For the backpacker who likes to party here are my top 5 places to go to. It doesn't mean that in themselves they are the biggest parties just that they represent good value too and there are other things of interest outside of the party- let's face it you need some chill out time too so read on ... City: Ko Phan GanPlace: Haad Rin on Ko Phan GanCou...

Getting there Many of the low cost airlines now operate flights to the Turkish airports through the holiday season. Flying time is never more than 4 hours from most of Europe to all the main airports of Izmir, Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya. From the airport it is possible to pre book resort transfers through various online companies. During...

Travelling to Las Vegas on vacation can be hugely exciting, particularly when you consider the wide range of huge, glamorous resort hotels that you can choose to stay on and around the famous Las Vegas Strip. There are many huge resorts that line the strip, with hotels catering for every taste and preference. Whilst these resort hotels are huge and very exciting and unusual in many ways, the prices for accommodation are often pretty reasonable when you compare them to the cost of staying at some regular hotels.

The strip is lined with mostly 4 and 5 star resort hotels, so you can look forward to a little luxury and glamour when you stay here. However, one thing that some visitors do get caught out by when staying at some of these hotels is the extra charges known as resort fees, which can mount up to a tidy sum of money if you are there for a few days or more.

Resort fees are daily fees that are imposed by most hotels on the Strip for a number of services and facilities that are provided to guests during their stay. However, these facilities and services are ones that many believe should either be included in the upfront cost of the hotel or should be optional, so guests only have to pay for them if they use them. Some of the services and facilities that hotels cite as their reason for charging these fees include gym facilities, daily newspapers and internet access amongst other things. However, not everyone wants or needs these facilities and many believe that it is unfair that they have to pay an average of $20-$25 per night per room for the privilege of access to services and products they have no interest in.

Unfortunately, with the vast majority of hotels on the strip, you have to pay this fee whether you like it or not, which means that the total cost of your stay can be far higher than you originally anticipated if you are staying for a few days. Whilst some hotels will waive the fee if the customer protests enough, this is usually not the case and many customers feel embarrassed about kicking up a fuss and simply end up paying the fee even though they feel it is unjustified.

Enjoy the Las Vegas vibe with a Parisian flavour

As any seasoned Las Vegas visitor will know, Sin City is packed to the rafters with huge mega resorts boasting a range of different and exciting themes. This is a destination with hotels to cater for every taste and preference, from properties that boast circus acts and theme parks inside to ones based on various famous cities from around the world, such as Venice, New York and Paris.

Whatever you are looking for in Las Vegas, you will find it in one of the beautiful resort hotels that line the famous Las Vegas strip. You will find hotels that boast a great party vibe, properties that provide a haven to relax after a hard day of exploring and resorts that offer the ability to enjoy a whole host of entertainment without ever having to leave the hotel.

If you are looking for a hotel that boasts chic elegance, tasteful décor and plenty of decadence, the place to head to is the Paris resort and casino, which is a fabulous mega resort that enables you to enjoy the wonderful Las Vegas vibe fused with a unique Parisian flavour.

The Paris resort and casino enjoys an excellent mid-strip location on Las Vegas Boulevard, where it is surrounded by a variety of other mega resorts. Marked by the majestic Eiffel Tower replica outside along with a replica of the famous Arc De Triomphe and the Paris balloon, this is a hotel that is easy to spot from afar! For those who want to be at the thick of the action, this is the perfect location as it is a far busier part of the strip than the quieter north side and offers a whole host of entertainment right on your doorstep.

My stay at the Paris

Over the past year I have stayed at five different Las Vegas hotels, all located on the Strip. The Paris is definitely the most chic and elegant property I have stayed in and during my time at the resort I enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing break in vibrant surroundings and with a world of entertainment at my fingertips.

Sarti is a small town on the Halkidiki peninsula, resting on the second “finger” of this magnificent holiday resort.

North Cyprus is one of the most beautiful and popular islands and a perfect holiday destination in the Mediterranean. Northern Cyprus holidays provide beautiful, natural and panoramic view which is unpolluted with miles of coastline and golden sands bathed in sunshine almost every day of the year. Cypriot people are often considered cheerful, calm and hospitable.  Northern Cyprus has the best beaches in the Mediterranean and enjoys a climate with long hot summers and short mild winters. Check if you need a travel adapter for cyprus outlets to make sure you stay charged up!

Mumbai, India

Accommodation: Hotel Lawrence in Fort, Mumbai

To make reservations: No website, call 22843618 (+91 country code, 022 city code).

I've stayed at Hotel Lawrence half a dozen times over the last year, and I've always enjoyed it. There are only 9 rooms, and the staff is incredibly nice. While traveling alone, I invited the owner to dinner twice, and each time he dropped what he was doing and joined me. He was a great man who, over an excellent seafood meal, told me about his life and about Mumbai. Single rooms at 700 Rupees, Doubles 800 Rupees, and Triples 1000 Rupees. There are some things to know beforehand to make your stay as comfortable as possible: bring your own toilet paper, your own bed sheet (clothing, towels, or sleeping bag liners work great), and, depending on the day of the week and which direction your room faces, earplugs if you go to bed before 1 or 2 am. They provide drinking water, breakfast and tea, and all the help you could want. The bathrooms are not attached to the rooms, but there is warm water (which you won't need in humid Mumbai) and privacy. The location can't really be beaten if you want to be in the more touristy section of town. On the border between Colaba and Fort, Hotel Lawrence is close to some of the best restaurants and sights in Mumbai's popular south side.

Video 1

Video 2

I explored the island of Patmos for about ten days back in September of 2009, as part of a 3-month mountain biking trip around Greece and the islands. Patmos is most famous for being where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation, and you can visit the cave where this supposedly took place. There's a lot more to do and see there however, and I had an amazing time just exploring randomly away from the main towns and tourist areas. I just put together a video of my adventures there, which explores the beaches, hiking, the tangled maze of alleys in the peaceful village of Hora (where the cats rule) and plenty more, feel free to take a look and give any feedback...