Undiscovered Africa: exploring Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of Africa's greatest cultural destinations with no less than eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. It's safe, easy to travel around and has a unique character for the most part untainted by European colonial influence.

Addis Ababa

Ramshackle, chaotic and grubby, most visitors would be forgiven for quitting the capital at the first opportunity. Give it a chance, though, and Addis reveals its gentler charms. Beyond the smoke-choked streets and scrawny goats trotting at the roadside, there are some fine museums, blooming bougainvillea and a chance to sample Ethiopia's unique cuisine.

Highlights

The National Museum, off Entolo Road, containing the bones of Lucy, one of our earliest ancestors. The three- to four- million-year-old hominid distinguished by her upright walk continues to excite - as does the collection of exhibits ranging from Haile Selassie's throne to the modern art on the top floor.

Eat at one of the city's ‘cultural restaurants'. Dashen Traditional Restaurant, off Itegue Taitu Street, has live music and serves injera, the slightly sour flatbread on which dishes are heaped to be eaten with the hands.

Gonder

Africa's ‘Camelot' in north western Ethiopia was the country's capital between 1636 and 1855. Visitors primarily come for its well-preserved castles and churches but, somewhat incongruously, there are also some fine art deco buildings built by the Italians during their brief occupation in the 1930s.

Highlights

Wander the Royal Enclosure containing Fasiladas' Palace - the oldest and the most striking of Gonder's castles combining an unusual blend of Aksumite, Indian, Portuguese and Moorish influences.

Pop in to an Italian deco cafe and enjoy a coffee before bracing yourself for more historical treasures. Ethiopia is renowned for its thick, dark coffee which is as potent as it is tasty.

Axum

The ruins of ancient Axum, close to Ethiopia's northern border, mark the heart of a civilisation that was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia.

Highlights

The ancient royal capital of the earliest Ethiopian kingdom is renowned for its ancient, carved granite obelisks, its archaeological remains and its church, which claims to house the Lost Ark of the Covenant.

Lalibela

‘Africa's Petra' is a remarkable collection of 12th-century rock-hewn churches where pilgrims still come to prostrate themselves before painted icons and medieval crosses. A visit during Ethiopian Christmas in January rewards with hordes of white-clad priests and pilgrims processing through the rocks by torch light.

Highlights

Bet Giyorgis (St Georges' Church), the most complete and well-engineered of the churches is freed completely from the rock. It is one of the most sophisticated examples of rock-hewn architecture on the planet.

Visit Bet Maryam, with its animal frescoes and mysterious column of ‘past and future of the world' - a pillar shrouded in cloth that is said to be inscribed with predictions for the future.

Getting there and around

BMI and Ethiopian Airways fly to Addis Ababa from London Heathrow.

Ethiopian Airways also offers internal flights to all the destinations above and will give you a discount if you've flown internationally with them. If you only have a short time in the country it's well worth travelling between the sights by air - overland journeys are long, exhausting and uncomfortable.

When to go

The great news is sunshine is virtually guaranteed. There is a rainy season between the middle of June and the end of September, but for the rest of the year clear skies reign - temperatures never generally rising above the late twenties. Only on the lowland edges of western, eastern and southern Ethiopia can temperatures creep above 30°C.

Top five alternative romantic destinations

This Valentine's Day, forget Paris. Rome is such a cliché. And there's nothing romantic about Venetian gondolas when a thousand other couples are doing it too. True romance requires a dash of originality so head to one of our top alternative romantic destinations.

Brighton

Cuddling up on the pier to eat hot chips straight from the paper as the winter waves crash onto the pebbly beach beneath - what could be more romantic than that? There's nothing like a good dose of fresh sea air to get you in the mood, and Brighton in February has plenty of that.

Take your Valentine for blustery walks along the sea front and seek refuge from the wind in the Royal Pavilion. Oddly incongruous with its English seaside location, the pink domes and minarets of the building were once the seaside home of George IV, the extravagant king of Great Britain, Ireland and Hanover from 1820 to 1830. Buy trinkets for each other in the Lanes, home to over 200 independent shops, and the more bohemian outlets of the nearby North Laine where more than 300 outlets are squeezed into an area of just under half a square mile.

Later, either head out to experience Brighton's legendary nightlife, or go for a more intimate evening with oysters and Champagne in Riddle & Finns followed by a film in the Duke of York's Picturehouse cinema, Britain's oldest cinema. Make sure you reserve one of the cosy sofas for two in the balcony area.

Québec City

Frequently labelled the most romantic city in North America, Québec City hits its romantic peak in February this year when Valentine's Day coincides with the end of Winter Carnival, the largest winter carnival in the world. Founded in 1608 as a fur-trading post, Quebec City is one of North America's oldest cities and the only one north of Mexico with a city wall.

The narrow cobbled streets of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town make a picturesque course for the city's horse-drawn calèches to follow, and there are more romantic hotels than you can shake a box of chocolates at. Try to stay at the Auberge Saint Antoine if you can. Located in a historic warehouse in the old port area, the boutique hotel is frequently rated as one of the best hotels in Canada and is something of a landmark in the city.

Beyond the hotel, check out the winter sports, snow sculptures and canoe and dogsled races of the Winter Carnival. Take part in the Snow Bath event if your Valentine antics leave you a bit hot under the collar. Otherwise, take the funicular from Dufferin Terrace and explore the core of the old town.

Mediterranean cruise

All too often overlooked by those not in the know, a mini cruise provides the perfect opportunity to devote all your attention to your partner. Your transport, meals, entertainment and sightseeing are all discreetly taken care of for you and you can be as sociable or as coupley as you please. There's no pressure to do anything - you can bed down in your cabin venturing out only to eat and admire the sea view, take part in shore excursions and onboard nightlife or adopt a healthy mix of everything.

A mini cruise is the perfect, unhurried way to see a chunk of the Mediterranean. Cruise ships usually leave from a European port, such as Barcelona, then spend two, three or four nights at sea. A typical itinerary might include Barcelona, Ibiza and Marseille or Cannes, Florence/Pisa (Livorno) and Rome (Cittavecchia) or a number of Greek islands. Alternatively head to Bilbao, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge or the Channel Islands for shorter cruises departing from the UK.

Damascus

With evidence of human habitation dating back to 4000BC, Damascus vies for the title of oldest continually inhabited city in the world. One of the city's many ancient stories tells of the Prophet Mohammed looking down on the old town as he returned from Mecca. Legend has it that he refused to enter Damascus on the grounds that he only wanted to enter paradise once.

The romance of the Orient is alive and well in Damascus. The sense of history crammed into the compact old town is palpable. The old city centre encloses several souks and bazaars, important mosques and shrines and winding alleys within its old city walls. Throughout it all pervades the colourful street life, with vendors, hawkers and the wailing call to prayer. Set up camp in a traditional coffeehouse and soak up the atmosphere.

Northern Lights in Norway

The only thing better than cosying up in a cold climate is cosying up in a cold climate with the Aurora Borealis shimmering above. The sight of one of nature's most spectacular phenomena is guaranteed to spark romance. Although a sighting can't be guaranteed, going in February won't harm your chances. In fact, it's considered one of the best times to see them.

Hurtigruten runs a number of ocean voyages along the coast of Arctic Norway where sightings of the Northern Lights are common. All of their voyages take in Tromso, a major Aurora Borealis research centre thanks to the frequency of light displays the region experiences during the winter months. Hurtigruten boats offer wake-up calls so you won't miss any Aurora activity, even if it happens at 3am. Plus, being on a ship greatly increases your chances of seeing them as the level of light pollution at sea is minimal. The hours of daylight in February in Norway are about the same as those in the UK so you'll have a good amount of time to take in the views of Norway's rugged coastline too.

Author: Emma Field

Travel trends 2009

If you want to keep your finger on the travel pulse check out our predictions for 2009's top trends and destinations.

1. Philadelphia

The city may be mockingly known as New York's ‘Sixth Borough', being just over an hour's train ride away, but Philadelphia is stepping out of the Big Apple's shadows and is well worth a visit in its own right.

Philadelphia's most important sights are preserved in Downtown's picturesque Independence National Historical Park, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, and the Constitution Center, honouring the US Constitution.

Besides its iconic historical sights, Philly also has a vibrant arts scene and is a city bursting with energy and ideas, with a renowned orchestra, world-class museums and some fantastic restaurants. The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is the city's crown jewel, though Philadelphia is also home to art-house cinemas, forward-leaning galleries and traditional and avant-garde theatre.

For more information see our city guide to Philadelphia.

2. Belgrade

Belgrade was given a massive tourism boost in 2008 when it became the host for the 53rd Eurovision Song Contest and is due to attract even more visitors in the year ahead.

Situated in Serbia at the confluence of the rivers Sava and Danube, the city of Belgrade is perched between Eastern Europe and Russia on one side and Western Europe on the other. And with a chequered past of rulers, occupiers, empires and conquerors with their many influences, a unique culture has been created that is both Eastern and Western in character and outlook.

Modern-day Serbia is working hard to put the legacy of former president Slobodan Milošević behind it, and Belgrade is earning itself a reputation as a city that knows how to have fun. But what really distinguishes this great city is the warmth and generosity of its people who are keen to prove to the world that they're a friendly lot who welcome visitors with open arms, warm smiles and a glass or two of the local rakija (brandy).

There is a real vibrancy and energy amongst the people, both young and old, and Belgrade is a 24-hour city that feels safe no matter what time of the day or night it is. Belgraders take their pleasure seriously, with a seemingly insatiable appetite for coffee, cigarettes, good food and socialising - a fact testified by the sheer number and variety of cafes, bars, restaurants and nightclubs in the city.

For more information see our city guide to Belgrade.

3. The Corn Islands, Nicaragua

The Corn Islands offer a taste of the Caribbean as it was before many of its islands became over-developed and expensive. The two isles of Little Corn Island and Big Corn Island, off the coast of Nicaragua, make an ideal destination to soak up the laid-back atmosphere and discover paradise at its most natural.

The coast is littered with shipwrecks from explorers, pirates and buccaneers of yesteryear. These, together with the abundance of marine life and coral reefs, make it an excellent destination for scuba-divers. The interior offers other eco-tourism adventures amid the thick vegetation of the subtropical forests.

The tourist trade is still in its infancy, so you can get a basic room for less than $10 a night in family run accommodation. Although still only visited by those in the know, accessibility is good with several daily flights between Big Corn Island and Managua, Nicaragua's capital. Alternatively, Big Corn Island can be reached by taking the ferry that departs once a week from El Rama, a small port town on the Escondido River.

The Corn islands may be far off the travel grid, but the pay-off is solitude, scenery and some of the best fishing, diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean, at bargain prices.

For more information see our guide to the Corn Islands.

4. Budoni, Sardinia

If the remoteness of the Corn Islands doesn't appeal but you still want the crystal clear waters and golden beaches head to Budoni in Sardinia instead. The town is made up of a main street, from which a number of narrow lanes lead Eastwards to Cala Budoni, the town's main beach.

Further out of the town travellers can stroll through a dense pine wood that provides a habitat for numerous species of animals, including a great variety of birds, the most famous of which is the flamingo.

5. Ecuador

The Ecuadorian government is aiming to turn Ecuador into one of the five best destinations of the American continent. It seems it is achieving its goal as 2009 is set to be a great year for Ecuador as it celebrates the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and 150 years of his Theory of Evolution, which was "mainly inspired by what he saw in our Galpagos islands," explains the Ecuador's Minister of Tourism, Mrs Veronica Sion de Josse.

For more information see our country guide to Ecuador.

6. Hospitality tourism

Along with the urge to save money, hospitality tourism is spreading like wild fire across Europe. For those who have never heard of the concept, it includes home-stays and exchanges, couch surfing and hospitality clubs.

In fact, websites such as www.couchsurfing.com and www.hospitalityclub.org have taken off over the past two years as travellers look for free accommodation and the chance of more authentic cultural experiences that are often missed when staying in a standard hotel.

7. Eco trekking in the Nam Ha national park, Laos

Most people come to Laos and make a brief tour of Vientiane and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Luang Prabang with perhaps a brief detour to the mysterious Plain of Jars. But those who make the effort to explore further afield will be well rewarded with luscious landscapes, friendly people and unique glimpses of a country hardly changed for over a century.

The Nam Ha National Protected Area is one such underrated gem. With around 30 ethnic groups, mountains, waterfalls and plateaux the landscape is ideal for trekking and the whole park is protected by an eco tourism policy of keeping groups small to aid preservation.

For more information see our country guide to Laos.

8. Yemen

Yemen is quickly establishing itself as a great tourist destination, attracting travellers with its striking scenery and spectacular Islamic and pre-Islamic architecture. Yemen boasts hugely varied landscapes, from magnificent mountains to lush fruit-growing valleys to semi-arid plains and wide sandy beaches. The towns and cities hide souks and spice markets, mosques and ancient city walls.

The country is home to numerous significant archaeological sites, while adventure travellers can enjoy camping and trekking in the unique Socotra archipelago, which counts over 270 endemic species among its enormous range of wildlife and plant life.

For more information see our country guide to Yemen.

9. India

India is fast becoming a popular choice for those wanting more bang for their buck, and as it emerges as a new tourism superpower it will be head of the agenda for many tour operators.

India is a mystical land that presents the traveller with a bamboozling array of unforgettable experiences. Its intoxicatingly rich history has spawned an incredible number of exquisite palaces, temples and monuments. The most frequently visited part of India is the Golden Triangle, comprised of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Meanwhile, the people-packed cities of Mumbai (Bombay) and Kolkata (Calcutta) have a bustling, colourful charm, while the holy city of Varanasi and the awe-inspiring temples of Tamil Nadu are rewarding places of pilgrimage.

For those in search of tropical bliss, there are the palm-fringed beaches of Goa and Kerala. And for fresh air and serenity, India ripples with pristine mountains and hills, from the towering beauty of the mighty Himalayas to a bevy of beautiful pine forests, orchards and babbling streams.

For more information see our country guide to India.

10. Musandam Peninsula, Oman

Although the UAE has been luring the cash rich and luxury hungry to its exuberant hotels and shopping malls for many years, those looking for a taste of true Arabia and some stunning scenery will be heading to the stunning Musandam Peninsula in Oman.

Jutting into the Strait of Hormuz towards Iran and bisected from the rest of Oman by the UAE, the Musandam Peninsula has been described as the ‘Norway of the Middle East' for its numerous dramatic fjords. With the Hajar Mountains looming all around, the only way to access the inner sanctum of the waterways, where turtles and dolphins are a common sight, is by boat. The best way to experience Musandam is by heading out on a cruise on a dhow (traditional wooden boat), which can be booked through a local tour operator or with the accommodating fishermen in Khasab.

Author: Caroline Cullern

Beat the Monday blues

The third Monday of January is officially the gloomiest day of the year. Read on for our top ways to beat the peak of the January comedown.

The third Monday of January is the year's emotional low point for many: the parties of Christmas and New Year are over; your social highlight is a gossip by the office coffee machine; you're utterly broke and payday seems an age away; the weather is rubbish and you've already broken your New Year resolutions. The outlook is bleak.

What you need is a little travel inspiration to take the edge off those extra-intense Monday blues. Here are our top five ways to perk yourself up:

1. Find some winter sun

If you're feeling lethargic or like you just want to go into hibernation, you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the most common form of which is known as winter depression. Fortunately it's easily fixed and the most effective treatment is getting more sun. In our book, that makes a winter sun break a medical necessity! Snap up a cheap last minute deal to the Canary Islands or Egypt. January is also the best time to visit Thailand, India, South Africa and the Caribbean.

2. Pamper yourself

After all those seasonal indulgences, you're probably feeling sluggish, dull, grey and completely unmotivated. Kick start your system and get your New Year's resolutions back on track with a spot of pampering. Most spa centres are offering all kind of detox deals at the moment so jump on the ‘New Year, new you' bandwagon and book yourself in for a detoxifying massage, fat-loss wrap and invigorating body brush. Lastminute.com has plenty of January-themed special offers.

3. Plan your summer holiday

Book a summer holiday so you've got something to look forward to. For a little extra peace of mind, book with Thomson or First Choice who have introduced redundancy cover; get a full refund on your holiday up to one month before departure if you are made redundant. The offer is valid on bookings made before 31 January on their branded summer 2009 package holidays. This is in addition to the protection offered by ATOL, which protects you if your tour operator goes bust.

4. Embrace the winter

Winter can be a beautiful thing. Embrace it and book yourself a holiday cottage in the UK. January is off peak so prices are low but the countryside is just as beautiful as the peak summer months. You just need to alter your expectations. Think wild, windswept moors, stormy seas or snug country pubs. Add to that cosy log fires, comfy sofas and filling your lungs with fresh, cool air and you get the idea.

5. Get some exercise

Force yourself outside and get your heart pumping. Exercise is another highly effective way to beat SAD. If you can't quite get the motivation to do it by yourself, consider going on an activity holiday either in the UK or abroad. Skiing is the ultimate winter activity but if that's not your thing there are plenty of exciting alternatives. How about a trek up Mount Kilmanjaro, cycling the Atlas Mountains or a ranching holiday in America or Argentina? Closer to home, Activity Wales does year-round white-water rafting adventures in North Wales.

Author: Emma Field

Vilnius and Linz

Vilnius and Linz have replaced Stavanger and Liverpool as European Capitals of Culture. Find out the best each city has to offer.

Vilnius

Vilnius, in Lithuania, is one of Eastern Europe's most popular destinations. Since joining the EU in 2004, more and more people have arrived to explore the city's historic centre and hundreds of churches.

The baroque old town's crumbling facades and air of decay have since been gentrified, leaving the buildings around central Didzioji gleaming. It is one of the largest old towns in Europe, with over 1,200 buildings scattered across Vilnius's hilly, bendy streets.

Of the city's many churches, synagogues and monasteries, the cathedral, which dates from the 13th century, is the most impressive. Now restored to its original white, the building was elaborated with 18-century additions. Its freestanding belltower reaches almost 57m (187ft) into the sky, dominating the spacious Gediminas Square.

The historic University of Vilnius was granted its charter in 1579 - the campus extends over a whole block of the Old Town. Its original architecture reflects the university's ongoing construction under the varying influences of gothic, renaissance, baroque and classical styles.

For great views across Vilnius's many spires, visitors should walk or take the funicular up to Gediminas's Tower of the Upper Castle, a small mound where the only remaining tower of the city's castle, built in 1409, stands. More views of the city are offered from the top of the TV Tower.

Vilnius events

Vilnius celebrates its millennium in 2009 - the city was first mentioned in the monastic Annals of Quedlinburg in 1009. Events throughout the year will celebrate the city, including the following:

European Café
This discussion club will take place regularly throughout the year, inviting the capital's guests and residents to discuss contemporary culture.

Uzgavenes, February
A traditional pre-Easter celebration in the centre of Vilnius that bids farewell to the long winter in anticipation of spring and its warmth.

Let There Be Night, June
A festival of culture on midsummer night. Dance lessons, open-air cinema, concerts in churches and poetry readings will all be taking place.

Art in Unusual Places, September
Projects by professional artists will be hidden throughout the city, in unexpected places. They will include video and audio installations, operettas and social campaigns. City residents are invited to create displays in their gardens and houses.

Festival of Lights, November
Science, nature and art will combine to explore the world of light, during the darkest period of the year.

Lithuania

Outside of its enchanting capital, Lithuania offers forests, lakes and more castles. Around 28km (17 miles) away, in Trakai, an ancient capital, visitors will find Lake Galve - a lake with 21 islands, one with a castle. Popular Baltic coast resorts include Palanga and Kursiu Nerija, both famous for their clean white sand, pine forests and sand dunes. A UNESCO World Heritage site awaits at the Curonian Spit National Park, on the peninsula between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea.

Linz

The capital of Austria's Upper province, right on the Danube, Linz is emerging as a modern centre with a flourishing economy - there are more jobs than people. Austria's third largest city, Linz joins the Mühlviertel region towards the Czech border with the rolling hills that lead to the Alps in the south, situated roughly halfway between Vienna and Salzburg.

Green spaces account for 60% of the city, making Linz one of Austria's most environmentally friendly communities. Cultural life in the city is equally diverse, with world-famous institutions such as the Bruckner Orchestra and Ars Electronica Center. In an attempt to rid its industrial image, Linz has developed its cultural and art scene with annual events, including Brucknerfest and the Ars Electronica festival.

Baroque buildings cover the city's main square, including the Landhaus (the seat of the provincial government) and the Altes Rathaus (the old town hall). Mozart House is where the composer created his Linz Symphony in 1783.

Linz is also home to both one of Austria's oldest original churches and its largest place of worship. St Martin's Church was first documented in 799. Inside, Roman stone inscriptions can be seen. The Immaculate Conception, the city's New Cathedral, was consecrated in 1924 and can seat 20,000 people.

For views over the city, take the mountain tram to the Pöstlingberg - the pilgrimage church, a viewing platform and the Grottenbahn cave railway await. There is also a zoo halfway up.

Linz events

Linz's year as Capital of Culture will be marked with regular events throughout each month, including:

Best of Austria, January-May
An art collection gathering the country's most significant works together in Linz's Lentos Art Museum. Over 30 museums, galleries and private art collections throughout Austria will contribute works.

80+1: A Journey Around the World, June-September
The Ars Electronic Center will provide the virtual environment for Linz's global trip - 81 days around the world during which 20 places will be visited via optical cables and satellite links.

The Library of Rescued Memories, October-December
A multi-media exhibition in the Wissensturm that will present pictures and stories of Jewish life before the Holocaust, based on Centropa interviews.

Upper Austria

As a region, Upper Austria has spectacular scenery which combines mountains and hills with river valleys and lakes. Close by is Mühlviertel, an area of the country made famous by Adalbert Stifter, an author who describes the romanticism of the region. It is also home to the Horse Railway, the first on the European continent, and Austria's weaving industry.

Author: Caroline Lewis

Cruise routes: which is right for you? Part II - choosing by interest

Part II of our cruise routes series helps you choose a route based on what you're interested in. So whether you're into adventure, culture or simply a bit of sun, we've found the route for you.

If you're more into sun bathing and relaxation, you're going to want a different cruise experience to those who want to check out museums and galleries or walk across glaciers. Likewise, if you love luxury, you're going to be happier on a cruise ship that pampers and takes care of every little detail for you. Or perhaps you're not yet convinced that a cruise is for you and want to combine a cruise with a more traditional land-based holiday. Whatever you want, our guide to choosing the best cruise route based on your interests will help you decide.

For adventure

Antarctica, the most remote place on earth, is the destination for you. An Antarctic cruise is an entirely different experience from any other cruise. There's no shopping or eating in luxury restaurants. Instead, you'll be taken ashore in a zodiac (inflatable boat) to walk among penguins, check out seal colonies or take a dip in the thermal waters of Deception Island. There are also stunning iceberg formations, vistas of glaciated mountains and whales to watch from the ship.

For culture

For museums, galleries and an unparalleled sense of history, it's got to be the Mediterranean. Rome, Barcelona, Athens, Florence, Dubrovnik, Venice: the concentration of culture is unbeatable. A cruise through the Mediterranean is akin to checking off a list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Plus, the food is fantastic, the wine flowing and the weather balmy. No wonder the Med is the most popular cruise destination in the world.

To experience something a bit different, choose a route that takes in South America and the Panama Canal. You can go ashore to learn about the village life of the indigenous people or discover Mayan and Inca civilisations. The place is simply bursting with colonial buildings, crumbling fortresses and brightly coloured birds all set against a jungle backdrop. And of course, there's the incredible feat of engineering that is the canal itself.

For sun

White-sand beaches, clear blue seas and laid-back island attitude make Caribbean cruises some of the most popular around. Most cruises leave from Florida for a trip filled with sunshine, cocktails and fun. You can choose to play at being Robinson Crusoe on apparently deserted islands such as Nevis or Barbuda, soak up some history in the colonial plantations of Antigua or explore the underwater shipwrecks of Grand Cayman. The Greek islands are a great alternative.

For the destination port

Cruises only allow you to stay and explore a place for one day, possibly two. For some people, that really isn't long enough to get to know a destination as well as they'd like to. Many cruise companies now operate fly, cruise and stay trips where you can combine a cruise with a lengthier stay in a destination of your choice. You can spend a week or more before or after your cruise discovering all a place has to offer in far more depth than you'd be able to on a regular cruise. For example, you could fly to New York, spend a week checking out the sights before taking a transatlantic cruise back via Ponta Delgada on the Azores and the Canary Islands, or do the same in Singapore or Hong Kong before sailing off around the Indian Ocean.

We've created longer, more in-depth cruise port guides to the following destinations for this very reason: Cape Town, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney, Venice, Barcelona, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Buenos Aires.

Check out our cruise guides and Cruise routes: which is right for you? part I for help choosing a route based on your traveller type.

Author: Emma Field

Cruise routes: which is right for you? Part I - choosing by traveller type

Part I of our cruise routes series helps you select the best route for your holiday. Read on for the best cruise routes for first-time cruisers, families, couples, older cruisers and those with plenty of time on their hands.

Going on a cruise for the first time can be daunting. The first thing to be aware of is that a cruise doesn't have to cost you your life savings. Don't forget, the price includes food, accommodation, day- and night-time entertainment, gym membership, kids clubs and flights. It doesn't usually include spa treatments or shore excursions. Plus, early booking discounts are available. In many cases cruises are a more affordable option than land-based holidays.

Once you've set your budget, it's important to decide what you want from your cruise. The variety of cruises available is staggering, from mini cruises and world cruises to Caribbean, Mediterranean, Baltic, Alaskan and Antarctic cruises, and they cater for a much greater range of holidaymakers than the ‘newly wed or nearly dead' cliché would have you believe.

If you're travelling as a couple, you're going to have a different set of priorities to those holidaying as a family or in their retirement. Likewise, if you've only got a few days to spare, you're going to want a completely different experience to those lucky cruisers who have entire months at their disposal. The beauty of the cruise holiday is that there's something for everyone.

We've divided our recommendations into traveller type (families, couples, older cruisers, the time-rich and the time-poor) and your interests (adventure, culture, sun and getting to know a port). Here's our guide to choosing the best cruise based on your traveller type:

For families

Families are brilliantly catered for on cruises, and we don't just mean the food. When it comes to choosing a ship, the basic rule is ‘the bigger the better'. The larger ships have kids clubs, babysitting services, multiple dining options and all kinds of activities for all ages, from spas and golf driving ranges for mum and dad, to swimming pools and climbing walls for all the family. Kids are so well taken care of that you could easily go for days without seeing them! And the environment on cruise ships is safe and contained enough that there's absolutely no need to worry.

The best routes for families are in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, where the warm weather means kids can make the most of on-board swimming pools and outdoor activities.

For couples

As a couple you can be as sociable or as coupley as you choose. Obviously there are plenty of other people to mix with and the unique cruise liner atmosphere means it's easy to get talking over a formal dinner or while taking part in dance classes or team games such as volleyball. When you're feeling romantic, you can indulge in some pampering for twosomes or enjoy the view from your private balcony.

You can also get married on board - the captain can legally marry you! The only criterion is that you must be in a port or no more than 5km (3 miles) from land. Most cruise liners will sort the whole ceremony out for you, including photo albums. There might even be a few upgrades in it for you.

The most romantic destinations are the Caribbean, for honeymoon-standard white-sand beaches and colourful rum cocktails, and Alaska for snuggling up in front of jaw-dropping views of mountains and glaciers and a spot of whale watching.

For older cruisers

A more traditional cruise suits the older traveller. A mid-sized ship is cosier, cheaper and you can explore ashore by day and enjoy some on-board entertainment in the evening. You usually have to dress for dinner and can choose a child-free ship.

Top destinations for older cruisers include the fjords of Norway, northern Europe and the Baltic. Retired travellers might also find the time for a round-the-world cruise taking in the delights of the Far East, Europe and the Americas (see For time-rich cruisers below).

For time-poor cruisers

Cruises don't have to mean endless days at sea. Mini cruises are becoming more and more popular with time-famished holidaymakers. They're also a great, non-committal way to get a taster of what a cruise is all about, so perfect for first-time cruisers. Mini cruises generally last four to five days and include all the usual on-board entertainment but you get more for your money than you would with a land-based holiday as you usually visit two to three destinations in that time.

You can cruise to destinations in the Baltic, France, Spain and Channel Islands directly from the UK, or fly to ports in the Caribbean or Spain and Italy for Mediterranean mini cruises.

For time-rich cruisers

Lucky, lucky time-rich travellers! A round-the-world cruise is the ultimate in cruising. Usually lasting anywhere from four weeks to three months, these cruises take in just about every type of destination you can think of. A typical trip, starting in the UK might take you across the Atlantic to the Caribbean and USA, through the Panama Canal to a few ports in South America before cruising on to some South Pacific islands, including Hawaii, then on to the New Zealand and Australia. Asia comes next, followed by Africa or the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean. Of course, you can do this in the opposite direction or join a cruise for just a section. Themed cruises, such as visiting Commonwealth countries, are also available.

A world cruise is a hassle-free way to experience plenty of different cultures without having to deal with the hassles of airport check in, lost luggage or arranging your own transport. One thing worth asking is how long the ship stays in each port - with all that time at sea you'll need more than one day on land at a time.

Check out our cruise guides and Cruise routes: which is right for you? part II for help choosing a route based on your interests.

Author: Emma Field

Children's Christmas holidays

Our pick of the best children's Christmas and winter holidays, from visiting Father Christmas to sleeping in a real igloo.

If we believe our grandparents, the British weather just doesn't do Christmas like it used to. A white Christmas is a rarity these days, meaning that millions of kids grow up without ever waking on Christmas morning to the sparkle of snow-reflected light on the ceiling. Fortunately, the legendary Christmas of snowball fights, tinkling reindeer bells and snowflake-patterned jumpers can be experienced by children today - you just have to travel a bit further afield for it.

For North American kids, Santa Claus lives in the North Pole; Danish children are told he lives in Greenland; while British kids believe Father Christmas has a home (complete with elves and toy factory) in Lapland (an area of Scandinavia far more accessible than the North Pole or Greenland). And even if your kids are too old to believe in Father Christmas, there's plenty of snow, reindeer and sparkle to satisfy even the most cynical of offspring.

Here's our pick of the best children's holidays to meet Father Christmas, stay in a winter wonderland, get active in the snow or make the most of the UK's own Christmassy facilities.

Meet Father Christmas

Every young kid dreams of meeting the big man himself but long queues for a turn on the lap of a grouchy and over-worked Santa stand-in rarely live up to expectations. Good thing, then, that there are entire, snow-covered resorts in or near the Arctic Circle dedicated to creating the perfect visit to Santa's grotto.

Savalen, which claims to be the home of the Norwegian Father Christmas, lets you visit his farm (with miniature ponies, lama and, of course, reindeer), workshop and toy laboratory as well as take part in a number of activities including horse and sleigh rides, snowmobile safaris, dog sledding and ice fishing. All this in a compact snowy mountain resort complete with cute log cabins, Santa Street and a spa for the grown ups. Activities Abroad still has places left for its 19 December departure and every family gets a private audience with Santa in his home.

Slip over to Sweden and you'll find Laponia, a family-owned hotel in Arvidsjaur, home to the Sami people. Arctic Discovery runs special four-day, three-night Christmas trips to the hotel (places are still available on their 19 December departure), which arranges trips to Father Christmas's home where the children's wish lists are attentively listened to, photos taken and presents given out. There are also plenty of activities to choose from, including sleigh rides, snowmobile safaris and ice driving.

Winter wonderlands

If your children are slightly older but still enraptured by snowy scenes (this applies to adults too) there are plenty of options for a slightly more grown-up Christmas trip.ICEHOTEL, usually the reserve of glowing newlyweds and couples, opens its icy doors to children at Christmas time. Christmas Eve sees a visit from Father Christmas, a torch-lit procession and a concert of Christmas carols. Arctic Experience still has places for its four-night package leaving on 23 December. There are plenty of activities but the highlight is the night in the unique ICEHOTEL. (Due to the accommodation, Arctic Experience advises against bringing children under eight years old, but understands that parents know best how their kids will cope.) You'll sleep on an ice bed in an ice room - you can even drink from ice glasses in an ice bar.

Another option is to stay in an igloo. Emagine Travel organises holidays to the rustic Hotel Kakslauttanen in Finland, which has an igloo village with real igloos varying in size from two to eight berths. There are also warm, glass igloos - perfect for gazing up at the magical northern lights from the comfort and warmth of your own bed. If staying in an igloo for your entire holiday nips a bit too close to frostbite, then consider one of their individual unpretentious log cabins which are nestled in snow-covered forest and come with fireplaces and saunas but no TV or phone. As well as offering all the usual activities, Hotel Kakslauttanen is right on the edge of Urho Kekkonen National Park, which has a superb network of cross-country skiing trails.

Post-Christmas winter activities

If your children are a bit older then meeting Father Christmas probably isn't their number one holiday priority. Still in Lapland, but with less focus on FC, are a number of family-oriented adventure holidays, specially designed to prevent those post-Christmas blues.

Arctic Discovery's five-day, four-night Snowy North trip runs from January to April and is suitable for ages five and up. There's no Santa element and the emphasis is on family fun. Based in Boden, Swedish Lapland, the trip includes an Arctic train journey, dog sledding, guided tour of the famous ice hotel, horse riding through a snowy alpine forest and a trip to Sweden's best water park.

Specifically created to fill the gap between Christmas and New Year, Canterbury Travel runs four-day trips to Luosto resort in Finnish Lapland. The holiday lets kids drive their own snowmobile (assessed on ability) and involves reindeer and huskies, ice skating, tobogganing and mini snow games (such as tug of war).

Activities Abroad has a seven-night family winter adventure holiday based in Kittila, Finnish Lapland. The holiday includes a trip to a reindeer farm, husky and reindeer safaris, cross-country skiing and a snowmobile safari to Lainio Snow Village, a village full of snow sculptures, an ice bar, restaurant and snow hotel. Places are available from December to April.

Christmas in the UK

Notice that none of the holidays mentioned here are day trips to meet Father Christmas in Lapland, which are rather rushed, relatively expensive and extremely bad for the environment. If, for financial or environmental reasons, you'd rather not leave the UK at all over the Christmas break there are plenty of options right here.

It's Santa's little secret, but his real home is in Kent. (Really, why would you want to live somewhere frozen and dark for half of the year?) Lapland UK recreates Father Christmas's home, deep in snowy woodland, for children to visit for a day. The snow isn't real but it is created by the best snow-makers around (they also did the snow for James Bond). There are all the usual husky dog and reindeer encounters, plus an apprenticeship with elves in Father Christmas's factory, but the best bit is the personalisation of the whole experience. Each kid gets an invitation through the post from Santa himself and the parents are asked to fill out a form with family details so ‘Father Christmas' knows all kinds of facts about your child when they meet him. It's very convincing.

For a longer UK Christmas break, Centre Parcs (www.centerparcs.co.uk) transforms its Whinfell, Sherwood, Elveden and Longleat forest villages into a Lapland fairy tale. In addition to all the usual activities (such as horse riding, tennis, pampering, birds of prey experiences), there are Santa's Grottoes, horse and carriage rides, street theatres and pantomimes.

Author: Emma Field

Five of the best Christmas markets

Miss the high-street mayhem and head to one these traditional Christmas markets to stock up on all your festive needs.

1. Budapest

Budapest exudes romance throughout the Christmas season, with twinkling lights and snow-blanketed squares setting the scene. The biggest market is at Vőrősmarty Square and is the only one to hold an official certificate from the Hungarian Society of Folk Arts & Crafts, meaning that all of the products sold at the market have to be handmade and traditional. Visitors can pick up wrought-iron candlesticks, tree decorations, brightly painted wooden toys and glassware, all in the shadow of the snow capped Buda hills. Get into the festive spirit with a touch of ice skating in the Városliget city park or relax in the open-air Széchenyi Baths. The festivities kick off on November 29 and stalls open from 9am until late daily.

For more accommodation and travel information see our Budapest city guide.

2. Copenhagen

Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens embrace the absolute essence of Christmas. Europe's first amusement park opens its gardens each December with throngs of brightly painted stalls selling all manner of festive accoutrement from hand-carved angels, to candles and wooden dolls. Try a glass of glogg (mulled wine with liquor and spices) or aebleskiver (hot apple dumplings). Rides are still open during the day, however it's after dark when the Christmas charm comes to life as the park glitters with thousands of lights and knit-clad ice skaters glide around the lake. The market is running until December 28 and opens from 11am until late daily.

For more accommodation and travel information see our Copenhagen city guide.

3. Barcelona

Each year since 1786 Barcelona's glittering Fira de Santa Llúcia market kicks off on December 13. The gothic cathedral and its surrounding cobbled streets become entrenched in the Christmas spirit with stalls selling handmade artefacts and nativity scenes carved out of clay. The Catalan-inspired fair adds a quirky twist to the traditional festivity, with figurines of the defecating caganer (‘Christmas Crapper') - fashioned in all its squatting glory. The tradition dates back to the 18th century and the bizarre statues are thought to symbolise hope and fertility for the coming year. The market is open until Christmas Eve from 10am-8pm daily.

For more accommodation and travel information see our Barcelona city guide.

4. Vienna

Christmas is serious business for the Viennese, with the inhabitants of the Austrian capital opting for traditional and refined rather than tacky and commercial. In fact, they have completely outlawed the notion of red-suited Santa Claus and have created their own icon - Weiner Christkindl, a blond-locked maiden. In homage to the city's creation, the Christkindlmarkt opens on November 15 in Rathausplatz. Looming over the square is the neo-gothic building of the town hall, which opens its numbered curtains one by one in advent calendar fashion. On sale are beeswax candles, decorations and wooden toys, as well as warming drinks and kitsch charms.

For more accommodation and travel information see our Vienna city guide.

5. Berlin

With around 60 markets across the city, Berlin does Christmas full pelt. The most popular market is the one around the Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche, which attracts around four million visitors each year. Around 100 stalls cluster around the Memorial Church, selling traditional arts and crafts as well as more radical artworks from some of the city's cutting-edge artists and designers. The interesting collection of antique and contemporary jewellery make perfect Christmas gifts.

For more accommodation and travel information see our Berlin city guide.

Best of the rest:

Tallinn - Grab some quirky hand-knitted jumpers and juniper wood toys from one of the 50 stalls in the Town Hall Square.

London - Borough Market on London's Southbank may not technically be a Christmas market (since it's a year round fixture), but it does conjure the festive vibe with the scent of mulled wine and holly-strewn stalls. Pick up all your food treats, from hand-reared meats to artisan cheeses.

Nuremberg - The Nuremberg Christmas market is the best known in Germany. Around 200 stalls are crammed into the cobbled square beneath the gothic church of Frauenkirche.

Author: Caroline Cullern

Five great all-American road trips

Fortunately for non-Americans, one driving symbol of the American dream, the all-American road trip, can be experienced by everyone. Hit the byways, avoid the highways and you're halfway there.

Apparently, an American who's felt no desire to cross the country on four wheels is either a liar or a communist. Road trips are part of the American psyche, stamped on the national soul by artists such as Jack Kerouac and Tom Waits, movies such as Thelma and Louise and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and the legendary westward migrations of gold seekers and the first settlers.

Thanks to frequent, loaded references to it, Route 66 is the classic American road trip ((Get your kicks on) Route 66 was composed way back in 1946), symbolising freedom and the pursuit of the American dream. It was decommissioned in 1985 after being deemed ‘irrelevant' and replaced by the Interstate Highway System. It's still possible to travel portions of it since it was designated National Scenic Byway ‘Historic Route 66'. To complete the entire journey from Chicago to Los Angeles as it would have been in the 20th century requires a large amount of map reading, but is well worth the effort.

As well as Route 66, America offers so many vast open roads, it's hard to know where to begin. As a rule, the byways are the traditional two-lane stuff of legend, whereas highways tend to be more like monotonous motorways. To help you choose, we've found five very different routes to help you explore this magnificent and sprawling country in the 21st century:

Best for mountains: Blue Ridge Parkway

Originally called the Appalachian Scenic Highway when it was commissioned in the 1930s, the Blue Ridge Parkway meanders through the meadows and valleys of the southern Appalachian Mountains. It connects northern Virginia's Shenandoah National Park with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in southern North Carolina.

The drive takes you through astonishing mountain vistas, best seen in autumn when the area's many trees change colour and blaze with reds, golds and yellows. It's a slow, relaxing route interspersed with plenty of opportunities for picnics, camping and side trips down hiking trails or into nearby communities. For a dose of history, stop at Humpback Rocks, where 19th-century Appalachian skills and traditions are demonstrated, and Mabry Mill, Floyd County, Virginia. Lodges and restaurants are available along the parkway.

Length: 755km/469 miles
Location: North Carolina and Virginia

Best for glaciers: Alaska's Marine Highway

Not strictly a highway, Alaska's Marine Highway is actually a ferry system, although it was declared an All-American Road by the Federal Highway Administration (an honour given to only 27 roads with features unique enough to turn them into a tourist attraction in their own right) and receives federal highway funding. It's one of the few ferry systems in America with transport, not leisure, as its primary purpose and it carries around 350,000 passengers and 100,000 cars every year. The system stretches from Bellingham, Washington to Unalaska, with 32 terminals, incredible views of the roughly hewn Alaskan fjords, glaciers, volcanoes and plenty of wildlife, including whales, in between.

It takes just under three days to travel from Bellingham to Skagway and 18 hours from Sitka to Juneau. Cabins cost extra (this is not a luxury cruise!) but an even better idea (depending on the weather, of course) is to simply set up a tent or just lay out a sleeping bag on deck and watch the northern lights dance overhead.

Length: 5,633km/3,500 miles
Location: Southwest Alaska

Best for coastline: Pacific Coast

If you could do only one road trip in a convertible, this is it. Known in Oregon as the Pacific Coast Byway and in California as Highway 1, Highway 101 and the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) depending what part of it you're on, this route is almost as legendary as Route 66 (the PCH section is a designated All-American Road). It snakes along hugging the coast from the northwest tip of the USA at Olympic National Park all the way down to San Diego, close to the Mexican border.

Redwood National Park, the logging and fishing communities of Washington and Big Sur, with its jagged mountains plunging down to pounding surf, are highlights as well as the energetic cities of Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. At times it can feel like you're the last person left alive on earth, but with that view and the salty wind in your hair, you don't even care.

Length: 1,500km/932 miles
Location: California, Oregon, Washington

Best for plains: Native American Scenic Byway

The Native American Scenic Byway offers a chance to enjoy both the rolling prairie views and journey into the heart of the Sioux nation who have lived and worked on this land for centuries. The route takes you through the reservations of four tribes of Lakota Sioux (Crow Creek, Lower Brule, Cheyenne River and Standing Rock), passing lakes, streams, roaming buffalo and the Missouri River. Along the way monuments, museums and sacred sites teach you about the Sioux people. A highlight is Sitting Bull memorial, near Mobridge, South Dakota. It apparently contains the remains of Sitting Bull, a revered and influential Sioux chief who was murdered by government agents in 1889.

Length: 575km/357 miles
Location: North Dakota and South Dakota

Best for desert: Death Valley Scenic Byway

More of an experience than a drive, the Death Valley Scenic Byway sweeps you through some of the most dramatic, rugged and unique landscapes in America. To get the most out of it, step out of the car and hike a few of the well-marked trails. Stop at marked viewpoints and take in panoramas of the valleys and peaks that rise and fall from over a mile above sea level to 86m (282ft) below (the lowest point in North America). Salt pans, coloured rocks eroded by the wind and rain and shifting sands make for desolate, eerie viewing.

Length: 302km/188 miles
Location: California

Best for a little bit of everything

If you find it hard to choose just one of America's striking features to see, head for the roads that take in as many as possible. Running coast to coast between Chesapeake Bay and San Francisco, the US-20 traverses the Rocky and Appalachian mountains, the Great Plains, the deserts of Utah and Nevada, the Wild West and Silicon Valley to give a good cross-section of American society, history and culture.

A bit further south, the old US-80 joins San Diego in California to Savannah, Georgia. Landscapes shift and change as quickly as the people and the cuisine. For a culinary or musically themed road trip, this might be your bet: Tex-Mex, Cajun, BBQ and Creole can be munched to the sounds of a huge variety of music, from honky-tonk or gospel to country and western.

An excellent source for further information on American road trips is the National Scenic Byways Program.

Author: Emma Field