There are some very popular tourist cities and it is easy to see why these 'classic' destinations are so often visited. However, there are many alternative city breaks available. The difficulty comes, of course, in deciding where you want to go, as all these places have so much to offer.

The Classic Destinations

Rome is the classis 'Eternal City', with its iconic sights, laidback lifestyle and great food, it is ideal at any time of the year.

Another wonderful classic destination is Paris. This is another city blessed with beautiful architecture and a rich and varied culture, as well as an air of sophistication. Again, the food doesn't disappoint and it is so accessible to the UK that it is easy to visit just for a weekend.

For those wanting to go further, head for 'The Big Apple'. New York City is the original city that never sleeps and there is so much for visitors to do. Everything is world famous – the museums, the sights, the shopping and the nightlife. There's something for everyone.

Recently, Barcelona has become the city to visit in Spain. Famed for its artists and artwork, it is a cultural Mecca, with Gaudi's cathedral being the outstanding symbol of the city. Barcelona has had a huge regeneration, making it an attractive city with a relaxed attitude and great street life. It is also very easy to get to from the UK.

Another classic city is Prague, which is great for history lovers. It has some beautiful historic buildings surrounded by atmospheric, narrow, cobbled streets. The castle and the cathedral are both fascinating buildings. Prague has become hugely popular amongst UK visitors, as it is both beautiful and reasonably priced with good tourist amenities. 
 

The Alternatives

However, there are now plenty of alternative destinations to challenge the classics.

The southern Polish city of Krakow is a wonderful place. Its medieval centre is a UNESCO site and is overlooked by an impressive castle. This city is wonderful to walk around, thanks to its compact size. It also has some great street life. Accessibility and price make Krakow particularly attractive.

Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital, makes a truly unique break. The city is small but it is a great base from which to explore the surrounding countryside and see the volcanoes or enjoy a natural hot bath. Iceland has become more affordable lately and there really is nowhere like it on Earth.

Spain is always popular but aside from Barcelona and the coast, it is easy to forget about other places. Seville is an often overlooked city. It is small, full of history and has a fascinating blend of Spanish and North African culture and architecture.

Istanbul is another city blessed with an amazing location and thousands of years of history. The whole place is a tremendous blend of cultures. You can visit some great museums, travel across the Golden Horn, explore markets and enjoy some traditional food.

Slovenia is a very new country, but its capital Ljubljana has had a long history. This small, beautiful city is ideal for outdoor types because of its access to the Julian Alps, which are ideal for hiking, mountain biking or skiing in the winter months. It has the feel of Italy without the prices and is a great holiday alternative.

The classics are safe and well known. You can be sure of what you are going to get. Alternative destinations, however, are often cheaper but are a slight journey into the unknown that can offer even more adventure.

In recent weeks, it has been hard to ignore the rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester, on the football field at least. These two cities have vied with each other for years over everything and neutrals would be hard pressed to choose between them. They are both vibrant cities with history, culture, shopping, nightlife and, of course, football!

Manchester and Liverpool became inextricably entwined when, in the 1830s, they were connected by the first intercity railway. This connection continued with the Manchester Ship Canal. Both cities grew wealthy in the nineteenth century as Manchester's cotton industry thrived and Liverpool became an important port for trade from across the world.

Regeneration

The two cities have had their ups and downs, with periods of intense cultural activity coupled with massive downturns. Recently, both have seen a large amount of regeneration. Manchester was bombed by the IRA in the nineties and this, together with the Commonwealth Games, saw a period of intense rebuilding. Liverpool, on the other hand, saw regeneration after the riots of the 1980s. In 2008, Liverpool was European City of Culture and there were many events to celebrate this notable achievement.

Manchester Breaks

For a city break, Manchester has much to offer. History and art lovers will find plenty of museums and galleries. In the Castlefield area of Manchester, you can find the Museum of Science and Industry which highlights Manchester's industrial heritage. The Manchester Art Gallery is also a great place to visit, not only for what is inside but also for its exterior architecture.

There are theatres in the city, a famous art-house cinema - The Cornerhouse - along with world-renowned nightclubs and a whole range of restaurants and eateries. From Curry Mile in Rusholme to the restaurant in the Midland Hotel (where Rolls met Royce) and everything else in between are on offer to visitors.

One popular area is Salford Quays, now home to many of the BBC's operations, as well as the Imperial War Museum of the North and the Lowry Gallery. If you are interested, there are also two famous football clubs in the city that you could go and see - if you can get a ticket!

Liverpool Breaks

Arriving in Liverpool by train will bring you to Lime Street Station, right in the centre of the city and allows you to experience some great urban architecture - in particular St. George's Hall, a Victorian edifice that resembles a Greek temple.

Other famous architectural sights are of course the Liver Building, which is topped by the famous Liver Bird. Liverpool has two cathedrals. The Anglican cathedral is of a more traditional style, while the modernistic Catholic cathedral offers an interesting contrast.

Liverpool, like Manchester, has some great museums. The Walker Art Gallery has an interesting collection and the Museum of Slavery explores Liverpool's past. There is also a Maritime Museum and a World Museum. For those who want to walk in the shoes of Liverpool's most famous sons, the Beatles, head down to Albert Dock and go to the Beatles Museum.

The Albert Dock is a popular area of the city and many museums can be found there, as well as the Tate Liverpool. In addition, there are bars, cafes and restaurants and hotels, so it is the ideal place to be based as a tourist.

For open spaces, head to Sefton Park. The Palm House is located here, an amazing three-storey greenhouse full of tropical plants. The 285-acre park also has cafes, statues, play areas, a boating lake and a bandstand.

Every year in August, the Scottish city of Edinburgh comes alive with street performers, actors, dancers and comedians. The reason for this is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival, which sees venues of all shapes and sizes across the city transformed into performance spaces playing host to a vibrant mix of concerts, theatre shows, comedy and much, much more.

The Edinburgh Fringe began back in 1947 when eight theatre groups decided to turn up uninvited to perform at the Edinburgh International Festival. Each year, more performers would turn up to perform on the ‘fringes’ of the main Festival, until the Fringe became a recognised festival in its own right. It is now a month-long extravaganza of performance, featuring over 2,400 different shows. 

Book early

With literally thousands of people descending on the city during the month of August, it may prove difficult to find a place to stay if you leave it until the last minute. There are plenty of Edinburgh hotels to choose from, as well as hostels and B&Bs, but it’s a good idea to book in advance to make sure that you don’t end up paying more than you planned to.

Plan your itinerary

When there is so much to choose from, deciding which shows to go and see can be a daunting task. Fortunately, the official Edinburgh Fringe website features descriptions about all of the different shows and performances and it is usually updated long before August, so you can do some research before your visit. You can also pick up a Fringe Programme once you arrive at the Festival. It is worth bearing in mind that the performance venues are spread out across the city, so it’s a good idea to plan your route between shows if you know you’ve got a long way to go.

Visit the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile becomes a hive of activity during the Fringe, as this is where most of the performers spend their time between shows by doing some much-needed promotion. Expect to be approached by weird and wonderful people, with hands full of fliers, trying to convince you to come and see their various shows. There are also tons of street performers, from musicians and singers to living statues and magicians!

Go bargain hunting

The costs of seeing several shows per day can add up, so it’s definitely a good idea to check out the Fringe Half-Price Hut. Each day countless half-price tickets are released, which can make a huge impact on your spending! You may have to queue for a little while, but you’re pretty much guaranteed some great tickets. There are also hundreds of free shows which are part of the Free Fringe Festival. 

Take some time to explore the city

A trip to the Fringe usually means a jam-packed schedule, but make sure you set aside an afternoon to explore Edinburgh. The city is full of iconic landmarks and attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Arthur’s Seat, all of which are worth a visit.

Shopping for a new wardrobe can be great fun and there are plenty of places to go where you can find all the shops you could possible need in one place. The following are a few suggestions if you are stuck for inspiration for the ultimate shopping destinations.

New York

New York is famous for many things, including its fashion scene. Many famous brands such as Adidas and Nike have flagship stores in the city, where you can buy the latest lines first. Department stores such as Macy's and Bloomingdales are as much tourist attractions as they are shopping destinations. With pretty much all of the big brands in one place, shopping at these huge stores can be very efficient and will save you a lot of time.

Popular European chains, such as H&M, Topshop and Zara, also have large stores in New York. They are popular with shoppers as they stock the latest European fashions at very reasonable prices, allowing the average New Yorker to keep their look up to date.

Milan

Milan is considered by many to be the fashion capital of the world. Many important and influential designers were born in the city, such as Giorgio Armani and Miuccia Prada. The Fashion Quadrilatero is home to exclusive boutiques and stores that few people can afford to shop at, but they are worth a visit just to take in the sleek minimalist shops with exclusive designer clothing on display.

Milan also has plenty of more accessible shopping streets. Via Torino and Corso di Porta Ticinese are home to chic labels such as Pollini and Max Mara as well as more popular brands such as Kookai, Benetton and Zara. For a more cutting-edge look, try the Navigli area for brands such as Diesel, Fornarina and Gas. These stores sit alongside second-hand shops and stalls selling handmade clothes that are perfect for picking up unique and affordable items. Milan really does deserve its reputation as a shopper's paradise.

London or Liverpool?

London is considered to be the best shopping destination in the UK by many people, but other cities are worth considering. Liverpool has a new shopping centre - Liverpool One - which will cater to the needs of all shoppers, whatever their tastes. With big brands such as Monsoon and Nike and designer labels that include Calvin Klein, Fred Perry and Hugo Boss, you will be sure to find what you are after in Liverpool. The older areas of the city are also home to second-hand and vintage-clothing stores. Mixing a vintage item or two into your new wardrobe can help to create a really unique look.

When you are planning the ideal shopping trip for your new spring wardrobe, Liverpool, New York and Milan are just a few of the options available. New York has all of the big American brands, with plenty of important European fashion names as well, Milan has the latest high-end fashion and designers and Liverpool has high-street stores with its very own vintage and second-hand sector. Wherever you choose, remember to wear comfortable shoes. Happy shopping!

London Fashion Week takes place this year between Friday 17th and Wednesday 22nd of February. It is one of the highlights of the fashion calendar, featuring both international and local designers. London is the perfect backdrop for this exciting event because those interested in fashion have long been attracted to the city. They are drawn by its contemporary and constantly evolving style and the streets of London are considered a continual source of inspiration. So what are the key features of London Fashion Week?

New Talent

Fashion is constantly looking for the next big thing and there are always many new designers looking for a chance to exhibit their clothes. The British Fashion Council recognises this and has a couple of schemes to help promote new designers. The first of these is a talent identification scheme called New Generation, or NEWGEN for short. It was set up in 1993 with the express purpose of promoting and showcasing young and upcoming designers.

Previous winners have included Alexander McQueen and Julien Macdonald. Those who are picked for the scheme are offered some money towards the cost of running a show and are allowed to use the British Fashion Council catwalk. The scheme has become internationally recognised, which means that designers chosen to be part of it will be introduced to buyers from around the world and to the worldwide fashion press. This year New Generation Award winners for the autumn and winter of 2012 will be exhibiting at London Fashion week.

Fashion Forward

Fashion Forward is another scheme run by the British Fashion Council to help promote young British designers who would like to base their business in London. The scheme has been in existence for six years now. In order to be eligible for it, designers must have been participants in the New Generation scheme. Alternatively, they can be at a similar start-up point in their business. Two of the winners this year are Louise Gray and James Long.

Accessories

London Fashion Week is not only about catwalk collections and promoting new designers. It is also about showcasing ready-to-wear collections and accessories. There are a number of different types of accessories showcased during the week, including bags, hats, belts, scarves, shoes and jewellery.

Many of the exhibitors at the show have shops or franchises in London. The London Fashion Week website gives full information of all the designers who are attending the show with details and directions about where to find their work.

There is also a section on the website where leading designers discuss some of their favourite shops in London. These range from specialist vintage shops to boutiques and well-known department stores such as Harvey Nichols. For those looking for inspiration about where to find the best shops in London, this can be an excellent starting point.

London Fashion Week is spot of bright colour against the drab February weather and offers an excellent reason to visit this vibrant and cosmopolitan city, as well as a chance to see leading British and international design talent.

The recent British Academy Film Awards Ceremony that was held in London saw a multitude of stars descend on the capital. There were a number of categories, ranging from best actor, actress and director to best costume design. Many of the nominees chose to come to the awards ceremony in person and were duly photographed on the famous red carpet as they entered the event.

Celebrities at the ceremony

The list of attendees included a number of A-list stars from Hollywood as well as leading British actors and actresses. Brad Pitt and George Clooney were two of the most eye-catching names, but other famous faces included Colin Firth, who was accompanied by his wife, Helena Bonham Carter, Penelope Cruz, Emilia Fox, Kenneth Branagh and Daniel Radcliffe.

Where do the stars sleep?

As a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, London has a wide range of hotel accommodation available. This includes a number of hotels that fall into the five-star category. Many of these are located in central London, close to the main shopping and entertainment districts. Stars attending awards ceremonies such as the recent one organised by BAFTA are sure to have chosen to base themselves and their entourages in one of these luxurious five-star hotels.

Here are some of the best five-star hotels to be found in central London.

1. Claridges, in Mayfair, has long been famous for its luxury and elegance. It is also home to a Gordon Ramsey restaurant.
2. The Montcalm, near Oxford Street and Marble Arch, has a more modern decor. It also has an in-house spa and each room has a private marble bathroom.
3. The Savoy has long been a meeting place for the rich and famous, particularly the renowned American Bar. It has recently undergone a complete refurbishment and is now once again at the forefront of luxurious hotel accommodation in London.
4. For a hotel in the heart of the West End, the Waldorf Hilton is hard to beat. It is within easy walking distance of the Royal Opera House and other West End theatres.

Service and features that the stars expect Obviously, major stars such as those who attended the BAFTA awards will reserve a suite when staying at a luxury five-star hotel. Suites are the epitome of luxurious accommodation, but other hotel rooms in five-star hotels will have plenty of luxurious touches. They range from rain-forest showers to marble baths with a full range of luxurious toiletries to choose from. Features such as free wi-fi are considered standard, as are fitness centres.

Butler services are included at many major five-star hotels, as well as a full concierge service to arrange tables at leading restaurants or tickets to the hottest shows. Everything is of the highest quality and there is a feeling of elegance and discreet but faultless service at all of these hotels.

When a number of stars are all attending the same event, there will be some pressure to accommodate them all in suitable hotels. London has a great range of top-end hotels to choose from and is bound to have something for everyone.

When Valentine's Day comes around, we all enjoy the cards, flowers, champagne and chocolates that our loved one gives us, or that we give to that special person. Then you go for a romantic dinner only to find that the prices are over-inflated and the food mediocre. So why not try a romantic break instead?

Nestling in the South Downs countryside, Chichester boasts a combination of luxury accommodation and rustic charm. Country inns outside the city offer all kinds of international cuisine in peaceful and tranquil surroundings. Take a break in the countryside outside Goodwood or by the waterfront in West Wittering and Selsey. Enjoy the fresh seafood and walk along the seafront in the moonlight.

Cruises

You could take a short, romantic cruise to Dublin's fair city. You can even visit the relics of St. Valentine in Dublin's Carmelite Church. If you like the fresh air, take a bus or drive to Dublin Bay and walk around the harbour walls, from where you can see the Wicklow Mountains. Then drive back to the city for that romantic evening meal.

Train Trips

Paris is synonymous with romance. The city of lights offers every form of accommodation, from boutique hotels on the Left Bank of the Seine to luxury apartments in the city centre. Start the day by taking the Eurostar train to Paris's Gare du Nord station. Then take a taxi to the city centre and stroll hand in hand in the parks or along the river embankment near Notre Dame Cathedral.

Enjoy the feat of choice that Paris offers. There are small bistros and elegant restaurants everywhere. You could have an evening meal in the 16th or 17th arrondissment to escape the city centre traffic. Go for a river cruise along the Seine or a trip outside the city to the former royal palace at Versailles.

Czech Romance

Prague offers a different kind of romance. This city's main assets are its beautiful architecture, its chamber music and its bars. There are wine bars, beer bars and coffee bars of every conceivable variety and they are the centre of Czech social life. While away the afternoon in the chandelier-lit coffee houses that evoke a 19th-century imperial splendour.

Have a quick snack at lunch time and enjoy the exquisite Czech beer before you stroll around the meandering cobbled streets of the Old City's two parts: Stare Mesto and Mala Strana. If you're a music lover, go to a chamber concert in any one of Prague's numerous churches or old palaces, then have an intimate evening meal for two at a hidden-away wine bar in the back streets of Mala Strana. Stroll back to your hotel in the moonlight over the romantic Charles Bridge.

True Luxury

If you want to celebrate Valentine's Day in style, a champagne brunch with your loved one is the best way to start. Follow this by taking a plane, or the Orient Express, to Venice. If Paris is for lovers, Venice is for the love of your life. The minute you step into a water taxi to travel along the canals to your hotel – don't think about gondolas in February as the water is cold and splashes too much – you enter an enchanting world.

Venice never ceases to take your breath away. Enjoy the view out of a Canaletto painting from the Accademia Bridge over the Grand Canal, then find a small restaurant away from the tourist bustle on the northern bank of the Grand Canal or just a few blocks away from St. Mark's square and fall in love again.

Are you ready to put winter behind you? The best way to do this is to start planning your summer holiday!  If you would like to party this summer then you will be glad to hear there is no shortage of great holiday destinations throughout the world where partying is most definitely on the agenda. From Tenerife to Zante and from Ayia Napa to Ibiza, there is plenty on offer. The choice is yours.

Ibiza

Long regarded as the "entertainment island of the world" by many, including the Guinness Book of World Records, Ibiza is undoubtedly synonymous with hedonistic summers. Situated off the coast of Spain and part of the Balearic Islands, Ibiza is known for its world-renowned clubs that have some of the best A-list DJ's in the world. Perhaps more than any place on this list, if you simply want to dance, then this is the place to go.

Reykjavik

While you may be surprised to see this destination on the list, Reykjavik comes to life in the summer, when the famous Midnight Sun crests the horizon. The area is perhaps best known for midnight golf and 'white nights'. On June 23rd, the Viking-inspired festival known as "midnight madness" is perhaps the highlight, when the place is lit up by massive bonfires and great live music. If you get a bit hot and bothered in the warmer countries, the summer temperature in Iceland will be a welcome relief.

Côte d'Azur

If you are looking for something a little more up-market, however, then the place to head for is the Cote d'Azur. The famous quartet of Monte Carlo, Nice, Cannes and St-Tropez offer the very best in beaches, casinos, restaurants and nightclubs. You may be content spending your time at Monte Carlo's infamous casino, but if you are planning on dancing the night away, the place to go is Cannes' palm-treed Croisette boardwalk. However, for the ultimate in overall nightlife, St Tropez is the pick of the four.

Ayia Napa

The resort of Ayia Napa is a great favourite, as tens of thousands of people from all over the world flock here year after year with one purpose - partying. Equally popular among Scandinavians and the Dutch as well as the British, Ayia Napa is full of great beach parties, vibrant bars and hot nightclubs. For the highlights, go to the afternoon parties at Nissi Beach, where you can combine one of the most beautiful beaches with some super-sexy dance competitions. The fun starts at around four or five in the afternoon and prizes often include one-day cruises to Egypt.

Tenerife

Despite having gained a sad reputation as being a touch 'loutish', Tenerife's nightlife is still among the most varied and rich around. If foam parties, wild nights and booze cruises are your style, then this is the place to head for. However, the region also features plenty of traditional fiestas, fine cuisine and alternative entertainments. For the best of the party areas, head for the Playa de las Americas, where there is a massive array of pubs and all-night clubs.

Zante

Finally, the southern region of Zante offers one of the best holiday destinations for the younger generation with the resort of Laganas. Here you will find one of the longest beaches in the whole of the Mediterranean. Replete with a plethora of varied bars and clubs, Laganas is always popular among party people worldwide. With regard to the music, the resort has a focus on R&B, hip hop and dance music and the DJs boast that they have the most pre-releases anywhere on the planet.

When a standard hotel room just won't do, head for one of the world's weirdest hotels. From an underwater hotel to a hotel in the shape of a Beagle dog, there are plenty to choose from!

Conceived as a hospitality tool, Dasparkhotel in Austria provides accommodation constructed from incredibly robust, repurposed drain pipes. Externally simple, the pipes contain a comfortable interior with double beds, full-height headroom, sleeping bags and woolly blankets. Nearby public space provides toilets, showers and a café.

Formerly a German prison, the somewhat bizarre Alcatraz Hotel in the heart of the German town of Kaiserslautern consists of 56 rooms plus a conference centre. Guests can choose to stay in one of the former jail cells, complete with its own toilet and bars at the window.

Dog Bark Park Inn, Idaho, USA brings a whole new meaning to being in the doghouse. The hotel is built in the shape of a Beagle dog and guests enter from the second storey. Up another level is a loft room inside the head of the dog and the animal's muzzle contains a cosy alcove.

Many happy visitors have stayed in New Zealand's Tasman Boot hotel over the last ten years since its conception. The Boot was devised by Steve Richards, who turned his idea into an eccentric giant-boot guest house. It is a romantic, if rather unusual, hideaway in the shape of a very large boot!

Poseidon Undersea Resorts provide the world's first undersea hotel on a private island in Fiji. A truly unique experience, visitors access the resort by lift and will sleep 40ft underwater in total luxury. Walls are made of thick acrylic, providing spectacular views of fish and corals.

The Crazy House in Vietnam has to be seen to be believed. This strange, twisted house resembles a castle from a fairy tale. No window is round or rectangular and the house is five storeys high. Bizarrely shaped, with incredible walkways, the real name is Hang Nga Guesthouse.

The Ice Hotel in Sweden is made purely of ice and snow. Guests are offered midnight ice-sculpting classes in midsummer when the northern sun does not completely set. Thankfully, warm fur clothing is provided.

Cappadocia Elkep Evi Cave Hotel offers rooms or suites in caves set into the hillside above Urgup, Capodicia, in Turkey. The complex provides delicious, home-cooked meals and is the perfect setting to enjoy nature and the splendid views over the town.

In Kladesholmen, Sweden, is a 46-bedroom hotel situated on pontoons. At The Salt and Sill Hotel, the first floating hotel in the country, all rooms lead out to a seating area where guests can enjoy peace and quiet.

In the small town of Teufen, Switzerland, is the Null Stern Hotel, the first zero-star-rated hotel in the world. A former nuclear bunker, it would have held 200 people in time of crisis. Now it sleeps 14 and contains two large, open rooms with no dividers for privacy. With concrete walls and original ducting, the hotel boasts antique beds for those inquisitive enough to stay there.