By Rupert Parker
After the recent demonstrations in Bangkok, everything seems to have returned to normal in Thailand.  Both in the city or the countryside, I saw no extra police or soldiers and, apart from Bangkok’s burnt out shopping mall, no evidence of the state of emergency.  Isaan, in the North East of the country, is one of the poorer regions but offers village home stays, an abundance of wildlife, Thailand’s first national park and ruins of Khmer temples.  It even produces its own wine.
Bangkok
Every time I visit the city the …

By Jules Ugo
Why not spend a long weekend on the beautiful island of Mallorca and experience two of the world’s most breathtaking live acts, as Andrea Bocelli and Elton John take the stage at Mallorca’s football Stadium on 4th September 2010.
A once in a lifetime experience and the perfect addition to any summer holiday, this is the first time these two world class stars will be performing on stage in Mallorca. The renowned artists will perform in a five hour set, accompanied by 72 musicians from The Balearic Symphony Orchestra, …

By Anna Catchpole
Where will your dream holiday take you? Small Luxury Hotels of the World is inviting you to design your own bespoke, fantasy itinerary and is also offering you the opportunity to win it! From a cutting-edge design hotel in New York, to a private island retreat in the Maldives or a mountain lodge in the Alps, Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ offers a luxury property to suit everyone.
The competition, which is now live, closes on 1st September 2010 and the lucky winner will have designed the itinerary …

By Kate McWilliams
This summer, why not visit Liguria and become immersed in the array of thrilling cultural festivals taking place in this stunning region of Italy. From music and art festivals to street parties celebrating medieval battles from times gone by, Liguria has something to offer for all the family.
Occupying the north western coastal area of Italy, Liguria is a narrow curve of land abundant with world-famous beaches, stunning rocky coastline and enchanting countryside. It is home to the glamorous seaside resort of Portofino, the Cinque Terre and Genoa city, …

By Rupert Parker
Cologne is just an hour’s flying time from London’s Stansted and the town centre’s a short 15 minute train ride from the airport. The big attraction is the Cathedral but there are also 12 Romanesque churches, 40 museums and 120 art galleries. And at every stage you can fortify yourself with a glass of the famous top-fermented Kölsch beer in one of the city’s 3000 restaurants and pubs
Hotel Excelsior Ernst
Flights with German Wings are cheap so you can afford to splurge on your accommodation.  I stayed at the …

By Kate McWilliams
Visitors can now combine sightseeing in Finland’s compact capital, with one of two special gastro tours which transport guests on a journey around the stylish city of Helsinki to learn all about Finnish flavours and local dishes as well visiting the main tourist attractions and gaining an interesting insight into the history and culture of this quirky Nordic capital.
Tour 1; ‘Tastes of Finland’
Departing from outside the Tourist Information Office (Pohjoisesplanadi 19), this two hour guided tour will take guests on a historical journey to Esplanade Park, Market Square …

By Rupert Parker
One of the French House Party Experience’s many workshops is a gourmet cookery course, perfect for a long weekend break. Situated amid sunflower fields in a peaceful rural area on the outskirts of the medieval World Heritage site of Carcassonne, the Domaine de Raymond, a converted 200-year-old stone barn has just eight individual luxury rooms, a large outdoor pool, an all-weather tennis court and, of course, a spacious modern teaching kitchen.
Greet the Guests
I’d never been on a “house party experience” before so it was with some trepidation that …