Cultural

AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam, a pretty village-like city with a huge reputation, needs little introduction.  Holland’s capital city has something for everyone –leafy canals, cute cafes and bustling bars.  One of Amsterdam’s biggest draws, though, is it world-famous Museum District, home to the renowned Rijksmuseum.  It reopened last year after a dazzling decade-long refurbishment and is currently showcasing its first permanent photography exhibition, displaying more than 400 images from the twentieth century.

South America shines in the winter sun Uruguary is its warm heart. Looking at the map, there seems little reason to head to this classic buffer state, sandwiched between the beachside delights of Brazil and Argentina’s steak-and-style swagger.  But it is the way that this fiercely independent nation, whose spirit is epitomised in its fanatically followed football team, combines the best of its neighbours in a far more easily digestible package that makes it irresistible.  If you want a short, sharp hit of the best of Latin America then you’ve come to the right place.

Italy’s most northernly region, South Tyrol (also known as Sudtirol) is one of the country’s most enticing area for winter sports fans.  Its home to the world’s largest fully interconnected ski area, the Dolomiti Superski (1200km) and the world’s second largest interconnected ski area around the Sella Ronda (500km), skiers and boarders can feel that they can ski forever from one cosy village to another, always with the spectacular pale limestone and sedimentary rock cliff formation of the Dolomites towering dramatically above.

Don't be fooled into thinking the Great Ocean Road is just a strip of tarmac. Not only is this 151 mile road the world's longest war memorial, it is the backbone of Victoria and has the added bonus of being one of the greatest drives on the planet.  The Great Ocean Road whips up a heady mix of natural wonders. Jaw-dropping sunsets, imposing cliffs, huge waves crashing against the points, Postcard picture villages, and elusive koala all feature in a day or two's drive.  The mixture of sea salt and gum trees even gives the road itw own unique smell.

Anyone brought up on a diet of Australian soap operas and hospital dramas may be a little shell-shocked when they arrive in Melbourne. Soulful, stylish and clued up, this is a streetwise city that is at odds with the stereotypical vision of Australia.  In 2000, Melbourne trailed Sydney as the leading city for cafes, bars and nightclubs.  But, the city has climb back on top with good cafe culture and diverse nightlife, some of the best in Australia.

I have always wanted to go to Japan and Tokyo was high on the list of one to the places to visit but nothing can prepare me for the sheer scale of the city. It is home to over 13 million people, making it one of the most populous cities in the world and a thriving centre of commerce and culture, which is both futuristic and steeped in tradition.

Voted Best Island by readers of Cande Nast Traveller for 20 years, Maui has a wealth of great experiences as part of a Hawaiian holiday.  The group of Hawaiian Islands have a lot to offer but the island of Maui can stand on its own as a short break destination, where the temperature hovers around 26C all year. The island count Elvis Presley as one of its devoted fans, the singer made many visits to the islands between the late 1950s and 1977.

One of the best way to enjoy the Fall Foliage in New England is to get a car and just drive. I don't mean wrecklessly or aimlessly but with a focus an a plan to see and enjoy the best of New England's six states.  With a car you can enjoy the Fall Foliage inland, delicious seafood along the coast and the rich history of the whole area.

An unmissable new feature has been recently added to Helsinki’s skyline.  Like the London Eye there is the Finnair Sky Wheel that ferries passengers 40 metres above the city from the Market Square pier and offers a bird’s eye view of all the capital’s landmark such as Helsinki Cathedral and the imposing Parliament House.  Also on view is Helsinki’s coastline, which weaves in and out of harbours with sailing boats, pleasure yachts and winter-ready icebreakers jostling for space.

You just can't beat a holiday Down Under to escape the gloom of winter.  But if that sounds a long and expensive slog, think again.  Thanks to improved flight options and the introduction of quiet and spacious planes, this is a good time to grab a bargain ticket to get some Aussie sunshine. It is not just Sydney sparkling harbour, cricket, barbeques and beaches that Australia has to offer.