Travel

Paris, the capital of France, attracts 42 million visitors a year. You can start your Paris tour on the metro, on foot, or with a taxi or bicycle; the city is easily navigable on all fronts. Visit the Arc de Triomphe in the centre of the city and marvel at its graceful lines and commanding presence. Built between 1806 and 1836, the Arc is one of a number of historical arches and landmarks peppering Paris.

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and a hub of trade and culture. From the famous CN Tower to the castle-like Casa Loma, there’s plenty to see for the architecture enthusiast. Your Toronto tour should include a trip to Edward Gardens in Hyde Park, or one of the many other green spaces located in the city. Before you leave, head to Niagara Falls and take in the spectacle of nature’s power. You’ll never forget the sight and sound of all that water pouring over the falls, nor will you ever forget your trip to Toronto.

Graz is located in the centre of Styria and is the second largest city in Austria, a town that fascinates with its southern flair, magnificent historical buildings and beautiful panoramic views.The city’s main landmark is its twenty-eight metre high clock tower that was built in 1561 and is one of the few remains of an old fortress.

Kyoto lies in Western Honshu, Japan’s main island. The imperial capital for over 1,000 years, Kyoto is widely considered Japan’s most beautiful city. Emerging from ultra-modern Kyoto Station, the city’s busy downtown area can come as a shock. Yet old Kyoto is never far away. Just to the east is Gion, where you’ll catch glimpses of the geisha, the very embodiment of old Kyoto. Further east, amid narrow alleyways like Ishibe Koji, you’ll find traditional Kyoto-style houses and some of the city’s finest Ryokan. Just a rickshaw ride away, are the traffic-free streets of Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka, where teahouses line [More]

The Costa Del Sol is the name of the southern Mediterranean coast of Spain. In former times, a variety of bumpy roads connected the region’s sandy bays and remote fishing villages but today, its modern roads cater for mass tourism. Almunecar is the main tourist centre on this section of the coast. Once a tranquil fishing village, it’s now a busy coastal resort.

From finding the best prices for flights to keeping your passport safe, today we give you 11 travel hacks that you could actually use.

Located to the south of the Caribbean island of Cuba, Trinidad was founded by the Spaniard, Velazquez and in the 18th century the city experienced great wealth and recognition through the cultivation of sugar cane. The exclusive palaces and villas of the sugar barons still leave their mark on the city with tall wooden gates, barred windows and original roof tiles that characterise the style of bygone days. The Palacio Padron is located on the Plaza Mayor, the centre of the city. A few years ago the palace was lovingly restored in painstaking detail and transformed into an archaeological museum.

The Egyptian temples of Karnak are located 3 kilometres north of Luxor. The awe-inspiring Avenue Of The Sphinxes leads to the entrance of this magnificent location. It was here during more than two thousand years that the kings of numerous epochs had their final resting places. Artistically carved hieroglyphs and paintings can be found on all the buildings in Karnak. They relate to various gods and also to the royal builders of the respective temples.

Seen from a distance, the beach at Tarquinia, north of Rome, appears to be quite ordinary, with its rows of parasols, endless pizzerias and gelaterias, and non-stop Latin-lover muzzak pounding out from the sound-system. But Tarquinia cannot forget its illustrious past, and the renowned Etruscans who choose Tarquinia as their main commercial harbour. Just look at the tombs in the necropolis, or the abundance of amphoras. The town today is included on Unesco’s World Heritage listing. So when you go fishing, it’s like fishing in Etruscan times, and when the locals flash a smile, it’s an Etruscan smile . . [More]

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is one of the most exciting megacities on the planet. The city is a spectacular matrix of villages, towns and cities, strung together by a super-efficient rail system. Tradition, ritual and respect are the hallmarks of Japanese society. This is a place that cherishes its children, reveres its elderly, and treats visitors like honoured guests.

The shining red rocks on the outskirts of Colorado Springs are a most striking spectacle within the Garden Of The Gods. The huge red sandstone rock formations rise to a height of up to a hundred and fifty metres. These natural monuments are a reminder of the geological past of this extraordinary region situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.

The picturesque harbour of Iraklion welcomes those arriving by ship at Crete’s greatest city that is also the fourth largest harbour in Greece. In common with much of the history of this city, the imposing castle located at the harbour dates back to Venetian times and was built between 1523 and 1540. Although the city has moved with the times and developed into an important centre of tourism, it has managed to retain a significant part of its history.

Located on the Aker River in Norway’s south east is the beautiful city of Oslo. As well as being the country’s capital and cultural heart, Oslo is also the gateway to Norway’s natural beauty.

Around 7 kilometres southeast of Heraklion on the Greek island of Crete, is the Palace of Knossos, the largest of all the Minoan palaces, located on the picturesque, partly tree-covered Kefala Hill. As parts of the palace have been rebuilt, its former splendour makes a visit to Knossos even more worthwhile.