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The Other Park We were lucky to experience some unusual New York, late Indian Summer-like weather, and hopped the F train to Brooklyn, exited at Flatbush and entered into Prospect Park. We joined nannies with strollers, zealous joggers, and cyclists and fell in love with the many paths and forested walkways of this Brooklyn oasis. Take a detour into the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens or stop at BAM for a concert or lecture on your way in or out of this lush and lovely green space that Frederick Law Olmsted, the renowned designer of Central Park, (that other park) thought to be his most successful and accomplished park design. Walk down Carroll Street through Park Slope and experience some of the neighborhoods' beautiful Brownstones and some 40 minutes later, find yourself on trendy Court Street in Carroll Gardens/Cobble Hill, next door to Historic Brooklyn Heights. Or perhaps a little further north to the hip and gentrified Williamsburg. A Night at the Opera On any visit to New York,...

If you consider your wedding to be one of the best days of your life, then your honeymoon should be one of the best weeks - especially if you are an active couple who likes a bit of adrenaline next to all the romance. Adventure can be anything from visiting unknown places to swimming with the sharks, depending on what kind of excitement you're looking for. So, here are some ideas that will hopefully spark your imagination and help you choose the best honeymoon places for your adventurous, amorous post-wedding day bliss! Italy As one of the best honeymoon destinations for newlyweds, Italy...

From a secluded metropolis reserved for the rich and the carefree, to the top travel destination that attracts millions of tourists from around the world, Singapore tourism has increased substantially in recent years. What's most important is that it has everything you might need to live out an urban adventure of a lifetime. Take a stroll around Chinatown Singapore might seem like it's all about the futuristic architecture and neon city lights, but the place is not without its cultural gems and heritage neighborhoods either. In fact, this whole place is a vibrant mixture of the old and...

The Cheapest Way To Get To Istanbul from the UK With one side facing Asia and the other peering towards Europe, Istanbul has - for centuries - proven to be a pivotal hub for transport and trade. Within easy reach of Asia, Africa and Europe, the city's connections are unlimited; a giant octopus of a place with arms reaching across continents, countries and cities. As such, it is incredibly easy to get to. The Best Way To Get Around Istanbul Home to a dizzyingly large population - 16 million in total - Istanbul is vast. With two sides: its 'European' side and an 'Asian' side (separated by the Bosphorus Strait), you'll need to do a little planning before you set off for a wander. However, getting around during your three days in Istanbul - particularly if you shuttle between the old city and some of its newer parts - is relatively easy, thanks to the city's beloved tram, metro and ferry system. Istanbul's Metro The metro is a quick and easy way to get around the city;...

It's not the sights or sounds of Marrakech that I remember, but the smell. That warm, heavily perfumed, smell. It's an aroma that had followed me home after my last visit to the city; a wholly Moroccan scent that had settled over my house for months after. Unpacking my suitcase - bags filled with golden saffron falling out - it had smelt like rose oil and cumin, and had clung to my clothes and...

Going on a vacation is no longer just about sightseeing and taking a bunch of photos - now it's more a matter of learning, experiencing, and after a long day of hiking and discovery, uncovering more about your true self. Because of that, sought-after destinations have changed as well - people who are looking for a self-discovery trip will always choose a destination with a rich culture,...

I am visiting Helsinki's south harbour, where the steel-gray waters of the Gulf of Finland lap the rocky shore, setting sail on a tour of the offshore archipelago, studded with over 300 Scots pine, Norway spruce, and birch covered islands. On your port side, the commuter ferries come and go like clockwork, connecting Helsinki with dozens of its islands. Still further out, you'll see large commercial ferries looming and bobbing on the horizon, linking Finland with its Baltic Sea neighbours, Russia, Estonia, Germany, and Sweden. The islands beyond Helsinki are dotted with vacation homes for...

Queen Victoria Loved to Dance It was on our trip to Kensington Palace that we learnt a little known fact about Queen Victoria. Known as a monarch in mourning following the death of her beloved Albert, Queen Victoria always seemed to me to be the sombre type. During our fascinating tour of the Queen Victoria exhibitions - Victoria Woman & Crown and Victoria: A Royal Childhood - however, we came to realise that in her formative years, Queen Victoria was quite the life and soul. Walking up to a rather glamorous pair of long, satin silver shoes, we were told how Queen Victoria adored to dance and was quite the talented dancer. With a love for the ballet and opera, dance was one of Queen Victoria's passions. Indeed, even at eight months pregnant, Victoria would often be the last one standing on the dance floor. Henry VIII Loved a Game of Tennis Arriving at Hampton Court Palace ready for a day of Tudor history, we hadn't quite anticipated the 45 minutes of physical exertion that...

However, and as we approached its golden bridge - the light bouncing off the waters of the famous San Francisco Bay - I immediately regretted our decision. Ahead of us the city balanced like a wave on a hill; pastel rows of houses tumbling downwards and the Pacific blue ocean framing its edges. As it turns out, and after some fastidious planning, a weekend in San Francisco was all we needed. In the space of just two days, we explored its rainbow-painted streets, gawped at its vibrant street. Rather than beginning your time in San Francisco fighting the crowds at the usual tourist hotspots, instead head inland: towards The Mission. San Francisco's very first neighbourhood, The Mission is the city's Ground Zero: a historic and blended area often cited for its 'grittiness'. Founded by...

Haluk tells us this is the Turkish way. The shuttle that has arrived to take us to the public bus station is too full to fit the 8 of us. We stand around waiting while mobile calls get made and mobiles ring, and finally a 2nd shuttle appears. Haluk is confident that the bus to Canakkale will not leave without us, and he is right. We arrive at the station, we get on the bus, and off we go, later than scheduled. We will be taking buses for our tour of Turkey - Haluk tells us that Turkey has good roads, but doesn't have good trains and that flying here is still very expensive. The day certainly proves him right as to the condition of the roads. The Hellespont We have to go across Istanbul, and the traffic is not bad - much easier than yesterday evening. The city doesn't go on forever in...

Paris has charmed everyone with its vibrant streets, high art, superb cuisine and astonishing architecture. The only City of Lights exudes authenticity, romance, and style that no one can resist. Whether you're strolling along the iconic Seine River, savouring soft and tasty French croissants or exploring its famous landmarks, you can always feel the unique atmosphere of Paris. All you can do is surrender to its numerous beauties and soak in its cosmopolitan vibe. Here is a quick Paris Guide to some of our favourite Paris attractions The Charms of Avenue des Champs-Elysees As perhaps the most famous avenue in the city, as well as the world, Avenue des Champs-Elysees radiates with a unique atmosphere of elegance. This iconic avenue has something for everyone, featuring both historic...

The south of France features prominently in many people's daydreams of heaven on earth, and deservedly so. Those who haven't yet seen this perfection, dream of going, and those who have, can't wait to go back. If you're thinking of finally checking out for yourself what all the fuss is really about, here are some unique places that should definitely make it onto your itinerary for your south of France holidays. Lively Nice The stunning capital of the Alpes-Maritimes region, Nice is one of the crown jewels of the French Riviera with its year-round sunny weather juxtaposed against the glaringly blue Mediterranean. It is no wonder that, with its old-world charm and glamour, it's still one of the most popular and prestigious holiday destinations in Europe. Today, Nice is an intoxicating...

Sunday in Russia is like a romantic Seurat painting: everyone is out in the parks and by the canals and the rivers, enjoying the warm sunny weather on their one day liberated from work. Families eating ice cream, and couples, the men smartly dressed, the women with their lipstick just so, walking or sitting on park benches holding hands, some drinking beer, others possibly some cold vodka. Several are picnicking, some are playing volleyball, all seem to be enjoying the fact that summer has arrived, for today at least. 40 Minutes to Pavlovsk and Tsarskoe Selo We too are having a Sunday in the Park and just like the famous Seurat painting our train is crowded with day-trippers heading from St. Petersburg to the same spot we are. We are all taking the 40-minute train ride south to...

The world we live in is so small, yet so vast at the same time. We don't need more than a day or two to reach almost any destination on the planet, yet we rarely venture far beyond the boundaries of our own comfort zone. The reasons are many and, truth be told, often understandable. Lack of time or money is usually the first one to pop up, but even if some people can save up enough money and...

Untamed, practically uninhabited, and spreading over almost 2 million square kilometers, Alaska is the ultimate escape into the wild, with a wide range of daring, snow-dominated activities. From winter festivities that will give you a glimpse into some of its traditions such as dogsled races, and views of the Aurora Borealis, to milder, summertime hikes, wildlife spotting, and cruising, Alaska USA surely has a plethora of exciting adventures to offer all-year-round. First-time visitors might have a hard time choosing its many versatile activities, and deciding when might be the best season to travel, so the following list includes some of the most popular and valuable experiences you can treat yourself to when planning your trip into the wild, wild north! Fairbanks for the Winter Aurora Travelers come from all over the world during the harsh winter months only to be able to experience one of the most breathtaking phenomena on the planet - the magical northern lights, also known...

La Dotta Home to the world's oldest university, Bologna is well known for its erudite personality, earning itself the nickname 'the learned one'. Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna began life as a school of jurists (law), before being joined by medicine, philosophy, maths, astronomy, logic, grammar and rhetoric scholars. With notable alumni such as Dante and Thomas Becket, this is a University steeped in a rich and fascinating history. As an Oxford graduate, I felt an immediate affinity to 'La Dotta': a city overflowing with bikes, books, coffee shops and libraries. Indeed, for any other budding bibliophiles, this part of the city should be top of your list when deciding what to see in Bologna. Palazzo Poggi Three university museums and the original library are housed within...

Lagos, Algarve Lagos (pronounced 'lah-goosh') is a blustery, colourful city nestled on the Western Algarve. Hidden within four hills, Lagos is a city that sprang to life during the 15th and 16th centuries, when trade with Africa began. Now a tourist town attracting care-free surfers from across the world, this is a city with a perhaps unexpectedly laid-back and bohemian feel. Things to do in Lagos, Algarve A city defined by the water that surrounds it, it is seafood, beaches and yachts that top the list of Lagos' activities. Plunge beneath its surface, however, and Lagos has a...

Hershey Park - Hershey, Pa With the slogan of "the sweetest place on earth" Hershey Park can show you a great time. Family friendly, this Amusement Park is home to famous Hershey's chocolate attraction rides. You will have so many options to do and see here. The park itself has fun rides for all ages. It's also connected to Hershey's Chocolate World where you can go on a virtual tour ride to learn all about how Hershey's chocolate is made. You'll even get a free piece of candy at the end of the ride. Whether you're a thrill rider or simply a chocolate lover, this park is a great place to visit in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Grand Canyon - Watson Township, Pa Did you know that Pennsylvania has its own Grand Canyon? This spot in Pa is perfect for adventure seekers, and those who just...

The Florida Everglades are among the most beautiful natural wonders of the world. Located in southern Florida, these expansive wetlands are full of wildlife and amazing things to see. If you've never had a chance to visit the Everglades, you're in for a treat. Here are 6 things you might not know about the Florida Everglades so you know what to look out for the next time you visit South Florida. It Burns - and That's a Good Thing Although it's a wetland and as its name suggests it is inherently wet, the Wetlands burn regularly. Like any other forest or undeveloped area, these wildfires are important for the health of the area. Most of the fires don't cause a lot of damage, especially if they're sparked by lightning during the wet season. They often extinguish themselves before they spread too far - wet wood doesn't burn well, after all. Dry season fires can be more dangerous and might require human intervention. If you're planning a trip, you can keep track of fire...