Cultural

When you close your eyes and think of paradise, what do you see? An island hideaway, with white-sand beaches kissed by gin-clear waters? A place covered in virgin rainforest, bordered by tropical reefs? If so, what you’re thinking of is Song Saa, a private island resort in Cambodia’s Koh Rong Archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand.

The instant reaction to arriving in Salzburg is a sharp intake of fresh, Alpine air.  It's a breathtaking knockout of a city, with piercing spires and Baroque domes set against a stunning backdrop of mountains and the fast-flowing Salzach river winding around it.

Leipzig could be the saviour of the weekend away.  Located in Germany's old East, a few years ago you could be forgiven for not knowing much about Saxony's largest city, but now, as other cities become saturated with tourists, Leipzig has emerged as the ultimate secret getaway.

While peaceful protests i the city in 1989 directly led to the fall of the Berlin Wall, it was Leipzig itself that threatened with demolition after reunification.  The city had fallen into such a state of disrepair some architects argued that it would be worth knocking it down altogether.

The Puerta del Sol is more than just the heart of Madrid, it is the hub of Spain.  A tablet in the pavement here, marked Km 0, is the point from which all distances in the nation are measured.  The "Gate of the Sun", as the name translates, is also an excellent location to begin a summer's day in the dazzling city of Madrid.

The Mediterranean is a mixing pot of culture, taste and entertainment. For those looking for a short break the region has something for any budget or taste. For those interested in the party scene Hvar, Croatia is worth a looking; Relaxation is available in the less obvious beach destination such as Montenegro; for food hounds Puglia, Italy and Istanbul awaits.

Areas like South Tyrol, Italy’s most northerly region is one of Italy’s key attractions in the winter months as sky professionals and enthusiasts come in their thousands to enjoy the white stuff.  But, have you ever consider Tuscany as a winter destination for snowshoeing and winter walking? The same lovely long walks you have in the summer months you have them here in the winter months as well; with one major difference, it is much quieter.

This Principality of the Kingdom of Spain is a green jewel tucked between the Cantabrian Sea and the snow-peaked mountains of the Picos de Europa. It is a lush natural paradise that few expect to find in the otherwise arid peninsula. Welcome to Asturias, one of Spain's best kept secret.  If this summer, you would rather do something else than lie for hours trying to get that crimson-red body like other tourist, then Asturias is the destination to explore.

If you are planning on visiting Japan, the city of Kanazawa is work a look in. This Edo-period city has been off the beaten track for some time and was a task getting to, but this should not be an issue any more. The Japanese rail way has opened a new Shinkansen route to the city, from Tokyo you can get there in two and half hours (with your Japan Rail Pass). While there experience it geisha culture, Higashi Chaya traditional teahouses and the Kenrokuen garden, one of Japan’s most breathtaking.

Luxembourg is a bustling modern city with approximately 110,000 inhabitants, a melting pot of people and cultures stemming from over 150 nations.  The city is home to international corporations and the European Court of Justice, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is also a delight to stroll around, with a third of the city given over to parks and open spaces.

As the warm summer’s sun fades and Autumn moves into Winter a different type of thrill seekers emerge thinking of where best to enjoy the white stuff.  Choosing which ski resort to hangout at and checking the weather reports every five minutes to see how snow is falling can be time consuming. We have put together a list of 10 great destinations that we think will appeal to the different type of skiers. We have Jackson Hole, USA to Rusutsu, Japan plus a whole host of European resorts.