Prague has it all and is easily reached too. Many cheap deals are available to the capital of the Czech Republic, and budget airlines offer budget-friendly fares. Handy airport extras save you even more, try Luton Airport Parking for value and convenience.

Visit this beautiful city year-round, with a typical warm/cool climate. Very historical, due to the wars of yesteryear, picturesque Prague has many sites to visit, including imposing Prague Castle. Here is the biggest castle in the world, dating back to the 9th century. The Czech crown jewels are kept here, with guided tours available. Visit early to avoid queues!

Many architectural styles are evident, with baroque visible on the famous Charles Bridge, crossing Vltava River. The old town square offers many examples of this, including gothic influences. This area is a bustling and touristy, with cafes, shops and restaurants to rest your feet.

With too many places to mention here – pre-planning is in order! The city provides such a romantic backdrop, perfect for those photo moments, brimming with old churches, and the oldest working Astronomical clock in the world! In the old town, take a sombre moment to visit the statue of Jan Hus, burnt at the stake for his religious beliefs.

One of the most famous sights is Krizik Fountain, with dancing water performances of light, colour and music. Located in Prague Exhibition Grounds, this is a popular area for proposals due to its romantic setting.

Wenceslas Square is the place for shopping, as well as a visit to the Czech National Museum. The square houses a statue of Wenceslas, set against famous sloping streets.

Getting around the city is easy, with an easy Metro system. However, it would be a crime not to jump on one of the famous red and white trams!

Shopping is plentiful, on markets and the main stores. Save spends by booking value extras prior to travelling, making life easier, and cheaper! Gatwick parking is great value. Travelling regionally? Don’t worry, Birmingham Airport Parking is available, along with many others.

So with all that money saved, you can head guilt-free to Palladium shopping centre, with over 200 shops. If you’re travelling at Christmas time, the Christmas markets are a wonderful experience, with the delicious aroma of street snacks filling the air. Why not try fried bramboráky, a delicious potato pancake – really delicious.

If you’re cultured and shopped out, head to the botanical garden for a chill-out time. Alternatively, the city has many beer breweries, with tours and tasting available. An afternoon tipple maybe!

Hopefully you’ll have sobered up to visit the Lennon Wall. The wall has been covered in inspirational graffiti since the death of Beatle, John Lennon. A definite photo moment, and a time to be humbled.

When night falls, entertainment in Prague is varied. Want to party? You’re in luck. Restaurants? Loads, with international cuisine for everyone. Alternatively, try a little culture at the National Theatre. Fancy a film? Head to the cinema. Maybe head to Rudolfinum, home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, or visit Municipal Hall, a stunning art nouveau concert hall with stained glass and gold trimmings.

Spoilt for choice.

So much to see in a weekend, but it can be done. Whatever your reasons for visiting – culture, cuisine, shopping or romance, there’s something for you. At such fantastic value, there’s no excuse not to put Prague on your list.

A great way to save some money is to consider flying to smaller airports rather than the main terminal where you can easily enter the city by flying with some major airline carrier.  For instances, try to land at the smaller airports, such as Reus and Girona, when you travel on airlines, such as Easyjet and Ryanair, to tour Barcelona in Spain. Most of these airports provide transport to the city though the only snag is that it involves extra time to reach there.  When you consider the savings, you will find it is worth the trouble as your fare will be much less than if you were to travel with a flag carrier.

Try to look for competitive fares much before the intended date of departure as many airlines offer great discounted tickets. Do not book too early as this may pose a few problems but try and ensure you have a seat on a good airline at affordable rates much in advance. Look for the best deals and make sure that your tickets are booked in advance.

Make comparative notes by checking out the airfare rates from various sites such as FlightChecker and SkyScanner. However, try to book from the site of the airline that you wish to use as you can save on paying commissions when you do not go through agents. You may save some money if you do not have to pay extra to the agent for their services.

The airfare generally shoots up on School holidays and public holidays. If you do not have school going children, it is best to avoid the peak season and travel during the off season when the rates are definitely lower.

The airlines generally offer lower fares if you travel mid-week. Save money by avoiding flying during the rush hours which are generally early Monday mornings and late hours on Friday. You may be surprised to learn that you can save nearly half the cost of the airfare if you are flexible about the day of the flight.

It is possible to find cheap flights from the media but you will have to spend a lot of time checking out the various processes. It may not be easy to compare the different rates offered. The best solution here is to go online and check the Internet to get the best deal.

You can check online and find out the best fares offered by the various airlines either direct or through travel websites. You can easily check out the pricing and make a comparative note for the best deal. Notice that some airlines take longer routes though they offer cheaper airfares. Your obvious choice will be the lowest fare offered by a company who does not compromise on the quality of their services.

Your immediate concern should be considering the best route, best fare and best airline that offer the cheapest fare. Before booking the ticket, ensure that you spend enough time checking out these salient points and then book the best air flight which offers the cheapest deal.

51 Rue de Montmorency:
What might look like an unassuming restaurant is actually the oldest house in Paris and dates back to 1407. Yet what really makes this address fascinating is that the house once belonged to Nicholas Flamel, a manuscript-seller who would later become famous for his alchemy work in relation to the legendary Philosopher’s Stone. This was a substance reputedly able to turn everyday metals into precious silver and gold; it was also believed it could make a man immortal. While Flamel died in 1418, many believe he and his wife Pernelle succeeded in their quest for immortality; rumour has Flamel’s grave was later found empty, and that both Nicholas and Pernelle are still alive today. Either way, Flamel lives on in history, not least for his generosity of character. He spent much of his money on helping those less fortunate, rebuilding churches and funding hospices.

The Saint-Jacques Tower:
Standing tall amongst the shops and hotels of Paris’ 4th arrondissement is the Saint-Jacques Tower, the only remaining section of the 16th century Church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie. Decoration seen on the tower reflects the status and wealth of its many patrons, many of whom were wholesale butchers over at Les Halles market. The church was demolished following the French revolution, yet the beautiful gothic tower still remains. Modern renovations saw the ancient, and originally unstable, bell-tower reconstructed in 2009 and today it is generally admired as a rather grand stand-alone monument. Interestingly, one of the church’s other patrons was none other than Nicholas Flamel. He was reportedly buried beneath the church before its demolition… but whether he remains there depends on one’s belief in the Philosopher’s Stone.

Los Angeles was formerly a part of Mexico. During the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, it was bought from Mexico and became part of the United States. Los Angeles is often referred to as LA, and is the center of entertainment, business, culture, international trade, fashion and education. It is the third richest city in the country. The city hosted two Summer Olympics in the years 1932 and 1984. The region has a Mediterranean climate, with bright sunshine, which is the reason why movie studios were set up there in the first place.

Enjoy your Los Angeles holidays with some great holiday packages. Hand over the logistics of arranging your tour to your travel guides. Have a great time, savoring the sights, sounds and tastes of this enchanting city.

Enjoy a 5 night accommodation at the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons 5 Star Hotel. Stay in Deluxe Rooms and enjoy a bonus free night. Go for the Hollywood Trolley Tour during your visit to the city. The hotel is located in the very heart of Beverly Hills, home to the rich and famous in America. The famous Rodeo Drive shopping centers are located close by.

Or stay at the Crowne Plaza in Beverly Hills for 5 nights. Enjoy the freedom to travel as you please in Double Decker busses with your own bus pass. Enjoy a bonus free night at this luxury hotel which has an in-house restaurant, a fitness center, an outdoor heated pool and spa, and a business center for business guests.

You can choose to stay for 7 nights in a standard room at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, a 4 Star hotel. The hotel allows kids under the age of 17 to stay free with their parents. The superior service and the spacious guest rooms will make your stay enjoyable and truly memorable.

Located in the downtown district of LA, the JW Marriott is a 5 Star hotel that offers personal service with a deluxe comfort level for every guest. Enjoy your Los Angeles holidays in any one of these world class hotels and literally have the time of your life in America’s most entertaining city.

Saadian Tombs
These dramatic tombs were only discovered in the last century, despite dating back from the 16^th century. Now lovingly restored, these beautifully decorated tombs have distinct historic significance in housing the tombs of about sixty members of the Saadi Dynasty.

Koutoubia Mosque
Koutoubia is Marrakech’s largest mosque and its 221 foot tower, or minaret, is one of the most distinctive aspects of the city’s skyline. It’s impressive from the outside and you can’t miss it from the rooftop restaurants enjoyed during Marrakech holidays. But make sure you take the time to check out Koutoubia Mosque’s interior with its copper globes and traditional style.

Majorelle Gardens
The Majorelle Gardens really are the ultimate retreat from the hustle of Marrakech life. It’s almost impossible to think you’re in one of the world’s busiest cities in the calming greenery of these lush gardens, created by a painter in the 19th century. Make sure you visit the gallery and museum inside the unique blue building.

Ben Youssef Madrassa
Say hello to Marrakech’s answer to Oxford University. Ben Youssef Madrassa is an ancient Islamic college which, despite no longer being in use as a place of learning, has been preserved beautifully. The Madrassa is a feat of architecture and you can’t fail to be blown away by its beautiful carvings, quaint dormitory cells and huge courtyard. It is definitely one of the thinking man’s main Marrakech holiday attractions.

Riads
If you’re looking for accommodation with a difference, a stay in a Riad is perfect. They emit palace-like calm and grandeur. Adventurous travellers looking for the real Marrakech will appreciate the serenity of these fantastic buildings, which are tucked down backstreets away from the busy city. There’s a riad to suit every budget – from luxury accommodation with hammams and elegant sunbathing terraces, to modest rustic buildings.

After all, insurance covers medical costs, trip cancellation, and stolen property. I like using the Good2go travel checklist before I go away. Using that list, I make sure I can make sure that I am bringing everything I need to on vacation with me. The list is pretty comprehensive. It’s a great planning tool. It helps me remember what I need to bring and to check that I am covered for fees or problems while overseas.

Good2go is an Australian based company so many of their tips and advice are for Australia travelers. Their check list is a very helpful tool but especially more helpful if you are an Aussie. However, the point of a travel checklist is very important. You want to be prepared and organized before you go away. You don’t want to find out your ATM card doesn’t work overseas or you are facing $5 dollar surcharges every time you use it. Proper planning leads to safe and secure travel and lots of peace of mind before you go. Getting organized is a must.

Between a proper check list and getting travel insurance, you can know you have everything covered and planned for so while you are away you can focus on what is really important- having fun. After all, you shouldn’t have to worry on a vacation, you should just have to relax.

Dating back to 1420, the palace served for nearly 500 years, from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty, as the home of emperors and their entourages. It is a mammoth 7,800,000 sq ft, consisting of 980 buildings, with close to 9,000 rooms and is a classic example of imperial Chinese architecture. It was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1987 and the organisation lists it as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. The palace also houses a collection of nearly 1 million pieces of art, spanning 5,000 years of Chinese history. Its name is derived from the fact that no-one could enter or leave the palace grounds without the emperor’s permission.

Visitor Information
Open daily all year.
April 1st-October 31st – 8.30-17.00
40 rmb
Last Entry at 16:10
Tickets sold until 16:00
November 1st—March 31 – 8:30—16:30
60 rmb
Last Entry at 15:40
Tickets sold until 15:30

Concessions are available, as are audio guides and English-speaking tour guides.
The Forbidden City is in the centre of Beijing and is accessed via the Gate of Heavenly Peace in Tiananmen Square. Staying in a hotel near Tiananmen Square is recommended to enable you to access most tourist sites easily.
Highlights

The entrance gates – the Gate of Great Harmony and the Meridian Gate (the formal entrance) are both stunning.
The Outer Court – dominated by huge ceremonial halls where the emperors conducted their business. The Hall of Preserving Harmony is the most impressive.

The Inner Court – a series of smaller buildings and gardens where the emperor and his family lived and only they, his concubines and eunuchs were permitted entry to. A pair of beautiful bronze lions flank the entrance, beyond which are stunning palaces and exquisite gardens.

Conservation Efforts
The palace ceased to be the political centre of China in 1912 with the forced abdication of Pui, the last emperor of China, and the Palace Museum was established in the grounds in 1925. The Forbidden City now receives more visitors than any other site in China – 7 million by Government calculations.  The site is currently undergoing a massive 16 year renovation which will restore all buildings to their pre-1912 state.
Given its central location, the Forbidden City is easily accessible from all hotels in Beijing and really should not be missed.

Hong Kong means ‘fragrant harbour’ and is a place that has a really interesting mixture of influences. It is a unique destination that has taken something from places as diverse as Vietnam, Britain, China, and more, and proclaims itself to be ‘Asia’s World City’.
Hong Kong has one of the world’s best airports so travelling to this area is easy. Many people take time here for a stopover when they’re travelling deeper into the Orient, and it’s a place that is well worth visiting if you can handle the crowds. Travelling within Hong Kong means you’ll see people. This is one city where you just can’t help it. With a population of over 7,000,000 the streets can be quite crowded at times.

Having said that, if you’ve the money for it, ‘The Peak’ is the tallest point on the island, and is where many business tycoons and foreign diplomats enjoy excellent views of the harbour and where some of the most expensive houses are, as well as one or two good hotels. If you can’t afford to stay up here, you can still enjoy a trip on the Peak Tram and then take a short walk at the top to escape the crowds and look out over the harbour.

Hong Kong has many excellent tourist attractions and being a reasonably small island, they’re all fairly close together making it possible to see most in one holiday here. Hong Kong National geopark is one place worth seeing. This 5,000 hectare area features 8 geosites including the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region and Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region. Victoria harbour is amazing in its own right, but for something a bit more spectacular, the nightly Symphony of Lights Show across the harbour front buildings is very much worth seeing.

Hong Kong has many ancient Chinese temples. Some are Buddhist, some Taoist, and some belong to other religions, but all are very interesting to see, and many of these incense filled temples are quite inspiring too. Side by side with these temples are colonial buildings from when Britain ruled the region, and modern glass and steel skyscrapers flung high up into the sky. This wonderful mixture of old and new exist happily side by side and make Hong Kong one of the most interesting and culturally inspiring places in the world to visit.

Easy as pie
These days, it’s easy to get online travel insurance. Since most people would book an air, bus or train ticket over the Internet using a credit card, often getting travel insurance is as simple as checking a box next to your order. Often travel insurance is included in the price of your ticket as well. The best way to decide whether you need anything is to take a look at the fine print on your ticket. Travel insurance should cover you for lost or stolen baggage, delays and cancellations, missed flights, accidents and even death. Almost always, some sort of basic insurance is included with every travel ticket you purchase.

Valuable items
Goods such as musical instruments, sports equipment, computers, DVD players and other expensive items such as jewellery and even cash should always be insured. You can go on the Internet and take out online travel insurance for most of these things as well with a few clicks following some links from the place where you bought your travel ticket.

Double up
Some people like to take out more than one insurance policy to cover themselves and this is also a very good idea. Insurance doesn’t really cost a lot, just a few dollars for some basic coverage, so if you take out two policies then you can even get back twice as much as you normally would from compensation.

Get a quote
Finding an online travel insurance company is a daunting prospect, but you just need to compare a few prices to make your initial decision. Many Internet travel insurance agencies have a handy website where you can select your departure point, your destination, the time of the year and day and the number of adults or children who will be travelling. Then by just clicking a button you can get a quick quote which will help you narrow down the companies you want to deal with.

Time to Decide
After you’ve got your quote, then it’s time to compare the prices and services. Generally, you want to go for one company that covers a lot of possible misfortunes for a good price, but especially with insurance, it’s not always good to put all your eggs in one basket so you might be best off taking out your policy from a few different providers.

The two largest and busiest of the islands are Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The interior of each island is mountainous that are sandwiched between lush green areas in the north and larges beaches and resort areas in the south. The mountains are dotted with small villages worth exploring. Gran Canaria has a very European feel and offers lush forests, giant sand dunes, and volcanic craters.

The beaches on Tenerife in particular are some of the world’s prettiest. They vary from the natural black sand of the volcanoes to beaches made from sand either brought in from the Sahara or taken from the nearby seabed. The most popular areas on Tenerife with the busiest beaches are Playa de las Americas and Los Cristanos, both ideal places for Canary Islands holidays.

Holidays in Lanzorate are quite different than the other Canaries. It has a barren and black landscape formed from ancient lava flow. Lanzorate has an eerie sort of beauty. The beaches are made up of the black volcanic sand and the interior of the island resembles the surface of the moon. But this is a very popular island for those who love water sports like windsurfing, kite boarding, and surfing.

The island of LaPalma is considered to be one of the most scenic spots of the world and is often referred to as “La Isla Bonita”. Here you can find a variety of trails that avid nature lovers will love. Because of the Canary Islands’ sub-tropical climate, this island offers a huge array of fascinating and beautiful animal and plant life.

Whether you want the majesty of volcanic cliffs, the beauty of the ocean and beaches, or bustling resorts, and a vibrant nightlife, Canary Islands holidays can provide all of this. You can fly into one of the larger islands and take a ferry to visit the others. Accommodation choices run from 5-star luxury resorts to small hotels designed for those on a budget. You can also experience the Canaries via the ports of call on a Canary Island cruise.