Six of the best UK bank holiday breaks

Make the most of the long bank holiday weekends coming up and explore the best of the UK. From a cultural break discovering local artists in Scotland to a unique Ayurvedic spa break to relax body and mind, we have covered all bases for a long weekend escape.

Best for: culture
Spring Fling, Scotland

The rugged Scottish county of Dumfries and Galloway isn't high on the tourist radar, but the inspiring landscapes have attracted a wealth of artists. For one weekend each year, the 80 or so local artists and craftsmen open up their studios to the public as part of the Spring Fling event held over the May Bank Holiday (23-25 May). The best way to explore the area is on foot or bike, heading down the small lanes to discover private studios harbouring cultural delights. As well as seeing the paintings and sculptures on display, visitors can also take part in workshops and dine on some delicious home-made cakes.

Best for: relaxation
Ayush Wellness Spa, Jersey

Take a break from the rat race and gain a new perspective on life on a relaxing holistic break. At the first ‘destination Ayurveda spa' in the British Isles, Ayush follows 5,000-year-old Sanskrit philosophies to restore health and aid in complete relaxation. Situated in the Hotel de France in St Helier, Jersey, the sprawling rooftop spa has six private treatment suites, relaxation lounge, yoga studios and a library, perfect for pampering both body and mind. Two- and three-day packages are available, such as the Pure Cleanse and Restorative programmes, each designed to detoxify and rejuvenate. Each programme includes massages and an Ayuervedic treatment as well as full use of the spa facilities, which includes a stunning rooftop infinity pool, massage pool, hot and cold plunge pools and sauna. Breaks start at £175 per person.

Best for: city breaks
NewcastleGateshead, UK

Sat on opposite sides of the River Tyne, Newcastle and Gateshead have been transformed into a unique tourist destination known aptly as NewcastleGateshead. Far more than just another northern conurbation, NewcastleGateshead is vibrant and energetic with a rich history that seems to be etched onto every street corner. Whilst the modern day city beats with a young-spirited verve, the region has a rich history stretching back 2,000 years. Art has been a major factor in the area's regeneration and Anthony Gormley's iconic Angel of the North has become part of the area's modern identity. The region reborn, it has regained its confident swagger to become the crowning jewel of the northeast. Boasting excellent galleries, stunning architecture, great nightlife and friendly locals, NewcastleGateshead is establishing itself as one of the UK's must-visit destinations.

Best for: romance
Tor Cottage, Devon

Take the one you love to a rural hideaway for a long weekend. Tor Cottage is set within a sprawling estate near Chillaton, nestled in its own private valley, and is ideally located near Dartmoor for long blustery walks. All rooms come with snug log fires and a complimentary bottle of Cava and Moorish chocolate truffles. Order a ‘picnic platter' or breakfast hamper of brioche, croissants, orange juice, wild salmon, eggs, cheese and cold meats and dine al fresco amid wild flowers and ancient woodlands. Guests can even go for a moonlight swim in the outdoor heated pool. Double rooms cost from £130 with a minimum two-night stay required.

Best for: kids
Feather Down Farms, across the UK

Working farms are a constant source of entertainment for children as well as a chance for them to learn more about nature, animals and the great outdoors. There are more than 20 sites dotted throughout the UK with each farm housing several tents. However, banish any ideas of cramped and damp accommodation. The Feather Down tents are more like a house, with kitchen, master bedroom, bunk room and flushing toilet. Each of the working farms involved are passionate about preserving the countryside. Children will enjoy gathering fresh eggs from the hen house and getting to know the animals in the paddock area. Each site also has bike rental for exploring the surrounding countryside.

Best for: adventure
Nae Limits, Perthshire

For a long weekend of adventure, you can't go wrong with Scotland. The weather may not be very predictable, but rolling mists, pea-soup fogs and torrential rain are an occupational hazard for any country with mountains, lochs, coastline, forests and thousands of acres of open countryside to get mucky in. Anyway, Scotland has its fair share of good weather too - the east coast has more hours of sunshine than southeast England.

Nae Limits, conveniently based in Perthsire, prides itself on having perfected the ‘Art of Adventure' and offers a huge variety of activities, both on land and in water. You can choose from cliff jumping, canyoning, abseiling, quad biking and adventure tubing, to name a few, or do a multi-activity day to get a taste of everything. They can also offer help and advice with accommodation, transport and, if you've got the energy, any further entertainment. Nae Limits still has availability on a number of its Easter activities, including rafting, canyoning and sphereing.

Author: Caroline Cullern

Read more: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/feature/133/index/Six-of-the-best-UK-bank-holiday-breaks.html#ixzz0giNQ3yc2

Action at sea: cruising 21st-century style

Cruises are undergoing something of a renaissance. Growing numbers of younger cruisers means on-board activities and shore excursions are becoming more active, flexible and fun. Jane Archer explores the burgeoning world of the 21st-century cruiser.

Who says cruising is for old people? Big cruise ships these days are packed with activities that are great whether you are five or 55. Children can have hours of fun in the kids' clubs and dipping in and out of the swimming pools, and there are huge and luxurious spas and solariums where adults can relax and be pampered.

But there is so much more for the 21st-century cruiser: rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks and water parks, celebrity-run speciality restaurants in which you can dine like the stars and adrenaline-packed shore excursions for fun days in port.

On-board activities

Not so long ago, napkin-folding classes were considered the perfect way to keep passengers occupied when they had had enough of looking out to sea. There are still sessions on how to be the perfect hostess, and many ships have cookery demonstrations and wine-tasting sessions, but such gentile occupations are fast giving way to much more active ways to pass the days at sea.

Royal Caribbean International's Voyager-class ships (for instance - Voyager of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Independence of the Seas) have rock-climbing walls and ice-skating rinks, but also a FlowRider, a powerful wave you can surf on, and water parks with fountains, jets and even a lazy river.

It's all terrific fun, but things get even better at the end of 2009, when Royal Caribbean launches Oasis of the Seas. This is a huge ship, holding 5,400 passengers. As well as all the features above (and actually there are two walls and two FlowRiders), there is a zip wire - get harnessed up and slide on a wire across the top of the ship - and the first carousel at sea.

Norwegian Cruise Line has 10-pin bowling alleys and Wii Sports games on its newest ships - Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jade. Its next new ship, Norwegian Epic, launching in July 2010, will have the first ice bar at sea. Passengers will be kitted out in fur coats, gloves and hats, and be able to drink ice-cold vodkas in freezing temperatures.

Water slides are a favourite with Carnival Cruise Lines and Italian line Costa Cruises. On new ship Carnival Dream, launching in September 2009, there will be a four-deck-high water slide and a two-lane racing slide.

Ocean Village has juggling and trapeze workshops to keep kids of all ages entertained on days at sea; P&O Cruises has bungee trampolines on deck 19 of Ventura, offering the ultimate view across the sea if you dare look up; guests on Cunard's Queen Victoria can learn sword fighting.

If all that sounds too energetic, Princess Cruises has the ultimate behind-the-scenes tour on Ruby Princess, letting guests visit the engine control room, laundry, food stores, bridge and theatre, and even climb into the funnel. On sea days, Holland America Line holds galley tours lasting about 30 minutes: passengers can pass through the kitchens, watching the chefs in action and tasting on the way.

A taste of celebrity

Traditionally, evening dining on a cruise ship meant eating at the same time every night, sharing with other passengers on a pre-allocated table. Passengers can still do that, but cruise lines these days are increasingly flexible, offering alternative ‘eat-when-you-like' options in the main restaurant.

More than that, most cruise lines have speciality restaurants that cost extra - the food served in the dining room is included in the cruise price. Princess Cruises has the Crown Grill, serving steaks and other cuts of meat, and also Sabatini's, where guests munch their way through 12 or so courses, with antipasti, pizzas, pastas, salads and soups all on the menu. Norwegian Cruise Line ships have up to 10 restaurants, with French bistros, Mexican diners and sushi bars included in the mix.

Recently several cruise lines have gone another step further and signed up celebrity chefs to run their speciality restaurants.

Gary Rhodes has restaurants on P&O Cruises' Arcadia (Arcadian Rhodes) and Oriana (Oriana Rhodes), serving up food best described as "Brit with a twist", while Marco Pierre White ("contemporary with an Italian essence") has designed the menus served in the White Room on P&O's newest ship, Ventura.

Ocean Village has The Bistro, on the ships Ocean Village and Ocean Village Two, serving menus designed by James Martin (expect "British with a hint of the Med"). Martin was voted the favourite celebrity chef at sea in a Cruise Critic poll in March 2009.

Sushi king Nobuyuki ‘Nobu' Matsuhisa (serving "Japanese with a European twist) has a restaurant and sushi bar on Crystal Cruises' two ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.

Aldo Zilli ("classic Italian") has teamed up with Thomson Cruises and has a speciality Italian restaurant on Thomson Celebration.

Several cruise lines have celebrity cruises, when top-name chefs come on board to host cookery demonstrations and cook up sumptuous meals.

Celebrity chef Raymond Blanc, Martin Burge, head chef at Whatley Manor in the Cotswolds, and Colin Bussey, former executive head chef at Gleneagles Hotel, have cruised with Silversea Cruises; in October 2009 Anton Mosimann will be on board Silversea's Silver Wind. Jacques Pépin, chef to three French presidents and executive chef with Oceania Cruises, often cruises with Oceania. His next cruise is in August.

Active shore excursions

Cruise lines still sell sedate coach excursions, allowing older passengers to see the sights without too much effort, but as cruisers get younger, so the ships' tours are a lot more exciting.

Ocean Village has some of the best days out - canyoning in the South of France (this involves donning a wetsuit and clambering over boulders as you make your way down a fast-flowing river), and swinging, sliding and zipwiring between trees in Corsica. Ocean Village ships also carry a fleet of bikes and there are city tours by pedal power for anyone feeling fit.

Zip-wiring through trees in a harness has become a hugely popular excursion. Princess Cruises offers it in Alaska and Jamaica, where it is combined with a thrilling bobsled ride. Princess also has river-tubing in Grenada.

Carnival Cruise Lines has a survival adventure in Belize. Passengers will learn to make fire without matches and cook jungle-style. Celebrity Cruises has helicopter flightseeing trips over Hawaii, with the chance to see an active volcano.

Passengers with a few thousand pounds to spare visiting Livorno on a P&O Cruises' ship can hire a Ferrari F430 for a day; a cheaper option is a bike ride in Alicante. It's mostly downhill, great fun and there's a slap-up local lunch after to celebrate.

Windstar Cruises has a new selection of tours in Europe, including helicopter rides over Monte Carlo and Mount Etna, speedboat rides in Croatia and Portofino and underground cave trekking in Koper, Slovenia.

You can take thrilling speedboat rides around the Stockholm and Helsinki archipelagos; go into the network of tunnels outside Ho Chi Minh City where the Viet Cong lived during the Vietnam war; even pilot a Russian MiG fighter over the skies above Moscow. All these are offered by Crystal Cruises, to those who want the ultimate thrill.

Author: Jane Archer

Read more: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/feature/129/index/Action-at-sea%3A-cruising-21st-century-style.html#ixzz0giNHobFU

Top five red-light districts

Many guides gloss over red-light districts - a huge shame in our opinion as they can provide unique and titillating insights into a city's character. Here, we examine the colourful underbellies of five very different cities.

The Reeperbahn, Hamburg

One of Hamburg's most popular attractions, the Reeperbahn is popular with both tourists and locals. It's the epicentre of Hamburg's nightlife and buzzes with theatres, cabarets, sex shops, prostitutes, strip clubs, bars and nightclubs. It's also home to Germany's only live sex act, which takes place in cabaret venue Safari.

The Reeperbahn is almost equally famous for its influence on the Beatles who played here frequently in the 1960s. John Lennon once said: "I might have been born in Liverpool - but I grew up in Hamburg." The Beatles Platz, opened in September 2008, pays tribute to the Fab Four.

Grosse Freiheit (Great Freedom), was once the only street where Catholics could practise their religion in an otherwise Protestant Hamburg. The Catholic Saint Joseph Kirche, dating from the early 18th century, now sits side by side with the clubs and prostitutes. A large police station is located on Davidstrasse (where prostitution is legal at certain times of day), meaning there's a high police presence although you should be wary of pickpockets. The hardcore red-light activity takes place on the gated Herbertstrasse, where prostitutes sit behind windows. Women are discouraged from entering the street as, unsurprisingly, the prostitutes dislike being gawped at.

Did you know? In German the Reeperbahn is also called die sündige Meile (‘the sinful mile').

Orientation The Reeperbahn is in Hamburg's St Pauli district. Take the S-Bahn to Reeperbahn.

Pigalle, Paris

Paris, the city of love, romance, sex and intrigue, wouldn't be complete without its own red-light district. Pigalle is the purveyor of Parisian sex and erotica. Unlike its European cousin in Amsterdam, there are no window brothels. You're advised to avoid the strip clubs, where many a tourist has been ripped off, and stick to the more established venues such as the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret venue and the clubbing and concert spot Divan du Monde, the former haunt of poet Baudelaire.

Despite the seedy way of life that thrives in Pigalle today, the area has a surprisingly cultured history. Artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh and Maurice Neumont all lived here and Henri Toulouse-Lautrec had his studio here. The nearby Espace Dalí displays the works of Salvador Dalí. But most people don't come to Pigalle for art -that's what the rest of Paris is for. Instead head to the Musée de l'érotisme (Museum of Eroticism), near the Moulin Rouge. It takes the subject of sex seriously, tracing the history of erotica across the world. It's open until 2am.

Did you know? Named after artist Jean-Bapiste Pigalle, Paris' red-light district was nicknamed ‘Pig Alley' by Allied soldiers who came here for some risqué entertainment during WWII.

Orientation The district is centred on Place Pigalle, between ninth and 18th arrondissements, adjacent to Montmartre neighbourhood. Take the Metro to Pigalle and you'll find yourself in the thick of it.

Kings Cross, Sydney

Slowly shrugging off its dangerously sleazy reputation, Kings Cross is undergoing a process of gentrification, which in this case is no bad thing. It's a 24-hour attraction, popular as a base for backpackers, where adult bookshops, strip clubs, topless waitresses, nightclubs and prostitutes exist alongside trendy cafes, excellent restaurants, cabaret, jazz bars and quirky fashion outlets. Bright and brash, ‘The Strip' is the most infamous area but don't miss out on seeing the El Alamein Fountain and the Sydney Jewish Museum.

Traditionally Kings Cross was home to Sydney's artists, deviants, criminals and bohemians, meaning there's a fascinating wealth of history to be explored. Much of it revolves around the very colourful characters who have inhabited the area, including Abe Saffron (also known as ‘Mr Sin' and ‘Boss of the Cross'), who dominated the area's organised crime scene in the boom years of the late 1960s, and Rev Ted Noffs, who provided a positive counter culture through The Wayside Chapel. People from all walks of life can be seen here, but try not to stare at the bizarre characters you're likely to encounter as it can cause offence.

Did you know? Kings Cross was originally called Queens Cross and is the most densely populated area in Australia. It contains Sydney's oldest area, Woolloomooloo.

Orientation Located 2km (1.2 miles) east of the Central Business District, Kings Cross is made up of several distinct precincts and is easily accessible by bus and train.

Kabukichō, Tokyo

Tokyo's authorities are keen to turn Kabukichō into a family-friendly area, free of sleaze and crime, to aid the city's bid for the 2016 Olympics. A midnight curfew has already been imposed so go before the character is entirely eroded. Locals are fiercely opposed to the sanctioned blandification, cherishing the district's ramshackle architecture and all who inhabit it, and are understandably unwilling to give it up for the sake of yet more prime real estate.

Kabukichō provides some welcome light-hearted relief to Tokyo's business-oriented front. The atmosphere is fun and surprisingly diverse. Kabukichō is somehow slightly more genteel than most other red-light districts: instead of sex clubs, brothels and go-go girls, you'll find host and hostess bars, spas and love hotels. But this is still a red-light district, and it would be naive not to expect gangs, drugs and prostitution. Go after 6pm, when the area comes to life.

Did you know? Kabukichō is named after a kabuki theatre which was planned for the site but never built.
Orientation Kabukichō, an area of just 600 sq m (6,460 sq ft), is located northeast of Shinjuku station.

Patpong, Bangkok

Lurid, gaudy and shocking, Patpong is Asia's most notorious red-light district. There are go-go girls, ladyboy cabarets, explicit sex shows, including the infamous ping pong displays, and hundreds of touts waving ‘menus' in numerous languages at both innocent and not-so-innocent passers-by. The area is renowned for tourist traps and scams so be aware of how much you're paying for drinks and never keep a tab behind a bar.

The place fizzes with energy and there's no need to go into a sex club to feel the buzz. The atmosphere spills out on to the streets, and everyone is treated alike, straight or gay, male, female or somewhere in between. In addition to sex, Patpong thrives on shopping, excellent restaurants, nightclubs and boxing bars. The hugely popular night market sells surprisingly sophisticated imitation goods, Thai products, arts and crafts and dodgy CDs and DVDs. Go prepared to haggle.

Did you know? Patpong has been owned by a Chinese-Thai family, called Patpong, since the 1940s. It was originally a banana plantation but evolved into brothels and sex bars with the arrival of US servicemen during the Vietnam War.
Orientation Patpong 1 and Patpong 2, which run between Silom and Sarawongse roads, are the district's epicentre. The nearest BTS Station is Saladaeng; the nearest MRT station is Silom.

Author: Emma Field

Read more: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/feature/124/index/Top-five-red-light-districts.html#ixzz0giN2v0Gp

Pilgrimages and religious destinations

WTG has compiled a selection of pilgrimages and religious destinations for those who want escape the modern materialism of Easter and learn more about the world's religious traditions, customs and practices.

Jerusalem, Israel

Considered one of the world's holiest cities, Jerusalem is sacred to all three Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. For Jews the city is Ir Hakodesh, the site of Solomon's Temple and Israel's self-declared eternal capital. Christians come to Jerusalem to, quite literally, follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ as he went to his crucifixion. Jerusalem (Al-Quds in Arabic) is also where Muslims believe the prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven in the early days of the new faith of Islam, and it is revered as the third most holy site in Islam.

Upon entering the old, walled city, the sense of history becomes palpable. Small alleyways and bazaars full of traders jostling for your attention surround the three holy sites, which are all within a few hundred metres of each other: the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Jerusalem is a must-see destination whatever your beliefs and visitors are inevitably awestruck by the city's historic and religious significance.

Best time to visit Jerusalem has hot summers and nippy winters so the best time to travel is from March to September - particularly during Easter when Christian pilgrims throng the alleyways of the old city.

Things to know Travellers should check government advice before going and be prepared for delays at checkpoints dotted around Arab East Jerusalem. Visitors should also be aware that non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the religious Al-Haram compound where the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque are situated.

Kumbh Mela, India

Relatively unknown to people outside the Hindu faith, the Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimage which takes places four times in every twelve-year cycle in different locations in India. According to Hindu belief, the festival can wash away the sins of devotees and free him or her from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.

The event involves colourful scenes of bathing in the sacred Ganges river, and participating in religious discussions, devotional singing, mass feeding of holy men and women and the poor, and debating doctrines in religious assemblies.

The next Kumbh Mela takes place in March and April 2010, in Haridwar in the foothills of the Himalayas. Along with the pilgrimage itself, travellers should check out Haridwar's other attractions: the Chandi Devi Temple, the Har Ki Pairi Ghat, the colonial-era Masoori hill station and a number of trekking trails.

Best time to visit India experiences a vast array of climates. See our guide to India's climate for more information.

Things to know In January 2007, the Kumbh Mela lasted around six weeks and reportedly attracted more than 70 million Hindu pilgrims to Allahabad, northern India.

Lumbini, Nepal

Situated in the Himalayan foothills, Lumbini is revered as the birthplace of Buddha. The Buddhist faith calls on devotees to visit this small, sleepy town in the southwestern Terai plains of Nepal when possible.

Lumbini has several historic temples, the most important being Maya Devi, as well as the remains of Kapilvastu palace, and the Puskarini, or holy pond, where Buddha's mother is said to have taken the ritual dip prior to his birth and where Buddha had his own first bath.

Tourists are able to visit numerous gardens, both old and new, featuring remnants of many of the ancient monasteries. The focal point is a sanctum featuring a stone slab marking the spot locals believe to be the exact birthplace of Buddha. Highly recommended is the weekly communal bazaar, where villagers converge to buy grains, spices, pottery, jewellery, saris and various other items.

Best time to visit Lumbini is visited year-round by pilgrims, but spring and autumn get the best weather.

Things to know Travellers should be prepared for a scenic but exhausting 300km (186 miles) road trip from Kathmandu to Lumbini. You are advised to take precautions against travel and altitude sickness.

Camino de Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Christians have been walking along the Camino de Santiago de Compostela - translated as ‘The Way of St James' - for over a thousand years. The ancient route leads from St Jean Pied de Port in southern France to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, northwestern Spain. The route has long been revered as one of the most important Christian pilgrimages.

Pilgrims traditionally travel alone and on foot, carrying only the bare necessities. Pilgrims and tourists can join the route at various points, but don't miss the highlight, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where Christian pilgrims believe the relics of Jesus' apostle, Saint James the Elder, lie.

Best time to visit While pilgrims follow the route all year round, the best times to visit are spring and summer.

Things to know The main route, commonly known as the Camino Frances, traditionally starts in St Jean Pied de Port, on the French side of the Pyrenees in southern France, and snakes through landscapes for 800km (500 miles).

Aboriginal Blue Mountains walkabout, Australia

Aside from Uluru, widely known as Ayers Rock, little is known about Aboriginal culture and traditions outside of Australia. There are hundreds of aboriginal sites open to tourists across the country, including one surprisingly close to Sydney. Only a couple of hours' drive from the capital of New South Wales is Blue Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Here you can trek through stunning landscapes, crawl through lost caves and learn about traditional Aboriginal life. Visitors will see ancient art and ceremonial sites and hear the Dreamtime stories of the local Darug nation. Travellers also have the chance to paint their bodies with traditional ochre, taste bush tucker, see native animals, visit sandstone caves, and bathe in a crystal-clear billabong beneath a waterfall.

Best time to visit Australia's summer is from November through to March, but visitors should be aware there are rainy spells through this period.

Things to know When in Sydney you can take an Aboriginal cultural cruise. The Aboriginal-owned-and-operated ‘Deerubin' boat offers tours with a guide outlining the history of the area, recounting stories and Aboriginal place names, and pointing out rock carvings and old Aboriginal settlements.

Author: Waqas Qureshi

Luxury camping mini breaks in the UK

Camping in Britain these days doesn't have to involve the hassle of setting up camp and making do. When time is short, luxury campsites mean you can simply spend a night under canvas with all the hard work done for you. WTG introduces the ‘nano glamp'.

Have you noticed the number of travel industry buzzwords being thrown about at the moment? Flashpacking (backpacking with laptops, mobile phones and luxury hotels), staycations (holidaying at home), set jetting (travelling to destinations made famous by films - Mumbai's slums are the most recent beneficiaries, thanks to Slumdog Millionaire), voluntourism (holidays spent helping others), glamping (glamorous camping), me-estas (extended ‘me time'), nano breaks (one-night only holidays), mancations (man-only getaways, as coined by Vince Vaughan in The Breakup), and babymoons (post-honeymoon, pre-firstborn holidays for newlyweds) are just a few.

We thought it's about time WTG stepped into the fray and started bandying around its own travel term, so let us introduce the ‘nano glamp'. The term is a heady combination of glamping, staycations, and nano breaks. Plus, you need to stay close to home to make the most of your precious time, so let's throw in eco-tourism too. It's going to be huge...

The nano glamp is a mini camping holiday with all the thrills of sleeping under canvas and none of the fuss. It gives you a booster injection of fresh air and a break from routine in a two-day, one-night holiday at any time of the year. And, in these Credit-Crunch times, it's easy on your pocket too.

Picture the scene of your average camping holiday. You arrive on site and unpack. It starts to rain so everything gets wet as you attempt to pitch the tent and get tangled in the guy ropes. You've forgotten your tent poles. You exhaust yourself pumping up air mattresses. You've arrived late and the local shop selling charcoal and disposable BBQs is closed. Everyone's hungry and grumpy. The kids start to cry. You start to cry. In short, it's miserable.

Not so with the nano glamp. You arrive and are shown to your pre-erected tent, tipi, yurt, etc. You simply move in, like you would with a hotel, but without the room key to lose. It's healthy fast food; it's instant, comfortable camping.

We tested out the theory at Norfolk's award-winning, eco-friendly Deepdale Tipis, home to a number of tipis as well as a hostel, campsite and a working farm. Each tipi comfortably sleeps six people and on-site facilities include showers, toilets, washing-up area, cafe, shop and tourist information. Faux-fur mattresses, a wood-burning stove, logs, indoor and outdoor seating and a BBQ are all provided so once the car is unloaded all that's left to do is enjoy yourself.

The Deepdale site is located on the outskirts of Burnham Deepdale on the north Norfolk coast, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty only two-and-a-half-hours' drive from London. (Note: Close proximity to home is essential for a successful nano glamp.) It's a popular tourism spot so there's plenty to do.

Head to nearby Holkham Beach, which featured in the final scenes of Shakespeare in Love, for a long walk. The vast expanse of sand and sky will knock the city pollution from your lungs and the dunes provide ample shelter for a picnic lunch. Once you've got yourself fully in holiday mode (note: this doesn't take long when you know you've only got a couple of days for your nano glamp), choose between hiring a bike for a half day (Deepdale Farm plans to introduce bike hire early this year), checking out one of Norfolk's ubiquitous windmills (Bircham Windmill is the closest; it also does bike hire), or, a little further away, the Queen's Norfolk home, Sandringham, which dates from 1870. (Note: Try to fit in at least three different activities over the two days to make sure you feel you're really making the most of your nano glamp.)

In the evening, depending on the weather and how organised you are, head back to Deepdale and either cook your own meal around the tipi or eat in one of Burnham Deepdale's pubs: The Jolly Sailors and The White Horse. The White Horse has the better location but we opted for The Jolly Sailors because Deepdale visitors receive a 10%-off-meals voucher when they check in. It's a pleasant, short walk along the coast to get there, taking in marshland, small harbours and piles of lobster pots. Remember your torch for the return journey along the road though, as there are few street lamps.

(Note: On a nano glamp you have to make time for relaxing too; a holiday's not a holiday unless you get time to simply hang out.) Make the most of the time you get in the tipi by having a leisurely breakfast and stroll around camp. It won't take long to pack up and head off for your last activity before going home.

We walked to Blakeney Point to see the seals. It was a long walk along a shingle beach and, devastatingly, there were no seals to be seen but we comforted ourselves with a restorative cream tea in Wells-next-the-Sea. To guarantee a seal encounter go to Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary which cares for sick, injured and distressed marine animals. There's a seal hospital, otters and penguins.

Deepdale's tipis cost £72 to £114 per night, depending on the time of year and week, and sleep up to six people comfortably.

Try Go Glamping to find a luxury campsite near you. Not all campsites allow visitors to stay for only one night, so check before you book. Deepdale allowed us to stay for one night as we visited during their off-peak season in February (two nights is their usual minimum stay), so it's always worth asking.

Author: Emma Field

Top five natural phenomena

Follow us on a tour of the world's most exciting, spectacular and unmissable natural events. From surfing on the Severn to battling bats in Zambia, Mother Nature lays on some impressive displays. Here are some of the best.

Japanese Cherry Blossoms

The arrival of cherry blossoms, known as sakura, marks the start of the hanami (flower watching) festival, which represents a new beginning for many Japanese people. Outdoor parties and picnics, with sake and karaoke, take place all over the country. The flowers epitomise a Japanese aesthetic of delicate beauty and are a must on any spring trip to Japan.

Where?
Ueno Park, Tokyo and Maruyama Park, Kyoto are popular viewing spots.

When?
The blossoms open throughout the country in March and April but times vary according to the weather.

How?
For a detailed guide to the festival and timings of the blossom, plus more good spots to see the show, check http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng.

Northern Lights

Aurora Borealis, the shimmering coloured patterns in the night sky caused by electrically charged particles, are one of the most bewitching spectacles you can witness. Notoriously shy, you need to be prepared for disappointment. Follow our guide to spotting them, though, and there's a good chance you could see what the Algonquin Indians believed to be their ancestors dancing around ceremonial fires.

Where?
Norway, Iceland, Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Lapland. In short, the further north the better, though they have been seen as far south as Scotland.

When?
Between November and February, although they can be seen as early as late August and as late as mid April.

How?
Get away from areas with light pollution - the more rural the better.

Stay for a while; your chances of seeing them will increase and once the aurora appears it tends to stay for more than one day.

Contact your destination beforehand to check for the darkest nights and likelihood of the lights appearing.

Try to combine the lights with another activity. That way, if they don't appear, you won't be too disappointed.

Northern Lights Holidays offers tailored cruises in the Norwegian fjords to see the aurora, as does Voyages Jules Verne.

Zambia bat migration

Each October, 8 million furry fruit bats congregate to feed in clumps of trees. The clouds of straw-coloured bats thronging the glowing skies at dawn and dusk are an astonishing sight.

Where?
Kasanka National Park, Zambia.

When?
The bats move in at the end of October and hang around for about six weeks.

How?
Tribes Travel includes the mammal migration on its Zambia Safaris, as does Wildlife Worldwide.

Severn Bore

Britain's longest river is subject to a curious phenomenon known as the tidal bore. During the highest tides, rising water is funnelled up the estuary into a wave which travels upstream against the river's normal flow. The wave can reach up to 2m (6ft) and provides one of the world's best inland surfing experiences (though this is officially discouraged). The rapid increase in the volume of water and the power of the swell can tear boats from their moorings.

Where?
Most people spectate from the banks between the limits of Overton near Fretherne and Maisemore near Gloucester. It is generally at its best between Minsterworth and Lower Parting, Gloucester.

When?
The Bore happens several times each month, but is at its largest around the equinoxes. For a detailed timetable check www.severn-bore.co.uk.

How?
Numerous factors alter the size, speed and timing of the Bore. Turn up to your viewing spot well in advance of the wave's expected arrival.

Old Faithful

This spectacular geyser in Yellowstone National Park, which can shoot out 32 litres of boiling water up to 100-180m (328-590ft), is a primeval display of the earth's inner workings. America's first National Park is also home to bears, wolves, elk and buffalo.

Where?
Yellowstone is in Wyoming, northwest USA.

When?
Old Faithful erupts every 45 to 110 minutes for 1.5 to 5 minutes.

How?
Entry to the park costs US$25 for a private, non-commercial vehicle. For more information check http://www.nps.gov/yell/.

13 March 2009

Top South American hikes

With the Andes stretching almost the entire length of the continent, South America is home to some incredible hiking. Throw in waterfalls and rocky islands, and you have a hiker's paradise.

Inca trail to Machu Picchu, Peru

The famous lost city is one of the continent's biggest draws, attracting more hikers than anywhere else. Crowds got so big a few years ago that the authorities imposed restrictions of 500 hikers per day.

Setting off from Km82, El Camino Inca is a 26m (45km) route through the majestic remains of the Inca civilisation, the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. Its final point is Machu Picchu - a city covered in jungle until it was discovered in 1911.

The hike through cloud forest takes in other Inca ruins along the way - including Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca - offering fans of carved granite plenty to see.

Altitude: 2,430m (7,970ft).
Best time to go: May to September.
Average price: US$250.

Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Climbing Cotopaxi, a volcano standing at 5,890m (19,324ft), is one of Ecuador's biggest challenges. The snow-capped peak is reached after an arduous climb involving crampons and ice picks. Famed for its perfectly formed cone shape, Cotopaxi is one of the Andes' most attractive peaks.

The high-altitude climb means that some time will be required to acclimatise beforehand - hikers should spend a few days in Quito or somewhere of equal elevation.

Cotopaxi National Park is Ecuador's most visited mainland park, attracting people in search of pumas, condors and Andean seagulls. The park's grass-covered paramo plateaus are surrounded by more volcanoes.

Climbers are recommended to set out on the 6-8 hour hike as early as 1- 2am.

Altitude: 5,890m (19,324ft).
Best time to go: December to April.
Average price: US$150.

Angel Falls, Venezuela

The world's highest waterfall drops from 979m (3,212ft) in Venezuela. Located within the Canaima National Park, Angel Falls is surrounded by grassland, jungles and hidden canyons.

The trek to this natural wonder crosses grassy plains and rainforests where exotic wildlife thrives within - look out for macaws, toucans, jaguars, sloths and anteaters.

The hike crosses vertical rock formations - tepuis - that are several million years old. Their flat, sloping tops are the site of unique plant life. The route begins under canopied rainforest and ends in one of the natural pools at the bottom of the kilometre-high falls.

Altitude: 979m (3,212ft).
Best time to go: Year-round.
Average price: US$1,499 (for one week, including food and lodging) with Angel Ecotours.

Lost City, Colombia

Thought as impressive as Machu Picchu by many, Colombia's Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) is hidden away in dense jungle, and can be reached only by at least six days of hiking or an expensive helicopter ride.

The abandoned former home of the Tayronas, built in around 500BC, is carved from mountainous jungle on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

The trek to reach it involves a series of muddy trails up and down valleys in sticky, humid heat. At night, hikers rest in hammocks strung up in the dark jungle.

The Lost City is looked after by the indigenous Indians that still live in the area - the only companies they permit to bring tourists are Turcol and Sierratours.

Altitude: 1,200m (3,937ft).
Best time to go: December - early March.
Average price: £90.

Isla del Sol, Bolivia

Often likened to hiking in the Greek Islands, Lake Titicaca has an almost Mediterranean feel. The dry air and land are scorched by bright sun all year and skies are almost always blue.

If fully acclimatised to the altitude, this route along the island's ridgelines can be very relaxing - and there are views across the lake on either side. The Chincana ruins are also nearby.

The trip to Isla del Sol starts from the Bolivian town of Copacabana and traverses the island from north to south.

Altitude: 4,000m (13,123ft).
Best time to go: May to September.
Average price: Free (can be hiked independently).

Fitz Roy (Los Glaciares), Argentina

Located close to Chile's surreal Torres del Paine landscape, Fitz Roy in Argentina is arguably even more spectacular. At the tip of the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, it is one of the most difficult mountaineering destinations in the world.

The jumping off point is El Calafate, a small village close to the Perito Moreno Glacier - one of the only glaciers in the world that is continually advancing and growing.

This hike is known for its bad weather - expect rain, sleet, hail, snow and, most of all, wind. During the Patagonian summer (December to March), evenings are light until at least 10pm.

Altitude: 3,405m (11,171ft).
Best time to go: November to April.
Average price: US$1,000 with Southern Explorations.

Author: Caroline Lewis

Holidays for under £100

Economic meltdown needn't mean missing out on taking a holiday this year. Think outside the box with our great budget-busting holidays for city breaks, families, spas, winter-sun and beyond.

City break: Amsterdam

With the flight time a mere 50 minutes from London to Schiphol International Airport, Amsterdam is the perfect city break for those looking to make the most of a short stay. Return flights can be booked for around £58 per person with easyJet. A great budget accommodation choice is the City Garden Hotel, which has double rooms for £45 (breakfast included) when booked through hotels.nl. The hotel is in a central location near to Leidseplein, Vondelpark and the Museumplein. Rooms are equipped with a shower, television and tea- and coffee-making facilities with views of either the park or the bustling shopping street of PC Hooftstraat. Save even more money with the I Amsterdam Card. For €38 (£34) it gives visitors free public transport around the city, a free canal cruise and free entrance to 27 museums, including the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk Museum.

Spa break: Donnington Valley, Berkshire

Lastminute.com is currently offering a one-night spa break at Donnington Valley, Berkshire for £69.50 per person when two people book for stays between 1 March and 26 April. The break includes one night's accommodation, breakfast and a 30-minute treatment, plus full use of the spa facilities, including steam room, sauna, aromatherapy room, monsoon shower and pool. The private retreat is just an hour from London and an off-peak return train ticket is £28.50 from London Paddington to Newbury station, bringing the whole trip just under budget.

Family holiday: Lifestyle Holiday Park, Brittany

Lifestyle holidays are offering fantastic money-saving family breaks to two of France's most popular holiday parks from £56 per family per night, including ferry transfers from Portsmouth to Caen. The holidays must be booked before 15 March and are valid for travel between May and October, making it a great summer holiday option. Accommodation is in a two- or three-bedroom holiday lodge on a self-catering basis at either the resort of Château Des Ormes or Port du Plaisance in Brittany, France. Both parks have plenty to keep adults and children entertained, including water parks, adventure courses, paintball and mountain biking.

Last-minute skiing: Interhome

For those still hoping to catch some last minute powder but don't want to spend a fortune, check out Interhome for last-minute availability on ski chalets and apartments in some of Europe's top skiing destinations. The vast majority of accommodation is fairly basic, but for as little as £9 per person per night, it offers bargain-priced access to the slopes and some fantastic end-of-season skiing.

Last-minute winter sun: Faro, Portugal

Push the budget a tiny bit and £105 per person will get you a seven-night break in the self-catering Pedras D'el Rei Apartments in Portugal's Algarve region, including flights and transfers (based on two sharing). The low rise white-washed buildings sit in the heart of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve and close to the traditional fishing village of St Lucia - perfect for those wanting to get away from the more commercial resorts of the Algarve. With an on-site swimming pool and golf courses nearby, the apartments are ideal for relaxing in some last-minute winter sun.

Stay for free: home swaps

If you are ready to think outside the normal holiday-booking box, the latest fad for home swapping is a great money-saving scheme. The premise is simple: sign on with an agency and browse through thousands of homes around the world. Once you find one you like you contact the owners directly and try to arrange a direct swap with your own home. The best companies to try are Intervac, HomeLink and Home Base Holidays. Other than the joining fee of £29 for one year, the accommodation won't set you back a penny.

UK break: Cornwall

Travelsmith Holidays are currently offering a three-night break in a luxury villa or apartment in the north Cornish coastal town of Porth. The four-star luxury accommodation is just £99 per person (based on four sharing) for stays up until 6 April and includes lunch at the Jamie Oliver-inspired restaurant, Fifteen Cornwall, plus admission to the Eden Project. The accommodation is set in the grounds of the Porth Veor Manor Hotel, overlooking Porth Beach.

Camping: Baia Domizia, Italy

For those planning on spending the night under canvas and wanting guaranteed dry weather and balmy evenings we suggest you head slightly further afield to sunnier climes. Eurocamp currently offering excellent deals on many of their luxury tents throughout Italy and Spain. One of our personal favourites is the Baia Domizia in Tuscany, which is offering seven-night stays in a six-man tent for £435 in Jul. which divided between six works out as just £72.50 each. Nestled in a pine forest just to the north of the Bay of Naples, the site offers direct access to a beach and four swimming pools as well as close proximity to most of the region's famous sights, including the town of Pisa.

Train trip: London to Lille

Ok, so it might technically be more of a day trip than a holiday, but in just over an hour on the Eurostar you could be soaking up some Flemish ambience for a mere £59 return ticket. Lille has some excellent museums, great food and beer, and, of course, the world-renowned Grande Braderie (Europe's biggest flea market).

Beach break: Ibiza

With a mixture of high-energy nightlife and scenic sandy coves, Ibiza remains one of the most visited islands in the Mediterranean. Although popular with the rich and famous, Ibiza can still be enjoyed by those on a budget as Teletext Holiday is offering a selection of wallet-friendly beach breaks. One of our top picks has to be the seven-night package break to the Poniente Apartments in popular San Antonio, which has some of the best nightlife on the island. Although slightly over budget at £110 per person for holidays between May and October, the price does include return flights from Stansted and transfers to the accommodation.

Author: Caroline Cullern

Portugal's Centro region

Portugal often gets overshadowed by its larger neighbour, Spain, but its Centro region, in between Porto and Lisbon, reveals a land of history, beauty and (sunny) charm.

An area with strong links to the Duke of Wellington and the Peninsular War, there are sites of great historical importance - from the Bussaco forest to Wellington's winter headquarters at Freineda.

For the most authentic experience, stay in one of the country's pousadas - a network of atmospheric inns housed in historic buildings such as 13th-century monasteries, castles, palaces and convents.

Almeida

One of the most fascinating towns in the region, Almeida is a star-shaped fortress, close to the Vilar Formoso border. This walled city is a medieval town with a population of just 1,500. Interesting sites include the castle ruins (originally built in the Middle Ages), the town hall and the 17th-century fortress. Almeida was designed to defend the nation and is an example of military architecture. There is a pousada (Senhora das Neves) located on the site of a former prison within the old walls of the village.

Belmonte

Belmonte is most famous for its 13th-century castle and Jewish quarter - it's home to the largest Jewish community in Portugal. There is a modern synagogue and a Jewish Museum. The castle was converted into a manor house in the 15th century by Pedro Alvares Cabral, the founder of Brazil.

The Pousada do Convento de Belmonte is an ancient monastery on the Esperança Mountain with views over the Cova da Beira region. Fans of mushrooms should head to the pousada's restaurant - during the Mushroom Festival (October-December), the head chef puts on a seven-course banquet with courses including a mushroom cappuccino with herbs and mushroom ice cream. The chapel and sacristy have been converted into a lounge and bar area, with the original granite preserved.

Close by is Estrela's Mountain, one of Europe's most important nature reserves and the highest mountain in Portugal.

Coimbra

Home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, Coimbra remains a lively student town where cobbled old streets rise upwards from along the river banks. The town has a Jewish, Arab and Christian heritage. It is one of Portugal's oldest cities and was the capital from 1139 to 1256.

The university itself is the city's biggest attraction - perched high above the town and lit up at night, it remains one of the world's greatest learning centres.

The commercial centre of the city - Baixa (downtown) - is full of cafes, shops, restaurants and boutiques. Nearby, in Comercio Square, is the Church of São Tiago. Don't be misled by its plain 12th-century façade - inside is a rococo altarpiece in gilded wood. The Baroque Library, built in 1717, is comprised of books that all date from before 1800.

The Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas is an 18th-century mansion whose previous guests include Centro's favourite British hero, the Duke of Wellington.

Curia

Not far from Coimbra is Curia - a small town that is home to the Palace Hotel, a grand art nouveau building dating from the 1920s, and the Quinta do Encontro, one of the most prominent wine-making estates in Portugal's Bairrada region.

Bussaco Forest

A forest dense with around 700 varieties of trees, many of which were brought to Europe by Portuguese explorers from Africa and America, Bussaco was the scene of one of the major battles of the Peninsular War in 1810 - when the Duke of Wellington defeated Napoleon's troops.

In the midst of the forest, amongst waterfalls, fountains and tiny hermitages, is the Military Museum of Bussaco. Even better is the Bussaco Palace Hotel - a five-star former holiday residence of Portuguese royalty and one of the most unique hotels in the world.

Viseu

Viseu is known for its art - it was home to an important school of painting in the 16th century and now hosts the museum that exhibits the works of Grão Vasco, one of Portugal's finest painters.

The centre of Viseu has hardly changed since medieval times. Rua Direita is a vibrant street full of shops, cafes and old townhouses.

Author: Caroline Lewis