This city of illusions proves itself as the weaver of magic and dreams during this time of the year like it never does at any other time. While walking outside on the strip might seem like you are in a time warp with nothing Christmas-y about the city, inside any one of the several hotels the scene is completely different. Artificial these winter wonderlands may be, but a lack of splendor and opulence wouldn’t be its fault. You can enjoy this city whether you plan ahead or make this a last minute trip, though if you are the former kind of tourist you are bound to enjoy much more for a much smaller hit on your pocket. Air tickets rates take a sharp upturn, hotel rates are higher the closer you are to the holiday season when making the booking. That being said, the list of things you can enjoy without paying a dime is pretty long.

Kids’ winter wonderland

Contrary to popular belief, Las Vegas is actually a great place to vacation with kids during Christmas. For one, it is the only place where all shops, all restaurants, everything is open during Christmas. If you can manage a room at Circus Circus then you might not even have to leave the hotel at all during your entire vacation. Such a Christmas playground this hotel turns into! There are beautifully decorated Christmas trees in every hotel, each outshining the other. Also a must is a trip to Henderson, Nevada, a short distance from the glitter of the Las Vegas strip. The Chocolate Wonderland put up every year at the Ethel M chocolate Factory is every kids’ dream come to life. Other than the half a million lights and more that light up the cactus garden, the decorations feature chocolate houses and chocolate sculptures. This is also one of the best places for a tête-à-tête with Santa Claus that is an essential Christmas ritual if you are the size that can fit on Santa’s lap.

For those who are kids only at heart

This city allows for varied romantic possibilities the way no other place can. Witness the fountains at Bellagio dancing to Christmas tunes or step into the Atrium there to see splendid decoration. Drift on a gondola, or hold hands and walk through the streets of Paris! This year is the special opening of the Aria Resort and Casino. The worlds’ greatest shopping experience receives another boost this holiday season with the opening of Crystals at City Center so go ahead and shop till you drop. The Winter Lights festival at the Springs Preserve is also an experience not to be missed. And please book ahead to see at least one of the several special holiday shows.

Prepare to have a wonderful holiday in  Las Vegas. Dress warm and dream big!

Top 5 Popular Las Vegas Hotels on Venere.com

• Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
• Travelodge Ambassador Strip Inn
• Best Western Mardi Gras Hotel & Casino
• Hotel Emerald Suites
• Hotel Las Vegas Platinum Suites

Photo of Christmas tree on Fremont Street, Las Vegas, Nevada, by Roadsidepictures

Many people affected by the economic crisis will be willing to bid what will probably in a few decades become known as the year of the recession goodbye, with a hope for a brighter tomorrow. While a great many of the world’s cities have fantastic New Year’s parties, we’re focusing on specifically the best ones in Europe. Enjoy!

1. London

There are multiple ways to have a great New Year’s in London this year, with something to suit all ages. The London Parade is held on New Year’s day, full-on with circus performers and marching bands and much more, and on the Eve there will be an epic fireworks display over the Thames to properly usher in the new year. However, it’s likely the viewing areas by the waterfront will fill up fast (often by as early as 9pm), so it’s probably worth getting there early. Also worth mentioning is the famous Ministry of Sound Nightclub and Record Label hosting a massive party at the O2 Arena (Formerly known as the Millennium Dome). The tickets aren’t too expensive either but book as soon as possible as they will sell out!

Top London Hotel for a New Year Break : Hotel Club Quarters Grace Church

2. Paris

Paris’s shortage of accommodation can grow particularly acute during the New Year, so book well in advance. Some of the most notable celebrations include the Fireworks Display most visible from the Champs- Elysees. A quieter place to visit on the Eve is the Sacre Coeur Cathedral Plaza in Montmartre (close to where Amélie lived in the 2001 hit Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain ,film buffs!). A highly expensive but also extremely romantic way to while away the final hours of 2009 is a dinner cruise on the Seine which sets off from the Eiffel Tower at 8pm, with a menu featuring Champagne Cocktail and Duck foie gras, among other delicacies. Not to niggle about the ticket price, but let’s just say that you shouldn’t expect much change from €500 a table!

Top Paris Hotel for a New Year Break:  Hôtel Résidence Lord Byron

3. Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s really jazzing it up this year with countless parties and events. The Dutch are famous for their love of partying and DJ’s, so there’s no exception this year at the amount of clubs and bars holding celebrations. Firework displays are promised all over the city, particularly in areas such as Nieuwmarkt and Dam Square. The quietest places to view them are said to be the bridges overlooking the Amstel River. Also, look out for strangers hurling firecrackers around to shock the more gullible bystanders!

Top Amsterdam Hotel for a New Year Break: Rho Hotel

4. Rome

The former capital of what was arguably the greatest Empire ever seen has got entertaining events happening this year, with many of the New Year’s activities taking place in the traditional squares. The Piazza del Popolo will feature attractions such as a firework display and musical concerts. Rome is a particularly attractive destination for families, as on New Year’s Day the attractions shift more to suit children. It goes without saying that Rome’s also a great city for those on “gastro holidays” as there are a great deal of restaurants serving New Year feasts.

Top Rome Hotel for a New Year Break: BB Corso 22

5. Vienna

Long established as one of the worlds’s most cultured cities, Vienna has no shortage of things to do, particularly around the New Year. On December 30th there is a tour, dinner, and concert at the Schloss Schönbrunn, which can only be described as totally majestic. The Palace has a fascinating history, from the reign of the early Habsburg Monarchs (the last of which died in 1922), to Franz Josef’s I occupation and death in Schönbrunn. The evening concludes with the dinner and the concert featuring classical works from the likes of Mozart and Strauss. Additionally, from midday onwards, there are a massive series of street parties, with tents and marquees lining the street and passageways of the old city, hosting parties with DJ’s and other live music where hedonists can dance from New Year’s Eve through to the dawn of New Year’s Day. Exciting, eh?

Top Vienna Hotel for a New Year Break: Hotel Kaiserpark Schönbrunn

The illuminated work was composed by Monks in 800 AD and is arguably the most famous Celtic manuscript. Named after the Abbey in Kells that housed the manuscript for centuries, the 340 folio work was given to Trinity College in the 17th Century. It was bound in four volumes in 1953 and now resides on permanent display at the Old library.

To get to the illuminated manuscripts, you must enter through Fellow’s Square. There is normally a long line at the entrance and an admission fee of 9 Euros for Adults, 8 Euros for Students and Senior Citizens, and free tickets for children under 12.

The first room past the entrance is dimly lit and framed by warm dark wood. It has large panels entitled, “Turning Darkness into Light,” explaining how the book was made. Only four pages from two volumes are ever displayed at once. The current illuminated pages on display are from the Gospel of St. Luke and Folios on the entombment of the body of Jesus. Text pages are from the Gospel of Saint John. The volumes are under glass, and many visitors will anxiously crowd around to peer at the elaborate lettering and gilded illustrations.

The Book of Armagh is another early manuscript housed in the library. Written mainly in Latin in the 9th century AD, many believed in was produced by Saint Patrick himself. Actually, it was written in part by a scribe named Ferdomnach of Armagh, for a member of Saint Patrick’s family. This book is also very special to the Irish people, and the current pages on display are from the Revelation of Saint John.

The final Celtic Tomb in the collection is the Codex Usserianus Primus, written in Irish. It has been badly damaged and discolored over the years, but it retains its grandeur as the oldest surviving Irish Manuscript.

To leave the Book of Kells exhibit, visitors must walk upstairs through the Long Room. It is more akin to walking through a time machine than onto another floor: The Long room is majestic and antiquated. It is 65 meters long with over 200,000 works of some of the library’s oldest books. The shelves reach two stories high, with exhibitions of beautiful botanical illustrations under glass. Marble busts line the hall, in tribute to great writers and philosophers of the past. The overall experience in the room is reverential and impressive.

Although hassles such as a relatively high admission fee, lines and a predominant gift shop at the entrance may cause a minor annoyance, the Book of Kells and the Long Room are definitely worth a visit during your next trip to Dublin.

Top 5 Dublin Hotels near Trinity College:

• Hotel The Lombard – Townhouse – Double room from €64
• Hotel  O’Donoghue’s – Guesthouse – Double room from €90
• Holiday Inn Dublin City Center – 3-Star Hotel – Double room from €75
• Hotel The Westin Dublin – 5-Star Hotel – Double room from €179
• Maldron Hotel Cardiff Lane – 4-Star Hotel – Double room from €199

Photo of Book of Kells design by Psd

However, Strasbourg’s most endearing feature appears during the holiday season when the entire town adorns itself in ribbons and lights. For the four weeks leading up to Christmas, the town transforms into a veritable winter wonderland (amidst an appropriately snowy backdrop) and offers activities for visitors of all ages.

Here, Strasbourg’s top Christmas attractions!

1. Strasbourg Christmas Market

Strasbourg’s Christmas markets are infamous, both in France and in other countries. With a history dating back to 1570, they are the oldest Christmas markets in France! Make your way from one market to the next, sampling local treats like hot wine and traditional Christmas bredle cakes. Kids will love a cup of spiced cider or hot orange juice spiced with cinnamon, topped off with a German pretzel or donut. Though there are over 300 local markets, the best are undeniably located at Place Broglie and Place de la Cathedrale.

2. Strasbourg Ice Skating

The local ice rink is a natural way to warm up during a chilly day in Strasbourg and have fun with your children. Open from November 25 to December 31, the rink is located in the Place du Château. Games and activities for children, such as storytellings in the Alsace Museum and sending letters to Santa, are other popular diversions held throughout the holiday season.

3. The Great Christmas Tree

The Christmas Tree in central Strasbourg is a must-see during the holidays, for both children and parents. Located in Place Kléber, this massive tree receives a new colourful display each year to entertain its many visitors. Families can also purchase their own tree at the Christmas tree market in Place Broglie. Also worth checking out are the richly decorated houses and streets of Strasbourg, which are gaily strewn with Christmas lights all season long.

4. La Petite France

La Petite France, literally “Little France,” is a charming neighbourhood filled with timbered houses, winding roads, and the welcoming scent of gingerbread. The best way to enjoy this section of town is by walking (La Petite France is very pedestrian-friendly) and stopping whenever you’re tempted by a local restaurant or Christmas bakery….

5. Alsatian Cuisine

Strasbourg borders two countries known for their cuisine and the results are omnipresent. Choucroute (sauerkraut), sweet or salty pretzels, kouglof (traditional Alsatian cake), three-meat baeckeoffe stew, flammenqueches, streusel, crepes……the list goes on. And with more five star restaurants than any other city in France, you can have your pick of where to sample Strasbourg’s culinary offerings. More often than not, however, the best meals can be found in the city’s winstubs, or traditional wine pubs, most of which are more than family friendly.

Top 5 Family-friendly Hotels in Strasbourg, Alsace

• Hotel Kyriad Strasbourg Centre Gare – Family room: €98 per night
• La Résidence Jean-Sébastien Bach – Family room: €130 per nigth
• Best Western Hotel de France – Family room: €160 per night
• Hotel Arc-en-Ciel – Family room: Family room:  €70 per night
• Hotel Grillon – Family room: €98 per night

Photo of Christmas Mark, Strasbourg, France, by Vidame

If you’re looking for a holiday destination but still can’t make up your mind, visit the Venere.com fan page on Facebook, take our quick test and find out where you should go for your next getaway trip.

Step out your daily routine and live like hamsters

Check out The Guardian Travel Blog and watch a funny video shot at the Hamster Hotel in Brittany, France.  Featuring rooms with giant heel, haystack and seed dispenser, this hotel in Nantes offers guests the chance to live like a hamster for one night.

Weird Airport Stories

Check out Telegraph.co.uk and see pictures of the strangest things confiscated by airport security, such as snakes hidden in a Swedish girl’s bra in Stockholm, a bag of hashish stuffed into the battery compartment of a woman’s sex toy at Gatwick Airport, and, still in London, ten human eye balls swimming in a jam jar at Stansted Airport.

Essential Travel Gear

According to a survey by TripAvisor, 62% of travelers shop for travel books, maps and guides before taking a trip, while 58% buy personal care and 14% go for electronic devices. The survey also reveals that convertible pants, pashmina wrap and teddy bear are amongst TripAdvisor community members’s must-have travel accessories.

Are you a globetrotting genius?

Take Hotel.com’s “Landscapes without Landmarks” quiz and test your geography knowledge.  Will you be able to recognize Barcelona without the Sagrada Familia, Rome without St Peter Cathedral, Paris without the Eiffel Tower and London without Big Ben?

Photo of guide books by Malias

Some want to experience Italy’s well-preserved culture, others to tie the knot (yes, couples do go to the so-called “City of Romance” to get married), and some to simply have a wonderful time exploring the city’s laidback lifestyle. Aside from the wonderful things stated above, what made Venice more interesting and well-known around the world is the fact that it is surrounded on all sides by water. So what are you waiting for? Read on and I’m sure these fun facts are more than enough to make you want to go to the “Queen of Adriatic”, Venice!

1. Geographically Unique

Venice captured the impression of a magical floating city by setting wood pilings on the 118 submerged islands in the Northern end of the Adriatic Sea. 400 foot bridges and 170 boat canals connect the city to make it easily accessible to the local populace.

Fun fact: Many famous people in history were born in Venice including the playwright and famous lover Giacomo Casanova, the explorer Marco Polo, and composer Antonio Vivaldi.

2. Get Lost on a Scenic Maze

Venice can be compared to a one big adventure. Once you are caught in the winding and seemingly endless streets and bridges of confusion, you would have no other choice but to keep on walking— which is actually a good thing! There’s no better way to explore Venice than getting lost and be surprised in what it has to offer at your every turn.

Fun Fact: Breaking away from the sea of tourists flocking at the city center in Piazza San Marco and heading for the narrowest alleyways is the greatest way to discover Venice! Don’t forget to bring a good map though.

3. Gondola, Gondole! (Gondola, Gondolas!)

Taking a trip to Venice and failing to ride a Gondola is like going to France and ignoring the Eiffel tower. These traditional and symbolic boats have been used as transport around the narrow Venetian waterways for more than 10 centuries. Evolving and perfected through time, Gondolas are designed to be easily operated by a highly-skilled oarsman known as a Gondolier.

Fun fact: Only 3 to 4 Gondolier licenses are issued annually. To qualify, applicants must be able to finish an extensive training after passing a rigorous exam. There are only 400 licensed Gondolas operating in Venice today.

4. Venice’s Cursed Palace

Ask your tour guide or anyone who knows the city well about the eeriest place in Venice and I’m sure they will point you at Ca’Dario, a Palazzo with an attractive Venetian Renaissance architecture along Grand Canal. The series of unexplainable deaths which seem to affect all of its owners first started way back when the structure was built in 1847.

Trivia: It has been said that the latest victim of the curse is John Entwistle, famed bass guitarist of “The Who.” John was leasing Ca’Dario during his untimely death in 2002.

5. Rialto Market

The Pescaria (Fish section) and Erbaria (Vegetable and Fruit section) make up the whole of Rialto Market. This is the place to go if you want to see the local lifestyle or buy a newly-caught fish from the Adriatic Sea, garden-fresh vegetables, and colorful flowers in Venice. It is best to walk around Rialto Market early in the morning, when the crowds are thin.

Fun fact: Remember to never ever touch the produce!!! This does not only apply in Rialto market, but in the whole of Italy. Ask the vendor of what you want and they’d be more than happy to give their best products to you.

Popular Venice Hotels

• Hotel Villa Edera – Double room from €40 per night
• Hotel La Meridiana -Double froom from €42 per night
• Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo – Double room from €90 per night
• Hotel Ca’ Dogaressa – Double room from €115 per night
• Hotel Antiche Figure – Double room from €94 per night

Photo of Venice by Barabeke

Orlando has become one of the most desirable family holiday destinations in the United States and possibly worldwide. The climate is always perfect so a beach-oriented family vacation is always recommended no matter if you are on the Atlantic side or the Gulf side of the state.

The following is a list of the 6 most popular family destinations when vacationing in the Sunshine State that you will definitely want to include in your vacation itinerary:

1. Discovery Cove

A reservation-only format that provides the entire family with the most exciting encounters with animals that you will ever experience in your life. You can look a barracuda or a shark in the eye, play with stingrays, and of course, swim with the dolphins.

2. Orlando Science Center

Originally established and incorporated as the Central Florida Museum in 1955 and then featured at the opening of Loch Haven Park of Orlando in 1960, it is now known as the Orlando Science Center and is a 207,000 sq. ft., multi-level facility that is a sure fire hit with families. It features the Cinema Dome, continually changing exhibits, and a planetarium.

3. SeaWorld of Orlando

Of all the amusement parks in the world, SeaWorld of Orlando has perfected the ideal recipe for family vacation fun. It is one of the best combinations of animal interactions, fantastic entertainment, and thrilling amusement rides that you will find anywhere in the US.

4. Universal Orlando

Comprised of 2 family fun parks, Universal Orlando features the phenomenal Islands of Adventure and the renowned Orlando Studios. Once considered to be a one-day vacation adventure, Universal Orlando has attained new family vacation destination status. Additionally, make sure you take in the CityWalk entertainment complex while you are there as well. The 3 luxury hotels that are in close proximity to the park make the entire scenario a multi-day vacation at the very least.

5. Walt Disney’s Animal Kingdom

No matter which of Disney’s theme parks you take in on vacation, Animal Kingdom is a must-see on any vacation itinerary. The one in Walt Disney World in Orlando is no exception. In any event, you and your family will quickly discover that this is neither your typical theme park attraction nor your typical zoo. It is a family attraction that beckons all and should not be missed.

6. Walt Disney World

You know the old cliché about “saving the best for last?” We just did. Welcome to Walt Disney World, one of the premier theme parks in the entire world and a highly targeted family vacation destination. Whether it’s the exhibits, the food, the rides, or just the themed atmosphere, it just doesn’t get any better than this.

Top 5 Family-friendly hotels in Orlando, FL:

• Hotel The Point Orlando Resort – Double room from $ 109 per night
• Holiday Inn Sunspree resort LBV – Double room from $ 110 per night
• Gaylord Palms Hotel Kissimmee – Double room from $ 209 per night
• Eco Lodge Inn & Suites – Double room from $ 35 per night
• Hotel Caribe Royale – Double room from $ 140 per night

Photo of Disney World, Orlando, FL by Joe Penniston

Things to see: Christmas Shows and New York Sights

Just walking around the streets of New York during Christmas feels like a walk in a winter wonderland. The window displays at the various department stores turn the average walker into a theater audience. You must catch at least one of the major window displays during your trip. The largest displays are at Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Barneys and Saks Fifth Avenue.

The next on the list of must-see things have to be the Christmas Trees sprinkled all over New York. Of course, first on the Christmas tree tour has to be the one at Rockefeller Center. More than five miles of lights decorate this more than seventy feet tall tree. This year the lighting ceremony will take place on the 2nd of December. Another famous tree is the Origami tree at the American Museum of Natural History, decorated with a different theme each year. The tree is open for viewing from late November. The Chorus Tree at South Street Seaport is often referred to as the singing tree because of the carollers who highten the holiday feel of the city with their performances. Pass by the tree on Friday evenings or around 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays to hear them. Also a two and a half mile stretch between the 97th and the 48th street on Park Avenue comes alive with several Christmas trees making it a wonderful walk or drive.

Don’t want to walk outdoors in the cold? The show continues indoors too. Walk into department stores to see Christmas decorations and that grand old man of Christmas, Santa Claus sitting amidst them. Even if you are not a child yourself or don’t have one accompanying you, the sight of all the children standing in line waiting eagerly to meet Santa is bound to warm the cockles of your heart. And if you are tired of all the free stuff buy a ticket to one of the several Christmas shows like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular or The Nutcracker Ballet or anyone of the several shows. Be advised, however, that the tickets for these do sell out very fast.

New York Hotels near Rockefeller Center: Hotel Omni Berkshire Palace

Things to do in New York at Christmas

A visit to the Rockefeller Ice Skating rink is one of the essentials of a Christmas trip to New York even if you can’t skate yourself. Shopping is fun at anytime but the specialty Christmas markets and fairs make it even more special. The holiday shops at Bryant Park and in Union Square are great places to pick up handmade stuff. And the Grand Central Holiday fair held inside the Grand Central Terminal transforms a simple train ride into a unique Christmas experience. A slightly more expensive to-do is a dinner at one of the specialty restaurants that are open during Christmas, but a reservation is a must at these places.

New York Hotel near Grand Central Terminal: Hotel Dylan

Photo of Rockefeller Plaza at Christmas, New York, NY, by Thomas Hawk

Tourists along with the city’s populace then throng the numerous joyfully illuminated shops, restaurants and bars to revel in the immensely festive ambience. If you are planning to be in London with your family for the Christmas holidays then you will not be disappointed for aside from the millions of twinkling Christmas lights, London also offers a plethora of ‘Christmassy’ events to keep all the family happy.

1. Santa’s Grottos

Your children will love the chance to visit jolly Santa at the various Santa’s Grotto’s which are constructed all over London at popular stores like Harrods’s, Selfridges and Hamley’s. This year the Santa’s Grotto at Harrods celebrates the seventieth anniversary of the movie the Wizard of Oz and accordingly sports a décor that depicts scenes from the movie. Tickets sales for the Santa’s Grotto at Harrods have been on sale online at the store’s website since September.

At Selfridges, the Santa’s Grotto usually features a Santa Express which offers train rides for children through a winter wonderland that features real to life polar bears and penguins. Not to be outdone Hamley’s the greatest toy store in the world offers a ‘Breakfast or tea with Santa Claus’ every day until the 24th of December. This event cannot be booked online but you can reserve a spot for your kids by calling the store’s hotline at 0844 855 2424 once you are in London. Other Santa’s Grotto’s can be found at Kew Gardens, Canary Wharf and various other shopping centers located all over London.

2. Winter Wonderland

London’s iconic patch of green – Hyde Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland from Saturday, 21st November until 3rd January and this spectacular, magical Christmas playground will feature attractions like the largest ice skating rink in the city, the Zippos Christmas circus, a giant Ferris wheel equipped with heated pods, a thrilling Santa Land and a traditional German Christmas Market. A similar Winter Wonderland will be constructed in the renowned London suburb of Wimbledon which will feature a fireworks display, a parade which will feature, Miss Christmas and Santa Clause and many other festivities.

3. Ice Skating

Outdoor Ice skating rinks appear all over London during the festive season and offer hours of entertainment for ice skating enthusiasts of all ages. These outdoor ice skating rinks can be found at many major London landmarks like Somerset House, Alexandra Palace, The Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Canary Wharf, Wembley Stadium, and the Natural History Museum.

4. Pantomimes and Theater Shows

Pantomimes are a typical English Christmas tradition that consists of performances where men dress as fat ugly women and women star as male leads. Traditional family ‘pantos’ as they are popularly known as contain song, dance, comedy, slapstick, magic, innuendo-riddled word-play, cross-dressing and enthusiastic audience participation. This year’s Christmas Pantomime schedule in London features shows such as Aladdin, Cinderella, Mother Goose and Dick Whittington which will be held at various venues all over the city. Aside from these Christmas pantos, London’s Christmas theater schedule also includes performances by the English National Ballet which will perform the traditional Christmas favorite, the Nutcracker as well as other perennial favorites like the Snow Queen and Giselle at the London Coliseum.

5. Christmas Trees, Christmas Lights and Christmas Carols

The Christmas events in London also include ceremonies that are held ‘to switch on’ the city’s famed Christmas Lights that adorn London’s famed shopping districts like Oxford Street and Regent Streets. These ceremonies are usually held in early November and feature many well- known celebrities who are given the honor to switch on these lights.

The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is London’s most famous Christmas tree. This tree is presented to the city of London every year by Norway as a gesture of appreciation for the help that the British gave the Norwegians during the Second World War. The gifted tree is usually approximately 20 meters high and over half a century old. The tree lighting ceremony for the Trafalgar square tree usually takes place on the first Thursday in December.

The site of the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree then becomes popular spot for Christmas caroling as various groups assemble at the base of the tree for two weeks in December to sing Christmas carols for various fund raising efforts. So if you and your family enjoy this traditional Christmas time activity you can head out to the Trafalgar Square to spread some Christmas cheer.

Photo of Santa Claus and the London Tower Bridge by Pineapplebun

If you enjoy theater, performance art, dance or simply entertainment, and if you can plan well in advance for accommodations then definitely get to Avignon for the festivals held in July. The action takes place all over town: inside, outside, on the ground and, yes, in the air (fire-spinners anyone?).

2. Pont St. Bénezet

“Sur le pont d’Avignon, on y danse, on y danse, sur le pont d’Avignon, on y danse tous en rond.” Sound familiar? This nursery rhyme dates back to the 15th century and “le pont” or “bridge” it’s referring to is St. Bénezet Bridge.

Built over the Rhône River… well sort of. Originally, the bridge was built with 22 arches at 3,000 feet long. Then the mighty Rhône brought it down, the bridge was re-built, then half of it fell down, and that’s what you see today. So it’s built half-way over the Rhône.

When you buy a ticket (€4) grab the audio guide. It’s free and worth it.

3. Walking the streets

Stroll the back-roads and find your favorite square. Avignon is easy to navigate. There are old city walls surrounding it so you can’t get lost. Stop by the Tourist Information Office, located off the main street from the train station, 41 Jean Jaurès, grab a walking tour map and explore.

4. Palais des Papes

After the French Pope, Clement V, was elected in 1309 the church moved to Avignon and the Vatican bought the city. The tour, €9.50, comes with an audio guide where you can learn more about the Palace.

You can walk and listen at your own pace through the palace. The vast empty rooms contrast the frescos and color of the Popes’ quarters.

5. Parc des Rochers des Domes

Known to be the first site of Avignon, this park has fantastic views, a tiny café and public bathrooms. Always a plus!

Photo of “Festival Off” posters, Avignon, France by M@nuDia

It is now a fully assimilated member of the EU and as such has been welcoming a steady stream of tourists eager to explore this former mystery. However, for those who have an interest and are prepared to look, there are some interesting, and some chilling, reminders of the dark days of the past.

• Tallinn’s former Soviet officers building

Set slightly out of the centre, the former Soviet officers building is the most obvious relic of the years of occupation. Visitors can see the once ubiquitous hammer and sickle motif that has been removed from almost all other locations in the city. It survives here because the building still belongs to the Russian government and serves as a cultural centre. The building is located at number 5, Mere Pulestee.

• Tallinn’s former Soviet soldier memorial

In 2007, Tallinn hit the global headlines when it moved a Soviet monument to the fallen of World War II. The statue had become a focal point for Estonian demonstrators of Russian ethnicity and so the Estonian government moved the monument to the Defence Forces cemetery. The monument takes the form of a bronze statue of a solider named Alyosha. The statue is considered to be an icon of the city and visitors will see depictions of the statue everywhere from mugs to t-shirts. Visitors who want to see the actual statue and not just a picture on a t-shirt should head to the cemetery at Filtree Tee, out near the coast.

• Tallinn’s former KGB headquarters

At number 1 Pagari is perhaps the most unsettling example of the Soviet legacy in Estonia. The former KGB headquarters is marked by a plaque commemorating those who died in the repressions and the menacing bricked up cellar windows. From this building the KGB unleashed not one but two waves of terror as Estonia, along with the other Baltic States, suffered a first Soviet invasion, then the Nazi invasion and occupation, followed by a second Soviet invasion.

• Tallinn’s Stalinist Monolith

Finally, competing for the most ironic of the Soviet legacy buildings is the casino that is housed in a Stalinist monolith. The wedding cake style was perfected in Moscow and spread across Eastern Europe as communist governments rushed to try and please Stalin. Estonia’s example is much smaller than the variants in other cities but is still a fine example of the style. It stands out because of the spire topped with a star pushing into the Tallinn skyline. After viewing the building, visitors can enter and have a flutter, wondering what Stalin would have thought of the current use of his favourite design style.

Visitors to Tallinn may have trouble believing that not so very long ago it was choking under a Communist dictatorship. While the relics of this time are sometimes hard to see beneath the modern veneer of the city, they are there just waiting for visitors who want to seek them out.

Top 5 Popular Tallinn Hotels on Venere.com

• Meriton Old Town Hotel – 3-star hotel – double room: €38
• Merchant’s House Hotel – 3-star hotel – double room: €89
• Hotel Viru – 3-star hotel – double room: €69
• Hotel Telegraaf – 5-star hotel – double room: €149
• Hotel Tähetorni – 3-star hotel – double room: €38

Photo of the Soviet Memorial Park at Maarjamäe, Tallinn, Estonia, by Kalevkevad

Vanished and forgotten, the walled city of Pompeii in Naples, Italy was accidentally discovered 1,669 years after the eruption of its neighboring volcano, Mount Vesuvius, on the 24th of August 79AD. Pompeii’s awful ordeal left at least 2000 people trapped and without a choice but to silently accept their imminent demise. At present, the 150-acre city of Pompei is one of the world’s largest archaeological excavation sites, side-by-side with modern amenities such as pubs, bars, restaurants, tourist facilities, and flourishing commercial areas. Read on and get in-depth with more interesting facts about the lost ruins of Pompeii and the modern city of Pompei below.

1. Life in Pompeii

So what’s it like to live in the past? Top archaeologists and experts of the historic excavation site are still baffled. There are lots of artifacts still needed to be analyzed to somehow depict a story or a scene which can show how everyday domestic living went in Pompeii. But the huge villas, with its walls and floors decorated with intricately designed mosaics; the Thasian dolomitic marbles that line up the bars and bath houses; and a sophisticated water, drainage, and sewage system for public and private use provides us an idea that people in Pompeii lived in a very comfortable manner and sheer opulence during their time.

2. Sealed Through Time

The remains of Pompeii are so incredibly well-preserved that you could walk around and see the Greek-inspired buildings such as residences, water fountains, commercial establishments, brothels, and an amphitheater; standing erect along the deserted cobble-stoned streets where the city’s ill-fated inhabitants used to walk through. People and their pet animals, eternally captured till their last breath in plaster casts are also found in the area. You can almost feel the impression of how sad and scared they must have been at the face of certain death.

3. Brothel in Pompei Re-opens

Don’t get the wrong idea here but the Lupanare, an ancient brothel in Pompeii is back in business- as a tourist destination that is! Ready to serve curious travelers, the fascinating 2-story brothel in the middle of Pompeii reveals signs of the open and systematic flesh trade in those times. Erotic Frescoes found at the walls of the rooms set the ambiance. Even more, names of the women who worked there, their “special talents” to please their clients, and prices of services are etched on the brothel’s walls.

4. Mother Nature Joins the War

While the Second World War was happening all across Europe, American airmen stationed at the Pompeii airfield caught a glimpse of the last known eruption of Mount Vesuvius. At least 2 feet of volcanic ash and football-sized rocks blanketed the area. Army tents, military equipments, and 88 aircrafts have also been severely destroyed.

5. The Santuario

Off to the past and on to the present! Not far from the Pompeii ruins, most tourists in Pompei often miss visiting the Santuario or the Shrine of Madonna del Rosario, a church built in 1876. The whole structure is shaped like a Latin cross which is dominated by a 53-meter high dome in the center. The church altar features the shroud of Madonna di Pompei in a bronze frame encrusted with gems. But the real attraction here is the 80-meter bell tower, the top easily accessible by an elevator where you can get a breath-taking view of Pompei and the surrounding area of Naples.

Top 3 Hotels in Pompei, Italy

• Hotel Diana – 3-star hotel – double room: €73
• Hotel Pompei Resort – 4-star hotel – double room: €85
• Hotel Degli Amici – 3-star hotel – double room: €90

Photo of Villa dei Misteri, Pompei, Italy, by Nick In Exsilio

The Hungarian Girl invites you to attend the 16th Stollen Festival in Dresden, Germany.

In occasion of the festival, a giant stollen bread will be baked and paraded through the Old Town towards the Dresden Christmas Market.

Gay Christmas Market

Patroc.com gay travel guide announces that Amsterdam will host a special Pink Christmas Market. Oragnized by the ProGay foundation, the event will take place 18-28 December 2009 right in the center of the Dutch capital.

New London Guide

The Londonist reviews ‘Not for Tourists Guide to London‘ and announces that they will be giving out a few free copies of the guidebook via their Twitter account soon.

Spoleto Guide

On GotSaga.com, read a blog post on Spoleto, Italy, a lovely city located  only 39 miles from Perugia and 78 miles from Rome. The short guide includes Spoleto’s most interesting landmarks and sights, such as the Roman Amphitheater and the Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta cathedral.

Photo of stollen by Birger Hoppe

Dating back to the 6th century, Blois was home to numerous counts and kings throughout its history, including Louis XII and Francois I, and was the setting of various political dramas, most notably the rather nasty assassination of Henri, Duc of Guise. While the city is often eclipsed by bigger cities in the Loire Valley, such as Orleans and Tours, Blois holds its own in charm. It’s hard not to become enchanted with its steep, twisty cobblestone streets, lovely river view, and scattering of architectural remnants from the Middle Ages. In addition to the city itself being so enjoyable, Blois is deep in the heart of the Loire’s “châteaux country.” This makes it an excellent starting point for visiting many of the magnificent châteaux in the region.

1. Château Royal de Blois.

Visitors who adore visiting châteaux can start their exploration right in the center of the city. In its earliest beginnings, the château was a rather gloomy fortress, but from the 13th century onward was developed into one of the most fascinating castles in the region. Be sure to pay special attention to the four wings of the building, each of which was built in a different architectural style: Gothic, Flamboyant Gothic, Early Renaissance, and Classical. Also, if you’re into grisly details, take particular note of the lavishly decorated royal bedroom: it’s where the Duc of Guise was stabbed to death in 1588.

Château Royal de Blois

41000 Blois

Tel. : + 33 (0)2 54 90 33 33

Web: www.chateaudeblois.fr/

2. Maison de la Magie.

This house of magic is a popular attraction in Blois. Largely dedicated to French conjuror (and Blois native) Robert-Houdin, the small museum contains a number of artifacts, curios and instruments relating to the history and practice of magic. It also provides many interactive illusions for your amusement, as well as short magic shows four times daily.

Maison de la Magie

1, Place du Château

41000 Blois

Tel : +33 (0)2 54 55 26 26

Web: http://www.maisondelamagie.fr/

3. Musée de l’Objet.

Founded in 1996, this contemporary art museum is rapidly becoming one of Blois’s star attractions. Over 100 French and foreign artists are featured here, including Armand, Ben, César, and object-wrapping legend, Christo. The works primarily consist of conceptual sculptures made from everyday objects (think mobiles made of wooden coat hangers, or hammers that morph into handbags). Fans of the Dada, Fluxus and New Realism movements will have a special appreciation for this museum.

Musée de l’Objet

6, rue Franciade

41000 Blois.

Tel: +33 (0) 2 54 55 37 45.

Web: www.museedelobjet.org/presentation.html

4. Château Beauregard.

Blois is a virtual stone’s throw from numerous chateaux, and it’s only natural that some of them get overlooked. But the stunning Chateau Beauregard shouldn’t be. This chateau was used as hunting lodge by King Francois I, and, unlike most chateaux of the region, has been inhabited continuously since the 15th century. Smaller than most castles you’ll find in the Loire, there are only a few rooms open to the public, including, an old stone kitchen crammed with copper pots, and a beautifully decorated portrait gallery. Even while the interior of the castle is remarkable, the best part of the chateau is its grounds. When you visit, bring along a baguette, some fresh cheese and a bottle of wine so that you can dine on the grass near the duck pond, while gazing at the beauty around you.

Château de Beauregard

F-41120 Cellettes

Tel: +33 (0) 2 54 70 36 74

Web: www.beauregard-loire.com/en/index.php

Top 5 Popular Hotels in Blois on Venere.com

• Hotel France et Guise – 2-star hotel – double room: €55
• Hotel Holiday Inn Blois – 3-star hotel – double room: €97
• Hotel Saint-Jacques – 2-star hotel – double room: €48
• Hotel Tourhotel – 2-star hotel – double room: €55
• Hotel Le Savoie – 2-star hotel – double room: €49

Photo of Blois Old Town, Loire Valley, France by Gogoninja

Locals enjoy the simple, fresh ingredients while expats enjoy tucking into an authentic dish reminiscent of the comforts of far-off homelands. Pizzas and pastas are equally popular, with Italian desserts and wines rounding out the dining experience. Most who visit Bangkok’s Italian restaurants are impressed by their caliber of food and décor, thanks to the Italian chefs and owners who put a tremendous effort into creating a well-rounded experience.

Here are just five of some of the best-regarded Italian restaurants in heart of Bangkok:

• Bella Napoli

Located on Sukumvit Soi 33, the restaurant is famous for its wood-fired pizza and has a one-time entry, one layer or two layer salad bar option. It has the most laid-back atmosphere in the top five.

• Limoncello

The second restaurant opened by the successful Zanotti Group in Thailand, is arguably their most talked about. A smart, casual restaurant tucked away in Sukumvit Soi 11 with many pizzas and calzones on offer.

• Basilico

As a pizzeria, this restaurants boasts over 50 pizza combinations, well made desserts and locations on Sukumvit Soi 33 and 20. The large glass windows and plethora of potted plants make the otherwise bustling restaurants feel calm.

• Fallabella

An upscale, professional hangout on Ratchadamri Rd with an offshoot branch in Siam Paragon. The menu is southern Italian and the restaurant is located on the ultra exclusive grounds of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club.

• Biscotti

A well-known contemporary Italian favorite at the Four Seasons Hotel. It offers an urbane and well rounded choice of antipasti, pastas and desserts.

3 Bangkok Hotels with an Italian Restaurant

• Hotel President Park – Double Room: €48
• Hotel Amari Watergate – Double Room: €68
• Hotel City Lodge I – Double Room: €48

Photo of Italian pizza in Bangkok, Thailand, by Effie.Y.

1. Visit the Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park

The annual Winter Wonderland brings festive spirit to London’s Hyde Park from 21st November 2009 to 3rd January 2010. The 2009 Winter Wonderland features an ice skating rink, Santa’s Grotto, a Snow Ball Bungee Dome, an Observation Wheel with views over London, and a German Christmas Market with dozens of stalls that sell arts, crafts and gifts. There are also bars and restaurants, mulled wine and other Christmas treats, and entertainment by bands and choirs. Entrance to the Winter Wonderland is free, but some attractions require pre-booking via the Winter Wonderland website  hydeparkwinterwonderland.com.

2. Catch A Christmas Carol Concert In London

Get into Christmas mood in one of London’s many Christmas Carol concerts. The 18th-century St Martin-in-the-Fields church has a special Christmas Program in December that includes family carols and carols by candlelight, and visitors can also enjoy mulled wine in the church’s café. The Royal Albert Hall features several Christmas concerts including a Christmas Carol Singalong in the run-up to Christmas, and the St Paul’s Cathedral offers classical concerts and a special Christmas Eve Carol Service.

3. Take A Christmas Cruise Along River Thames

Those who are in London for Christmas can take a Christmas Day Lunch Cruise along the River Thames. The City Cruises company offers a lunch cruise on Christmas Day, giving visitors the opportunity to sample a traditional English Christmas lunch while cruising along the Thames and taking in many famous London landmarks.

Photo of snow in London, UK,  by E01

Like other tourist destinations though, the surreal “City of Bridges” can be a pretty expensive place if you don’t know where to find the cheapest deals and steals. Let me give you a few tips on how to prevent shelling out all your hard-earned money and still have a grand time in Venice.

1. Keep your Stay Cheaper and Hassle-free

Venice was designed to be explored either by foot or by boat. If you choose the latter, purchasing a Venice Connected card online and in advance will save you at least 15 percent from the original price of the public service fees. Services covered by the card include Vaporettos (water buses) and buses, car parks, public rest rooms, and entrance to public museums (no more long lines!)Policies seem complicated and card rates changes often, depending on the season so you might want to check their website.

2. Free Tourist Attractions

Not everything in Venice has an entrance fee. Churches for instance such as Basilica San Marco and Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute are free and will surely amaze everyone for its centuries-old classic architecture, intricately-designed mosaics, and paintings made by great artists. Expect long lines and remember to keep yourself covered and well-behaved when inside church premises.

3. Cheap Venice Destinations

Looking for something inexpensive and authentically Venetian? The smallest of the six siesteres (neighborhoods) in Venice, San Polo west of the Rialto Bridge is packed with souvenir shops and workshops of Venetian artisans. Whether you want to buy a Murano glass ornament, learn what a forcola is, or bargain for a mysterious-looking Venetian mask which will surely look good on your wall; the narrow streets of San Polo is where you should head to!

4. Eat Where the Locals Eat

Grabbing a bite to eat in Venice need not be expensive. Stay away from tourist traps in and around Piazza San Marco. Instead, walk around Venice and find where the locals eat. A good area to start your search is at the Strada Nuova in Cannaregio (second largest siestere), one of the longest and widest streets in Venice. You can find pizzerias and trattorias (a casual eatery) here which sells a delectable plate of pasta for a measly price of €5.

5. Riding a Gondola is a Must!

A gondola ride may cost you around €80 to €120 for a 40 to 60-minute ride. But booking in advance on a private tour can get you half of that price. Still a little bit pricey if you ask me. But nevertheless, it would be perfectly fine to skip a meal or forget buying the souvenirs, just don’t ever, ever miss riding a Gondola. These floating masterpieces are the real essence of Venice!

Top 5 Budget Hotels in Venice

• Nuova Residenza Laguna – Double Room: €45 per night
• Hotel Caneva – 1-Star Hotel – Double Room: €50
• Hotel Città di Milano – 2-Star Hotel – Double Room: €55
• B&B Residenza degli Angeli – Double Room: €45 per night
• Bed & Breakfast Al Saor – Double Room: €55 per night

Photo of restroom entry in Venice, Italy, by Cfinke

Every year inter-railers, backpackers and travellers of all kinds pass through this wonderful city and spend their days seeing the sights, visiting the museums and taking in the culture. However, when the sun goes down the party starts, so here is a brief guide of the good bars and clubs.

1. Flex

Flex is the granddaddy of Vienna clubs as evidenced by its longevity and prominent listing in the Lonely Planet guidebooks. It is also one of the most mainstream clubs in the city and so while it guarantees a good night out surrounded by beautiful people, anyone looking for a more underground experience may want to look elsewhere. The location is pretty central, near Schottenring U-Bahn station and right beside the Donau canal. Easy to find, hard to leave, it’s easy to see why this club has lasted so long.

2. Passage

Located in a subterranean passageway, the owners clearly went for the literal option when naming Passage. This bar cum club therefore allows visitors to party directly under one of the main roads of Vienna, the Ringstrasse. This place has a more underground feel (excuse the pun) than Flex, music ranges from funk and soul to advanced but obscure techno music that reminds people Germany is only next door.

3. Fledermaus

‘Fledermaus’ means bat in German and this may seem like a strange name for a club, but when you remember that the ancient cellars of the city where the club is located would have been infested with the animals until not so long ago it begins to make sense. This is one of the more unconventional clubs, they have regular events and imaginative themed evenings most nights where locals and visitors alike party into the small hours in a variety of outlandish ways.

4. American Bar

For those hankering for a less extensive party there are of course more sedate options than the above. I particularly enjoyed the American Bar due to a penchant for design chic and classic cocktails which make for a classy combination. Rumours persist about tourists being thrown out by irate staff after trying to take pictures without buying any drinks but this is unconfirmed. If you don’t want to take any chances then order a cocktail or two before attempting any photography.

5. Heaven Vienna

Finally, Heaven Vienna caters to ‘gays and friends of gays’ and puts on parties like only gay Europeans can. Based on the London super-club of the same name, this is the place for no holes barred night long fun (again, excuse the pun) with decadence and outrage assured. Anyone with social hang ups or an aversion to the exotic will want to stay as far away from this place as possible.

Top 5 Apartments in Vienna

• ViennApart – €81 per night
• Appartement zur Zahnradbahn- €59 per night
• Apartment Vienna Comfort – €77 per night
• Apartment Ferchergasse – €70 per night
• City Apartment Stuwerstraße- €80 per night

Photo of Flex night club, Vienna, Austria, by Andreika

Tracing its history back almost thirteen centuries Bulgaria is one of the few countries in Europe, and probably the world, whose tourism is based more in its villages than its cities. Discovering rural Bulgaria is an incredible experience for any tourist. So unique are the villages here that they seem to exist in some strange timelessness, as if nothing has changed in the last several centuries. People in the lowlands still concentrate on agriculture, and those on the mountains earn their livelihood from raising animals and gathering herbs and fruits.

The hospitality that the locals extend to all tourists is what has made discovering rural Bulgaria so beautiful. Several people open their homes up to serve as guesthouses and bed and breakfast places. While history, culture and warmth are common everywhere in Bulgaria, the villages in every region are different. Even the rural homes look different in different regions. The list of beautiful villages is endless and so here we will concentrate on mostly the mountaintop villages that will take every tourist’s breath away.

Villages in the Balkan Range

Some of the more popular regions in the Balkan range are Bozhentsi, Tryavna, Zheravna, Elena and Koprivshitsa. Bozhentsi is not just a village but also an architectural reserve in the central part of the Balkan Mountains. It is famous for its pre- National Revival Bulgarian architecture that has been very well preserved. UNESCO lists this Bulgarian village as one of its world cultural monuments. To preserve the look of the village, no building that does not fit with the general style of architecture of the village is allowed to be built here. Stone plate roofs, corner fireplaces, wood carved ceilings and verandas are all features of typical Bozhentsi architecture. All streets in this village are lined with cobblestone.

Across a Roman bridge at the east end of the village is a forest path that leads to our next destination—Tryavna. Tryavna is well known for its textile industry. It is home to a hundred and forty museums and cultural monuments. The town square of the village dates back to 1814. The clock tower and the Kivgireniyat bridge are popular tourist attractions. It is in Tryavna that one of the first secular schools of the country was established. The Daskalov house is the more popular of many museums of icon painting and art and wood carving in the region. It houses the famous wood carved suns. Its ceiling is a work of art in its own right made as a result of a bet between two famous wood carvers Ivan Bochukovetsa and Dimitar Oshanetsa. With modern hotels and restaurants Tryavna is the preferred destination for many tourists.

Just twenty kilometers away is Voneshta Voda, a resort known for its mineral springs. Tryavna homes have their own architectural peculiarities. While irregular forms make up the ground floors, wooden bow windows are the marked features of the upper floors. Well cut and neatly arranged rocks cover the roofs. The Central Balkan National Parks has the most vibrant ecosystems in Bulgaria and is accessible from all the villages around. Just north of the Balkans are several monasteries like the Ivanovo Rock Monastery which is under UNESCO protection. Close to Gaborvo is the Etara Architectural-Ethnographic complex which is an open air museum dedicated to Bulgarian customs and craftsmanship.

Villages in the Pirin Mountains

Villages like Melnik and Dobarsko have been declared architectural reserves. Melnik has architecture from the National Revival and the Ottoman periods. One of the more famous wine growing areas of the country, Melnik is home to the famous Melnik wine. At the foot of Pirin Mountain is Bulgaria’s best ski resort, Bansko. But Bansko is not just a ski resort. It is a small town with buildings that date back to 100 BC. Here you can enjoy the annual Bansko Jazz Festival, Just about five kilometers away is the small village of Banya that is famous for its twenty seven thermal mineral springs.

Villages in the Rhodopes Mountains

The birthplace of Orpheus, Rhodopes is also known as the ‘Green Heart of Europe,’ so vast are the old pinewood forests here. Shiroka Laka is a quaint little village with architecturally authentic Rhodopean houses located on both banks of the local river. The houses are all two storey with a small yard that is closed in by thick white walls. All the yards are covered with slab and have a fountain in the middle. Every March, performers perform the Thracian ritual koukeri dance in a festival here. National Revival style architecture dominates the skyline of Dolen. Chepelare is a famous ski resort town on the Rhodopes Mountains. Other scenic villages include Zlatograd, Kovachevitsa and Boukata.

Villages in the Strandzha Mountains

Strandzha mountains has some of the most rare vegetation in the world. Just small treks from the lovely little villages on the mountain can take you to any of these botanically exciting trails. The pagan tradition of fire dancing is performed every June in the southern part of the mountain range. In Brashlyan mountain hiking and nature observation are included in the rural tourism package. Malko Tarnovo which literally means ‘Little Tarnovo’ is a small town just five kilometers from the Turkish border.

Go mountain hopping and discover rural Bulgaria for yourself. It promises to be unforgettable.

Top 3  Rural Holiday Accommodation in Bulgaria:

• Bio-Hotel Moravsko Village – Predela (Bansko)
• Holiday Villa Stresov – Borovets mountain resort (73 km from Sofia)
• Skaviva B&B – Madara (Shumen)

Photo of , Bulgaria, by Boby Dimitrov

This can all seem like a long time ago in the days of Schengen, EU expansion and budget airlines, but the legacy of these years is still to found stretching across the continent of Europe ‘from Stettin on the Baltic to Trieste on the Adriatic’.

The city that was affected more than any other during this period was Berlin. In the heart of the divided continent was a divided city, the infamous Berlin Wall separating families and loved ones as well as Germans from other Germans. Perhaps it is a result of the ferocity with which the Cold War struck the city that it has been so eager to move on. Reconciliation and development have changed Berlin almost beyond recognition, although some stirring attempts at remembrance exist within that. Checkpoint Charlie is today a mere parody of itself, but the dotted brick line in the streets winding its way through the city where the wall used to be, and especially the killing zone on the eastern side, are eerie reminders of the horror of the wall.

Elsewhere in Europe the legacy can be more tangible or more esoteric. Travelling by train across borders that were once tightly closed, or circling in planes over the outskirts of former Communist cities, the difference in wealth is immediately obvious. The countries of Eastern Europe have metaphorically rushed westwards in the last twenty years but two decades of boom cannot reverse the effects of four decades of stagnation and the most destructive war the planet has ever seen. In things as mundane as un-swept streets, peeling paint and pavements cracks can the legacy of the Iron Curtain be seen.

Across Eastern Europe, drab Communist era tower blocks advertise the land that architecture forgot but these are usually complemented by castles and cathedrals from before the Cold War period or exciting modern buildings demonstrating that dreariness is a thing of the past.

It would be a mistake to think that the legacy of the Iron Curtain is positive on the West and negative on the East. Communism was a harsh and vicious master but it has left the people mostly free of the consumerism and wastefulness obvious in the west. On a more personal note, I love the railway stations of the east. These usually remain from the days of steam and carry with them an atmosphere of romance and anticipation, even, or perhaps especially, when seen through a curtain of rain. Western railway stations are, generally speaking, soulless, unfeeling places that rob travel of any of its romance and turn it into an endurance rather than a pleasure.

Top 5 Berlin Hotels near Checkpoint Charlie

• Mercure Hotel & Residence – 4-Star Hotel – Room Price: €97
• Apartments Checkpoint Charlie Berlin-Mitte – Price: €110
• Adina Apartment Hotel – 4-Star Hotel – Room Price: €95
• The Mandala Hotel – Luxury Hotel – Room Price: €185
• Hotel NH Berlin – 4-Star Hotel – Room Price: €129

Photo of Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin, Germany, by f-l-e-x