clog the engines of an airplane and even tear holes in the engines.

Scientists are still warning that more eruptions may be eminent - not only from Eyjafjallajokull, but also from Katla (the more aggressive of the volcanoes). The eruption of Eyjafjallajokull may be the one element necessary to set off Katla. The lava flow from the neighboring volcano could melt enough of the top from Katla. The activity from Katla has increased in the last several weeks. 

The volcanic tremors from Eyjafjallajokull have decreased and continue to decrease to a level below that of April 14th. The temperatures being recorded have also cooled. That is the good news for the region (and for air travel around the world). The bad news is that an eruption from Katla has been predicted to be 10 times more powerful than what happened in Iceland on April 14th. Some scientists warn that such an eruption could push the world climate into another one as cold as that of the 1700s. Other scientists fear that a catastrophic eruption will cause a severe ice age for the whole world.

Flights have already started back as the aviation authorities relaxed safety rules. Officials still warned travelers that even with the openings and the relaxed rules, it would take a while for things to adjust back to normal.

The last eruption of Eyjafjallajokul occurred back in 1821. That single eruption rumbled on for two years. The April eruption seems to have ended, but experience of the past tells residents and scientists that more should always be expected.

Guided Tours

Use the internet to connect with tour groups that focus on guided gastro-breaks. These experiences will include a guide to help you get around your destination and also give you an inside look at the region. Many companies plan travel events around festivals and celebrations that naturally pair with good wine tours and harvest events.

• Check out the Unique Traveller for specialty tours focused around wine tasting and gourmet experiences.
• Vintage Spain offers one day excursions, regional tours and thematic tours that combine culture and cuisine.
• Many cities or regions have companies that specialize in guided food tours for that area. Check out Chicago Food Planet for a unique experience that will take you through the culture and cuisine of the city.

Guided tours will be more expensive than a tour that you might be able to put together on your own. You pay for the gastro-break and also the expertise of the company and the guide. One day gastro-breaks can start as low as £30. The top end of a gastro-break is only determined by what you are willing to spend to get the experience that you desire.

Self-Guided Gastro-Breaks

Planning a gastro-break on your own should start with a budget. Determining what you have to spend will help you make the plans for your gastro-break. The second thing to consider when making your plans is both the cuisine and culture that you want to experience. Once you have these points lined up you can begin making arrangements for your gastro-breaks.

• Consider making your plans around a regional celebration or event. The food options during these events are better and much cheaper than other times of the year.
• Look for companies that offer unguided tours for a discount. You get the benefit of the local experience through the company’s reservations and suggestions without the added cost of a guide.
• Watch for local gastro events. Cultural celebrations held in local communities can give you a taste of the region without the cost of visiting the region.

The best gastro-break in the world is your break. Being in the place that you want to be and enjoying the food that you crave makes your gastro-break the only one worth attending. The great thing about planning a gastro-break is that you can plan one that fits your wants and also your budget.

Self-guided food tours are typically the least expensive choice. You are on your own for getting around and sometimes you will be responsible for making reservations as well. The best part of a self-guided tour lies in your ability to make changes and choices once you are on the tour.

Guided tours provide you with the benefit of local knowledge. Companies plan the itinerary and make all the necessary arrangements. The best part of the guided tours comes from the insider touch. You often get to experience the region in ways that are not often available to the general public.

Choosing a gastro-break that is perfect for you will often be directed by budget and also by taste. The internet has opened up a world of possibilities. You may discover that the world’s best gastro-break is just around the corner. But you can also plan a gastro-break that takes you around the world with just a few clicks of the keyboard.

Best Seashell Beach

Sanibel Island, Florida sits along the Gulf Coast just outside of Fort Myers. This barrier island has remained mostly untouched by the tourist developments along the other Florida beaches thanks to the diligence of the residents. Wildlife refuges cover over half of the Sanibel Island. The layout of the island makes it ideal for shells. People travel from around the world to gather shells along these amazing beaches.

Best Surfing Beach

Tamarindo, Costa Rica offers a wave for just about everyone. Couple the massive waves with the incredible weather and it is no surprise that people are flocking to this long beach to enjoy the surf. It may not be much of a swimming beach, but Tamarindo is definitely surfer friendly.

Best Snorkeling Beaches

Safaga, Egypt lies on the coast of the Red Sea. It is a calm water bay that offers visitors nice, sandy beaches. It is not crowded and offers some wonderful sites to enjoy. Snorkelers can enjoy Safaga year round and will see many colorful fish, coral and much more.

Culebra, Puerto Rico is one of the Spanish Virgin Islands and measures only seven miles long by three miles wide. The waters around the island are crystal clear and blue and filled with wildlife and coral. The Culebra National Wildlife Refuge covers a large portion of the island and is a nesting ground for the leatherback turtle.

Best Black Sand Beach

Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii was created from the molten lava of the active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. The sand is actually tiny granules that formed when the lava poured into the sea, cooled quickly and then fell apart. The black beach provides visitors some breathtaking views and nature lovers will be thrilled to see the turtles come to shore to nest. Be warned: the water can be choppy and there are no lifeguards so this is definitely a beach for enjoying from the shore.

Best Unique Beach

The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands are formed by giant boulders along the shore. These boulders create rock pools, beaches and plenty of places to explore. Some of these rocks measure 40 feet in diameter.

Best White-Sand Beach

Whitehaven Beach is located on Whitsunday Island, the largest island in a grouping of islands of the same name sitting off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The white sand that covers four miles of the island is made up of almost pure silica. The beach is accessible by boat.

Best Untouched Beach

Cumberland Island, Georgia, United States exists today as one of the most pure beaches in the world. The island is protected and only 300 visitors per day are allowed to visit. This is a nature lover’s dream beach. The only regular visitors are wild horses and loggerhead turtles. There are no water sports to be found on Cumberland Island, but visitors come to enjoy the trails, the habitats and the wide array of wildlife.

The best beach is the one that you want to visit time and again. Looking around the globe you can uncover beaches that boast sand in pink, black and white (and many colors in between). Beaches are known for their surf, their sand, their wildlife and even their nightlife. If you can imagine it, then you can probably find a beach to match it.

New York

Along with all the museums and attractions of New York, one of the most pleasurable pastimes is shopping. They’ve got great department stores that cater for all tastes and budgets. If you love cutting-edge fashion and don’t mind maxing out on your credit card, head for Barney’s New York a major department store in the Big Apple. Plan your weekend to coincide with the twice-annual sale and you may not wince so much at the price tags. You can’t go shopping in New York and not visit Bloomingdale’s; in fact you can’t not come to New York and not visit the iconic department store. There’s a huge range of merchandise up for grabs and Martine’s chocolates on the 6th floor and the frozen yoghurt in the basement café are treats not to be missed. Another famous department store is Macy’s that sells everything from cutlery to clothing at reasonable prices. They have regular sales that are great fun. And you can hop over the pond to New York this spring on flights starting from £299. Or choose a package weekend break for two people flying with British Airways from London Heathrow to Newark with 3 nights in the Westin New York Times Square, a four star hotel, for £1550.56.

Marrakech

If you fancy something completely different, then I recommend that you visit Marrakech and wander around the souks there. The souks in Marrakech are the best in Morocco and if you like haggling for a bargain surrounded by noise and the smell of spices, then you’ll have a fantastic time. The souks are situated of the Djemma el Fna, a square that is the centre and heart of the city, and can be a bit of a labyrinth as you wander around. You can hire a guide to help you through the maze but getting lost is part of the fun. Moroccans are wonderfully friendly and if you do get lost just ask for directions back to Djemma el Fna. The souks sell everything from wooden and metal goods, to spices and chickens. It is part of the culture to haggle for your purchase and great fun to come away with a bargain. Top tip to haggle is to half the vendor’s first asking price and start from there. Remember this is part of their culture and you’re supposed to enjoy the experience. If you walk away, this generally brings the price down but remember there are loads of souks further in selling exactly the same product. The cheapest flight for an April break to Marrakech was £248 using the national carrier, Royal Air Maroc, flying from London Heathrow. Easyjet flies out of London Gatwick and the cheapest flight was £324. A weekend package for two people, flights and three nights in a five star hotel costs £1159 to this most exotic of destinations.

Paris

Paris has to be on anybody’s list of best shopping destinations; just think of haute couture, jewellery and fine food and wine. But one of the great things about shopping in the French capital is the flea markets - the biggest ones in the world. It’s a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning, browsing through an assortment of wonders while munching on your pain de chocolat and drinking a café noir. Then head to the Haussman boulevard department stores and gaze at the French style in microcosm while admiring the buildings themselves. Some of the architecture is stunning. For those interested in fashion and not undaunted by the prices then go to the rue des Francs-Bourgeois near the Place des Vosges, while the rue Saint-Placide close to the Montparnasse metro station specialises in discount fashion. Travelling to Paris is easy with regular flights from airports around the country as well as almost hourly departures from St Pancreas on Eurostar. Return flights to Paris start at £62 on easyJet and £69 on Eurostar. Or a weekend package from London Luton, flying easyJet, staying three nights in a three star hotel, costs £254 per person on a bed and breakfast basis.

Madrid

Madrid is the best city in Spain to go shopping and one of the first places to head when you arrive in the capital city is Gran Via. Gran Via are where you’ll the birthplaces of brands such as Zara, Pull and Bear and Straivarius the Inditex chains owned by Amancio Ortego Gaona. The Principe Pio is a bus and train hub that also houses a modern shopping mall. This is a great place to window shop if it’s raining outside. If you want to follow in the footsteps of Victoria Beckham and other footballer’s wives then Ortega y Gasset is your place and close by you’ll find ABC Serrano, a shopping mall with some of the most expensive shopping outlets in Europe. You can fly to Madrid Airport from London City for £187 on Lufthansa or choose a weekend package. A great deal for April is a four-night package from Manchester flying in Czech Airlines and staying in a five star hotel for just £727 - and that’s for two people.

London

Finally, for a shopping destination, you just can’t miss out London. The capital has everything from great department stores such as Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and of course Harrods to boutiques like Bread and Honey to the classic tailoring of Saville Row. And there are loads more, including charity shops, car boot sales and auctions, every type of shopping experience that a hardened shopper could hope for. London is accessible from across the country by coach, train and air, having five airports with direct transport links into the centre of the city. Deals this April include a four-night stay in a three-star hotel on a bed and breakfast basis flying from Edinburgh to Stansted Airport, cost £399. Of course, you can also jump on a bus and a return fare will cost you from £15 leaving you much more money to spend in the spring sales.

The ride is taken in a train capable of seating eight occupants who, once locked in, set off on this thrilling 28-second journey. The train slowly leaves the station until it reaches the launching area. Once there, the hydraulic launch mechanism accelerates the train from 0 to an incredible 128 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds. The train then climbs the top hat (the main tower) spiralling 90 degrees to reach a height of 456 ft. The train then thunders down 418 ft twisting 270 degrees before climbing a second tower of 129 ft. The train then descends before magnetic brakes are applied to smoothly stop the ride. After performing a U-turn the train returns to the station.

The predecessor of the fastest and highest roller coaster is the Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point, and along with Kingda Ka are the only two stratacoasters in the world. A stratacoaster is a roller coaster that reaches in excess of 400 feet in a complete circuit. Top Thrill Dragster was opened in 2003 at a cost of approximately US $25,000,000. Inspired by Top Fuel Drag Racing motor sport, the ride was designed by Werner Stengel and many riders say that the ride feels like a dragster starting to accelerate. The ride begins with acceleration to 120 mph in only 3.8 seconds. The train ascends up an incline of 90 degrees that has a 90-degree counter-clockwise twist that sends the train over and down the 420-foot hill, where riders will experience negative G-force.

The Dudonpa is a roller coaster at Fuji-Q Highland, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan and opened in 2001. It is a steel roller coaster with a compressed air launch that accelerates the ride to 107mph in less than 2 seconds. Riders ascend the hill straight up to a height of 170 feet, then down a hairpin curve before descending straight down. When the Dudonpa opened in 2001 it was the fastest roller coaster in the world. In 2010, the Kingda Ka took that crown, but the Dudonpa still has the highest launch acceleration at 2.7g.

In 1997, the creative team of Magic Mountain created Superman: The Escape, a roller coaster in Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. The ride is almost identical to the Tower Of Terror, a ride that opened two months previously in Dreamworld, Australia. The two rides were the first to employ Linear Synchronous Motors, LSM, technology to propel the cars to high speeds. When Superman: The Escape opened, it was the tallest roller coaster in the world and tied with Tower of Terror as the fastest. Riders are launched horizontally at a speed of 100mph in about 7 seconds, and then climb up the hill at an angle of 90 degrees to a height of 415 feet before starting their descent down the vertical of 328 feet, becoming weightless for just over 6 seconds. The length of the circuit is 1235 feet and the duration of the ride takes 28 seconds. Another Superman ride, Superman: Krypton Coaster is a steel roller coaster located in Six Flags Fiesta Texas and boasts the world’s tallest vertical loop at 145 feet. It reaches a maximum speed of 70mph and a helical drop extending over a nearby cliff. The ride is 168 feet, incorporates six inversions and lasts 2.35 minutes over its 2000-foot length.

Although steel roller coasters can go faster, many people believe that the only truly roller coaster sensation is the one you get when riding a wooden roller coaster. The fastest wooden roller coaster in the world is Son of Beast located at Kings Island, Mason in the state of Ohio, USA. When it opened in 2000, Son of Beast made it into the top ten fastest roller coasters in the world, the only wooden ride to do so.

Son of Beast was the only wooden roller coaster to incorporate a vertical loop, a feature that was removed in 2006 after an accident in which 27 people were injured. The loop was not the cause of the accident but could not accommodate the lighter trains that were then introduced. The train climbs a 218 foot hill, turns left and drops 214 feet before rising 168 feet, into a helix known as the Rose Bowl and then dropping into a straight line of track. The ride is constructed mainly of southern yellow pine while Douglas fir was used for the track piles. It has a capacity for 1000 riders per hour who can enjoy the 3-minute ride with a maximum g-force of 4.5.

One of the fastest wooden roller coasters in the world not to be located in the US is Colossos a ride at Heide Park in Soltau, Lower Saxony, Germany. This therefore makes Colossos the fastest as well as the highest wooden roller coaster in Europe. The Colossos was the first wooden ride to have prefabricated tracks, slotting together so precisely that it gives riders a smooth ride such as one would experience on a steel roller coaster. But of course, it is this lack of smoothness that appeals to traditional wooden roller coaster lovers. Colossos is over 196 feet high with a drop of nearly 160 feet. It reaches a speed of 74.6mph and the ride lasts 2.25 minutes. The maximum g-force is 3.8 for its riders.

Discount Pricing

Ryanair advertised prices are the base price only. There will be additional charges for taxes, airport fees, credit card processing and baggage.

easyJet advertised prices include taxes and airport charges, but there will be additional charges for luggage and credit card processing. The higher transparency of the easyJet online prices puts it ahead of Ryanair in this area.

easyJet Review

easyJet has made its mark in punctuality. It requires passengers to check in for a flight at least 30 minutes prior to departure. 

There are no free meals when flying with easyJet. Most of the flights are short and any meals that are desired must be purchased seperate from the tickets.

easyJet keeps costs down by providing many of its services on the internet. The company boasts that 95% of all tickets booked are done through the internet. This process is one of the reasons that easyJet can maintain the lower prices.

There are no assigned seats on easyJet so it’s a first come, first served policy. The early arrivals will get the best seats (the exceptions are those passengers that may need extra time or assistance when boarding).

Ryanair Review

The advertised prices are considerably lower than other competitors, but the final price climbs much higher than advertised prices with the added charges. Even with the additional charges the final cost for Ryanair tickets will often be the lowest available.

One of the top complaints about Ryanair has been the company’s policy for changing flight times. The departure time can vary by several hours which can make it difficult if there are connecting flights or other time sensitive needs that must be met. Ryanair does publish its punctuality reports on its website.

Ryanair does not fly into the heart of some destinations. It may be using an airport that requires a long bus ride to the desired destination. These costs do need to be included when comparing costs.

More Comparisons

easyJet does offer many flights that are closer to the hub of top destinations, but Ryanair often has the better price even when the additional costs of bus rides are included into the final expense.

Ryanair may advertise the best prices around, but easyJet makes it easier to know the final cost of a flight upfront so there are fewer surprises as the tickets are booked.

Both budget airlines charge for checked baggages, do not provide free food during flights and are mainly focused on getting you from point A to point B at the lowest cost for you. Travelers that are looking for the experience of a lifetime in their air travel will not find budget airlines satisfactory.

Budget travel is not for everyone. Those that are more concerned with saving a few dollars than with getting free peanuts will find that easyJet and Ryanair both offer great benefits at exceptional prices. Choosing the king of the budget airlines often comes down to personal tastes and individual needs of each passenger. easyJet and Ryanair both provide great low cost tickets for your travel needs.

For more discounts on travel, check out our sister site, Discount Vouchers UK.

The younger crowd of high school and college students may be hitting the beach, but that does not mean that you have to avoid the ocean completely. There are plenty of resorts that are family focused or specifically for couples only. The weather along the equator will be some of the best of the year during the spring months and often some of the best deals can be found this time of year.

Springtime brings to life all of the bulbs and flowers that have been hibernating over the winter. These months offer the best times to visit the bulb growers across the United States and around the world. You will also discover that many cities have special celebrations for the tulips and other spring flowers that paint the landscape at this time of year.

The national parks begin bursting with new life of their own when the weather begins to warm up. Baby animals start taking their first steps and the natural wonders of rivers and waterfalls are bursting with the runoff from the melting snows. Yosemite is one of many national parks around the United States that make a great destination for springtime travel.

Warm weather draws many travelers to the beach destinations. Take advantage of the trend and visit other tourist hotspots that will not be as crowded during the spring season. Places like Chicago, Illinois or New York City offer plenty for visitors year round, but the pleasant weather of spring and the smaller crowds can make these months some of the best for visiting. Springtime also offers smaller crowds in top travel spots like Victoria, Canada.

Take to the desert. The southwest region of the United States may be known for the dry heat of the desert, but the spring months can offer some relief from the burning heat. Springtime provides a wonderful display of wildflowers in the outdoors of the Southwest. The outdoor traveler will find that springtime is the right time to visit this area.

The Italian countryside may always be a breathtaking view, but the vibrant colors of spring make it even more spectacular. Add to the natural beauty the lower costs and smaller crowds and you begin to understand why Italy in the spring will give you bang for your buck.

Have a capital time in the spring. Many of the world’s capital cities provide great inspiration and entertainment throughout the springtime. Washington, D.C. has the Cherry Blossom Festival in May where the entire city seems alive with the pink displays. The crowds may not be lighter in Paris in the spring, but the flowers and weather will make the crowds much easier to take. The prices are also lower during the spring season before the summer travel prices kick in.

Take a trip that will flip the seasons. Visiting Cape Town during the springtime of the northern hemisphere means that you get to enjoy the fall weather and events. The natural beauty is spectacular and just the opposite of all that is going on around the other side of the world. May is the time of the largest wine festival in the region and the temperatures are perfect for enjoying the outdoors.

Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert in Arabic translates to ‘The Great Desert’. At over 3,500,000 square miles the Sahara Desert could just about cover America. Reaching a staggering one hundred and eight meters high, the sand dunes have been shifted and sculpted by high winds. The Sahara Desert may be the third largest desert in the world but it isn’t entirely covered in sand. The Sahel is the only part of the Sahara Desert which is covered in grassland and plants. The Sahel allows animals such as the Scimitar Oryx and Red Fronted Gazelle to graze, but is also home to African Wild Dogs, Cheetahs and Lions.

Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail leads to many places but Machu Picchu is the most common place people go. Machu Picchu was built for the Inca Emperor Pachacuti, who ruled the city of Machu Picchu between 1438 - 1472. Machu Picchu is also known as The Lost City Of The Incas. The Incas started building Machu Picchu in the 1400s but soon abandoned it. Machu Picchu was unknown to anyone outside its walls before American historian Hiram Bingham told the world about it. The Spanish never managed to conquer Machu Picchu so the city still remains how it was, considered to be a sacred place. Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Site in 1981.

Pyramids

One of the greatest mysteries on earth is how were Pyramids built. In 2630 BCE - 2611 BCE, The Pyramid of Djoser was built and is believed to be the first pyramid ever constructedy. The architect Imhoptep designed The Pyramid of Djoser as a tomb for the Pharaoh Djoser. The Egyptians believed the shape of the pyramids represented the Primordial Mound from which the earth was created. They also believed pyramids had powerful abilities of resurrection.

The Colosseum

One of the most spectacular Roman buildings was built in 70 - 72 AD under the Emperor Vespasian. The Colosseum was completely built by 80 AD and was then used for gladiatorial battles and executions and other entertainment. Seating 50,000 people, the Colosseum stopped being used for entertainment in the Medieval times. During this time the colosseum became used for housing, workshops, religion and other activities. The Colosseum has seen many earthquakes and stone robbers, but is still standing and has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world.

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are small islands filled with many species of animals such as Komodo Dragons and Giant Land Turtles. The islands are fairly young and were formed by volcanic eruptions. There are fifteen main islands with three more nearby. Charles Darwin studied the islands during The Voyage of the Beagle. One of the islands was named Darwin Island after Charles Darwin. On this island you can see Fur Seals, Swallow Tailed Gulls, Sea Lions, Wales and Marine Iguanas. Charles Darwin bought a Giant Land Turtle named Harriet to Australia Zoo, who died at 172 years of age. Galapagos is made up of 18 different islands with most being only a few square miles in size. Around 23,000 people populate the islands with the native language being Spanish. The islands may be small but people visit mainly to see the wildlife roaming.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is located in the Coral Sea of Queensland in northern Australia. Covering 133,000 square miles, The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from space. The Reef is home to an array of animals such as turtles, sharks, fish, crocodiles, stingrays, seahorses, sea snakes, living corals and birds. The clean blue water of The Reef makes it a beautiful place for diving. A large area is protected by The Great Barrier Reef Park to help stop over-fishing and damage from human use. Environmental changes are affecting The Reef, some of the problems includ pollution, shipping accidents and the Crown of Thorns Starfish which feeds on coral.

Auroras Borealis

Named after the Roman Goddess of dawn Aurora and the Greek name for north wind Boreas, the Auroras Borealis is only visible in the northern hemisphere in the ionosphere. Auroras are created by a mixture of earth photons mixing with either oxygen or nitrogen and solar wind energy. When earth protons mix with oxygen, the sky has a green or brownish red glow, while when mixed with nitrogen the sky has a blue or red glow. Auroras are one of the most magical and spectacular sights to see in the sky.

Lloró, Colombia

Just a short journey south from Nicaragua is the tropical, wet country of Colombia, South America. Scientists and climate experts estimate that the town receives over 13,000 mm of rain per year. Although the town’s name Lloró literally means ‘to cry’ (a metaphor for how much it rains there) amazingly the rain was not what it was named after. Instead, Lloró is named for an ancient and indigenous chief of the land.

Colombia is situated right at the northern point of South America, so if you take a trip to somewhere like Peru or even Cuba you can travel to Colombia and experience the rains relatively easy. You might want to (or not want to, depending on your feelings towards wet weather!) visit during the monsoon seasons, as this is what dictates the amount of rainfall.

Mount Wai-’ale-’ale, Kauai, Hawaii

13,000, yes, 13,000 millimetres of rain falls on this Hawaiian Island every single year, giving inhabitants cause to celebrate the hours of intense sunshine they also experience. It’s strange to think that a place we so strongly associate with hot weather and sandy beaches could also be so wet, but remember that’s what is called a ‘tropical’ climate. Tropic sun is counteracted by tropic monsoons, which can and will drench you within seconds! Mount Wai-’ale-’ale will take a long time to get to by plane, but it may be well worth it if you are lucky. Hawaii is another country that experiences strong monsoons, so if you want rains visit during them, and if you don’t, then choose the sunnier months.

Mawsynram, India

Despite being the second wettest place on the planet, this north eastern village is inhabited. The reasons for its incredible rainfall are cited as its position high up within the Khasi hills and as a result there are warm winds which constantly bring condensation over the land. As you may have guessed this area experiences the monsoon season full force and four fifths of Mawsynram’s 11 metres per year falls during these months. A visit here will be wet, but you can drive through the clouds on the the hillsides and visit some beautiful waterfalls too. If you plan a trip to Mawsynram then look for Meghalaya package holidays and tours, as this is the hilly strip that the village lies within.

Where do the UK and US come in?

Apart from Mount Wai-’ale-’ale in Hawaii, the wettest place in America is Quillayute, Washington. This small area near Forks gets 104.5 inches of precipitation every year; a stark contrast to Yuma, Arizona 1,502 miles south, where they get just 2.7 inches!

Rather unsurprisingly, Britain’s wettest location is on the Western coast of Scotland: Glen Etive, Highlands. 130.16 inches of rain water falls here each year, so opening a brolly shop in the town centre would certainly be a shrewd move. Seathwaite, Cumbria comes in a close second, with an annual rainfall of 124 inches but ‘wet Wales’ as we so affectionately call it only gets a mention after five far wetter locations across England and Scotland.

Language

As I said, language is the best and worst thing about the year abroad. You will be completely immersed into a culture, which is the best way to learn and the quickest way to improve your language skills. If you are at university, your classes and lectures will be in the target language, so it might be more difficult to understand (no more secret snoozes!) but you will reap the benefits. If you aren’t at university and have chosen to work, you will also communicate on a daily basis in your chosen language. Its daunting, yes, but no pain, no gain! If you are a teaching assistant in a school, you might feel like your opportunities to speak the language are limited, since you will be teaching in English and most likely the English department will sometimes converse with you in English. Remember, its perfectly okay to ask them to help you out and speak the local language, and some of the older students will probably be more than willing to do a conversation exchange with you (see meeting people).

Make the most of your year.

Meeting New People

If going to university opened doors in your social life and gave you the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, then consider the year abroad as ‘Freshers Week on steroids’. If you are an Erasmus student, not only will you meet other students from the UK on international exchanges, but students from Colombia, Sweden, Italy…the list goes on. If your university offers welcome events, attend them. Its very easy to sit back and let the opportunity pass, but people form groups very quickly, and your year abroad will be over before you know it. Make the effort and you can make some friends for life. If you are working or teaching as an assistant, make an effort to socialise with your colleagues and ask the older students to give you some ideas of places to go. Try going to the local university and putting up a notice offering conversation exchange. A native speaker will help you with your language and in return you can chat to them in English, why not do it over coffee or a beer? This can be a great way to meet people and find out where the best places to go are.

Being Independent

You’ve lived away from home before, and probably rented your own accommodation, but being in another country, sometimes on another continent, means you really have to be independent. Arranging viewings, sorting through paperwork and budgeting can be tough, but at the end of the year you will be proud of how well you coped. Yes, loved ones are only a phone call or a plane ride away, but most of it is up to you, so make the most of the opportunity and see it as a learning curve. When you get back home, everything will seem like a breeze!

Venture as far afield as you can.

Travel

Going abroad for the year can not only teach you a lot about one area, it can also provide you with an excellent base for traveling. Investigate transport networks and look out for special rail offers for students and young people. You will never again be in this position, so money permitting, grab yourself a map, a backpack and a camera. Weekend trips have never been so exciting!

Experience

You might be doing a year abroad as a gap year, or as a mandatory part of your university course, but you will come back with something much more: experience. Something interesting to put on a CV, a year abroad will show potential future employers that you are independent, inquisitive, and know how to handle yourself. It can be a great conversation starter in an interview, and can give you the edge over another applicant, so make the most of it!

Like this? Check out the 5 Worst Things About a Year Abroad.

Toulouse - don't let one bad experience spoil things

1. Language

Language is the best and worst thing about the year abroad. Lets face it, its the reason you’re there. You’ve spent years studying a language and in front of your non-language student friends you can appear practically fluent, especially after a few glasses of wine. Speaking the language in front of a native speaker? Another kettle of fish entirely. Nothing prepares you for the sheer speed of a native speaker, and thats not even taking into account regional dialects or local slang words. Asking your first question at the airport or hearing your first announcement in the train station can sometimes completely break your spirit at a time when you most need reassurance. The verb structures, conjugations, rules of the subjunctive and vocabulary lists you have mentally prepared can disappear in an instant when someone asks you a question you weren’t ready for, so be prepared to look completely stupid several times a week! Its all part of the experience. To their credit, most native speakers will be delighted that you are attempting to master their language, especially for us English speakers (we aren’t known for our linguistic prowess!) and most of them will be patient and helpful. You always have to bear in mind though that just like at home, some people will be downright rude sometimes, and will have no time to wait around whilst you try to remember the past participle of a verb you haven’t used for a year. At times like these its important to remember ‘there are good and bad people wherever you go’ - sometimes its easy to turn one person being rude to you into the whole of France being against you, especially when you are away from home. It helps to remember a bad customer service experience you’ve had at home to try to put it in perspective!

2. Home sweet home?

The next problem you might encounter on your year abroad is something we all take for granted. A home is your number one priority when you arrive on your year abroad, its going to be your base for the next few months, maybe even a year, a place to entertain all the new friends you’re going to meet (more on that later) and your refuge when you are feeling a little homesick. Some universities offer to arrange accommodation in halls of residence at the partner university abroad, but many leave you to your own devices, and if you are working as a teaching assistant and not attending university, private sector accommodation might be your only option. Every year some people drop lucky, for those teaching at a boarding school, accommodation is usually provided, along with meals, for a ridiculously low sum. (I know a girl paying 40 euros a month to stay at her school, with everything included!) Of course there are always downsides to these situations: boarding schools tend to be in more rural areas with not much to do, so although you will have lots of money, you might not always have a place to spend it. Its always good to book a hostel or budget hotel for the first couple of nights if you don’t have a place to stay lined up as you don’t know how long it might take you to find somewhere.

3. Meeting people

Meeting people can be tough. Unless you’re at university (In which case activities will more than likely be organised for Erasmus students) it can be hard, especially if you are teaching. You might be the only person from your university in the town or city abroad, and working as a teacher means you have a different way of life entirely. You can’t just go out and get drunk and skip class the next morning, so it can be difficult to meet people your age. Try asking the teachers at your school or posting a note on the local college/uni noticeboard offering conversation exchange classes.

Valencia - make sure you book somewhere to stay before arriving.

4. Teaching

For the uninitiated, this can be the toughest thing. Nothing will prepare you for unruly teens that have no interested in languages. Its up to you to motivate them, to get them interested. There is no magic trick for this I’m afraid, and it comes with practice, but rest assured that for every kid you get through to, the rebellious ones won’t matter as much. The British Council website has great lesson plans and there are some excellent forums out there to discuss issues with others so don’t be afraid to research. Google is your friend.

5. University challenge

Going to a university in a foreign country can be extremely difficult. You have to attend lectures in another language completely, get used to their system of marking and find your way around a strange campus. There is often a mountain of paperwork awaiting you, and French universities in particular like it to be filled in in red, so make sure you buy quite a few of them to have to hand, and also get a few passport photos taken, as foreign universities like to keep a photo of you on file for every class you’re registered in.

Like this? Check out the 5 Best Things About a Year Abroad.

Hotels for the rich and famous seem to be on a mission to outdo one another in terms of their grandiosity. Joe McInerney from the American Hotel and Lodgings Association says: ‘The best suites in the world should have a service protocol that goes along with them. You should have a dedicated person at your beck and call. You can create the most deluxe suite in the world, but you need to have that special service that goes along with it.’

A prime example of this is the Soneva Gili Resort and Spa, which is a private reserve in the Maldives. It will cost you $10,000 a night but you will have two personal assistants residing with you in separate quarters of your suite so that you have someone at your beck and call night and day. The views are stunning - this complex is built over the water - and you can enjoy this sensation through the glass floor. You can also walk through the beautiful private gardens to your shower and bathtub. Everywhere you look you will see stunning views of the Indian Ocean. This truly is luxury at its best – and most extravagant.

Burj Al Arab

However, if you are searching for extravagance within a city – perhaps when going on a business trip - then look no further than the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. Their Royal Suite costs $13,600. There are only two suites in the entire hotel. For your money you get two bedrooms with views of the Arabian Sea. The first floor encompasses the decadent lounge complete with leopard print carpets. Ascend the gold and marble staircase to the second floor where you will find the master bedroom with – wait for it – a four-poster canopy bed which rotates. Your marble bathroom is stacked full of Hermes products, the ultimate in luxury, and what suite would be complete without your own personal cinema?

Paris Ritz

One of the more famous expensive hotels is the Ritz in Paris, which has played host to Sir Winston Churchill and King Edward VII to name but a few. This two bedroom suite costs $13,500 per night and is traditionally decorated with mahogany furniture said to emulate the splendour of the Louis XIV era.

Also in Paris and costing $15,500 per night is the Imperial Suite, Park-Hyatt Vendome. The Imperial Suite is in the Haussmanian building and covers an extensive 750 square foot area. As well as encompassing all of the other luxuries that are par for the course in these extravagant suites, this one comes with an in-suite spa, which offers a steam room, whirlpool and massage table. What more could you possibly need?

How about views of the Alps from your balcony? This is what you can have for a mere $17,500 per night. The suite is decked out in gold and mosaics and the terrace alone covers 300 square feet.

If it is essential for you to have you own KGB-approved autonomous energy supply system and five meals a day then you should consider a stay at the Ritz-Carlton in Moscow. For $18,200 you will also receive heated floors, a library and a grand piano while enjoying views of the Kremlin and Red Square.

If you have the money to jet off to a tropical island then you might as well drop $25,000 a night to stay in the Bridge Suite at the Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Previous guests have included Michael Jackson and Oprah Winfrey so you know you are definitely amongst the elite if you book a holiday here.

Atlantis Paradise Island

The Ty Warner Penthouse in New York has been described as floating across Manhattan. This is due to its 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline, it being the tallest hotel on the island. The suite has a massive nine rooms and the walls are decorated with gold, platinum and mother of pearl. Not only that, but the televisions are actually programmed to receive every single television channel in the entire world.

Anything that Hugh Hefner has a hand in will be nothing short of extravagant and probably considerably tacky. The Hugh Hefner Sky Villa at the Palms Casino Hotel in Las Vegas will set you back $25,000 per night. Amenities include a Jacuzzi bath while looking down on the Strip, a butler, gym, poker table and private cinema. And a mirrored ceiling.

Finally, for $50,000 you can stay at the Royal Villa at Grand Resort Lagonissi in Athens. This suite is only available to the most exclusive clients in the world. It comes with its own private beach and where other suites offer you a piano this one actually comes with a pianist. You also have access to your own personal chef to cook whatever your heart desires.

1. Tobago

If you see yourselves tying the knot in the glorious sunshine of a tropical paradise, with crystal turquoise waters lapping an opulently golden beach strewn with palm trees, it’s going to be hard to beat Plantation Beach in Tobago. Quieter and less populous than its big brother Trinidad, Tobago is an idyllic little jewel of an island. Plantation Beach lines the gorgeously scenic Stevenage Bay, where you can stay in air-conditioned comfort at the classy Plantation Beach Villas, each boasting three bedrooms and as many bathrooms. And if swimming in the warm sea gets too tedious for you, try taking a plunge in the Villa’s lovely pool.

2. New York

If the excitement and vibrancy of a world renowned city appeals, a wedding stay in the imposing grandeur of New York’s Four Seasons Hotel – the tallest in Manhattan – is not to be missed. You’ll look out from your complimentary executive suite over spectacular views of Central Park and then sink into a luxurious bath tub for two, sipping a glass or three of Veuve Clicquot as you bite into your chocolate-covered strawberries. Ceremonies take palace in the splendid Metropolitan Suite and are followed by cocktails and dancing.

3. China

Why not celebrate your great day on one of the most stupendous structures ever built by human hands by getting hitched on China’s Great Wall? Well, just alongside it to be precise, on the rooftop of ‘The Commune’ – a complex of ultra-modern villas designed by 12 Asian architects and situated on the Shiguan section of the wall (50 km from Beijing). Gaze at the majestic wall winding away into the mountains as you take your vows. If you’ve got a large number of guests, you can have your reception in the Commune’s Club House, which holds up to 500 people. Smaller gatherings can be held in a villa or chalet, and you’ll be served modern Chinese food by a butler.

4. New Zealand

New Zealand boasts many different climates all the year around, but one of the most spectacular and bewitchingly beautiful locations is the stunning Liebig Dome Snowfield. You’ll be ferried there by helicopter, exchanging rings in a World Heritage location right in the heart of the breathtaking Southern Alps. This place boasts some of New Zealand’s highest mountains and most gargantuan glaciers and it brings a whole new twist to the term ‘white wedding.’ The best place to stay is the Hermitage Hotel on Mount Cook, South Island.

5. Quebec

While we’re on the subject of ice-frosted white weddings, another fabulous location has to be the astonishingly beautiful Ice Hotel in Quebec. It gets its name not because it’s next to a ski slope but, literally, because it’s made of ice. When the ceremony’s over, you can sip cocktails in the Ice Bar and dine on a delicious meal (the food’s hot, by the way, despite the iced building structure). You can even take a warm plunge in the Ice Hotel Sauna before retiring to bed. The one restriction here is the timing of your wedding – the Hotel is only open between January and April each year (a melting building wouldn’t be the best place to spend your wedding night in).

6. Tuscany, Italy

You might want to add a touch of culture and history to your wedding experience, and if the idea of a romantic ancient hamlet bathed in warm Tuscan sunshine pushes your buttons, you won’t be disappointed by Torre Palazzone, Italy. This is an exquisitely beautiful medieval hamlet dating from AD 1000 and set behind fortified walls. The cuisine is outstanding – you can dine on anything from authentic Italian pizza to a full scale medieval banquet – and despite the ancient history, there is no shortage of modern luxury and attractions, from the hot tub to the swimming pool, wine-tasting to factory-outlet shopping, horse-trekking to ballooning. Or you can stay in and have a wonderful massage.

7. London Eye

One doesn’t necessarily have to be in an exotic location to have a romantic time. To many, a registry office wedding seems a rather dour and functional option. But you don’t have to hold the ceremony in the office building itself so long as the authorised officers conduct the ceremony. And if you decide to take your vows in London’s famous ‘London Eye’ this is exactly what will happen. Lambeth Registry Office provides the service, but you’ll be saying your vows in a beautiful glass pod, ascending gracefully above the capital along with up to twenty guests, enjoying fabulously panoramic views of the city below. By the time you reach the top of the arc, you’ll be married. And you’ll come back to earth sipping champagne.

8. Edinburgh, Scotland

How about tying the knot with magnificent views of Edinburgh Castle in the background? This is what you’ll get if you book your ceremony an the majestic Balmoral Hotel. When you’ve been pronounced man and wife, slip along to the Bollinger Bar and sip champagne whilst a piper plays his Highland heart out. As you might expect, the rooms are sumptuous and classically elegant, and you’ll even get rose petals on your bed. Oh, and you’ll have a champagne breakfast the following morning.

9. Ayrshire, Scotland

Another spectacular Scottish location, at once imposing and genteel, can be found at Blairquhan Castle in Maybole. Built in the 1800s, this regency castle is set in the splendour of fabulous parklands with lavish gardens and exquisitely landscaped grounds, all of which you and your guests will have access to. There’s a seating capacity of 100 for the ceremony and the castle sleeps up to 26 people.

10. Baja Peninsula, Mexico

If you still hanker for spectacular beaches, exotic heat and ultra-modern luxury in your accommodation, you must consider the five-star ‘One & Only’ resort in Palmilla on Mexico’s Baja peninsula. Magical vistas of white surf crashing on the aqua-blue sea water, which then gently laps the stunning sands, will make your heart soar. As will the whitewashed arched doorways and windows of the beautiful old chapel you’ll be married in, with its delightful views of the resort’s grounds and beaches.

Beautiful.

Heat and comfort are top priorities if you are going on a ski trip, after all you want to make sure that you keep yourself healthy and being cold generally results in feeling miserable (or is that just me?). Anyway, technology is certainly a wonderful thing as for quite some time you have been able to buy heated insoles for your ski boots (usually priced at around £25) but now you can purchase a Liionpack for around £250, which will allow you to control the heat provided to your feet. There are ten different settings and it comes with a remote control fob that you can wear around your neck for convenience. The battery lasts for 18 hours so you don’t need to worry about your feet going cold during a long day on the piste!

So, you now know that you can keep your feet warm, but what about the rest of you? Well, hot on the heels of the aforementioned foot-warming system is the Burton Document jacket, which is completely waterproof but also has a heating system, which is controllable by you with three different heat settings. You’ll end up warmer outside than you are indoors. This jacket is quite pricey at £325 but if you are a regular skier then you could probably class it as an investment.

This can only end badly.

Now, if you find that you are always the one losing your direction on the slopes then look no further than the iTrailMap 3D from Apple for your iPhone, which will provide you with a detailed map of your resort, including the best places to stop for that all-important mug of hot chocolate. This app will even record your whereabouts and allow you to check these locations on-line on Google earth, if you feel that way inclined.

However, while the Apple app may be useful if you have an iPhone, if you don’t you may feel left out. Well, worry not, because there is a GPS receiver that you can purchase for use on the slopes for half the price of a GPS you would purchase for your car. The Bushnell BackTrack is priced at around £55. You are required to programme your locations into the receiver and then you never need worry that you won’t find your way back to your chalet.

So, you have all the gadgets necessary to ensure that you know where you are going but if you are prone to skiing off-course or if you are worried about finding yourself in a dangerous snowy location, you could spend £300 on the Ortovox S1 Transceiver. Now, this is the kind of gadget that is really expensive and most people would, hopefully, never have a requirement to use it but if you are a worrier or a risk taker then you might think it is worth buying this. It has an inclinometer, a thermometer and an electric compass.

While skiing is great fun, we should not overlook the need for safety. The Pro-Tec Audio Force helmet can combine the two. You can stay safe while listening to your favourite tunes through audio ear pads. You should be able to connect this to most music players and it costs only £54.99.

Sometimes it just gets too much.

Another nifty gizmo to help keep you safe (or in my case upright!) are clip on grips for your ski boots. Now, I don’t know about you but with all of this snowy and icy weather we have been experiencing I could do with these for my winter boots. Anyway, these are ideal for use while you are wandering about the resort and, even if you find that you don’t use them much, they are worth purchasing since they will only cost you around £20.

Moving on to a more practical gadget from the States in the form of the REO ski carrier. This is a bargain item, retailing at around $12, around £8. This is definitely a small price to pay for this strap, which will keep your skis together, making them much easier to carry!

So, there you are enjoying your holiday safe in the knowledge that all your friends and family that you left behind are green with jealousy. Are you evil enough to torture them with your holiday snaps when you get back? Of course you are! It has, in the past, been difficult to take photos of your skiing holiday because while there are plenty of opportunities for group shots in the clubhouse, you couldn’t actually show off your skiing prowess but this all changed with the launch of Oregon Scientific’s Action Cams. The new ATC5K model retails at around £200 and attaches on to your helmet allowing you to record movies or still images on the move.

Finally, if you want to keep in touch with your party while you are all doing your own thing on the slopes, why not invest in some walkie talkies? The Motorola T5 PMR Radio Twin Pack works over a 6 km distance and will keep charge for 20 hours. At only £60 you could split the cost and save money on your mobile bill at the same time!

Most of us have experienced a touch of ‘Montezuma’s Revenge’ on at least one holiday in the past, and it’s an illness most of us would prefer not to remember. If you think that violent stomach cramps and torrential diarrhoea are amongst the worst health misfortunes which can befall you on vacation, maybe you should think again. There are some truly gruesome diseases lurking in some of the most beautiful places on the planet. Here are a few to set your nerves aquiver.

Pass me the bag.

Take Human Maggot Infestation, for example. This fiendishly nasty condition is caused by the larvae of the flesh-fly, which it sneakily lays in the smallest of wounds in the skin. This brainless yet alarmingly cunning fly also manages to deposit its deadly spawn in nasal passages, the mouth, or ear canals – all the openings which are meant to be there, in other words. The ‘larvae’ – maggots, to you and me - then spread like wildfire, eating their way through as much tissue as they can gorge on, and in the worst cases, literally eating their hosts alive. These little beasties also carry leprosy bacilli and cause intestinal pseudomyiasis (packing your faeces with moving maggots – just get the barf bag now).

Or how about discovering that you’ve got ten metres of tapeworm in your gastro-intestinal tract? Caught by eating poorly cooked food, these parasitical monstrosities can cheerfully live in your gut for ten years. They characteristically have white, segmented bodies, which have a nasty habit of breaking off and popping out of your derriere at whim. Whilst they can be killed off effectively with a single pill, disposing of the body is a rather more unpleasant matter: the worm has to be manually pulled out of the intestine, hand over hand, and that’s after you’ve experienced its ghastly death throes. It’ll quiver and squirm inside you as it gives up the ghost, and you’ll feel every twitch and spasm. But it can be even worse: untreated tapeworms can spread to other organs and tissues, producing huge fluid-filled cysts in the lungs and liver especially. These cysts can also take up residence in the central nervous system, where they cause dementia, epileptic-like seizures, and irreparable brain damage.

AGHHGHGHGHGHGHG!!!

But tapeworms are just one parasite among many. One man returned from a holiday in Africa feeling fit and well; he’d done a lot of river swimming on his safari break and returned home in tip top condition. Or so he thought. A few days later, at his favourite local restaurant, the waiter appeared ready to take his order. As he was selecting his choicest delights from the menu, he happened to glance up and catch the waiter’s expression: pure, eye-bulging, horror. The waiter hurried away with the order, and unlike previous occasions, appeared most unwilling to spend any further time in jovial chit-chat. Returning home, the man was intrigued. What had the waiter seen? He decided to stand in front of the bathroom mirror, gazing at his reflection, waiting for something to happen. And, oh boy, did something happen. The slimy tip of a glistening black tail, like the butt-end of a small snake, slid out of his right nostril, waved itself about in the air for a second or two, and withdrew again into the nose.

Almost hysterical, the man made an emergency appointment with his physician the very next morning. The doctor gazed steadily at his patient’s face for a few minutes, before exclaiming ‘Oh my God!’ Alarmed, the patient asked for a diagnosis. ‘You’ve got a leech!’ the doctor replied, wholly failing to conceal his gut-knotted aversion.

This ended happily, although somewhat gruesomely. The physician waited, medical pliers in hand, for the leech to make another appearance, clasping it firmly in the jaws of the instrument when it slithered out for another public display, and steadily pulled a huge leech from the patient’s nose. It had been living in centrally heated comfort and endlessly flowing food sources (blood) inside the patients sinuses.

'Mmm... potentially deadly...'

And anyone who thinks that food poisoning simply results in a touch of vomiting and diarrhoea needs to wake up. Film director Michael Winner narrowly escaped having his left leg amputated in 2007 – all because he ate a single dubious oyster whilst on holiday in Barbados. Shortly after the meal, Winner fell dramatically and spectacularly ill. Symptoms began a few hours later with violent shaking and shivering; when his leg was examined, it was oozing blood and covered with blackening blisters. He had contracted Vibrio vulnificus, a vindictive little bacterium which loves to bathe in warm seawater and had slipped in to the offending oyster in Winner’s meal. It’s responsible for causing 95% of all sea-food related deaths. It typically kills people within 32 hours, especially those whose immune systems are depressed. Winner was lucky, even though he was desperately ill and had to remain in hospital in total for a further three weeks. In that time he underwent no less than 11 surgical operations on his leg, the first six of which simply discovered and excised progressively rotting tissue.

Stories like these can inculcate a terrified phobia of taking vacations. But down in the depths of our more ghoulish sensibilities, they’re also horribly compelling. One small measure to keep the horror at bay is take out adequate health insurance before travelling – Winner, notoriously, despite his wealth, had no medical insurance. Happily, he was well-healed enough to simply pay out the £750,000 in medical costs that his private treatment had racked up from his own pocket.

To put things in perspective, do bear in mind that these stories, whist true, are also exceptionally rare. You stand more chance of being propositioned by Kiera Knightley and George Clooney on the same evening whilst shopping in Asda than of contracting these illnesses in the Costa del Sol. But considerably more chance than doing so than of joining Santa for a sleigh ride around the world on Christmas Eve, or being beamed up by aliens eager to find out about your knowledge of Fulham Football Club. In short, don’t take risks; just get insured. And enjoy your holiday (but be wary of oysters).