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IN THIS ISSUE

• The Maldives

• New York

• River Cruises

• Madeira

• Travel Blogs

• British Beaches

• Incredible places in the world

• Holiday UK

• Reader Pics

• London

(c) ViVi Media Limited, Birmingham UK 2017

In fact The Maldives is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean composed of 26 coral atolls, which are made up of hundreds of islands.

It’s known for its beaches, blue lagoons and extensive reefs. The capital, Malé, has a busy fish market, restaurants and shops on Majeedhee Magu and 17th-century Hukuru Miskiy (also known as Old Friday Mosque) made of coral stone.

The Maldives, an archipelago of more than 1,100 islands stretching 500 miles in 26 atolls down to the equator, regularly tops lists of the most desirable destinations on earth for a romantic break.

Only around 200 of the islands are inhabited and of these more than 100 are private island resorts, each ringed by dazzling white sand and shallow lagoons. Despite their remote, desert island appearance from the air, there’s plenty to do at these far-from-rustic resorts, boasting some of the most sophisticated accommodation in the world.

The world’s first underwater restaurant, spa, nightclub and wine cellar can be found here, overwater villas boast infinity pools and glass floors, and the choice of dining locations is sensational – jetties, remote sandbank, candlelit verandas or dinner à deux on the beach at a neighbouring island. The isolation of the islands also results in some of the best diving and snorkelling spots in the world, with plankton-rich seasonal currents attracting manta rays and whale sharks.

So where to stay in this little piece of heaven?

Soneva Fushi, Kunfunadhoo Island

The motto here is “no news, no shoes” and, true to their word, guests’ footwear is confiscated on the traditional dhoni boat transfer from Malé. The 65 villas made from natural materials are sandwiched between jungle and beach. Fun extras include an open-air cinema on the beach, planetarium, treetop yoga, a Mr or Mrs Friday (aka personal butler) assigned to each villa and kitchen supplied by the island’s vegetable and herb gardens.

Cheval Blanc Randheli, Randheli Island

The second property in the uber-luxurious Cheval Blanc brand (the other is in Courchevel with a third to open in the Caribbean later this month) is a 40-minute ride from Malé on the resort’s private seaplane and has a touch of old-school glamour about it. There are 45 villas, some on a private man-made island, some overwater with a private jetty and infinity pool and lots of sumptuous extras including complimentary massages to relieve jet-lag, toiletries created exclusively for the resort by Dior, and four restaurants overseen by Yannick Alléno, three-Michelin-starred chef. A Guerlain spa on its own island got the Royal seal of approval – the resort is where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chose to check in on their first holiday sans George.

Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, South Malé Atoll

Most hotels in the Maldives are romantic, but this private island, 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé, is on another level. It’s all about dreamy days where you don’t have to lift a finger, such as the “Exotica Experience”, which kicks off with a champagne breakfast anywhere of your choosing on the island, followed by a 45-minute massage for two at the Jiva Grande Spa, a dhoni sunset cruise and a bottle of Dom Pérignon to accompany dinner beneath the stars. Or Love in the Ocean, a floating pavilion for two reached only by boat, which couples can book for a day and enjoy massages, cocktails at sunset and candlelit dinner.

W Retreat & Spa, Fesdu Island

The adult-only W is a tropical island playground which has just had a revamp: swim-up pool bar, white-tented spa, 78 modern villas (including overwater villas with glass floors), each with a wine fridge alongside the mini bar, and the 15 Below bar, a subterranean club with more than 90 vodkas to sample. There are watersports galore, from kitesurfing and diving to Seabobs (scooters that propel you along underwater 007-style), and don’t miss dining at Fire, an outdoor jungle Mongolian-style barbecue.

Shangri-la Villingili Resort & Spa, Villingili Island

One of the largest islands in the archipelago lies in the southern Addu Atoll and is carpeted with more than 17,000 palm trees, towering banyans and dozens of other plant species. The resident botanist guides guests through 12 hectares of nature trails and there’s also the chance to visit a neighbouring island for an 11-mile bike ride passing through traditional Maldivian villages. The 132 villas range from vast ocean retreats to tropical tree houses, and the CHI spa offers holistic therapy alongside more conventional facials and massages. It also boasts a nine-hole golf course.

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Vabbinfaru Island

This 48-villa resort in the North Malé Atoll is tiny but perfectly formed, with a green interior and a ring of white and healthy coral reef. There’s a marine biology lab that guests are invited to get involved with, from taking part in reef and species monitoring to coral regeneration and green turtle conservation. Beachfront pool villas have walkways leading to private pavilions, a choice spot for sundowners or dining à deux.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Landaa Giraavaru Island

The more remote of the Four Seasons’ two Maldives properties lies in the Baa Atoll and has 102 thatched sunrise or sunset beach and water villas edging the large lagoon. Known for its fantastic service, treats here include castaway picnics on deserted islands, tantric massages for two to awaken “kundalini energy” and dining on a private platform in the middle of a lagoon. There’s also the chance to visit virgin dive sites and uninhabited islands aboard luxury liveaboard The Four Seasons Explorer, a sleek three-deck catamaran.

Cocoa Island by COMO, Cocoa Island

One of the smallest, most stylish resorts in the Indian Ocean has just 33 thatched villas inspired by dhonis with large, secluded decks for lounging on or slipping into the lagoon. Holistic, Asian-inspired treatments are offered in the COMO Shambhala Retreat, which has an open-air yoga pavilion and four treatments rooms, including one for couples. There’s a main restaurant, Ufaa, but guests tend to hide away in their villa or opt for private dining on the beach.

NIYAMA, a Per Aquum Resort, Dhaalu Atoll

Looking for some excitement and nightlife? OK, it’s not Ibiza, but sleek NIYAMA has a little more going on past 9pm than some resorts. There’s Fahrenheit bar (all sleek, white couches and low-slung tables for two on an ocean-view terrace); Dune, a thatched-roof beach bar serving cocktails; and Subsix, the world’s first underwater club, where you can dance to DJs and occasional live music while rays and parrotfish glide by. In addition there’s sand-floor Tribal restaurant, with fire pit, jungle canopy and barbecue, plus fine-dining restaurant Edge, accessed by boat. Oh, and the LIME spa operates at night too. Well worth staying up for.

Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, Kanifushi Island

A luxe new resort with 150 sunset-view, contemporary villas made from local materials spread along a two-kilometre stretch of sand, but what sets it apart is the fabulous Platinum Plus package, a great option if you don’t want any hidden costs (it’s not unknown to pay £10 for a glass of Coca-Cola in the Maldives). Meals, drinks, minibar restocked twice a day, unlimited snorkelling excursions and 20 per cent off two dives are all included

Why Choose NY?

The most exciting city in the world, bar none, with more restaurants, bars, museums and iconic sights than virtually any other big city in the world. It’s also – for better or worse – quite unlike the Mean Streets stereotype.

New York is safe, welcoming, and makes you feel as if you belong. This is partly due to the logic of design: Manhattan is laid out on a simple grid system so that you always know where you are and can pretty much walk everywhere. But the locals are also surprisingly friendly.

Step into a diner or a subway car and the person next to you will strike up a conversation, make you part of their movie. New York, New York – still so good they named it twice.

When to go?

New York is a year-round destination with four distinct seasons. Winter can be magical, with thick snowfalls followed by cloudless skies. Summer has the most reliable weather, although August can be insufferably humid. Spring and autumn are the best, with clear blue skies and a crispness to the air, the leaves in Central Park turning a beautiful golden red by October.

Getting Around:

Public transport: New York’s subway system is fast, safe and reliable, connecting points in four of the five boroughs (not Staten Island). It runs 24-hours a day, although services are more limited between midnight and 6am.

Single rides cost $2.75 and must be used within 2 hours. You can also buy Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard for anything from US$5 to US$80 at a station booth; US$5 to US$100 at a MetroCard Vending Machine; rides on these cards are charged at US$2.50 – a saving of 25c per ride on a single ride ticket. A 7-day Unlimited ticket costs $30 and is well worth getting if you here for five days or more.

Travel cards are valid on buses. See mta.info/metrocard for more details.

Taxis: New York’s famous yellow cabs are ubiquitous – but not easy to get at rush hour or when it rains. Fares are calculated at $2.50 upon entry, plus 50c for each one-fifth of a mile.

Cycling: New York is increasingly bike friendly, and the 2013 launch of bike sharing program Citi Bike – the equivalent of London’s Boris Bikes – has meant it’s now easy to hop on two wheels to get from A to B.

Before you ride you have to purchase a pass to the system. Options include a 24-Hour Pass (US$9.95 plus tax) or a 7-Day Pass ($25 plus tax). Rides are limited to 30 minutes. For station locations, maps and downloading the Citi Bike app, visit citibikenyc.com.

tax). Rides are limited to 30 minutes. For station locations, maps and downloading the Citi Bike app, visit citibikenyc.com.

La Guardia is much closer and a cab should not be more than $30. Newark to Manhattan taxis take 35-50 minutes and cost between $45 and US$60. Rail, subway and AirTrain (mta.info/mta/airtrain.htm) services are available, but are more time-consuming.

Private bus services between airports and the city are fast and cheap. Express bus service NYC Airporter (001 855 269 2247; nycairporter.com) costs US$16 to and from JFK, and US$13 to and from La Guardia. Newark Airport Express (001 877 863 9275) costs US$16 between the city and Newark.

Most go to Port Authority, Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal. For more transfer information visit panynj.gov/airports; Samothrace the highest in the Aegean (you can climb it from here, but it’s a good six hours each way).

Where to stay:

The best hotels in New York to suit all budgets, chosen by our experts, including luxury hotels and cheap hotels in locations near Times Square and Central Park. For a city with several hundred hotels, it can be frustratingly hard to find one at the right price in the area you really want to stay in.

Midtown

Just south of Central Park, Midtown is the New York as seen in a thousand films – a street-scene of yellow cabs, pretzel vendors and soaring skyscrapers. On the West Side of Sixth Avenue, the neon billboards of Times Square and the theatres of Broadway dominate. On the East Side, the Radio City Music Hall and St Patrick’s Cathedral surround the Art Deco Rockefeller Center, home to broadcasters NBC and a 70th-floor observation deck. Along Fifth Avenue, shoppers duck in and out of grand department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman browsing acres of clothes and jewelry. A few blocks south is the imposing Grand Central Terminal station and gleaming spire of the Empire State Building.

Central Park & the Upper East Side

Above Midtown to the east of Central Park, the genteel Upper East Side’s streets are lined with palatial apartment buildings and stately brownstone townhouses. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum are part of Museum Mile, a stretch of museums and galleries that line Fifth Avenue alongside Central Park. To the east is the upscale shopping of Madison Avenue and the cool sports bars of Second Avenue. Lush Central Park is the city’s backyard, filled with well-groomed paths, gardens, playgrounds, lakes, fountains and more than 9,000 benches. The American Museum of Natural History stands across the street on the West Side.

Chelsea & Greenwich Village

A few blocks below 34th Street, Chelsea simmers with leafy streets of renovated brownstone townhouses and cutting-edge art galleries. A smattering of restaurants, bakeries and delis round out its friendly neighborhood vibe. To the east, Union Square brings regional growers and artists to its ongoing market. Below 14th Street, Greenwich Village retains its bohemian vibe though these days it is moving upscale. Funky restaurants and unique clothing boutiques line Bleecker Street. The Village Vanguard hosts consistently excellent jazz at night, while street musicians entertain the onlookers in Washington Square. Trendy fashion types head to the hip clubs and restaurants in the Meatpacking District. The East Village takes the rock Greenwich Village

SoHo & the Lower East Side

South of Greenwich Village, art and designer fashion come together inside SoHo’s cast-iron lofts. Broadway is the busy shopping street, but discreet cobbled side streets hide restaurants, galleries and intimate boutiques. Get a taste of Little Italy on Mulberry and Mott Streets. Below that is Chinatown. Canal Street buzzes during the day with stalls and shops selling electronics, Chinese trinkets, fresh fish and vegetables. The Lower East Side is a blend of hipster funkiness and immigrant heritage. Trendy restaurants, designer New York hotels and shady bars sit amid tenement housing, delis and used clothing shops.

Wall Street & the Financial District

Wall Street is one of the world’s foremost financial centers, sitting just north of the site of the former World Trade Center where crowds come to pay their respects. The 19th- century cobblestone streets of South Street Seaport provide vibrant spots to contemplate a walk across the 19th-century Brooklyn Bridge. Breezy Battery Park on Manhattan Island’s southern tip is where you can find a ferry to take you to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum.

What to Do and See

There are big-name museums, galleries and architectural landmarks to see, but New York is surprisingly outdoorsy, with numerous parks, rivers and even beaches, so don’t feel you have to spend your time indoors. Brooklyn is thriving, and still has the colorful old neighbourhoods (with characters to match), that no longer exist in Manhattan. It’s also surprisingly quick and easy to get out of the city by train or subway, so don’t be afraid to explore

Empire State Building

Get your bearings, and an idea of the sheer size of the city, from the 86th- or 102nd-floor observatory decks of the most recognisable building in the United States. On clear days you can see up to 80 miles, as far as Connecticut and Pennsylvania. While the views are stunning during the day, it’s even more fun to come at night, with the city lights glittering in darkness or shrouded in mist. If you buy tickets online you can miss the queues and go straight up to the decks. Don’t miss the gift shop and photo exhibit on the 86th floor that charts the 1,454ft tall building’s construction in 1931, at the start of the Great Depression. Pay extra to see the 102nd floor Top Deck, although it is smaller and more crowded than the Main Deck.

The Circle Line Tour

It’s easy to forget Manhattan is an island. A three-hour Circle Line Best of NYC (Full Island Cruise) takes in three rivers, seven bridges and the extraordinary, forest-covered cliffs overlooking the Hudson around Fort Tryon Park, in the north-west corner of Manhattan - you see a Manhattan you did not know existed. You can buy food and refreshments and get a usually entertaining live narration en route. If you don’t have three hours to spare, do a one-hour Liberty Cruise, taking in the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the southern tip of Manhattan. For the romantics there is an evening Harbor Lights Cruise and, summer and fall, a day-long trip up the Hudson to Bear Mountain State Park. It’s cheaper to book tickets online and essential to reserve them in summer, when cruises are very popular.

Top of the Rock

Take in the scale of the city from Top of the Rock, the 70th-floor rooftop observation deck of the imperious GE Building, the centrepiece of Midtown’s art deco era Rockefeller Center, and home of NBC studios. Built to resemble an ocean liner, the deck has unobstructed panoramas of Central Park to the north, and the Empire State Building to the south – something you obviously don’t get from the Empire State Building itself. Opened in 2005 after a $70 million overhaul, it has glass safety walls and several vintage coin-slot telescopes through which you can see as far north as The Bronx. Come at night in winter, when the city lights are shrouded in mist. Alongside the Empire State building, this is probably the most popular ticketed attraction in the city, so purchase a timed ticket online to avoid the long queues.

Museum of Modern Art

Known the world over as MoMA, the glassy Yoshio Taniguchi-designed Midtown building houses one of the most influential collections of modern art in the world. Van Gogh, Cézanne, Matisse, Magritte, Picasso, Pollock and Warhol are all here. But aside from the painting, sculpture and photography galleries there is also performance art, architecture, design (marvel at the Bell helicopter in the design gallery), and a collection of 22,000 films, with frequent screenings and retrospectives. After the exhibits, head to The Modern, Alsatian Chef Gabriel Kreuther’s French/New American restaurant looking out on the sculpture garden. Pre-booking tickets online allows you avoid the queues at ticket booth, which are very long during major exhibitions.

Madison Square Garden

Known simply as The Garden, this is arguably the most famous events arena in the US for sports, politics and entertainment. Marilyn singing Happy Birthday to JFK in May 1962; two great Ali-Frazier fights in the early 1970s; concerts by everyone from The Stones to Springsteen, Aretha to The Spice Girls –it’s all happened at this iconic 20,000-seat venue in the heart of Herald Square, near Macy’s. It’s currently home to the New York Rangers ice hockey side and Knicks basketball team. Come for a Knicks game, and try to get a courtside seat close to Spike Lee or Woody Allen. And make sure to dress the part: a Yankees or NYC cap is standard.

Barclays Center

Move over Madison Square Garden. Opened in September 2012 with a performance by local boy made good Jay-Z, (and later local girl made good, Barbara Streisand) the Barclays Center on the edge of downtown Brooklyn is the city’s latest multi-purpose mega venue. The official home of the Brooklyn Nets NBA team (and by 2015, the New York Islanders hockey side), it has already seen such big name musical acts as The Stones, Kanye West and Beyoncé. There are numerous Brooklyn-inspired dining options within, including hot dog icon Nathan’s (nathansfamous.com), and a Junior’s (juniorscheesecake.com) - the downtown Brooklyn diner famous for its cheesecake (take away some after the show). You get cell phone charging stations, too – very 21st Century.

One World Observatory

Opened in May 2015 and dubbed the place “where you can see forever”, this is the observation deck of the 1,776ft high One World Trade Center, often referred to as the Freedom Tower. High-speed Sky Pod elevators whisk visitors to the 102nd floor in less than 60 seconds. From there, they get spectacular panoramas, including a 360-degree view from the 100th-floor Discovery Level and its adjacent Sky Portal, a 14-foot wide circular disc that seems to float in space. Make sure to experience the City Pulse, an interactive HD video concierge service that connects you to any neighbourhood you want.

Ellis Island

More than 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954 – and every year millions of their descendants make a pilgrimage to this site in New York Bay to trace their journeys and pay tribute to their arrival. There are few things as moving as walking through the Great Hall and Registry Room hearing live audio recordings of the inspection process that newcomers to the city faced. Tours take in the Baggage Room, the “”Peopling of America”” exhibit, and a remarkable documentary “”Island of Hope, Island of Tears”” in the theatre room. For tours, catch the Statue Cruises ferry leaving from Battery Park Terminal, on the southern tip of Manhattan. Booking (and printing) your tickets online means you avoid the queues at the Statue Cruises ticket booth.

Statue of Liberty

Arguably the most iconic of all American symbols, the 150ft high Lady Liberty, gifted to the United States by France in 1866, stands tall in New York Harbor as a symbol of liberty and freedom to immigrants arriving by ship from the Old World. The neo-classical statue, with copper exterior, was closed for many years after 9/11 and again after Hurricane Sandy, but is now open to the public, and tourists can climb the 354 steps to the crown. Get there via the official Statue Cruises (statuecruises.com) if you want to enter the statue, and buy a ticket that lets you climb to the crown. However, you could just choose to view the statue on a Circle Line Liberty Cruise (circleline42.com), from the Staten Island Ferry which sails close by, or from the lawns at Battery Park on the southern tip of Manhattan, which has clear views. Booking your tickets online means you avoid the queues at the Statue Cruises ticket booth. Make sure to bring printed tickets, and ID for access to the Statue.

Guggenheim Museum

The iconic, conch-shell shaped museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, has been drawing contemporary art lovers since it opened in 1959, its unique cylindrical shape a work of art in itself. Inside, visitors take in a constantly evolving collection of impressionist, post-impressionist, modern and contemporary art, including permanent pieces by Jackson Pollock, Francis Bacon and Louise Bourgeois. Consider taking an Educator’s Eye Tour – a free, staff-guided perspective offered most weekdays. Weekends are busy, and during major exhibitions there are queues around the block. Purchase tickets online to avoid the line at the ticket booth. Running through spring 2015: Kandinsky Before Abstraction, 1901–1911, paintings by the Russia-born master Vasily Kandinsky.

Radio City Music Hall

Part of the imperious Rockefeller Center in the heart of Midtown, this has been one of the city’s iconic entertainment venues for eighty years. Opened in 1932, its opulent art deco interior is as much part of the attraction as the performers. From the rococo ornamentation to the aluminum and chrome fittings, and plush red curtains and carpeting, it recalls the great movie palaces of 1920s Paris and Berlin. Regular events include hosting the Tony Awards, but the highlight is the Christmas Spectacular featuring the all-women dance group, The Rockettes. Come for a behind-the-scenes tour that includes visiting backstage and a close-up look at the famed Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ, the largest in any theatre in the US.

Yankee Stadium

The Yankees are the Real Madrid of baseball - the richest, most successful franchise in the history of the game. If it’s tradition, atmosphere and spectacle you’re after, nothing beats a game at their 50,000 seat stadium in the South Bronx, opened in 2009 adjacent to where their venerable old stadium – the House that Ruth Built - had stood since 1923. The best seats are behind the batter, where you may find yourself sitting close to Rudi Giuliani or Jay-Z, although just as much fun, and a lot cheaper, are the outfield Bleacher seats among the die-hard fans. Make sure to check out the museum celebrating the team’s 27 World Series titles, and Bronx Bombers legends such as Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio and Derek Jeter.

Carnegie Hall

“How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” asked the pedestrian. “Practice,” replied the maestro. Ah, yes. The world-renowned concert venue in the heart of Manhattan is the pinnacle of musical achievement, as iconic as Milan’s La Scala and London’s Royal Albert Hall. Built in 1891 by steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie, the terracotta and brownstone Italian renaissance-style building (two studio towers were later added) contains three halls, most famously the Issac Stern Auditorium, named for the great violinist. Everything from classical music, opera and jazz to rock, pop and stand-up comedy are performed here, but an orchestral performance in the main hall take some beating.

They almost always start from fantastic cities; most trips include an overnight onboard, but if not, do try to plan a pre- or post-cruise stay.

In almost all cases, daily shore excursions are included in the fares you pay. They’ll run along the lines of pretty basic introductory tours to the cities and towns you visit. Some companies, like Uniworld, also offer fee-extra tour options that are a bit more unusual.

The season typically runs from April to October. Be aware that heavy rain and spring flooding can make the rivers swell and the locks become impassable (Many are under bridges, so if the water is too high, boats can’t fit underneath.) Likewise, if there’s a drought, low water can be a problem. If boats can’t move, you’ll be taken to the sights by motorcoach.

And, finally, as ever in big cities, avoid carrying too much money, and keep valuables safe, especially if you go ashore in the evenings.

Rhine/Moselle/Main

Rhine River cruises combine history and culture. You’ll sail through spectacular scenery, dotted with Sleeping Beauty-esque fairytale castles and discover some of the oldest and most historic cities in Germany.

The Rhine flows from Switzerland to Amsterdam in Holland, passing towns and cities in France and Germany that harbour centuries of history and culture. The Moselle River flows into the Rhine from northeast France and Luxembourg. The Main River flows into the Rhine from eastern Germany; cruise along this, and you’ll end up in the Main Danube Canal, which connects to the Danube.

One-week itineraries typically call at Cologne, famous for its twin-towered Gothic cathedral, and Koblenz, which sits at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle and is overlooked by the Ehrenbreitstein fortress, one of the largest castles in Europe. Then you’ll sail through the Rhine Gorge, which stretches for 65km (40 miles).

This is the most spectacular section of the river, with miles of castles, spires, Romanesque churches and precipitous riverside vineyards. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for the Lorelei Rock, where, according to legend, a beautiful maiden threw herself to her death over a faithless lover and now lures sailors to their deaths with her hypnotic singing.

Danube

A Danube River cruise is a lesson in history about the days when Vienna ruled an empire and, more recently, when an Iron Curtain divided Europe. Now the curtain has gone, and you can explore cities that were all but closed to the west for more than 40 years.

The Danube flows from the Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea in Romania, passing through or between Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania on the way.

Most itineraries are one week and start and end in Passau in Germany, on the Austrian border. You’ll most likely fly into Munich and transfer to the ship, in which case why not consider adding a couple of extra nights in the city? It’s a lively place with palaces, churches and beer halls, but for a special treat, take an excursion to Neuschwanstein to see the fairytale castle built for King Ludwig II in the late 19th century; it inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Munich is 1.5 hours from Passau; many cruise lines offer transfers.

Douro

If you like scenery, you’ll love cruising the Douro River, which twists and turns through steep, vine-clad slopes and rocky outcrops as it makes its way from Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, to the Spanish border. An added attraction is port, the fortified wine that took its name from the city. The drink is a local celebrity, so there’ll be plenty of tastings en route.

The Douro rises in north central Spain and flows southwest and into northern Portugal, emptying into the Atlantic at Porto.

Riverboat lines all cruise the same itinerary, sailing from Porto to Vega de Terron, on the border with Spain, a distance of 210km (130 miles). You pass through five locks as you go. At Vega de Terron riverboats have to turn back because the river is no longer navigable.Nossa Senhora dos Remedios pilgrimage church, standing atop of a 686-step baroque staircase.

You’ll also call at Pinhao, a favorite haunt for port wine tastings, and Vega de Terron for a full-day excursion to the city of Salamanca in Spain. Vega is in Spain; when you rejoin the vessel after a day away, it will have turned around and be moored at Barca d’Alva, on the Portuguese side of the river, for a next-day excursion to tiny Castelo de Rodrigo.

Elbe

An Elbe River cruise is for anyone who loves discovering the past. You’ll have a bit of time in Berlin and Prague at the start and end of the cruise and discover the birthplace of the Reformation along the way.

The Elbe rises in the Czech Republic, flows into Germany and empties into the North Sea at Cuxhaven, near Hamburg.

There is only one cruise option -- seven nights, sailing either from Magdeburg in Germany to Melnik in the Czech Republic, or vice-versa. You’ll either fly into Berlin and out of Prague or the other way around, depending which direction you are sailing.

The itinerary starts with a tour of Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam; then it’s a one-hour transfer to the boat in Magdeburg -- a 65-mile journey -- for the cruise.

Stops include Wittenberg, the birthplace of the Reformation; Meissen, famous for its eponymous porcelain; and Dresden, which was levelled by Allied bombers towards the end of the Second World War. You’ll also cruise through craggy Saxon Switzerland and call at Litomerice, a pretty little Czech town with a mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings.

Watch Out For: This is quite a strenuous itinerary with a lot to see, so if you have mobility concerns, discuss them first with your river cruise operator.

Seine

This is a favorite with gardeners because it visits Monet’s garden in Giverny. It is also a top choice for Francophiles and all those who want to see the Second World War landing beaches.

The Seine River rises in France, flows north through Paris into Normandy and empties into the English Channel at Le Havre.

River cruises sail from Paris to Rouen or Caudebac and back. Most will fly into Paris. If you’re travelling from Southeast England, it makes more sense to take the Eurostar train through the Channel Tunnel from St. Pancras in London to Paris Gare du Nord in the centre of Paris. Journey time is just two hours, 15 minutes.

River Cruises from Paris

There is only one itinerary. It’ll include a full day in Paris, which is just enough time to go up the Eiffel Tower and explore Montmartre, which is always packed with artists, and also stop at Vernon to visit Giverny, where artist Claude Monet lived from 1883 until his death in 1926.

Other calls include Les Andelys for excursions to Chateau-Gaillard -- built in 1196 by English king Richard the Lionheart in the days when England owned Normandy -- and Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake.

of irrigation channels, accompanied by footpaths that snake through the kind of striking landscapes dreamt up by J R R Tolkien.

The guidebook lists a variety of walks and the Levada dos Tornos between the Palheiro and Funchal municipal botanical gardens is a gentle introduction to them.

Most of the island is an exuberant botanical garden of volcanic soil where just about anything grows, the difference being that the formal gardens have created a semblance of order in the horticultural chaos. Palheiro, in the hills above Funchal, has an outstanding collection of camellias, but the most impressive specimen is a towering Norfolk Island pine from New Zealand, a veritable Lord of the Forest that looks ready to join Frodo Baggins in battle against the evil Sauron.

The beauty of the levadas is that they are fairly level, quiet water channels in rural areas where noise is limited to birdsong, an occasional barking dog and tolling of distant church bells. All of which we hear on a wander along the Levada do Norte between the hill villages of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos and Nogueira. This is the island’s main wine-producing area, a patchwork of precipitous terraced vineyards that appear to defy logic and gravity. Aficionados of Madeira’s fortified wines should know they are produced by back-breaking toil in vineyards not much bigger than back gardens. There is not enough level land here to park a harvesting machine, much less use one.

It is as if you have slipped back in time, and might meet Coleridge around the next corner.

A good visit for British tourists is the former residence of General William Beresford, British military governor of the island in 1808. The Quinta Jardins do Lago is an elegant country mansion set in formal gardens above the hustle and bustle of Funchal, offering good food and croquet on the lawn. Just the place in which to unwind after an arduous campaign in the Napoleonic Wars, or a brisk stroll along a levada.

It seems most visitors are content to wander around the capital and nearby villages, which is fine with us. This leaves much of the island largely untouched by mass tourism, preserving its rural charm.

And its wildness. The volcanic heart of Madeira, reached on a helter-skelter road winding up above the clouds, is a geological nightmare of splintered rock-like monstrous broken teeth. The road ends at the summit of Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest peak, where a snack bar offers panoramic views of solidified lava and ash that are a vision of the dawn of time. The effect is of a silent, primal scream. There should be signs saying beware of low-flying pterodactyls. Instead, oddly, there is a visitor centre devoted to the endangered Madeiran petrel.

The road north winds down through a gentler landscape of forests and lush valleys reminiscent of Indian hill stations and tea plantations. The locals don’t grow tea, but they cultivate just about everything else on terraces clinging to vertiginous slopes.

The place to head for here is the Quinta do Furão, a country house hotel below Santana with a restaurant terrace perched above a succession of rocky headlands, where the island plunges into the Atlantic with a dramatic flourish. The hotel also has a chef who performs wonders with fresh trout and sea bass, served variously with lemon grass and champagne sauces.

Not so long ago, before the islanders got around to building roads, goatskin was a way of transporting wine from the north to Funchal and some places still serve this today. Strong men would take two days to traverse the mountainous interior carrying goatskins of wine weighing up to 70kg. At least it was accepted they could lighten their load along the way, and by the time they arrived they were less burdened and less sober.

A more refined approach to wine is taken in the head office and tasting room of Pereira D’Oliveira, purveyor of the island’s finest vintages for more than a century. An air of antiquity mingled with the semi-sweet aromas of wine pervades its 17th-century warehouse in Funchal, where astonishingly venerable wines can be sampled around oak barrel tables.

Looking for a wine to commemorate the building of the Eiffel Tower in 1890, or perhaps to commiserate with the sinking of the Titanic in 1912? Or how about a prized wine from 1850, the year D’Oliveira was founded? All are available, at prices deemed reasonable by connoisseurs.

Or how about a prized wine from 1850, the year D’Oliveira was founded? All are available, at prices deemed reasonable by connoisseurs.

“They are never easy wines, or ones that immediately win the empathy of the taster,” says Rui Falcão, a respected Portuguese wine writer, “but they are genuine and grandiose, capable of lifting us up and taking our breath away.” A bit like the land they come from. Our final excursion is a walk through sheep farming country that begins and ends at a rustic mountain inn. Inevitably there are no gentle meadows, but instead rumpled green hills and deep valleys with views to the sea that are little short of magical.

Porto Santo: Madeira’s deserted sunshine isle

On the 10-minute flight from Funchal to Porto Santo, a golden fleck of an island 28 miles north- east of Madeira, It is a five-mile stretch of virgin sand flanked by mirror-calm turquoise ocean, more like the Caribbean than the Atlantic – and the beach was deserted.

In high summer, Porto Santo morphs into a party island colonised by the offspring of Madeirans with second homes there, but in spring I enjoyed clear blue skies and bright sunshine without encountering a soul.

Here you can go wreck diving – the Madeirense, a 230ft-long vessel guarded by a giant grouper, which was deliberately sunk in 2000 to game fishing are among the other diversions. Tiny Vila Baleira, home to the Christopher Columbus Museum, serves as the capital and has just a handful of hotels and restaurants.

For a treat, take the ferry back to Funchal. The crossing on the Lobo Marinho (portosantoline.pt) takes 2½hours – just enough time for a dinner on board at the Algas e Corais restaurant, with its starched table linen and gleaming glassware.

Then there is the golf. The late Seve Ballesteros fashioned a challenging oceanside course set against a backdrop of the beach and two extinct volcanoes. Hiking, riding and game fishing are among the other diversions. Tiny Vila Baleira, home to the Christopher Columbus Museum, serves as the capital and has just a handful of hotels and restaurants.

Kristy Anna

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“Party nights, beaches and cruises - Croatia has it all!I’ll admit, I’m more than a little biased, but Croatia is quite simply my favourite country to visit. It offers a unique combination of all the things I love: breathtaking natural beauty, great swimming, summertime sun, oodles of history, interesting architecture, incredible wine, delicious seafood…I could go on. True, Croats don’t always present the sunniest face to complete strangers, but break through that initial reserve and you’ll discover the friendliest, most hospitable people you could hope to meet. I’m sure that even if my grandparents didn’t hail from here, I’d still adore the place.

Croatia’s extraordinary island-speckled coastline isindisputably its main attraction. The first thing that strikes you is the clarity of the water. When it’s setagainst a dazzling white pebbly beach, it sparkleswith a jewel-like intensity in shades of emeraldand sapphire. There are long sandy andshingly stretches too – perfect for lazydays spent lounging and devouringtrashy holiday novels.

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72 hours doesn’t sounds like enough time to explore an entire city! But it is plenty of time to cram in as much as you can and make a list for next time!

I never really pictured going to Amsterdam, mainly down to preconceived ideas that I had and thinking it wasn’t really my scene. But last year I set out to be more adventurous, try new things and visit new places – Amsterdam was the next city on my list as its relatively close, easy to get to and quite affordable. I was also hoping to visit somewhere cute for a festive weekend away – Amsterdam ticked all of those boxes

The Anne Frank House is an absolute must when in amsterdam, 1 hour out of the day and its so insightful. It is a little emotional when you think about what happened but at the same time it was so interesting and actually quite inspirational. Its a very modern building on the end of the row of canal houses opposite the big church clock. You goinside and follow a a certain route to take you throughthe house and information to get the full understanding, using videos, newspaper clippings, pictures and the whitewall with quotes written on from Annes diary

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Amsterdam“

“On an tangental note, I’m going to start this post off talking about my mother.

You see, my mother is a wonderful human being, a fantastic cook, and could probably wrestle an anaconda to the ground if it said anything sassy about her loved ones. Her job revolves solely around organising everybody else’s sh*t. I mean she’s the top don of organisers. If there was an award ceremony for organising things; she’d host, film, win all the awards, and still have time to nag me about the state of my room.

So when I told her that I had yet to organise my trip to Scotland the day before I was due to leave, I was somewhat concerned that the twitch in her eye was a warning sign for a crime of passion.

Therefore, in my blog I bestow to you a breakdown of all the things you will need to think about and book for a four day trip in the Scottish Highlands with minimum effort.

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READER GALLERY

Thailand from Becky Lou

Victoria Falls from Ashley Croatia from Adriana

Tenerife from Chris Egypt from Mollie

STARPIC

Paris from Elisa

Phuket from Rebecca

Kos from Sammi Dublin from Sophie

Singapore from Rosie Villamartin from John

Blackpool from Nat

Las Vegas from Neil

Send us you travel photographs,provide a link to your socialmedia account and we will link it. We pay £10 for the star photo!

Please send any images you would like us to feature to:adriana@vivimagazine.com

Zhangye Danxia Landform - China

The Zhangye Danxia Landform is a National Geological Park located near the city of Zhangye in

China’s northwestern Gansu province.

The landscape is filled with a variety of red cliffs, with most being several metres high as well as multi-col-

oured ridges of weathered strata.

The landform spreads across an area of 300 to 510 kilometres; with the rocks primarily made of sandstone

and other layered minerals.

The best time to visit this beautiful landscape is from June – September as the weather is

comfortable.

The mixture of the Sun and a little rain really brings out the colours of the cliffs a lot more.

The best time of day to view these stunning cliffs is in morning and at dusk when the colours are vivid and

are continuously changing.

Tunnel of Love - UkraineThe beautiful and long, leafy tunnel can be found in the deep forests of Ukraine. The tunnel is located near the town of Kleven, which links with Orzhiv.

The railway is up to three to five kilometres in length and is a passage for a private train which provides wood to a local factory.

The tunnel was made after many years of the train moulding the trees’ lines; resulting in the train turning a beautiful piece of woodland into a stunning and unique passageway.

Not only is the tunnel used as a passageway for the train, it is by couples to make a wish as it is believed that if they’re sincere in their love, their wishes will come true.

Lake Hillier - AustraliaLake Hillier is a saline lake located on the edge of Middle Island, the largest of the islands and islets which make up the Re-

cherche Archipelago in the Goldfields-Esperance region, off the

south coast of Western Australia.

The pink lake is around 600 metres long and is surrounded by a rim of sand and

dense woodland of paperback and euca-lyptus along with a

narrow strip of sand dunes covered by vegetation, which separates it from the

blue Southern Ocean.

If the weather conditions are good, the lake turns a soft shade of pink because

of the high concentration of algae in the water.

Blue Cave - Croatia

The Blue Cave is a water-logged sea cave located in a small bay called Balun on the east side of the island, Bisevo.

The cave is one of the best known natu-ral beauty spots on the Adriatic and is a popular show cave amongst tourists because of the blue light which appears at certain times of the day.

The best time to go visit the cave would be between 11am and 12pm on a sunny day as the bright blue glowing light ef-fect is a result of the Sun’s rays entering through the water which reflect off the limestone floor of the cave.

The Sun lights up the water and the glowing ocean illuminates the cave walls blue, creating the stunning blue cave.

To Sua Ocean Trench – Samoa

The To Sua Ocean Trench is located in the village of Lotofaga, on the south coast of Upolu island in Samoa.

The trench is a beautiful and iconic 30 meters deep swimming hole which features a unique land formation which consists of two giants holes joined to-gether via an ancient lava tube cave.

Not only can you swim in the stunning turquoise water, you can also explore other beautiful sites on the island such as lush gardens, day fales with clifftop views, blowholes, sea arches and rock pools.

If you are interested in viewing this stunning swimming hole for yourself, the best time to visit Samoa is from May to November – so there’s still time!

Crystal Cave of Skaftakell – IcelandThis beautiful crystal cave is located on the frozen lagoon of the Svínafellsjökull glacier in Skaftakall, Iceland.

The existence of this cave is the result of its glacier meeting the Icelandic coastline. The cave is centuries old and its weight has pressed out all remnant air; mak-ing the formation’s texture and colour brilliant and otherworldly.

The best time to visit the crystal cave for ice climbing and winter activities is between October to May meanwhile mid-May to September is for rock climbing and summer trekking.

Fly Geyser - NevadaLocated in Washoe County, Neveda, the Fly Geyser is a man-made small geo-thermal geyser located near the edge of Fly Reservoir in the Hualapai Geo-thermal Flats. This geyser is about five feet high by 12 feet wide, including the mount which it sits on.

The Fly Geyser was created in 1964 by accident after an explorative well drilled in the area was either left uncapped or not capped properly resulting in the dissolved minerals to accumulate and rise; creating the limestine mound which houses the geyser.

Although the Fly Geyser is a stunning sight to see, not many people have the opportunity to view it in person. This is because the man-made geyser sits within the boundaries of private property.

Chittoragh Fort - IndiaThe Chittorgarh Fort is located in Rajasthan and is one of the largest forts in India. The fort used to be the capital of Mewar; ruled by the Guhilot, Sisodias, Suryavansh clan until it was abandoned after the siege of Emperor Akbar.

The fort has a long history of courage, romance, determination and sacrifice also being the embodiment of chivalry and pride of the Rapjuts.

The impressive fort is filled with well-designed palaces, magnificent cenotaphs and giant towers; all secured by several strong gate-ways.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves - New ZealandThe Waitomo Glowworm Caves attraction is a cave located in Waitomo, on the North Island of New Zealand.

This island is known for its population of glowworms. The Arachnocampa luminosa species is found exclusively in New Zealand and are around the size of an aver-age mosquito.

These caves are a must-see for most New Zealand tourists as you will be able to explore the caves via the world famous boat ride; travelling through the whimsical and starry glowworm caves.

Halong Bay - VietnamHalong Bay (meaning ‘descending dragon bay’) is located in the Quang Ninh province of Vietnam; famous for its more than 1960 limestone, rocky, tall islands which are rich in tropical vegetation.

Being approximately 579 square miles in size, Halong Bay is home to 1600 fisherman who live in the floating villages.

Many of the 1960 islands have secluded beaches, grottos and caves along with some of the islands having permenant residents and tourism business-es.

Less than half of the islands have been named; with their names being based on the shape of the islands themselves such as the Mai Nha Island which means roof.

With its beauty and history captivating the interest of many throughtout the ages, Halong Bay was named as one of the New Wonders of Nature in 2012.

South Coast Holidays: Devon and Cornwall

If you need a little persuading to stay in the UK for your summer holiday this year, then the South Coast, Devon and

Cornwall have some of the most idyllic towns and beaches that will instantly make you forget you’re even in the

UK. From camping, to luxurious hotels, it has everything it takes to make it a truly memorable holiday for all the

family. Take a look at just a few of the places that will make you believe in the magic of the English South Coast.

DEVON

Wander down the charming single cobbled street that winds it’s way past untainted white cottages, down to a beautiful glistening harbor at Clovelly; Devon’s unique, famous fisherman’s village.

As the street is too steep for vehicles, public transport is unpermitted along the narrow pathway, meaning the village remains peaceful and otherworldly. Donkeys stand as the main mode of transportation, one of the ways it remains impossible to believe that you’re actually in the modern day. Park your car on the allocated car park at the tip of the village and walk away from the 21st century.

Explore gift shops bursting with pretty trinkets and relax along side the picture perfect harbor, before it’s time to make your way back up the vertical cobbled street – it may take you some time! This distinctive village is definitely one of Devon’s prettiest gems, making it a place you must visit along your South Coast travels.

Clovelly

Step back in time in Cockington, just a mile outside the seafront known as Devon’s English Riviara, Torquay. This quaint thatched village home to the historic Cockington Court manor house, lies flawlessly untouched by our modern lifestyle.

Occupy your visit with lunch in one of the Victorian tearooms, stroll around the Tudor rose garden, ride on a traditional horse and carriage, participate in craft activities or relax while your children wander to the children’s play area. It’s the ideal family outing.

Gentle paths guide you past peaceful lakes and majestic woodland, making for a beautiful fairytale walk - the perfect way to soak in nature’s finest creation. The Gatekeepers Cottage dates all the way back to 1517, one of the few things that makes Cockington a fascinating venture from your everyday regime.

Cockington

Kick back and relax by escaping into the paradise retreat that is Maidencombe Beach. The small haven sits a few miles North of Torquay in a secluded cove that consists of nature’s flora and fauna’s, making it the perfect escape from seaside towns.

Let the beautiful, sign posted coastal walks inspire you and experience tranquil sea views. Finish off with a drink at the beach Café or delve into the inviting shimmering seawater, well known for it’s safe swimming conditions.

Maidencombe Beach

If you enjoy the exploring of Devon, it’s certainly well worth venturing into the vibrant, tranquility of Cornwall.

CORNWALL

Falmouth

With its unique gift shops, numerous cafés, scenic locations and historic attractions, its no wonder Falmouth is one of the most popular bustling towns of Cornwall.

Rich in heritage, Falmouth is famous for the National Maritime Museum and Pendennis Castle, both fantastic outings the whole family can enjoy. But it doesn’t end there. The town has become known for its lively festivals, perfectly capturing Cornish culture. There’s the Sea Shanty festival, Falmouth Food and Fal River Tall Ships Festival to name a few – it’s safe to say there’s never a dull moment in this vibrant town.

Falmouth also isn’t short of idyllic beaches. Clear your mind with stunning cliff top walks or hit the shops and follow up with a drink in the Gyllyngvase beach café’ – the perfect afternoon get-away. From luxurious spa hotels, to homely B&B’s there are plenty of places to stay making Falmouth the perfect holiday destination.

Situated along South Cornwall’s Lizard, the beauty of Kynance Cove is quite simply, unexplainable. You’ll just have to experience it for yourself.

The walk down to the cove is heavy on the feet with a rocky, steep coastal path but the end result is truly breathtaking. The cove strongly resembles a Mermaid lagoon and whether it’s the turquoise sea, the golden sand or the enticing caves, it will certainly capture the imagination, making you feel like you’ve escaped to the magical world of Neverland. A natural oasis, its no wonder it’s one of Cornwall’s most photographed attractions.

It is National Trust owned, making it easily accessible to enter with a car park, eco-friendly café’ and an accessible pushchair route. Do be cautious of high tide times, as the cove is ideally visited at low tide for full access and experience.

Kynance

Port Isaac is a quaint fisherman village situated in the North of Cornwall. The narrow streets, aged houses, charming locals and fishing harbor makes it a quintessential Cornish village, perfect for those who want to experience the Cornish lifestyle.

It’s historic past dating back to the Middle Ages manifests the village with an ambiance that makes it seem almost impossible that our modern lifestyle could exist there, a wondrous escape from reality. The scenery is picturesque and there are plenty of welcoming tearooms to complete your Cornish experience with an afternoon tea.

It’s also marks the spot where the ITV comedy drama, Doc Martin was filmed, making it a must see for any Doc Martin fans.

Port Issac

The unique landscape that inspired Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter today nurtures a new generation of writers, artists and musicians. Sculpture trails, poetry programmes, street art and theatre add up to a thriving cultural scene. The area has a fascinating heritage, too. In stone circles and Roman forts, in historic houses and museums, the past still echoes.

From microbreweries and Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy cafés and farmers markets, Cumbria and the Lake District is fast becoming a food lover’s paradise. Whether it’s the simplest loaf or the most sumptuous delicacy, you’ll find food and drink produced and prepared by people who are passionate about quality.

There’s plenty of scope for retail therapy. Carlisle is a cosmopolitan city centre with big high-street stores and small boutiques; and market towns like Ulverston and Kirkby Lonsdale are made for browsing, full of tempting, independent shops. Craft fairs, workshops, studios and galleries all over Cumbria offer everything from designer jewellery to custom-made furniture.

This is one big adventure playground and it’s up to you how you get your kicks. There’s watersports galore (from kayaking to kitesurfing), challenging long-distance cycle-routes, and pulse-racing mountain bike trails. Or head to the hills for classic fell walks, scrambling or rock-climbing. There’s golf , fishing (freshwater and sea) and horseriding, too.

climbing. There’s golf , fishing (freshwater and sea) and horseriding, too.You’ll find live music playing in pubs and venues across the region, and throughout the year there are great festivals, from classical and rock music to folk, blues and jazz.

Go to the theatre, dine out or simply sit back, sip cocktails on a lake cruise and watch the sun set.

Porthcurno South Cornwall

Set just around the corner from Corn-wall’s Lands End is Porthcurno beach; beautiful golden sands nestled be-tween gentle sandstone cliffs. The beach is popular with families due to its easy accessibility and picture per-fect white sand and turquoise seas, revealed at low tide times.

If you’re looking for a beach with a little more historic substance, then this is the place to go. Sat along the cliffs of Porthcurno is the world fa-mous Minack Theatre. Equipped with stunning coastal views, the open-air theatre is a fantastic place for ama-teur production groups to showcase their talents.

The first production at the theatre dates back to 1932 to a production of The Tempest. This magic of the theatre is still kept alive, with performances held through May – Sep-tember - a seamless way to end your day at the beach.

This isn’t all the legacy Porthcurno has to offer. The scenic coastline was once a signifi-cantly important part of the map, as it acted as the centre of the telecommunication world. It is renowned for it’s participation during the Second World War and in com-memoration of this is the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum, a testament that keeps evi-dence of the telecommunications of WW11 sacred, giving you a chance to explore.

Porthcurno has more to offer than purely golden sand and sparking sea, making for the perfect weekend retreat.

Southwold Suffolk

Southwold is a charming seaside town that perfectly captures the essence of a quintessential British seaside. It sits along the Suffolk Heritage Coast and is known for it’s famous lighthouse, long pier and adorable beach huts. So grab yourself an ice cream and head to the beach to fuel your nostalgia by reliving past times of typically fun British family holidays.

The sand might not be as quite as golden and the sea not quite as sparkling as other British Coasts but Southwold’s award winning beach is a jewel in it’s own right. You can’t think of this delightful seaside town without thinking of perfect lines of endearing beach huts, one of the quirks that make it so utterly charm-ing.

You certainly can’t visit this little beach town without heading to the pier. Your-self and your family can have ounces of fun looking over the North Sea with arcades and shot machines, a wonderful addition to your day.

With plenty of English tearooms, restaurants and quaint shops, you are left with no hassle to find the perfect spot for lunch. Or, even better still, grab yourself a blanket on a fine day and settle down on the beach for a picturesque picnic.

Woolacombe Beach North Devon

With a 3 mile stretch of heavenly smooth golden sand, its no wonder Woola-combe beach was crowned one of the best beaches in the UK. This admirable family destination has even been likened to beaches of Turkey, Greece and Spain, making it a true gem along the British coastline.

Due to its popularity, the beach is bustling during the summer months but don’t be discouraged, as this creates a wonderful seaside atmosphere. Make sure you don’t forget your bucket and spade, as the beach holds the perfect sandcastle building sand, making for endless amounts of fun. Let your little tots paddle and splash until their hearts content because you don’t have to worry; this beach is wonderfully clean and watched over by lifeguards during summer months, to ensure safety.

The friendly beach also isn’t short of tea, coffee, restaurants, car parks and toilets making for an idyllic family beach destination.

Another beach renowned as one of the UK’s best resorts is Rhossili Bay in South Wales, Swansea. Relatively untouched, this beach offers an expansive curve of dreamy sand, surrounded by steep earthly cliffs, a beautiful juxtaposition of land and coast.

Unlike seaside resort beaches, Rhossili Bay’s quiet and peaceful retreat offers a tranquil, scenic break perfect for those who just want to ‘escape’. With such fan-tastic views, its no wonder Rhossili is so popular with walkers. Be greeted with breathtaking panoramic views, before soaking in the beauty of the nature that surrounds you with long, otherworldly walks.

Rhossili itself is not far from the town named Mumbles, the perfect location for ice cream. However, if beer is more your thing, then head down to the well know Mumbles Mile of pubs to finish off your day with a refreshing ice cold drink.

Rhossili BayGower Peninsula, South Wales, Swansea

Porthmeor BeachSt Ives, Cornwall

Porthmeor Beach, St Ives is the perfect beach loca-tion for swimmers and surfers alike. It’s impres-sively clean, the sea is clearly marked with flags to indicate the areas safe to swim and the beach is fully monitored with life-guards, all the reasons why it’s a proud owner of Blue Flag Award 2013.

The beach is situated next to the centre of St Ives town, famous for it’s art gallery’s and quirky cafes’, meaning there’s plenty to see and do!

Weymouth BeachDorset

Weymouth Beach, Dorset is the perfect family location with plenty of activities to put a smile on both children’s and adults faces alike. With entertainment ranging from donkey rides to Punch and Judy, free summer firework displays and live music events, there is never a dull day in this fun-filled seaside town.

The water is shallow making it safe swimming location for little ones, so you can kick back, relax and enjoy the three miles of sand that surrounds you. The town is also brimming with shops and pubs, so no matter what your plan for the day there is always something to do. Regardless of it’s bustling town, somehow the location remains un-spoilt and pleasantly under commercialized in its setting making it a wonderful haven to escape busy city life.

All in all, if you’re looking for a beach that ensures a fun filled day for you and your children, then this beach is definitely the place to go. It’s child and adult friendly making it a place where parents can relax and children can run wild and free. It’s certainly a place that will raise excitement for the whole of the family.

Camden

After recently taking a trip to London, I thought I would shed some first had experiences on places to eat at, drink at and visit. As the

Britain’s capital city and heart of the UK, the city is rich withculture, old new and future. A great place to spend a couple of days

being a tourist.Firstly, if you’re taking a Lodnon I would recommend buying a day ticket

for the tubes, because you really do get your money’s worth when you

plan to be a tourist for the day.

Camden This is honestly my favourite place to visit. It’s so rich with culture and you can find just about any piece of clothing jewellery and accessories you can think of.

Not only is the market side of things amazing, you can most definitely get lost in the back streets and allies and the food markets are honestly to die for. Any type of food/snack you can think of you will find it in the markets. And you can also grab yourself a load of different free tast-ers from the stalls.

As probably one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, it’s a must to visit the Palace, as this is where I feel you get a real sense of patriarch. With many other people of a variety of nation-alities and accents there you appreciate that this building and its atmosphere really is at the heart London’s touristattractions. The palace isbeautiful, but don’t forget to visit the Guards at the Horse

Buckingham

Palace The Thames

The city cruise takes you from the London Eye to Tower Bridge, takes you along the Thames and points out some of London’s most famous landmarks and attractions, so it’s a must for any London Tourists. The boats are suited to all weathers and are accommodated with Cafe’-bars, so you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the view.

The Thames

Covent Garden There is a variety of plac-es that you can eat and drink in Covent Garden, but I highly recommend Dirty Martini they have a variety of happy hours and deals on for 2 for 1 cocktails, so you can’t really go wrong. It;s also the perfect spot for his-tory, shopping, culture

With a variety of shops, both high street and individually owned,Carnaby street has it all for keen shoppers, which is why it’s one ofLondon’s most popular shopping destinations. Snap a picture under the world-famous iconic Carnaby Street arch before heading to some of thecreative and unique boutiques at Newburgh Quarter.

Carnaby is a short 5-minute walk from Oxford and Piccadilly Circus, making it an easy to find destination along your tourist travels.

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