The Top Ten Travel Tips Best of 2011
- Matrimonial Mockery in Amsterdam, Top 10 Valentine Day Ideas - February 2011
Ever fancied pulling a Britney Spears and getting married for a day, just for the sake of it? Well now you can and you can build in a pre-planned divorce for the morning after, all thanks to Wed and Walk in Amsterdam. This whacky and wonderful organsisation will marry you and your best mate, partner or the random you just met, for 24 whole hours and they even throw in the posh frocks for the do too. Come morning on the day after, you're no longer legally hitched. Such fun! www.wed-and-walk.com
- Antique Books Fair, Top 10 Annual Events in Paris - March 2011
This February flea market - come - garage sale in the 5th arrondissement, near the Panthéon is where ordinary folk and vendors alike set up tables, and stalls to sell and trade used books. At the Brocante des Livres Anciens, held at the Halle Freyssinet, antique dealers will gather for a week and a half to barter, haggle, and trade in antique reads. In an age of e-books and web pages, the French fervently maintain their desire to hold, touch, and turn the pages of real, paperbound volumes, so come along, peruse the selection, and search out a few rare first editions. Venue: Halle Freyssinet. Métro: Chevaleret.
- Spitalfields Market, London's Top 10 Attractions - April 2011
This is an East End gem that caters to travellers who like to experience real retail innovation, without sky high price tags. It's been voted London's best market for two years in a row now and when you check out the stalls, eateries and indie shops lining the avenues here, you can see why. Pick up rare, vintage fashion throwbacks, munch on a spit roast, see the arts and crafts that put this market's counterpart in Camden to shame, and chill out in an un-presuming bar when you're done.
- Amanda Rose Williams @flyingrose1984, Top 10 Travel Experts on Twitter - May 2011
World, we'd like you to meet Amanda - a very lovely flight attendant with American Airlines who's managed to mix her daily globe trotting with an incredibly informed travel Twitter feed, not to mention a hefty website to back it all up. I hope there's no PR team behind this, but even if there is, it's a great resource and well worth a follow, not to mention a retweet from time to time. www.travelbooking.at
- eCurrency Currency Converter, Top Ten Travel Apps - June 2011
When going from one place to another it's easy to lose track of how much you're actually spending. eCurrency is a really simple currency converting app which supports over 150 currencies. The calculator format is clear and concise and at £0.59 you can't go far wrong.
- A Month of Concerts, Top 10 Annual Events in Paris - August 2011
- Bercy Village On every Tuesday and Thursday in August, the cobbled terraces of Bercy Village play host to a free concert series from 18.30, featuring emerging and well-known artists from all over the world. The sound and theme change each night to showcase different styles.
- Pianissimo Jazz Festival Every Night in August at the Sunset Jazz Club, 60 rue des Lombards, some of the most talented jazz musicians in the world contribute their sound to this fantastic venue where you can enjoy a different group on stage every night.
- Rock en Seine For one weekend in August at the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud - just across the river Seine, you'll find one of the coolest open-air music festivals ever. For three days, on three separate stages, expect big acts to rock Paris amidst medieval statues and a hilly, woodland!
- Cinéma en Plein Air Every night in August the beautiful Parc de la Villette in northeast Paris puts on a free open-air cinema. This is the perfect place to bring a blanket and some snacks, and watch free movies under the stars!
- Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Top Ten Summer Festivals - July 2011
The world famous Edinburgh Fringe is the largest festival of its kind, showcasing the best acts in comedy, theatre, opera, dance and more. Along with the more famous acts such as Ruby Wax and Al Murray, unsigned and up and coming shows are usually the ones to watch. After all some of the world's most famous and respected comedians got their big break at the Fringe. For the full line up of the three week marathon of entertainment, and to buy tickets visit www.edfrnge.com
- The Original Berlin Pub Crawl, Top Ten Alternative Tours - August 2011
On visiting a new city you can never be sure about where the best place is for a night out - apart from Belushi's at St Christopher's - especially when it comes to secret hideaways and bars. The Original Berlin Pub Crawl is guaranteed to show you a good night out in the city - not only does the tour show you the top pubs and clubs but you also receive free guest list entry, which means no queuing all night, free shots and a free crate of Becks. Tickets are €12 and can be bought through www.insidertour.com however they can also be bought on the night.
- Gelert Jetset 60+15 Litre Rucksac, Top Ten Best Backpacks - October 2011
This handy all-in-one backpack consists of a 60-litre main bag with a removable 15-litre day bag. The front loading bag acts more like a suitcase with backpack straps and an open out' main compartment, plus easy to carry side, and top grip handles. It also has an expandable section for extra purchases during your trips. Although this bag is durable, secure and £79.99, you pay for the extra features in weight. The bag clocks in at around 3kg.
- Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, Top Ten European Ski Stops - November 2011
Close to the Austrian and Italian borders, Kranjska Gora is nestled in the Zgornjesavska Valley in northern Slovenia, offering glorious views. The resort serves up some truly great skiing for all levels, patient instructors for beginners and challenging pistes for advanced skiers. Kranjska Gora is a winter wonderland with great events running throughout the season. It's also a great alternative to the traditional ski spots.
