Hotels on the French Riviera are known for their style and sophistication and those in the beautiful city of Nice certainly live up to their reputation. On Nice's seafront, Promenade des Anglais, visitors will find the Hotel Westminster. Ideally situated close to the shopping area and the city's historic streets, this prestigious hotel retains Exhibition rooms with seven-metre high ceilings, as well as a hallway full of baroque frescoes. Spacious bedrooms have been recently renovated in contemporary colours behind the hotel's pink façade.

Built in 1842, the Hotel West End is also located on the seafront. Comfortable and impressive accommodation is on offer at this four-star luxury establishment. A private beach boasts its own restaurant looking out on to the Baie Des Anges (Bay of Angels). The hotel offers private parking and 24-hour reception facilities. Hotel West End is air-conditioned and has private parking, with 250 guarded parking spaces as well as six garages. Fifty of the hotel's rooms have sea views. This is certainly a hotel that combines enchanting charm with modernity.

In a quiet street close to the Promenade des Anglais is the Hotel Elysee Palace. All of Nice's attractions are nearby and the city centre can be reached in less than 20 minutes on foot. Refurbishment in 2008 has provided the hotel with a modern, elegant look. High-speed internet access and wi-fi are available in the hotel's 143 well-equipped rooms. A sun terrace provides relaxation space.

Nice's Clarion Hotel Aston makes a perfect place to stay on business or on holiday. Situated in the heart of the city, overlooking the fountains and gardens of Massena Square, the hotel is just minutes from the Cote d'Azur's beaches. The Nice-Acropolis Convention and Exhibition Centre is a short walk from the hotel and the surrounding area is full of boutiques, restaurants and speciality shops. A delicious Mediterranean menu is featured at Le Café de l'Horloge restaurant, which is housed within the Clarion. The hotel is pet friendly, has internet access in all rooms and a heated outdoor pool.

The Mediterranean Sea serves as a backdrop to Nice's Radisson Blu Hotel. Guests are treated to on-site casual and gourmet eateries. Swimming and sunbathing can be enjoyed on the rooftop terrace. The hotel boasts a sauna and fitness centre, as well as free high-speed internet access. Comprehensive services are available to businesses, along with flexible meeting facilities. The hotel is only a five-minute drive from Nice International Airport.

The European Travel Commission says that eco-tourism is on the rise throughout Europe, as more people seek vacations to unpolluted areas where they focus on the natural environment and supporting the economy and practices of the indigenous people. Often times, eco-tourism is a learning experience for the vacationers, and it can be an important factor for governments and localities in conserving the natural environment in an area. If you're looking to make your next vacation an eco-friendly trip, here are a few destinations you might consider:

1. Sri Lanka

This is a great place to go if you're interested in local wildlife, as the beach at Rewaka, Sri Lanka is a very popular nesting place for sea turtles. Sri Lanka is also home to several resorts and spas where you can relax and enjoy the good life in the midst of the local culture while supporting the local environment. If you're more into adventure vacations, an off-road mountain biking trip in Sri Lanka could be just the thing for you.

2. Cambodia

There are several eco-friendly destinations in Cambodia, including the interesting silk farm in Siem Reap, which is run by the government in order to train workers for better skilled professions and to promote the local culture and art of Cambodia. Koh Kong is another popular place for eco-friendly travelers to visit in Cambodia; the region is full of interesting natural attractions, as well as the attractions of the traditional Cambodian culture.

3. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is home to an amazing array of plants and animals, making it one of the most popular eco-friendly destinations in the world. Between the rainforests and beaches, there's much to do and see in Costa Rica. Some of the resorts in the area specialize in green and sustainable practices, and you can even take a canopy tour in places like Quepos to see the amazing variety of wildlife and plantlife in the rainforest.

4. Alaska

If you're in the mood for cold, stark forests and snow better than the sweltering rainforests of many of these other eco-friendly destinations, take a trip to Alaska. Places like the Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge and Ridgewood Lodge offer a comforting environment close to nature. In Alaska, you can hike, fish, sky, watch bears, or take eco-tours to see the beautiful wildlife and plants the area has to offer.

5. Iceland

One of the most interesting things to see on an eco-friendly vacation to Iceland is the Strokkur Geyser in Geysir Center. It shoots up to thirty feet high on a regular basis! As with Alaska, there are many lodges and resorts in Iceland that specialize in eco-friendly travel and that will help you get in touch with the local culture and wildlife.

6. Botswana

As one of the safest spots in Africa to visit today, Botswana is popular with the eco-tourism crowd. It is home to both grasslands and the Kalahari Desert, which means it has a huge diversity of wildlife and plantlife with which to entice visitors. If a safari is your idea of the perfect eco-friendly vacation, Botswana is certainly an appropriate destination.

7. Belize

As a popular destination for those who want both to come into contact with nature and local culture and to be pampered during vacation, Belize is home to many eco-friendly luxury resorts. You can enjoy outdoor adventures by day and gourmet organic meals by night, or relax in a spa that sources its materials from local providers around the country.

Financing Your Trip

One of the advantages of some eco-friendly travel is that it can also be easier on the wallet, especially if you're choosing to rough it in an environment that puts you in close contact with nature. Often times, the most expensive part of an eco-friendly trip is the airfare.

Daniela Baker from CreditDonkey says, one way to save on airfare for these eco-friendly destinations is to get the best airline credit card. By using a credit card responsibly for several months before your trip, you can rack up enough rewards to pay for part or all of your trip. Even booking a trip on a credit card can provide you with some extra benefits, such as built-in travel insurance.

Another good thing to think about while trying to finance an eco-friendly vacation is whether or not you should use a travel agent. It's worth checking out local travel agents who specialize in eco-friendly trips, as an agent may be able to find you savings that you didn't even know existed.

These seven destinations are certainly not the only eco-friendly destinations in the world, but they're some of the most popular. If you want to travel in a way that supports the environment and lets you come into contact with nature on your vacation, these are particularly great destinations to check out!

When you’re faced with almost 26,000 kilometres of coastline it can be a tough call to decide on a nice beach for a surf, especially if you’re out to catch some serious waves in Australia.  Sydney car rental will no doubt take the stress out of getting around, but fortunately guest blogger Fiona Hilliard is sharing her top tips on where to find the best beaches…

Jan Juc (Victoria)                                                                                                                                                     

Situated between Rocky Point and Bird Rock, Jan Juc Beach’s position along the Great Ocean Road has contributed to its status as one of Australia’s most desirable surf beaches. The high levels of exposure on this beach also make for epic surfing.

Bells Beac

This is probably Australia’s most well-known surf beach and hosts the Rip Curl Pro Surf and Music Festival.  Bells Beach has a picturesque location along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road and is home to some of the country’s most impressive waves.   Surfers flock here to experience the famous “Bells Bowl” and more often than not, Bells Beach comes up with the goods.

Lennox Head, Ballina (New South Wales)

The exposed positioning of this beach makes it the perfect location for those looking for rough surf and water that is pleasantly warm.  When conditions are right, waves can exceed four metres in height, making it an ideal destination for experienced surfers.                              

Kirra Beach (Queensland)

Kirra Beach’s location near Coolangatta makes it privy to the spectacular scenery of the Gold Coast coastline, the crystal clear waters and the blindingly white sand.  Kirra Beach is also reputed to have one of the best fast barrels you will ever surf and is a favourite not just with surfers, but also families and day-tripping tourists.

Fairhaven (Victoria)

Just like Bells Beach, Fairhaven is located on the scenic Great Ocean Road and stretches out for an impressive 6 kilometres. It is the perfect spot for both surfing and swimming and is family-friendly too.

Snapper Rock Beach (Queensland)

Anywhere that provides the venue for the Billabong Pro and Roxy Pro Surfing Legs of the world tour is going to be a year-round hotspot for surfers. Snapper Beach is also known for being a popular destination for fishing and is lovely place to spend some time just appreciating the area’s glorious natural beauty.

Margaret River (Western Australia)

Margaret River’s Main Break is a popular spot with surfers and offers almost unbeatable swells due to the thousands of kilometers of non-stop water that separates Australia and Africa.  The glimmering turquoise waters and spotless sand makes this the perfect setting for any planning a trip to Western Australia.

What better way to blow off those winter blues than an action-packed ski-resort trip. You can hit the slopes and work on your skiing or boarding skills and get some exercise at the same time. But before you head off towards the snow, put some thought into the best kit to take with you, as there are some great products out there designed to make your packing easy.

Be Prepared

Larger important items, such as skis, poles and ski boots are likely to be hireable once you reach your destination, saving you vital space in your case or car boot. But there are many travel accessories that can help to organise your luggage. A well-chosen travel kit, for example, can make life a lot easier. Whether you simply want to pack your toiletries or put together a selection of first aid items, the right travel kit will allow you to keep all of these items in one place, save space and prevent anything from getting damaged.

Keeping Breakables Safe

A waterproof pouch is also a good idea, especially if you want to keep your smart phone, MP3 player or camera with you on the slopes. The pouch is perfect for protecting your equipment from snow and water damage and can be worn around your neck so that you always know where your phone is. What's more, touch-screen technology can still be used through the protective surfaces, meaning you don't need to take your phone out of the waterproof pouch to use it.

The Problem of Shoes

When packing, it's hard to know what to do with shoes - you don't want to damage clothes by putting your shoes in together with them. Think about getting a shoe bag instead. A shoe bag is great for storing shoes in your case, safely away from damageable items. It's also useful when you reach the resort as a way of keeping your wet shoes from making a mess in your hotel room.

Don't Forget the Essentials

As all regular skiers know, investing in good sunscreen and sunglasses is vital, so don't leave it until you get to the resort. Although you'll be dressed to protect yourself from the cold, sunshine can be damaging to both your eyes and your skin, especially when it's reflected off the surface of the snow. Make sure you invest in a high-factor sunscreen and apply as often as you need it. To protect your eyes, choose a pair of polarized sunglasses which have been specifically designed for these conditions, blocking out the harsh glare of the sun and typically 100% of harmful UV rays. Many designs can also be worn over normal glasses without impairing your vision on the slopes.

Special thanks to Nate Schrader of TravelProducts.com for using his snowboarding experiences in the Alps for this tips list!".

Corbet's Couloir, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, US is a ski run with a hard-core reputation. For extreme skiers only, this challenging run should be attempted by any daredevil skier once in their lifetime. Easily reached from the top of the cable car that runs up Rendezvous Mountain, this tough run is more often watched than skied.

The run never exceeds a steepness angle of 40 degrees and is a reasonable 15 metres wide. However, the sheer terror lies wholly in the start. With a near vertical drop into the couloir, followed immediately by several rocky outcrops to negotiate round, it is no wonder that this run has such an extreme reputation.

If lots of fresh snow has recently gathered you may be able to slide under control into the couloir leaving you wondering what all the fuss is about. More usually, however, you will need to leap three or four metres down ensuring you control your landing in order to make a sharp turn immediately to avoid a big rock. Alternatively, you can choose to enter at a point where the jump is at least six metres but with no rocks to immediately avoid.

La Chavanette, Avoriaz, France is also known as the formidably steep Swiss Wall. This run is even feared by the most experienced of skiers and the warning sign at the top proves it. Known for its rapid descent due to its sheer steepness you cannot see what lies below you before you commit to the descent. Make sure you ski this run before you die for the ultimate thrill.

The first few turns will take you down and round an overhang, revealing below the Wall itself. This steep but wide slope is fairly benign in fresh snow, but late risers will find it heavily mogulled by the time they get there, adding to the challenge. Due to its steepness, in icy conditions the run can prove fatal and it is essential to make every attempt to stop yourself immediately if you fall.

Tortin, Verbier, Switzerland should not be underestimated. In good conditions it may seem fairly tame but when the snow is icy or scarce this run will fill you with sheer dread. A thoroughly long and enjoyable challenge, Tortin is a must for adventure skiers.

You access the run via a long traverse from which you can pick your spot to launch yourself left down the steep but wide slope. If it hasn't snowed for a while the moguls that develop here are nothing less than mountains. The further down the slope you get, the more frightening they become.

A top tip is to head down from the start of the traverse. It may be steeper here but the moguls may be less developed giving you a better chance to stay on your feet. In fresh powder this is a magnificent and safe run, but if the conditions are icy or the snow is scarce, a slip or fall can result in a long, dangerous slide.

Have you tried any of these ski runs? Or if you would like to try any of these we've got some great deals on B&Bs in Switzerland as well as some low prices on hotels in France.  If you have tried any of these runs let us know in the comments below we'd love to know what you thought of them!

Manchester is the largest city in the North-West of England. A vast economic powerhouse with a rich industrial heritage, it is also a major centre for the arts, culture and sport. With plenty to do and see, it is the perfect destination for a weekend break. Let's look at ten activities that the city has to offer.

1. If you are a fan of high-street shopping, look no further than Market Street in the heart of the city. There may be a vast number of shoppers, but there is an equally vast number of shops, so it feels both busy and comfortable at the same time. It also boasts one of the top Christmas Markets in Britain.

2. Probably the best-known Manchester institution is Manchester United Football Club. Take the Metrolink tram to Old Trafford, walk up Sir Matt Busby Way to the 'Theatre of Dreams' and join a Stadium Tour. Whatever your team, you won't be disappointed.

3. The Lowry Centre at Salford Quays, named after the famous artist WS Lowry, is a must-see attraction. Enjoy the Art Gallery or soak up some great theatre that can rival anything from London's West End.

4. Manchester Town Hall is often used as the backdrop for any TV reporting from the city centre. It is a symbol of Manchester's Victorian heritage and a monument to that indulgent lifestyle. It is a classic and well worth a visit.

5. John Ryland's Library in Deansgate could be described as one of the best late-Gothic buildings in the UK. It is also home to a truly great collection of manuscripts and printed material. These include the oldest known fragment of the New Testament and a first edition of Shakespeare's sonnets.

6. The Gay Village, centred on Canal Street, is very popular with gay and straight visitors alike. It offers a vibrant collection of bars, restaurants and clubs. You'll be sure of a great atmosphere, a warm welcome and a wonderful night out.

7. The Manchester Evening News Arena brings the top international stars to town. There's a good view from every vantage point inside the arena. It's not all rock and roll, as ballet is regularly staged here, or you could also come and watch the wrestling. .

8. Blow away a few cobwebs with a walk around the Urban Heritage Park at Castlefield. It is home to a partial reconstruction of an old Roman Fort, the oldest railway station in the world, the first industrial canal and much more.

9. If you like living dangerously, take a trip to Aerial Extreme at the Trafford Centre. It's a series of high rope courses that are great fun for the more adventurous.

10. The Runway Visitor Park at Manchester Airport has been described as a plane spotter's paradise, with the Concorde tour the number-one attraction. Don't forget your camera or camcorder when visiting this fascinating part of aviation history.

Manchester has all these and more to offer those on a weekend break, if you'd like to visit Manchester for a weeken

d then we've got some great deals on Manchester hotels at Lodging World.  Manchester is one of the best places in Britain for entertainment, shopping and sight-seeing so don't miss out!

Brighton, with a population of over 250,000, is comfortably Britain's biggest seaside resort and the premier attraction of the South Coast. It's a thriving city in its own right, as well as being a top tourist destination. Here are ten activities that might help to enhance your visit.

1. The Lanes is an area in the heart of the city containing a collection of alleyways and quirky streets that bring you shopping at its most creative. Take your time, stroll around and visit the independent boutiques and quaint stores and enjoy these shopping opportunities.

2. Over 400,000 people a year visit the Royal Pavilion, a former royal residence and now an attraction for any visitor. It was built in the Indo-Saracenic style prevalent in 19th-century India and its interior décor is daring and extravagant. The exterior is quite spectacular as well.

3. From the Royal Pavilion gardens you can enter the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, a particular hotspot following its £10-million redevelopment. It's dynamic, innovative and a cathedral to fashion, style, art and design. It's modern too, with interactive displays that appeal to all ages.

4. No pun intended, but Brighton really rocks and is an important centre for popular music, with both the Brighton Centre and Brighton Dome regularly hosting internationally acclaimed singers, bands and DJs. Back in 1974, a certain Swedish group called ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest at the Dome with their first hit 'Waterloo'.

5. Brighton Marina is a holiday destination in itself. One of Europe's largest marinas, with over 2000 boats, it also has a nightlife to match. Choose from some of the finest restaurants in the country, lively cocktail bars or even the casino, cinema or bowling alley. You'll never be bored.

6. During the day you might like to get out on the water. Why not take a thrilling powerboat ride along the coast? Or you might prefer a sailing lesson or perhaps to charter a boat on an individual basis or as part of a group.

7. No trip to the seaside would be complete without a walk along the pier. Brighton Pier is indelibly Victorian in structure but packed with food and drink outlets, fairground rides as well as the obligatory arcades.

8. The Chapel Royal in North Street has a simple red-brick exterior with a tall, Gothic clock tower and is a perfect retreat from all the hustle and bustle. It's a working church and hosts a Saturday coffee shop complete with home-made cakes. All of the proceeds go to charity.

9. As the unofficial gay capital of Britain, there is a solid community in the city, with a vibrant social life available to both resident and visitor. The Gay Pride carnival is a particular feature, with parades through the city culminating in a big party and funfair.

10. It just wouldn't be cricket not to visit the Sussex County Cricket Ground in Hove. You can take in a 20:20 game one evening and enjoy this new, sexy form of the game with thrills, excitement and a great sense of fun.

Brighton is a great place to visit for a weekend with so much to do!  If you would like to visit Brighton then take a look at the Brighton B&Bs that are available, there are some for a little as £22 a night, all the more reason to go!

Endless unspoilt beaches and sunshine the whole year round await every visitor to Abu Dhabi, the island capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Just over 3,000 miles and six and a half hours flying time from London, Abu Dhabi offers cosmopolitan hotels and shopping, together with heritage tours to the desert or a breathtaking evening cruise in a traditional dhow.

Temperatures rise above 40ºC between June and September and the weather can be sweltering. The best time to visit is during the cooler, dry months between October and May, when temperatures range pleasantly between 23º and 33º C.

Abu Dhabi City is an island linked to the Arabian mainland by the Mussafah and Maqtaa bridges at its south-eastern tip. Flower-filled parks and fountains line the Corniche, a coastal boulevard in the centre of the city that overlooks the Arabian Gulf. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the city's most notable building. The third-largest mosque in the world, its central prayer room is covered by the world's largest single woven carpet.

There are lots of quiet spots just outside the city centre for fishing and bird-watching. The surrounding natural islands are home to gazelles from which Abu Dhabi, meaning 'father of the gazelle', takes its name. You can swim with dolphins in the quiet sea or dive to see coral reefs and ancient ship wrecks. Lulu Island is easily accessible by boat for a quiet weekend away from the city bustle.

Another option is to take a sunset cruise in a wooden dhow around the mangrove-lined islands. Abu Dhabi's merchants travelled in dhows across the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean for many centuries to trade between Asia and Africa. The Dhow Harbour near Port Zayed on the eastern tip of Abu Dhabi Island is the starting point for modern dhow sailing races.

The 200-year-old Al Maqtaa Fort stands on the mainland on the other side of the steel Al Maqtaa Bridge. Now renovated, the fort was a checkpoint guarding Abu Dhabi island against invading bandits. You can also drive past the airport, or take a bus, to Al Ain. Close to the border with Oman, this is an oasis, Abu Dhabi's second city and its heritage centre. Thousands of years of Abu Dhabi's history and culture are on display in the Al Ain Historical Museum.

Standing in the shadow of the UAE's highest mountain, Jebel Hafit, Al Ain boasts modern shopping malls, traditional souks and endless date-palm groves. Beehive-shaped Hafit tombs that date from 3200 BCE and which are Abu Dhabi's oldest archaeological remains lie around the bottom of the mountain. Walk along a comfortable road to the top of the mountain and enjoy spectacular views along the way.

Al Ain's camel souk sells red camels from Sudan or black camels from South Asia to local and visiting traders. An easier option for tourists is to take a guided camel ride over the dunes during a desert safari.

If you fancy taking a trip to Abu Dhabi, we have over 80 hotels for you to choose from.  All you need to do is fill out the dates that you would like to travel in the search bar and compare the prices!