1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Known by locals as “The Met,” this museum houses paintings, sculptures, photography, and all forms of art in its walls. Some of the highlights of what they have here include their Ancient Egypt section, their Asian art, and their European paintings, where you’ll find works by the likes of Monet, Cezanne, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh, among others.

2. Museum of Modern Art

Located in midtown Manhattan, this museum has collections of drawings, designs, sculptures, paintings, photography, and more. The focus here in on contemporary and modern art, with the works being from the 19th century on upwards. You’ll find pieces made within the last year as well as favourites such as Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Monet’s Waterlilies. They also have a changing special exhibit.

3. American Museum of Natural History

There are many fascinating things to see here, including the hall of mammals, hall of meteorites, fossils, hall of ocean life, and hall of gems and minerals, among others. In addition, this library also has the Hayden Planetarium connected to it, with a fascinating show and plenty of information for astronomy buffs.

4. Whitney Museum of American Art

Another art museum with a focus on 20th and 21st century art, at the Whitney you’re most likely to find works by artists that are still living. There are many different types of art and it is often considered a popular venue for lesser-known artists looking to get their big break in the art world.

5. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

A fun museum to visit, the wax museum is a place to go with kids or friends. You tour the museum and view a number of very life-like wax sculptures depicting famous people, whether they are current celebrities or people from history. Some of the more popular figures available for viewing include Robert Pattison, star of the Twilight movies, Barack Obama, Martin Luther King, Taylor Swift, Elvis Presley, Princess Diana, JFK, Derek Jeter, and Simon Cowell, among many others. One of the most exciting things about visiting Madame Tussauds is taking your pictures with some of these “celebrities,” and even interacting with them! There is also a new “4D” movie theatre located inside the museum.

After a stint of museum hopping, why not check out what the outdoors of New York can offer you? From Central Park to Flushing Meadows, the city isn’t just a concrete jungle.

If so why not check out the Abama hotel, but first read all about it here before checking in.

The Abama Hotel Tenerife is located on a golf course on a private estate. This beachfront property is found on the island of Tenerife, which gives it a secluded feel in comparison to hotels on the Spanish mainland. This island is the largest of the Canary Islands and is located about 300 km from the coast of Africa. Since you are so far from civilization, you can enjoy your vacation in peace every time you visit this resort. Those looking for a truly relaxing vacation will definitely enjoy this property.

When you first arrive in Abama, you will immediately notice the volcanic landscapes. This is because this island was created by an underwater volcano. The island features over 300 different types of plants, many of which you will not see in other parts of the world. These plants include palm trees, which will let you know what you have reached a tropical location. If you choose to climb some of the hills on the island, you will be treated with a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean that is unmatched anywhere. You can even travel to the top of the Teide, which is the highest peak in all of Spain.

Of course, the main reason why you would visit the Abama Hotel Tenerife is the weather. Many people say that the island is forever stuck in spring, since has an annual temperature of about 23 degrees Celsius. This means that it is not too hot, but certainly not cold, giving you the perfect vacation temperature, no matter when you visit. The hotel itself receives more sunlight then any other part of Spain, which is great news for your next vacation.

You should also remember that the hotel is located right on the beach, giving you unlimited access to these ocean waters. This private beach is secluded from the rest of the island, as it is carved out of volcanic rock and down a cliff face. This means that you will have to take a tram down to the beach, but it is well worth it because of the experience that the beach provides. Once you reach the beach, you can use the hotel’s lounge chairs, have a few drinks and enjoy the weather that this ocean paradise provides.

In the end, there is no better place in Spain to vacation than at the Abama Hotel on the island of Tenerife.

As value for money, providing quality services and being located in some of the best ski resorts in the world is at the core of many all inclusive ski resorts, the ‘package’ all inclusive skiing holiday is becoming an increasingly fashionable choice of winter holiday.

It offers skiers and families the perfect opportunity to save money when booking their annual ski holiday. Whether you are keen to travel to Austria, France or even Canada, take a look at some of the top all inclusive ski resorts.

Soll, Austria

Having been one of the world’s number one countries for winter holiday adventures, the winter wonderland of Austria simply has to be mentioned as a top skiing destination.

The lively, characterful and reasonably priced village of Soll is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, with activities such as tobogganing and sleigh rides providing some white-knuckle alternatives to skiing.

Being such a popular and fun resort, Soll has a strong focus on providing all inclusive holidays.

Borovets, Bulgaria

Being a much less expensive alternative to the likes of France, Switzerland and Austria, Bulgaria, in recent years, has really taken off as being a popular ski holiday destination.

Borovets is one of the top ski resorts in Bulgaria, which offers all inclusive ski holidays that sometimes include that little bit extra, such as wine tasting sessions, access to crèches and winter barbeques.

Banff, Canada

For those wanting to travel further afield for a package ski holiday, Banff in Canada is a top all inclusive ski resort.

This friendly and picturesque town is situated in the stunning Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, a truly quintessential setting for a perfect ski break.

Many of the high quality hotels and chalets in Banff offer all inclusive deals, so always keep an eye out for such offers.

Portes du Soleil, France

The exquisite ski resort of Portes du Soleil is situated on the border of the French and Swiss Alps and remains one of France’s most famous ski resorts. This fantastically positioned resort attracts many great ski instructors to its slopes, providing skiers of all abilities with some top-rate coaching.

All inclusive ski holidays are popular within the Portes du Soleil resort. Look for inclusive breaks that include flights, ski tuition, daily meals and drinks, accommodation, lift passes, winter sports insurance and even ski equipment, for the best money saving deals.

Selva Val Gardena, Italy

This wildly beautiful Italian ski resort possesses almost 100 kilometres of cross country trails, providing an exhilarating ride for skiers of any ability.

This quality skiing paradise is amongst the world’s top ski destinations and, with many of the hotels and chalets here offering exclusive package deals, Selva Val Gardena is also a top all inclusive ski resort.

Club Med are the specialists in all inclusive holidays, whether you are looking for a luxury summer holiday or a ski holiday in the mountains. Club Med resorts are fantastic for that family holiday, romantic honeymoon or even just a last minute holiday by yourself. Club Med – It’s all included without the stress.

Comfort

When slipping the shoes on for the first time the soft cushioned interior was the first thing we noticed and were confident the shoes were going to be comfortable.  Even after our 4 hour trek, our original sentiment rang true and our feet were still comfortable.

Though lacking the high ankle support other walking shoes provide, the shoe is designed to fit the natural shape of your foot and provide support where necessary.  The shoe’s stiff rubber sole provides stability and helps prevents your foot from twisting taking the strain off your Metatarsals.  This meant our feet ached less at the end of our walk.

Durability

These walking shoes feel very robust underfoot. They are a solid shoe, the soles are thick and raise up over the toe end to protect the material underneath.  The suede and mesh upper is also well stitched and durable.

Breathability

The shoes mesh design really does provide plenty of ventilation making the Tour GTX’s a lightweight breathable shoe.

Design Appearance

At the end of the day design preferences come down to personal tastes.  So you can make that judgement call yourself.  All we can say is they look the part and when you wear them you feel like a true walker.

Weight

The shoes are very light which means long walks are less tiring and packing them and carrying them into your backpack shouldn’t be a problem.

Tour GTX travel shoes or Kamati GTX Travel boots?

The phrase “Different courses for different horses” springs to mind when comparing these two travel shoes. After all one is a boot and one is a shoe.  But if we were going to choose one to go travelling with, we would have to choose the Tour GTX travel shoe.  Even though the Kamati boots are a lightweight boot, the Tours are much lighter and compact making them easier to carry, and we also prefer the finished appearance of them.  Regarding the price of each shoe, we thought the price of the Kamati boots was a little on the high side, but think the Tour GTX shoes are well worthy of the £120 price tag.

Our Verdict

Overall the Tour GTX travel shoe makes a great lightweight and durable shoe for everyday use and trail walking.  We chose an easy to moderate trail with little hill walking, for this the Tour GTX shoe proved very suitable. Had we tested them on a tougher rockier terrain we feel we would have benefited with a shoe that provides a higher ankle support.  Nevertheless we were delighted and very happy with the Tour GTX’s and wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them.  In fact, we can’t wait to wear them again on our next walking adventure.

If you have any products you wish use to review, send your request to us and find out more.

Your experience depends in part on which sea you choose to dive. The Aegean sea lies between Greece and Turkey and there are a number of areas to choose from which to dive. Off the island of Mykonos, you might choose the Prasonisa. This area offers not only great numbers of fish but also artefacts from the Greek past. Or perhaps you might explore the rock formations of the Drayonisi Island Caverns.

Staying in the Aegean, diving off the island of Naxos affords you the opportunity to dive The Dome. This underwater cavern features a dome filled with air and appears to be lit with an unearthly blue light. If you are willing to travel a little closer to Turkey, you can dive from Chios Island where you can see The Great Wall which is a 30m drop off home to eels, coral, and the occasional sea turtle.

The Ionian Sea also boasts several islands which offer spectacular dives. Your Greece holiday would not be complete without diving off the coast of Crete, which is also the best place to view bluefin tuna. Throughout the Ionian Sea you will find seahorses, octopus, coral, rock formations, caverns, swim-throughs, anything you can think of to make a diving expedition fun and informative. Not to mention that there are ship, plane, and even submarine wrecks to explore.

There is little current in the waters around Greece which makes the diving easier. There are any number of dive centres which offer tours, training, certification, anything you might need. The temperature of the water hovers around 16°-23°C. Visibility and extend to as much as 50 metres depending on where you are. The summer is the best time of year for the warmest water but diving is offered year round. Because of the calm seas and great visibility, night diving allows you to see different sea life from the day. You can get a better sense of life in the water around the clock.

Whether you stay a week at one island or spend a fortnight hopping from place to place, the Ionian Islands offer spectacular diving. The seas are legendary for their beautiful blue colour and amazing life under the surface. Divers of all levels of ability will enjoy Aegean and Ionian seas.

This should not be a deterrent to the family member tasked with organising the vacation itinerary – it is, after all, completely normal. For instance, Grandma might not have the same energy as the children and might subsequently want to do something a bit more relaxing. Likewise, your adventurous grown-up daughter might prefer a challenging hike up a mountain to a walk along the beach.

A bit of nature

Those who enjoy nothing more than exploring the great outdoors will love this site. It’s actually found right in the middle of the Pyrénées National Park, making it the perfect location for those in your party who love seeing wild animals up close. Amongst the fauna of this park are the griffon vultures, golden eagles and bears.

A bit of glam

Camping De La Croix Du Vieux Pont, Vic-sur-Aisne

Paris is undoubtedly one of the most glamorous cities on the planet. For years it’s been at the centre of fashion and culture, as well a permanent fixture in movies, art and music. It’s an inspiring place, and it’s no surprise that the Camping De La Croix Du Vieux Pont site is an equally inspiring place to take a holiday.

This park is perfect for a camping holiday in France, as its countryside location close to France’s capital city means there’s something to do for everyone in the group!

A bit of the beach

Yelloh! Village Le Serignan Plage, Serignan

For some, the perfect holiday involves sun, sea and sand, and Yelloh! Village Le Serignan Plage combines all three. It’s great for those who like to relax on the golden seafront, but also perfect for sporty types, as there’s a pool complex and a range of sporting facilities within the campsite. It’s also right near Languedoc for anyone who wants to explore the cultural wonders in this region of France.

A bit of exercise

Castels Camping le Ty Nadan, Arzano

Any jogger will tell you that boredom is one of the key components in the way whenever they skip a session. Basically, a run with a view is a lot more of an incentive than one without, and Castels Camping le Ty Nadan in Arzano offers some of the most beautiful scenery of any campsite.

Set on the side of a hill, the views from this embankment roll on forever, although don’t get too entranced – you may end up rolling all the way down!

A bit of a drink

Les Roulottes du Berry, Lignieres

France is known for its wine, and families with older children may very well be more comfortable exploring this side of the country’s culture from their campsite. Les Roulotte du Berry is just such a site, with its location in the heart of popular wine-making area Loire Valley.

Everyone is different, and this list of assorted resorts or campsites in France has been compiled to help you pick the perfect holiday destination for each member of your clan.

It is true. They would disagree on which Caribbean islands were the best and had the most activities to offer. There would be debates about the quality of rum that is produced in Barbados versus that which is distilled in Jamaica. Eager to split hairs, this group might even philosophize about the colour and softness of the sand on certain crests of shoreline, sounding more like experienced jewellers than island hoppers. In the end, you would discover that the person who did not think a trip to the beach made a great holiday is actually in favour of resort-styled swimming pools. Talk about splitting hairs. What does all of this say about human nature and holiday destinations? It is time to pack the suitcase, wash the Bermuda shorts, find the sunglasses and book a flight to Barbados.

Approach to sightseeing

Some people like to earmark their guidebooks when they take a holiday. Barbados is best explored by taking a freer and more fluid approach. The island is small. If you want to see everything it is has to offer, then it should not be a problem. You need to remember that this is the Caribbean and not the monument-stuffed streets of Rome. This is where you come to dig your feet in the pink and white sand, sip a potent rum runner and dine on fresh red snapper from a street vendor.

Southwest

The southwest coast of Barbados is lined with luxurious and vibrant resorts. A-list beaches abound in this area, and it is commonly referred to as the Gold Coast. From Payne’s Bay and Brighton Beach to Paradise Beach, this magnificent swath of coastline is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and water recreation. While the southwest coast is low-lying, the southeast coast of Barbados is more elevated. There are cliff walks and scenic vistas and hidden alcoves to take in the full measure of the Caribbean sunset. The water is rougher on the east coast, so surfing is a revered activity.

Shopping

After indulging in too much sun, it is time to explore the other side of Barbados. Bridgetown has an array of quaint shops, artisan boutiques and locally made handicrafts. Shopping is duty-free in Bridgetown, so jewellery stores are continually vying for your attention. When you finish up your morning shopping, head over to the Flower Forest or the Andromeda Botanical Garden. After mercilessly haggling for that gold necklace, a quiet moment admiring the Barbadian flora and fauna is just what you need.

Click here for great deals on Virgin Holidays Barbados vacations and unforgettable Caribbean getaways.

Oxford, UK

Oxford, often thought of as an expensive and upmarket city, is rarely on the top of the list of stag party destinations. However, being a student town, there’s plenty of nightlife to enjoy as well as daytime activities on offer. During the day you can go paintballing, quad biking and much more. The nightlife is lively while not overwhelming and there are plenty of options to suit a wide variety of tastes.

Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria is one of the best kept secrets when it comes to foreign stag party destinations but, with its legendary nightlife and dirt cheap food and drinks, it’s certainly not likely to remain this way for long. There are plenty of unique activities to take part in both during the day and night. There’s a plethora of late-night bars, restaurants, cafes and nightclubs. It’s a great budget destination and it’s fairly cheap to get to as well.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Cheap and easy to get to, Bratislava is a great up and coming destination for lovers of cheap Eastern European countries. During the day, you can go shooting with Kalashnikovs, play ice hockey and much more. It’s a great alternative destination for those who want something a little more low-key and not be completely surrounded by tourists as in nearby Prague. Being the capital, there’s plenty of nightlife too.

Wroclaw, Poland

Wroclaw is not a city that many people in the UK have heard of, but it is very much an up and coming destination for both stag parties and other types of tourism. You can get ridiculously cheap flights there and, once you’re there, prices are very low compared to England. Wroclaw is a civilized city with plenty to offer such as microbreweries, lively bars and old-school dance clubs.

Belgrade, Serbia

Serbia’s capital is well known amongst international travellers who love to party. Belgrade has a truly legendary nightclub and, contrary to the old stereotype which westerners tend to hold about it, it’s actually a fairly safe and civilized city. The city is dirt cheap as well and there is plenty to offer stag parties who want to try something a little different. Daytime activities include paintballing, shooting, karting and much more. During the night, you’ve got a vast choice of nightclubs, strip clubs, casinos and bars.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

The capital of the magical, mountainous land of Slovenia, Ljubljana is a small and manageable city which nonetheless has plenty to satisfy stag parties. It is very cheap to get to from the UK by Easyjet. The city is compact, making it perfect for exploring on foot. English is spoken by most younger people and Slovenians are known for being very hospitable. Daytime activities include skiing and snowboarding in the winter months and paintballing, wine tasting, shooting, karting and more year round. Nightlife options include plenty of nightclubs, casinos, restaurants, boat cruises and pub crawls.

Post contributed by Andrea Jones, on behalf of ChilliSauce.co.uk, Event coordinators and  providers of stag do packages for stag weekends abroad and UK Stag Weekends.

For the Arty Mum:

Skylon, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank.

Skylon is the flagship restaurant in the Royal Festival Hall and is situated in the heart of London’s world-class arts district, Southbank. Surrounded by markets, second hand books, art galleries and vintage boutiques, Southbank is the ideal destination for a long cultural afternoon with a touch of retail therapy.

Skylon comprises of three areas: The Grill, The Restaurant and The Cocktail Bar. For a slightly more relaxed approach, head to the bar for a laid back lunch – not that the flavour is any less exquisite. The Grill allows you to remain close to the bustle of Southbank and take in the stunning views of the city, so if you struggle to pull away from the surrounding boutiques, this is the perfect spot.

Upstairs the restaurant serves an equally spectacular menu in a formalised yet elegant environment. Head Sommelier, Alexis Meszoly, will guide you through their fine wine list and offer recommendations to accompany every course or to suit your Mother’s own taste. All of the dishes have been dreamt up and created by Head Chef, Helena Puolakka and are presented with love, passion and flair to meet the needs of the areas innovative and cultural community.

For the Gastro Mum:

The Adam & Eve, Mill Hill, London.

Two centuries down and this gastro inn is not only still standing but is more popular than ever! The elegant Edwardian property is in the heart of Mill Hill village and surrounded by protected woodland so if your Mum is keen on being green, I’d definitely book a table here.

The Adam & Eve oozes character and period charm and after its recent refurbishment, boasts two comfortable dining rooms and a beautiful walled garden. The garden is a sun trap so if the sun is shining for your Mum like you asked, make the most of the warm rays by choosing one of the tables outside.

The normal Sunday menu will be served on Mother’s Day and two courses will set you back just £16. I’d say that was plenty for a girly lunch but if the men are tagging along, three courses will be £20 – an equally excellent deal!

Served from 12.30, the lunch menu begins with a selection of soups, fish and cheese dishes with three healthy vegetarian options. Three! What a treat for us veggies!

The mains include everything you’d expect from a traditional gastro pub. Roast topside of beef, duck salad and a shoulder of lamb. Children are made very welcome here so if it’s Dad and the kids treating you, there are also lots for them to choose from – rice pudding and jam is a hot favourite!

With its out of town attraction and its cosy family feel, Adam & Eve is definitely a recommended choice for March 18.

The Regatta Mum:

The Yacht, Victoria Embankment, London.

Step onboard this 130ft Yacht on Mother’s Day and you’ll be sailing high in her expectations for a very long time!

A special three-course menu has been prepared and will be served in one of London’s most spectacular settings. Previously named the St.Katherine, The Yacht has been carefully restored in close consultation with the English Heritage, bringing her back to her former glory with many original ‘Art-Deco’ features intact. Now, a fully licensed floating restaurant, it boasts one of the cities most exclusive dining facilities.

The menu uses the best of British ingredients, presenting traditional meals in an innovative fashion. To wet your appetite, on Mother’s Day you an expect a choice of: Goats Cheese with Red Onion marmalade, Poached Salmon Fillet and Tradition Eton Mess. Hungry yet?

After dinner why not ascend to the Cocktail Lounge and allow your Mother to conger up the delights of the Art-Deco era. Retaining all its former glamour, the lounge is the perfect ambiance for that final nightcap and a final ‘thank you’.

After a classy night out on the Yacht, she’ll know you care. And so will all her friends come to that – this isn’t a place she’ll keep quiet! In fact, you may get several years of treats out the way at once!

Go for a walk!

Sounds simple but sometimes simple things are just what the doctor ordered. Going for a walk in the countryside is a fantastic way to introduce children to the joys of the outdoors. Raising the idea might result in you being greeted with negative comments but stick with it – there are so many things you can actually do on a walk, from playing eye spy to enjoying nature trails. There is very little chance of children becoming bored if you use your imagination.

Treasure hunt

For parents and guardians that have a bit of time on their hands, organising a treasure hunt can be the perfect antidote to the holiday blues. You can do one around your garden if you have one, or even down at the local park. And there’s no need to hide treasure at every point – perhaps get the children to find certain objects like a particular variety of tree or a certain flower, and then write down the name on a piece of paper. While they’re busy on the early clues, you can sneak off to the final one and pop down a treat for them.

Adventure playgrounds 

There’s no getting away from it, adventure playgrounds are fantastic fun for children of all ages. If you are lucky enough to have one nearby then it’s a sure fire way of keeping children entertained over a weekend or during a holiday. Not only will they have the chance to get some exercise, they are also likely to come into contact with other youngsters of their own age, which provides a great chance for them to further develop their social skills while they play.

Nature quiz  

A nature quiz can be incorporated into a huge number of activities, but whatever the setting, you can be sure that it will be fun and educational. Try it in your garden, down at the park, in a forest or by the seaside. The available options are endless and the only limiting factor is your imagination. Teaching children about the world they live in is vitally important. What’s more, it costs nothing but your time, yet can be worth so much.

If you are looking as far ahead as the summer then take a look at June Holidays – UK.