A taste of the Central Highlands

Visitors and locals in Ho Chi Minh City can now get a flavor for the Central Highlands without ever leaving the city.

The Siu Black Café, located near the city’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport, is owned and operated by the vivacious female singer of the same name.

Black, a renowned staple of the local entertainment scene for the past 20 years, is known for her powerful voice and distinctive performing style. The 41-year-old singer has also acted in several films and served as a judge on Vietnam Idol for the past two seasons.

From the décor to the staff, the Siu Black Café, located at 23 Cuu Long Street, Tan Binh District, features a Central Highlands style. The employees are mainly Bana ethnic people and wear traditional costumes. Most are from Pleitonghia Village in Daklak Province where Black grew up.

The café is spacious and features an outdoor seating area. A patio is adorned with a system of water wheels and wooden statues of people. The indoor area displays several masks, gongs, shields and costumes of different ethnic groups.

Customers can sip coffee and may even be treated to a story from Black herself about a collection of items in the café from the K’ho, Ede and Bana ethnic communities.

Aside from the Highlands ambience, a range of delicious beverages are also available at Siu Black Café. Strong black coffee is one fixture on the menu, made from locally roasted beans and perfect for caffeine addicts who enjoy a strong brew.

Another drink is Konreng, a traditional drink of the ethnic Highlanders. The main ingredient is the juice of rung sau (a type of fruit). Black says rung sau trees grow naturally in her village and people throughout the Central Highlands now grow it around their houses. The fruit itself has an acrid taste, but once mixed with the juice of other fruit, the beverage takes on a unique, delicious flavor.

Black says that in the near future she also will begin holding ‘music nights’ featuring live performances at the café.

Geomedicine Centre & Spa, Hotel Porto Santo, Madeira

USP Porto Santo is a small island just 25 miles from Madeira. Unlike its larger more famous neighbour, which has no natural beaches, Porto Santo boasts 9km of golden sand beaches. The fine-grained sand on these beautiful beaches are said to contain an extraordinary high level of strontium which is believed to have health benefits particularly for rheumatism and dermatological conditions.

Locals have for many years sworn by the medicinal properties of the island’s sand and sea water. This spa, at the island’s oldest hotel (built in 1962), opened last summer and while it offers many more conventional spa treatments it is the hot sand therapy that is its speciality.

AMBIENCE This enormous 1,500 square metre spa, designed by renowned Portuguese architect Joao Favila, feels a little like an Egyptian temple. You enter the huge rectangular concrete and limestone structure via a tall narrow entrance. Inside the cool cavernous atrium is still, quiet, and bathed in daylight. There are no external windows but light streams in from a glass ceiling and courtyard garden into the interior of pink marble, exposed brick work and wood. The staff wear white coats, and speak in hushed conspiratorial tones – this is Porto Santo’s first medi-spa and it feels like a cross between a rehab clinic and a holy place.

The main hall of the spa contains a large seating area, café area, courtyard garden, and indoor pool. Off this main hall is an impressive huge round doomed pink marble hamman, four white-tiled medicinal-looking treatment rooms, a small gym and tiny functional white-tiled changing rooms. The main event, the hot sand therapy, takes place behind the reception desk. Behind a low pink marble wall there is a waiting area with a line of chairs facing a glass wall behind which stand a row of 12 copper coffin-like baths.

EXPERIENCE As four of us sit, clad in white robes, on the chairs facing the copper baths we are advised to drink plenty of water and told that to get the maximum effect from our treatments we should not have had any alcohol, caffeine, meat or fish for 24-hours – at which point I’m seriously regretting staying up late drinking vodka and tonics the night before.

We are also told by a very serious woman, dressed in the obligatory white coat, that scientific studies have proven that hot sand therapy – in which patients are buried up to their necks in sand heated to about 40 degrees centigrade for 30 minutes twice a day for a minimum of seven days – aids general well being and is an effective treatment for several medical conditions.

After this short introductory speech we each silently fill in extensive medical questionnaires and a doctor takes our blood pressure – those with particularly high or low blood pressure are advised not to have the treatment – one patient is told she shouldn’t have therapy because she has heat sensitive eczema.

We are then each handed cotton wool to put in our ears – to prevent sand getting in. It all seems very serious and a sense of panic is beginning to well up inside me. As I am led away to my sand bath the two remaining patients look on from the waiting room with deadly serious expressions.

When I arrive my bath is part-filled with soft warm dry sand. The doctor and her assistant help me in. Then an elderly man holding what looks like an over-sized vacuum cleaner pipe guides the fine warm sand from the pipe – which is plugged into the wall behind - into the bath and the two women scoop it over my body until I am buried.

It feels strangely like a warm cuddle. I feel snug - and somewhat smug - as I try to signal to the others that I’m ok but with only my head poking out of the sand it is a little difficult. The doctor and her assistant slide a heat-holding cover over my sand bath leaving just my head exposed, they place a cool flannel on my forehead, smile and leave. I suddenly feel very, very alone.

We were told that patients feel so relaxed enveloped in the soft warm sand that they often sleep during treatments. But within a short space of time I find the soft warm sand is beginning to feel seriously hot and heavy. I have a strong compulsion to move my arms but they are pinned down beneath the weight of the sand. I take a few deep breaths to reassure myself that my chest can still move under the weight. The sand feels as if it is getting hotter and hotter and heavier and heavier.

I imagine screaming and not being heard by anyone (my neighbour - in a copper bath behind a curtain partition - has cotton wool in her ears), I imagine dramatically breaking free, showering sand everywhere, like the Incredible Hulk breaking free from his skin-tight tee-shirt. I breathe slowly and deeply, close my eyes and try unsuccessfully to wriggle my toes.

Sa Pa, a natural mosaic

Boasting sublime unspoiled beauty, from rolling verdant hills to spectacular terraced fields, Sa Pa is a mix of natural wonder.

Pa Cheo farmers cultivate rice

Near the Chinese border in the northwest province of Lao Cai and around 376 kilometers from Hanoi, Sa Pa, founded as a scenic resort by the French in 1903, is best known for its wild, unspoiled landscapes.

Sa Pa’s scenic highlights include Hoang Lien Son National Park and the awe-inspiring 3,143-meter-high Mount Fan Si Pan – the highest mountain peak in Indochina. Every year, the area attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world who come to marvel at Sa Pa’s lush vegetation and spectacular scenery.

Nestled around 1,600 meters above sea level, Sa Pa is cloud-covered and cool year-round, with occasional snowfalls in the winter.

It is said that visitors who come to Sa Pa in the summer can experience up to three seasons in a single day. In the morning and afternoon, the weather is cool like that in the spring and autumn, while at noon, it is as sunny and cloudless as a warm summer’s day.

Visitors often travel to the city of Lao Cai by train before heading by coach to Sa Pa. Upon arrival, tourists can learn about the area’s sprawling rice paddies and observe the ethnic H’Mong and Dao peoples who wear a brilliant array of colorful, traditional clothing.

Stunning terraced fields

According to a survey carried out by US-based Travel and Leisure magazine, Sa Pa’s verdant terraced fields were ranked among the seven most beautiful in the world.

The most beautiful terraced field area is Suoi Thau, which is cultivated by the Dao people.

The other fields voted most beautiful by the magazine’s readers include those in Banaye (the Philippines), Yuangyang (Yunnan, China), Ubud (Bali, Indonesia), Annapurna (Nepal), Mae Rim (Chiang Mai, Thailand), and Longji (Guilin, China).

Sa Pa’s terraced fields belong to the ethnic H’Mong, Dao and Giay people, and are located in the Muong Hoa Valley of Lao Chai District. The area totals around 10 square kilometers and tourists can visit to learn about the process of rice planting and cultivation.

The fields were described by Travel and Leisure as "Ladders to the sky" because of their astounding natural beauty.

“It’s the best place in Vietnam with a rich cultural heritage and splendid landscape,” said a Singaporean tourist.

“The scenery and people were amazing,” echoed a tourist from the UK.

Lao Cai’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism also proposed that provincial authorities and the culture ministry should carry out research and compile information on Sa Pa’s terraced fields, Hoang Lien Son National Park, and an ancient rock bank to submit to UNESCO for recognition as world cultural heritage sites.

“This is a difficult task but we are trying to turn Sa Pa’s terraced fields into a world heritage site for the many foreign travelers who love Sapa and Vietnam,” said Tran Huu Son, the department’s chief.

Cultural diversity

Home to several ethnic groups like the H'Mong, Red Dao, Kinh, Tay, Giay, Hoa, and Xa Pho, Sa Pa is a mosaic of cultures and traditions. Many visitors enjoy learning about the ethnic people’s daily activities, traditions and beliefs.

H’Mong ethnic girl brings the young rice plants to the fields

Tourists are often astonished by the many billowing red headdresses worn by women of the Red Dao minority, visible all over town.

The H’Mong and Dao people make up the largest ethnic groups in the region. Their villages may appear simple and old-fashioned from afar, but many people now own mobile phones and regularly access their email from communal computers.

While some of the older generations of the ethnic minorities have had little formal education and are illiterate, most of the younger generations receive schooling and have a good command of English, French and a handful of other languages.

Tourists can also choose to go on two treks while staying in Sa Pa. The first is a 7 km journey, which takes about four hours and includes a stop for lunch. The other is a full-day adventure, covering around 17 km and following the perimeter of the rice paddies, through forested areas, past the doorsteps of tribal people's homes, and across rivers and waterfalls.

Watching the locals go about their daily business is also an interesting experience. The children in Sa Pa work extremely hard-tending buffaloes, working in the fields, and caring for their younger siblings. Many of the young girls learn the timeless art of embroidery from their mothers.

The ethnic girls often marry young, at around age 14, and depend on the skills learned from their mothers to start new families of their own.

Sa Pa is also famous for its “love market,” which takes place on Saturday evenings. This cultural tradition once served as a way for ethnic locals to meet, socialize, and find a partner to marry.

In the past, young girls from the Red Dao hill tribes used to come to Sa Pa and sing songs to find partners. The girls would sing while hidden in the dark and when a boy found them – if they liked each other – they would disappear into the forest for three days and would then marry at a later date.

But with the development of tourism, the original love market, with its purpose of uniting young couples, has faded away. Visitors can still visit the area on Saturday nights, however, and be treated to a lively market atmosphere.

With its astonishing beauty and diverse peoples, Sa Pa is a remarkable travel destination and well worth a visit.

Babylon restaurant, London

On a sunlit summer's evening in London, there are few more pleasant places to be than on the terrace at Babylon, The Roof Gardens' 7th floor restaurant. Sitting 30m (100ft) above the frantic shoppers of High Street Kensington, and boasting panoramic views over the capital, animated tables of stylish clientele and an equally manicured trio of gardens just below, Babylon offers truly delightful dining.

Looking down upon the charming English Woodland garden, one of the venue's three famous patches of greenery designed by architect Ralph Hancock, we accept our waitress's recommendation of a sparkling pink rosé from Kent, and take in the still evening amid pristine wood and crisp white tablecloths. Inside, shimmering lime green furnishings and soft recessed lighting offer a fresh and modern dining area, exceptionally well tended to by a slick operation of waiting staff.

Any doubt that Babylon might rely on its strikingly unique setting to impress customers vanishes with the arrival of our starters: crab cocktail, a tender portion of Cornish crab atop a pool of avocado and lime purée, and the other, a perfect pair of plump sautéed diver scallops with a sprinkling of smoked bacon on a firm bed of crushed peas and broad beans.

Equally as refreshing as these clean, colourful dishes and rooftop surrounds, is the simplicity of Babylon's menu: a single page of well-conceived and supremely executed dishes, meaning less time menu-trawling, and more spent taking in the skyline.

A chilled glass of Gewurztraminer from Babylon's extensive wine list complimented my sea bass main perfectly, the punchy white wine cutting through the dish's brased fennel and pernod sauce, without overpowering the accompanying black olive tapenade.

My partner's roast lamb rump, sliced and served with an aubergine chutney, spring onions and Madeira jus, came glisteningly tender, and new potatoes and a fresh tomato salad to share were the ideal summery accompaniments.

After filling up on fresh ingredients, a decadent dessert seemed a rite of passage, and the sweet-toothed will find much happiness in the Babylon dessert selection: an array of delectable bites from the restaurant's perfected desserts, including a light and fluffy lemon meringue tart, sugary rum cake, creamy panna cotta, and a devilishly chocolaty chocolate marquise.

Those preferring a savoury end to the evening can choose between a selection of British cheeses, or a mixed cheese board for two, both accompanied by Orkney oatcakes, apple chutney, fresh grapes and celery.

Impressed to the last, we left Babylon with the sun setting over London and The Roof Gardens' club - a popular haunt of the rich and stylish - beginning to fill. Heading back down to street level in the smoothest and quietest lift known to man, and waved off with a friendly cheerio from the door staff, it was clear this place really is outstanding, from start to finish.

Babylon Restaurant
The Roof Gardens
99 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SA, UK
Tel: (020) 7368 3993
Website: www.roofgardens.virgin.com

PortAventura Holidays, Spain

In association with

Take a trip with PortAventura Holidays to the sunny Costa Daurada in Spain - the perfect place for a family holiday.

Escape to PortAventura theme park with its five fascinating lands where you can brave the thrilling rides, take in stunning shows and enjoy relaxing dinners in delicious restaurants.

Cool off in the Caribbean waters of Caribe Aquatic Park; a waterpark that offers fun in the sun and a chilled-out reggae vibe.

Stay in one of the fabulous four-star resort hotels. You can choose from the Mediterranean themed Hotel PortAventura, the Mexican themed Hotel El Paso and the Caribbean themed Hotel Caribe or the new Hotel Gold River opening in summer 2009. All hotel guests have exclusive benefits which include unlimited park entrance amongst other great advantages.

Discover PortAventura and explore the resort’s sunny, beachside location combined with the non-stop fun of the parks that make PortAventura an exciting destination for a fabulous family holiday.

Port Aventura holidays have something for everyone. Take a fascinating journey around the world to the exotic lands of China, Polynesia, the Far West, Mexico and of course the Mediterranean. Each land has rides, shows, shops and restaurants that are themed with native products, plants and artists.

PortAventura Park offers more than 30 rides to suit both adrenaline junkies and small children. Test your nerves on the eight-loop Dragon Khan ride which reaches speeds of over 112 km/h (70mph), whilst the Hurakan Condor stands at over 91m (300ft) and lifts its riders slowly to the top before plunging them to the ground in freefall. Or try out the new roller coaster Furius Baco in the Mediterranean area of the park. This ride speeds from 0 to 135 km/h (83mph) in less than 3.5 seconds. To make it even more exciting it drops to ground level, runs through trenches, tunnels and even skims across the Mediterranean lake.

And for the little ones, PortAventura Theme Park has a wealth of roller coasters, teacups, swings and more.

But it's not just about rides. PortAventura Park has over 100 performances each day of dazzling shows; from Can Can dances, to Chinese Acrobats, Polynesian tribal dances and FiestAventura - a stunning midnight firework spectacular which takes place on the Mediterranean lake.

The park has a wide variety of restaurants in each land. You will find restaurants serving a la carte menus with full table service as well as fast food outlets for those who would rather not stop, and the little ones will just love the children's specialties.

Caribe Aquatic Park

The water park guarantees non-stop fun for hours on end. Enjoy whizzing down breath-taking slides and rapids, surfing the waves in the wave pool, or winding your way down the lazy river. Lush Caribbean surroundings are filled with palm trees, beach huts and cool reggae music. While the bars, restaurants and gardens will whisk you away to the heart of the tropics.

Beach Club

The exclusive Beach Club is an idyllic spot which will make your stay at PortAventura an unforgettable experience. Close your eyes and imagine an exclusive destination right by the sea in a unique Mediterranean setting. Take a relaxing dip in the pool, enjoy a refreshing fruit shake, or take a quiet stroll along Salou's Playa Larga.

Hotel PortAventura

Discover Hotel PortAventura - the perfect holiday village with all the charm of the Mediterranean. Sit back and relax in comfortable rooms, magnificent gardens and large swimming pools. The hotel's wide range of restaurants will delight you with their tasty Mediterranean dishes. And with direct access to the PortAventura theme park, this is the ideal combination for theme park lovers of all ages.

Hotel El Paso

Ideal for families, the Hotel El Paso is a traditional Mexican hacienda where the authentic looking décor and charming gardens will take you back to the days of colonial Mexico. Lie back and relax next to the hotel's enormous pool which features a sunken pirate ship where children can splash around for hours. Relax in comfortable lounges as you take in all of the excitement of this hotel which lies just minutes from the gates of Port Aventura Theme Park and Caribe Aquatic Park.

Hotel Caribe

Portaventura Hotel Caribe is a unique tropical paradise comprising huge open spaces and low-rise buildings set around a picturesque central lake. The hotel has four pools, a children's club, wellness area and an entertainment venue. Relax with a cocktail on the wicker loungers surrounding the lake whilst the children enjoy one of the many facilities on offer. The hotel with its landscaped surroundings is a charming Caribbean paradise just a stone's throw from PortAventura Park.

Geocaching in the Yorkshire Dales

"Vg fbhaqf nf vs guvf pnpur vf orarngu lbh!" the clue reads. But, while it may look like an attempt to represent the sound of a stifled sneeze in the written word, for geocachers - proponents of a new high-tech treasure hunt sport - it could mean the difference between discovering the prize or walking away empty-handed.

Unfortunately, for my inaugural geocaching hunt, I forgot to print out the code used to crack the clue. Bletchley Park it wasn't, but, stood in a damp churchyard in the middle of the Yorkshire Moors, I realised the scale of my school boy error.

Origins of geocaching

Geocaching was devised by gadget geeks in 2000 when the global satellite positioning system was opened up to mere mortals (as opposed to the military). A guy in Oregon hid a ‘cache' - a small box - in the middle of the woods and gave his friend the coordinates. Using a GPS receiver, he followed the directions, just like on a sat nav, and found the prize. Thus was born geocaching - after thinking twice about calling it ‘stashing'.

As of 16 July 2009, there are 849, 790 caches hidden in more than 100 countries, and on all seven continents. There are thousands of urban caches in London, New York, Paris, Toronto, and many more camouflaged in countryside across the world; I would be fairly certain there is at least one within half an hour from where you're sitting. You can find one in your lunch break.

What's the prize?

Geocaches can contain all manner of whimsical items, pieces of information, coins that have moved around the world and you plant somewhere else, or, at its simplest, a log book and pencil. The idea is that you can take any prize and replace it with a like-valued item. But for geocachers, the prize is the least important element. It is an excuse to go places you may never have seen.

In urban areas, you can find a new coffee house, boutique shops, or in the country, a new walking or mountain biking route. But at its core is forcing the geocacher into the unknown. You become a 21st-century flâneur, guided on the whim of 27 GPS satellites. Well that, or maybe it's just a good fun treasure hunt.

Getting started

1. All the caches are logged on www.geocaching.com. Register for free and type in your postcode, or the town where you want to start your quest from. This will draw up a list of caches.

2. Click on the name for more information about the cache. It will also give coordinates of either the cache's location or a starting point. Read the clue carefully, sometimes a maths quiz is thrown in to work out the coordinates, sometimes the information given in the first cache will lead you to the second and so on. And then maybe another coded hint. Print out the page - all of it.

3. Find a starting point, tap in the coordinates to your GPS. A specific outdoor handheld receiver is best, but a sat nav and GPS enabled phone (there is an excellent Geocaching application for the iPhone) will do the job just fine. A good OS map can be useful for footpaths, or finding the cache old school style.

4. When you find the exact location for the cache, this is where the hint comes in handy. The caches are usually in plastic weatherproof boxes, or in cities, they could be a film case. And eureka! Inside each cache must be a log book. Jot down your details and ponder the prizes. Geocaching etiquette says you must replace the prize with some of like value.

5. Sit in a nearby pub and relish in the joy of finding the treasure.

6. Log your find on www.geocaching.com.

7. Go plant your own.

Cathedral of the Dales

After following these steps, I arrive in Maham - a small village under the brooding Yorkshire Moor skies. Hikers and mountain bikers scurry around as I head into one of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Centres. The park authority has been instrumental in promoting geocaching in the UK and was an early adopter. So much so, that today, there is a computer dedicated to geocaching with guidelines. You can even hire an outdoor handheld GPS receiver for £5 a day and £50 deposit.

I choose a cache called Cathedral of the Dales in nearby Kirkby Malham. Up hill and down dale, I plod through the sun-dappled countryside passing abandoned farmhouses, ruined abbeys and stop at country pubs to read the history of the St Michael the Archangel, the Cathedral of the Dales. Briefly: built 1490, Oliver Cromwell was the witness at a wedding here, original stocks still in churchyard. The coordinates gradually count down.

Once I find the exact coordinates, I start to hunt. Behind gravestones, in some poor folk's garden (cue odd looks from passers by) cursing the fact I didn't print the second page off with the code. What the devil does "Vg fbhaqf nf vs guvf pnpur vf orarngu lbh!" mean? Arrgghh. Twenty minutes later, and getting considerably frustrated, my wife notices an oddly placed rock underneath a tree (was she once in the SAS?), lifts it and there it is. A little Tupperware box, filled with a doll, a purse, a key ring and a notebook.

I write ‘Daniel Neilson, 11 July 2009, www.worldtravelguide.net'. At least 50 people have found it earlier, including one the day before. Happy we head into the pub next door. When I return I work out the clue: "It sounds as if this cache is beneath yew!". See what they did.

South Africa World Cup 2010

With anticipation mounting ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, and the first phase of ticket sales already gone, we bring you the low-down on match destinations, getting hold of those precious tickets and exploring the country's top sights to keep you ahead of the game.

Host cities:

Cape Town
With its stunning location, tucked into the arms of a broad bay, surrounded by wild, white-sand beaches and set against the canvas of Table Mountain, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Green Point Stadium has been purpose built for the World Cup, and is a mere stone's throw from the centre of Cape Town.

Johannesburg
The city has progressed far beyond the status of a mere gold rush settlement, and has grown quickly into a vibrant, pulsating hub that is now the economic powerhouse of sub-Saharan Africa and the largest urban space in South Africa. Located in the centre of Johannesburg, Ellis Park stadium has hosted many epic sporting events and has a seating capacity of 62,000. The second World Cup venue in the city is Soccer City stadium, which is regarded as the heart of football in South Africa. It will host the first and final matches of the World Cup and has a seating capacity of 80,000.

Durban
Durban's sweeping golden beaches entirely justify the city's status as one of Africa's major resorts. Here, the Moses Mabhida Stadium will host one of the World Cup semi-finals and has been designed with the South African flag as inspiration. Seating 70,000, the venue has a cable car to a viewing platform for stunning views over the pitch and Durban skyline.

Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is surrounded by pristine beaches as well as some beautiful architecture dating back to the 19th century, such as the Opera House. The city is a great base for exploring the Eastern Cape and the sunshine coast. Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will be built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup on the North End Lake, and will host the third and fourth place play-off.

Nelspruit
Nelspruit is the a great base for exploring some of the country's stunning game reserves, such as the famous Kruger National Park. Head to the village of Botshabelo to visit the preserved culture of the Ndebele people. The Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit is being built for the World Cup and will hold 46,000 people. The stadium is 12km (7.4 miles) from Kruger-Mpumalanga Airport, and is also close to various game parks.

Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein is the capital of the Free State Province and is situated in central South Africa. It is home to some of the country's most enthusiastic football fans and the Free State Stadium is currently having a second tier added to raise capacity to 45,000. The compact city is centered on the Waterfront and Mimosa malls, where most of the restaurants and bars can be found.

Polokwane
Vibrant and colourful, Polokwane is situated at the heart of the Limpopo Province and is an area of scenic mountains, seas of grassland and fascinating culture. Polokwane will be building the Peter Mokaba Stadium ready for the World Cup which will seat 45,000 people. The stadium is named after Peter Mokaba, a political activist during apartheid, who was renowned for his fighting spirit.

Rustenberg
At the heart of the savannah bushland, Rustenberg is a city in the North West Province at the foothills of the stunning Magaliesburg Mountains. Royal Bakokeng Stadium in Rustenberg is a 25 minute drive to the premium holiday resort of Sun City and 30 minutes to the Pilansberg. It is 12kms (7.4 miles) from the Rustenburg city centre.

Pretoria
The administrative capital of South Africa is steeped in heritage and has a great collection of museums, monuments and arts and crafts markets, as well as two nature reserves. Loftus Versfeld stadium is situated in the heart of Pretoria and has a seating capacity of 46,000 people.

Tickets:

Although the first sales phase of tickets has passed, don't panic. Many more tickets are being released in phases during these periods:
Second sales phase: 4 May 2009 - 16 November 2009
Third sales phase: 5 December 2009 - 22 January 2010
Fourth sales phase: 9 February 2010 - 7 April 2010
Last sales phase: 15 April 2010 - 11 July 2010

To buy your World Cup 2010 tickets visit www.fifa.com

You can avail elite rooms at affordable prices in Dublin

Dublin is well known for its Irish charm and century old tradition. A visit to this place will take you through landscaped parks, historical attractions, and museums amidst variety of cultural offerings. The general feel of the city can make touring a wonderful experience.

Dublin is a great destination for food lovers. You can savour the delights of local preparations in top restaurants of the city. Sipping in pubs, chatting with citizens or watching stage performances are experiences quite unique to the city.

To facilitate your stay, the city offers a wide range of hotels at great rates. You can avail elite rooms at affordable prices.

The city is linked with direct flights from the USA and Europe.

Budapest Trip – Experience Heaven on Earth

One of the most wonderful European capitals, the city of Budapest is a visual treat to the tourists. Budapest is inexplicably beautiful. It has a kind of magnetic quality that attracts people from all over the world. A city that is bustling with life yet peaceful, treasures its past and embraces its future, where the hills harmonize with the picturesque Danube River. The impressive buildings, streets and squares all offer a warm welcome to the visitors. 

Budapest is home to a number of World Heritage Sites as well. If you are planning a trip to Budapest don’t miss the following sites. 

1) Danube Panorama and Castle District: The view of the Danube embankments has been listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site. The Buda Castle District also comes under the list on 11th December 1987. Some of the most important historical Hungarian monuments can be found in this ancient town. The site encompasses the Liberty Bridge, the Chain Bridge, Citadel, the Gellert Bath, the Gellert Hill with Statue of Liberty, the Turkish baths of the Water Town and the Baroque churches. 

2) Andrassy Avenue: This is the most scenic avenue of Budapest and is named after Hungary Gyula Andrassy, former Prime Minister. One can see the three distinct parts; the first stretching from Bajcsy to Zsilinszky, the second part running from Oktogon to Kodaly Korond and the last part extends from Kodaly Korond to the Heroes’ Square. Millenium Underground, the first European underground railway was built under this avenue. It is home to some very impressive buildings like the Academy of Music, Institute of Ballet, the State Opera House, the House of Terror, Hotel Andrassy, Art School of Budapest etc. 

3) Heroes’ Square: Heroes’ Square is a very significant World Heritage site of Budapest. This impressive square starts where the Andrassy Avenue concludes. The Millenium Monument stands in the middle of the square. The monument is topped with the statue of Archangel Gabriel with the Holy Hungarian Crown and the double cross of Christianity. The Museum of Fine Arts can be seen at the left side of the square and the right side features the Art Hall. The City Park Lake rests just behind the square.

Trip to Dublin

The age old tradition of true hospitality and the general feel of the city makes Dublin one of the most sought after tourist destination of the world. The warm welcome you receive on your arrival will give you a glimpse of the great time ahead. Ireland is all about charm. Therefore a trip to Dublin will rejuvenate your tired soul. The unique style of Irish charm makes Dublin the most charismatic of capitals.

Meet the real Dubliners to get the feel of the city that thrives with life. There are the landscaped parks for nature lover, the museums for tourists interested in the history of the city and the cultural shows for people desiring to explore the effects of multiculturalism in Dublin.

Staying in Dublin is not very expensive. You can book hotel online before physically arriving there. This will save you from the hassle of searching hotel room meeting your needs on one hand. On the other hand it will save your time and money. A trip to Dublin will offer you a pleasant experience for life time.

How to Get the Best Travel Insurance Policy

Selecting the ideal travel insurance is quite easy when you know what you need exactly. There are plenty of options. Just check the options and determine which one meets your requirement. Here are a few ways to get the best deal.

Before traveling check whether purchasing a single trip policy will serve your purpose or an annual travel insurance package will be a better option. Medical insurance, trip cancellation coverage, loss of baggage coverage, accidental death these are the conditions that most of the policies cover. But make sure that the travel insurance is also destination oriented. For example if you are traveling to Kashmir you should consider terrorism insurance.

Before buying a travel insurance check what your credit card and health insurance already covers. Many of the health insurance policies cover international medical insurance. If you buy air ticket by credit card it can provide coverage against cancellation of tickets. Other factors to consider for getting travel insurance is your age, gender, any specific disease, recreational activities included in your holiday plans and so on.

Considering these few points will help you to get the right travel insurance.

Things to Check before You Book Hotel Online

Most of the tourists or business travelers like to take a look at the hotel rooms and other facilities before booking it. With the advent of Internet you can actually do this. You can take a close look of the hotel, see the facilities and book the hotel online. This relieves you from the hassle of finding a proper accommodation after you physically arrive at a place. You can directly go to the hotel from the airport if you have already booked it.

However before you book hotel online you should check certain things. The first thing you should make sure is that the site is not a fraud. Your personal details should be safe and secure. Go through their privacy policy and terms and conditions before booking the hotel. Before booking see whether the site provides video of the hotel. Check the customer review of the hotel. Finally don’t forget to check whether the hotel provides option for modifying or canceling reservation.

Top places to go and things to do before...

Whether looking for romantic evenings, back-to-nature breaks, some vibrant and buzzing nightlife or family-friendly activities, it can be tricky deciding what, with so many sights to see and treks to tread, should be top of the list when planning a memorable trip.

To help you decide what experiences to include in your trip, especially with time ticking away faster than you can say ‘budget flights to the moon', here is our pick of travel treats not to be missed, whatever your situation. 

... you settle down

Dance at the Rio Carnival
The annual carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is one of the wildest urban extravaganzas on the planet. The main party scene in the Cidade Nova district comes alive with a riot of colour, outlandish floats and throngs of gyrating dancers; all shaking to intoxicating samba rhythms.

Sip cocktails in Las Vegas
Sheer excess and decadence is the name of the game along Las Vegas' infamous Strip. Whilst still footloose and fancy free, make the most of Sin City's endless playground of neon lights, casinos, live entertainment and raucous nightlife.

Party in Ibiza
Nowhere in the world does nightlife like Ibiza. The clubbing haven for grown-up clubbers and style icons alike attracts world-famous DJs and celebrities every year as well as an increasing number of bands at the Ibiza Rocks line-up. 

... you need creature comforts


Go trekking in Nepal
Nepal's 800km (500-mile) stretch of undulating peaks and breathtaking views is one of the world's prime destinations for those wanting to tackle a mountainous challenge. Strap on your backpack and get trekking.

Try festivalling in the desert
For a unique festival experience, catch bands from around the globe play up a storm at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, set in the heavy heat of the Colorado Desert.

Explore the Amazon
Covering nine South American nations, the Amazon rainforest is the most diverse spread of tropical forest in the world. Sign up to a volunteer programme, join a jungle trek or try your hand at white-water rafting. 

... you have kids



See the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu
One of the world's most famous and sacred mountain treks, Peru's spectacular Inca Trail to the lost city of Machu Picchu passes through snow-capped mountains, a cloud forest and a string of 12 Inca ceremonial centres.

Cruise the Nile
Few places on earth conjure up the magic and mystique of Egypt's world-famous river. Taking a cruise on the Nile is the most romantic way to visit the Pharaohs' temples of Luxor and Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and the sole survivors of the world's seven wonders: the Pyramids.

Sleep in a Kyoto temple 
Embrace Japan's Zen culture and spend the night in a temple. Rise early, pray with monks, eat a traditional fish breakfast and take in the beautiful surrounding scenery before any tourist crowds get in the way. 

... your kids grow up


Relish an ice cream factory tour
Celebrate USA's National Ice Cream Month (July) with a tour - and free flavour samples - of Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory in Vermont. If your taste buds haven't had enough, the Scoop Shop outside features all of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet flavours.

Let go at Florida's theme parks
Your kids will love you for it and so will you. Orlando and Tampa in Florida, USA, offer some of the world's best theme parks, from Walt Disney World and Universal Studios to Busch Gardens and SeaWorld.

Visit Singapore Night Safari
For discovery, adventure and wide-eyed amazement, zoos tick all the boxes when it comes to entertaining the kids. Singapore Night Safari is one of the world's best zoos and offers ample opportunity for you and your young ones to be blown away by impressive creatures.

Las Vegas Hotels

Las Vegas Hotels


If you're thinking of leaving the fun of an online casino behind and heading for the real thing in Sin City - make sure you hit the jackpot by selecting a Las Vegas Hotel that really means business.


As the one and only Neon City - Las Vegas is predictably packed with mile upon mile of glorious hotels and not so stunning road side motels (you know the types that are used for seedy goings-on in Hollywood flicks!). Unless you fancy recreating Pulp Fiction and booking into a trashy Vegas hangout, opt for one of the mainstream Vegas Hotel complexes or casino resorts.

The finest hotel resorts in Las Vegas are simple fantastic - instantly providing a sense of wealth, well-being and glamour (so you'll feel a million dollars even if your bankroll is as stingy as a penny slot machine). With un-rivalled style, accommodation and leisure facilities - welcome yourself to casino heaven……
What's your Vegas hotel style?


Ok - first things first - Las Vegas isn't an ordinary place, so you won't be surprised that the accommodation options are just a little bit mad! While you can opt for sheer elegance and classically refined sophistication, you may want to indulge with some fantasy play and book into a themed Vegas hotel room. Stay in medieval England, the African jungle or chill out with a Chinese theme for the ultimate chill out - whatever your passion, indulge it in Las Vegas.
Bankrolling you Vegas hotel stay


Las Vegas' Hotel accommodation is available in a huge range of budgets - allowing anyone to enter the Neon City and feel the magic. Hotel resorts like MGM Grand may be out of your reach unless you hit a jackpot, but there's no need to go downmarket to find an extremely good value location - with just as many facilities! The Orleans and Boardwalk Hotels are both extremely popular with first time visitors to Las Vegas, and are competitively priced. With most hotels located on the Vegas Strip - you can simply pop in a taxi to go downtown or visit one of the high profile venues along the strip.

Going downtown?


You've got two choices when you visit Vegas - downtown hotels or the famous neon Vegas Strip. The Vegas Strip is literally an endless stretch of hotel complexes, home to the majority of the big names - with MGM Grand at the south and the Sahara casino complex welcoming you at the northern flank. The Strip is the most popular place to find a hotel in Vegas. However, you can opt to stay in the real Vegas by heading downtown - with its own famous hotels such as the lovely Golden Nugget. Alternatively, if you just need a base for exploring the delights of the city, book into a budget hotel in the heart of the downtown district and start your party.

Las Vegas' Hotel Resorts remain the most people's favourite form of accommodation, due to their array of leisure options. For example, Circus Circus has a Big Top theme (surprise surprise) packed with live Vegas shows, indoor theme parks, 10 restaurants, multiple casinos, sports bars, night clubs, shopping malls, gyms, beauty spas and much more. Live it large in Las Vegas!

Travel insurance for Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

The 2010 Winter Olympics will be taking place in Vancouver and Whistler, BC, Canada from March 12th to 28th, 2010. For those who live outside of Canada who intend on booking hotels, tickets and airline travel, it is vital that they think about obtaining trip insurance just in case they are not able to attend because of an injury or sickness. You can expect to pay top dollar for your travel to Whistler and Vancouver in 2010. Some homes and cabins in Vancouver and Whistler will are renting for $20,000 to $60,000 for the two week event. People will be coming to the Olympic games from around the world to cheer on their countrymen and women.

If you are traveling to the Olympics from outside of Canada, you should also make sure that you purchase Visitors to Canada medical and evacuation insurance that will cover your emergency medical expenses should you or your family member fall sick or become injured in Canada. Just because Canada has a socialized medical system doesn’t mean that your medical bills will be paid for. On the contrary, your medical expenses can easily run into the tens and hundreds of thousands as Government medical system will not pay the medical bills for visitors to Canada. TFG Global Insurance Solutions Ltd. offers an excellent Visitors to Canada plan which offers emergency medical coverage for short and medium term stays in Canada via: http://www.tfgglobal.com/visitortocanada.htm

You can even purchase a holiday trip cancellation plan for your stay in Canada as well via the above site. Travel Insurance USA.com offers a wide range of travel insurance policies to cover emergency travel medical insurance as well from several different travel insurance companies. The web site offers both travel medical and evacuation along with trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

If you are planning on visiting Canada to attend the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, make sure you purchase adequate travel insurance to cover your trip costs and potential medical expenses. If you plan to ski at one of the many ski and snowboard mountains, make sure that the policy you obtain will cover these activities - usually under a separate liesure sports rider. A travel insurance policy can provide you the peace of mind that will help you enjoy the Winter Olympics in 2010.

Review: The Anchor Inn

A mere jaunt out of London and you will discover the perfect place for a weekend break, complete with local fare, historic houses and country strolls. Anna Smith discovers the best Hampshire's Anchor Inn has to offer.

An hour's train ride from London, The Anchor Inn is perfectly placed for a country weekend escape. Acquired by Miller's Collection in 2008, the inn has been beautifully refurbished without losing a jot of character. Parts of the building date back to the 14th century: this places smells of history the minute you enter. Exposed wood dominates in the intimate bar area. Walls are cluttered with eccentric photographs, paintings and prints. Nautical memorabilia jostles with vintage photos of locals over the years.

The locals are still very much in evidence at The Anchor Inn: the management even take regulars on brewery trips and consult them on menus and wine. Much of the food in the restaurant is locally sourced: the style is posh English pub fare accompanied by an extensive wine list written in a florid, slightly eccentric manner. The steak is good, the skate is better and the whitebait is the best we've ever tasted. 


Staff are relaxed, welcoming and friendly at The Anchor - they're more than happy to advise on everything from whisky to local walks. On weekends, the restaurant is full to brimming with both neighbours and guests; often diners get so comfortable they decide to stay the night, space allowing. Low lit and pleasantly decorated, the restaurant is high quality without being pretentious; small groups and couples chat away happily without feeling the need to mind their Ps and Qs.

The walk up the winding stairs to your bedroom could take time: more fascinating pictures adorn the walls, giving a taste of English history that must appeal to overseas guests in particular. Portraits of Earl Mountbatten and other luminaries are hung in the Richard Hillary room, a superior double with quaint décor and quirky touches like royal wedding pots on the windowsill. The exposed beams look gorgeous - but watch out if you're over five foot nine, they can hurt! All rooms have power showers (no bath), flat screen TVs, DVDs, radios, wireless access and deliciously scented Long Barn toiletries. There are just five rooms in The Anchor Inn: aside from the Richard Hillary there's the Wilfred Owen deluxe double, the Siegfried Sassoon deluxe double, the Robert Graves superior double and the Rupert Brooke principal suite. 


It's well worth getting out of your comfortable bed for breakfast in the bar. A full English will set you up for the day with black pudding, egg, tomato, sausages and bacon. There's also quality muesli and fruit available (great raspberries) as well as orange juice and tea/coffee. Service is swift and pleasant and staff will happily hang onto your bags for you if you decide to go for a walk after check-out - and we recommend you do. Signposted footpaths will take you in all directions through green fields and past the historic houses of both Lower and Upper Froyle. The Anchor Inn is Lower Froyle's only pub, but neighbouring villages like Well have a few good ones to refresh weary walkers on their way back. The walk to Well is scenic and achievable; staff will point you in the right direction. Although there's every chance you won't want to leave The Anchor Inn: as one guest says in the comment book, "It's one of those places you want to keep a secret, but have to tell everyone."

Travel insurance varies widely from company to company

The U.S. Travel Insurance Association has recently reminded people that “travel coverage varies widely by company.” Beore assuming that a travel insurance policy will or will not cover a situation, the travel insurance organization is urging everyone to “check with their individual travel insurance company and carefully review their policy to see what is covered.”

Mos travel insurance companies that offer trip cancellation and interruption policies will cover cover travelers who contract the swine flu before traveling and while on a trip, as well as travelers quarantined prior to or while on a trip, but, “coverage does not include fear of traveling to a specific region, and generally there is no coverage for cancellation due to government regulations or advisories to specific regions.” These plans also do not cover you because you fear going to Mexico because of the swine or H1N1 flu.

You should know that the swine flu outbreak hasn’t been officially declared a full epidemic or pandemic. If one is declared, most insurance policies specifically “exclude any loss due to pandemic or epidemic,” and do not consider epidemics and pandemics natural disasters.

Some travel insurance plans offer a “cancel for any reason” option that allows travelers who have purchased policies to cancel their trip due to personal choice or concern due to government advisories. It is a great options that is available from Travel Guard via TFG Global Travel Insurance.com

Why Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Before you travel abroad on a holiday or trip of any nature it is vital to make sure that you have travel insurance. It doesn’t matter where you are going or for how long, adequate medical and personal liability insurance cover is a necessity, not a luxury.

If you are unlucky enough to have an accident or fall ill whilst abroad it could cost you thousands of pounds if you are not properly insured. Amazingly, 15% of British people still risk going on holiday without travel insurance, which could result in financial ruin if they required medical treatment.

To be returned to the UK in an emergency could cost thousands of pounds, so it is vital to ensure that you have appropriate travel insurance for your trip. Although aEuropean Health Insurance Card can cover the cost of some medical treatment in EU countries, it will not cover the cost of returning you to the UK after an accident or medical emergency.

Typical Medical Costs Abroad

The figures below illustrate some of the costs which you could incur if you were to fall ill or have an accident abroad and were not covered by adequate travel insurance.

£30-35,000 Air ambulance (Jet) – East coast of USA
£12-16,000 Air ambulance (Jet) – Canaries
£10-12,000 Air ambulance (turbo-prop) – Balearics
£1,200-3,000 Air taxi (propeller driven light aircraft) – Northern France
£15-20,000 Scheduled flight, stretcher and Doctor escort – Australia
£9-12,000 Scheduled flight, seated club, with a nurse escort – West coast of USA
£1,800-4,000 Scheduled flight, seated economy with a Doctor escort – Mediterranean
£100-£800 Scheduled flight, seated economy without an escort – Mediterranean
Figures supplied by First Assist

All Travel Insurance is Not the Same

When buying your travel insurance, don’t assume that every policy is the same. Your needs may be different from others, so make sure the policy you buy provides the cover that you require. Read the small print, check the level of cover and ensure you are covered for any activities that you want to undertake.

Carry your travel insurance documentation with you on holiday and keep the 24 hour emergency assistance number on you at all times along with your policy number. Go Travel Insurance is a leading online travel insurance provider. Visit Go Travel Insurance for an instant quote for your next trip.

Discover the UK's best beaches

With summer 2009 seeing a record number of Britons seeking their sun, sea and sandy pleasures a lot closer to home, we've picked out the UK's best beach spots to suit all seaside needs.

The UK might be a teeny isle hovering on the outskirts of the European landmass, but a substantial plus point of small-island status is that a splashing stretch of coastline is never far away.

Best for... surfers

Croyde, Devon
Set in a sleepy and scenic pocket of southwest England, Croyde offers some of the most reliable waves in the country. Expansive golden sands, a friendly surfing community and plenty of crashing waters make this Devonshire beach a massive draw to surfers of all ages and abilities. As a result, Croyde has played host to the British Surfing Championships on three occasions. The summer months see the beach and waters get pretty packed, with a host of surf schools taking to the waves, but the cheerful crowds just add to the buzz, and satisfied surfers continue to return to Croyde year after year.

Also try: Newquay, Cornwall
While there are grumbles that excessive tourism has worn away Newquay's charm, great waves, clear Gulf Stream waters and swathes of dedicated surfers keep this stretch of Cornwall coast a firm contender for the UK's surfing top spot.

Best for... swimming

West Wittering, Sussex
For rippling sand and Blue Flag waters, West Wittering really does come up trumps. The calm shallows of low tide are perfect for paddling water babies and relaxed sploshing, while the more undulating waters of high tide are ideal for a refreshing dip. With the Isle of Wight providing a barrier from the Channel in front and the protective backdrop of the South Downs behind, West Wittering enjoys its own balmy microclimate. Being by far the best beach for miles, things can get rather crowded when the sun's out, but it's always relaxed, and the vast sands are definitely big enough to accommodate everyone.

Also try: Tyrella, Co Down
Broad, flat sands with lapping water well worthy of their Blue Flag status make Tyrella ideal for the avid swimmer, and a pretty conservation area adds to the beach's simple charm. Tyrella has been proud owner of a Blue Flag for over a decade, and lifeguards are on duty in July and August.

Best for... scenic views

Holywell Bay, Cornwall
Even with some seriously stiff local competition, Holywell Bay undoubtedly ranks as one of the most beautiful beaches that the UK has to offer. Backed by sandy dunes punctuated with tufts of long grass, and with the looming figures of the Gull Rocks off shore, this striking spot is a picture postcard of idyllic British beach. Holywell's clear waters are popular with swimmers, and the extensive beach area is ideal for brisk walks, family ball games and pretty picnics. Plenty of scenic walks can be found along the coastal path, and to the north of the beach lies the Holy Well from which bay gets its name.

Also try: Sandwood Bay, Scotland
For a refreshing walk along a deserted beach, you won't do better than Sandwood Bay. This piece of Scottish coastline is said to be the most remote beach in mainland Britain (it's a 7km (4.5 mile) trek across the moors just to reach it) but the peachy sand, ice-silver Atlantic, wild rocks and achingly blue loch make it all worthwhile.

Best for... families

Bournemouth, Dorset
This bubbling south coast location is a magnet for beach lovers of all ages; lively Bournemouth bursts into action the moment the sun peeps out, and, as well as crystal seas and tons of sand, a family friendly Kidzone scheme means added fun for children and less stress for parents. Bournemouth's Blue Flag beach is noted for its cleanliness, and the 11km (7 mile) stretch has received several accolades, including the Quality Coast Award. With all it has going for it, Bournemouth can certainly attract a hefty crowd, but this always ensures a constant supply of family frolics and plenty of action.

Also try: Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
Find a clean, sandy beach and a wealth of traditional seaside attractions at Weston, one of the UK's most famous seaside towns. Paddle in the clear waters, take a ride on one of Weston-super-Mare's famous donkeys, and cool off with a brightly coloured ice cream.

Best for... stripping off

Morfa Dyffryn, Wales
Situated on the Welsh coast, between Barmouth and Harlech, the golden sands and grassy-green backdrop of Morfa Dyffryn are a beautiful piece of coastline, a regular dolphin-sighting spot, and one of the UK's premiere naturist beaches. The naturist section, which is 1km long and found in the northern end of the beach, is popular with singles, couples and families alike; although naturism has been practised here since the 1930s, it wasn't until early this decade that a section was specifically set aside for naturists.

Review: Hotel Arnarhvoll, Iceland

Hotel Arnarhvoll, Iceland

Dramatic vistas, modern Scandinavian style and stunning harbour-side location make this new kid on the block a winning base for exploring the best of Reykjavik, discoversCharles Duncombe.

Landing in Iceland feels like arriving on a different planet; on the drive from the airport all I could see was a vast expanse of lunar-like lava fields with dramatic mountains in the background. Reykjavik is one of Europe's most dramatic cities, where modern architecture is spread amongst traditional wooden buildings as steam from the hot springs billows into the sky: a setting that is both romantic and beguiling.

The newly opened Hotel Arnarhvoll has managed to capture the essence of booming Reykjavik, harnessing the stunning setting whilst conveying a modern Icelandic style. Situated on the edge of Reykjavik harbour, the hotel offers fantastic views of the bay, with Mount Esja as the dramatic backdrop. Enjoy lunch or dinner against one of the best views in town at the Panorama rooftop restaurant. Although you may find it impossible to tear your eyes away from the shimmering waters of Reykjavik Bay and majestic mountains long enough to fully appreciate the Nordic and French inspired cuisine. In fact, the main bit of advice I would give when staying at Hotel Arnarhvoll is to book early and reserve a room overlooking the bay.

As I set foot in the hotel the first thing I noticed was its contemporary feel. The reception features stylish stone tiling, wooden floors and modern furniture. This minimalistic feel continued into the bedroom, with hues of deep chocolate brown and grey slate.

One of the main attractions of the hotel is its location, close to the city's main shopping area of Laugavegur street but in a quiet side street: the perfect mix for a relaxing city break. Restaurants, bars and interesting tourist sights are short walk away, as is the harbour where you can hop on a world famous whale-watching trip. Our trip took us to Puffin Island, which sees the charismatic colony of birds flock to the island for breeding season between April and August. The highlight of the boat ride was encounter a pair of humpback whales and numerous minke whale, which playfully ducked and dived around the boat in agile movements that left us slack-jawed in awe.

The hotel's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the area. Although we only stayed for three days, we managed to fit in the Blue Lagoon, The Golden Circle tour (encompassing waterfalls, geysers and the Eurasia/America continental fault line), a city bus tour, quad biking and horse riding. Our mission to pack in as much as possible was given a helping hand by the fact that Iceland experiences 24 hours of daylight at this time of year, meaning that we could even slot in a cheeky midnight round of golf.

If all the sightseeing has you aching, Hotel Arnarhvoll also has a great spa where you can pay a one-off fee for unlimited use during your stay: the perfect way to wind-down after a hard day of exploration.

Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast

Northern Ireland's coastal route offers dramatic scenery, vast eroded cliffs, intriguing architecture and a good smattering of mythical legends. We set out on a road trip across this fantasy land in search of giants, ghosts and geological formations.

Northern Ireland's A2 often finds itself topping lists of the world's most beautiful roads, and with its pretty villages, crashing waves and ruined castles, there's certainly plenty to justify these claims; heading north from Belfast, the Antrim coast soon reveals its naturally crafted beauty and enchanting land laden with charming superstitions.

Setting off

The 193km (120 miles) Causeway Coastal Route is clearly signposted as soon as you leave Belfast; follow these signs and you can't go wrong. Before long, the dramatic coastal scenes begin to unfold - as do the nine Glens of Antrim. Each of these valleys is riddled with fairies and folklore, exhibiting wild and unspoilt beauty. The one not miss is Glenariff - known as ‘the queen of the glens' for its waterfalls and scenic path that runs close to a plunging gorge.

Bays, beaches and views

White Park Bay is 2.5km (1.5 miles) of sandy shores, sweeping bays and well-varied grassland - a popular haunt of geologists, botanists and archaeologists.

For views stretching out to Scotland, follow the coastal route up to Torr Head. At just 19km (12 miles) from Northern Ireland's Celtic neighbour, the panoramic views (which you may have to bypass some sheep to reach) are breathtaking.

The sandy dunes of Magilligan Beach, close to Coleraine, also draw the crowds, with the dunes also serving as a golf course and caravan park.

The main attraction

Whether you believe that the hexagonal formations at the Giant's Causeway were formed by volcanic lava or created by a local giant, the thousands of basalt columns at Northern Ireland's most visited attraction seem to defy the laws of nature.

Created 60 million years ago, some of the columns rising up from the shore reach 160m (525ft), and the area is understandably protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Along the way, the site of the wreckage of the Armada treasure ship ‘Girona' is found at Port-na-Spaniagh. The walking trail is literally cut out from the cliff face so you're sure to be rewarded with some lovely views.

Another big draw in the region is the rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede, near Ballintoy. Swinging 24m (79ft) above the sea, the 18m (59ft) wobbly bridge can prove a little too precarious for some, but sweeping views over the water are still to be found on the walk down to it, even if you don't make it across.

Castles and gardens

Visit Glenarm Castle, one of Northern Ireland's oldest estates. Aside from the beautiful building itself, there's a walled garden to explore that hosts an annual tulip festival.

The ruined Dunluce Castle is spectacularly perched on a rocky cliff edge over the North Atlantic, so close to the sea that it lost its kitchens and seven cooks to it one night in the 17th century. Drive past at night and it's even more spectacular.

Another fortified ancestral home awaits at Dungiven Castle - home of the O'Cahan clan who ruled the area between the 12th and 17th centuries. Set in truly magnificent grounds and overlooking some particularly beautiful countryside, the castle is also a hotel with a special turret room for guests.

Towns to call in at

Whisky fans will want to make sure they drop in on Bushmills, home to the Old Bushmills Distillery since 1608. See the mashing, fermenting and blending process on a tasting tour.

Experience the faded charms only a Victorian beach resort in Britain can possess at Portrush and Portstewart. Both are popular bases for exploring the Causeway Coast. In Portrush, the main attraction is Barry's Amusements - the biggest amusement park in the whole of Ireland. The town has a cosmopolitan harbour, with lively restaurants that include the fashionable Ramore Wine Bar. Meanwhile, in Portstewart, the strand is a centre for family holidays, with various beaches, walks and activities.

Buidlings not to miss

Out of Castlerock you'll soon reach Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne. Sitting on the very edge of a sheer drop stands this 18th-century folly that was originally inspired by the Tivoli Temple of Vesta. The building is close to the ruins ofDownhill Castle, set in extensive gardens, grounds and forest.

Also nearby is Hezlett House, one of the oldest buildings in Northern Ireland at 300 years with timber frames dating from 1690. The thatched cottage has a cruck-tuss roof viewable from the attic.

BBC airs TV commercial to promote Vietnam tourism

BBC airs TV commercial to promote Vietnam tourism

A snapshot of Prenn Waterfalls in the resort town of Da Lat, the central province of Lam Dong. A 30-second TV commercial to promote Vietnamese tourism began broadcasting on the British Broadcasting Corporation’s World News on June 11, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism said Friday.

The advertisement, made by BBC professionals to introduce the country and people of Vietnam, will be aired a total 429 times in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. The International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is negotiating with ESPN and Star World to advertise images of Vietnam on the two channels. Beginning July 1, images of Vietnam’s major scenic spots will be advertised on public transport in London for six months. The government plans to spend VND25 billion (US$1.4 million) this year to promote tourism.

Media, airlines and tourism firms in new promotion tie up

Saigontourist Holding Corporation (Saigontourist), the Saigon Times Group, and four international airlines operating in Vietnam signed Wednesday a strategic agreement on a one-year tourism promotion campaign.

Key activities of the program agreed upon include enhancing tourism and entertainment information supply in Vietnam and the Saigontourist network in particular through The Saigon Times Daily and The Saigon Times Weekly.

One of the campaign’s targets is passengers traveling on the four international carriers - Vietnam Airlines, Eva Air, United Airlines and Air France.

These airlines currently have a large number of international passengers traveling in and out of Vietnam, the campaign organizers said.

The strategic cooperation aims to create a bridge between readers, tourists and service providers and promote Vietnam as a world destination for international travelers, especially amidst the economic recession and influenza A (H1N1) fears.

The deal could be extended every year by mutual consent, the signatories said.

Spectacular limestone caves rediscovered in Quang Binh

The entrance of Hung Ton Cave – one of the three caves rediscovered last Saturday in Quang Binh Province Dinh Hong Nham only remembers it was sometime in the eighties that he stumbled on a cave while he and his son were trapping wild animals.

But all they did was admire the stalactites near the entrance. They did not explore it any further. Several years later, he began to fish in the streams in the forest nearby, and had more opportunities to explore the area and the cave. Using simple nets, a flashlight and an inner tube as a buoy, he began spending hours in the river that flowed through the cave, going up to six kilometers inside. “The river is very long and becomes much wider at many places in the cave,” Nham says. “It could actually be flowing through Bo Trach (neighboring district to Minh Hoa District where the cave entrance is located).” Nham did inform local residents of his discovery, but it aroused no particular curiosity or excitement in a province that is already famous for other caves like Phong Nha, Son Doong and En. Last weekend, Thanh Nien followed up a lead about the new caves and contacted Nham, now 53 years old, who agreed to guide this reporter and a few others to the cave system tucked away in a forest in the province’s Minh Hoa District, that was never recognized or reported upon earlier. The team found swiftly flowing rivers and countless stalactites and stalagmites with spectacular formations, and local residents spoke of seeing human bones and several pieces of pottery. Starting from a village in Tan Hoa Commune, the expedition faced the first hurdle of a steep slope with sharp rocks after passing a vast valley. Crossing another valley and a small mountain on the other side of the slope, the team arrived at the cave entrance. The cave has been temporarily named Hung Ton, as it is located next to the Hung Ton Valley. The cave entrance is some 30 meters wide and 20 meters high with two chambers full of stalactites and stalagmites. The second chamber leads to a deep hole that prevented the team from further exploration. From the Hung Ton Cave, the team went through To Mo Valley and Tu Lan Forest and reached the Tu Lan Cave with three grottos. The Tu Lan 1 grotto has a small entrance but a wider chamber with a clear river flowing through it. Nham said the river is very long because he had swum with a buoy for more than an hour but still couldn’t see where it flows. It could be that it flows through the Tu Lan 2 grotto, which is not so far away. The entrance of the Tu Lan 2 grotto is some 25 meters wide and 20 meters high. Further downstream, the river flows through the Tu Lan 3 grotto. The main chamber of the Tu Lan 3 grotto is larger, about 100 meters high and 100 meters wide. The limestone grotto has an impressive surface area of around 40 meters in length that looks like a stage with stairs made from deposits of minerals. The two chambers lead to a stalactite wall with a small entrance to a deep hole that the river flows into. Leaving the Tu Lan Cave, the team explored further to discover another cave and called it the To Mo Cave. However, short of food and water, and lacking any equipment, this cave could not be explored further. Nham said he had guided another resident, Hien of Xuan Hoa Commune, to the cave but the latter failed to publish the photo he had taken as it came out very dark. Dinh Minh Chat, Chairman of Minh Hoa District People’s Committee, Tuesday confirmed to the Sai Gon Giai Phong newspaper that Nham is recognized as having discovered the three caves. As mentioned earlier Quang Binh is also home to the UNESCO-recognized world heritage site Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. In April, a team of UK researchers claimed they had found the two largest caves in the world - Son Doong and En caves – in the province’s Bo Trach and Minh Hoa districts. Researchers from the British Cave Research Association estimated the Son Doong Cave at 200 meters high and 150 meters wide at its largest, while the measurements at En Cave are 150 meters high and 130 meters wide.