A Dubai vacation makes for an exciting and tantalizing experience. Often regarded as the Las Vegas of the Middle East, Dubai’s dazzling suburbs can often make one forget where one is! For a true taste of all that is so exotically Arabian, book Dubai apartments in Deira, one of the oldest quarters of the city. This where you’ll find the Gold and Spice Souks! Spending a full day exploring this area will make for a memorable and fun day out. Getting there is half the funNo matter where you are staying in Dubai, getting to the Gold Souk is child’s play…as long as you manage to avoid the horrendous morning traffic. For a much more relaxing start to your day, we suggest you take an abra (small ferry) ride along the Dubai Creek. If you’re staying on the western side of the Creek, head to Bur Dubai where you can catch an abra across to the Old Souk Marine Station. This mode of transport is cheaper, faster and infinitely more enjoyable than a taxi ride in Dubai!Spice up your morningThe first thing you’ll notice, upon disembarking, will be the intoxicating aroma of exotic spices. This, my friends, is where your ...

Brooklyn, New York's most famous borough is an eclectic mix of cultures and traditions, and is by far the most multicultural area of New York. Home to some of the most fascinating museums in the whole country, Brooklyn is the perfect destination for lovers of art and culture. Should you be lucky enough to be booking a Brooklyn holiday apartment, then make sure you include one (or all) of the following museums to your to-see list...you won't regret it! The Brooklyn Museum New York's famous Brooklyn Museum is BIG. Not only is it the second-largest in the city, but it's also one of the largest in the entire country. The eclectic mix of Victorian and contemporary architecture makes the building a tourist attraction in its own right. However, it is the gems hidden inside which make the Brooklyn Museum a must-visit during your Brooklyn holiday. The most visited area would have to be the Mummy Chamber, a collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts acquired over many decades. Information boards are scattered throughout explaining not only the origins and meanings of each piece, but also how the museum came to acquire them. Of particular interest is also the American art collection housed on the fifth ...

The temptation to try and cut down on family travel costs can be hard to avoid, given the costs involved these days with paying for 4 or more people to travel abroad on holiday. Reducing the overall cost by avoiding the travel insurance costs, for something you are unlikely to need, is a consideration. But is travelling without travel insurance wise? If you are a family from Europe and travelling to another destination in Europe, the first thing to do is to get the free EHIC cards (European Health Insurance Card). These replaced what were previously known as the E111 cards and this in effect is a card to proof that you are European and entitled to certain free medical cover within most of the Euro region. These cards are free and are well worth applying for and getting. (Learn how to get the free European Health Insurance Card). The EHIC though does not cover you for everything that a travel insurance policy will. More serious and elongated injuries, lost baggage, theft from your hotel room and many other situations are not covered with an EHIC. The EHIC is free so do get your free card and do also consider travel insurance. As ...

Visiting a spa in Brooklyn, New York, is kind of an inception experience...you know...a holiday within a holiday! Spend a few hours (or an entire day) in one of the many luxurious beauty havens in Brooklyn and you’ll be rejuvenated to within an inch of your life. Soak, scrub, wrap and massage your way to a whole new you and make your New York vacation one you’ll never forget. Don’t know where to go? Well here’s the good news! We’ve scoured Brooklyn and tested the best spas in the area (tough gig, we know). Here’s a list of our top 3 spas for your indulging pleasures. Body By Brooklyn Spa and Lounge, Clinton Hill Adored by its long established clientele, the Body by Brooklyn Spa and Lounge is preceded by its impeccable reputation. Hailed as a feast for all the senses, the spa covers an area of over 900 square meters! This much luxuriating space tends to have a rather euphoric effect on people.Unsurprisingly, the list of treatments offered here is quite extensive. When you consider one can include 10 different treatment rooms, various spa baths, saunas, soaking pools and even a Turkish Hammam in the complex (not to mention an in-house bar ...

It’s amazing to discover that one the most famous and prestigious addresses in Europe was once just a soggy swamp. Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter (museumkwarter) is synonymous with culture, art, haute-couture and superlative dining; and if that’s not enough, it also boasts the city’s largest park and, of course, some of the world’s most prestigious museums. Spending a day (or several) exploring the Museum Quarter is by far the number one activity whilst holidaying in Amsterdam. Renting an Amsterdam vacation apartment in the Museum Quarter will also ensure you experience Amsterdam in all its authentic glory. For just a taste of what this fabulous quarter has to offer, follow our guide to a ‘day out in the Museum Quarter’ and take home some unforgettable memories! After a hearty breakfast, head to the Van Gogh Museum and spend your morning overdosing on the works of the world’s most tortured artist. Showcasing the largest Van Gogh collection in the world, this wonderful complex is also home to many other works by Vincent’s contemporaries, friends, muses and various artists who claim to have been inspired by Van Gogh. Should you be travelling with children (and over a week-end) don’t forget to book them a spot ...

Venice, the famous Italian merchant city, has enjoyed a long and illustrious history and continues to inspire all who visit with its majestic architecture, mysterious atmosphere and awe-inspiring beauty. Venice’s bridges are possibly the most iconic sites in the floating city, and none have received more praise than the Rialto Bridge. Choose your Venice apartment here to discover first-hand its amazing history.The Rialto Bridge is an epitome symbol of all that is so wonderfully Italian: stunning, inspiring and utterly romantic It is the oldest bridge crossing the Grand Canal and stands today as testament that a little vision and risk-taking can go a long way into creating history. Indeed, the bridge was initially considered by most to be ugly and unstable; yet 500 years later it still reigns supreme and is, alongside St Mark’s Square, the most visited tourist attraction in Venice. A gondola ride under the Rialto Bridge is the stuff of dreams, and an activity not to be missed while on a Venice holiday. The first bridge of Venice was built on this site in 1180, and its construction greatly facilitated trade between the two major fractions of the municipality: San Polo and San Marco. That is, of ...

I once remember vowing never to travel to the same place twice; the world too big and inviting to ever double up on holiday destinations. That was, of course, until I visited Positano for the first time. Now, after at least a dozen visits, my only resolution is to go back as many times as possible. This is where I'd be happy spending the last moments of my life...it's really that beautiful. For sure there's no better way to stay in this area then renting a Positano villa! Precariously perched on one of the most stunning coastlines in the world (Italy's Amalfi Coast), the small town of Positano is a true feast for all the sense. The sea is cobalt blue, the blooming flowers fluorescent, the food delectable and the shopping?? Oh my...don't even get me started on the shopping! If factory produced run-of-the-mill souvenirs are what you're after you may be bitterly disappointed! In Positano, it's all about one-of-a-kind wares you'll find nowhere else. From the world renowned hand-painted ceramics, to hand-made leather sandals, embroidered cloths and wooden carvings, the town prides itself on its artisans' talents and proudly shows off masterpieces on every corner.The best thing about Positano is that ...

Renowned as the amusement centre of the early to mid 1900s, New York's Coney Island has recently undergone a facelift of colossal proportions. The marriage of new and old is visible in every nook and cranny; a visit to New York's most famous playground is both a step back in time and a glimpse of an enticing future. Amidst the adrenalin filled rides, food stalls and innumerable attractions lies a colourful history just itching to be discovered. Choose your New York apartment in Brooklyn to be in easy reach of wonderful Coney Island! To help you better plan your day trip, we've devised an easy to follow itinerary; a simple guide on how to take in the best Coney Island has to offer in just one single day. Follow our lead and have yourself and funtastic day out! Take a ride on the wild side... To wet your appetite, and as a way to pay homage to Coney Island's illustrious past, we highly recommend starting your day by challenging your nerves on some of the craziest rides in the country. The Cyclone, a famous New York landmark, is still going strong after almost 90 years in operation; the wooden roller coaster has been ...

The Gulf of Thailand, on the country’s southern coast, is one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, and for good reason. Here is where you’ll find the two most divine tropical islands you could ever dream of visiting: Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.While Koh Samui boasts infinite options for accommodation and dining, including spectacular Koh Samui holiday villas, Koh Phangan is where you’ll want to head to on a memorable day out. Three quarters of the island is a protected National Park, there are innumerable secluded beaches to soak the sun in, and the snorkelling options are almost endless. Basically...Koh Phangan is what Koh Samui used to be like two decades ago, before the crowds converged and turned this isolated Crusoe-style haven into a buzzy tourist hub.There are two ways you can experience Phangan on a day trip: either join an organised tour, or hop on a ferry and organise the day to your liking. Whichever travel-style you choose, you can be guaranteed of an unforgettable day in paradise.Organised sailing tripThere are many nooks and crannies on Phangan which are only accessible by boat so, if you plan on joining a tour, we highly recommend you book a sailing ...

Le Marais used to be the home of Parisian aristocracy, and is today still regarded as the most up-market neighborhood in the French Capital. The chic area is home to many outstanding buildings of both architectural and historical importance. It is little wonder then that the best museums in Paris can be found whilst wondering through Le Marais narrow cobblestoned streets - and also some of the best Paris apartments on our books! Le Marais is spread over the Right Bank of the River Seine and takes up most of the third and fourth arrondissements. To help you discover the very best museums around, we’ve compiled this handy list of the three best museums in the area: take in an overdose of Picasso, peruse an impressive collection of opulent 18th century paraphernalia and learn all about the history of Paris through an extensive collection of artwork. Musée Picasso, Hôtel Salé in rue de Thorigny, Paris As the name suggests, the Picasso Museum showcases works by the famous Spanish artiste Pablo Picasso. The Hotel it is housed in is over 350 years old and is considered to be one of the most notable buildings in Marais. It was first renovated in 1976, and a ...