Cape Cod, just 55 miles from downtown Boston is the most easterly hook of US soil stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean. The Cape is the famous landing point for the English Pilgrims in 1602 and is nature reserve, fishing community and playground all rolled up in 64 miles of sand-edged, pine-filled natural beauty.

Entering the Cape across the Cape Cod Canal via one of two bridges will bring you into the Upper Cape, in the northern town of Bourne, a quiet town without the summer rush of other places on the cape. The Canal itself is famous for its fishing and the town is surrounded by quiet harbours and inlets for bathing and fishing.

Before heading south to explore the rest of the cape, visitors should head north to the settlement of Sandwich at the top of the cape. Attractions in this quiet residential town remind visitors of the colonial history of the Cape with the oldest house, Hoxie House, the Heritage Plantation and the Glass Museum all located in Sandwich Village just a short distance from the marina, on the canal.

Moving south, back past Bourne and passing the large, though attractive commercial centre of Falmouth to the west, visit Mashpee one of the last remaining homes of the Wampanoag Nation, the Native American tribe who met the pilgrims all those centuries ago. There is a museum in the town telling the history of the people. Mashpee has over five miles of beaches on Nantucket and Vineyard and one of the largest freshwater ponds on the Cape and runs at a relaxed pace.

Moving east you can pass through the mid Cape villages of Barnstable, the highlight being Hyannis with its harbour steamship access to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard and the JFK Museum. To the east lies the college community of Falmouth and the art centre of Dennis with its old summer theatre the Cape Playhouse.

To the east of Dennis passing into the lower cape lies the conservation centred Brewster with 24 freshwater ponds. Brewster incorporates the Nickerson State Park with biking and hiking trails and boating, fishing and swimming in the ponds. Also on the lower cape is Harwich, centre of the cranberry industry, with its Portuguese farmhouses, and Orleans, the gateway to the outer cape.

The Outer Cape is home to the Cape Cod National Seashore, which is testament to the love affair between John F Kennedy and the area. JFK gave much of his time and energy helping to establish the National Seashore and preserve its beauty, work which continues today. The cape is home to the beautiful seaside town of Truro where the Mayflower pilgrims found their first spring to drink from, and where the Cape Cod Light, the Cape’s first lighthouse was built in 1797, though today’s structure dates from 1857. Truro and the National Seashore give visitors the typical Cape ambience of whitewashed houses and outstanding beaches.

Wherever you go on the Cape, art galleries, shops selling locally-made treasures and delicious seafood abound, with all the natural attractions of the beach. A tour of the Cape is a wonderful modern day pilgrimage.

Madrid´s culinary offerings rarely fail to impress any visitor. Whether you are looking for traditional or contemporary food, budget or luxury, Madrid offers it all. Excellent Vegetarian options are also available, which may surprise those who know Spain for its cured ham, chorizo, sausages, and seafood paella.  If you are travelling to Madrid for a culinary experience you will be pleased to know that most restaurants are easily accessible from many of the luxury and cheap hotels in Madrid which are centrally located to the city centre. Here are some recommendations of restaurants in central Madrid:

Best for Contemporary

Spanish Tapas

The designer tapas chain Lateral specializes in pinchos, which are bite-sized tapas often served on a small slice of baguette. Whilst the décor is contemporary at its best, traditional Spanish ingredients like Iberian ham and codfish are combined into creative and modern pinchos, like Iberian ham with apple preserves and foie gras, sirloin with caramelized onion, and rolled salmon stuffed with ham, apple preserves, and cheese. The house sangria is also excellent and one to try. There are now six sleek and stylishly decorated locations conveniently spread around central Madrid.

For a contemporary sit-down meal, Restaurante Ginger may be the best bang for your buck in the city. Menu highlights include the codfish with eggplant mousse and crispy leeks as well as unusual salads like the goat cheese salad with crispy maize and apple. All meat, poultry, seafood and vegetarian options are equally enticing, all presented beautifully. La Finca de Susana, Bazar, La Gloria de Montera, and Public are also owned by the same restaurateur and feature similar menu items and surprisingly reasonable prices.

Best for Traditional

Madrid´s most famous traditional Spanish restaurant is undoubtedly Restaurante Botín. Cited in the Guinness Book of World Records as the World´s oldest continually running restaurant, Botín features a traditional wood-fired oven just as you enter the restaurant where chefs prepare made-to-order roast suckling pig and baby lamb. The menu also offers a wide variety of traditional Spanish dishes and the 25-page wine list is impressive.

Hidden in a picturesque alley behind a church, Cafetería San Ginés is a local legend. Since it supposedly never closes, locals and visitors alike enjoy the traditional thick hot chocolate with sweet salty churros at any time of day. There is practically always a line, but for good reason. Even in the early hours of the morning, patrons line-up as the bar hopping crowd stops by for a midnight snack or an early breakfast. Turn-of-the-century tables and mirrors give the restaurant an old-fashioned feel.

Botin Restaurant, Madrid

Photo credit: Mobilephotosheindenstrom

Best for Vegetarian

Vegaviana is located in Chueca, Madrid´s trendy gay-friendly district full of bars, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. The high-quality vegetarian food at Vegaviana is very reasonably priced.  On the menu you will find canelones with spinach, zucchini and cheese burritos, eggplant parmesan, and the leek, squash and spinach pie can´t be beaten. The decorations are simple and functional, yet the restaurant has a cozy touch. While it may not have swanky décor, if what you´re looking for is excellent food at a good price Vegaviana is the perfect choice.

La Isla del Tesoro is a more upscale vegetarian restaurant, though an affordable multi-course fixed price menu is offered at midday. All dishes are made with whole grains and organic ingredients. House specialties include tofu and stir-fried vegetable loaf, yellow-curry soy noodles with vegetables and pasta stuffed with apple, walnuts. The hippie sheik décor complement the beautifully presented vegetarian dishes.

The overall ambience is elegant, tropical and romantic, with modern minimalism enhanced by elements of traditional Mauritian style. There are several different types of accommodation on offer, from deluxe rooms to the Royal suite and villas, and all have wonderful ocean views, air conditioning, the latest technology and the services of a private butler The three private villas each have two master king bedrooms and one queen bedroom, their own private infinity pool, garden and separate entrance. Each villa benefits from 24 hour personal manager service and its own chef and waiting staff.

There can be no luxury without excellent food, and the resort’s five restaurants do not disappoint. 398, the aptly named main buffet restaurant, is on 3 floors, and serves 9 different types of cuisine from 8 different kitchens. Barlen’s beach restaurant and bar, presided over by the ever-smiling Barlen himself, serves Asian and European fusion cuisine. Safran offers modern interpretations of classic Indian fare….and two island restaurants provide a casual atmosphere in which to enjoy fresh fish dishes and light dishes such as pizza.

As expected in a luxury resort, there is a spa. This is one of the few world-wide run by Givenchy using Swisscare products from the Group LVMH laboratories, and the treatments from rigorously trained masseurs and masseuses are much appreciated by guests. The resort also has a hairdressing salon.

An outstanding facility is the 18-hole golf course designed by Bernhard Langer. Not only is it particularly beautiful, it is carefully managed by leaders-in-the-field IMG to be as environmentally responsible as possible. Then there is the Golf Academy and driving range with 5 target greens, a pro shop, a clubhouse and a restaurant.

Other facilities include a fitness centre and a tennis club with 4 floodlit courts. There is also a jogging track and a jogging partner can be arranged. Also on offer are bocciball (like bowling), volleyball, aqua-gym lessons, archery, badminton and football.

On the water, canoes, kayaks, laser sailing dinghies, sailing boats, pedal boats, glass-bottom boat trips, snorkelling, unlimited water-skiing and windsurfing are all complimentary. For a fee, Scuba diving (PADI and CMAS), deep-sea fishing, parasailing, banana and tube rides and catamaran sailing are available.

It’s just a short ride by water taxi to reach the two islands out in the coral reef protected lagoon that form part of the resort. Ilot Mangénie provides beaches, a bar and a restaurant while Ile aux Cerfs is home to the golf course, water sports, restaurants, bars and beaches.

While the resort is ideal for couples and honeymooners, it is also both family-friendly and a great venue for meetings and conferences. There are 2 free clubs for children: the T-club provides fun and sports training for 4 to 11 year olds and the teens club for 12 to 17 year olds offers sports, excursions and discos. The Orchid and Jasmine Rooms, each accommodating up to 100 people, can be partitioned for breakaway meetings.

Guests regularly report how much they have enjoyed the facilities as well as the superbly warm, friendly and helpful service. All in all, this resort’s plus points add up to an impressive list. It’s well worth considering for anyone visiting Mauritius.

Family holidays in Devon are always great value for money, especially if you head up to north Devon, which also has a fantastic range of family friendly accommodation offering a vast range of activities and facilities. If you want beaches with great waves for body boarding and plenty of space for beach games then head to Woolacombe or Saunton Sands, while Barricane, Combesgate, Rockham and Grunta are the best destinations for delving into rock pools. There are also plenty of other attractions to keep children and adults occupied including glass blowing at Dartington Crystal and a trip on the beautiful Lynton and Barnstaple railway.

South Wales has some of the best beaches in the world and as yet remains relatively undiscovered and largely unspoilt, with plenty of space for you and your family to spread out and run wild. A week’s holiday in this part of the UK and you could visit a different beach each day and still have plenty more to visit on your next holiday. Budding extreme sports fans will love this coastline, with landsailing on Cefn Sidan and paragliding and surfing at Rhossili. Secluded Barafundle Bay in West Wales is great for youngsters who love to head off on a beach combing exploration and the sea in midsummer is really quite pleasant (if you are used to British sea temperatures).

Norfolk is famous for its long pale beaches backed by sand dunes and its traditional British beach holiday with Victorian piers, fish and chips, buckets and spades, ice cream dribbling down your chin, seaside cafés, and colourful windbreaks topped off with good old fashioned family fun! Beaches at Cromer, Wells-next-the-Sea, Hunstanton and Sheringham all come top of the list for families. The Pleasure Beach in Great Yarmouth offers full-throttle white knuckle rides, water attractions and fun rides to keep the children (and adults) happy for hours, and its free.

Situated in the south of the UK the New Forest National Park is a haven for adventurous families. There are plenty of activities on offer such as archery, bike hire, canoeing, combat games, kayaking, cycling and sea kayaking. Treasure Trails and guided walks take place all over the area taking in ancient historical sites and wildlife spotting. Drawing on the resources of The New Forest, the Countryside Education Trust organises courses and activities for children and adults to learn about, understand and care for the countryside. Car and movie lovers should head to the Beaulieu National Motor Museum, which includes a James Bond exhibition and animal lovers will have a great day out at Marwell Wildlife Park.

The Cotswolds are full of English charm with some of the country’s most beautiful rolling countryside, sleepy villages, forests and rivers, excellent food, adventure and animal parks galore and a wide range of quality family accommodation and activities. Families will be spoilt for choice with great days out such as the Cotswold Water Park where you can have a go at stand-up paddle boarding or water zorbing (walking on water in a giant bubble!) or the quaint Dragonfly Maze at Bourton-on-the-Water with a secret surprise at its centre.

The largest event planned for New Year’s Eve is the fireworks on the South Bank, at the London Eye. This is a ten minute event that will start after Big Ben chimes midnight. Check out the fireworks from Westminster Bridge, as it is one of the best places to view them from, although they can be seen throughout central London. This fireworks display is free to attend.

For those more interested in a good New Year’s Eve party instead, all of London’s pubs and clubs will be having New Year’s celebrations of their own, with the most recognized event of this type being Keep Calm and Party On. This New Year’s Eve party is put together by two popular London clubs, belowzero and IceBar London. Tickets for this event start at £39.

Or would you like to ring in the New Year with King Henry III? It can happen at the Medieval Banquet, which is held in St. Katherine’s Dock. Put on your fancy clothes and enjoy a 5 course banquet, champagne and dancing, along with entertainment by King Henry’s Court. Prices for this event begin at £80.

Two parties will be taking place at Southbank Centre this New Year’s Eve: The Guilty Pleasures New Years Eve Party, with tickets starting at £50, and The Southbank Centre New Years Eve Party, with tickets starting at £80. Both of these parties will have plentiful music and dancing, with both indoor accomodations and outdoor areas with spectacular views of the fireworks on the South Bank.

Ringing in the New Year aboard a river cruise is always another option in London. The River Thames provides the perfect background for a romantic cruise along the water. Those that choose to spend New Year’s on the river will also be able to enjoy the South Bank’s fireworks, as most of the river boats stay within viewing range of the display.

There are many other events happening for New Year’s, including dinner specials at many restaurants and within the luxury hotels in London city. No matter how New Year’s Eve is spent in London, there is a great time to be had by all.

Sharm el Sheikh is probably the most popular tourist location in Egypt and is commonly referred to as ‘Sharm’ by people who travel here or those who live locally. As soon as you arrive it is easy to see why this is such a popular tourist destination. There is so much on offer here and you will be sure of an amazing holiday with the whole family, regardless of their ages, while staying here.

Accommodation:

You will find a vast array of accommodation on offer here and regardless of your budget you should find something that suits your requirements and those of your family. There are well known hotels here such as Hilton and Marriott and then there are more local places such as apartments and bed & breakfast accommodation on offer.

Amenities:

Many of the larger hotels here are home to private beaches and some even have scuba diving schools to ensure that you get the most out of your stay here. You will find some wonderful diving spots on site at the larger hotels and some places actually offer private boat trips out in to the ocean to allow you to explore the depths that the sea has to offer. Lots of the hotels offer such a fantastic experience of Egypt, the cuisine, the night life and the activities that it is
actually possible to enjoy an amazing holiday here without having to actually leave the grounds of your hotel once.

Activities:

There is so much to see and do in Egypt. You can take trips to see the Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Cairo and numerous other places or you can enjoy some the activities available in the local area. With horseback riding, camel trips and quad biking being just some of the ways to explore the desert here it is simple to see why people travel here again and again on their holidays. If being a little adventurous is not your thing that you can enjoy some swimming, fishing, shopping or
even just have some pampering at one of the local salons.

Dining:

There is such a wide variety of different cuisines available here that you could eat here every day for a month and never have the same dish twice. A vast array of fresh fish and meats are used here and there are many different vegetables on offer also. You can experience wonderful locally produced dishes and really experience a true taste of Egypt.

Weather:

The skies are blue here for the majority of the year and you will find that the temperatures range from the mid teens right up to the early forties with July and August being the best months to visit if you are looking for the warmest weather and the most hours of sunlight per day with July packing in up to 400 hours of sunlight in just over 4 weeks!

Night life:

Na’ama Bay holds the key to the majority of the nightlife here and you will find clubs playing local music and chart toppers from back home and this will ensure that there is something here for the whole family to enjoy whether they are 18 or 80! You will find some delicious cocktails on offer here and amazing drinks from all around the world.

So in conclusion you will probably agree that there is lots to see and do on a Sharm el Sheikh holiday!

Tampa, a coastal city in west central Florida, is a vibrant metropolitan area that offers much to see and do.

The biggest, most well-known attraction in the Tampa region is without a doubt Busch Gardens, a sprawling family-friendly theme park with its own zoo. Busch Gardens‘ main attractions are roller coasters. You won’t want to miss the animal-inspired Cheetah Hunt and the African-themed Serengeti Railway. Test the limits of your fears with the famous Busch Gardens coaster Montu, one of the longest and tallest inverted coasters ever built. Don’t like roller coasters? There are plenty of other down-to-earth attractions in this spacious park. Try the huge merry-go-round or catch one of many shows performed throughout the day involving birds, dolphins, magic, ice skating, singing, music, and dancing.

Prefer a more traditional zoo? Visit the Lowry Park Zoo, one of the best-rated zoos in America. This top-notch park boasts animals from all around the globe and will be a delight for kids. Come face-to-face with sea cows at the manatee hospital. Learn about many different species of birds at the aviary, where you’ll also get the opportunity to feed colorful parrots called lorikeets. Popular parts of the zoo include encounters with alligators, bears, rhinos, leopards, and even exotic Asian Komodo dragons. Go on a Safari to make friends with elephants, meercats, and other African species.

Having fun in Tampa can also be educational and enriching. Check out the Museum of Science and Industry, a state-of-the-art attraction with hands-on science fun for kids. Watch a nature-themed film on an enormous screen inside the museum’s IMAX dome. Surround yourself with marine life at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa’s Channelside district or explore the relatively new Tampa Museum of Art.

Despite being in sunny Florida, the Tampa region has some great options for ice skating. Take your best shot at conquering the ice at one of two NHL regulation rinks at the Tampa Bay Skating Academy in the Oldsmar neighborhood. Or wander over to Sunblades Center or Westfield Countryside Mall, two ice-skating alternatives in the Clearwater district.

If you’re a sports fan, Tampa can help you quench that thirst for athletics. The Tampa area has three professional sports teams with recent histories of success: football’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers (who won the Super Bowl in 2002), hockey’s Tampa Bay Lightning (who won the Stanley Cup in the NHL’s 2003-2004 season), and baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays (who were the American League champions in 2008). Tampa is also a popular destination for spring training baseball as the esteemed New York Yankees call the city’s George M. Steinbrenner Field their spring home. Scratch that itch to golf at one of a handful of golf courses and clubs in the Tampa area.

From Tampa, you can hop on a cruise ship to the eastern coast of Mexico and the Caribbean. Travel to exotic destinations takes at most a few days each way or as quick as one night. Large cruise lines that dock at Tampa include Carnival, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean and with flights to Tampa leaving daily from the UK it is an easy destination to reach.

A visit to another country, where a slower-paced way of life can be experienced, is an ideal avenue through which one can rest, rejuvenate and gain a new perspective on life. For this reason, those in search of the perfect getaway venue should consider a Greek villa holiday. The sun, landscape and glorious Mediterranean sea are just a few of the characteristics that make the Greek Islands a perfect break destination. When one chooses a villa in which to enjoy the sojourn, his or her holiday will be even more pleasant and memorable.

Features and Benefits Villa Holidays

Greek island villa holidays are ideal for those who enjoy luxurious surroundings while away from home. Many individuals prefer such accommodations to hotel rooms, as they are more spacious and convenient, and offer a higher level of comfort than their one-room counterparts.

Greek villa holidays can be found to accommodate almost any budget or lifestyle, making villa rentals an ideal choice for those who want to tailor their holiday to their family’s individual needs. Those travelling with children will be pleased to discover that villas featuring several bedrooms and multiple baths can be easily found on many of Greece’s beautiful islands. Most units are specially designed to offer a comfortable, enjoyable environment in which each guest has an adequate amount of privacy. Villas in Greece typically feature large, airy rooms with tall windows through which spectacular tropical sunsets can be viewed.

Beautiful Surroundings

In addition, most villas are appointed with world class furniture that blends well with the interior decor of each unit. Causal yet elegant balconies offer a comfortable and attractive location in which to partake of a refreshing cocktail, or socialize with one’s friends and family. The grounds surrounding Greek island villas are also usually quite lovely, and often feature well maintained, fragrant flower gardens situated against an outstanding landscape.

Affordable Luxury

Whether one chooses a full holiday retreat in Greece’s sprawling countryside, or a lively getaway close to the hustle and bustle of the island’s boisterous nightlife, he or she will have no trouble finding the perfect villa. With the tourist industry becoming more and more competitive as time goes on, it is not as expensive as one may think to find an affordable luxury villa. Holidaying in Greece is a fun and exciting experience, regardless of the accommodations one chooses; however, a Greek villa holiday offers so much more than just a place to stay.

Greek Islands

Thousands of islands surround the country with over 200 inhabited by people. These islands dot the Aegean and Ionian Seas. When you take a holiday in Greece, be sure to make a special trip to the Island of Crete. The island has a number of archaeological sites, including the Minoan and Knossos ruins, that may interest you.

Another Greek island you may wish to visit is Alonissos. This island is part of the Sporades island chain in the Aegean Sea. Most consider the island’s beaches to be highlights of the Greek region. They may captivate you with their pristine waters that are ideal for snorkeling, swimming and pursuing water sports.

You may choose to island hop to see the best sites. Finding tour guides will not be hard to do. Many specialize in holiday packages designed to thrill and excite Greece’s traveling guests. You can enjoy three to five night excursions, or packages that include daily trips to see several islands at a time.   Whichever island you choose, you will be left having experienced some authentic Greek culture in a laid back and tranquil setting, which is why Greek Island holidays are such a popular option for many.

Athens

Erechtheion Temple Athens

Athens has the honor of being Greece’s capital and one of the oldest cities in the known world. It is also well-known for its many annual festivals like the Athens Photo and Biennale Festivals, which are always great special events to explore. You may also enjoy dining or shopping in Plaka, a destination that goes back to the 19th century. Plaka’s small cafes, shops and restaurants may keep your attention for awhile.

During your exploration of Athens, visit Ancient Agora. Although this historic place was once the center of Athens, you can still admire the various ancient ruins in this great location. See the Temple of Hephaestus and Athena; Byzantine monuments and many other sites of great interest on your trip to the capital. Do not forget to bring your camera and take photos of the Acropolis of Athens. The Parthenon, Doric columns and Acropolis Museum are favorite sites at the Acropolis monument.

Famous Sites of Interest

You can discover ancient Greece through its many famous sites. Olympia is your destination for a look at Greece’s Olympic stadium ruins, and the temple of the god Zeus. The very first Olympic Games and events played here as well. Find this monumental site just southeast of Kronos Hill, a place known for its mythological significance.

Place the archaeological site Mycenae on your itinerary of things to do. Located less than an hour away from Athens’ center, the Mycenae monument is worthy of a day trip. Although time weathered the stones, the site is a reminder of Greek’s history and mythology.

Consider making Greece, its islands and great historical relics your holiday destination soon. The country has much to offer any time of the year and can be an excellent place to make numerous life-long memories.

CIRCA at Dupont

This inviting bistro is always buzzing with locals sitting outside on the patio, watching people pass by. Pair your meal with one or more of their wine offerings, or just try one of their signature cocktails. Choose from their wide selection of entrees from pizza, to salmon, to lobster ravioli.

Komi

This fine dining establishment has no menu, but rather serves a dinner with several courses. Starting with different light samples and progressively working toward heartier dishes, and ending with dessert. This offering is being served, at this time, at $135 per person. If you choose, you can have wine pairings for an additional cost.

Tabard Inn Restaurant

Located in the historic Hotel Tabard Inn, this restaurant offers American cuisine, with an emphasis on seasonal dishes that change with whatever is fresh in the market. Tabard Inn has a wonderful selection of seafood, meat, and poultry. A favorite of critics, locals, and visitors alike, this restaurant excites the palate.

Sushi Taro

With an accent on drawing out the natural flavors of foods, Sushi Taro is an experience for anyone who loves Japanese cuisine. Winner of many prestigious culinary awards, this restaurant takes sushi and Japanese food to a whole new level. Most of the dishes are prepared and displayed simply but tastes are complex and astounding.

Restaurant Nora

This special restaurant, located in a brownstone, serves certified organic dishes. A great place for vegetarians and omnivarians, the food is always fresh and top-quality, no wonder it has won the Diner’s Choice award. The menu changes with the season, and if you are there during the autumn, try the pumpkin creme brulee.

Visit Dupont Circle’s gorgeous mansions especially the Mansion on O Street, which is a combination of art, luxury hotel, club and more. Spend time people watching at the park in the center of the traffic circle. Shop their boutiques, and when you are done immersing yourself in the Dupont Circle life, top it off at a fine dining establishment. Choose from many fine hotels in Washington and get a taste for the charming life in this little area.