Destinations

All the signs pointed towards Antigua. The island had warm, steady winds, a complex coastline of safe harbors, and a protective, nearly unbroken wall of coral reef. It would make a perfect place to hide a fleet. And so in 1784 the legendary Admiral Horatio Nelson sailed to Antigua and established Great Britain's most important Caribbean base. Little did he know that over 200 years later the same unique characteristics that attracted the Royal Navy would transform Antigua and Barbuda into one of the Caribbean's premier tourist destinations.

Antigua BeachThe signs are still there, they just point to different things. The Trade Winds that once blew British men-of-war safely into English Harbour now fuel one of the world's foremost maritime events, Sailing Week. The expansive, winding coastline that made Antigua difficult for outsiders to navigate is where today's trekkers encounter a tremendous wealth of secluded, powdery soft beaches. The coral reefs, once the bane of marauding enemy ships, now attract snorkelers and scuba divers from all over the world. And the fascinating little island of Barbuda -- once a scavenger's paradise because so many ships wrecked on its reefs -- is now home to one of the region's most significant bird sanctuaries.

Location:

Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) and Barbuda are located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, roughly 17 degrees north of the equator. To the south are the islands of Montserrat and Guadaloupe, and to the north and west are Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barts, and St. Martin.
Size:

Antigua, the largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, is about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, encompassing 108 square miles. Its highest point is Mount Obama (1319 ft., 402 metres), formerly known as Boggy Peak, located in the southwestern corner of the island. Barbuda, a flat coral island with an area of only 68 square miles, lies approximately 30 miles due north. The nation also includes the tiny (0.6 square mile) uninhabited island of Redonda, now a nature preserve. The current population for the nation is approximately 68,000 and its capital is St. John's on Antigua.

Climate:

Temperatures generally range from the mid-seventies in the winter to the mid-eighties in the summer. Annual rainfall averages only 45 inches, making it the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands, and the northeast trade winds are nearly constant, flagging only in September. Low humidity year-round.

Whether you’re after a laid-back retreat or a fast-paced action holiday, Austria certainly ticks a lot of boxes.

In the Tirol you’ll be surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks, green valleys and mountain streams. The Salzburgerland provides you with unspoilt mountain villages, cascading waterfalls such as Krimml, and lively lake resorts, while the Salzkammergut is a feast for your eyes, with pretty towns dotted along scenic lake shores. Make time to visit at least one of the wonderful cities of Austria - choose from the imperial capital, Vienna with its famous café culture, the musical city of Salzburg and its impressive fortress or, surrounded by mountain peaks, the Olympic city of Innsbruck.

If you love walking, Austria should definitely be one destination to cross off your list. As one of Europe’s premiere walking destinations there’s an extensive range of trails covering mountain terrain, lake shores, valleys and woods. Walking is not the only activity you can get stuck into though – take a dip in crystal clear lakes, spend a day mountain biking, tame the wild waters on a rafting trip or even try out summer glacial skiing. Golf also features highly on the radar, with over 20 courses to choose from in the Tirol alone.

You’d be missing out if you didn’t capture some of Austria’s wonderful local culture too. Music, arts and traditional festivals are held all over throughout the summer months. Tuck in at St Johann’s annual Dumpling Festival or perhaps sit out at a street café and admire local lederhosen-adorned troupes performing live music and dancing in the picturesque town squares.

Don’t forget to sample some of the national dishes either. For the sweet-toothed there’s a fine range of mouth-watering pastries – such as kaiserschmarren, strudel and creamy gateaux. Alternatively if you prefer something more savoury - try out Tiroler gröstl, Wiener schnitzel and käsespätzl. Local breweries produce some of Europe’s finest beers - and wine lovers, you’re covered too. The native wines, mostly from the East, are also really yummy. And you can’t leave without sampling, Austria’s finest export – schnapps.

A tropical island with a surprisingly British feel‚ where cricket and afternoon tea are as popular as sunbathing and watersports. With rugged beauty on the east coast‚ calm beaches in the west and lively resorts in the south‚ plus colonial towns and plantations‚ holidays to Barbados are ideal for sightseeing. Picture yourself on a white coral beach and start planning your idyllic Barbados holiday.

China, home to more than 5,000 years of culture and history, is a fascinating destination. Forever linked to its ancient civilization, friendly people, and many of the world’s most revered treasures – such as The Great Wall, Terra-Cotta Warriors & Horses and the Yangtze River – China also offers a glimpse of the future. From the spectacular architecture and towering skylines in Shanghai (site of the 2010 World Expo) and Beijing (site of the 2008 Summer Olympics), to a wealth of luxury accommodations and exquisite cuisine, China will amaze you with both its vastness and variety of experiences both old and new. Come and see why China is drawing millions of visitors from all over the world, and why each of them returns home smiling. The time is now to visit China, like never before.

Unspoilt and undisturbed, Cuba is home to salsa dancing, rum, and wonderful beaches with stunning white sands and warm, turquoise waters. Take time to visit characterful Havana, a unique city that's rich in culture. You’ll get to try lots of traditional local food and drink on your holiday to Cuba, too. Sip cocktails made from world-class Cuban rum, and enjoy a hit of intense Cuban coffee. You’ll be ready to indulge in a Caribbean getaway with a difference.

Hungary is the land locked kidney-shaped country at the very heart of Europe which holds a unique place in the continent's soul. Standing as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, it's easy to see why with the jaw dropping capital (Budapest) is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Doubters are easily swayed by the romance of the Danube River as it elegantly splits Budapest in two with the back drop of the iconic Parliament building. You can see that the old communist regime spared no expense in all intricate detailed streets which makes this a city an absolute must see!

Feel the sand between your toes and the fresh sea breeze in your hair on Jersey’s beautiful beaches. Head for the north and east coast for rock pools teeming with marine life, or south and west for glorious golden sands, washed by the tides each day.

With its unspoiled landscape and unique blend of British and French influences, Jersey really is a place where you can get away from it all.

Located some 100 miles (160 kms) south of mainland Britain, Jersey is the most southerly island of the British Isles. In fact, it's much closer to France, lying just 14 miles (22 kms) from its coast.

Despite its compact size - just 9 miles by 5 miles (14 kms by 8 kms) - Jersey possesses a rich and varied landscape which sends visitors into sensory overload.

Exploring Jersey

You might think that an area of 45 square miles (116 square kms), with a permanent population of over 97,857, would have little but buildings to explore. But approach the Island by air and you'll see lush valleys, well-kept fields and an unspoilt coastline.

Arrive by sea and the rocky grandeur of La Corbière, the sweep of St Aubin's Bay and picturesque Elizabeth Castle merely hint at Jersey's wealth of history and sheer beauty. The scale of both means it easily rivals much larger and perhaps better-known destinations.

Some 450 miles (720 kms) of roadway (a mix of fast routes and quiet rural lanes) create endless opportunities to discover the unexpected and impressive. There's also a 45-mile (72 km) network of narrow country roads known as 'Green Lanes', with a speed limit of 15 mph (24 kph) and priority given to walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

From awe-inspiring history to jaw-dropping experiences, a holiday in North Cyprus can certainly raise the heart rate. North Cyprus may be a sleepy backwater, but it is packed full of exciting holiday adventures.

From swimming with turtles, to paragliding off the mountains, some 2500 feet above sea level, a North Cyprus holiday certainly punches well above its weight. Keen ramblers can enjoy hiking in the Five Finger Mountains above Kyrenia, discovering rare indigenous orchids, or exploring the rugged Karpaz Peninsula, where wild donkeys roam free.

Scuba divers will delight in discovering the world under the sea. The clear, warm waters around North Cyprus are home to many different, often rare, species of fish and other sea-life. An exhilarating dive safari will allow you to explore reefs, strange rock formations and even a wrecked plane.

It's always a good time to travel to Spain. That's because this country in southern Europe has all the ingredients to make your visit an unforgettable experience. Cities which bear the marks of a rich mixture of cultures, monuments and natural spaces awarded the World Heritage designation by the UNESCO, some of the world's most important museums, beaches to suit everybody, a pleasant climate all year round, the healthy Mediterranean diet, typically Spanish traditions such as flamenco and bullfighting... You'll find it very easy to get here thanks to the multitude of international connections available in Spain. Let yourself be captivated by the Mediterranean character and by the openness and friendliness of its people. Surrender to the magic of its streets. This is a place where life is always enjoyed to the utmost.

Before you come
Most of the territory of Spain (over 47 million inhabitants and with its capital in Madrid) is located on the Iberian Peninsula, although the country also has two archipelagos (the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands) and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, on the coast of Africa. All these areas are perfectly connected by means of a wide-ranging and comprehensive transport network (you can reach Spain and move around once there by plane, train, boat, car…) which means that in very little time you can get to major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Zaragoza, Santiago de Compostela, Valencia… Spain is one of the warmest countries in Europe, and has over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. The Canary Islands, due to their geographic location, have an annual temperature of 22°C along the coastline. Exceptional art and culture
Centuries of history have left behind a spectacular array of monuments. It's no coincidence that Spain is the country with the second greatest number of UNESCO-designated World Heritage sites. What's more, in its over 1,400 museums you'll find masterpieces by great artists such as Goya, Picasso and Velázquez, genuine symbols of Spanish culture. There are numerous cultural sites in all the major cities which no visitors should miss. In Madrid, visitors should make a point of heading for what is known as the 'Paseo del Arte' or 'art avenue', an itinerary which starts at one of the world's most important galleries: the Prado Museum. Barcelona (in the northeast of the country) is another key site – this city is a paradise of Modernism thanks to some of the works created here by the famous architect Gaudí, including the Sagrada Familia cathedral and Güell Park. In southern Spain you'll be captivated by the great Mosque of Cordoba, considered the most important Islamic work in the Western world, and by the gardens and palaces of the Alhambra in Granada, one of the most visited monuments in Spain. Seville and its cathedral, Valencia and its City of Arts and Sciences, Bilbao and its Guggenheim Museum… these are just a few other examples of places to take your breath away. And if you enjoy attending top-flight cultural events, then don't miss key occasions such as the theatre festivals held in Mérida and Almagro, and film festivals such as the one in San Sebastián.

Round-the-clock entertainment
If there's one thing Spain is famous for, it's for the lively atmosphere to be found in its streets at any time of the day or night. During the day you can choose between enjoying a drink or snack at any of the numerous open-air cafes and bars, going shopping… The major shopping centres are open all day between approximately 10 am and 10 pm at night, and department stores and shopping centres are also open on certain Sundays throughout the year. What's more, in coastal areas in the high season, most establishments usually remain open until after 10 pm. And remember, the official currency in Spain is the euro. In this Mediterranean country, and particularly in the cities from Thursday to Sunday, the nightlife is particularly intense. The pubs and discos are open until three in the morning, and in some cases through till dawn. There are also numerous other options available, such as taking in a flamenco show or a musical… And all year round, if you enjoy being part of traditional events and experiencing typical celebrations, Spain is the place to be: the carnival celebrations in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Cadiz (in February), Easter week (in March-April), the Fallas bonfire festival (in March) and the bull-running in San Fermín (in July) are just a few of the festivities which are famous throughout the world. Spectacular landscapes
Here you'll find almost 8,000 kilometres of coastline with some of the best beaches imaginable. You'll be able to bathe in transparent waters, the quality of which is closely monitored and recognised all over the world. The coast will surprise you with its variety: from the peaceful sands of Andalusia and the Mediterranean, including the coves of the Balearic and Canary Islands, and the natural landscapes and cliffs surrounding the beaches in the north. Spain is also one of the countries with the greatest number of spaces holding the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation, and is home to areas of great beauty and ecological value like its 14 national parks, all containing a wealth of treasures such as marshes, volcanoes… Yes to sports
Spain as a country is completely dedicated to sports, and this is the reason it hosts several international sporting competitions such as the Madrid Tennis Open, the Grand Prix motorcycle racing events in Jerez (Andalusia), Catalonia, Region of Valencia and Aragon, and the Formula 1 prizes held in Catalonia and Region of Valencia. Spain's football league is known as the 'league of stars'. What's more, Spain is the birthplace of some world's top sportsmen, such as Rafa Nadal, Fernando Alonso, Jorge Lorenzo, Alberto Contador...
Thanks to its love of sports, Spain offers a whole range of spaces where you can enjoy indulging your favourite sport: nautical activities, golf (it has over 400 golf courses), skiing (Spain is the second most mountainous country in Europe), hiking…

Gastronomy
Eating in Spain is a genuine privilege, as it's home to products of unbeatable quality, many of which have been awarded their own designation of origin. This country is also the cradle of prestigious chefs such as Ferrán Adriá, Arzak and Berasategui, so you can be sure to have no shortage of restaurants to choose from. You can also visit wineries and learn all about wine tasting as you sample some of Spain's best-known wines. Remember that lunch is usually served between 1 pm and 3:30 pm, and dinner between 8:30 pm and midnight, although many establishments offer service all day long. When ordering, you can either opt for innovative new dishes or for typical dishes such as paella, gazpacho, Spanish omelette, octopus a feira, cocido (chickpea stew) or the famous tapas or pintxos. In fact 'going out tapas' is a very common custom in Spain, and involves strolling from bar to bar sampling delicious canapés and the house specialities in each place. A country steeped in sensations
Spain is all this and much more. A country known for its friendliness, luminosity and its good-natured high spirits. This is a country which knows how to combine tradition with modernity. For this reason numerous film stars and major royal figures have made their residence here. And that's the reason that famous directors such as Woody Allen choose Spain as the setting for their films. That's also why thousands of pilgrims come here every year to set out on the famous pilgrim route known as the Way of Saint James. Because Spain is the place to be.