Travel On The Dollar lists the 5 most pet-friendly airlines of 2009 according to Petfinder.com. The five air companies are United Airlines,  American Airlines, which specializes in transporting zoo animals, the budget-friendly Aitran, JetBlue Airways, which offers full-service for pets, and Continental, which has a Pet Safe program .

Wild Life Photography

Visit Wild Wonders of Europe and take a look at the website’s photo galleries  including pictures of Pollino National Park, Italy, images of tulips and orchards in Crete, Greece, and shots of Avocets flying over the island of Texel, Netherlands

.

Top 10 US Aquariums to Visit on a Family Break

The Q Family Adventure Travel Blog reviews 10 fun aquariums for a family trip. The list includes the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta GA,  National Aquarium Baltimore, Baltimore MD, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey CA, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Bay FL, New England Aquarium, Boston MA, Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach CA, and more children-friendly aquariums in the US .

Paris Movie Locations

Want to go set-jetting in Paris? Visit Gridskipper and take a film location tours in the French capital including the Pont Neuf, the Louvre Museum, the Canal St Martin and more Parisian landmarks.  And if you are looking for more film sets in Paris, take a look at the luxury Hotel Meurice which seems to be director’s favorite hotel to shoot a romantic movie.

The Feast of Saint Rosalia: Palermo, 15 July

If you are in Palermo, Sicily, next week, do not miss the picturesque Festino of Santa Rosalia. For more information on this traditional event, visit Italy Mag and watch a video of  the celebrations, procession and fireworks display.

Photo of puppy dog at airport security line by - POD -

Of the many things we know about Italy we also know that it is certainly not a wintry place. That goes for the warm people and friendly culture but also for the weather itself: the country isn’t used to and isn’t prepared for the cold (aside from the fact that it never is very cold at all.) So Italy thrives in summer, and Rome is full of events and festivals that take full advantage of the most pleasant and privileged season. Here are 5 summer festivals in Rome that shouldn’t be missed:

1. Villa Celimontana Jazz Festival

The Villa Celimontana Jazz Festival has been a Roman institution for more than a decade, located in the gardens and the shade of the 16th century villa designed in harmony with nature by a student of Michelangelo, Giacomo del Duca. Today artists of national and international fame take the stage, including Enrico Rava, Javier Girotto and Roberto Gatto, including the conservatories of Santa Cecilia and Luigi Cherubini. The festival runs until September 20th, and tickets cost approximately 10€. (Via della Navicella, Metro: Colosseo) http://www.villacelimontanajazz.com/ita/index.html

2. Roma Incontra Il Mondo Festival, Villa Ada

Villa Ada is one of the most beautiful and largest public parks in Rome, and since 1994 has housed a world music festival called Roma Incontra il Mondo, running from the 16th of June to the 8th of August. A truly varied range of artists play here, from pop to rock to classical to reggae to world music, effectively: this year a few notable names are Nouvelle Vague, Ludovico Einaudi, Avion Travel, and Patti Smith. Tickets vary between 8 and 13€. (Laghetto di Villa Ada, Metro: Campi Sportivi) http://www.villaada.org/

3. Isola del Cinema

One of my favorite events is the Isola del Cinema festival held on the Isola Tiberina right in the center of Rome, wedged in the river Tiber. Every year one has the pleasure of watching films in the open air on the island. The festival runs from the 18th of June to the 30th of September and screens both national and international cinema. The program includes a 21:30 and 23:30 screening for perfect “dinner and a movie” dates. The upcoming week provides a taste of the event: Milk, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, La Dolce Vita, Let the Right One In. Tickets are 5€ for the first screening ( if you are part of the Isola del Cinema Facebook group, working for ATAC or have a Metrebus card) and 3€ for the second screening. http://www.isoladelcinema.com/

4. Teatro dell’Opera di Roma at the Terme di Caracalla

Every year the Teatro dell’Opera moves its productions to the atmospheric Caracalla baths, and is certainly not to be missed even just in light of this. This month and in August the program includes A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with the corps de ballet and the orchestra of the Opera house, Tosca and Carmen. While the Teatro dell’Opera is not nearly at the same level as La Scala of Milan, for instance, the location makes the night. Tickets and seating arrangements can be found on the website: http://www.operaroma.it .

5. Lungo Er Tevere

For a more informal, relaxed and truly enjoyable evening with friends head down to the Lungotevere degli Anguillara and head down the stairs onto the river bank. Every year the city of Rome organizes this event on the shores of the Tiber from the Ponte Sisto to Ponte Mazzini, over 1 km of shops, stands, bars, restaurants, and clubs. For more information check out the website: http://www.lungoiltevereroma.it/cultura.html. These events are certainly not the only ones – be sure to check the official website of the Estate Romana, http://www.estateromana.comune.roma.it/.

Photo of Mike Stern band playing at Villa Celimontana, Rome, Italy by Padesig

With everyone looking for a place to lay their beach towel it can become quite difficult to find the perfect spot. In my search for a strip of sand I wandered into the town of Sperlonga.

Sperlonga is just one hour south of Rome by trail and is very easily accessible. After a short bus ride from Sperlonga’s train station (Fondi-Sperlonga) I was dropped into the middle of this charming little town. The first thing that I noticed was that Sperlonga resembled Greece more than Italy; with it’s small alleys and stacked sun bleached buildings layered with balconies overlooking stretches of sea.

After a short walk through town I heard the shore calling me. I swiftly strolled down the zigzagging stairways past the sun bathing cats and made my way to the beach. Once I reached the sand I started scanning the prices for umbrella and beach chair rentals. Sperlonga does have public sections of beach but I would really recommend renting an umbrella; the sun can be very cruel and during midday it can be dangerous staying in direct sun. Sperlonga has an amazing beach; and they know it, you will be paying an average of sixteen euro for two lounge chairs and an umbrella (depending on how near to the water you want to be positioned). I paid twelve euro for two chairs with an umbrella in the back row; it was a mad dash on burning hot sand to get into the water but definitely worth saving five euro.

The sea was perfect, the water was clean and as clear as glass. From the coast you have a great view no matter where you look; whether up at the white hilltop town or out at the waves lapping in from the sparkling sea. I do have a few warnings though, mainly for your wallet. This town is beautiful but small, that means a bit on the expensive side. I would suggest buying all of your supplies before leaving Rome, packing a lunch and using the spare cash on something cold to drink on the beach.

A train for Sperlonga leaves every hour from Termini station (Rome) and costs €6,50 for a one-way ticket; when you arrive at the Fondi-Sperlonga station their will be a shuttle bus waiting to take you into town (€1 per one-way trip). That shuttle runs between the town and train station every hour all day; making it easy to get into and out of town. You really can’t beat this town; with it’s clean stretch of sand and sea and beautiful hilltop views. If you need a place to get away and cool off make your way towards Speronga.

Photo of Sperlonga by Lostajy

Numerous strategies and a combination of words to the check-in staff are said to work, although many of these are closely regarded secrets and those who know often prefer to keep their mouths shut. Thankfully, we’re a lot more open on this blog!

• Dress very neatly

Millions of Euros are probably not earned every year through people not dressing appropriately for business deals, and how much more so should it be for this one where actually, you don’t really much to negotiate with? To prove more eligible, a suit, crocodile skin shoes, “replica” watches and designer baggage could all be prove quite important in your quest for luxury.

• Be one of the last to book a flight that will probably be full

Busy routes, such as London to New York, will probably nearly always have 100% occupation. It’s also quite likely that they may often be overbooked, meaning if you happen to be one of the last to book before it’s announced full, you’re reasonably likely to get an upgrade.

• Start by Travelling Business Class

To the great masses, this is probably quite useless advice, but it is said to be much easier to upgrade from Business to First rather than from Economy to Business – all that Caviar and Truffles can’t go to waste, can they?

• Don’t be part of a family

Let’s think about this one for a minute – who would you like to let into a higher class, a noisy, unkempt family with stressed-out Mum and irritated Dad, or a suave, sophisticated individual well versed in the nuances of flying?

• Know someone working for the airline or the airline group (e.g Star Alliance)

This is not at all improbable. In 2007, for example, Air France had 104,000 employees. Upgrades are more likely if that person is at least a distant family member, although company policy and other factors may affect this, depending what airline you’re flying. It helps if the Airline is a member of a group such as Star Alliance, as it gives the employee a broader influence depending on which airline you book.

• Can I speak to your Manager?

This old trick is pretty high risk. You have to count on the airport check-in staff actually fearing the manager enough that it’s better to run the risk of being spotted upgrading you than to attract attention because of the “feedback” of an unsatisfied customer.

• Act like you only belong in Business Class and that Economy is somehow an insult

If one walks in with an air of superiority and as if you were accidentally booked into economy class, this trick has a reasonable probability of actually working. One of the main rules they teach you in many acting schools is that in order to be the character you wish to portray, get into their shoes and pretend that you are him/her – in the same way, be the business class passenger rather than a hopeful economy class one.

Photo of business class on  Singapore Airlines flight by Pyonko

Suffice it to say, the flavor of the islands is nothing short of exotic, and the landscape is dotted by hundreds of volcanoes, rich forests, rugged cliffs, and sand dunes. The weather frequently varies from one island to the next, so while you are experiencing sunny tropical weather on one, you could be enjoying either rainfall or snowfall on one of the other islands.

The islands offer a wealth of sightseeing experiences for the visitor. You can catch a ferry to Lanzarote, ride a camel through Timanfaya National Park and see the volcano, visit Mount Teide (Spain’s tallest peak) on Tenerife, romp on any of the many pristine beaches, or hike through La Gomera’s Garajonay National Park. Additionally, you will find more adventures on the peaceful island of Fuerteventura, the tiny island of El Hierro, or the lush verdant island of La Palma. And these are just for starters.

No matter which one of the 7 islands you visit, you will find a wealth of experiences at your fingertips, despite the fact that a lot of the tourism is focused on the two capital cities of Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. If you’ve grown tired of the same types of vacations or vacation spots, then the Canary Islands are a must-visit destination. The following is a list of the top 5 sightseeing targets to consider if you make the trip:

1. Plaza Charco in Puerto de la Cruz

If you’re looking for a street that is lined with cafes and restaurants, this plaza is the place. A wide variety of cuisines, both local and international await you, as well as the many shopping opportunities that it holds.

2. Calle Triana in Las Palmas

Known for its more upscale shopping, if you’re hoping to find a wide pedestrianized street lined with shops, as well as a bus station at each end, Calle Triana is a must-see experience.

3. Veronica’s Strip in Playa de las Americas

This is the nightlife spot of the Canary Islands. The Strip is lined with bars, discos, and relaxing pubs so no personal tastes in this type of entertainment are overlooked.

4. Los Gigantes in Tenerife

For a great setting to enjoy a drink or a meal, the marina in Los Gigantes is perfect. Watching the boats coming and going, can be very soothing but just be advised that during the peak periods, that peaceful relaxing setting turns into a hub of activity that often gets noisy as well.

5. Rambla del General Franco in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

One of the most historical streets anywhere in the Canary Islands, this venue is the perfect setting for a walking tour of the island.

Photo of Lanzarote volcanic landscape by BK59

It’s most advisable to travel in between the months of October to April, as before then it can often be quite intolerable to spend any length of time outside. The rest of the year Dubai’s temperatures are pleasant, reaching from around 25 to 35 Celsius. We’re going to look at two features essential to do on a family holiday here, particularly if your children are quite young.

Dubai Water parks

The Wild Wadi water park, and the Atlantis Aquaventure water park are both superbly managed water parks which can excite (or at least keep awake) the whole family. More daring teens and adults may want to experience the Jumeirah Sceirah, the incredibly terrifying (some would say actually dangerous) and largest and fastest freefall waterslide outside America. They actually tell you to cross your legs and fold your arms behind your back to keep from falling off the edge of the slide into a disgusting oblivion – and they mean it. The Wild Wadi water park, situated next to the Burj al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, has many supervisors and attendants on hand to make sure your little tykes don’t snuff it in the lazy river. Atlantis Aquaventure complete with a massive aquarium on the Palm Jumeirah is even more exciting, although it is somewhat more expensive. Wild Wadi tickets cost €30 for those over 3.6 ft and €25 for those below, while the Atlantis will set you back about €43.

Dubai Malls

The lifeblood of the city flows through Dubai’s numerous malls, where during the summer months it is too hot to do much else. Huge competition among malls in Dubai has led to most of them being decked out like 5 star hotel lobbies. Nearly everything can be done and obtained in them, from car rentals to cinemas and even luxurious restaurants and furniture shops all attached to one beautifully air-conditioned building. You could spend whole weeks in them if they had sleeping facilities. They have become such a big attraction in Dubai that now many of them have 5-star Hotels attached, so the aim of your holiday can merely be to wake up and walk around the mall all day. All malls in the country have a Children’s entertainment zone, which features things like arcade machines and sometimes even small indoor roller coasters, which can be fun if your children are a little bit older. Popular malls worth visiting for their design and grandeur are Dubai Mall where children can ice skate, visit an Aquarium, and watch free Disney movies whilst sitting on beanbags, and Festival City, which even has a functioning artificial canal next to a promenade with cafe’s and restaurants , and Mall of Emirates, which has an indoor Ski Rink and Snow play area.

Photo of Atlantis Aquadventure Water Park, Dubai, UAE, by ¡Carlitos

Dubai’s extreme temperatures in summer with record humidity and very low wind may be rather off-putting for even the most hardened water sport fanatic, although for the other 7-8 months of the year, it’s quite bearable and can even be a little cold for beach activities, but more or less it’s ideal. Unfortunately, due to massive population increase and development by the waterfront, the sea surrounding Dubai is no longer as pristine as it once was. However, that doesn’t stop there being a plethora of exciting beach things here to accompany your holiday

.

Surfing/Wind Surfing/ Kite Surfing in Dubai

Dubai has a fairly active surfing community, and although the waves are nothing to write home about, they may be suitable for beginners. Wind Surfing is also practiced, with ample facilities available. Kite Surfing is more popular than the other two, with many clubs and a beach allocated by the authorities for this. The beach hotels are the most advisable places to stay, both for the view, activities, and relative solitude.

Yachting in Dubai

Dubai’s many rich visitors and residents own and rent Yachts, and with marinas and places to “park” them, it’s become a very popular past time. There are around 5 Yacht hire companies that hire out luxury yachts, as well as many facilities for those who own Yachts and are just stopping over. The Festival Marina, at the end of Dubai’s creek, has a Venetian theme, 74 permanent berths for Yachts, and an outdoor artificial canal and many poolside restaurants and cafes, all attached to a luxurious, well-designed shopping mall.

Jet Skiing in Dubai

With so many super-tall skyscrapers such as the Burj Dubai and the Burj al Arab, Jet Skiing is another popular sport, and will cost about €20 for a half hour. With such a high turnover, the Jet Skis offered will be some of the latest models of brands such as Yamaha and Kawasaki. It’s quite safe as well as there are very few rocky crags which so many inexperienced Jet Skiers dash themselves to pieces on if not cautious. Be careful also where you Ski, as it’s banned in some areas.

Scuba Diving in Dubai

With much ocean wildlife and water temperatures averaging about 24°C during the cooler months, Dubai is a well known spot among Scuba divers. Additional places to dive with even more promising sights exist around the coastline in other Emirates such as Fujairah, and it’s even possible (with a hired car) to visit the Musandam Peninsula, a tiny, rocky portion of Oman, where the waters are so clear and unpolluted that sting rays and numerous other forms of wildlife are visible 10 metres from the surface. It will take about three and a half hours to drive to Musandam, and about €6 for a tourist visa, but it’s absolutely recommended for scuba diving fans for its solitary, untouched beauty.

Photo of  kite surfs on Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, by Ericsson Beach

• Hotels.com US recommends reading Elliott Blog to know how to find great summer travel deals.

• LDN shares a link to a Time Out article on lidos, ponds and outdoor swimming pools in London, UK.

• TallinnCity invites you to attend the ongoing  “To Breathe as One” song and dance festival in Tallinn, Estonia.

• Visit Holland likes the evening light display at Madurodam miniature city, The  Hague, Netherlands.

• James Dunford Wood shares great holiday ideas including a trip along Japan’s Golden Route from Tokyo to Kyoto.

Photo of Madudrodam miniature park in La Hague by Daveness 98

My mom and I have spent three recent summers following the Tour from start to finish, without any official connection to the race. No press passes, no family members working for a cycling team, no friends on the staff – it was just the two of us, chasing cyclists around France weeks on end!

We’ve gained a lot of experience, and with Lance Armstrong back in the saddle for this year’s race, I thought I’d share some of the packing tips and tricks we’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re going to the Tour for a couple of days or the whole thing, it’s important to be prepared.

1. Pack Light

This is key, especially if you’re visiting multiple stages of the race. You’ll probably find yourself switching hotels frequently, and nothing is more tiring than lugging your suitcase in and out of each hotel room, through small European hotel hallways, and up and down the stairs. We discovered that by carrying a small suitcase, we could leave a lot of stuff in our rental car and limit the amount we were hauling.

2. Pack a Spare Bag

Your spare bag – preferably a duffel that can be stuffed, empty, into your other luggage – will be your lifesaver as you collect free stuff from the publicity caravan each day. You can also use this bag to store groceries for picnic lunches, bottles of water, and emergency provisions like umbrellas and ponchos. Anything you don’t need to carry inside with you every night can go into this bag.

3. Pack for the Wait

What do you like to do to pass the time? At the Tour, lots of hours are spent waiting on the side of the road for the race to come by, so I recommend packing a couple of books, some cycling magazines, or maybe a deck of cards. Some days you’ll be near food vendors and restaurants, but you could also end up hanging out in the countryside all day, so I recommend always having enough food on hand for an impromptu picnic. Handy, easy-to-find picnic foods include baguettes, croissants, fresh fruit, cookies, and crackers. If you’ve got the chance, think about following our lead and buying a small charcoal grill. While camping on Alpe d’Huez, we grilled sausages, potatoes, and mushrooms for one of the tastiest meals of our trip!

4. Pack Like a Fan

Do you have a favorite cyclist or team? Think about how you can support your favorites! Scour ebay for deals on things like flags adorned with your team’s logo or official jerseys. Once in France, you can buy a plain white sheet at any old supermarket, as well as paint. Painting up a sheet and draping it across your car is a great way to show support for the teams you love. If you want to be particularly daring, buy some high-quality house or wall paint to use on the roads – be careful, though. You only want to do this when it’s clearly accepted by the locals and the police force.

5. Be Prepared

Don’t forget sunscreen, umbrellas, bottles of water, snacks, some spare change to buy a newspaper with the latest race details, and your camera! Plus, if you’re going to the start or finish line, have a pen handy for autographs. You’ll need a good set of maps, a guidebook for the Tour, and if you don’t speak French, a handy multilingual dictionary.

Photo of  Tour de France fans in Haute-savoie, French Alps, by virtualfred&lamartina

’.

As patronising at that moniker may be it gives you some idea of the artistic renown in which the city was held for so long. Unfortunately, ever since February 1945 when the centre of the old city was wiped out by allied bombing, Dresden has been a byword for barbaric destruction and then, in the Cold War, communist style monotony. Thanks to some very impressive restoration since the reunification of Germany, the city of Dresden is now ready to go back to its previous reputation for art and culture and welcome visitors who want to explore it.

The Albertinum Museum

The first museum on this list has to be the Albertinum, although visitors should note that the building is closed for renovation until later this year. The building itself is quite interesting, having constantly evolved since the dark ages and has served as a Royal Palace and many other uses. When it reopens the museum will hold the New Master Gallery (Gemäldegalerie Neue Meister) which will hold a collection covering the modern period and featuring works by many well known artists and sculptors. While visitors are waiting for the renovation work to take place there are selections from the New Master Gallery on temporary display. Complementing the New Masters Gallery is the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, which means Old Masters Gallery. As the name suggests this covers a period earlier than the Albertinum, roughly the 1700’s back to the 1300’s. The collection was saved from the worst of the destruction of the war but then got ravaged by the Red Army. Most of the collection was later returned but certain pieces have never been found and are now presumed to have been destroyed.

The Museum der Dresdner Romantik

The Museum der Dresdner Romantik is a thematic rather than chronological collection dedicated to the Romantic Movement. This is another museum that lost some of its collection in the war, but thankfully most of it was saved. The exhibits here are quite varied and interesting, especially the remaining Stockhausens. Generally speaking, however, this is a museum for the connoisseur rather than the general interest visitor. The renovation of Dresden has been ambitious and comprehensive. The work on the Albertinum is needed and worthwhile so visitors shouldn’t get too frustrated with its closure. Certainly the rest of the city is splendid enough to keep visitors happy until it reopens. There is some debate about when that will be, there is hope that it will be later this year although it may be early next year. My fingers are crossed for as soon as possible. Photo of the Albertinum Museum in Dresden, Germany, by world of jan

Almost all of those who do visit the state are Germans, international visitors seem to be completely unaware of the states charms and attractions.

My recent visit to the area was not a particularly long one but it inspired me to write this post and explore why Saxony has been ignored by so many for so long.

On the face of it the state should be a major tourist magnet. Dresden has the high culture and low thrills that build a wide appeal. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and has recently undergone a magnificent renovation after the destruction of the war and the ignominy of communism.

Outside the city the state has mountains, the sort of castles that make anyone brought up on Disney go weak at the knees and enough preserved history to shake a stick at. There is also the river Elbe with its leisure potential and sheer scenic beauty.

So these are the attractions, but what are the problems? In terms of direct problems there are none. There is no war raging in the state, or uncontrolled crime ravaging its cities. There are no infectious diseases present, the prices are similar if not lower than other more established destinations and the transport infrastructure is very good.

The problems are more nebulous. Europe’s tourist destinations were generally established during the Cold War, when Saxony was cut off behind the Iron Curtain, or quickly established themselves afterwards, like neighbouring Prague. Since the former East Germany, and Dresden particularly, has needed time to recover from those fifty years of stagnation, it has missed out on the tourist boom.

There is also a problem in that the main attractions of Saxony can be found in a similar from elsewhere. Bavaria has mountains and castles, Vienna, Prague and countless other cities have culture and nightlife in various forms. More established destinations build a momentum which draws more and more visitors and new entrants can have trouble competing.

While I am interested in why tourists have ignored Saxony for so long I am not desperate to change this, and I don’t think the inhabitants are either. Hordes of tourists bring in money but they also inevitable change a place. That change has positive and negative aspects but it is still changed.

Saxony will certainly become a more high profile tourist destination because such a secret cannot be kept for long. The reconstruction works in Dresden are nearly complete and absolutely fantastic. This forgotten corner of Europe will not remain so for long, but I hope discovery does not taint Saxony’s unique charm and style.

Photo of tourists in Dresden, Saxony, by rizkapb

With plenty of fairytale-like castles,  Renaissance and Baroque palaces, fascinating monasteries, impressive fortresses and lovely gardens,  Saxony is a great travel destination for either a romantic weekend break or a cultural holiday in the very heart of Europe.

Each summer, the ‘Free State of  Saxony‘,  which boasts a rich cultural heritage and a strong musical tradition, provides music and art lovers with a whole host of events. This summer’s highlights are the Medieval Festival of Weesenstein Castle, Romantic Evenings and Festival of Chamber Music at Moritzburg Castle,  the Summer Film Festival of Mildenstein Castle, Flower and Garden Show at Altzella Monastery Park,… And if you are looking for romance, classic music, ball and fine dining, do not miss the Summer Festival of Rammenau Castle.

However, since the Castles and Palaces of Saxony often house interesting museums and permanent art exhibitions, these fascinating historical landmarks are really worth a visit in any season of the year. It is really difficult to make a choice; so check out our short list of Baroque palaces, Gothic fortresses and royal residences that you shouldn’t  miss out on your Saxony castles tour:

Kriebstein Castle

The best preserved castle of Saxony,  Burg Kriebstein boasts original furniture and painted wood ceilings dating back  from the Late Gothic period. While visiting the Treasure Vault, Hunting Room, Gothic Room and Kriebstein  Chapel of this charming knight’s castle nestled in a wild, romantic forest, you will feel like  a princess or a fairytale hero.

Moritzburg Castle

Boasting superb Meissen porcelain pieces and Baroque furniture, this splendid moated castle is surrounded by enchanting woodlands, meadows and lakes. A popular tourist attraction in Saxony,  Schloss Moritzburg is really worth a visit for the  impressive collections of antlers and Baroque leather wall hangings featured in the Castle Museum, as well as its miniature lighthouse and the Pheasant Castle Moritzburg, a Saxon rococo-styled hunting palace.

Rammenau Castle

Schloss Rammenau is a charming Baroque castle situated halfway between Dresden and Bautzen. Built in the 17th Century, this Saxon Castle used to be a summer residence and boasts magnificent interiors with neo-classical influences. Interesting things to see in Rammenau include the Mirror Hall, the Blue Salon, the Golden Room, the Bulgarian room, the Chinese Room and the Devil’s Room,  as well as  the  German philosopher JG Fichte Memorial.

Dresden and the Elbe Castles

A UNESCO World Heritage Site,  the Dresden Elbe Valley is really worth a visit for Dresden’s royal residence and the three Elbe Castles. The capital city of Saxony offers an array of historical landmarks including the mysterious Dresden Fortress and the Science Tunnel, the Renaissance palace of  Dresden Stableyard featuring the  impressive “Procession of Princes” mural, and the Versailles-style Dresden Zwinger housing artistic treasures such as Raphael‘s Sistine Madonna and the Meissen porcelain carillon.

Tips for your  Saxon Castles Holiday: Romantic Castle Hotels & Palace Tour Cards

For a really romantic stay in Saxony with a touch of luxury, you can book an accommodation in a castle hotel such as the charming  Schloss Hotel Dresden-Pillnitz. This Dresden hotel on the Elbe River is located in the park of Pillnitz Castle, a former summer residence of the Kings of Saxony, and offers comfortable, quiet guest rooms, a gourmet restaurant and banqueting facilities.

In order to make visitors save time and money, the Saxony Tourist Board offers a Palaces Tour Card that allows free admission to over forty of the Saxony’s castles from Dresden to Leipzig to Chemnitz. For further information on the Saxon palaces and residences check out the Map of Saxony Castles available on the Saxony Tourist Board website.

Flying is almost certainly going to remain a high stress activity for some time but there are things you can do to avoid at least some of the anxiety.

1. Arrange everything that you possibly can well ahead of time.

This goes for the plane tickets, airport transfers and hotel bookings. One of the biggest sources of worry when travelling comes from having to make arrangements at the last minute. Making plans ahead of time is usually cheaper and means that there is much less chance of things going wrong.

2. If at all possible, fly without checked-in baggage.

I appreciate that on many occasions, perhaps most for some people, travelling with just hand luggage will simply not be possible. However, it is my firm belief that this is the case far fewer times than people think. Most people when travelling take far more in their luggage than they need. Cutting it down saves space, makes everything easier to carry, saves money on checked baggage fees which are becoming more and more popular (and extortionate) and finally, it saves time waiting at a baggage carousel.

3. At all times stay informed about your itinerary and options.

Airlines are becoming very eager for their passengers to check-in online and may penalise you for not doing so. Make sure that you have read the details of the ticket and its conditions before you turn up at the airport or you may be in for a nasty shock. Similarly, although it sounds childishly simple, do check the booking and tickets. Check the dates and times of the flights and check-in, you don’t want to turn up too late or days early.

4. When making bookings make sure that you have enough time to make any changes or transfers that may be involved.

Airlines are usually good at getting passengers from one plane to another but plane to train transfers often cause people problems. Remember that you will probably have to reclaim your baggage, go through passport control and then find your way to the station and each of these things will take time.

5. Finally, the last way of avoiding stress is to acknowledge it and try to relax.

If you find that things aren’t going to plan your first response should be to get them back on track, not panic and start shouting or tearing your hair out. Stay calm and collected, think logically and solve the problem.

I don’t claim that I manage to do all of these things when I’m travelling, sometimes I try and fail, sometimes I forget to even try. However, I have found that when I do these things they help make the process of flying simpler and easier. Which is what we all want, surely?

Photo of airport crowd by indoloony

For most people a guide of how to behave when abroad is not necessary, respect for local customs that are different to the ones you are used to at home is natural and acceptance of other ways of life is part of your own.

For others, however, this is not the case. Unfortunately for me, many of the worst offenders are fellow Brits who have a reputation around Europe and even further a field as being drunken, boorish louts. For those of you who need it, here is a guide to behaving when on holiday.

One of, if not the main reason for Brits getting into trouble abroad and bringing the entire nation into disrepute is alcohol. Everyone likes to enjoy themselves while on holiday and for many people this will mean a drink or two. Some Brits, however, seem to believe the enjoyment will come only after the 15th drink and by then they are starting to vomit. I personally see the blame for this in the macho competitive drinking culture which sees alcohol as a challenge and means to prove your superiority rather than a social lubricant. I also realise this is unlikely to change because of this blog post but hope springs eternal.

Readers of both sexes should note that exposing yourselves is never appropriate at home or abroad. There seem to be two varieties of this phenomenon. The first involves men wearing adequate clothing but then removing it and women who aren’t wearing enough to begin with. Tourists should note that if they covered themselves a bit more then less of their skin would turn that violent pink looking colour after exposure to the sun.

Respect for local cultures is another major failing. This can mean so many small but thoughtful acts that demonstrate that visitors are recognising and accepting the prevailing local culture. Most people know that in the Middle East it would be disrespectful to fail to cover up, but this is true of many Catholic countries in Europe as well. There was a case recently of a group of 17 British men who were arrested in Crete for insulting religious symbols since they were all dressed as nuns.

The British attitude to foreign cultures extends to food in ways which are at once bizarre and depressing. While on holiday it is acceptable I suppose to once in a while feel like eating a meal that reminds you of home. However, refusing to eat anything but British food and shunning the local delicacies is narrow-minded and rude. Considering the reputation British food has abroad it is also a source of amazement for the same shop and restaurant owners who are happy to over-charge for the imported swill.

Photo of stag party in Berlin, Germany, by das sabrinchen

From the physical appearance of the island as well as its many historical landmarks and monuments, these influences can be seen everywhere in modern-day Corfu (Kerkyra).

This is especially the case with its inhabitant’s warm attitude towards international visitors and the variety of the local cuisine that abounds on the island. Where nightlife and pubs in Corfu are concerned, the more popular establishments to visit to are the cafes situated on the Liston Promenade or those that are located at the northern end of the Splianada Square. Most of these cafes and pubs are open from early morning to late in the evening and are usually buzzing with activity.

You can also find a nice selection of bars and cafes on the major roads that run throughout the city. One thing is for certain. Delicious local cuisine and other delicacies are in abundance and all you need to do is just look for one of many establishments where a lot of locals are dining and hanging out. The following is a list of some of the best nightlife spots and pubs that you should consider when visiting Corfu.

1. Sonic Cocktail Bar (Acharavi)

For a fun time, great live music & some of the best cocktails in anywhere in town, the Sonic is a well-established part of Acharavi nightlife. You can party the night away 7 nights a week here.

3. Orpheus Restaurant (Acharavi)

A family-run bar and restaurant located on the main street in the city. You can experience the best of both English and Greek cuisine as well as your favorite drinks in this very friendly bar.

3. SOS Nightclub (Kavos)

This cocktail bar and pub features one of the best bar staffs, and DJ’s anywhere in the city. Here you will find some of the best dance remixes, karaoke, and party music to enjoy for the evening.

4. Kavos Summer Club (Kavos)

Enjoy great mixed drinks, hot music for all tastes, clear drinks, bright lights, and just a fantastic party atmosphere. The Summer club is located where you can take in some spectacular views of the beaches and forests, Mount Pellion standing as a stoic backdrop to the surrounding landscape.

5. Edem Beach Bar (Edem)

One of the most popular places to experience the Corfu nightlife. This establishment is for the extreme night-clubber. Unique cocktails are the norm and the Edem Beach Bar features a wide array of fantastic music and parties to satisfy every taste imaginable.

There are obviously many more choices when visiting Corfu and a quick search on the internet will avail you with numerous possibilities for enjoyable nightclubbing and nightlife in general while visiting the island.

1. Top 3 China Beach Resorts

A review of  the most beautiful beach resorts in China:  the gambling city of Macau with its exciting nightlife and casinos, the seaside resort of Hainan with its tropical beaches and fascinating temples, and the modern city of  Shenzhen with its exotic beaches and great Chinese food restaurants. Three fantastic travel destinations for a luxury beach holiday in China!

2. Top 8 Beaches in Athens, Greece

A blog post for travelers visiting Athens, Greece, who want to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. Votsalakia, Alimos, Glyfada, Voula Beach, Kavouri, Vouliagmeni Beach, Kokkino,  Limanaki, Varkiza Beach are the best seaside resorts and beaches near Athens.

3. Paris Street Food Delights

An article about the best street food in Paris: jambon-beurre sandwich, merguez sandwich and more French food for budget-conscious travelers who want to save money and have a quick lunch in the street of Paris.  

4. Top Gay-friendly travel destination: Crete, Greece

A blog post on gay nightlife and gay-friendly beach resorts in Crete, Greece, including the magnificient cities and picturesque villages of Chania, Heraklion, Lassithi and Rethymno. Four popular travel destinations in Greece for a fantastic gay holiday on the Mediterranean Sea.

5. How to get to Bratislava from Vienna

An article on how to travel from Vienna to Bratislava: Useful tips for people traveling by bus or by train from Austria to Slovakia or taking a Vienna-Bratislava boat trip on the River Danube.

Photo of  beach in Macau, China, by Puroticorico

The landscape is dotted with thousands of stone structures, proving how steeped in history the country is. Whether you visit the capital city of Cagliari, explore the Spanish-gothic town of Alghero (founded in medieval times), or you schmooze with the wealthier tourists up in Costa Smerelda. The beaches are some of the most pristine you will find anywhere in Europe and the towns are nothing short of picturesque.

From a traveling standpoint, Sardinia is one of the true ideal destinations that takes you away from it all and has a little something for even the pickiest of tastes. The numerous attractions, entertainment, events, and shopping leave nothing to be desired. And then there is the cuisine, which is a favorite of international travelers everywhere, even those that insist on a vegetarian menu. Unfortunately, there are only a few vegetarian places on the entire island (three to be exact) and they are all in different cities, namely Alghero, Cagliari, and Olbia.

1. Ko De Kap

Located at Via Asfodelo 35 near at Via Garibaldi, and in front of the Piazza Della Pace. The venue here is strictly take-out and it is not 100% vegetarian so you need to be aware of that when perusing the menu. It is an organic restaurant and the menu is international, so not all of the cuisine is Sardinian. Suffice it to say, there are still plenty of vegetarian choices. Additionally, they do offer delivery no matter where you are staying in the city. The beer and wine list is fairly impressive as well.

2. T Restaurant

This is the highest quality restaurant in Cagliari and features a smaller vegetarian menu which is not near as extensive as the regular one. Additionally, all of the produce used is grown fresh on the island and despite the fact that any fish entrée is not vegetarian faire, it is brought in freshly caught from the Mediterranean the day it is to be cooked and served. All of the vegetarian dishes are prepared with a certain Mediterranean flair and the compliment to that savory meal is anyone of the many delectable wines that they offer.

3. Desole Farm House

Located at Su Canale – Monti. The farmhouse is actually situated deep within the lush Galluran countryside and has only been operating since 2003. However, don’t let that stop you, this is the finest Bed and Breakfast that you will find on the island, but with a twist. There is also the restaurant that is attached to the premises. The menu does vary somewhat based on the season, but it features the standard and the vegetarian entrees year round.

Photo of vegetarian antipasto in Oristano, Sardinia, by L I S S I

The Acropolis

Any archaeological tour of Athens must start with the Acropolis. As if its status was not exalted enough already, in 2007 the Acropolis was declared to be the ‘preeminent monument on the European Cultural Heritage list’. The Acropolis is a great place to visit whether you are interested in archaeology or not, but those who are will be overjoyed by the profusion of evidence from times gone by.

The National Archaeological Museum of Athens

If the Acropolis whet your appetite then head over to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. This covers the period extending from pre-history through to late-antiquity and has collections from Asia Minor and Egypt as well as an extensive collection of Greek artefacts. Since the museum is so large visitors will be best advised to examine the information available and selecting specific areas of interest rather than try to see everything. If you have no specific tastes then the museum does reward those who simply stroll around and the helpful staff are always on hand to offer advice. The museum is a five minute signposted walk from Viktoria metro station.

The Kerameikos

The Kerameikos area of the city, roughly northwest of the Acropolis, is also very interesting from a historical perspective. It is where the ceramic pots of the ancient city were made, indeed, the name is the etymological root of the word ‘ceramic’. The area also contains the Dipylon Gate and is archaeologically very rich. Visitors should be aware, though, that much of what you can see in the area has been reconstructed. This is a very good way of getting a feel of what the ancient city would have looked like but do not mistake it for original material.

Plaka

Finally, Plaka is an area where archaeology almost seems to come to life. The area hugs the slopes of the Acropolis where houses of various styles have stood since the most ancient times. To maintain the areas charm while balancing this with the needs of local residents, the city authorities have taken the step of banning cars from the area. Many people, while agreeing with this step, were quite amused since cars would be incapable of travelling through most of the streets in the area. Unfortunately the ‘picturesque’ area has become a real tourist hotspot and so visitors may want to think about visiting outside peak times at evenings and not in summer.

This is just a brief sample of the archaeological delights Athens has to offer. If you are interested in seeing more then the staff at the National Archaeological museum or guides around the Acropolis will be more than glad to help.

Photo of Acropolis of Athens, Greece, by jon crel

• Air France US recommends a trip to Marseille, France, for the city’s great food, wine and weather.

• Adrian Reynolds found a good Persian restaurant in Milan, Italy.

• Krishna De tweets about the Celtic Music Festival that will take place 22-29 August in Dublin, Ireland.

• The Spot of Main is looking for volunteers for this weekend’s Bellevue Strawberry Festival.

Watch the CNBC video of  Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Expedia Inc, talking about summer travel trends.

Travel Inspired By Michael Jackson

Travel blogger Amanda Kendle lists the places to visit on a Michael Jackson tribute trip around the world, from Madame Tussauds in London to the pop singer’s Neverland Ranch in California.

Madrid Confessions

If you are a fan of Madrid and interested in the city’s daily life and culture,  watch the video presentation of  ‘The Madrid Confessions‘, an audio book by Ben Curtis, author of Lonely Planet Travel Blog Award winner ‘Notes From Spain’.

Museum Photography

If you like taking pictures while traveling and visiting art cities and museums, check out Tripso.com and find 10 tips for compelling museum photography.

Children Audio Books

Looking for books and activities to keep the children occupied on your next family road trip? Travel Savvy Mom recommends 10 great audiobooks for kids.