Now there aren’t that many truly traditional pubs left in the country. A bold statement, I know, but let me qualify it for a moment: by traditional I mean no Sky Sports, no jukebox – in fact, no telly or music at all. Just a quiet corner to pop into and enjoy a pint of proper ale with some civilised conversation.

Unless, of course, you are lucky enough to stumble across a Sam Smith’s pub. Still owned and operated independently by Humphrey Smith, the Tadcaster based brewery takes a pride in offering something completely different and a wee bit special. Oh – and as of recently, there are no mobile phones to interrupt your relaxing mug of ale either. Or any other electronic devices for that matter, due to a brewery ban on them. It’s taking a little while to get through despite the best efforts of the managers and staff (we popped into a few where punters are still not cottoning on), but by and large they’re getting there. And it’s oh so peaceful. Bliss, actually.

One of the finest Sam Smith’s pubs we’ve come across is the Victoria Hotel in Cleveleys, Lancashire, beautifully run by landlords Marcus Howard and Jackie Hole. It’s a bit like stepping back in time, but in every way that’s good. The perfectly kept beers and lagers are own brand, and very cheap compared to much of the competition; a decent pint of lager will set you back a mere £1.40 (yes, you read that right) and a cask ale just £2.

The Vic (as it’s affectionately known to locals) is one of those rare establishments that seems to be operated for the benefit of the patrons. Marcus and Jackie run a tight ship, and it shows in the superb levels of service as well as in how clean and welcoming the place is. The whole team are a credit to them, and on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays you can sample Jackie’s fabulous cuisine – the delicious meals won’t set you back a fortune either.

What’s really great about this pub (apart from the fact that it’s a wonderful old building and full of character) is that you can see the love and care lavished upon it. There is a real sense of pride, and I congratulate the management on a job superbly done.

So if you ever happen to be in the area and fancy a real treat, give the Vic a try. We’d like to say – for all the right reasons – that it’s probably one of the best pubs in the world. Congratulations guys.

The Victoria Hotel
183 Victoria Road West
Cleveleys
Lancashire
FY5 3PZ
United Kingdom

Telephone: 01253 853306

Valuable driving tips for the world’s biggest beauty spot

Open country, stunning scenery, the road trip of a lifetime… a driving holiday in New Zealand can be a dream holiday. As with all trips, though, it’s essential that you’re prepared, so we’ve compiled some key pointers to help you make the most of your time on the road.

Driver licence

A lot of the preparations are plain old common sense, and many of the familiar rules apply, such as the need for an up-to-date, valid licence; this must be in English, or be accompanied by an approved translation. You can only use an overseas licence in New Zealand for one year, so if you’re planning on staying longer, you’ll need to convert it to a New Zealand licence.

Drive on the left

It may seem a basic point to mention, but that makes it all the more important to be aware of… in New Zealand, you drive on the left. If you’re used to driving on the right, take extra care when you set off!

Plan extra time for driving

Also bear in mind that although your journey might look straightforward on a map, with no busy junctions or urban areas, the map won’t tell you the whole story. Rural roads in New Zealand can be hilly, narrow or prone to crosswinds, so a journey that looks easy on paper might take you a lot longer than you expect. Be sure to over-estimate the time your journey will take you.

Weather conditions

Weather conditions can change very quickly, and if you’re heading to the South Island in the winter months, you’ll probably encounter snow, ice or fog – or potentially all three. Make sure you’re well equipped. Most New Zealand car rental firms will be able to advise you on the additional precautions you need to take.

One of the most important tips – not just for driving in New Zealand, but for driving anywhere – is to remember your responsibilities as a driver. If you feel tired, take a break, especially if you’ve been on the road a lot or are still jet-lagged, and don’t take anything for granted. You might be on holiday, but that doesn’t mean you can be any less vigilant behind the wheel.

Take care, drive safely, and discover a wonderful country!

Image courtesy of NewZealand.com

Cardiff is one of the most beautiful cities in the United Kingdom and thousands of visitors travel to the Welsh capital for various reasons every year.

The city is home to the National Assembly of Wales, BBC Studios that film programmes such as Casualty and Doctor Who, and numerous venues that host sporting events and concerts. We take a look at just a few of the key attractions that can be seen in and around the city, and give a few examples of the best places to visit in the surrounding area.

Cardiff Bay and Penarth

The bay area is the most picturesque part of the city, with beautiful views and a host of eating establishments for all ages. Tourists can witness some spectacular boats and yachts down at the Cardiff Bay Yacht Club or can take in the atmosphere and thrilling vibe at the pubs after a day of shopping. There is plenty of activities and attractions for families, with the Doctor Who museum and an appealing walk that can take you to the attractive little town of Penarth. The town is host to a number of local shops and restaurants, while there is also the Penarth Pier – which has an art gallery, a cinema and a cafe. These two places are certainly must-visits if you travel to Cardiff and you won’t be disappointed by the breath-taking scenery and chilled atmosphere of the two locations.

Millennium Stadium

The 74,500 seater stadium is one of the standout venues in the city. Home to Wales’ rugby union side, the Millennium Stadium stands tall in the centre of Cardiff and attracts thousands of people for sporting events and concerts. In 2017, the arena will host the UEFA Champions League final and plenty of supporters will descend on the city – which will only add to Cardiff’s spectacular atmosphere. British sides Chelsea and Manchester United will be hoping to feature in the showpiece event and punters can keep up-to-date on all news and odds on UEFA competitions betting markets ahead of the big event. Meanwhile, the likes of One Direction and Rihanna have headline shows at the iconic venue.

Image by abragad

Queen Street

Queen Street is home to the most popular shops in Cardiff and tourists can enjoy an afternoon of shopping before visiting some of the local eateries. Situated in the heart of the city, there are numerous shopping centres within five minutes of this street, including St. David’s – which is now the ninth largest shopping establishment in the United Kingdom – and Queens Arcade. If you are looking for cheaper bargains, the likes of Primark and H&M are never too far away, while Zara and River Island are also close by for the fashion aficionado. Cardiff is well renowned for being one of the best shopping cities in the United Kingdom and, with excellent transport links in and out of the city, it’s certainly well worth a visit for a day or two.

Image by joncandy

Main image 
by evacaiden

The world’s best countries to travel in a campervan…

Let’s be honest. The words ‘Motorhome adventure’ seem about as out of place as a nun and a hunky underwear model holding hands in a cathedral.

The first word in this careless semantic coupling invokes images of house sized monstrosities thundering down miles of god-forsaken tarmac in the middle of nowhere, with pensioners at the wheel giving it their last go – the proverbial last throw of the dice in the game of life before the bucket list gets emptied and a good innings comes to timely end.

Adventure, on the other hand, conjures up images of bold journeys into the heart of lands and cultures where the only thing one can expect is the unexpected. This is where the inexorable pull of new, vibrant experiences and hard, gritty challenges will leave you standing at the end of it all with a much keener appreciation for your life and much more intimate awareness of who you are and what you value as a human being. Danger and delight line the hidden path and courage and curiosity are the fuel that propels your journey.

In the traditional sense, an adventure is undertaken upon horseback, or straddling the well-worn seat of a clapped out motorcycle, or simply on foot. Clambering on board a house on wheels and casting off with cries of ‘All aboard’ is not what one envisions when thinking of an adventure.

So long to the stereotypes

Thankfully, those stereotypes no longer apply, and the motorhomes and campervans of today have come a long, long way from the iconic Winnebago monstrosities most recently brought back into the limelight by that classic opening scene from the hit TV series Breaking Bad – where Walter White wrestles that out of control leviathan in nothing but his signature ‘tighty whities’ through the New Mexican desert.

The motorhome adventure is now something that can be undertaken by budget conscious travelling vagabonds looking for freedom on four wheels to those whose shoestring travel days are behind them and who prefer to step out in true glampervan style and comfort.

The chariot of your choice is there, but the hardest decision to be made remains just where to go. Ruling out war zones, the arctic, and crime-riddled hotspots where after a few hours away from your home on wheels you’re more likely to come back to a chassis on bricks, four obvious choices remain.

1. The USA

The USA is a Winnebago wanderer’s dream. There is so much on offer in this huge country that more often than not the hardest part of the campervan trip deciding just which route to do. We still reckon the classic National Historic Route 66, which stretches from LA to Chicago across some of the most bewildering and awe-inspiring scenery Murica has to offer, is the best way to go.

Glide through the unforgettable hairpin bends in the majestic Black Mountains, hideout in the very secluded cave system that the legendary outlaw Jesse James used to conceal himself from the law in the Meramec Caverns, Stanton, Missouri and be sure to refuel and refresh at the Dixie – Route 66’s most iconic and oldest truck stop which has only been closed 1 day in the near 70 years it has been open.

2. Europe

No other region on earth manages to combine such an alluring fusion of culture, cuisine and dynamic, diverse and startlingly beautiful scenery as Europe – both the west and the east.

Tour the iconic cities of Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona and Munich; lose yourself in the endlessly crisscrossing tarmac ribbons that trail through Alps, forests and along pristine lakes. Some of the most enticing coastal driving awaits and for those with a thirst for off the beaten path adventure the whole of Eastern Europe awaits.

3. Australia

Big, bold and beautiful – Australia is a land teeming with an almost unrivalled offering of wild open spaces, first class cities brimming with culture and fine cuisine and a coastline that stretches on and on and on. Australia is a country practically tailor made for campervan travel – It has a great road infrastructure, it is safe and its natural diversity is truly astounding.

Arguably the most noted campervan route is the iconic Adelaide to Darwin route – which will have you coasting along the Lasseter highway past Australia’s most famous natural landmark – Uluru. This route is extremely campervan friendly with a host of very affordable campsites dotted along the way – many of them situated in national parks.

4. New Zealand

The jewel in the campervan hire holiday destination crown. The land of the long white cloud is synonymous with unrivalled natural splendor, vast and dramatic coastline teeming with a rich diversity of wildlife and the kinds of settings that dazzled audiences around the world on the silver screen as Peter Jackson brought J.R.R Tolkien’s masterpiece to life.

A huge part of what drives New Zealand’s economy is tourism, and a big portion of that is driven by campervan adventurers. In keeping with the theme of adventure we would recommend a circuitous route of the South Island which offers a huge range of natural diversity in so small an area of land.

Start off in Queenstown – the adventure capital of the world and head down through the Southern Alps to the majestic Milford sound, and then up the rugged and wild coast past glacier country and the old gold mining towns that dot the coastline. Tour some of the finest wine regions in the world as you head north past Picton and Nelson and then loop back down towards Christchurch.

Campervan hire in New Zealand is extremely easy and budget friendly. The industry and infrastructure is tailor made for these kinds of trips, making NZ the perfect spot for families, couples or even just a group of friends keen on a road trip in some of the most beautiful settings on the planet.

Nige Burton explains how his wondrous continental rail journeys always start with a trusty Eurostar trip from London’s St Pancras

I looked up at the destinations board abstractedly as I shouldered my way across the concourse of Paris’s Gare du Nord, a smirk of delight spreading across my countenance. Zurich, Cologne, Charleroi, Amsterdam… these were places that I used to think of – and I now really don’t know why – as only being feasibly reachable by flying.

In fact, flying had always been my transport of choice, even for a short hop from Manchester to London. I thought it was quicker. I’d never really had a fear of flying, but I also can’t say that I particularly enjoyed it either; it was always a means to an end, a necessary part of travel.

And then came the three dodgy flights, all in a row like so many spiteful buses, to shake my confidence in aeronautics for life. Having never really given it much heed aside from the boredom, I was suddenly and indubitably aware that hurtling through the sky at over 500 miles an hour six miles up, with nothing but a rinkydink aluminium tube, a seatbelt and a laminated safety card for protection, was no longer so de rigueur after all. Sure – the statistics tell us the chances of anything happening are slimmer than slim, and all the ancient Sages advise that ‘if it’s your time to go, it’s your time to go’, but – what if it’s the pilot’s time to go?

Travel to cities such as Maastricht is surprisingly easy by train, and affords a closer exploration of some of the hidden gems of Europe

Anyway, notwithstanding any of this, and from a pure enjoyment-of-the-journey point of view, I had taken the decision to explore alternatives, and thus found myself all aglow with exultation on the Parisienne terminus. In theory, I could get anywhere by train! Well, nearly anywhere. And it was a revelation.

I have since come to call this little adventure my Pan European Odyssey: in short, my exploration of no less than eight European cities – each in a different country – over a two-and-a-half-week period. I had plenty of time in each one, beginning my adventure in London, from where I gained Paris, Zurich, Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest, Bratislava and finally Munich before returning to the United Kingdom.

Chill in laid back Leuven, Belgium’s oldest university seat

All this was undertaken on trains various, each leg revelling in the ever-changing landscape incumbent upon it to be presented with mawkish pride; arriving in the stately Austrian capital with its fine architecture and grandeur; watching the Hungarian countryside melt into the deep blue of the night before settling down in my compact but comfortable sleeper car; slowly sipping a glass of wine whilst dining on the rolling stage of a sunset behind the Transylvanian Alps – all these exquisite moments sparkle in the memory of this behemoth expedition. There was something very special indeed about looking out of window and seeing more than a carpet of clouds whilst holding my breath at every bump or thump, despite the fact that most all of these sounds are perfectly ‘normal’. On a train, I don’t have to look at the flight attendant’s face to see how ‘normal’ the sound was to them; on my dodgy flights, I realised that fear is pretty much fear, and can stare out of the most well-trained and professional visage just as much as the meagre passenger one.

It was at this point I made my decision that, wherever possible, I was going to travel without wings. So many exciting destinations were available to me without my once having to set foot inside an airport terminal – I would just have to plan things a little more carefully.

Time is undoubtedly the biggest single factor you need on your side if you’re going to adopt a similar principle, and it certainly helps that my working life allows me the freedom to operate from most anywhere on the planet. But I still have cats to feed at home, and whilst friends and family will step into the breach and dish out a regular daily bowl of kibbles, for Irma and Gomez that’s no substitute for the first hand company of their Dad. And so I set about experimenting with places and time-scales that would not present a too chronologically challenging undertaking to the vast majority of holidayers who are subject to the vagaries of a more restricted working practice – the 96% of the working population of Great Britain.

The Hague is one of Holland’s best kept secrets and makes for a superb romantic retreat by train

I have since, apart from my eight country extravaganza, taken many wonderful jaunts by train, including a beach holiday in Menorca by rail and ferry. The total trip was completed in exactly two weeks, although just one week was spent on the island. The trick here is to make the journey as much a part of the experience as the destination itself; there was a great satisfaction in hurtling through a vista that slowly, but very perceptibly, changed from the bustling skyline of metropolitan Paris through to the lush, verdant pastures of southern France, and on into the drier, equally impressive Spanish plains. And sailing into Mao harbour at a little before eight on a sunny September Saturday morning is nothing short of sublime, and without a single butterfly in my stomach save for those more welcome ones anticipating the excitement of the week to come. I have also explored those cities which most of us hear of but would never dream of visiting, and I’d surely have been a lesser person without the experiences; the romance of The Hague, the ancient charm of Leuven or the majestic beauty of Maastricht to name but a handful. Oh, and for a true summer break without even the need for a ferry, I became deliciously acquainted with the lazy, hazy, long-shadowed, sun-baked walled city of Avignon; now there is a little corner of perfection.

But, residing on one of our great British islands still seems to present a barrier to some fellow journeymen, psychologically informing thoughts which in turn entertain the notion that one must fly to escape to climes more exotic and meaningful. To these uninitiated creatures, I utter one word of encouragement and hope: Eurostar. That magical conveyance has whisked me tout de suit to either Lille, Paris or Brussels on so many occasions now that I have genuinely lost count. And it is from these three wonderful cities – all worthy of thorough and regular exploration in themselves – that so much more adventure beckons.

Avignon proves that a sun-baked summer holiday doesn’t need a coastline and can still be easily reached from the UK by train

Services are quick and easily undertaken, with journey times shorter than those of many domestic rail trips, Lille being a mere hour and twenty minutes from London’s state-of-the-art international hub of St Pancras, and Paris a very little over two hours away. With eleven daily services from Brussels Midi to St Pancras, and journey times often as swift as a minute over two hours for fares from €88 return, flying seems to make less and less sense. Onward travel is a divine piece of cake, with connections and timetables making planning pretty much as easy as any UK rail journey, allowing the intrepid sojourner a freedom only bound by the limits of his own imagination. But for me, one of the true great advantages of travelling by Eurostar in particular is the generous baggage allowance; each passenger can take on board two suitcases and a single item of hand luggage – after the limitations imposed by airlines, this is extremely liberating.

So, as I plot my next expedition with an eagerness that can be known only to those who have already joined the fold, those fortunate individuals who know that flying is not the only passport to foreign adventure, I oftentimes prepare to simply stick the proverbial pin in the map. I think of the true promise of adventure, and I feel the words building inside me. I can’t stop them, or tell you why I say them, but as I trace imaginary lines across the page, entertaining thoughts of wonder and bliss, these words come to me in a whisper; I say them as prayer, as thanks, as praise; I say… Eurostar… Eurostar…

Tickets are available from eurostar.com or 08432 186 186.

Main image courtesy of Eurostar

Article images by Nige Burton

With 2015 now being upon us, many holiday go-ers and traveller fanatics are looking forward to booking their next trip away. But where are the hottest locations to live it up this year? Here are 10 great examples of where to head:

Chile

Heralded as the driest desert in the world, Chile’s Atacama plains are a great place to go and take in some natural wonders. The land is plotted with salt flats and geysers, and even gets the occasional downfall of snow!

Iceland

If you are a fan of the outdoors and adventure, then look no further than Iceland. Offering activities for all of the seasons, you can take a trip snorkelling in the country’s clear lakes in the summer or enjoy the snowy conditions from the warmth of a hot tub.

(Main article image: rural church in south-west Iceland)

Morocco

With the country’s tourism industry booming in recent years, Morocco has become a hotspot for travellers. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beaches of the coastline or take a trip around the famed Marrakesh markets and get yourself a classic Moroccan fez!

Cuba

Offering culture and fantastic beaches, Cuba has something to keep everybody happy. The country has an ‘old partnered with new’ attitude, so you can take a trip through the country’s history by visiting the buildings from by-gone eras.

Serbia

A bustling street in Belgrade, the Serbian capital

You may not think Serbia is the best location to enjoy a trip away, but you would be very wrong. Belgrade is renowned for one of the hidden gems of Europe and is highly underrated for its culture and character.

Macau

Over recent years, Macau has become one of the World’s main destinations for entertainment and culture. The country has seen a huge boom in tourism thanks to its casino industry attracting people who play online casino at sites such as iPhoneCasino.ca, but it also has a much more tranquil side, with temples and ancient ruins on offer to visitors as well.

Britain

Eilean Donan Castle in the stunning Scottish Highlands

Although it doesn’t have the most tropical of climates, there is plenty happening for tourists to get involved with in Britain this year. Scotland are celebrating the Highland Games’ 200th birthday this year and 2015 marks the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta being sealed, with both throwing events to mark the occasions.

New Zealand

New Zealand’s tourism trade has always been popular, with travellers visit the country to take in some of the most picturesque pieces of scenery in the world. To get more involved in the inner city vibe, the likes of Auckland and Wellington are also popular with tourists.

Turkey

2014 saw Turkey named as one of the most popular tourist destination and the country hopes this will continue on into the New Year. Turkey offers the best of both worlds – the sunny beaches and hotel resorts and the bustling markets of Istanbul.

Singapore

Singapore is celebrating 50 years of independence from Malaysia in 2015, so expect there to be a lot of partying! The country is to host the South East Asian games in June, before they celebrate their national day with parades throughout August.

These days, the fact that there are so many low-cost airlines serving French airports from up and down the UK makes air travel to the continent something of a no-brainer. That is, until you start to iron out the actual specifics of each transport option at your disposal.

Ask any sample group of Brits what makes more sense and chances are very few will take the corner of the classic ferry crossing – even the faithful Channel Tunnel takes a backseat to air travel. Why? Well, primarily for the simple reason that planes tend to shoot across the water at a much faster speed than the average ferry. Top this off with agreeable fairs and you have what appears to be the only sensible way to travel, but as is the case with so many things in life, it’s not quite as black-and-white as it appears.

False Economy

In the first instance, it’s sensible to take a look at the real costs associated with both options. For example, when you pay to take a car over to the continent you pay a single fare for the car, its occupants and literally as much luggage as you want to take. By contrast, head over on the plane and you have to pay per person, add on the luggage fees and then pay to get to the airport in the first place. Assuming you’ll also be needing transport on the other end, car rental fees and general public transport costs can add up to a bill way in excess of the flight itself… certainly more than the ferry would have cost.

Quality Time

But, some may argue, going by plane saves you a ton of time on which a price cannot be put… or so you’d think. Admittedly, it takes a plane a couple of minutes at the very most to cross the channel, but how about the two hours you need to spend at the airport checking in, passing through security and hanging around? And the transport to the airport in the first place? And waiting for your bags on the other side? A ferry crossing may take around an hour if rounded-up, but this doesn’t come close to the three, four or five hours you’re realistically looking at to take a flight to France.

Freedom of Choice

If you want to leave things until the last minute or find you need to change your itinerary late on, chances are with an airline you’ll be looking at either a massive surcharge or an outright brick wall. With ferry and train crossings however things are much more flexible and prices don’t tend to rocket through the stratosphere in the days and weeks prior to each service departing. And as we all know how plans can change at the drop of a hat where families are concerned, locking into an airline booking doesn’t instil a great deal of peace of mind.

A Better Way to France… especially for families!

For families in the UK, holidays in France are an ideal place to take the children and enjoy everything on offer in France. The cross channel ferry provides a very attractive way to travel, especially for families as this graphic created by Brittany Ferries clearly shows.

Image source: Brittany Ferries – Ferry VS Plane to France

And the Winner Is?

Every mode of transport has its pros and cons, but when travelling the few miles from the UK to mainland Europe, there’s really not a great deal to gain by making things even more complicated and long-winded than they need to be. Or in other words, that classic ferry crossing or train service really does have more to offer than many would give credit for.

Situated on Spain’s North East coast, a mere 2 hour flight from London, lies the hustle and bustle of Catalonia’s greatest city. From the sandy beaches of the city center, to the non-stop maze of bars and clubs scattered throughout, Barcelona is the ultimate destination for a weekend abroad with the lads.

If you are within Europe, there are no excuses. Everyday hundreds of cheap flights land in Barcelona’s El Prat airport, with hundreds more hitting the RyanAir runways of the nearby Girona and Reus airports, both within just 90 minutes of Barcelona’s city center. Momondo.com will allow you to search for the cheapest flights to Barcelona, including both the Girona and Reus airports automatically.

Once you have landed the limits are endless. Kicking off with an ice cold sangria on the Barceloneta beach is a sure fire way to get the weekend started right. The numerous “Churinguitos” or beach bars that line the coastline, are a great stop for both beers and sangria. Anything more than this, such as cocktails or a bit of grub, should not be done at these bars. The prices are five star, while the quality is on par with a college cafeteria. The Port Olimpic has some decent options for food, although on summer weekends, it can often be impossible to show up with a group and lack of reservations.

The Port Olimpic is also a great location after hours. Home to Barcelona’s trendiest and most famous nightclubs, this has been the go to spot for this city’s party crowd since its development in 1992 for the Summer Olympic Games. The most recent of these clubs is “Pacha”, a sister club to the world famous Ibiza nightclub of the same name. On average these clubs cost about €15-€20 to enter, often including one drink with the entrance. The cover charge can usually be skipped if you have a rep helping with your vacation. Reps can also be very useful in ensuring you actually enter the club, as many of these big nightclubs frown upon large groups of men. Do not wear fancy dress, they will not let you in. No exceptions. Dress to impress… that means no shorts!

Keep in mind, Spanish partying starts late, very late. It is not uncommon for these clubs to be completely dead until 1:00 AM. If you spend all day drinking in the sun, a traditional midday siesta may be the only solution to allow for more partying.

After closing the club at 6:00 AM, spending an hour trying to find a non-existent late-night kebab shop, yet eventually surrendering to your rented bed, it is not uncommon to wake up well into the afternoon. It is for this reason you should avoid booking any activity before noon. Just like Barcelona’s nightlife, the days here start late, and so long as you are up before 2:00 PM you should be able to make the most of your day.

Barcelona has your typical stag weekend activities; paintball, go karting, limos, the works. Thanks to its coastal placement however, this city is able to offer a whole lot more! The most popular of these unique activities, not just with stags, but with all the travelers alike, are the coastal booze cruises. A couple hours’ unlimited beer and sangria as you party up and down the coast. Some of these boat trips even include an all-inclusive BBQ, as well as a chance to anchor up, and go for a swim.

If an afternoon back on the drink is testing your gag reflex, perhaps a day up in the world famous Costa Brava is a better choice. Kayak and snorkeling trips are a popular way for stag groups to explore the jagged cliffs, and caves, of this amazing part of Spain. Pissup.com offers both these activities, as well as several others. They are well established and provide free consultation so it is a good idea to see what they can offer you before trying to plan everything on your own.

Sundays are a day of rest and relaxation, and in Barcelona, nearly 80% of the city shuts down on this day. This is a good reason to plan for the beach. Most hotels and apartments will allow you to leave your luggage after checkout, so you can pack up, drag yourself to the water, and let the last few rays of sunshine wash away your sins. This is the perfect close to an amazing weekend in Barcelona, and you will honestly be amazed at the curing properties the Mediterranean Sea seems to have on your aching body.

So what are you waiting for? Leave the dreary London skyline behind and lose yourself in the Spanish city that never sleeps!

Exploring a town, city or region for the first time is always great fun, and there are various ways you can go about it, from the conventional to the wacky, weird and wonderful.

Playing it safe and taking the traditional city tour can be great for those of us looking for a dependable, reliable way to make sure we don’t miss out on any highlights.

But for those among us seeking a little spirit and adventure in our voyages of discovery, there are usually fairly inexpensive alternatives to the humdrum, injecting that frisson of excitement into our experience of a destination.

Take a look at these five delicious European mad modes of transport from east and west, to guarantee your sightseeing has an air of eccentricity about it! Click the numbered headings to read more about each quirky conveyance.

1.) Enjoy a city tour of Prague in a shocking pink Škoda Felicia convertible…

Although Prague is culturally and economically on a par with the rest of its European counterparts today, you can still hark back to cold war days with a tour of the city’s hotspots in this iconic communist convertible.

2.) Take the longest trolleybus ride in the world – from Yalta to Simferopol…

Most tourists opt for a plane or taxi, but you can cruise through the Crimean mountains in a genuine old Škoda trolleybus on this epic 86 kilometre journey at the pace of a snail.

3.) Ride the meanest, greenest solar train to see what’s what in Maastricht…

It’s quirky, clean and fun, and will get you round the sights of the Dutch city of Maastricht using nothing but the power of old Phoebus himself.

4.) Drive your own Trabant around Berlin’s east side…

Get behind the wheel of a real, live genuine Trabant and explore Berlin as part of a Trabi Safari. It’s not so bad once you’ve mastered the revolver gear shift…

5.) From the French frontier to the Dutch border, discover the scenic Belgian coastline on the Kusttram…

The De Lijn Belgian Coastal Tramway is a great way to cover the whole of Belgium’s diverse coastline – all 68 kilometres of it!

If the travel bug is giving you a case of the wanderlust blues, why not satisfy your adventurous spirit with a trip to Honolulu? That’s right, Hawaii’s best city is also the perfect spot for soaking up the sun, exploring the great outdoors, and enjoying all the restaurants and activities the island has to offer. With tropical travels in mind, here are just a few things you can expect when visiting the island of Oahu’s most popular city, Honolulu.

Things to Do

Honolulu is an absolute paradise that provides visitors with endless activities to choose from. As for outdoor activities, the lightly strenuous Makapuu Lighthouse Trail offers adventure seekers beautiful bird’s eye view of the tropical surroundings as well as one of the best sunrise views in all of Oahu. There’s also the Hanuama Bay Nature Preserve, which is the perfect spot to snorkel among live coral and tropical fish.

If you’re a history buff, Honolulu is also home to some amazing monuments and museums. The Pearl Harbor/WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument is a stunning tribute to fallen soldiers. In addition, the USS Missouri Memorial is a floating museum housed in the great battleship and is devoted to preserving the historic day of infamy surrounding WWII.

The Restaurants

You’ll probably work up an appetite after your full day of hiking and visiting museums and monuments. Luckily, Honolulu has the most eclectic, delicious restaurants out of all the Hawaiian Islands. For five-star dining, La Mer, Yoshitsune Restaurant, and Hoku’s offer amazing entrées inspired by the sea and the Hawaiian culture.

When it comes to dining in a more casual atmosphere, there’s also Tiki’s Grill & Bar, Duke’s Waikiki, and Helena’s Hawaiian Food, which has authentic Hawaiian dishes like Kalua Pig and all the Poi you can eat. A number of the restaurants in Honolulu are located between the downtown district and Honolulu Harbor, which is great if you’re wandering the city by foot.

The Accommodations

Because Honolulu and the Waikiki neighborhood are vacation hotspots, the hotels in the area are second to none. Five-star hotels and resorts along Honolulu Bay include the Moana Surfrider Resort & Spa, The Royal Hawaiian, and The Kahala Hotel & Resort.

Other accommodations in the area include the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel and the Lotus Honolulu, which are both next to breathtaking Diamond Head Beach. There are a bunch of great sites for looking for a great hotel or if you need an online guide to Honolulu for your Hawaiian getaway.

The Beaches

Honolulu is a sunbather’s and beach lover’s paradise, so it’s no surprise there are plenty of picturesque beaches to choose from along the coast. Diamond Head is probably the most popular beach in the area and offers a nice stretch of sandy real estate, rolling waves for surfing, and spectacular views of the Diamond Head volcanic crater. Other notable, less-crowded beaches include Kahala Beach, San Souci Beach, and Ala Moana Beach Park.

When your wanderlust gets the better of you, let Honolulu satisfy your adventurous travel spirit.

Image via Flickr by snowpeak