The Culture Bank

Bask in the legacy of a golden age. Independent of France for centuries and still a prosperous region today, Burgundy, or “Bourgogne”, rolls out a (wine) red carpet for its many visitors each year. Explore rolling hills and fields, historical towns, fortified villages and, of course, the hundreds of chateaux that are home to to its world-famous wines.

Attractions

Burgundy’s treasures are easily explored by car, bike, train or on foot. History fans can step into the past at the many UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the basilica at Vézelay, while Mont Beuvray beckons nature-lovers. Dijon is Burgundy’s capital and a city of culture; it has a wealth of shops, gardens, museums and historical buildings. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along ancient streets between medieval houses and Renaissance townhouses or let their taste buds do the walking at Michelin-starred restaurants, wine festivals and the International Food Fair.

The town of Beaune makes a fine hub from which to explore the region. With many wine tasting cellars in its historic centre, visitors can toast the Catholic Church with a fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The church took charge of winemaking in the Middle Ages and the Hôtel-Dieu, once a charitable hospital, is now a fascinating museum with an intricately tiled roof.  

Where to stay

For wine connoisseurs, nothing beats staying in a French villa or rustic farmhouse in a region bursting with world-famous grapes. Holiday apartments and quaint bed and breakfasts are ideal for a quietly relaxing mini-break.

Heading to Burgundy

High-speed TGV trains leave from Paris’s Gare de Lyon and arrive in Burgundy in 90 minutes. Beaune is easily reached via the A6 motorway, going north from Paris or from Lyon to the south and just 40 km away from Dijon airport. Visitors can also unwind on water and rent a barge on the Burgundy Canal or “Le Canal de Bourgogne”. The waterway connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean via the Yonne and Seine rivers.

Picture courtesy of Jerome

Mauritius is a small series of islands to the east of Africa.  Surrounded by beautiful ocean, it is an isolated and unspoiled tropical location that provides fantastic, luxury holidays for people of all ages.

You’ll never be stuck for something to do in this part of the world.  The economy relies heavily on tourism, so there are many classy hotels, delicious restaurants and exciting attractions to enjoy.

Mauritius has a great variety of landscapes for visitors to explore.  Jewel-like fields of sugarcane, towering mountains, rainforests and glorious beaches are all within easy reach of the hotels.  One of the best ways to discover the lush scenery found on the islands is by horseback.  Guided tours are available to lead you across the very best of the country’s spectacular terrain.

No trip to Mauritius would be complete without a snorkelling expedition.  The island is surrounded by a huge variety of fish, and visitors can get up close and personal with them under the water.  There are also submarine trips available for people who’d rather avoid getting wet.  Taking a boat out to one of the other islands in Mauritius is another excellent way to spend a spare day.  Spend some time shopping around for different offers, however, as prices can vary dramatically.

If you are visiting Grand Baie, Pereybere Beach is a nice spot to unwind.  Palm trees provide a perfect backdrop to the idyllic white sand and coral blue ocean.  IIot Gabriel Beaches offer an equally impressive experience.  Those who prefer something a little more action packed than lounging around in the sun can satisfy their thirst for adrenaline with a skydive.

With so much to do in Mauritius, you’d easily be able to spend multiple weeks in the country.  If you’re thinking of booking a trip to the islands, you won’t regret it.

A historic region of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm el Sheik or simply Sharm is a well-developed resort community along the Red Sea coastline in Egypt. Situated at the south of the peninsula, Sharm covers a 40 km stretch from the north at the Nabq area all the way to Ras Mohammed Natural Park in the south. Naama Bay, where the highest concentration of resorts is found, attracts the most visitors in the area.

The region offers holidaymakers plenty of fun activities in the sun, sand and sparkling sea. Surrounded by a desert region that beautifully contrasts the Red Sea, Sharm is perfect for water sports, including snorkelling, boating, and diving to explore the coral reefs or simply unwinding on the beach.

At the Ras Mohammed Natural Park on the Gulf of Aqaba, you will find the best spots from where to see the exotic reefs and different species of brightly coloured fish, dolphins, turtles and other wildlife. Go on an exploration tour of the sea in a glass-bottomed boat as an alternative to diving or swimming. You can also visit the Eel Garden to see the eels. 

Experience the Bedouin lifestyle on a romantic outing in the desert, which features local food and entertainment in Bedouin tents and guided stargazing tours. Alternatively, shop at the Dahab village for bargains on leather goods, perfume, jewellery and many other items.   

For a fun-filled family day out, visit the Aqua Park City, a recreational facility that has more than 30 water playgrounds for children including water slides and splash pads. Food and beverages are also served.

Early morning excursions of the Sinai desert are also available. The desert safari will take you to the famous St Catherine’s monastery while you take in a spectacular sunrise over Mount Sinai and the brightly coloured canyon. The highlight of your holiday in Egypt would be a flight to Cairo to see the pyramids and cruise on the Nile River.

On arrival in London you could be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed; it is busy, noisy and at first glance the tube map looks like senseless, colourful spaghetti.  However, whether you are setting out for the day or making your way back to your London bed and breakfast, travelling by tube is very simple.  Arm yourself with a classic A-Z or equivalent smart phone map, identify your location and that of your destination and which tube stations are closest, and at your departure station, use the tube map to calculate the route.

When you emerge into the ticket hall of the destination station, there are local area maps on which you can locate the theatre, park, or market to which you are heading.  Use the closest exit, to save crossing roads in the terrifying traffic.

Finally, a couple of top tips: if you are doing lots of exploring, buy a travelcard – you can use it on buses too; also remember that sometimes it is faster to walk above ground than change lines for the sake of one stop.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has it all, stunning architecture, wonderful landmarks and some of the best restaurants and nightlife in Europe making it one of the most popular city destinations in the world even before you add the eight sandy beaches in the heart of the Mediterranean.

Barcelona’s beach resorts have been extensively upgraded over the last 25 years thanks mostly to hosting the 1992 Olympic Games and provide a range of popular activities including water sports and beach-side restaurants and bars. Sit and relax under a shady umbrella or do something a bit more strenuous, it’s up to you.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is one of those cities that you have to visit at least once in your life and provides spectacular views of Table Mountain and Table Bay. Cape Town has 20 beaches in close proximity all offering different activities from surfing to water sports.

The city itself has seen much regeneration in the last decade and there is plenty to see and do including various museums, wine tasting and deep sea fishing. One of the most popular attractions in Cape Town is Table Mountain and you can either choose to climb it or get the cable car up to the top. Table Mountain provides some spectacular views of Cape Town and the South Atlantic Sea.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu is the largest city in Hawaii and is home to some of the best beaches in the world. Many tourists head to the famous Waikiki Beach which is popular with surfers and sun-seekers alike, but Honolulu has much more to offer than that.

Take a trip to the Pearl Harbour memorial site and look around a World War II submarine, the Pacific Aviation Museum and the Battleship Missouri Memorial, or travel to Diamond Head an ancient volcanic crater that offers spectacular views of the city.

One of the best things about choosing a cruise holiday is the value for money.  Also, before you even start your trip, you will have a good idea of how much the total cost will be.  Food, entertainment, accommodation and excursions are all included.  The only additional cost will be alcohol, onboard shopping – and any visits to the spa.  On this type of holiday, there are no hidden extras and the service will always be first class.

The facilities

You will never be bored on a cruise whether you are at sea or in a port.  This is the ultimate relaxation holiday and passengers can indulge themselves with any number of activities, ranging from a visit to the onboard spa for a deep massage or working out in the gym.  For children of all ages, there are swimming pools, cinemas, playgrounds, and organised games like soccer or netball.  Life at sea can be as organised or carefree as you wish; it is up to you to decide.

Travel destinations

A cruise will take you to destinations all over the world at an enjoyable, relaxing pace.  From exploring the Baltic, and stopping off at cities in Finland or Russia, to the Canary Islands or the Caribbean, the variety of locations is only limited by the time and money you want to spend.  Voyages range from short 3-day breaks up to the 6-month world tour.  The beauty of life on board is easy to see for anyone who has been a passenger.  Statistically, more people re-book than any other kind of holiday.

Picture courtesy of Jeremy Burgin

Gainings independence in 1990, it is Africa’s youngest nation. With a vast 825,400 square kilometres, it is over three times the size of the United Kingdom. Yet with a population of just 2.3 million, it is officially the second least densely populated country on earth. It is also home to some of the world’s highest sand dunes and oldest desert. Welcome to Namibia, land of almost mythical superlatives.

Touching down and getting around

Start your adventure as soon as you land at the international airport near Windhoek. Previously, ox wagons, horses or a very dusty pair of feet would have been your only transport options. Now, several international companies offer rental cars either at the airport or in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital and a colourful, thriving metropolis. Stroll down Independence Avenue for souvenirs and locally sourced diamond jewellery. Formerly “Kaiser Street”, it is lined with beautifully preserved German colonial architecture, restaurants and cafes.

What to see

Take a walk back in time around the many lasting reminders of Namibia’s past, such as the Alte Feste, an old fort; Christuskirche, although looks are deceptive, this old Lutheran church was not carved out of gingerbread and the Tintenpalast, the parliament buildings. The old fort was once a bastion of foreign rule, but now in a wonderful display of irony, it is home to the National Museum, which showcases the freedom struggle and Namibian independence. Toast the country’s new leaders with an ice-cold Windhoek Lager that, even today, is brewed according to age-old German purity laws.

There are plenty of places to stay in Namibia, ranging from backpackers and B & B’s to guesthouses and luxury hotels. When you have had enough of the dusty heat, head west, over the mountains, to the seaside town of Swakopmund. Once the bushveld and aloes have faded into desert plains, Bavarian church spires begin to emerge through the mists of the Atlantic. It is not a mirage you are seeing, it is the bizarrely neo-colonial Namibia.

Turkey is definitely an up and coming resort for a sunny holiday with plenty to keep you busy. As a slightly less popular resort than places like Spain and the Canary Islands, but this means you’re getting better value for your money.

Some resorts, such as Marmaris, in Turkey have already been bombarded by the British. But just a 10 minute dolmus ride away is the lesser known resort of Icmeler. Still within the beautiful bay of Marmaris, it has gorgeous sea and mountain views but fewer people, meaning more empty sunbeds! If nightlife is your thing though, Marmaris is still close enough to travel to nightly.

For those who want a little more from their holidays, Turkey is a fantastically cultural country, with a history stretching back over thousands of years. In every resort you will be offered a range of trips from historic sites, such as Ephesus where you can wander the remains of an ancient Greek city, to days out at traditional Turkish baths where you’ll be treated to a relaxing massage in a peaceful environment.

You can’t visit Turkey without sampling some of the local cuisine. If you’re not one to venture out of your hotel, you’re likely to be treated to authentic doner kebabs and meze, a variety of Turkey appetizers. But if you’re feeling a little braver, you can try anything from kokorec (lamb intestines) to gozleme (a savoury filled pastry). It wouldn’t be Turkish holiday without a sample of their traditional apple tea, usually served in small glasses with sugar on the side while your other half is bargaining with shopkeepers, it’s tasty and refreshing.

Excitement about a forthcoming holiday can cause you to forget some important issues.  One of the major items is the budget.  Below are reminders of things you need to consider.

Activities

Before deciding on a holiday destination, it is advisable to ascertain which activities your family is likely to want to engage in during the period.  Teenagers are open to many suggestions but younger children have a more limited choice.

Each activity comes with its own related costs.  Check the prices for both adults and children to make sure you allocate money properly.

Accommodation

After identifying a perfect spot for your holiday, you need to decide on the size of rooms you require. There are various websites providing price comparisons for different accommodation in your chosen destination, so find out exactly which services are included in the package.

Travel costs

How will you get to your holiday destination?  Is it close enough to drive or will you have to book a flight?  What is the airfare?  These and many other questions need to be considered before making a final decision.  Check a number of airlines to find the best deal.

Food

You need to know how much you will be spending on food while on holiday.  Your destination may offer food but you need to know what and at what price.  Do not forget to add the cost of drinks and snacks while on tour.

Extra funds

You never know what might happen while on holiday.  You could end up facing a problem or wanting to buy souvenirs for family members.  There are endless situations which may require money so you need to allow extra for emergency contingencies.

When you have the estimates ready, you must then check that you have enough cash and determine the limit on your cards.  This will prevent any potential embarrassments when you reach your destination.

A popular holiday destination, Tenerife, has plenty to offer its visitors, from amazing volcanic beaches to soft golden sand beaches. Small traditional white washed villages to lively holiday resorts. And a wide range of activities from walking tours to aqua parks and wildlife centres.

Flight times from UK to Tenerife are around the four hour mark, with flights available from major UK airports and a number of local airports. You can easily find flights to Tenerife online, with plenty of good deals offered. Tenerife also has a temperate climate with warm temperatures all year round. It can range from 15°C in the winter months up to 28°C in the summer.

On the island, there are a number of popular holiday resorts, each offering something different, depending on what you’re looking for. Playa De Las Americas has something for everyone; fantastic beaches and plenty of water sports. On an evening you will find a lively nightlife, featuring karaoke bars and cabaret clubs as well as a number of enticing restaurants.

Costa Adeje is a slightly more relaxed resort. Black volcanic beaches, you will easily be able to a spot to relax, or if you prefer to be busy then there are a number of activities on the beach. Costa Adeje has a quieter nightlife, so makes a good choice for those looking for something a bit more relaxed but still with a traditional Spanish Feel.

On the south of the island, you will find one of the first purpose built resorts; Costa del Silencio. This small resort is the perfect escape if you want a quiet break away. It’s a popular area for snorkelling and there are a number of excellent walks around the surrounding area.

You won’t be short of things to do when you take a Tenerife holiday. The island is packed full of exciting excursions and activities. Popular with families is the Tenerife Zoo Monkey Park where you can feed the Squirrel Monkeys & Baby Lemurs. Aqualand and Jungle Park makes for a great day or days out. Plenty to keep the kids and adults entertained.

If you like to get out and about and explore then you should check out Teide, the 12,402-foot, one-million-year-old volcanic peak which forms the centre of the island, is like something out of this world. For one of the best views on the island a visit to Roque de Los Muchachos is well worth the journey up there.

On an evening you won’t be short of things to do, many resorts have plenty of their own entertainment lined up, one must see is Showtime – The Sound of Musicals; a celebration of West End and Broadway hits, which is guaranteed to get everyone up singing along.

Once you have visited Tenerife you won’t be able to stop yourself booking another holiday to this fantastic island.