1. Convenient Location

The W Hotel is so often considered to be the best hotel in Hong Kong because of its convenient location just next to the Kowloon MTR Station. Guests can get there directly from the airport in just under half an hour, while once there it is possible to tour Victoria Harbour and other Kowloon sites in just a matter of minutes. 

2. Dining

With three different restaurants offering incredible meals, the W Hotel is popular not just with guests but with local residents who come for the upscale cuisine. Try a modern fusion meal in the aptly named Kitchen, grab a quick bite to eat in the Living Room Lounge, or sit down for a traditional Cantonese meal at Sing Yin. 

3. Spa

The Bliss Spa in the W Hotel Hong Kong goes above and beyond the typical, traditional spa menu. Indulge in the brownie buffet while you wait for your treatment, or watch a movie as your manicure and pedicure dries. A full fitness facility offers group classes, personal trainers and saunas as well. 

4. Nightlife

As one of the Hong Kong’s most chic and trendy hotels, it should come as no surprise that the nightlife at the W Hotel is vibrant. The W Living Room Lounge transforms from a casual eatery into a happy hour bar and later an exciting club as DJs from around the world provide the beat and mixologists provide the perfect cocktails for the evening. 

5. Pool Deck

In a city like Hong Kong, the best views are often found on the highest flood of a building, so the W Hotel has transformed that deck into a tropical pool space. In the perfect blend of urban living and idyllic getaways, the pool deck overlooks Kowloon and is a lavish and relaxing space to enjoy year round. 

6. Whatever/Whenever Service

The concierge staff at the W Hotel in Hong Kong offer a unique and truly special service known as the Whatever/Whenever service that provides guests with whatever it is that they desire. Ask them to organize a romantic evening, find a traditional Chinese Junk for rent, get tickets to a sold out show or concert, make dinner reservations or anything else you can possible imagine.

The W Hotel is a fantastic resort, bathed in luxury, Vhip + Hotel offers 5 star holidays at great prices.

While the Daintree’s 12,000 hectares may not make it the largest National Park in Australia, within its borders are an enormous variety of the country’s indigenous plants and animals. 30% of Australia’s marsupial, frog and reptile species call the Daintree home, as do up to 65% of Australian bat and butterfly species. These are just a couple of examples that prove that the Daintree is an irreplaceable and not-to-be-missed Australian destination.

Thankfully, the Australian government realised the importance of the Daintree and took steps to ensure that this unique rainforest would not suffer the same fate as so many of the world’s tropical rainforests have and be exploited for its natural resources. Now a 12,000 hectare National Forest, it is strictly controlled to minimise our modern impact on its fragile ecosystem.

Arguably, the plant life in the Daintree is even more remarkable than its animal life. Botanists take a keen interest in the flora of the Daintree because of its ancient origins. Of the world’s nineteen primitive species of plants, twelve occur in the Daintree National Forest. One of these, the "Idiot Fruit," is said to be one of Australia’s and the world’s most important botanical discoveries, being one of the oldest fruits ever found.

Fortunately, a degree in botany is not necessary for you to get the most out of your exploration of the Daintree. You can learn all about it on one of the many guided tours on offer there. Even if guided tours are not your usual preference, you will find that these are the best way to get the most out of your visit.

One can’t miss tour is the Cooper Creek tour. Cooper Creek is located in the lowland heart of the Daintree and includes an enormous variety of flora and fauna. Both day and night excursions are available and both are highly recommended.

Another great way to see Daintree is to take a river excursion. Travelling aboard a comfortable, stable and safe vessel, your guide will point out features of the surrounding landscape you would probably overlook or not be aware of if you stumbled across them yourself. You will also be safe from the crocodiles you encounter along the way, too!

A short introduction to the Daintree simply doesn’t do it justice. You have to see it to believe it and give yourself plenty of time to take it all in. It’s not the sort of place you can get the most out of in a weekend. Book a Daintree accommodation and immerse yourself in 250 million years of living history.

Tourism in Coffs Harbour is a relatively recent development. According to legend, the first settlers there were escaped convicts. In the 1840s, the densely forested area started to be exploited for its timber. The harbor, too, was a bustling hive of activity until the 1865 Carywell ship wreck. For many years after that, it was considered too dangerous, until finally a lighthouse was erected in 1878.

Compared with fishing and forestry, banana growing was a relative latecomer to Coffs Harbour, but not long after banana plantations were established, the region became known as the "banana belt" and the "banana coast." The fact that the banana plantations extended almost to the edge of the busy Pacific Highway had something to do with this, but the construction of the "Big Banana" at the northern end of Coffs Harbour had more to do with it. For over forty years, the Big Banana has been a major Coffs Harbour attraction.

The first bananas were grown in Coffs Harbour towards the end of the 19th century, but the industry didn’t become big there until the 1920s, when a disease devastated banana crops north of the area. When the railway line was completed in 1923, Coffs Harbour finally became easily accessible from Sydney and the local tourism industry began.

Tourism never stopped developing in Coffs Harbour. The combination of balmy weather and clear, warm ocean waters made it popular with ocean loving Australians and the region is famous for surfing, fishing, scuba diving, whale watching and just plain lounging at the beach.

Of course, as tourism grew, so did the opportunities for tourist oriented businesses. Today, Coffs Harbour and surrounding areas are a shopper’s cornucopia. Aside from all the local enterprises, smaller communities like Bellingen, in the hinterland to the west of Coffs Harbour are famous throughout Australia for their arts and crafts communities. In Bellingen, establishments like the Old Butter Factory and the Yellow Shed offer hand crafted gifts, souvenirs, furniture and homewares that can be found nowhere else in Australia.

Not far from Coffs Harbour is the town of Woolgoolga. You can’t miss it because of the large domed structure that resembles a mini Taj Mahal. Woolgoolga was settled originally primarily by Indian migrants and is famous throughout Australia for having some of the best authentic Indian cuisine in the country.

Clearly, you can’t see everything the Holiday Coast has to offer in just a day or two. Don’t just make the Coffs Harbour area a short stopover. Settle down in a Coffs Harbour accommodation and give yourself time to see everything it has to offer. Don’t limit yourself to the town center and beaches, either. Explore the towns and villages all around Coffs Harbour and you will see firsthand why it is called the Holiday Coast.

History

Explore Barcelona’s rich artistic history at the Museu Picasso. Set in a series of medieval stone houses, the museum’s collections include works from Picasso’s early days. No visitor to Spain can fail to notice the Spanish obsession with football, or soccer as it’s known in the U.S. Learn about the history of the beautiful sport at the Museu del Futbol Club Barcelona. Located next to the city’s stadium, this homage to futbal contains photographs and artifacts from the club’s long history. Marvel at the La Sagrada Família, Gaudi’s most famous structure. Still unfinished after more than 100 years of construction, this tall, spiralling church — consecrated by the Pope — is an architectural wonder. 

Culture

Spend an afternoon strolling through the architectural wonderland that is Park Guell. Designed by famed architect Gaudi, this public park is filled with curving benches, ceramic reptiles, amazing views and houses straight out of a fairy tale. No trip to Barcelona would be complete without a walk through the l’Eixample district, full of modernist structures such as Gaudi’s La Pedera. Stop by the Fundació Joan Miró, a gallery filled with Miro’s abstract works or visit the charming Museu del Calçat, a museum filled with shoes worn by celebrities.

Dine

For a taste of local cuisine, explore the Mercat de la Boqueria. This fresh-foods market, frequented by local chefs, sells everything from produce and meats to wine, cheeses and seafood. Head to Bar Celta for tapas — Spanish for appetizers – and a glass of wine before dinner. The restaurant’s menu focuses on fresh seafood. Settle in at the Cafè Zurich for an afternoon of people watching. Set on the bustling Plaça de Catalunya, this café is open late and features outdoor seating. 

Stay

Barcelona is full of hotels, ranging from huge international chains to quirky boutique accommodations. If you prefer a sleek, urban feel, stay at the Axel Hotel Barcelona. This contemporary boutique hotel features a day spa and thoughtfully decorated rooms. Antique lovers will enjoy the Hotel Graniva; set in a renovated 1800s-era building in the vibrant L’Eixample district, the Hotel features antiques and period furnishings. Art enthusiasts can stay at the Hotel Claris, which contains a museum-grade collection of modern art. If you’re traveling on a budget, stay at the Hostal Gat Raval. It’s designed for backpackers, yet offers stylish, comfortable rooms.

The Luton Airport Parking team hope you enjoyed this weekend guide to Barcelona.

As one of the destinations of Luton Airport, you may find yourself flying from there to Barcelona. If you do, and you are looking for parking at Luton Airport; be sure to visit their website.

Throughout this article, we’ll provide you with some little short-cuts to help make ends meet so you can still get to experience this must-see world famous, and largest Aussie city.

Food/Drink
Vegemite sandwiches and 2 minute noodles will suffice for a few days, at best. However you’re going to need real food that sustains your hunger. In and around the city hotspots such as Kings Cross, China Town the CBD and Circular Quay, keep your eye out for bakeries and food kiosks. Many offer cheap yet nourishing breakfast options such as coffee/muffin or coffee/toasty or ham & cheese croissants/coffee for under $5.00. Tip: Some offer discounts if you eat out rather than require table service. 

And for lunch or dinner, there’s plenty of specials being offered in exchange for your travelling dollar. For under $10.00 The Bodega Cafe in Surry Hills offers a great menu with loads of specials for between $5.00 – $10.00 per main meal – Make sure you try their famous wagyu burger and Chorizo roll with chimichurri. Other super-cheap eat-outs for chomping around town include the 60 + Asian restaurants in China Town. Take your pick from these cuisines on every corner: Korean, Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese. Entrees start at just $2.00 as well as yum cha for under $6.00 per person. If you like it spicy, Flying Fajita Sistas in Glebe offers authentic Mexican Tacos and tequila shots for $3.00.       

Sightseeing and Culture
Getting from A to B isn’t a problem, and there’s no shortage of free or low-cost places to go and see, and the mono-rail can get you to any of the central locations around the city. If the $200 price tag attached to the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb isn’t an option, for under $10.00, head to Pylon Lookout for the same vantage point.

Hyde Park hosts the historical Anzac Memorial. Hyde Park is akin to New York’s Central Park, offering magnificent beauty and nature walks overlooking the water, and provides hundreds of tall trees that inhabit sleeping bats scattered throughout the park, perfect for a picnic or even as a cheap yet romantic dating idea with your boyfriend or girlfriend. An ideal location to ‘pop the question’ if you have romance and dating in mind with your sweetheart. For an afternoon of more famous Sydney treats, jump on the bus (grab a 3 day travel pass for $12.00) and head 10 minutes East to Bondi Beach, and chances are, you’ll spot a celebrity or two!

The Art Gallery of NSW and the Contemporary Art Museum offer free entry for those with an appreciation for world class art exhibits. Other famous museums and galleries include the Powerhouse Museum, as well as various other galleries scattered throughout the Rocks, which showcase some of the finest Aboriginal paintings in the country.

Accommodation
Your best bet for cheap accommodation will be a hostel, starting from $25.00 for a shared dorm. And if you require some privacy for both yourself and the person you might be dating or your boyfriend/girlfriend, expect to shell out around $50 per night. Check out the deals offered by the YHA which has several central locations around Sydney. YHA accommodation typically has clean facilities and friendly staff with an NRMA rating of 3 stars.

Entertainment
The singles and dating scene is one of the most vibrant and diverse in the world. Whether you’re in town as a solo traveller looking for love, lust, casual dating or just any type of companionship, the scene is electric, and you’ll simply never want to leave. Happy hour venues are always a good option, and these are aplenty in Sydney. We’ve also tracked down some other cool entertainment venues with a very reasonable price tag. The Mars Lounge offers $10.00 cocktails until midnight. The Sanctuary Hotel at Darling Harbour offers $3.00 drinks before 9PM, the venue is also a hotspot for backpackers. While you’re at Darling Harbour, check out some other trendy venues like Tokio Hotel and Home Bar – but only stop by these bars if money is no object.

This Sydney travel piece was written by Matt Fuller. Matt also writes about other related topics including singles dating travel, online dating sites advice, Sydney entertainment reviews and free dating websites tips for single people.

Theme parks like Dreamworld, Sea World and Warner Brothers Movie World make the Gold Coast Australia’s favourite family vacation destination. Equally exciting and lavish theme parks on the Gold Coast include the water parks, Wet ‘n’ Wild and White Water World and the Australian Outback Spectacular, which gives visitors a taste of the great Australian Outback.

The Gold Coast is Australia’s number one favourite place for young holiday makers. During “schoolies week”, recent high school graduates flock to the Gold Coast to celebrate. For that matter, they come to the Gold Coast to celebrate whenever they get the chance. There is always something happening on the Gold Coast.

During the day, the beach is the most popular Gold Coast playground. The beaches and point breaks ralong this stretch of coast include some of the world’s most famous surf spots. The quality of waves on the Gold Coast make it one of the world’s most sought after surfing destinations. International competitions featuring the world’s best surfers have been held there since the 1970s.

Right in the middle of all of the activity is an island of tranquillity. The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary had humble beginnings as one man’s bird sanctuary. It has now grown into the world’s largest collection of Australian wildlife and is  something you definitely won’t want to miss when you’re on the Gold Coast.

A couple of the "minor" attractions that attract tens of thousands of visitors every year include Dracula’s Haunted House and the Infinity maze. Both of these are located in the heart of the Gold Coast. Take a ride up to the top of the tallest residential tower in the world and see it all spread out before you.

If it all gets too much for you and you want to escape into the hills for a day or so,  this is easily done. The Gold Coast hinterland shows you another side of Queensland. In no time at all, you can be out of the action and in the middle of nature. When you need a day off from all your adventures, then a stroll around a quaint village or walk down to a waterfall in a National Park is sure to restore your spirits.

As you can see, there is much more to the Gold Coast than theme parks and beaches.  When they say the Gold Coast has it all, they mean it literally. It is not a place you want to stay for just a day or two, so plan ahead and book a Gold Coast accommodation for as long as you can. You won’t want to miss a thing.

The region was first inhabited by Ute-Azteca Indian’s who referred to the area as “Lagonas” – their word for lakes.  The Spanish arrived and named the entire region of hills and coasts, “La Cañada de Las Lagunas” which translates as “The Canyon of Lakes,” named for the little lakes nestled in the San Joaquin Hills.  After the Civil War, American homesteaders moved onto the coastal government lands for eucalyptus timber farming.  With few roads, the high hillsides kept the struggling homesteaders relatively isolated from contact with the inland valleys until disputes with the Irvine Ranch settled on an agreement allowing the creation of a road through the canyon into the valley.  Laguna Canyon Road (now CA Highway 133) was built connecting Laguna Beach to Irvine in the east, while Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) ran north and south towards Newport Beach and Dana Point.

When the Laguna Canyon Road opened in the early 1900s, farmers from the inland valleys of Irvine, Santa Ana and Riverside flocked to the seaside to escape the high heat of summer.  The few homesteaders found a way to supplement their meager incomes by renting out sections of the beach to visitors and soon tents sprung up on the sand by the dozen, while savvy entrepreneurs established the first hotels in the town.  Each year the town grew larger and each year the residents of inland Los Angeles and Orange County returned to the quiet town for summers.  Thus began Laguna Beach’s burgeoning tourist industry – still the cornerstone of their local economy – so that people for around the world can come and enjoy this quiet beach town in vacation villas like The Retreat in Laguna.

When visitors returned home from vacation with reports of the picturesque beaches and rocky cliffs, landscape artist amassed along the shore ready to capture its beauty and lay the foundations of a year round artist enclave.  By the 1920’s, the tradition of holding art exhibitions was established as an annual past time for artist to display and sell their works to well-to-do patrons on vacation.  To this day, Laguna Beach is highly supportive of its local and visiting artists.  There are galleries all about town and each summer, millions of visitors come just to partake in on of the annul summer festivals such as the famous Pageant of the Masters, the Sawdust Festival and Art-A-Fair. 

Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge is a popular location for tourists as it is one of Europe’s most impressive canyons as well as the longest. If you attempt to trek the entire 11 mile route you’ll be rewarded with impressive panoramic views, greeted by a host of wild animals and experience an unrivalled sense of achievement and well being. Daily buses travel from the town of Chania to Xyloskalo at the head of the gorge. From here you’ll hike through Samaria National Park and end up with views of Libyan sea as you approach the town of Agia Roumeli. The journey can be particularly strenuous in those hot summer months so be prepared!

Spinalonga

Situated towards the North-East of Crete, Spinalonga is a notorious island which was home to last leper colony in Europe. The island retains an eerie yet rich and cultured feel and is perfect for a day trip. Originally, Spinalonga used to be attached to Crete, however when under Venetian rule the island was separated from the coast in a defence strategy. Today the island is uninhibited and visitors are free to roam the island or book an island tour. Here you’ll get to walk around the island’s fortress, old shops, abandoned houses and if you’re feeling brave, head down to “Dante’s Gate”.

Hersonissos: Aquaworld Aquarium

A location for all the family. This aquarium has been open in Crete for over 16 years and remains a popular tourist destination. It’s a very affordable day out with entrance only costing 6 Euros for adults and 4 Euros for children. Staff are on hand to guide you around the aquarium, offering their knowledge to parents whilst children stand in awe mimicking many species of animal on show. As well as boasting a number of different finned friends, Aquaworld is also home to a number of reptiles including a resident Nile crocodile and several lizards and snakes. Show the children that you have no fear by posing with a python (or a tortoise if you’re not feeling that courageous)!

Elafonissi Beach

One of the most popular beaches on the island and once you visit once, you’ll realise why. It can get very popular in the school holidays here, so an ideal time to visit is just before or after peak holiday season where you’ll enjoy a little more freedom.  With crystal clear turquoise waters, pink sand and wonderful surrounding villages, Elfaonissi is family friendly but also perfect for couples or individuals looking to top up their tans in a tranquil paradise.

Blue Dolphin Diving Centre

Always liked the idea of scuba diving but never tried it? There’s no better place to ahem, jump in at the deep end than at the Blue Dolphin Diving Centre in the village of Elounda. Veteran scuba divers are allowed to use their own equipment however there is extensive equipment available to new and experienced divers. Learn how to scuba dive and gain scuba diving certifications from one of the most reputable dive centres in Europe. When you’re feeling confident enough you’ll be able to start exploring hidden coves and bays as you start to find that Crete is as beautiful below shore as above it!

So there we have it, your quick guide to Crete is complete. The locations are mapped out for you, all you have to do is find you hotel and book those tickets. Enjoy!

Scott Cole is a travel writer who particular enjoys spending time at villas in Crete and when time allows, going on luxury holidays in Mallorca.

In 1978, package holidays began to hit Lanzarote after the development of Puerto del Carmen. This proved such a success that the resorts of Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca followed and quickly became equally popular holiday destinations. However, there are more tranquil parts of this starkly beautiful island that can be enjoyed by those seeking a more relaxed time at their own pace. Holiday lettings in Lanzarote range from basic two bedroom villas in complexes to luxury properties with beautiful landscape gardens.

Despite this influx of tourists, local authority regulations on the amount and style of development mean that there is no ugly billboard advertising and no high rise buildings in Lanzarote (with the exception of the Grand Hotel in Arrecife) to spoil views. Lanzarotte villas also conform to these local regulations and are generally built in sympathy with their environment. That environment can be pretty stark and has sometimes been described as “lunar” or “Martian” in appearance in certain places on the island. As with the other Canary Islands, Lanzarote is volcanic in origin, with eruptions taking place as recently as the 18th and 19th Centuries. The most popular holiday complex is probably Playa Blanca but holiday villas here still serve up good locations, beautiful gardens and stunning views while still providing all the comforts and facilities you could want for that ideal villa holiday in Lanzarote.

The very first thing you need is a good first aid kit.  This is an important piece of equipment.  You will need to have some basic items in your kit to ensure you are ready for almost anything that can come your way.  The following list is what should be in your kit:

Band aids of different shapes and sizes, Antibiotic ointment, Hydrocortisone cream, Moleskin, Alcohol pads, Ace bandages, Hand sanitizer, Gauze pads, First aid tape, and Cold pack.  You may also want to include a powered energy drink which is a good item if you were to get stranded to help keep your energy up. 

Lastly, You need to let your family and friends know about your backpacking plans.  If something were to happen you would be more likely to be found if someone knows you should have been back from your backpacking tour.  Give them a copy of your route and let them know where you will be along the path at certain times during your trip.  Also make sure they know exactly when you should be home. 

Your backpacking plan will help to ensure your safety.  By knowing what to expect and planning for change you can make sure that you are prepared for whatever you may encounter.  The most important part of planning is giving your family and friends the heads up on your plans.  Getting lost in the wilderness can even happen with a good plan, so you are better off not chancing it by yourself.