London, Paris, Prague, Rome.. all are among the most popular, interest-packed city breaks, but another destination is rapidly gaining a justified reputation as an exhilarating centre for spending three or four days:  Nantes in Brittany.  Both Ryanair and Aer Lingus fly there from Dublin and the journey takes little over an hour. A city of around 300,000 people, Nantes sits near the mouth of the mighty Loire, France’s longest river, and is the centre of the region which produces the acclaimed Muscadet wine. It was formerly known as ‘the Venice of the West’ because it was criss-crossed by canals and inlets of the Loire, but for health reasons the waterways running through the city were drained in the 1920’s, their legacy still visible here and there with grass banks and wide boulevards. Nantes has all you would want and expect from a city break: a medieval heart; The Bouffay, with its maze of twisting alleyways; a good selection of restaurants and bars and boutiques and craft shops; the elegant squares and shopping areas of the more upmarket Graslin quarter, with the spectacular Passage Pommeraye renovated to its 1843  Belle Époque glory; and of course more historic attractions than you will have the time to see, unless you are staying for a week or more and using the city as a base for further travels in the region. To ensure you visit as many sites as you wish, the tourist people have painted helpful green lines on the pavements which you can follow, or deviate from, at will.  Add some fine museums (the Jules Verne Museum celebrating one of Nantes’ most famous sons, is a must), art galleries, gardens, parks, and a superb cheap public transport system, based largely on frequent, Luas-type trams – the city is extremely pedestrian  friendly – and you have more than enough to occupy you for a number of days. Above all, the city tingles with an artistic energy which is infectious, and even though Nantes is very much a ‘fun’ place for the younger set – there are over 50,000 students from the university – you will find yourself engaged by the friendliness of the people and the ingenuity and sheer creativity of what’s been achieved in the last 10 years or so.  Artistic installations in public places seem to spring up overnight: one day you will see a team of workers with drills and cranes positioning lengths of spike-ended timber into metal sockets; the next day their work becomes a huge porcupine on the banks of the Loire; admire the stunning facade of the 18th-century Theatre Graslin in Place Graslin with its seven Corinthian columns, return a day or so later and the portico could be back-dropped with multi-coloured, shimmering panels.  But the greatest achievement and success of modern Nantes has to be the Ile De Nantes Quarter which is an island, circled by two stretches of the Loire, on the southside of the city. This is a vast, ongoing regeneration project on 350 hectares of land which formerly housed ship building yards, factories and warehouses. The set-piece is a huge arts and events centre, workshops and studios, strikingly accommodated in the frame of the ship building shed. Elsewhere there are random open spaces, apartment blocks, hi-tech corporate buildings, picnic areas, bicycle tracks, wild gardens, cafes and restaurants. The La Cantine du Voyage is housed in a temporary structure constructed from industrial greenhouses and represents great value for a bite: for around €10 you get a salad, chicken and potatoes, and glass of wine, or beer or a soft drink; the same menu will cost you €15 in the evening.  There are more eateries nearby in what used to be a banana warehouse. The star attraction of the island is the great mechanical elephant: 12 metres high, it carries 49 passengers as it lumbers around the open spaces, screeching and belching plumes of steam from its trunk. It’s a ‘creature’ which could have been invented by Leonardo da Vinci, or dreamed up, appropriately, by Jules Verne. It’s not a one-off: a ‘zoo’ gallery in a hot house is inhabited by real plants and animals and visitors can ride a giant ‘insect’. Don’t worry, it’s all good fun and not scary or dangerous. Across the way you can ride on the most spectacular carousel, with its three levels representing the ocean floor, the water and the sea and boats. The area takes on a new life at night, the atmosphere fuelled by the banter from bars, cafes and restaurants and some particularly attractive and ingenious lighting features. A great place to have a meal, or just a coffee or a glass of wine as you observe from the banks of the Loire. Recommended to visit: The Chateau Des Ducs De Bretagne. Known locally as ‘the castle’. It dates from the 15th century and is the last castle on the Loire before the river reaches the sea.  There is a fine museum inside and there are audio guides. The courtyard is particularly attractive with a fine restaurant. Jardin De Plantes. The city is well served by parks and gardens but this is the most interesting and impressive and admission is free. It is set in 7 hectares and boasts over 10,000 species. It is ranked in the top four of French public gardens and has an internationally acclaimed collection of camellias. Cathedral of Saint-Pierre and Saint – Paul. This is a stunning building with dual towers and a massive knave which rises almost 40 metres – higher than Notre Dame in Paris. The interior is simple and elegant and free of ostentation.  Le Lieu Unique This is another arts area on the conjunction of the river and an old canal near the Bouffay district of the Loire and should be on your itinerary. It is an arts centre, with a theatre, shops, bars and a restaurant in what used to be a biscuit factory  whose eccentric tower is a city landmark Trentemoult Quarter Just across the river from Nantes and well worth visiting after a 10 minute ferry journey is Trentemoult. Originally a fishing village it is now a popular riverside marina with bars and restaurants, and is characterised by its brightly painted cottages with picket fences Estuary arts trail This is a highly recommended 60km river excursion from Nantes to Saint Nazaire. It takes about two hours and offers an excellent opportunity to appreciate the power and the beauty of the Loire as it snakes seaward, widening all the way, always revealing something different around the next bend.   But it’s more than a pleasant river trip:  the journey is enlivened by 29 large scale installations and sculptures and constructions on both banks; among the most quirky is a half-submerged house, a ‘sea serpent’ modelled from Wavin-type piping, a boat bent over the side of a jetty as if made of rubber and a pendulum swinging from a cement silo.  (www.estuaire.info) The only downside to this trip is that you have to spend a good few hours in Saint Nazaire which is not the most interesting  place  in Brittany; it was almost bombed to destruction during WW2 and is now largely characterised by bland 1950s and 60s boulevards. Oh, and don’t go on a Sunday, or you may find it difficult to find a restaurant which is neither closed nor booked out. Pornic Well worth a day trip by bus which takes just an hour.  This is a very popular, attractive seaside town buzzing with life and with a great choice of restaurants. Some interesting walks and there is a British military cemetery minutes from the quayside. Eating out There are numerous restaurants of all types around the city to meet varying tastes and pockets, with what appears to be a disproportionate amount of crepe and pizza eateries, probably catering for the huge population of students. For what it’s worth I will recommend four restaurants: La Cigale in Place Graslin. This is not a novel choice as it is a Nantes institution, its breath-taking, listed interior featuring 19th century ceramics and mosaics.  This is very much a restaurant for a special occasion or perhaps your last night, with the immaculately-clad waiters and waitresses in their black livery and long, white aprons adding to the period atmosphere. Not cheap, but not expensive by top fine dining Irish standards, and this is emphatically fine dining. Expect to pay €60 per head with wine.  Booking essential. Le Select on Ru du Chateau. An ordinary looking bistro from the outside but with a distinctly eccentric interior décor bordering on the kitsch . Good selection of dishes at reasonable prices. Les Oubliettes , the restaurant in the courtyard of the Chateau Des Ducs De Bretagne. Lunch only, but great atmosphere and good, reasonably priced food.  A sun trap and magical on a nice day – you won’t want to leave. Restaurant le Lieu Unique , the restaurant in the Le Lieu Unique Arts Centre.  Large, Informal and reasonably priced with also tables outside facing the canal. No booking.  Gets busy, arrive by 7.30. More information There are three tourist offices in the centre of the city, but you can get more information by visiting nantes-tourisme.com. Email: info@nantes-tourisme.com Tel: 0033 272 640479 Passe Nante You can buy a Pass Nante for one, two or three days , which will save  you plenty if you intend using  public transport frequently and you are interested in visiting as many historic attractions as possible.  You can buy these passes at any of the tourist offices. Accommodation I stayed at the Park & Suites Elegance on rue des Petites Ecuries in the Bouffay quarter, literally yards from the Bouffay tram stop. This is a basic, clean and very reasonable, no-frills hotel where you can get a twin bed or double and breakfast from around €60 pps a night including breakfast.  Recommended. (Tel: 0033 228081020).  Nantes Tourism will provide you with a full list of accommodation choices.  Ask about the special three nights for the price of two package which they organise. Getting there Aer Lingus (aerlingus.com) and Ryanair (ryanair.com) fly from Dublin to Nantes.  A shuttle bus runs from the airport to the city centre every 20 minutes. John Low is editor of Senior Times magazine

A country with endless open spaces, beautiful architecture, authentic gastronomy and a wealth of outdoor pursuits, Slovenia is waiting to be discovered. For travellers looking for a weekend getaway this summer, here’s how to spend a perfect 48 hours in Slovenia.  Day one Arrive in the City Centre, Ljubljana Direct flights from London with British Airways, easyJet and Wizz Air mean that UK travellers can arrive in  Ljubljana  in as little as 2 hours 10 minutes. Easy to navigate, walking is the best way to get around the capital city. The Ljubljanica river runs around the old castle, with local bars and restaurants winding through the endless historic architecture. Must-visit activities include Tivoli Park, Opera House, open air theatre and the botanical gardens, not to mention the delicious Slovenian delicacies available in the old town. Check into Zlata Ladjica, Ljubljana  Located in one of the oldest hotels in Ljubljana,  Zlata Ladjica  is a boutique hotel with luxurious amenities. Each of the 15 rooms have been designed to maximise space and light whilst the hotel’s gastropub offers a fine dining menu with Slovenian dishes made using locally sourced ingredients. There’s also a spa with a sauna and zero gravity flotation bed for guests to truly unwind and relax.  Rooms start from £184 per night. Discover Jože Plečnik This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Jože Plečnik, one of Slovenia’s most important architects who was responsible for transforming Ljubljana. Dotted around the city centre, travellers should look out for his notable designs such as the Triple Bridge and Central Market. Take a boat ride across the turquoise waters of the river to see the Cobblers Bridge, another one of his famed works. Explore the cultural ins and outs of the city with the ‘Moustache Tour,’ travellers can learn about the moustached giants of Slovenian culture including Jože Plečnik, Ivan Cankar, and Rihard Jakopič – all great artists. Taste Authentic Cuisine at Odprta Kuhna Make the most of the sunshine and eat at the city’s famed open kitchen which runs only in the summer. The Pogacar Square at Ljubljana’s central market is transformed into Odprta Kuhna, an open kitchen which is filled with food stalls from Slovenia and surrounding countries. Bringing together Europe’s best eateries, guests are spoilt for choice with the authentic flavours on  offer . Head to the Museum of Illusions  In a townhouse on Congress Square,  Museum of Illusions  offers a new way of seeing the world. Drawing guests into a world of illusions, no two rooms are the same. With 40 exhibits, highlights are the Anti-Gravity Room and the Vortex Tunnel which spins visitors around, making it a challenge to keep balance. Visit Ljubljana Castle  First built 900 years ago, Ljubljana Castle holds so much of the city’s history. The castle seems daringly high however the views make it all worth it. Overlooking the beautiful city, it’s a great place to watch the sunset fall over the iconic Baroque architecture. The main courtyard is free to enter and is home to a cafe, nightclub, galleries, and a restaurant. Fine Dine at One of the Many Michelin-Starred Restaurants With 53 Michelin Stars across the country, it’s a must that travellers visit one of the famed restaurants. Atelje prides itself on cooking in a natural way, using local ingredients, keeping up with the season and creating 90% of its products in-house. Only serving a tasting menu – they sometimes take inspiration from old traditional Slovenian recipes, whilst other times they take a different approach. Nestled in the centre, Atelje is headed by famed chef, Jorg Zupan. Day Two Spend the Morning at Lake Bled  Just over an hour’s bus journey from the city, breath-taking Lake Bled is a glacier-formed, crystal blue lake which is famed for its castle and panoramic views. Travellers can choose to kayak on the serene waters or experience solitude with a swim in the balmy 22 degrees water. Earlier this year, Lake Bled was named one of the most welcoming destinations in the world by Booking.com. Head to Triglav National Park Nearby, Triglav National Park is widely regarded as one of the oldest and most beautiful parks in Europe. Offering picturesque views and outdoor activity year-round, Triglav stretches across the northeastern part of Slovenia and encompasses the majority of the Eastern Julian Alps. Whether on foot or two wheels, visitors can explore Mount Triglav, unspoiled beaches, and the serene valley of Triglav Lakes. Participate in watersports on Lake Bohinj  For those into watersports or wanting a new experience, the blue lakes of Bohinj, in Triglav National Park, are the perfect outdoor playground. From white water rafting and kayaking to canyoning and hiking, there’s something for everyone. Swimming in the clear crystal mountain lakes is an option for those looking for something a little more relaxing. Spend the night at Sunrose 7  An iconic heritage hotel and digital detox hideaway, a stone’s throw away from Triglav National Park,  Sunrose 7  has been welcoming guests since 1890. With 18 stylish rooms and suites, the hotel is equipped with traditional Slovenian architecture met with contemporary, minimalist alpine design. Sunrose 7’s wellness spa, Zlata Vila (or ‘Golden Fairy’), focuses on ‘seven elements’ of relaxation and  offers treatments such as Bohinj rain with hot-cold therapy and relaxing sound therapy with the sounds of Bohinj forests.  Rooms start from £169. For more information about Slovenia, visit  www.slovenia.info

John Low thoroughly enjoyed a trip to Haarlem, one of Holland’s most beautiful cities If you have ever visited Amsterdam and marvelled at the buildings, canals and museums but found it, well, a bit hectic then Haarlem awaits you. It is little more than a 20-minute train journey from Amsterdam and is acknowledged as one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands with countless brick gabled buildings, and cobbled laneways, all leading to the stunning city centre with the stand-out set piece being the Grote Markt , a square studded with edifices embracing the best of Dutch architecture over the last four hundred years. Notable buildings include St Bavos Church, the medieval city hall complex and the  Vleeshal (Meat Hall), a former slaughter house with an arresting red brick façade. The gothic St. Bavos Church is the star attraction of the Grote Markt,  whose elaborately ornamented spire juts 249 feet into the sky. Inside, one of the notable features of the church is the silver Müller pipe organ that was once played by Mozart.  The floor is made up of nearly 1,500 gravestones, marking tombs below, including that of Frans Hals. St. Bavos Church (31-23-553-2040; www.bavo.nl ) can be visited from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (summer Sunday services, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.); admission €2. Try to visit on a Saturday when it becomes what is acknowledged as the Netherlands finest street market, featuring numerous food stalls; try the pickled herring roll with onions – delicious! Haarlem has been called ‘Amsterdam in miniature’ but that’s doing it a disservice as it has its own character and charm with the added bonus that you could –  and who would want to? – take in most of the major attractions in a day. The pace here is much more comfortable than in Amsterdam and you don’t risk being trampled by the masses. But watch the bikes! The Dutch are enthusiastic cyclists and none more so than the Haarlemmers , and the streets echo to the sound of ringing bells as riders come at you from all directions. You quickly get used to it, though, once you ensure you’re not walking on a bike lane. But overall it is a pedestrian-friendly city with cars banned from most of the most popular centre streets which allows you to enjoy the huge variety of independent shops and cool concept stores in the characteristic side lanes, offering everything from children’s clothes, books, vintage outfits and furniture, artisan foods, trendy art and design outfits and much more. In fact, Haarlem has been voted the best shopping city in the Netherlands with big brands to independent labels, as well as charming antique and curiosity shops around every corner; it’s no wonder that Haarlemmers call their shopping district ‘de Gouden Straatjes’ (streets of gold). And it’s nice to know that you are never far from fine bars, restaurants and cafes as well as coffee shops, some where customers puff away on exotic smelling cigarettes. Haarlem is a walkers’ delight and you can follow a number of themed treks around the city (leaflets  available in the Tourist Office and most hotels).  Three of the more interesting take in the Haarlem monuments, hidden green oases, and ‘Bavo to Bavo’ which is a walk between two of the most important churches in the city. The monuments tour includes 16 landmarks, and depending on your speed and how long you want to spend in each location, can take from two hours up to half a day. It starts symbolically at the Grote Markt and the City Hall (incidentally the Tourist Office is inside), and includes the Frans Hals Museum, Haarlem’s first department built in 1899 in a splendid Arts and Crafts style, Teylers Museum, the magnificent Gravestenenbrug drawbridge, before returning to the Grote Markt and the Meat Hall, ending at St Bavo’s church. The Hidden Oases walk showcases the numerous ‘green’ areas around Haarlem which are one of the outstanding features of the city. Once again it starts at the Grote Markt and includes the gardens of alms houses and takes you along concealed retreats revealing stunning courtyards. Most of the alms houses date back to the 12 th century and display a variety of attractive architectural styles. But, less formally, if you deter from many of the main thoroughfares,   you will also discover ‘green’ side streets, courtesy of the residents, vibrant with imaginative and colourful planting, and quirky sculptures, installations and street furniture. The From Bavo to Bavo walk bookends St Bavo’s Church in the Grote Markt and the catholic Kathedrale Basiliek St Bavo , a remarkable building whose architectural lineage is a combination of romanesque and early gothic, with elements of art nouveau . Along the way is Opener , a former church where Haarlem’s Open beer is brewed. Well worth a visit to try the various beers as well as admiring the interior. Other notable stops include Niue Kirk (New Church) characterised by a striking 17th century tower, and the Stadsschouwburg (Municipal Theatre) Frans Hals Museum One of the cultural highlights of Haarlem, the museum is housed in a most attractive building originally constructed as an alms house for old men and is named after Frans Hals who lived and worked in Haarlem and was one of the most influential painters of what is known as the Golden Age. The museum houses the largest collection of the artist’s paintings in the world which include huge group canvasses depicting the great and the good of the various civic guilds, revealing portraits and self-portraits, still lives, and landscapes. You can admire the vibrant, loose brushstroke treatment of Hals’ works which are  a million miles from many of the stuffy efforts of his lesser contemporaries, particularly in some of the tavern scenes where often the subjects are decidedly worse for wear, Chronologically the collection includes religious triptychs from the early sixteenth century right through to still lives from the end of the century by acknowledged masters such as the remarkable Jacob van Ruysdael, You can easily spend half a day here, and if the weather is kind there’s a splendid courtyard adorned with box hedges and ornamental trees. Or if you wish you can relax in the pleasant café. Frans Halsmuseum (Groot Heiligland 62; 31-23-511-5775; www.franshalsmuseum.nl ) is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. General admission, €7.50. Teylers Museum The Teylers Museum is the oldest museum in the Netherlands and it is a true treasure trove, located on the bank of the River Spaarne which runs across the city. The initial impression is not promising as you are confronted with displays of fossils and bones, but persevere and what’s to come will knock your socks off. Because the museum houses the collection of wealthy industrialist Pieter Teyler, there is no ‘theme’ to what’s on view as ancient artefacts rub shoulders with prints and drawings – including works by Michelangelo, Rembrandt and Watteau–, scientific instruments, rare books, coins and medals and much more. The items range from the weird to the urbane. There are skeletons, tusks, crystals and scientific inventions, many displayed in the light-filled Oval Room. Teylers Museum (Spaarne 16; 31-23-516-0960; www.teylersmuseum.nl ) is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday; admission €7. The Corrie Ten Boom House Unlike Anne Frank’s house in Amsterdam you won’t have to wait for hours to look around this house. During World War II, the Ten Boom family provided a hiding place for Jewish people and members of the resistance in their home on Haarlem’s Barteljorisstraat. The family was betrayed, imprisoned and deported to concentration camps – only Corrie survived, wrote 22 books about her experiences and died in 1983 on her 91st birthday. Her house is now a museum, the majority recreated to how it would have looked in the 1940s. Visitors to the Corrie Ten Boomhuis can view the hiding place located behind a fake wall in her bedroom, used to conceal Jewish people in hiding and others on the run from the Nazis. Corrie Ten Boom Museum (Barteljorisstraat 19; 31-23-531-0823; www.corrietenboom.com ) has free tours from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Close to the beach If you want to a break from sight-seeing and feel the wind in your hair, the coastal town of Zandvoort is close. Or if you are to up to it you might want to try a cycle ride – cycles for hire all over the city – through kilometres of wild dunes. You might even spot some highland cattle as you travel the winding cycle paths. In the summer months Zandvoort throbs with activity, while in the winter it is popular with walkers. Haarlem is at the centre of the Dutch flower-growing district and is a main export point for flower bulbs. The famous Keukenhof Gardens and flower fields of Lisse and Hillegom are nearby. It is also very close to historic  Leiden , the cheese markets of Alkmaar and an hour from The Hague. This makes Haarlem an excellent base when exploring North and South Holland GETTING THERE Ryanair and Aer Lingus  and KLM fly from Dublin to Amsterdam. You can take one of the frequent trains from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Haarlem and the journey takes around 20 minutes, costing around €10.  You can also take the 300 bus from the airport and the journey takes 30-40 minutes, costing around €5.   A taxi will cost you around €60.  Buses stop outside Haarlem railway station and it is then a ten-minute walk to the historic centre or you can get a taxi for about €7.  WHERE TO STAY I stayed at the very central Amrath Grand Hotel Frans Hals which is literally a stone’s throw from the Grote Markt square. This is a four-star establishment, with incredibly friendly staff and reasonable prices. Tel: 031 23 5181818. Email: info@hotelfranshals.nl www.hotelfranshals.nl MORE INFORMATION VVV Haarlem is the tourist body which will answer all your queries about the city, where to stay, where to eat, places to visit etc. Tel: 031 235317325. Email: info@vvvhaarlem.nl Visithaarlem.nl John Low is editor of Senior Times magazine

There’s nothing like a heatwave to get you in the mood for a trip to the beach. Paired together, sand and sea offer the perfect way to relax in the sunshine. From white beaches in Tahiti to a seasonal beach in Colorado, grab your towel and discover five scenic beaches around the world. Five Worldwide Beaches for Sun, Sand and Sea Playa de Patacona – Valencia, Spain In Valencia, travellers can combine rich culture, phenomenal food and golden beaches into one perfect city break. This east-coast city’s Mediterranean sands get the morning sun before almost anywhere else in Spain, and the sea is warm enough for swimming as early as April and as late as November. Within easy reach of the city centre, Patacona beach is the best in the city for a quiet and tranquil experience. As the sun rises over the Mediterranean, rest amongst the palm trees and watch horseback riders trot past. Tigertail Beach – Florida’s Paradise Coast With 30 miles of award-winning coastline, Florida’s Paradise Coast – Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades – and its beaches can be enjoyed year-round with the ever-felt sunshine and glistening gulf water. Marco Island’s Tigertail Beach is a truly unique spot due to its sand bar shape and access route, either around the lagoon or through shallow waters. Once on the beach, visitors can enjoy the pristine white sands and clear waters, or go shelling or kayaking. It’s also a popular bird-watching spot, listed in the Great Florida Birding Trail Guide as one of the best all-around birding locations in Southwest Florida. Yonehara Beach – Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan An island beach in Southern West Okinawa, Yonehara beach is a wild oasis ideal for keen snorkelers and lovers of nature. Situated on Ishigaki, known for its sandy beaches and coral reefs, the island is home to dense jungle landscapes as well as the largest mountain in the Okinawa Prefecture. Of the area’s coastline, Yonehara is one of the nicest, free to access, and has facilities such as showers and equipment hire. Enjoy the peak of summer between April and November for the best and safest weather to swim in. Toaroto Beach –  The Islands of Tahiti Located 30-minutes west of Papeete, Toaroto Beach is one of the island’s best stretches of white sand, and its protected waters make it sensational for most beach activities including paddleboarding, snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing. The beach is conveniently located near a park with public showers and restrooms as well as several restaurants nearby. Medano Creek – Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado Medano Creek at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a secluded swimming beach in Colorado. Every spring, the gentle flowing Medano Creek emerges from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains behind the pristine sand dunes. Forming an oasis for travellers wanting to build sand castles and cool off in the waters, popular activities include swimming, sand sculpting and discovering the famous sand dunes. Travellers need to be quick, as come late August the oasis disappears for another year.

Croatia, Greece and Slovenia are the best places to go, this summer, if value for money is a holiday priority. Research by travel intelligence company Mabrian shows Zagreb, Athens and Ljubljana were the cities offering the best value-for-money in June. The research is based on air connectivity, average hotel prices and visitor satisfaction levels. Where Zagreb lags on air connectivity, it more than makes up for in good accommodation prices and high customer satisfaction levels, according to Mabrian. It is largely the same case for Ljubljana, which suffers from a lack of air connectivity, but ranks high in terms of competitive pricing. Greece’s capital Athens ranked second to Zagreb, despite it having better air connectivity. However, Athens was deemed to have slightly higher average prices and lower satisfaction levels. Mabrian said the larger European capital cities all dropped down the list – rankings wise – due, mainly, to higher hotel prices. “London and Paris, despite being better connected, are penalised by a very high average hotel price among the destinations analysed,”  Mabrian said in its analysis. “In addition, the two capitals showed lower levels of satisfaction. Visitors are particularly dissatisfied with the hotel service in London and with the offer of tourist products in Paris .” High hotel prices and a growing demand for less crowded cities has also dented the rankings of big names like Berlin, Amsterdam and Barcelona, Mabrian said. The Top 14 Best Value for Money European Cities: Zagreb (Croatia) Athens (Greece) Ljubljana (Slovenia) Rome (Italy) Vienna (Austria) Lisbon (Portugal) Madrid (Spain) Milan (Italy) Dubrovnik (Croatia) Berlin (Germany) Amsterdam (Netherlands) Paris (France) Barcelona (Spain) London (United Kingdom)

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – already the most exclusive resort in the Dominican Republic – has unveiled a whole new level of luxury, in the Caribbean country, via its new Premier Club at Casa de Campo offering. Designed for exclusivity, personalised service and privacy, the Premier Club sets a new standard of excellence and luxury for the property’s most discerning guests. The Premier Club at Casa de Campo will include a total of 58 luxurious suites: 26 Premier Junior Suites (King Sized Beds), 27 Premier Junior Suites (Double Beds), four Premier One Bedroom Suites, and one overly spacious Premier Presidential Suite. Each suite will offer luxurious amenities not found in other parts of the hotel, such as an exclusive Premier Club golf cart for traveling throughout the 7,000-acre resort, private concierge service and nightly turndown service, and a customised pillow and aromatherapy menu. “The Premier Club at Casa de Campo will create an unprecedented level of privacy and exclusivity for our guests to enjoy,” said Jason Kycek, senior vice president at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. “From the moment they arrive, guests will be privately checked-in by our welcome receptionists at the exclusive Premier Club Lounge and be able to relax in seclusion while enjoying a drink or light appetizers at the Club Lounge Bar.  Featuring both indoor and outdoor areas, Premier Club guests will be able to maintain autonomy that is exclusive only to guests staying in our new suites. It is an exciting time for our company and guests alike, with all of the improvements we are making throughout the property.  We are grateful to be able to take Casa de Campo to the next level and raise the bar in luxury hospitality within the Dominican Republic ,”  Mr Kycek said.

The most quirky and unusual holiday rentals are booked well in advance, so with that in mind here are some suggestions of unusual places around Ireland, Europe and the United States to consider for future quirky holidays.  Quirky Holiday Rentals Worldwide Ireland – Hobbit Hideaway – Mayo Glamping Welcome to the Mayo Shire where you can experience life as a Hobbit. These Hobbits homes in Mayo are in Ballyvary near Castlebar, the fairytale homes are set into a hillside with colourful doors. Feel like Frodo and his friends when you stay here.   Mayo Glamping also has other unusual properties to rent including Nordic Cabins, and a railway carriage. Bookings include continental breakfast and there is a firepit, BBQ and outdoor cooking area. In addition, the adults will love the wood-fired hot tub and the sauna. There is an indoor play area for children with board games and a place to watch films, see here . St Johns Schooner Lighthouse Cottages in Donega l Kilometres from anywhere, a stay at St. John’s Point Lighthouse offers the perfect getaway. Enjoy a stay in one of the two characterful lightkeepers cottages managed by Irish Landmark Trust and experience the delights of wild and wonderful Donegal on the Wild Atlantic Way.  Discover the pretty, almost pink, sands of Coral Beach. Breathe in the fresh sea air. Take in the fantastic views across Donegal Bay and towards Sligo, Mayo and far beyond. For the active or adventurous, dip your toe into what’s said to be some of the clearest diving waters in Europe. They say there’s great fishing here too. Sleeps four, see here . England – Rent a Barn The beauty of renting a property in England is the ease of access by ferry with your car, and most places take dogs too. Picture yourself in a beautiful barn with wooden beams, vaulted ceilings and big wood burning stoves. Let the children roam the countryside in freedom and enjoy a taste of country life. See a selection of converted barns around England, some with swimming pools and hot tubs ideal for families, see here .  Scotland – Castles and Stately Manors What else would you rent in Scotland other than a castle, stately manor, baronial house or lodge. Scotland has more castle per square mile than any other country in Europe. From the Lowlands to the Highlands and islands, find a very exclusive property, whether it is for small family or a big gathering. Olivers Travels are the experts in unusual holiday properties and all are vetted personally. Italy –Trulli – Quirky Conical Houses Trullis are some of the prettiest and most unusual property rentals in Italy; they are conical-shaped white-washed stone houses. You will only find them in the far south, in Puglia. Some are now holiday rentals and even come with swimming pools. The ancient Puglia region is a fascinating place to visit with great food, wine and sandy beaches. Rentatrulli are an Irish/English company and they have converted three of these historic places into gorgeous holiday homes. No cost was spared to make them into comfortable homes while retaining their historic style. They are located between Ostuni and Ceglie Messapica. In addition each house has a private pool, olive groves, landscaped gardens and shady nooks for reading a book. There’s great access from Ireland with flights to Bari and Brindisi and they will be flexible on check in days to coincide with the flights. They sleep 5 – 8, see here .   Spain, France– Cave Houses In the limestone regions of France and Spain you will find these quirky dwellings in caves. These cave houses are carved out of the soft rock and make comfortable year-round homes. Due to the rock the temperature stays the same all year round, about 20 degrees so you do not have big variations in heat You will find a lot of these homes to rent in the mountainous regions. Airbnb has a whole section devoted to Caves, see here . Netherlands – Canal Boat Cruising Canal boat cruising is one of the most relaxing and leisurely holidays you can enjoy. Imagine a gentle trip along the canals of the Netherlands, taking in the scenery and stopping whenever you feel like it. There is a great comradery on the canals and you will find yourself making friends as you overnight in pretty towns and villages. See a great selection of boats for hire. Europe – Camping, Glamping and Caravanning If the great outdoors is your idea of heaven, than a camping holidays is perfect. There has been a big increase in more upmarket glamping and yurts in recent years. Pitchup.com are the recognised go-to site to find what you looking for in Ireland, UK, France, Italy and Spain. They have huge range of properties to choose from and rates can be reasonable. Many of the campsites are stunning, beside beaches and with swimming pools and facilities for children, see here .   USA – Unusual Tree Houses In recent years there has been a surge in the building of tree houses in the United States. They have become a very popular quirky holiday home for many people. These tree houses are not a few planks nailed together, but very comfortable home in the treetops. Furthermore, the locations are usually ideal for family with lots of space for children to explore. You can see a variety of places to rent not just in the United States, but across the world. There is also a series of helpful articles of how to build a treehouse, see here .  Have you got a favourite quirky place you rent, let us know on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .

Thinking of the Canary Islands, many reminisce of fond times along the Puerto Del Carmen strip, memories at Siam and Loro Parque or partying the night away in Playa de las Americas. We rarely think of the archipelago as a haven for those seeking healing and meaningful mindfulness. . Thanks to its incredible landscape and the efforts of the local people, the Canary Islands has become one of the world’s leading destinations for mindfulness. The calm atmosphere felt throughout the archipelago has led to the establishment of facilities specially designed for mindfulness, including yoga and meditation, as well as surfing, diving, and trekking and of course, there are few places better in the world to watch the sun go down. Meditate on Mount Teide, Tenerife Enjoy a meditation experience out of this world on Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain and the world’s third tallest volcano. Climb Mount Teide and meditate during the early hours of the morning when the sun rises from the ocean. Alternatively, stay on the foothills, a unique landscape described by poets as resembling the moon. Our Retreat Pick:  Estilo Verde in Güímar deserves a mention for its yoga, mindfulness and meditation expertise. Located amongst volcanoes, avocado farms and the Atlantic Ocean, this centre offers accommodation and teachers of exceptional warmth and experience.  Bathe on the Beaches of Fuerteventura In the more than 150 kilometres of shoreline, no two beaches on the island of Fuerteventura are the same. For those who practice yoga, meditation and other mindfulness activities on the pristine sands and pebbly shores, it is soon discovered that each beach has its own personality. The main beach on the Isle of Lobos, La Concha, is an ideal place to practice mindfulness. This special beach, located on this 4.5km squared uninhabited island, is a picture of calm with virtually white sand and – at times – totally still Atlantic, offering over a kilometre of tranquillity. It can be reached in just fifteen minutes by boat from Corralejo in the north of Fuerteventura. Retreat Pick:  Casa de La Pared is a retreat which offers an eleven-day course of Mindful Surf and Yoga. The schedule includes daily yoga and meditation sessions as well as surfing lessons. A vegan menu is provided along with surfing and yoga equipment. Find yourself in Gran Canaria  Famed for its varied landscape, Gran Canaria boasts lush green scenery in the north and an arid south coast. The island is home to mountains reaching up to 2,000 metres, including Morro de la Agujereada, with envious views. Beaches in Gran Canaria vary from crystal clear waters and startling rock faces and yellow sand, like Guayedra, to black volcanic sand, like Güi Güi which overlooks Mount Teide. Retreat Pick:  The Mahalo Healthy House, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. A typical eight-day stay would involve nineteen hours of yoga classes, mindfulness and holistic workshops, and four excursions to notable locations on the island. Experience Nature in Lanzarote Lanzarote’s antidote to worries is its rare natural beauty, home to hundreds of volcanos, lava fields, palm-lined valleys, dreamy beaches with turquoise water and charming little towns with white houses. A 10-kilometre leisurely walk around the Caldera Blanca crater is a great place to disconnect and absorb the wonders of the natural world. In the south of the island, five minutes by car from Playa Blanca, the isolated natural pools of Los Charcones are a perfect place to take a dip, plunge under the water and remember the pleasures of life. For the ultimate experience, meditate on the rocks while you cool off. Retreat Pick:  In the interior of the island, surrounded by vineyards, Shama Retreats have a reputation for exceptional accommodation and healing activities. Their double cabins and vegan and vegetarian menus are ideally suited to the mindful traveller.   Stargaze in La Palma From the very early days of human existence, the night sky has been a source of tremendous exhilaration. La Palma is famed for its clear skies, which is why an astronomical observatory was built on top of Roque de Los Muchachos, a rock formation some 2,420 metres above sea level. Visitors to La Palma can join scientists in staring at the celestial phenomenon above our heads. To let go and gaze up at the stars is to imagine the origins of the earth and the universe. Restore Your Mind in La Gomera Laurel forests are a type of subtropical forest which date back millions of years and the island of La Gomera is one of the few places in the world in which they still survive. Besides this, the island is renowned for its lush ravines, valleys coloured by green palm trees, black sand beaches, crystal clear waters and lush forests with springs. Along any stretch of the 650 kilometres of walking paths, ramblers discover the equanimity of being removed from the din of civilization. Retreat Pick:  The Parador de la Gomera offers retreats for tired minds with yoga, detoxes, meditation, massages, mindfulness talks and excursions. Sleep in restful rooms is provided along with food developed especially to purify the body.   Unwind in La Graciosa The sights of a dirt track stretching off into the distance, a fisherman’s house perched above a golden cover, and miles of turquoise sea are peaceful. La Graciosa is the ideal place for silence. The smallest of the Canary Islands has around 700 inhabitants and is the perfect setting for those seeking a holiday away from the world.  Retreat Pick:  Organized out of his little paradise hideaway, the retreats of Yogi José Antonio Machado (connected to Mundo Armonía Lanzarote) are a great place to discover this tiny island for the first time.   For more information please visit  www.hellocanaryislands.com

Mallorca is a perennial top Mediterranean hot-spot for summer sun-seekers. However, it has far more to offer visitors than just – albeit, amazing – beaches; Palma and Magaluf. The island’s insane popularity can mean that the typical tourist spots are often just that – very touristy. So where should you head to if you’d rather experience the more local and authentic side of Mallorca? Holidu, the booking portal for holiday rentals , has analysed Google searches made by Spanish people in the past year to uncover which towns in Mallorca are the most popular . This means you can escape the crowds of the busier tourist traps and head to the towns that Spaniards themselves are eager to visit. Petra – 4,400 monthly searches on Google Petra is officially the most popular small town in Majorca, according to searches by Spanish people. With a population of fewer than 3,000 people, Petra is a tiny rural town located in the centre of Majorca. This picturesque town is full of life, thanks to its many squares where you can find the bars and restaurants located. Petra is also well-known as being the birthplace of Fray Junipero Serra, a missionary who is claimed to have founded California. Sóller – 3,600 monthly searches on Google Situated in the ‘Valley of Oranges’, also known as the ‘Valley of Gold’, is the second most popular small town in Majorca, Sóller. This mountainous town is home to less than 14,000 inhabitants and is about three kilometres from the nearest coast. Sóller boasts stunning architecture that incorporates Caribbean-colonial buildings and Catalan Modernism style, which can be best admired in the town square, Plaza Constitución and Gran Via. One of the main attractions here is the Sóller Train, a railway line that connects the small town with the capital of Palma and takes passengers through a route of olives and oranges from the Tramuntana mountains. Campos – 1,900 monthly searches on Google Heading to the southeast of Majorca now, we find Campos, a traditional rural town that is home to less than 11,000 people. Campos hosts two morning markets each week, on Thursday and Saturday, where the entire town flocks to the market stalls to buy fresh local produce. This town is located in a region that is home to some of the best and most popular beaches on the whole island, including Es Trenc and Sa Rapita. Artà – 1,600 monthly searches on Google The 4th most popular small town in Majorca is Artà, just a few kilometres inland from the northeast coast. This town has managed to retain its authentic Majorcan charm due to being largely untouched by the mass of tourism that has saturated other parts of the island. One of the biggest attractions in Artá is the historical landmarks you can find here, including the Sanctuary de Sant Salvador, as well as the fortress walls that surround it. The town is also famous for its local pottery and basket weaving, which you can find on Tuesdays at its weekly market. Artá is also within easy reach of some of Majorca’s famous caves, like the Caves d’Arta and Coves del Drac. Valldemossa – 1,300 monthly searches on Google Valldemossa secures its place as the 5th most popular small town in Majorca this year. Perched on a hilltop in the Tramuntana mountains, this is actually the highest town in Majorca. Less than 2,000 people call Valldemossa home, making it the smallest town in our top 10. This town enjoys a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere thanks to its small population and car-free alley streets but does experience a spike in tourists during the summer months, so perhaps choose to visit during the low season. A mere 15-minute drive from the town centre will take you to the quiet Port Valldemossa, where you can enjoy tranquillity and nature by the sea. The town is also an ideal base for hiking lovers wishing to explore the Tramuntana mountain range.

Spend A Day in Queens Enjoying Authentic Food From Around the World, Unique Arts and Culture Venues, Beautiful Beaches and Riverfront Parks With Stupendous Views NYC & Company is NYC’s official destination marketing organization for the five boroughs of New York City. They have loads of tips, suggestions and the latest advice for enjoying and exploring New York City. They are inviting locals and visitors alike to explore  Queens Like a New Yorker  as part of the organization’s  “Get Local NYC”  initiative. See world-famous tennis stars at the U.S. Open or a Mets game at Citi Field. Hit the beach in the Rockaways. Hop the subway to Jackson Heights or Flushing and enjoy food from around the world. Queens is also home to several major museums and arts venues, including the Museum of the Moving Image, Socrates Sculpture Park, the Noguchi Museum, MoMA PS1 and more. “Queens holds the Guinness Book World Record as the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world, with at least 138 languages spoken,” said  NYC Company President and CEO Fred Dixon . “For visitors, it’s a great place to experience New York City’s diversity, including authentic cuisine from cultures around the world. It’s also a great place to watch tennis legends play in the U.S. Open, travel back in time to the 1964 World’s Fair, or take a beach day at the Rockaways. Whether you want to visit the home of jazz great Louis Armstrong, see contemporary art at MoMA PS1 or enjoy a night out at a bar or brewery, Queens is the ultimate destination.” Planes, ferries, buses and trains: There are so many ways to get to Queens. Hop on the No. 7 subway line to experience Queens. Take the train from Times Square, Fifth Avenue or Grand Central to Court Square to visit MoMA PS1 in Long Island City. Use Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue stop to explore Latin American and Asian eateries and businesses. For Mets games or the U.S. Open, take the 7 to Mets-Willets Point. And for Asian food, shopping and New York City history, stay till the last stop in Flushing. The N and W lines serve Astoria, the A train goes to Rockaway, and the M, R and F lines go to Forest Hills and Jamaica. Flying to LaGuardia or JFK airports in Queens, taxis, rideshares and express buses are available to and from the airports. For $5, the AirTrain takes passengers from the A line’s Howard Beach-JFK station to JFK Airport. For public transit to and from LaGuardia, take the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus from the Jackson Heights or Woodside stations on the No. 7 subway line. Several  NYC Ferry  routes serve Queens from Manhattan and Brooklyn for just $2.75 each way, with stops in Long Island City, Astoria and Rockaway. HOTELS Queens has over 100 hotels from major brands like Holiday Inn, Hilton and Marriott, to boutique hotels like the Collective Paper Factory in Long Island City or Rockaway Hotel + Spa, billed as an urban beach getaway. A number are located within a mile or two of the airports. One of the city’s most popular hotels is onsite at Kennedy Airport: the TWA Hotel, housed in the landmark Eero Saarinen–designed flight center. Watch jets taking off from the TWA Hotel’s rooftop pool! NEIGHBORHOODS Queens has 91 neighbourhoods, more than any other borough. At 109 square miles, it’s also the largest of New York City’s five boroughs. Below are some highlights and attractions. LONG ISLAND CITY The ferry to Long Island City leaves passengers by Gantry Plaza State Park, a 12-acre waterfront oasis with stunning views of Manhattan across the river. MoMA PS1 is one of the country’s largest contemporary art institutions and an affiliate of Manhattan’s Museum of Modern Art. In addition to exhibitions, MoMA PS1 hosts performances and concerts and has an onsite Greek restaurant. Culture Lab LIC  is an arts and culture hub presenting art of all genres, while supporting New York artists and other nonprofits by providing space, resources and a sense of community.  ASTORIA Astoria is known for authentic Greek food, with popular spots like Stamatis Restaurant, Telly’s Taverna, Taverna Kyclades and Agnanti. However, the neighborhood is also home to three unique arts venues. The Museum of the Moving Image is dedicated to the history of film, television and digital media. Its collection includes vintage film equipment; costumes and props from famous movies and shows; video games and other interactive activities, and exhibitions about popular shows like “The Walking Dead,” plus screenings and an ongoing exhibition devoted to Muppets puppeteer Jim Henson. To get to the museum by subway, take the R or M to Steinway Street or the N or W to 36th Avenue. Socrates Sculpture Park hosts large-scale contemporary artworks and multimedia installations in an outdoor waterfront park near the Astoria ferry stop. Across the street, the Noguchi Museum showcases work by the Japanese American artist Isamu Noguchi in what was originally his home and studio. SUNNYSIDE ,  JACKSON HEIGHTS  AND EAST ELMHURST One of the first stops as the 7 train heads into Queens is Sunnyside’s 40th Street-Lowery Street station. Try Nita’s European Bakery, Alewife Brewing and Thalia Spanish Theatre, which hosts live performances in English and Spanish. Next stop on the 7 train: Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue. Two-thirds of Jackson Heights residents are foreign-born, and they’ve turned it into a culinary paradise with eateries from around the world. Jackson Heights is also home to one of the City’s largest LGBTQ+ communities. Gay bars and clubs in Jackson Heights include Friends Tavern; Hombres Lounge; and the Latin gay clubs True Colors and New Club Evolution. Queens Pride House, an LGBTQ+ community and cultural centre, is located in Jackson Heights, and the neighbourhood also hosts the annual Queens Pride Parade. Jackson Heights has a historic district as well, preserving Tudor, Romanesque and Renaissance garden apartment buildings. A unique sign in the historic district honours Alfred Mosher Butts, who invented Scrabble there in 1938. The street sign at the corner of 81st Street and 35th Avenue is designed to look like a set of Scrabble tiles, with a numerical value shown for each letter in the word “Avenue” and the “th” in “35th” (The sign is worth 14 Scrabble points.) CORONA Take the 7 train to the Mets-Willets Point station to reach Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and Citi Field, where the Mets play baseball. The tennis stadium is not only an amazing place to catch rising stars and world-famous legends at the U.S. Open — but it’s a great place to eat. The World’s Fair opened in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in 1964, and many Queens landmarks and institutions located in and near the park are connected to the fair. Two 100-foot-tall NASA rockets stand outside the New York Hall of Science. The Unisphere, a 12-story steel globe that was built for the fair, has become an icon of Queens and New York City. The globe has been featured in movies like “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Men in Black” and “Iron Man 2.” The Queen’s Museum is housed in a building that dates to the 1939 World’s Fair. Its most famous display, the “Panorama of the City of New York,” is a scale model of the city that debuted at the ’64 fair. The panorama, updated in 1992, includes models of every building built before 1992 (nearly 900,000 in total), along with every street, park and bridge, on a scale of 1 to 1,200. The island of Manhattan is 70 feet long, the Empire State Building 15 inches tall. Flushing Meadows Park is also home to a zoo, a vintage carousel, and the Playground for All Children, one of the first outdoor playgrounds designed to accommodate children with disabilities. On certain Saturday evenings in spring, summer and fall, the park hosts the Queens Night Market, featuring mom-and-pop vendors selling homemade food from around the world. The Queens Botanical Garden is nearby too.   ROCKAWAY , JACOB RIIS PARK, AND JAMAICA BAY WILDLIFE REFUGE When New Yorkers want to get away from it all without leaving the city, they often head to Rockaway. This peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean is 5 and a half miles long but just a few blocks wide; it’s famous for big waves, surfers and a small-town vibe. Rockaway was hard hit by Superstorm Sandy in 2012, but the ocean boardwalk has been rebuilt and its beaches attract millions of visitors each year. Designated surfing areas are located at Beach 68-71 streets, Beach 87-91 streets, and Beach 110-111 streets; it’s fun to watch the surfers catching waves and lessons are available for newcomers. Mom-and-pop vendors serve up great food in concession areas on the beach and on the neighbourhood’s side streets. Popular dining spots include the Bungalow Bar, Uma’s and Rockaway Beach Surf Club. To get there, take the A train or a ferry. The hour-long trip by boat from Wall Street in Manhattan is just $2.75 (the price will increase to $4 beginning September 12) and comes with spectacular views of Lower Manhattan, Coney Island, and even the occasional pod of dolphins frolicking in the open water. The boat also picks up passengers in Brooklyn. The ferry docks on the bay side of the Rockaway peninsula, and from there it’s a short walk along 108th Street to the ocean beaches. Ferry service ends early in the evening, so pay attention to the schedule for return trips. Street parking in the Rockaways is limited during beach season, but there’s a large paid parking lot at Jacob Riis Park on the southeastern side of the peninsula. Riis is part of Gateway National Recreation Area, so it doesn’t have the neighbourhood feel or local streets found elsewhere in the Rockaways, but it does have a beautiful beach and fantastic food vendors. Riis can also be reached by a free shuttle bus from the Rockaway ferry drop-off site, or via the Q35 bus or Q53 to the Q22 bus. The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is also part of Gateway National Recreation Area. It’s located on an island connected by bridges to the Howard Beach section of Queens on one side and to Rockaway on the other. More than 300 species of birds have been spotted at the wildlife refuge. There are hiking trails, activities led by park rangers, and ponds for hand-paddled watercraft. To get there by public transit, catch the Q53 bus to Cross Bay Boulevard-Wildlife Refuge or take the A to Broad Channel. Visitors to Riis, Rockaway and the wildlife refuge can also take advantage of bike lanes and multi-use paths for bikers, skaters and pedestrians. Look for the red and green routes on the  National Park Service Jamaica Bay Greenway map  or consider doing all or part of an  18-mile bike loop  around the area that includes an adjacent section of Brooklyn. REGO PARK AND  FOREST HILLS Some 50,000 Bukharian Jews from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan have settled in Queens in the last few decades, mostly in Rego Park and parts of Forest Hills. That led to a new nickname for the area: Queensistan. It’s also given rise to well-regarded eateries like Shashlichnaya Restaurant and the Rokhat Kosher Bakery. Elsewhere in Rego Park, Knish Nosh is famous for its knishes; Andre’s Hungarian bakery is across the street. The M and R trains stop at 63rd Drive in Rego Park. Just east of Rego Park, Forest Hills has several pop-culture claims to fame. Spider-Man fans may recall that Peter Parker lived in Forest Hills; the Beatles played Forest Hills Stadium in 1964. The stadium still puts on a full schedule of events, with upcoming concerts by Death Cab for Cutie and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, along with a show called “The Big Climate Thing” featuring Haim, The Roots, Sheryl Crow and more. Members of the legendary punk rock band The Ramones met at Forest Hills High School. A mural depicting the band can be seen on the Thorneycroft Ramp between 66th Road and 66th Avenue near 99th Street. RIDGEWOOD Gottscheer Hall has been serving German food and beer in Ridgewood for nearly a century, but newer businesses reflect its growing Latino community, including Pupusas Ridgewood (Salvadoran stuffed tortillas); Cachapas y Mas (Venezuelan street food); the Dominican-owned eateries Cafe Moca, Listo El Chimi and Chiquita’s; Super Pollo (Ecuadoran rotisserie chicken); Las Chilangas (Mexican); and Tequila Time, a bar and restaurant that’s women-led and LGBTQ+-friendly. Small businesses in the area include Stay Forever (gifts, accessories and jewellery) and Deep Cuts record store. Take the M train to Forest Avenue or the L to Myrtle-Wyckoff. RICHMOND HILL Little Guyana, an ethnic enclave in Queens, is located in Richmond Hill and Ozone Park. It is also home to many New Yorkers with roots in Trinidad and other parts of the Caribbean. Try Little Guyana Bake Shop, Trini Delite Roti Shop, TrinCiti Roti Shop, Bakewell Bakery & Restaurant, Shivram’s Bakery and Sybil’s along Liberty Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard. Shops selling saris reflect the Indian heritage that many Guyanese and Trinidadian families have. Take the A train to the Lefferts Boulevard stop. JAMAICA AND ST. ALBANS The many Black-owned restaurants, shops and cultural spots in the Jamaica section of Queens speak to the neighbourhood’s African American and Afro Caribbean identity. Caribbean food is on the menu at The Door, Genesis Restaurant, Bebe Fritay and Jamaican Flavors. Go meatless at  DeeGee’s Vegan 360 , or try the Soul Sundays menu at  Burgers Tacos Wings & Seafood . For an evening out, visit  Vibes , a lounge with good food and music. Check out Rotten Apple Wear for Queens-themed gear, and VP Records, a record shop and headquarters for a reggae-and-soca record label. Soak up some history at the King Manor Museum and Rufus King Park, named for an anti-slavery advocate and signer of the U.S. Constitution. See what’s happening at  Roy Wilkins Park  which hosts events like the  Jamaica Jerk Festival . Wilkins Park is also home to the  Black Spectrum Theatre Company. Jamaica has a substantial Bangladeshi community as well. Admire the jewelry, saris, and salwar kameez garments on display at  Riwaz , and check out eateries like Ghoroa and Dhaka Sweets. In the nearby St. Albans neighbourhood, take a walk around the beautiful  Addisleigh Park Historic District , known for its early 20th century Tudor and neo-Colonial Revival homes. Many famous African Americans lived here, including Jackie Robinson, Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie. For further information on exploring Queens, visit  nycgo.com/queens .

Luxury honeymoons shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all, they should be carefully tailored to suit you. The Travel Specialists at OROKO Travel are sharing reasons why you should leave your honeymoon in their hands and their top five recommended destinations. A honeymoon is a trip to remember. It’s the first chance to spend quality time together without everyday pressures. After almost two years of delaying plans, honeymooners are on the lookout for something that will make the wait worthwhile. According to Mary Masterson, Travel Specialist at OROKO: “Many couples who come to us are already stressed about organising the wedding and want us to take the stresses and strains of organising their honeymoon away. As we specialise in luxury holidays, we partner with some of the best accommodation providers which allows us to offer better value than you would find by booking yourself online.” When to book your honeymoon OROKO recommends that couples book their honeymoon around 10 months in advance, this way they can get you the best value for money and you’ll have a larger selection of properties to choose from. Whatever time of year you’re planning on going, they will advise on the best destinations to visit. For those planning their honeymoon, OROKO are sharing destinations that are trending this year and next. Bali Bali is home to incredible five-star properties and offers excellent value for money. A year-round destination, couples are not under pressure to travel at a particular time of year. The island’s lush interior is filled with fascinating cultural, spiritual and historic discoveries, all edged by the endless stretches of paradisal coastline. Combine stylish Seminyak, the cultural hub of Ubud and picture-perfect Uluwatu. There are easy flight connections where you can fly to Dubai, or it also works well in combination with Kuala Lumpur or a Singapore city break. Amalfi Coast, Italy The Amalfi Coast is proving most popular this year with couples travelling to Italy. The properties here are absolutely beautiful and ideal for honeymooners. It is also close to home; perfect for those who want a luxury honeymoon but don’t want a long flight. It’s a very romantic destination, where you can visit and stay in Sorrento and Positano with day trips to Capri and along the Amalfi Coast. It’s also perfect for couples who are interested in food and wine. OROKO can tailor exclusive experiences – like cliffside wine tastings, privately-guided coastal tours and Michelin-starred dining. Greece Greece is always on our top list for honeymoons, with Santorini and Mykonos being particularly popular this year. The attraction is obvious: stunning beaches, iconic landmarks, and world-class shopping. There are lots of interesting experiences to be enjoyed together – like wine tasting, a guided exploration of the buried city of Akrotiri, and motorboat excursions. The beautiful properties here are also a huge draw for couples. It’s also very romantic, especially if you can go slightly off-season, when it’s not busy. When not exploring the fascinating islands, honeymooners can rest their heads in villas and suites oozing luxury, dine by famous sunsets, and experience unforgettable memories. Maldives, Indian Ocean A nation of tiny atolls scattered across the equator, the Maldives are a tropical paradise and a treasure trove of ultra-luxurious resorts. This destination is ideal for couples who can plan a longer honeymoon and for those who are interested in an all-inclusive experience. OROKO recommends experiencing all-inclusive luxury in some of the few adults-only resorts in the Maldives, including Anantara Kihavah and Anantara Veli. We recommend travelling to the Maldives between May and October for the best weather. This destination can also be paired with a stop in Dubai on the way over or back home. South Africa combined with Mauritius South Africa is an incredible honeymoon destination due to its cultural diversity and wildlife. Many couples who plan their honeymoon with OROKO want something a little more adventurous, but also want a relaxing stay in the sun at the end. OROKO has seen a rise in bookings for safari holidays this year, particularly for South Africa and Mauritius. It is the perfect chance to enjoy an exhilarating South African safari, where honeymooners will have the chance to witness Africa’s Big Five, followed by relaxation on the pristine beaches of Mauritius. Honeymooners can enjoy guided game drives and stay in beautiful properties like Thornybush Private Game Reserve. After all the activity, they can relax in a luxurious adults-only resort on the Indian Ocean. To book your luxury honeymoon or for more travel inspiration, visit https://www.orokotravel.ie/

With the release of Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon this weekend, Celebrity Cruises invites guests to embark on an adventure, stepping foot on sites of momentous battles, victory, and defeat.  With Celebrity Cruises’ industry-transforming ships sailing across awe-inspiring European destinations – including Belfast, Iceland and Croatia – guests can experience Westeros and Essos for themselves, before returning to a true sanctuary at sea. On a bucket-list 11-night Iceland and Ireland cruise from Southampton, the recently ‘revolutionised’ Celebrity Silhouette will take guests to ‘Beyond the Wall’, in some of Iceland’s most picturesque locations. Guests can take a Glacier Safari from Akureyri to visit the vast landscapes of the home of the Free Folk. What’s more, porting in Belfast, the ‘ Trip To Winterfell ’ shore excursion will take fans of the show on a scenic coach ride to the historic Castle Ward Estate – or, the home of the Stark family – where they can try their hand at medieval archery in Game of Thrones dress. To join the fight for a place on the Iron Throne from one of Europe’s most beautiful escapes, guests can explore one of Game of Thrones’ most prominent filming locations, Dubrovnik, on a 10-night Italy, Croatia and Montenegro cruise. Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, the ground-breaking Celebrity Beyond , will take guests to the site of King’s Landing, where they can become immersed in the vibrant culture of a city rich in history. Plus, just a 15-minute ferry ride from the stunning walled city of Dubrovnik, sits the Iron Throne itself, on the Island of Lokrum. Or, in anticipation of the new series, fans can book to join Edge Series’ Celebrity Apex, on a Portugal, Spain and Malta cruise to bring the wondrous ‘Water Gardens of Dorne’ to life before their eyes at Real Alcazares. The ‘ Legendary Seville ’ shore excursion will take guests down cobbled streets towards the gorgeous palace, through a vibrant neighbourhood filled with artisan shops, cafes, and centuries-old gardens.  An unforgettable holiday is afoot…guests can book now to get in the spirit of House of Dragon, and find adventure across Europe’s most incredible destinations.  For all Celebrity Cruises 2022-2023 sailings, go to https://www.celebritycruises.com/gb/2022-2023-cruises .