Amsterdam’s century-old Oosterpark is the city’s foremost tree-hugging mecca, and in a city brimming with green leafy suburbs, parks and forested outskirts, that is saying quite a lot. The park was opened to the public in 1891 and designed in and English-garden style. Located just a tad south-west of Amsterdam’s most historic quarter, Oosterpark and its surrounding quarter are an ideal holiday base for anyone who wants to be close to the city’s attractions, yet still feel as if they’re on a wilderness escape away from the big city bustle. Not only is Oosterpark an ideal base if travelling to Amsterdam with children, with walking, duck-feeding in ponds and picnicking just a few of the infinite options, the park is also a congregation hub for Amsterdam’s immigrant youth and considered the most multi-cultural corner in the city. Want to have the option of phenomenal Turkish, Moroccan, Surinamese and Chinese eateries whilst vacationing in Amsterdam? Then book your holiday rental apartment in Oosterpark and you’ll have all this, and more, right outside your door. If you need yet another reason to pick Oosterpark as your ideal Amsterdam accommodation choice, let it be known that some of the best pubs and microbreweries in the ...

De Waterkant is to Cape Town what Paddington is to Sydney, or Greenwich Village to New York: the city’s most vibrant gay-friendly suburb. Infinitely popular with yuppies, fun seeking professionals and an eclectic mix of multi-cultural, multi-sexual and multi-everything fabulous folks; de Waterkant is fast emerging as one of the South African’s capital’s most sought after addresses. Fabulous homes, apartments complexes and super trendy bars and clubs adorn the streets of De Waterkant and help make this by far the most exciting holiday base for anyone who wants to add a little sparkle and pizzazz to their Cape Town vacation. Book your holiday rental apartment in De Waterkant when visiting Cape Town and fill your nights with an infinite amount of play at the following ab fab gay-friendly bars. Amsterdam Action Bar This everything-goes men-only bar is at the epicentre of De Waterkant’s gay nightlife scene. Spread out over two floors, this club is certainly home to much action, most of it centred on the dark upper level where private cubicles seem to receive much patronage. Darts, pool and drag makes up most of the action of the lower ground, where an older gay crowd tends to converge most nights. Bubbles Bar  The absolute ...

It may seem strange to learn that the most famous area of Paris is also its least populated. Certainly, with gargantuan attractions like the Louvre Museum, Tuileries Gardens and Royal Palace, it would seem only logical that Paris’ 1st arrondissement, the Louvre area, be somewhat less built up. Yet the most visited area of the French capital is also the one boasting the least amount of overnight stays; hundreds descend here every day, yet choose to stay elsewhere, erroneously believing the hood has not much to offer once museum gates close. Oh how wrong they are! Aside some of the best beauty spas in the city (read all about them here), Paris’ central district is also home to some of the most divine French brasseries in the city, which fill up with a mostly local clientele every night of the week. Book your gorgeous holiday rental in the Louvre area next time you visit Paris and discover where trendy Parisians head to when all the tourists are busy checking out the Eiffel Tower’s light show. Juveniles, 47 rue de Richelieu This small and very intimate eatery is one of Paris’ best kept secrets. The retro decor, dimmed lighting and limited seating makes it ...

The pretty-as-a-postcard town of Lund, in Southern Sweden (just a hop away from Copenhagen), is considered the historic pulse of the country and indeed stands on the ruins of its very oldest settlement. Whilst up until the late 90s it was thought the town’s origins dated back only a few centuries, latest archaeological digs discovered treasures dating back to the first millenia. But wait...there’s more! Lund is also a hub of effervescent modernity, being home to the largest university in the country and the home-base of some of Sweden’s most famous high-tech companies, including Sony Ericsson. So while Lind is a spectacular holiday destination for history buffs, it also offers an unparalleled and eclectic mix of old and new, classic and avant-garde. Book your Swedish holiday rental apartment in Lund and discover how this central city can offer you a Pandora’s Box of attractions: from medieval museums to super-trendy cafes’, natural city oasis along with the grandest cathedral in Sweden. History of Lund The oldest recorded traces of Lund as an important hub bate back to 1100, when the city became the seat for the Scandinavian Archbishop. The stupendous Lund Cathedral, the most visited in Sweden, was built as a consequence of ...

The Czech Republic has flourished in the past decades, and has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after holiday destination. Prague, the gorgeous capital city, has always been favoured among architectural buffs and it’s not hard to resolve why that would be. The sheer number of splendid buildings found in the centre and neighbouring areas are enough to induce a head-spinning euphoria in even the most seasoned of tourists; the maze of cobblestone alleyways, picturesque gardens and grand palaces going a long way to ensuring Prague still remains Central Europe’s most celebrated treasure. While Prague is an exciting and rewarding holiday destination any time of year, visiting in winter gifts a truly unforgettable experience. The city comes alive with a multitude of gorgeous outdoor Christmas markets, and Prague’s stunning streets are further enhanced by the multitude of colourful lights and festive decorations. The most celebrated market, the one held in the Old Town Square, is preceded by a stellar reputation as central Europe’s most authentic and enchanting of all, so book your holiday rental apartment in Smichov, the trendy quarter on the west bank of the Vltava river, and explore a Christmas market worthy of its legendary praise. When to go, what ...

Crete has long been known as the most beautiful of all the Greek islands and while some of the other islanders may not agree, all who visit for the first time are left in splendid awe at its exquisitely contrasting nature. In Crete you won’t just find sparkling beaches and a perfect year-round climate, you’ll also discover the true nature of Greek hospitality, an endearing culture, illustrious history and even more awe-inspiring wilderness. From bustling towns to quaint and quiet villages, from relaxing seaside resorts to rugged mountains and gorges, Crete is like an entire cosmos into itself, and it’s perfect for those who wish to have it all while holidaying in Greece. Book your holiday rental villa or apartment in Crete and discover the natural attractions which make this, a once in a lifetime holiday destination The Samaria Gorge National Park is home to one of Europe’s longest canyons, and rated one of the most gorgeous national parks in the whole continent. The 16km gorge is simply spectacular and offers innumerable hiking trails for adventurous visitors. Buses will lead you to the entrance of the park from every corner of the island; from there you’ll need to buy an entrance ticket ...

While most people would agree that a holiday on the French Riviera is about as good as life can get, some would also agree that there are only so many crunchy-bread-smeared-with-creamy cheese-and-washed-down-with-red-wine lunches one can handle. We’d never dare criticise one of the world’s most beloved cuisine, yet it’s nice to know that, sometimes, you do have the option of taking your taste buds on a different tasting trip. Should you start to have lactose intolerance problems during your next visit to the Cote d’Azur (not exactly unheard of) do take heart. Fréjus, one of the French Riviera’s most picturesque gems is home to a variety of different eateries. Book your holiday rental apartment in Fréjus when next on the Cote d’Azur and, alongside the many cultural and historical sites, you’ll be able to enjoy some fantastic Asian, Spanish and Italian fare. Restaurant Asia, 813 Boulevard Alger This may not be the most up-market restaurant in town, but if it’s ridiculously good Chinese food you’re after, then head here pronto! Run by a delightful couple, who fuss over each and every customer like gracious hosts, the restaurant is renowned for whipping up some of the freshest and most delicious spring rolls and noodle ...

The oldest district of Lisbon, Alfama, is also considered by many to be its most picturesque. Being the only area of the city not greatly affected by the infamous 1755 earthquake, it still boasts architectural gems dating back a thousand years; and offers the discerning visitor a truly authentic Portuguese experience. Sitting proudly atop a hill above the Tagus River, Alfama also offers some of the most magnificent port-side views in the whole city and, moreover, is renowned as the best suburb in town to watch fado performers at their best. Book your holiday rental apartment in Alfama when you next visit Lisbon, and discover the true source of history and culture in Portugal. The São Jorge Castle, Alfama’s most prized possession, is the single oldest building in Lisbon. Recent excavation date back its settlement to a few centuries BC, and revealed a whole host of wonderful artefacts dating back to Medieval, Islamic, Roman and Moorish occupation. While some sections of the castle were damaged during the major earthquake, its formidable walls were left standing and its dominion over Lisbon left unscathed. Current archaeological diggings are still revealing priceless treasures, and the castle is as much of a walk-through museum than ...

If you’ve been living under a rock, you may not have heard that East London, and in particular Shoreditch, enjoys one of the best coffee cultures in the whole city. And we don’t mean there’s a Starbucks every couple of blocks. While trendy cafés are springing up like wildflowers in this trendy corner of London, there are some that are considerably better than others, and some that serve up some of the finest brew in the whole country. So why not ditch the Twinings on your next London vacation, and come taste some delicious liquid black gold around? Book your holiday rental apartment in Shoreditch, and you’ll not only be in the midst of the most fashionable area in London, but you’ll also have the chance to visit some of the city’s most celebrated espresso-heavens. Following are just some of our faves! Allpress Espresso Roastery, 58 Redchurch Street We just love this place! It may be small and yes, the Sunday queues can get a tad annoying, but when you find a café offering the perfect blend of great brunch fare, sublime coffee and a buzzy atmosphere, you should expect to fight for a table on a sunny day out in Shoreditch. ...

While most tourists to India tend to converge on the beach areas in northern or southern Goa, the central region, and in particular the area around Dona Paula beach, are an absolute treat not to be missed. Conveniently located just a few kilometres south-west of Goa’s capital Panjim, Dona Paula is as authentic as India is. The town boasts a rich history and its natural wonders are second to none; the town was built on the convergence of Goa’s two main rivers and the Arabian Sea, is flanked by enormous palm trees and often called the Lovers’ Paradise for very good reasons. Dona Paula’s popularity is fast rising, thanks to it being the set of a few Bollywood flicks in recent years; so do yourself a favour and come experience some authentic Indian bliss on your next holiday, before it all disappears. Book your holiday rental apartment or villa in Dona Paula and, if you really can’t just lay on the beach and soak up the rays like a normal person, take advantage of Dona Paula’s more active side. Following are the best places to head to if you need to burn some energy! Dona Paula Sports Club The sports club is the ...