For lovers of old architecture, a visit to Notre-Dame Basilica is a must. The oldest Catholic church in Montreal dates back to 1656 and is known for the intricacy of its interior, which includes stained glass windows that chronicle the city’s colourful history. Old Montreal is a unique experience which any traveller should embrace during their trip.

There are numerous museums scattered around Montreal, and two of the most impressive are the Canadian Railway Museum and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. With a display of over 150 locomotives, railway vehicles and cars the former is unique museum gives a fascinating insight into the history of Canadian travel. The latter is a popular institution that houses both international and Canadian contemporary works of art.

Out of the greatest outdoor attractions in Montreal are the Botanical gardens. Near the Olympic Park, these magnificent gardens are home to over 20,000 different species of plants spread over 31 specialised gardens. This includes the largest Chinese Garden outside of Asia which is truly a sight to behold.

Given the fact that Orlando is full of creative theme parks it should come as little surprise that the arts scene in Orlando is also flourishing as well. From creative indie film festivals, such as the Florida Film Festival, that takes place once a year to the many modern and traditional museums that are spread throughout the city, there are plenty of opportunities to enrich your mind while looking for flights to Orlando and staying in Florida.

The theatre scene in Orlando is very popular among tourists and often represents some of the best theatre in the US.  For instance, Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, located in the Downtown area,offers many bold interpretations of the classic Shakespeare plays as well as plenty of Broadway hits throughout the year.

Usually there are children’s play hours as well making it a great family attraction to check out. Located nearby is also the Broadway Across America where some of the hottest national tours pass through.

Art enthusiasts will want to make sure to stop by The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art located in Winter Park that hosts the largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany in the world. Visitors will find plenty of other showcases, but of specific note is the Byzantine chapel interior that Tiffany designed in 1893 and of course the landmark Tiffany lamps. Spread throughout the museum are also many modern works, American pottery, and plenty of furnishings from the last few eras.

For a taste of botanical culture, schedule in a few hours to visit the Henry P. Leu Gardens and Leu House Museum located in the downtown area of Orlando for a 50 acre wonderland.  Here you will find camellias, tropicals, roses, and plenty of other gorgeous flowers as well as a chance to see an old and traditional Southern home.

Every year, millions of us pack our cases, get our Euros, and head off the airport for some fun in the sun. There are a growing number however, who choose to see the best sights in Europe in a much more sedate, yet no less thrilling manner. These are the tourists who choose to take the train to visit some of the greatest cities and sights that Europe has to offer, and all in consummate comfort without the sniff of a towel on a sun lounger.

Classic winter train holidays in Europe encompass most countries, and one area that is growing in popularity is Eastern Europe. A train holiday that takes in Prague, Budapest and other such great cities gives us all the chance to see the new and modern east of Europe that was so long hidden behind an impenetrable iron curtain. Visiting by train takes away all the stress and hassle associated with flying, and making for a truly relaxing time.

Taking a train holiday around Spain lets you see a whole different side to this magnificent country other than its sun, sea and Sangria reputation. The highlights of an Andalucian train holiday allow you to enjoy the vibrant cities of the like of Cordoba, Granada and Seville and give an insight into the real Spain, away from the crowded resorts and packed beaches.

Italy is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and instead of having to take multiple trips to see everything it has to offer, let the train take the strain and see the best of Italia in just one trip. Florence, Rome, Venice, they are all part of a grand tour of Italy, and the luxurious comfort that is enjoyed on the trains between these great sights allows you to reach each destination as fresh as a daisy and ready to explore.

Think of Italy and you immediately conjure up images of fabulous architecture, opera, fine food and an infinite history. What many don’t realise is that Italy is also home to some of the finest beaches in Europe, if not the world. While a great many tourists take short city breaks to the likes of Rome, Florence and Venice, others have discovered the  resorts around the coast and bask on golden sands.

The famous Amalfi coast has such a vast choice of great beaches that you can literally choose where to stay by throwing a dart at a map and not be disappointed. The sleepy villages that are dotted along this coastline are interspersed by secluded villas that have provided a getaway for many celebrities over the years.

San Remo is one of the most famous resorts and for good reason. As well as the amazing beach the palm tree lined boulevards and exclusive boutiques, racetracks and casinos make this a mecca for the rich and famous and a great place to go star spotting. The island of Capri is a beach lover’s utopia, and the backdrop of fragrant flowers and lemon trees simply completes the picture.

The white sands of the Lido Beach on the Venetian Riviera are some of the most appealing in all of Italy. It matters not that the sea is unsuitable for swimming in, the luxury beach front hotels afford you much privacy and there are also beach huts available to hire. Another great spot is the resort of Cinque Resort, which plays host to a small but very hospitable stretch of golden sand.

Wherever you have travelled from in the UK, once you arrive in the Highlands you will feel calm, relaxed and at peace with the world, such is the ambience of this area. A mixture of mountains, hills, waterfalls and glens form the landscape for one of nature’s greatest masterpieces. This largely uninhabited retreat from the rest of world is best seen on a guided tour, as areas can be quite precarious, especially to the uninitiated.

The abundance of wildlife that can be seen at every turn is just astounding. Among others you can see eagles, otters, hares and magnificent red stags in their natural habitat, man made look out points have made it even easier to capture these beasts on film, or simply to observe them going about their daily routines.

As far as luxury hotels in Scotland are concerned, you are literally spoilt for choice. As well as the many luxury hotels scattered throughout the region, there is also the opportunity to stay in real opulence by booking a luxurious room in one of the many country estates, where you can enjoy a true fining dining experience, sample the local whiskeys, and simply relax in between sightseeing.

When night falls, there is only one thing to do; head for a local ceilidh and sup a dram of whiskey while listening to traditional Scottish poetry or fiddle music. This is the most enjoyable and relaxed way of experiencing true Scottish culture at its best, and don’t forget to try some haggis.

If traveling exclusively first class while staying in the finest hotels is out of your budget or in opposition to your lifestyle, then couch surfing is certainly an option for you. Why frivol away that hard-earned cash on 5-star travelling when you can have a more enriched experience seeing how the common folk live? Couch surfing is certainly not for the lily-livered among us, so keep reading for some insider tips on how to make the most of your travels.

The first step for any would-be couch-surfer is to do some research on the web and sign-up for the many sites that take a social media approach. Much like Facebook, users have online profiles and post pictures of themselves and their flat. Most options include ratings from other users so you can pick a trustworthy person. You’ll also have to create a profile and be sure to pump it up with lots of personality so your prospective couch surfing host knows you’re also a reliable and honest person. Here’s one thing to remember: don’t be shy. If you find a few potential options, get in contact with all of them and include a personal message! That way you can use this form of virtual contact to see if there’s a potential match.

How do you feel when a friend or relative stops by unannounced? Probably pretty annoyed! In that case, it’s important to plan your couch surfing trip in advance. Common sense would say that not all of your prospective hosts will respond or be available during the time of your visit, so planning ahead for your couch surfing escapade is simply a smart idea!

This Asian vegetarian restaurant is a favorite for all of you out there who shy away from meat products. Known for their delicious salads, noddles and rice dishes and their ever-popular yam fries, Zen Palate offers three locations: Union Square, The Theatre District and the Upper West Side for all you hungry readers. The restaurant believes that healthy eating isn’t just about eating vegetarian but about consuming nutrient-rich foods that benefit everyone.

Terri

If a sandwich is what you’re craving then head on over to Terri in Chelsea. Brimming with both vegan and vegetarian options, Terri has something for all the health conscious consumers amongst us. For those of you continually on the rush, this quick service joint offers eco-friendly options with ease. For an extra treat, splurge on their organic juice cleanse or decadent cupcakes – but take it from us: you’ll pay the price!

V Note

If you’re searching for a classy uptown dining experience, try out V Note. Serving organic wine, vegan tapas and a plethora of other delicious vegetarian dishes, this Upper East Side establishment is sure to satisfy your need for a culturally-enriched, but truly conscious consumption adventure. Located at 1st Ave and 80th Street.

Liverpool has more than you would expect

This one’s a no-brainer: no mention of Liverpool can ever be complete without those boys of Liverpudlian and worldwide fame – The Beatles. But there’s more to this culture-soaked UK city than the birthplace of global sound! With a wide variety of accommodation in Liverpool available, there is likely to be something for each type of visitor. Keep reading for a more in-depth look into this historic maritime port.

UNESCO

Sure, the Liverpudlian music scene is a huge identifier of its culture and heritage, but did you know that the city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Selected for its waterfront which contributed greatly to putting Britain on the map for world trade in the 18th and 19th centuries, this puts the city on the same list of famous spots like the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids in Egypt. Therefore, a stop by Albert Dock is must-see for any visitor to this culture-rich city. Filled with architecturally gorgeous buildings, a beautiful waterfront and sites like The Merseyside Maritime Museum, Albert Dock is your one-stop shop for all things touristic! You can use Wimdu and find somewhere interesting to stay, you might even be able to find an apartment to stay in overlooking the Dock.

Cultural Sites

Now that you’re reveling in the history of Liverpool, why not soak up even more of the cultural sites while you’re there on a visit? Stop by Tate Liverpool which houses the National Collection of Modern Art. Located quite near the city centre, Tate Liverpool hosts both traditional works from the masters and a rotating collection of international contemporary artists. Think about it: you’ll be able to indulge your taste for both the historic and modern!

Well, there you have it: there are many sides of Liverpool outside the standard Beatles tour. Now it’s time for you to book your ticket so you can revel in a Liverpudlian experience of your own!

Due to the diversity of the northern and the southern regions of the state the perfect trip to California is really defined by what you want to get out of your holiday trips. Those who are looking for sunny skies will want to stick to destinations in the south of California such as Orange Country, San Diego, or Los Angeles given the fact that these locations are almost always warm and the closest to iconic beaches such as Santa Monica.

On the other hand, to see the beauty of California in a more untouched light, visitors are going to want to head up to the Northern region although you will have to deal with colder temps during the winter time here. In the Northern region you will find Napa Valley as well as San Francisco which offers plenty of winding streets and iconic sights that are unique to the city alone.  In addition, skiers can head just a bit more up north to check out some of the best slopes in the state.

Milan is full of hotels, making it easy to find something for every budget even in the nicer areas so that you can shop around and make sure that you get the best deal. When it comes to shopping, you may want to think about heading towards the Navigli District where you will find plenty of trendy restaurants and bars mixed in with shops everywhere you turn. What makes the district even more fun is that the little streets and canals bookmark the area.

Another great shopping centre in the city centre area is the Gallera Vittorio Emanuele II where you will find plenty of shops located under a tunnel encased in glass.  Just these few stops may take up your entire trip and leaving you desperate to come back to Milan.