Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city is a very popular holiday destination, so it’s no surprise that it’s constantly populated with tourists from all over the world. If you’re on a tight budget then have no fear, Bangkok has plenty to offer you.

Bangkok has a rich history, and has several sites that you should visit during your stay. The temple of Wat Pho is the largest in the city, and houses the reclining Buddha. Other temples include Wat Arun and Wat Suthat, where The Giant Swing can be found. Visitors are welcome to visit and explore these temples. In addition, the Grand Palace is also worth a visit. The palace was originally the official residence of the King of Thailand, and also houses a temple called Wat Phra Kaew, which contains the Emerald Buddha. Entrances to the temples are relatively cheap; prices are in the region of 50-350 Baht (£1-£7).

If you want to experience magnificent views of the city, take a trip to Golden Mount. Before skyscrapers arrived at the end of the last century, this was the highest point in Bangkok, and is well worth a visit. Admission is only 50 Baht (£1).

One of the most popular tourist attractions is The Jim Thompson House Museum, a compound of traditional Thai houses collected by an American businessman between the 1950s and 60s. Entrance to the museum is only 50 Baht (£1). If you want to delve deeper into Bangkok’s history, the Ancient City also comes highly recommended. Although it’s an hour south of the city, this open-air museum includes perfect replicas of Thailand’s historic monuments, and entrance is only 300 Baht (£6).

Bangkok is also well-known for its floating markets. Tourists can take a long-tail boat ride through the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, to experience the traditional buying and selling of fresh food on the water. Tours vary depending on the size of your party; if you’re travelling alone you’ll have to fork out around £80, but parties of 12 will be approximately £30. You might also want to consider a trip along the Thon Buri canals. It’s a great way to avoid the hectic Bangkok traffic, and also admire the major sites of the city. Prices are slightly cheaper at around 1000 Baht (£20) per person.

If you’re looking for some retail therapy, visit the Chatuchak weekend market. Situated in the centre of busy Bangkok, you’re bound to find plenty of bargains amongst the market’s 5,000 stalls. Be prepared to spend the whole day there as there’s so much to see and buy, from handicrafts and souvenirs to great second-hand clothing.

If you’re travelling through Bangkok, you have to spend at least one night on Khao San Road. The area is jam-packed with bars, restaurants, nightclubs and clothing stalls. Whatever your budget, Khao San Road, also known as the ‘backpacker’s paradise’, is a great place to find affordable hotels and hostels. Prices range from 150-1500 Baht per night (£3-£30).

Staying in Bangkok also gives you the chance to experience both international and Thai cuisine. Venture into Chinatown and taste some of the most authentic Chinese food in Thailand. Try a wide selection of seafood dishes at Lao Li Shark Fin and T&K Seafood. If you’re in the mood to sample the local cuisine, head to Sukhumvit Road for some good value food at Lemon Grass, or some tapas-style bites at The Barbican on Silom Road.

If you’re looking for the ultimate in Mediterranean luxury, Limassol is the place for you. The city is located on Akrotiri Bay, on the south coast of Cyprus, and was built between two ancient cities, Amathus and Kourion. Its stunning backdrop is courtesy of the Troodos Mountains. There are lots of things to see and do during your stay in this beautiful city, from museums and archaeological sites, to relaxing spas and picturesque beaches.

There are a number of luxurious beach hotels in the Limassol area, with spectacular views of Limassol’s clear blue waters. The Four Seasons Hotel, situated on its own sandy beach, includes a spa, indoor and outdoor fitness facilities, Jacuzzis, and restaurants and bars. If you happen to be travelling with children, the hotel has kids and teenage clubs, and also provides babysitting services. The Amathus Beach Hotel, located just east of the Four Seasons, is fully equipped with a spa, boutiques, a kids club, a sports centre, and its own restaurants and bars. In addition the Londa Hotel also comes highly recommended, having been refurbished and reopened in 2005. Nightly rates for these hotels start at roughly £160 per person/night.

Limassol not only has great accommodation, but its local restaurants are also praised. In particular, the Terra e Mare Restaurant on Amathountos Avenue comes very highly recommended. It prides itself on a classic modern menu and a delicious wine list. Its signature dishes include Beef Fillet mignons in a creamy mushroom sauce, and Grilled Pork fillets garnished with Halloumi cheese, at a price of only 30 Euros per dish.

If you’re in Limassol around Easter time, you’ll be just in time for the Limassol Carnival. The festival takes place during the 10 days proceeding Lent (according to the Greek Orthodox calendar), and consists of three main parades. The final parade is the largest, and involves hundreds of people walking in costume alone the town’s longest avenue.

However, if you spend time in Limassol during the autumn season, you can sample thirst-quenching wines at the Limassol Wine Festival. It takes place towards the end of August/beginning of September.

There is a multitude of things to visit and enjoy in Limassol. It is well-known for its beautiful beaches, and in particular Dhassoudi Beach. It’s a public beach just east of the city centre, and there are many sports facilities in the complex, including a swimming pool and tennis courts. Furthermore, there are also a number of excellent historical sites to visit. These sites include; the Curium Amphitheatre (Kourion) theatre that houses some spectacular ancient mosaics, the international Limassol Sculpture, and a number of popular museums, which offer a wide spectrum of beautiful local and ancient artwork.

The city of Limassol has many historical and modern aspects to it, which altogether makes for an enjoyable and memorable experience.

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Welcome to Malaga

Getting a deep sense of the culture and atmosphere of Spain may feel difficult in the bustle and chaos of big cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, but the country is not without options for relaxing and taking in the local scene at the same time. Located along the Mediterranean coast and famous for its status as the birthplace of the artist Picasso, Malaga is a Spanish city that affords visitors incredible views, intimate looks at national and regional culture, and a chance to enjoy a holiday that’s as easy and comfortable as it is exciting. Malaga is home to scores of examples of national architecture styles and also boasts some buildings influenced by other cultures. There are also tempting tapas dishes to try, engaging music to discover, and many new experiences to gather throughout the city’s charming streets. To truly enjoy a trip to Malaga, travelers should be well-prepared and have a basic idea of how they’d like to spend their time, though the city makes it fairly easy to simply drop in and enjoy oneself.

A city with seemingly endless attractions for travelers interested in getting to know Spain without getting lost in the tangle of its largest destinations …

Getting Around

As a fairly small city, Malaga can largely be navigated by foot, though spending a few days in the town is likely to require the occasional transport. The local bus system has a reputation for being somewhat slow, but is marked by low prices and isn’t too difficult for travelers to grasp in terms of complexity. Train service in and around Malaga is excellent, with moderate rates, and can carry travelers between Malaga and other major cities swiftly and comfortably. Though many travelers may opt to take the occasional taxi, rides longer than a few minutes can quickly add up to costly expenses, with a typical ride from the nearby airport averaging twenty Euro. Taxis can be difficult to find in Malaga, and carrying around a number for a local service is a good idea, especially as queues can be considerably long at taxi stations during the warmer months. Having an idea of personal preference for getting around in Malaga before arriving can make navigation easier and more pleasant.

Sightseeing in Malaga

Sightseeing in Malaga is often as easy as stepping out of one’s hotel and wandering around the town, though there are many specific stops to catch on any journey. The Picasso Museum in the center of town is especially popular for its exclusive showings of works by the famous artist and its wealth of information about his style and legacy. Admission is just under ten Euro, making it an easily affordable part of any Malaga tour. The Catedral de Malaga is a popular sight when traveling through the city, though going inside is worth the three to four Euro charged for a glimpse of the interior’s impressive detailing and artwork. The Plaza de Toros, which serves as the city’s bullring, may be an exciting option for some travelers, though events vary throughout the year and should be checked before arriving if seeing a bullfight is a must-do item on a personal itinerary. On the outskirts of town, the Castillo de Gibralfaro is a Moorish castle that merits an up-close look.

Malaga Excursions

Though Malaga can easily captivate travelers for weeks at a time, taking the occasional excursion to a nearby site or attraction can make a visit especially memorable. The Alhambra Palace in Granada offers exceptional views of local architecture and design, and the city of Granada itself can make for a fun and relaxing detour. Visiting Gibraltar is an especially popular choice, and can weave in plenty of surf and sea into the fabric of a Malaga trip. Landing on the rock, travelers can roam around as they take in the beauty of the landscape and may also catch site of the Barbary apes that make their homes in the area. Throughout rural Andalucia, natural gems await appreciative eyes; excursions to the El Chorro gorge or to the El Torcal national park can be especially rewarding.

A city with seemingly endless attractions for travelers interested in getting to know Spain without getting lost in the tangle of its largest destinations, Malaga is all sensory luxury. From days spent lounging on the coast to afternoons of traversing the streets, travelers are sure to find a great richness of experience in Malaga.