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1). 10 Must-Dos When In Amsterdam An enticing fusion of ancient and avant-garde, Amsterdam is a beautiful city of creative legacy. Take a walk along the cobbled streets and serene canals and you can seem a million miles from the vibrant nightlife on every corner. 1. Dam Square Dam Square is the hub of the city and located on the site of the original Amstel dam. T... 2). 10 Must-Dos When In Barcelona High spirits and vitality govern in abundance when in Barcelona. This infectious capital of Catalonia, and second largest city in Spain, exudes soul and energy, living life to the full. Barcelona’s verve is matched by its magnificent architecture, characterised by one man’s signature, Antonio Gaudi. 1. Las Ramblas Running ... 3). 10 Must-Dos When In Bruges A timeless spectacle, Bruges is a charming city full of medieval flavour. Its architectural treasures lure the eye, revealing a city of rich history. Serene canals and tight cobbled streets seize your imagination, enticing you to explore more and more. 1. Markt Square Watch the world go by in one of the Markt Square’s multitude o... 4). 10 Must-Dos When In Brussels At the hub of European politics – Brussels is the cosmopolitan capital of bureaucracy. But when freed from the shackles of red tape, this compact capital of Belgium is a fascinating fusion of profound historical curiosity and contemporary living. 1. The Grand-Place Brussels’ central square is the focal point of activity for local... 5). 10 Must-dos When In Dublin Few places around the world lend a friendlier hand than Dublin. The Emerald Isle offers wonderful hospitality, complemented by its warm and friendly hosts. A cosmopolitan city, Dublin is rightly proud of its rich heritage, but also presents a modern face in keeping with contemporary culture. 1. Trinity College Housing the ... 6). 10 Must-Dos When In Monte Carlo Home to the rich and famous, Monte Carlo exudes style and panache. The locals walk the paths with a swagger; you can smell the affluence. The town is a charming blend of chic city living and wonderful sun-kissed beaches. Monte Carlo is a compact city; the best way to explore is by foot. The narrow streets and tight alleyways are home to a fascinati... 7). 5 Days In Amsterdam All was still. Around one hundred people had settled in the rest room for the overnight ferry crossing from Hull to Holland. It was pitch black and the only sounds were the faint humming of the engines and the odd snorer. All the seats had been snapped up so I found myself lying in a vacant space on the floor with a couple of mates try... 8). A Cornish Pilgrimage - Falmouth The road veers right and begins the steady climb to the heady heights of Pendennis Point. My modest car huffs and puffs as traffic files patiently behind me. A barrier to my left clouds the seascape and the temptation to peep is too immense. I stop the car and stride eagerly to the wall and peer over. The scene is impressive, revealing a small sect... 9). Africa How can a world so rich and freeAllow us lives of povertyHow can a world with all its mightAllow our lives to face such plightHow can 10). Antarctica Barren land of ice and snowMountains span unburdened plainWelcoming the morning glowIlluminating vast terrainIcebergs breaking fro 11). Antarctica: Ultimate Wilderness In the distance something stirs. A drifting polar bear searches for food on the edge of camp. Despite the presence of the huge beast, the men are in little danger. The guns take care of that. It is rare for a bear to wander so close. She must be hungry. For the scientists and professionals who choose to live and work in this unforgivin... 12). Avignon – Great City Of The Popes Avignon, an enticing medieval town in southern France, is found in the region of Provence. At times referred to as city of the popes, Avignon was sanctuary for nine such men who sought reprieve from the hostilities of Rome. Once established, these illustrious men embarked on an architectural odyssey, and a distinguished town was born. ... 13). Dartmoor: England's Last Great Wilderness Given National Park status in 1951, Dartmoor sits in the south of county Devon, southwest England, and covers an area of 365 square miles. Almost half the park is swampland, a haven for wildlife and those wishing to escape the rigours of city life. Dartmoor Forest, owned by the Duchy of Cornwall since 1307, is a former royal hunting gr... 14). Derwent Water: Jewel Of England’s Lake District Perhaps what surprised me more than anything was the number of foreign tongues I heard about town. Keswick was more cosmopolitan than I had imagined. It had moved with the times, but retained many of its old values. Many well-known retailers are present, but Keswick maintains deep roots to ancient past. As appealing as Keswick is howev... 15). En Route For Grand Canyon The Grand Canyon formed around 10 million years ago after disturbances in the surface of the earth resulted in the land rising, allowing the Color 16). En Route For Tibet North of the Himalayas, in western China, lies the self-governing land of Tibet. The Tibetan Plateau is the highest populated region on the planet and 17). Favourite British Scenic Drives: St Just To St Ives The barbed Atlantic winds screamed at me relentlessly, penetrating the bones and drowning the songs of seabirds. Cape Cornwall stood defiantly in the face of the mighty Atlantic Ocean, sculptured over time by driving currents, wind and rain. Cape Cornwall lies in the far west of county Cornwall, deep in the south-westerly reaches of En... 18). France: On The Road Paris, the city of love and a thousand other clichés, still holds a certain mystic. But no matter how many written words this great city has commanded - however familiar this town may appear - Paris will always remain an enigma, a magnet for millions of visitors from around the world. Paris carries an enchantment that you cannot always... 19). Italy: The Art Of Good Living Most people’s perception of Italy is that of style, a country whose taste for the good life is matched only by its panache. The food is full of flavour, created with a desire to serve nothing but the best. Variety is the spice of life; kitchens all over the country try to outwit one another with new recipes, each one tastier than thei... 20). Journey To Ullswater Ullswater lies in the northwest of England, amidst the charm of Lake District National Park. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, the Lake District has inspired many a young poet and artist. But in the eyes of many, Ullswater is the jewel in the crown. My journey began on the shores of Lake Windermere, England’s biggest expanse of... 21). Lake Windermere – Lake District National Park “Are we there yet?” pleads my three-year-old son from the rear of the car. I’ve returned to the Lake District for the first time since my school trip to Patterdale, back in the early eighties. I’m curious as to what I can recall of the place after all these years, however, the sands of time and copious quantities of alcohol play havoc with the old ... 22). Landscapes Of England: Brean As a child I can remember thinking of Brean as the most boring place on earth. The bright lights of Blackpool were much more exiting. Countless arcades and video games would ebb away your time, as well as your money. The possibilities were endless. Age helps you appreciate the finer details in life. Suddenly Brean had become a beautifu... 23). Landscapes Of England: Hayle The sea roars, whipped into a frenzy by the Atlantic winds racing across the bay. The waves look good today, surfers will be out for sure. Come rain or shine, these boys are dedicated. You can taste the salty spray as it draws you towards the water. The familiar smell of seaweed was home. I knew I was back. The Cornish tow... 24). Landscapes Of Scotland: Glencoe Glencoe’s spring sky looked bleak; wrathful clouds glared, threatening imminent showers. Columns of light penetrated the cloud, stood as sentinels guarding entrance to the sweeping valley. The scent of springtime was in the air; a new harvest was approaching. Animals all around were preparing their nests for new siblings and a busy sum... 25). Lisbon: Portrait Of Portugal Lisbon is a relaxed city, full of friendly folk who make the effort to stop and talk. But their city was falling into decay and renovation became a priority. Recent years has seen Lisbon begin to clean up its act. Hosting the 2004 European Football Championships focused the city and brought about an exiting new era. For ye... 26). London Hotel Breaks - The Halkin 5* (Belgravia) The 5 star Halkin hotel is located in the heart of Belgravia, approximately 100 metres from Hyde Park Corner tube station. Boasting a total of 41 rooms, the Halkin is the epitome of comfort and luxurious living. En suite facilities are magnificent, huge baths soothe and relax, perfect for contemplating the events of the day and recharging those bat... 27). London Hotel Breaks – Grange Holborn Hotel 5* (Holborn) Contemporary design reflecting one of the world’s most fashionable cities – the Grange Holborn Hotel contrasts some of London’s more traditional accommodations. The modern architecture and décor mirror a city eager to keep its standards, striving to remain the benchmark. Your stay at the Grange Holborn Hotel will be one of luxury. Service is exquis... 28). Paris: Eating Out No other country in the world enjoy mealtimes more than the French. With style and finesse, this national pastime unearths some exquisite dishes unmatched anywhere else on the planet. The top chefs parade round town like Hollywood movies stars, safe in the knowledge their culinary talents have blessed them with a lifestyle reserved for the rich and... 29). Rome: A Brief History Rome has been synonymous with mythology since the birth of civilisation. Few places around the world conjure such colourful legends. Since the dawn of time itself, Rome has appeared to have had a say in almost everything that has occurred. The Roman Empire had a huge influence on the course of European art and culture. Lasting impressi... 30). Spain: Bullfights And Sangria A cocktail of bullfighting, flamenco and sangria, Spain is a country blessed with rich history and culture. Add beautiful beaches and warm climate, and it’s evident why Spain is the world’s second most visited country. The demise of Franco opened Spain to a curious world. A booming tourist industry allowed the country to grow, revealin... 31). St Ives: A Town On Canvas One of my favourite places in England sits in the far south-westerly reaches of the country, amongst the myths and legends of Cornish past. St Ives is a beautiful little harbour town, largely unspoilt by commercialisation. Resting at the northern tip of the A3074 (off the A30) in western Cornwall, St Ives is not easily accessible for the majority o... 32). Standing On The Shores Of Loch Ness Locked in the vaults of Scottish legend lies an enigmatic stretch of water famous the world over. Within the wells of Celtic folklore, the mystery of Loch Ness has baffled scientists for decades. Loch Ness sits in the north of Scotland, near the town of Inverness. It forms part of a series of lochs running from the Irish Sea on the eas... 33). The Ancient Sites Of Rome For 3,000 years Rome has stood at the forefront of civilisation. The might of the Roman Empire brought great wealth and prosperity to the city and its allies. Rome became a treasure trove of extravagant architecture and monuments. As fortune smiled down on Rome, their riches established communities endowed with ornamental landmarks, ma... 34). The Canadian Rockies: Trail Of The Grizzly Over and over the huge grizzly bear stabs her powerful paw into the mountain river, fishing for her breakfast in the chilly, shallow water. A cool, crisp mountain breeze drifts through the valley; moist morning dew blankets the ground. The soothing sound of running water plays continuously as the sun scales the mountain peaks and illuminates the da... 35). The Grand Canyon: Life In The Gorge An eagle swoops overhead, its vast wingspan silhouetted against the morning sun. A trained eye surveys the land below, anticipating any sudden movement. Deep in the canyon beneath, the Colorado River runs its relentless course through Grand Canyon National Park, carved through the ages by this vein flowing through Arizona. As the sun c... 36). The Hidden Tourist Attractions Of Rome Countless words have illustrated the Colosseum, and its fearless gladiators; the Pantheon, and its gateway to the gods; and the Roman Forum, once heart of the mighty Roman Empire. But what of the hidden tourist attractions of Rome and those that receive fewer column inches? For a taste of the macabre try the Capuchin Crypt, the origina... 37). The North Pole Gallant vigour braves the stormIntrepid courage beyond the strainEndless effort keeping warmIron will to ease the painForward marc 38). Tibet Kunlun Shan mountains border northSoaring peaks that bathe in cloudMan and beast trek back and forthHimalaya, standing proudFierce 39). Traveller's Journal: Snowdonia National Park - Day 1 The road branched right into a trail named on the map as Llanberis Pass. In my experience anything labelled as a Pass meant spectacular scenery and a tinge of excitement stirred within me. What began as a gentle shower was now a torrential downpour. As I progressed through the valley the walls rose steeply and threatened to engulf me. ... 40). Traveller's Journal: Snowdonia National Park - Day 2 The Royal Victoria Hotel sits at the head of Llanberis Pass, near the foot of Mount Snowdon. Its elevated position provides wonderful views over Llanberis village, reminiscent of a wise old headmaster appraising his class. Sandwiched between the two lakes of Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris, the hotel is an excellent base for exploring the w... 41). Traveller's Journal: Snowdonia National Park - Day 3 I cannot recall the moment I discovered my fear of heights. I can remember falling from the top of a bunk bed once whilst on holiday as my sister slept on the bottom. I don't think that was the defining moment, though I'm sure it played some part in developing my phobia. But one thing was for certain. I knew I couldn't come to Llanberi... 42). Traveller's Journal: Snowdonia National Park - Day 4 For the first time this week Llanberis awoke bathed in sunshine. The gorgeous weather had stirred more than most from their beds at the Royal Victoria Hotel. The breakfast room was buzzing with activity. Despite my early start I still could not catch a seat in the conservatory and the magnificent views of the village. Once more I took ... 43). Traveller's Journal: Snowdonia National Park - Day 5 If there was one thing I had noticed from my travels around Wales it was the extensive use of the Welsh language. The people of Wales are extremely proud of their country and rightly so. The language helps Wales keep its identity. Many are resentful of English domination and prefer the idea of more independence. But one thing was for s... 44). Venice: The Floating City For a millennium, Venice has provided inspiration for artists and writers. This coveted city is made up of 118 islands linked by 453 bridges. Each corner of town exhibits individual architectural magnificence, the city combining as one to form a spectacular theatrical stage set. Beautiful churches adorn the banks of the Grand Canal as ... 45). Vienna: City Of The Arts On the banks of the Danube, Vienna and its population of over 2 million people bask proudly in their cultural heritage. Vienna’s love affair with the arts stretches back centuries and helped make it today, Austria’s number one tourist attraction. A romantic imperial city, Vienna bears the hallmarks of a capital steeped in history, beau... 46). Visit The Sand And Surf Of Watergate Bay The coastal road from Newquay snaked its way eastwards atop the high, craggy cliffs sculpted by the relentless Atlantic Ocean. Suddenly the road dipped and wound steeply towards sea level. Cars were parked everywhere; almost all had surfboards strapped to their roofs. This was Watergate Bay. I turned into a car park and waited at the e... 47). Wales Within the glen the dragon roarsA fervid spirit beats insideCelebration will be yoursEmbrace the soul and let it guideOver dale an 48). Weekend City Breaks In London – The Carlton Tower Hotel 5* (Knightsbridge) Boasting 220 sumptuous en suite bedrooms, many of which overlook the exquisite gardens of Cadogan Place, the Carlton Tower hotel effortlessly embodies panache and flair. Served by two excellent restaurants and accompanying bar, the Carlton Tower is the ideal base from which to explore London past and present. The hotel offers an accomplished Health...