Monaco

After scaling Monaco’s steep terraced steps, shiny escalators and gleaming marble corridors tunnelling through the rocks to a series of free public lifts running up and down the hillside (not to mention navigating the 3D road system encircling its towering high rises!), you could be forgiven for thinking you’re inside a life-size MC Escher illustration of an illusionary maze.

Squeezed into 1.95 sq km, making it the world’s second smallest country, after the Vatican, this pint-sized principality is a sovereign state, with its own red-and-white flag, national holiday (19 November), country telephone code and traditional Monégasque dialect. French is the official language, although many street signs, especially in the old Monaco Ville quarter, are in French and Monégasque, and children of all 107 nationalities that form Monaco’s population are required to study the language at school. Neither is Monaco part of the EU, but because of its close ties with France it participates in the EU customs territory, and there are no border formalities crossing to and from France.

Monaco’s manicured streets presided over by palaces and its lush fountained parks are eminently safe thanks to a prolific police presence backed up by plain-clothed patrollers and omnipresent CCTV cameras.

Monaco is most famed for its glamorous Monte Carlo casino, Formula One cars roaring through the streets during its glamorous Grand Prix, and the scintillating lives of its glamorous royal family, the Grimaldis.

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Manchester

London has decided to give up the job of capital and go into quiet retirement. When everyone north of Leicester is done cheering, England looks around for a substitute and after some consideration the nation turns to... Sorry Birmingham, but it can be only Manchester, the uncrowned capital of the north and a city embracing change like few others in Europe.
Manchester… Who has not heard from it yet?! The city became famous for its football club Manchester United, for which the lovely David Beckham used to play.

Manchester knows all about improbable scenarios and has never shied away from responsibility. After all, this was the city that gave birth to capitalism and the Industrial Revolution, so what’s a little self-inflating urban redesign to a burgh that knows a thing or two about altering the history of the world?

The change and influence of the last decade and a half has been nearly as dramatic. It began with a musical revolution, was interrupted by a bomb and has climaxed in the transformation of Manchester into a modern metropolis that has embraced 21st-century style and technology like no other in England. The envy of any urban centre in Europe, it is surely indicative of more than just northern one-upmanship over London and the south that Manchester looks to Barcelona as its main rival and inspiration.

Not only does Manchester have a wealth of fascinating museums that reflect its unique role in the pioneering developments of the Industrial Age, but it has managed to weave the mementos of its past with a forward-looking, ambitious programme of urban development that has already offered a vision of what the future might hold.

The future, according to Manchester, is to ensure that form follows function, and that cities are first and foremost human dwellings. Testament to this belief is the remarkable life on show at street level, from the trendy bars and boutiques of the bohemian Northern Quarter to the loud-and-proud attitude of the Gay Village and the chic, self-possessed stylings of the Castlefield area. Spend enough time here and you too will be infected with the palpable confidence of a city that knows it’s onto a good thing.

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Damascus, legendary city

Legend has it that on a journey from Mecca, the Prophet Mohammed cast his gaze from the mountainside onto Damascus but refused to enter the city because he wanted to enter paradise only once – when he died. In a place that vies for the title of the world’s oldest continually inhabited city, this is but one of thousands of stories.

With its position as the first stop for travellers from the east, and with the Barada River flowing down freely from the mountains where the Prophet stood, Damascus has always been a coveted capital. The machinations of those wishing to claim the city as their own is as fascinating as the wealth of architecture and culture they left behind, with Damascus collecting the calling cards of myriad civilisations. There is hardly a city in the world that has packed so much history into such a small space as the Old City. Thankfully, the Old City is still the Damascus that sustains the romantic notion of the Orient, filled with bazaars and blind alleys, minarets, mosques and fountain courtyards, street-cart vendors and coffeehouses.

While the Barada may not flow as it once did, today Damascus is finding a new spring of life. Boutique hotels now flourish in delightful old Damascene addresses, restaurants refine what is one of the world’s most complex cuisines, and art galleries are riding an incoming tide of creativity. There is a new modern sophistication in the city, but for those looking for the Damascus of countless stories, it’s still right where it’s always been.
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Bulgaria 'best option for a bargain break'

Travellers looking for a bargain break this year will find what they need in Bulgaria, according to the annual Holiday Costs report released by the Post Office.

With a cost of just over £42 for a basket of ten holiday items, the eastern European country was found to be more affordable than Thailand, South Africa and Egypt, the countries that occupied the top three places last year.

Kenya and Turkey were both among the top five destinations in this year's study, while Croatia, Malaysia and Malta made it into the top ten.

The Post Office also suggested that the eurozone may not be as expensive as many people expect this year, with Spain and Portugal among the ten cheapest destinations as holiday hotspots make an effort to cut prices.

Sarah Munro, Post Office head of travel services, said: 'The eurozone has taken a bashing this year but our survey suggests that tourist outlets in many resorts are taking dramatic steps to encourage tourists.

'Despite the weak pound, this means that UK tourists who shop carefully could find that they get more than expected for their money.'

The Post Office released research earlier this year which indicated that the eastern European destinations of Budapest, Warsaw and Prague are the best places to visit for a cheap city break this spring.

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Most romantic beaches of the Med
Cleopatra and Marc Antony. Helen of Troy and Paris. Jay-Z and Beyonce. Pamela Anderson and Kid Rock. These are just a few of the many romantic liaisons that have found footing, however fleetingly, on Mediterranean terrain.

As long as humans have had romance, the Med has reigned as one of the world's most reliable destinations for making lovers swoon. "The white-washed villages and blue, blue water are a very Mediterranean thing," says Judy Nussbaum, a luxury travel consultant with Unique Travel of Palm Beach in Delray, Fla. "And it's definitely romantic—it's just the nature of that part of the world."

Like love, however, the romance offers itself in various manifestations. For some lovers, the definitive beach tryst begs for only a few aesthetic ingredients—blinding white beaches and water clear enough to reflect the light in your besotted's eye, perhaps. For others, the cocktail is less cliché. Everyone has a different idea of how a particular travel destination should set the old heart aflutter. And when it comes to diverse cultural offerings that blend seamlessly with that universal seaside ethos—beach culture—few locales on the planet can seduce like the Mediterranean.

Thassos

"How do you define 'romantic'? In Thassos, the water was clear and blue, there were goats on the rocks overlooking the beach. You could hear them sometimes," says Vincent Vogel, a lawyer from the Netherlands, about the Greek island where he honeymooned in 2005. "Thassos is quite green, there's nice sea. It was like one of those Louis de Funes movies from the 1960s showing the surroundings of St.Tropez, before it was so developed—to me that was romantic."

While well-developed and popular with holidaymakers from northern Greece and Eastern Europe (the island is only 12 kilometers from the mainland), Thassos manages to lull you into a starry-eyed state in myriad ways. Sure, the beaches are beautiful, and you can always find a secluded stretch—but the island's rugged interior is equally comely. Hire a moped, throw your arms around your lover's waist and cruise inland, stopping off at roadside stalls to sample locally produced foods such as olives, honey and the island's specialty tipple—a pear and cinnamon concoction called tsipouro.

"The atmosphere is really different there, too," says Vogel. "The people are relaxed. Dutch people are in a hurry, and the Greeks are not."

Often, a truly romantic vacation is a quixotic one—it promises an experience that's out of the ordinary. Before you make any plans, however, make a commitment to learning Mediterranean culture's best life lesson—the luxury of time. Daytime hours are indulged lounging seaside or exploring medieval villages, with evenings devoted to long, languorous meals centered on a table for two overlooking the sea and a bottle of wine that's just as local as the fish on your plate.

"The whole lifestyle in Greece is very laid back," says Kelly Shea, vice president of Earle Travel, an Indianapolis firm specializing in Greek travel destinations, "Nobody's in a hurry to do anything; you get into the rhythm of life on a Greek island."
Of the islands, she says, "You walk around and explore… You sit in a café and have coffee, listen to music and talk to fishermen."

Santorini

Romance does not get lost in the equation, even on the busy island of Santorini—the height of Greece's island perfection—where white-washed villages with turquoise domes painted Aegean blue perch atop sinister calderas and volcanic precipices. The serene way of life melds with the tranquil blues and dramatic scenery to produce a passionate response in even the most buttoned-up visitors.

Dining off the fruits of the island can be one of the greatest pleasures for both locals and visitors to Santorini. When you become keenly aware that everything is fleeting, and savor every minute of your time on the island a meal can feel like the most decadent form of seduction. There's no shortage of restaurants perched like birds of prey atop the island's cliffs. And locally produced dry white wines made from assyrtiko grapes (Santorini is one of Greece's most important wine regions) seem like they were sent from the Gods to perfectly complement the fish caught just offshore.

"I tell my clients to avoid the peak months, July and August, if they can," says Shea, "But if that's when you find yourself in Greece—and who knows if you'll be back—you have to see Santorini."

Sicily

The equally dramatic landscapes of Sicily beg more Mediterranean amore. Taormina, on the east side of the Italian isle, brings something primal to the equation, with testy Mt. Etna not far from the beach. The destination itself plays out on two levels, with the beach scene backed by a fairytale medieval village, just uphill, home to fabulous restaurants and seductive Italian espresso bars and nightlife.

"You've got this big volcano looming and these gorgeous beaches that are more sandy than rocky," says Beth Ruben, manager of custom travel planning with Select Italy, a luxury travel agent in Chicago. "You can be down at the beach at the Mazzaro Sea Palace, an amazing property, then take the funicular from the beach up to the medieval town."
Italians really do live the sweet life. "Long lunches, six week vacations—everything can be put off until tomorrow. It's always so impressive to us, this way of thinking, because it's so foreign." So if you need some downtime to reconnect with your lover, then Taormina may be just the ticket.

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Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia

Once a small walled city, Riyadh has developed into a dynamic metropolis over the years. The first major thrust came during the oil boom of the 1950s, when older structures were demolished to make way for commercial development. Today, it is one of the fastest growing and most prosperous cities in the world.

The capital and largest city of the Kingdom, Riyadh is divided into 17 municipalities. Each contributes in its own way to the vibrant character of the city, which boasts of a fairly unique history and colourful past. In 1991, it was slightly damaged by Iraqi missile attacks during the Persian Gulf War but returned to normalcy soon after. The city has grown both culturally and commercially over the years. Along with the urban areas of Dhahran, Dammam, and Al-Khobar, Riyadh has become a focal point for both travel and trade. On the outskirts of the city lies the ancient town of AI-Dih'yah.

In addition to being the epicenter of power, the city is also a commercial hub. Numerous educational, financial, agricultural, cultural, technical, and social organizations have set up base here. The most striking aspect of Riyadh is its architecture, which is a vibrant juxtaposition of the old and the new - contemporary highrises tower over buildings exuberating of old world charm.

The bustling Olaya District is the heart and soul of this city. This commercial and residential district offers accommodation, entertainment, dining and shopping options that will cater to the budget of a prince as well as a pauper. The Sheraton , Howard Johnson Plaza , Al-Tamimi Shopping Centre , and Haif Shopping Centre are the areas' landmarks.
The center of the city, Al-Bathaa, is also its oldest part. At its heart lies the beautiful 19th-century Masmak Castle , which is one of the city's major attractions; and to the west lies the Riyadh Museum of History and Archeology.



The Diplomatic Quarter or DQ as it is popularly known, is home to foreign embassies, international organizations as well as residential structures and malls. With lush gardens and numerous sports facilities, it is also one of the city's greenest areas. It is especially known for its fine architecture, and is considered a model for other Islamic cities around the world.

The Qasr Al-Hukm or the Justice Palace is located in the district of the same name. It is here that the Governor meets citizens and listens to their grievances and problems and stays abreast to all aspects of the region's life. Its architecture, like other buildings in the area, is a fine melange of traditional and contemporary styles.

While the Al Khobar District is a preferred residential choice for expatriates, the Al-Dira area is rich with commercial markets and traditional buildings, which include the famous Royal Palace and Al-Mue'qila building.

Numerous shops, lively markets, world-cuisine restaurants, and huge malls keep both Salahuddin District and Street King Fahad packed with tourists. The many hotels in the area, which include the four-star Al Mutlaq Hotel offers convenient accommodation to those wishing to explore the city. If you want to book a room, go to www.medestino.com for the best rates. Other attractions include the Fal Commercial, Recreational Center Mall and the Al-Shula Entertainment Centre.

Bodrum

Until fairly recently, Bodrum was nothing more than a small and rather sleepy Turkish port town, best known for its white-washed houses, historic castle, scenic coastline and colourful bougainvillea. However, these days, the town is anything but sleepy, and Bodrum has greatly expanded, being full of life and energy and boasting a very swanky new marina, along with innumerable nightspots. The Iskele Meydani is a prominent square an marks the very heart of the town, being surrounding by eateries and home to the official tourist information centre.

Hordes of tourists arrive each summer in Bodrum, to soak up the Turkish sunshine on the outlying beaches and enjoy excursions to neighbouring villages. The history of the town goes back a long way, when its past tomb of King Mausolus (Mausoleum), was actually considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, although today only ruins of this epic structure remain.

The town's Aegean coastline has long been the source of much of its popularity and the easterly side of Bodrum boasts a very popular beachfront, while nearby in the neighbouring village of Torba are some of Mugla's most beautiful beaches. Many tourists find that a highlight of their holiday in Bodrum is taking a boat trip to the Karaada (Black Island) or a similar destination. If you have a limited budget, a water taxi ride to the beach at Bardakci is also very enjoyable. During the hot summer months, you may like to head to the exciting water slides at the town's much celebrated Dedeman Aquapark, or spend time taking a relaxing dip at the Hamam (Turkish Bath).

Built in the early part of the 15th century, Bodrum Castle also goes by the name of the Castle of St. Peter and has become something of an iconic symbol of the town, being very prominent and standing alongside the harbourfront. The French Tower of Bodrum Castle has become an attraction in its own right, being the location of the tomb of Queen Ada. Myndos Gate is another of the town most important landmarks and this is actually the only remaining part of the medieval walls that once enclosed the entire town in the 4th century. One the outskirts of the town, the simply awesome amphitheatre is another ancient sight and has been fully restored to its former Roman glory.

Housed within Bodrum Castle is the Underwater Archaeology Museum, which really is one of the city's true cultural highlights and contains a wealth of information relating to Turkish shipwrecks.

There are only a handful of further museums of note within the town, with the Fethiye Museum being another good bet and filled with colourful ceramics and hand-woven Turkish rugs.

Spread around the Bodrum Peninsula is an almost endless selection of attractions and possible day trips. Especially near to the town itself is Milas, which stands just a short distance from the Milas Bodrum Airport. Regular 'dolmuses' (minibuses) connect outlying tourist destinations, such as Danizli, Izmir, Marmaris and Yalikavak. A little further afield, it is also possible to take a longer excursion to a number major Turkish cities, including Antalya, Ankara, Bursa and Istanbul - Turkey's largest and most cosmopolitan city. Boat trips to the nearby Greek Dodecanese islands are also popular, with a choice of ferries regularly connecting Kalymnos, Kos and Rhodes.