Spring
If you want great weather without the crowds, spring is the time to come to Ibiza. Add to that wildflower-covered countryside, fennel-scented hedgerows and a relaxed pace of life and you’ve got the makings of a great holiday. You’ll find the pristine white sand beaches that are packed with bodies in the summer empty at this time of year and the twisting roads free of the congestion that also befalls the island a few months later. Some of the touristy restaurants are shut outside the peak summer months but this could be a blessing, especially to a budget backpacker. Follow the locals and find rustic, good value tavernas such as C’an Berri Vell in the tiny village of Sant Agusti.

Summer
The peak summer months are the most exciting but also the most expensive and crowded. However, if you’re into clubbing this is the time to come. From the opening parties on the last weekend in May to the closing parties across the last weekend in September, Ibiza is the undisputed party capital of the world. The world-famous clubs of Amnesia, Pacha, Space and Es Paradis host the top DJs from across the globe and beachfront bars such as Cafe Mambo and Cafe del Mar pump out chill-out music as the sun sets. If clubbing’s not your cup of tea, head north to quieter beaches and untouristy villages.

Autumn
Come the beginning of October, the island winds down from the craziness of the high season – the beaches are quieter, securing a table at a restaurant is easier, accommodation is cheaper, and it is generally a far more chilled-out time to visit Ibiza, yet the weather can still be great. Temperatures in October average in the mid 20°C during the day, with cooler evenings making sleep easier. October is also the month to shop at Ibiza’s annual Autumn Craft Fair. Held in the first fortnight of October, the market is packed with stalls selling handmade jewellery, textiles, glass, ceramics and leather. And if you still fancy a big night out, Pacha is open year-round at the weekends.

Winter
The sea may be too cold to swim in but the sky is blue and the sun warms even the coolest days. The hills bloom with beautiful almond blossom in February and the cooler weather makes for perfect walking conditions. Head for the hills surrounding the quaint village of Santa Agnes and enjoy a couple of hours of walking in the almond blossom-scented countryside. Reward yourself with an inexpensive but utterly delicious lunch of tortilla and chips at C’an Cosmi back in Santa Agnes.

Image: victoriapeckham

Go Inside Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere

Image: Dave Hamster

When you look up how to get to Rome’s Church of Santa Maria, you will come up with several options. Be sure you are heading to the church in Trastevere, built way back in 337 A.D. The Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere is said to be the oldest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in all of Rome. In 1138, it was restored with a Romanesque bell tower.

Take an Evening Passegiata in Piazza Santa Maria

The popular gathering place in Trastevere is easily Piazza Santa Maria. The Piazza completes with an octagonal fountain restored by Carlo Fontana, of all names, at the center of the square. Piazza Santa Maria, like the rest of this city, is of Roman origin. The evening passeggiata is a ritual that takes place here, as it has for centuries. Locals and tourists come out to roam the streets before or after dinnertime. On occasion, street performers will park in this historic Piazza to entertain the masses. If people-watching is your sport of choice, Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere should be your perch while in Rome.

Dine Down A Side Street

Trastevere is home to so many restaurants that it can be difficult to select a good one. Some of the best eateries lie down side streets in this neighborhood. If you are in the market for some of Rome’s best pizza, Dar Poeta can be found perfectly on one of those side streets in Trastevere. The slow-rising dough and cheap prices draw in the crowds of locals and a few travelers in the know. Be sure to arrive here early or you will have to wait it out with the crowds in the tiny street in front of the pizzeria. Most seating is out in the open, complete with red and white checkered tablecloths.

Take in Trastevere’s Nightlife

In Rome, there is always a sea of activity, especially at night. This city could give New York a run as the other city that never sleeps. Trastevere is a big part of that nocturnal side to Rome. The neighborhood features countless bars and drinking holes. It is the place to be at night, whether you are a mere tourist or an in-the-know local. Those traveling solo will have a hard time feeling alone in the midst of Trastevere’s nightlife. The area is also generally very safe at night for there is so much activity going on. The bars open up into the streets, many with seating looking out on to the action. Park yourself at a table, watch the world go by and make some friends. The magic of Rome’s nightlife appears to be centered in Trastevere.

Image: theowl84

To appreciate the greatness of Graz you better appreciate a good party scene. The lively university city finds great nightlife comes naturally. As you battle the hangover from the night before in Graz, head out to see these must-see sights. Be

Schlossberg

Set up above the city, some 473 meters above Graz, Schlossberg constitutes the original fortress that stood here in the days of old. A number of paths snake their way up to it. Your calf muscles will get a work out, but the top is deserving of all of that exercise. In spring, the gardens bloom ever so brightly. The Schlossberg area also holds an open air theater and a bar/restaurant. This is a good spot to pause for a coffee, especially when the rain begins to pour.

Murinsel

Murinsel is Graz’s manmade island, a bridge of sorts. Composed of metal and plastic Mur Island, as it is referred, sits right in the middle of the Mur River. The modern floating landmark even has a café that floats along with it. When the Mur River is a tad angry, Murinsel feels a bit more like an amusement park ride as it bounces with the tides.

Schloss Eggenberg

A sight so perfect you might walk up to it and pinch it to see if it is real, Schloss Eggenberg rests on the western edges of the city. Created for the Eggenberg dynasty in 1625, the baroque palace invites peacocks and other strange looking birds to roam its grounds. Once you enter the palace, you will realize where the Eggenberg family was coming from. Prince Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg wanted the space to lend a cosmic harmony in its construction. That being said, the floors carry visitors in hierarchical order, starting with everyday life on the ground floor and up to the ideal world on the top.

Schlossberg Cave Railway

For just 20 minutes, the Schlossberg Cave Railway takes you on the longest grotto railway in Europe. The rails lead through fairytale scenes, but it was not always princes and princesses. Many of the tunnels were used as havens from allied bombing during World War II.

Landhausfhof

If you still aren’t impressed with the underlying beauty of Graz, head to Landhaushof. The Italian Renaissance courtyard features a three-tiered gallery connected by walkways. It is one of the most celebrated examples of Renaissance architecture in Austria.

The City Park

In the middle of the university hustle and bustle is Stadtpark, the city’s largest green space. College students come to lie out here and who can blame them. Surrounding the Stadtpark are loads of cheap places to eat and drink in the area including Propeller Bar. The bar is a sure fire way to meet the masses of international students that come to study in Graz.

The Opera House

While Vienna’s Opera House will always garner more attention, Graz’s Opera House is still the second largest in the country. Within the Opera House, you should catch a performance for many musical talents have been born here.

Figure out Kunsthaus

On the bank of the Mur River, a strange sight presents. Kunsthaus was created under the visions of Peter Cook and Colin Fournier, architects from the UK. Today it is a contemporary art space, but most come to look at the building itself. Spend some time imagining what the “out there” design means.

So if you’re feeling a bit, well, under the weather, here’s an antidote for those winter blues: hop on a cheap flight to any one of the Canary Islands. Situated off the north-west coast of mainland Africa, the islands, which form an autonomous Spanish community, enjoy a subtropical climate. In fact, you’ll find the winters here warmer than anywhere else in Europe. So there’s no need to pack any winter clothes.

There are eight islands to choose from but if you are looking to avoid the crowds, head for La Gomera, the second smallest and certainly one of the least spoilt islands. San Sebastian is the main centre and is good base with a fine selection of hotels, restaurants and bars. And there’s also a regular ferry service to La Palma and Tenerife should you wish to venture further afield. But if you’re happy to take it reasonably easy and potter about, this island is perfect.

There are two beaches in San Sebastian: Playa de Seebastian and the smaller and quieter Playa de la Cueva.

If you like your comforts, you won’t be disappointed by the island’s state-owned Parador, which enjoys fantastic views over the town and the sea. Like all Spanish Paradors, this hotel is a historic building and has been very beautifully and sympathetically appointed. Here you’ll find a delightful Moorish inner courtyard and a spectacular swimming pool. The bedrooms are generously proportioned with large beds with stiff linen sheets. And the food is excellent.

La Gomera is a walker’s paradise. You get the sense that you can walk here for two weeks and never retrace your steps.

Our first walk took us from Las Toscas, in the south of the island. We were 200 miles from the coast of Africa. Released from the harsh British winter, I simply couldn’t quite believe the dazzling quality of the light. It had that clarity you see at the beginning or end of a perfect summer’s day – a gift to photographers. On La Gomera, though, it was like this all day long. Our first walk was pretty dramatic, for this is a volcanic island, and the landscape has a prehistoric look. Volcanoes were last active here around 9 million years ago – give or take a couple of million.

This lovely island is shaped by its explosive past. The history of the place is written in stone: there are strange chimneys of solidified lava with nicknames like "The Plug" or "The Sombrero".

Despite this rocky terrain, the landscape is enlivened by such plants as aloe vera, euphorbia and tiny orchids. You will also spot canaries, though thankfully there are no snakes or nasty insects to worry about.

Our walk ended at the village of El Cercado where we plonked ourselves down in a charming cafe whose walls were decorated with cigarette lighters and key rings. Lunch couldn’t have been bettered: almogrote, a local cheesy paté laced with chillies, and potaje de berros – a fabulous homemade watercress soup. As if this wasn’t enough, we were then served goat’s cheese and helped ourselves to rabbit stew. The perfect end to a perfect day.

Alex Pearl is a freelance copywriter and is the author of ‘Sleeping with the Blackbirds.’

Image: greenacre8

But you know what? There is a reason for not mindlessly booking a last minute trip to the cheapest place. Often the cheapest place is the most awful. The most crowded, the most English speaking, and the least ‘authentic.’ Funnily enough this phenomenon does not abound on the shores of the UK. If you go to any seaside resort in the UK you are certain to get an authentic experience. There will be fish and chips, there will be seagulls, there will be jewellery boxes decorated with shells in the tacky tourist shops. It has been that way for years.

And while recommending a holiday on the Great British coast is the cop-out many people have tried in the last few years, often it just doesn’t hit the spot. It is just not hot enough. A symptom of this need for extra heat is that Spain has the largest community of British expats of all the European countries. There are hundreds of thousands of Brits over there. And they’re scattered in different places. Unfortunately, this has lead, in places, to the destruction of what once was, and Benidorm is actually protected by the Spanish Government in the state it’s in – to serve as an example to the world of how not to overdevelop for the purposes of tourism and the expat community. As such, a last minute holiday to Benidorm is not worth the recommendation. You might want to cross off Mallorca, Minorca and Ibiza too.

If going on a last minute holiday to Spain or its islands, staying away from the places listed regularly on last minute websites is probably a pretty safe bet. Head for the lesser-known places and avoid package deals including flights as well as hotels and food altogether. There are plenty of websites where you can find a cheap flight. Word of mouth recommendations for places and accommodation therein are usually the best – but a small recommendation here, the Brighton of Spain, Sitges can be combined with a weekend stay in Barcelona for a holiday that despite the presence of expats and tourists is friendly and beautiful. Sitges has several beaches and the town is cobbled and boasts lovely restaurants and a good nightlife. Barcelona is a wonderful city to explore, with great shopping, food and museums like the Picasso Museum. There is a train that runs from Sitges to Barcelona in a short space of time.

John Hutchinson has enjoyed travelling since he was a young boy when his parents first took him to visit family overseas. Since leaving home, John has tracked down family all over the world and regularly jets off to faraway lands to see distant relatives.

Image: www.jordiarmengol.net (Xip)

There are plenty of people who ache a little inside when they hear stories of the man who knowing his girlfriend was flying in to London surprised her not only by meeting her at the airport, but by having booked a cheap flight to New York leaving soon after her arrival. They had only to turn a corner to be headed out there for a romantic weekend. Or more simply, the guy who arranged an impromptu surprise Eurostar trip to Paris. Whole pages online and in magazines are devoted to the most romantic proposals worldwide – from a hawk flying to the fiancée-to-be with the ring, to the question being written out in the sand by hotel concierges before you arrive for dinner on the beach. It’s true that the best romance-filled experiences are the ones that are surprises, the places you discover with your other half that weren’t on the itinerary. As such, recommendations can’t show these places up for you. However, here are some of the loveliest places within the great destinations in Europe where you can appreciate your other.

Grand Place in Brussels is beautiful. It is possible to walk past the Mannequin Pis, have an inexpensive meal nearby served by charming staff, before turning a corner and suddenly being right in it. Then looking happily in wonder at the resplendent square – which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best time to see it is in the weeks leading up to Christmas, when it is completely transformed. The Town Hall often has lights on it that flash different colours, sometimes in time to music. There is a nativity scene with real sheep and a huge Christmas tree at the centre, covered in lights. Every two years in summer, for a few days a carpet of flowers is laid out in the centre of the square.

The Tuileries Garden in Paris provide a beautiful and grassy spot to hang out away from the main bustle of the centre of Paris, while being right in it at the same time – much like Central Park in New York. There is a wonderful water fountain at the entrance as well as some sculpture dotted about, including a Henry Moore. The Café de Pomone in the shade at the centre of the gardens is a lovely place to sit and drink and people watch together.

Finally, the Trafalgar Hotel in London has a secret. (Okay, it isn’t that secret). At the top of the building is a roof terrace from where you can eat and drink and look down on London from above. A good view is after all, very important.

Marco Pasquale is not a hopeless romantic, but recognises a good spot for spending quality time with someone when he sees it. He spends much of his time between large cities, where finding these places keeps a person sane.

Image: Toni Kaarttinen

The only way to get around Venice is by boat or on foot, and the lack of cars and motorbikes give the city a very special atmosphere. You don’t have to splash out on expensive gondolas or water taxis, however – you can enjoy most of the same views from the reasonably-priced Vaporetto (waterbus).

If it’s your first visit to Venice, head straight to Piazza San Marco, the city’s grandest square, dominated by the beautiful Basilica of San Marco, its Campanile (bell tower), and the Doge’s Palace. For amazing views over Venice’s rooftops, the lagoon, and even out to the distant Alps, pay a few Euros to take the lift to the top of the 98.6-metre Campanile, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Next head to the nearby Bridge of Sighs, which passes over a canal connecting the old prisons to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace. Built in 1602, this bridge gave convicts their last view of Venice before their incarceration.

Next up, take a trip along the aptly-named Grand Canal, lined with many of the Venice’s most famous palaces and buildings such as the Accademia Gallery and Santa Maria Della Salute, a baroque church built as a votive offering for the city’s deliverance from the Plague. The canal is crossed by three important bridges: the Accademia, the famous Rialto with its double row of shops, and the Scalzi.

Venice also boasts many famous Gothic churches, museums such as the Ca’Rezzonico palace, and galleries such as Venier dei Leoni Palace, which is home to the famous Peggy Guggenheim collection.

If you’re there for more than a few days, or are on a return trip, you may be able to squeeze in a few different sights. A popular excursion is to the surrounding lagoon islands such as nearby Murano, world-famous for its glass-making factories, and Burano, known for its handmade lace. Burano in particular is a charming island, about 40 minutes from Venice by waterbus, and well worth the trip for the many photo opportunities offered up by its vibrantly-coloured fishermen’s houses and network of canals.

Finally, if you fancy a day on the beach during Venice’s warmer months, head to Lido de Venezia, an island about 12 minutes by water bus from San Marco, which is home to an 11km-long sandbar that gets heaving with sun-seekers in the summer.

This post was written on behalf of Insure and Go, which offers a comprehensive range of travel insurance policies to suit a wide variety of travellers.

Image: bridgink

Vatican City

Even for those intrepid travellers who usually eschew the guided tour, Vatican City is one place I would definitely recommend it. There’s so much to see and without the help of someone familiar with its wonders, you may not fully appreciate the extent of one of the world’s most important art collections, especially in the Vatican museums.

Of course the highlight of this tour is to behold one of the world’s greatest masterpieces: the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo. I would urge you not to be the visitor who talks loudly or starts taking photos with massive flash (or better yet, suggests to your husband that it would make a great ceiling decoration for your bedroom at home). Have some respect!

Image: p_valdivieso

St Peter’s

You certainly won’t be disappointed standing under Michelangelo’s dome, at the heart of centuries of faith. With a mixture of renaissance and baroque influences the interior is a marvel to see and the intricacy and workmanship will leave you in awe. The highlight of a visit to St Peter’s is a climb to the dome. That picture you always see on those postcards? That’s where it is taken! Fantastic views across Rome and not a terribly difficult climb. The last leg in the dome where you are walking at an angle can be slightly awkward but manageable nonetheless. And worth it!

Image: Michael in San Diego, California

Image: MarcelGermain

Colosseum

Approaching 2000 years old, the Colosseum is Rome’s greatest amphitheatre. You will shake your head at the fact that parts of this amazing structure were plundered to be used in other buildings. Nevertheless, even in it’s ruined state it is still an impressive sight, particularly at night when it’s dramatically lit.

Image: Viaggiatore Fantasma

Trevi Fountain

In the scale of Rome’s history, the coin-filled fountain is a relatively new addition to the city. The fountain represents the contrasting moods of the sea. Legend has it if you throw three coins over your shoulder into the fountain, you are sure to return to Rome (I sure hope so!). I felt silly doing it, but when in Rome…

Image: Gabludlow

Spanish Steps – Fontana della Barcaccia

A distinctive landmark in the city, the Spanish steps is a great place to chill, day or night, and take in the ambience and style of the city. Spread throughout this area you’ll find buskers and sometimes a few artists. At night particularly by Fontana della Barcaccia (the fountain at the bottom of the steps) it’s pretty active and a great place to people watch.

Image: Sean Munson

Pantheon

A marvel of Roman engineering, turned church, the Pantheon boasts an impressive Dome with an Oculus (hole in the roof) providing the only source of light. Art history buffs will feel like they’ve stepped straight out of a textbook and even those less artily-inclined will appreciate the tomb of one of the great painters of the renaissance, Raphael.

Image: Aesum

Santa Maria del Popolo

This church is an impressive collection of artistic treasures- including two Caravaggio masterpieces and works by Raphael and Bernini. If you have ever read Angels and Demons, this church is where one of the scenes is set! I actually took my copy of the book with me. Was interesting to read the passage, particularly the explanations of the various symbolism and imagery.

Image: su-lin

Forum

The Forum, in its youth, was the power centre of the great city of Rome- the commercial, judicial and political centre of the Roman Empire. I couldn’t even begin to elaborate on the various temples and basilicas to be seen here, but you certainly won’t be disappointed. Although it means a separate admission, I would also suggest while you are here to check out the Palatine; the rumoured home of Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. 

Image: Rickydavid

Final note on:

Accommodation

As you can imagine there are many Hostels and Hotels in Rome. I stayed very close to the Termini- it’s the perfect central location to explore the city and there are cheap eats and restaurants dotted around.  

Transport

Getting around the city is quite simple. If you’ve done any metro or underground across the world you’ll find Rome’s to be one of the easiest. It only has two lines, A and B, and they span the city in a giant cross. It’s no London Underground- that’s for sure. If you’re feeling adventurous I would suggest taking the metro out but walking back. Not only is it fun to get lost and go exploring but you’ll see a lot of the city this way

Arrivederci!

Have you been to Rome? What was the best thing you did? Leave your comments below!

Malta and Gozo lack sandy beaches and hundreds of tourists flock to Comino by boat for the day. Comino, especially the Blue Lagoon, is a beautiful spot with white sand and clear blue water which is perfect for snorkelling. As beautiful as Comino is, it’s vastly overcrowded.

Image: qfwfq78

I don’t want to put anyone off from visiting the Blue Lagoon on Comino. Far from it, the place is beautiful, and it’s a scenic boat trip from either Gozo or Malta.

My advice would be that if you are visiting Comino make sure you catch an early boat to beat the crowds. My other tip would be that you should take the short five minute walk to the other side of Comino you’ll find the water is exactly the same except for that fact that it’s empty! We didn’t see a single soul for about two hours. Paradise all to yourself!

Image: Tntimo

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