Rhodes is well known as being the former home of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Colossus of Rhodes. This massive statue of the Greek Titan Helios was erected to celebrate Rhodes’ victory over Antigonus I Monophthalmus whose attemptet siege of Rhodes in 305BC proved unsucessful. The massive structure was erected between 292 and 280 BC and at that time was one of the tallest structures in the world. The site on which it stood, as well as other sections of ancient Rhodes have become one of the most popular destinations in Europe, large numbers of visiors flock to its Medieval old town, which is a World Heritage Site

Rhodes lies in close proximity to the other islands in the region, many of which are much much smaller and some of which are unhabited. Their seperation and somewhat isolation makes them well worth a visit. Many, even the smallest are studded with sites of historical interest. Interesting casltes, Byzantine Churches and other ancient ruins that dot their landscapes. Many boat tour operaters based in Rhodes offer boat trips to a number of these smaller islands. Often refreshments or barbeques are included in the price, the operator will often stop at beauty spots on the way so you’re able to go for a swim and explore the area better.

The weather on Rhodes is something upon which you can usually rely. It enjoys long, hot summers, where sunshine reigns and rainfall is rather unlikely. The main tourist season for the island is June to September during which time the average temperature is 28°C. Wind blowing over from the Sahara brings hot, dry air that often brings the temperature into the high 30s during July and August. So be sure to bring the sun cream! Temperatures rarely drop into single figures, even in the winter months. Although this is Rhodes wet season. The island see 60% of its annual rainfall between December and Febuary.

Photo by Alexander Saprykin/ flickr.com

The criteria to be met on  the online grading system is divided up into two general categories: website and general rating and airport services. There are also two variable categories, long haul or short haul, and then first class, business class, premium economy and economy class. Airlines that were based in Britain did exceptionally well in business, luxury, and economic service categories. They were able to distinguish themselves in these multitude of services.

The one area where British airlines did not perform as well as some of the airlines based in other countries was the queuing time before takeoff. This was cited by most customers as a minor problem. Many people cited the airline assistants to be very friendly and helpful. Customers also mention how the food was very delicious and the flights had minimal turbulence. There are only five 5 star airlines, and so a 4 start airline is truly an accomplishment.

Skytrax is the largest airline review site which covers airlines from all around the world. They based their evaluations not only on customer reviews but all on professional writers who evaluate airlines unbiasedly. To receive a 4 star rating is no easy task. Airlines in Britain have been able to provide their customers with not only quality traveling, but with an entire flying experience that makes them stand out amongst their peers.

picture: Simon_sees/ flickr.com

1. Uganda
With stability returning to the country, recovering wildlife and the beautiful Nile River Uganda is a beautiful country located between sprawling jungles and snow-tipped mountains. The city of Kampala is the safest in Africa, and has a virile nightlife.

2. Myanmar (Burma)
Another country that just opened up its borders, Myanmar is the ideal place for the independent traveler. Surrounded by white-sand beaches and towering mountains, with an intriguing Buddhist subculture.

3. Ukraine
A beautiful countryside with forests teeming with wildlife. Ukraine will also host the 2012 Euro football (soccer) championship. And the beer is cheaper than the water, literally.

4. Jordan
Jordan is one of the friendliest nations in the Middle East. Jordan has successfully modernized while still maintaining its cherished traditions and culture. With the rising economy and tourist infrastructure, it is the most appealing county in the Middle East to Westerners.

5. Denmark
This country won yet again the “best quality of life” on Earth. Denmark has thousands of miles of bicycles routes and a beautiful Danish architecture.

6. Bhutan
This is a reclusive country tucked back in Asia, thrush with Buddhist influence. This mountainous country is a place to behold. And tourists can explore the country on less than $200 US dollars a day.

7. Cuba
Cuba has recently relaxed its restrictions on private enterprise and is slowly embracing capitalism more and more every day. This tropic paradise has an endless stream of coffee, rum, beautiful beaches and the best mojitos in the world.

8. New Caledonia
This tropical France in the middle of the South Pacific boasts French cuisine in a irresistible tropical climate. However the native Melanesian culture has been on the rise, Caledonia is a great cultural mixture.

9. Taiwan
Taiwan has also had beautiful landscapes and a bustling economy, but they have embraced the biking scene as they have add island routes, and many others to bring visitors thousands of miles of bike paths.

10. Switzerland
This country has economic growth, beautiful slopes, and political stability, making it a prime destination for any worldly traveler. This country is more than just chocolate and ski slopes, however. Switzerland has a teeming nightlife as well.

picture: Martijn.Munneke/ flickr.com

The RTW-Ticket (Round the world ticket) offers you the oppurtunity to choose. This is the ticket for the traveller whose feet quickly get itchy or who can’t control the overwhelming sensation of wanderlust within them. This ticket allows the you to consider and pick out and plan a route that will take them on the journey of a life time. You can also adapt their travel plams so that it comes within the realms of affordabilty. If you don’t want to spend too much that you can just select a few destinations or stay on the same continent so this trip shouldn’t break the bank. If however you are looking for that full on world tour, you can do so with this ticket. The world truely is your oyster.
Europe is always an interesting destination and a good starting point for a world tour. The relative smallness of the european continent means that you can visit a large number of different countries, with vastly different cultures, languages and histories just by getting in a car or onto a train and travelling a short distance. Why not visit London to kick off your tour? Watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and then pop in to see her Majesty for afternoon tea. Go to the palace of Westminster to hear the chimes of Big Ben.
Another interesting destination would be Beijing, the capital of the Peoples Republic of China. Visit this vast and mysterious countrys wonders and sights. Go to the Temple of Heaven, the 15th century landmark that highlights the imporatance of the relationship between heaven and earth in Chinese culture. Check out the Forbidden City (that is luckily no longer forbidden). This was the palace of the Emperors, a huge vast complex of palaces, courtyards, classical Chinese archietecture and gardens. The importance and significance of this sacred place to Chinese cannot be underestimated. They used to beleive this complex was at the centre of the world. Also, don’t forget to bring your hiking boots! No trip to the Peoples Republic would be complete without a walk along the Great Wall.
Down under for our next visit. Get a taste for Australian life and culture by visiting Sydney. Sydney harbour shows off the beautiful skyline in all its glory. After embarking, be sure to go along to the world renowned Sydney Opera House, listen to the orchestra playing a number and enjoy a drink it its impressive bar. But you can’t leave Australia without having seen a few kangaroos, be sure to take a look at the Tarango Zoo and get close to the unique creatures that inhabit this vast island.
If you’re too cool for any of this then maybe a more chilled out destination would be the right one for you. A unique travel destination would be the ceremonial South Pole. Although its exact location is relatively difficult to determine due to shifting ice sheets, maybe you can catch up with some of the scientists that live here all year round. Failing that, consult an Emperor Penguin, they’re always here!
Off to north Africa now, the location of one of the wonders of the world. Cairo, the capital of Egypt a city brimming with ancient treasures. Visit the Citadel if you want to have a look at some of these wonders of antiquity while getting a full panoramic view of the city. Take a look at the Pyramids at Giza and the Sphinx, very well known egyptian images but extremely different and special in real life.
Off to capital hill next and its Washington D.C where we’re stopping. The Museum of American History on the mall is worth a look if your interested in finding out everything about America’s relatively short modern history. This musuem takes us on an adventure from the time of Columbus up to the modern day. A short mile walk to the south and you can get a few snaps with honest Abe, before setting of the short distance to the White House.
Our last stop take us to South America and to Machu Picchu, the ancient village of the Incas high up in the mountains. A must-see if you take an interest in Inca history. Tour some of the modern markets for amazing produce, blankets and pottery before carrying on to take a tour of the Temple of the Sun to get a taste of how they practiced the ancient relgiion of sun worshipping. Before you leave you should hed up to the pyramid paltform known as Intihuantana, this is where the ancients beleived that the sun was held in its orbit.
One last thing to remember is your camera. Your friends will not beleive that you’ve been on such an amazing trip if you leave it at home!

Picture: Rainer Sturm/ pixelio.de

Art is also something that this city has in abundance and anyone with an interest in art should make their way to the Hermitage, the largest art museum in the world. The impressive collection of over three million items makes this a must see. A range that extents from Egyptian antiquities, Spanish fine art, Pre-historic pottery to an impressive collection of Neoclassical, Impressionist, and post-Impressionist art, this museum has something to offer all the culturally aware.
The city has a large assortment of restaurants, bars and cosy cafes where you can enjoy some authenic Russian cuisine or a glass of wine. Ensure to order yourself a portion of Borscht, a thick, traditional beetroot, beef and vegetable soup, served piping hot with a dollop of sour cream and a shot of vodka. This will certainly help to combat the cold of the Russian winter.
Finding somewhere to stay in St. Petersburg presents no significant problem and as you would expect the range of the scale is quite vast. Grand, historical imperial buildings that have been transformed into hotels make for an interesting experience but can be quite pricey. More moderate apartments or cheaper B&B’s suit the traveller with a smaller budget.
A trip to the Mariinsky Theatre to witness the majestic ballet on a snowy winter evening is an absolute must whilst visiting the city. Opened in 1860, the Mariinsky Theatre is lavishly decorated with crystal, azure and gilt. Even if you are not a huge fan of the ballet or opera, the splendid architectural aspects of the building are awe inspiring.
Taking place throughout December and January, the Arts Square festival is a great winter activity. The event showcases a number of traditional Russian classical musicians and local artists, making for a unique and diverse experience which is definitely worth a look.
This is a truely magical place in winter, settled snow on the glistening golden domes of Saint Isaacs cathedral, frozen rivers and the well known image of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood provide the perfect backdrop for those holiday snaps.

Picture: dorena-wm/ flickr.com

The micronation of Andalusia is located in southern Spain and enjoys a certain level of autonomy within the country. Although part of the Spanish mainland, Andalusia is looked upon as a seperate nation that even has its own capital, the beautiful and culture rich city of Seville. There’s something in Andalusia for everyone which makes it the ideal holiday destination. It boasts a beautiful and extensive coastline as well as scenic snow topped mountain peaks. Perfect for skiing!

Sun Holidays

Marbella and Malaga are two very popular and well known destinations for sun worshippers. Both towns are on the Alboran sea coastline and are counted among two of the most beautiful and unspoiled coastlines in Spain. For holidaymakers looking for more than sunny beaches, Marbella has many activities on offer. Biking trails are a great way of getting to see this beautiful town under your own steam. Biking gives you the freedom to see what you want to see while exploring more intimately and discovering new places, but no need to worry! If your concerned that you’ll get lost you can join a guided bike tour. The companies that provide these tours will also supply you with a bike. Keen golfers also don’t have to worry about getting bored. There are many fabulous courses to visit, the Santa Clara and Los Naranjos for example. As the birthplace of the artist Picasso, Malaga has many historic and modern art museums including the Picasso Home Museum. Malaga is also well known for its beautiful architecture and its interesting churches and cathedrals that are located in the centre of the city. Well worth a visit!

Skiing Holidays

The Sierra Nevada resort in Pradollano is the most southerly skiing resort in Europe. Although smaller than some other European resorts, the Sierra Nevada is considered a top rate resort and has hosted many national and international skiing and snowboarding events. Ski runs are available at this resort to suit skiers of all levels. Due to its southerly location, the air temperature at the Sierra Nevada resort is often pleasantly milder than other resorts. Natural snow is supplemented by snow cannons to keep the runs up to scracth and to provide the best quality skiing experience. If planning a skiing trip to Sierra Nevada there are some things to keep in mind. February is the busiest month as all children have school holidays at the end of the month for a week so that they can enjoy the skiing weather. This month is called ‘White Week’ and is probably best avoided as the skiing resorts are extremely busy during this time.

The Sierra Nevada resort is also well known for its Après Ski or nightlife, possibly more so than other ski resorts in Europe. This is attributed to the Spanish lifestyle which is generally to have a siesta during the day and come out to play at night and even in the cooler climate of Sierra Nevada this typically Spanish attitude pevails.

Picture: Tomas Fano/ flickr.com

A historical twist to a widely modernised celebration provides you with an unforgettable experience found only in the incredible city of Prague.

Individuals looking for an amazing New Year’s Eve experience should look no further than the beautiful city of Prague. A scenic and archietectually breathtaking city, set in the backdrop of the centuries old castle, surrounded by sprawling cobbled lanes and magnificent walled courtyards. These are just some of the reasons that make Prague the idyllic holiday destination. Let your imagination run wild and be prepared to be taken aback by the inspiring bridges, towers and a wealth of cathedrals have helped to cement this city into the most popular destination in central Europe. The contagious and diverse energy of this city is evident in the arts, music and dining. All of these appealing features blend into an unforgettable experience that will no doubt make this New Year a one to remember.

Planning your New Year’s Eve

Some prefer the romantic and calm approach, fine dining with high quality wine, good local beers and a welcoming atmosphere. Others thrive on bouncing from bar to bar, reveling in the bustling activity and merrily dancing the night away. Increasingly popular are the party boats or cruises. You can purchase a ticket for one of these private parties at most tourist information offices and enjoy the festivities throughout the night. These packages typically offer a champagne toast at the strike of midnight as the New Year is ushered in.

Regardless of what you’re in to, Prague has something to offer to you.

Renowned Fireworks Display

Well known for it’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display, Prague offers a dazzling show of a high pyrotechnical standard and everyone is encouraged to find a spot to witness this amazing event. This outstanding show is set amongst an array of medieval architecture provides an aesthetic experience that is second to none.

The best locations to get the best possible view are found in areas overlooking the river. Petrin Hill, Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge are set upon by those who don’t want to miss a thing as the pre-midnight invasion gets underway as midnight approaches and the fireworks begin to light up the night sky.

The Old Town Square is where you should go if you’re looking for a display with a thrill factor. This location provides not only the scheduled fireworks display but individuals in the crowd are also permitted to bring their own and set them off. A fun and hair-raising experience indeed, not for the light hearted.

Picure: donald judge/ flickr.com

The Red Sea in Egypt is best described as an underwater paradise and the perfect destination for all scuba diving enthusiasts. Egypt has much to offer. One of the seven wonders of the world is located here, the magical pyramids at Giza. The Valley of the Kings and Tutankhamen’s tomb are also located here, an awe-inspiring sight for anyone, not just enthusiasts of ancient history. Diving is very popular in this region and brings many tourists to Egypt every year; as a spot of natural beauty the sight is preserved and protected so that divers may enjoy it in its unspoit glory.

There are two options available for divers in Egypt and which to choose depends on whether you’re looking exclusively for a diving holiday or whether you plan to divulge in some of the other activities on offer here. For the diving enthusiast who wishes to spend their entire time in Egypt diving, liveaboard diving may be the best option.

Liveaboard diving offers the opportunity to visit some of hard to reach and stunning parts of the red sea. Divers can stay on board the boat for a few days and travel to destinations such as Elphinstone which has some of the most beautiful corals and a huge variety of large marine life: hammerheads, manta rays and whitetips, for example. The Brothers are two small reefs which are fairly isolated. Big Brother offers challenging diving for the more experienced and thrill seeking diver. Reef sharks, silkies and tuna can be spotted in these deep waters. Known as being one of the most scenic dives in the Red Sea, with a very deep drop of over 40 meters, this reef offers sights such as black coral and the amazing fan corals which can be up to 3 meters high. Sponges and anemones cover the walls and the a network of caves and tunnels make this a truly exciting experience.

picture: derekkeats/ flickr.com

Winter is often considered to be the season of indulgence during which the fire blazes, the wooden logs crackle and those who can’t face the outdoors retreat under a cosy blanket while ensuring that there is no danger of the hot chocolate supplies running out. As Baudelaire said in his famous poem Les Fleurs du mal « when the low heavy sky weighs like a lid / Upon the spirit aching for the light ». This ‘light’ that we crave during the winter time is never as far away as it may seem.You must admit that after reading « In Search of Lost Time » for the third time in the middle of a dark Sunday afternoon, time-starts to drag and you have only one thing on your mind; heading south for the winter towards the blazing sunshine rather than withering by a dying fire.

The lucky ones among us will have maybe one or two weeks of vacation at this time of year. Enough time to embark on a trip with the kids and gear up for a trip to Australia or Mexico and get a nice tan on the beach. The rest of us, who are not as lucky are stuck at work with no way to escape, or are we?

If you can’t take a vacation, there is one possible solution: convincing your employer that taking a business language course for professionals is essential to your personal development and will benefit the whole company. It is proven that the more languages an employee can speak, the greater their chances of progressing in their career.

Many organisations offer language courses abroad for professionals. You could, for instance, improve your English in South Africa. It is an excellent opportunity to combine business with pleasure and recharge your batteries whilst improving your skills. This is a textbook win-win. Not only can you broaden your horizons, go to interesting places and experience new cultures you’re also guarenteed to be rid of those winter blues that only a few rays of sunshine can cure.

If, however, you’re not too keen on the idea of going too far afield but are still looking for somewhere to escape to, then maybe a
language course in Tuscany would be more suited to you. With its fine wines, glorious landscapes and its rich artistic legacy and influence on high culture, Tuscany is the perfect place to be at anytime of the year.

Photo : sassi mom – Loren Sztajer – Bryan Alexander – diloz / Flickr.com

If you’re looking for something different from the usual Christmas this year

Although you won’t find any snow, the Christmas festivities here are felt just as much as they are back home. People all over the island celebrate this holiday, even if the country’s main religion is Buddhism. Come December in Thailand, you’ll start to see Christmas decorations, lights and trees just about everywhere.

This year, why not jingle bells Thai style! Christmas on an exotic island is a dream come true for many; you won’t have to shovel your driveway nor will you have to take care of the holiday preparations yourself, you’ll just have to enjoy sipping on cocktails in your Santa hats on one of Thailand’s numerous exotic beaches. Christmas is a joyful time of the year for everyone, so why not gather your family and friends this year and share that joy on the wonderful islands of Thailand?

Even if Jolly old Saint Nicholas might be chanting Ho Ho Ho in a totally different language, the love and great pleasure of this festivity is heartfelt the exact same way it is in any other country.

There is an infinite choice of beach villas in Thailand you can accommodate yourselves in during your stay or one of the astonishing Samui villa resorts which will really give that extra touch of heavenly luxury to your Christmas vacation.

Start wrapping up your presents, pack everything in your suitcases, and come to Thailand where every holiday, including Christmas is an unforgettable experience!

The exotic Palms of Thailand lit and decorated by Christmas lights and ornaments are waiting for you…