The Culture Bank

Paris is very easy to travel to from the UK, with cheap flights from budget airlines or a trip on the Eurostar taking just a few hours.  The culture is greatly different to that of London or Manchester.  There are many different regions of Paris – arty Montmartre; the food-orientated Latin Quarter; the upmarket Champs-Elysées and of course, the tourist havens of the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower areas.  Practically in every corner of Paris you will come across tea rooms, quaint bars, cute cafes and very inviting bistros.  Other regular stops are “crêperies” that sell pancakes, patisseries and of course, plenty of shops where you can buy clothing and accessories or a unique piece of art.

The museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art and Le Louvre, will take you at least a day each to appreciate, so, if you are only going for a long weekend then plan in advance.  Also, buy your ticket for Le Louvre in advance online else you will find yourself queuing up for hours.  From Le Louvre, you can walk through picturesque parks until you reach the “Arc de Triomphe”, and of course, featuring on the horizon throughout the city you will see the Eiffel Tower.  The iconic tower must be experienced by all those not afraid of heights, but, beware of long queues in the busy season.  At night you have more luck of avoiding large crowds and also to experience the full glory of the Tower lighting up and shining on the surface of river La Seine.

Guided tours or a hop-on-hop-off bus are good ways to get around the main tourist areas of Paris quickly.  However, you will see more interesting and are more likely to discover hidden away places on foot with a little help from a map and a book of “Métro” tickets; ask for day tickets that can get you to places for a whole day.  For example, venture past “Père Lachaise” Cemetery and you will find the final resting places of Chopin, Oscar Wilde, Proust or Jim Morrison.

Maldives holidays offer visitors a chance to try different activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing.  These types of luxury holidays have a great appeal due to the fact that visitors do not require previous experience in order to indulge their curiosity.  The warm sunshine, clear blue seas and accommodating beaches make instruction in these activities possible most of the time.

The Maldives is able to offer visitors a chance to see a spectacle of wonder: the underwater coral garden.  The Maldives is home to three quarters of the world’s coral reefs, meaning that the sight of exotic fish is almost guaranteed.  The clear blue waters facilitate optimum viewing conditions.   

Visitors can select from a number of different ways to enjoy the coral reef, including by submarine.  The 120ft Whale Submarine is one of the recommended vessels to travel in.  This submarine leaves from the Tear Drop Reef, which lies between Male and Villingill.  The passenger submarines do a variety of dives both day and night, enabling the visitor to experience how the reef, and its inhabitants, change at different times of the day.   Alternative ways of visiting and viewing the underwater coral gardens are through snorkelling and scuba diving.

Maldives holidays offer a chance to see exotic sights common in the underwater coral garden, which include schools of yellow boxfish, common lionfish, turtles, reef sharks and many other common sea creatures that call this coral reef home.

What makes one of England’s smallest cities such a cool place?  Two words: history and culture.  Dotted across the Bristol landscape, you’ll find a record of its rich past.  John Cabot, who discovered North America aboard his boat The Mathew, set sail from Bristol, and the replica of his vessel still proudly does the rounds of the harbour now.  Also seen in the city is the ever-present engineering legacy of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, from the majestic SS Great Britain to the iconic and beautiful Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Bristol is a hotbed of creativity.  There is an edgy urban arts community known as the Stokes Croft People’s Republic, a must-see if you are a fan of graffiti.  One of the city’s most famous sons, Banksy, and his art still dominate many urban buildings in the centre, and makes for an interesting arts trail.  Bristol boasts one of the most vibrant and eclectic music scenes in the country.  Big names hail from this fair city – Massive Attack, Roni Size and Portishead give it a musical pedigree not to be sniffed at.

Bristol has the perfect riverside setting to celebrate all this wonderful culture, so it is no surprise there are countless festivals that take place here.  From the sedate kite and balloon festivals, to the lively Brisfest and Harbour Festival, this is the place to visit of a summer weekend. If food and drink is your thing, Bristol caters for all tastes, from sushi bars, cider barges, chocolate cafés, exquisite fine dining to everything else between.

There is always something for someone going on in Bristol.  It is a place where it is impossible to become bored.

Although mostly known as the place of Mardi Gras, the city of New Orleans has so much more to offer. The Crescent City, as it is often referred to, is home to the world’s largest party. It is also home to world-renowned restaurants, first class shopping, the mighty Mississippi, and unforgettable jazz. Being the birthplace of jazz, visitors won’t have to go far to find an establishment that allows for an evening of jazz music. If this is your first time you will also be introduced to other musical genres that include zydeco, blues and ragtime. New Orleans is also noted as having the best Creole gumbo in the world.

A stroll through the city will allow you to get a feel for what New Orleans is about with its numerous plantation homes that still remain. You will also discover a city full of museums and family attractions that include the Aquarium of the Americas, Six Flags New Orleans, Audubon Zoo and Entergy IMAX.

A favorite place in the city for many visitors and locals alike is the French Quarter. This beautiful area of New Orleans is accented with original cobblestone streets. Here you will find one-of-a-kind souvenirs, paintings, tailored clothing and hand carved furnishings. Not far away is the famous Bourbon Street where exciting and vibrant nighttime entertainment can be had.

No matter what time of the year you choose to visit New Orleans you will never be out of things to do. If you arrive around the end of February you will be pleased to know this is often the time of Mardi Gras. Although much of Mardi Gras is programmed for adult entertainment, Mardi Gras is still a family event.

Due to the pleasant year round climate, there is much to do outside of Mardi Gras. During the other months of the year, visit the Voodoo Cemetery to satisfy the thrill seekers in your group. You can also take the family for a unique dinner cruise experience as they enjoy a steamboat trip along the mighty Mississippi or an unforgettable swamp tour full of crocodiles.

The Alps are synonymous with skiing, snowboarding and ice climbing and can be considered a pretty unfashionable place to be in summer. 

So, when the snow and ice melts what’s left to do?  Well, the melted snow reveals a beautiful, lush landscape with visual drama less stark than in winter, but the addition of colour make sit no less dramatic.  The French Alps also have a rich tradition of summer sport that many people aren’t even aware exists.

Etape du Tour runs every July, giving amateur cyclists the opportunity to complete one stage of that year’s Tour de France – usually one of the hardest.  Up to 9,000 riders take part over a 100mile course that includes at least one sustained, lung-bursting assent.

If you don’t fancy cycling yourself to the edge of exhaustion, but still want to get out on your bike, the numerous ski lifts will take you to many mountain bike trails, all marked according to difficulty.  Some companies offer an impressive eight-day transalpine trip from Vitznau to Zermatt that takes you past the north face of the Eigar and the Matterhorn.

If you fancy a hiking tour, the Alps will offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.  There are many tours, from day trips to week-long lodge-based excursions.  Usually run by locals, hikers will be treated to a wealth of historical and geological knowledge while hiking near glaciers and through fields, across forests and around lakes.
 
Some lodges include a spa, offering rest bite for those tired muscles.  Tour operators tend to go out of their way to provide guests with a great gastronomic experience, so make sure you take time to enjoy the food.  Hikers should research the tour itinerary before booking to judge whether their fitness levels suit the tour.

The normal lifestyle of the Greek is to rise early and to finish early so as to avoid the hot sun of the day. It also adds a little variation for those visiting because long afternoon rests are simply a way of life in Greece.

After the sun sets it’s then time to head out and enjoy a great meal, often followed by a variety of nighttime entertainment. The capital city of Athens is where tourists often find the best live entertainment and superb restaurants. Not noted as being the most attractive or appealing city in the world, Athens still has much to offer those who do visit.

The city has some obvious qualities that really should not be overlooked. It is filled with charming and vibrant neighbourhoods. This impressive city has hosted numerous legendary events and continues to be a unique place of combined Middle Eastern and Western cultures. More than 40 per cent of the country’s population live in Athens.

The city underwent a much needed makeover in 2004 when it hosted the Olympics. Many new buildings were built, the airport upgraded and tropical foliage was placed along the main streets of the city, which added a finishing touch.

In the Old Town portion of Athens is an area called Plaka. This area has been in existence for more than 5,000 years. It is where you can see many Greek monuments and ancient history. Inside the city are the rolling hills of the Acropolis. The outskirts of the city are surrounded by several notable mountains that include Mount Parnitha, Mount Pendeli and Mount Hymettos. Before leaving Greece, be sure to visit Athen’s most impressive attraction, the 2500 year old Parthenon which can be found at the top of the Acropolis.

There are many ways of sampling the delights of the Maldives.  Not only can you enjoy adrenaline filled Maldives holidays, which can see you learning to surf or dive, but there are also many different ways of relaxing in the Maldives. Every person has their own unique way of unwinding, and the Maldives aims to cater for these varied needs.  All you have to do is decide which activity best suits your lifestyle.  Tours, boat rides and spa treatments are available to help you to relax and recharge your batteries.

To enjoy a relaxed luxury holiday tour of a few uninhabited Maldives islands, visitors can take a bike tour.  This allows you to enjoy the flora and fauna of the island, which is comprised of a variety of Maldivian shrubs and tree species, including the mangroves.  Here you can discover the fruit tree known as bullock’s heart, and the monkey pod, a shade-providing tree that makes for an ideal picnic spot.

Alternatively, you may opt for a boat ride that enables visitors to enjoy the coral reef from above.  Dolphins and whales are a common sight during these tours.  Visitors can also use the boats to island hop; each island offers its own unique adventure, from fishing to quaint little cafes on the sea front.

Many people on Maldives holidays want to try out some of the many different spa treatments available.  These use combinations of fresh fruit, Indian herbs and pure essential oils, in one of the most popular methods of relaxation on Maldives holidays.

Travelling to Vietnam is a feast for the senses and taking a few days to journey down the Mekong Delta is an unforgettable experience.  You will find a bevy of guesthouses and bars on the way, so you can literally take your time to soak up your surroundings and enjoy the hospitality of the local people, who have worked by the river and local rice fields for generations.

Among the little villages, you will often find small tourist agencies where you can arrange a day trip to an orchid farm, jungle areas, markets or nature reserves.  Also not far away from the river itself are some wonderful retreats, such as Phu Quoc, which is an island covered in trees with white sandy beaches with a good range of both budget and luxury accommodation.  Ben Tre and My Tho are quieter islands on the river, where you can try out local fish delicacies and enjoy evenings spent swinging in a hammock drinking rice wine – if you dare!

Of course, the floating markets are one of the most striking things about this South Vietnamese region.  With a bustle of colours, smells and noise as people try to sell their wares before the day gets too warm, this is a captivating sight even if you decide not to buy anything.

The Mekong Delta in Vietnam is often used as a route to Cambodia, another fascinating country with a fantastic culture.  It is safer to travel in groups if you are moving on to another destination.  Just remember to avoid drinking tap water locally in case you upset your stomach; have bottled water instead.

For people who believe a holiday is for relaxing from day one and want to avoid the stresses and strains of airport waiting times and transfers, a Southampton cruise may be just what you are looking for. From the moment you step on deck all the ship’s amenities are available and the holiday begins!  Your luggage is taken care of from the minute you arrive too, so no waiting for weighing or check-in.

Located on the south coast of England, Southampton has always been linked with cruise ships and now offers a bigger choice than ever for cruise holidays 2012. Southampton is well served with transport links too and there are excellent car, bus and train services available from all corners of the UK.  With such a variety of cruise holiday destinations on offer, Southampton looks set to continue its reign as the major UK cruise port.  Southampton is the UK’s busiest cruise port and most of the big-name cruise liners offer cruises from Southampton with year-round cruises and more than 200 ships setting off from Southampton every year.

There is ample choice of luxury hotels at the port too for those who fancy a pre-cruise stay.  If you choose to arrive by coach, the drop-off point is conveniently located outside the port terminal so there are no long distances to manoeuvre luggage.  If you travel to Southampton by car there are ample parking facilities and if you travel by train there are easy rail links provided.  On a Southampton cruise all you have to do is step on board and start relaxing. 

The discerning traveller can choose from a wide variety of cruise options, ranging from the Caribbean islands to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and Europe and to the Middle East, the Far East and all places in between.

Although there are some fantastic cruise holiday deals for 2012 happening right now, booking a cruise from Southampton does not have to mean long-term planning.  Perhaps you fancy a spur of the moment cruise experience?  If so then remember to check out the last minute cruise deals where you can pick up some really good cruise bargains.

A trip to London is a big deal for many people.  The world-class city is home to so many interesting sites and things to do that a visitor would need months to see it all.  The museums, historic sites, shopping, theatre, dining, and pubs are seemingly endless.

When planning a trip to the city of London, one of the first things to do is find a place to stay.  Visitors to London can choose to stay in a traditional hotel, a bed and breakfast, or a hostel.  The choice of type of residence depends upon budget and needs.  Hostel’s provide minimal amenities, but are very inexpensive.  Bed and breakfasts range in price and offer a friendly atmosphere with very welcoming hosts.  Hotels are more traditional and can offer a range of costs and amenities.

When choosing a place to stay, visitors must also select a location within the city.  London is very large and is made up of many districts, each with something to offer the traveller.  Central spots like King’s Cross are often popular with tourists.  This district is home to a large train station, which makes it very convenient.  It is a hub for the National Rail services, so visitors staying here can easily get to any other part of the country.  It is also a major tube stop for easy trips around the city of London.

Kings Cross hotels are also a good choice for tourists because of the nearby attractions.  The British Library is within walking distance and showcases several historically important works.  The Camley Street Natural Park is a great place for a walk and for history the St. Pancras Old Church is worth a stop.  For fans of Harry Potter, King’s Cross is a must for seeing the famous Platform 9 ¾.