Bangkok

Though hardly a sleeper hit of a city, it has taken some time for westerners to catch on to the sheer manic energy of Bangkok. Three-wheeled taxis, tuk-tuks, whizz you round the city to face a wide variety of merchants hawking everything from silk to electronic gadgets. There are luxury hotels – some of the finest in the world – and scuzzy backstreet hostels. Fine dining and earthy street food of mysterious origin. DialAflight operate cheap Thailand flights – click the link to take your first step towards a whole new world in 2012.

Tel Aviv

Whatever stereotypes you have in mind about the middle east, Tel Aviv will dispel them. Regarded in the region as a hub of hedonism and comparative decadence, Tel Aviv is every inch the modern city, with a flourishing arts scene, multi-cultural population and plenty museums and music venues. And in accordance with law, if you can dig up some Jewish heritage before the age of 25, you can even get a free trip. Birthright!

Wellington

Certainly New Zealand’s hippest, most happening city, Wellington is chock-full of cool bars, and restaurants, even more per capita than New York. As you would expect from any post-enlightenment capital, Wellington is home to a burgeoning arts scene, and a successful film industry, thanks in no small part to the success of Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson, who turned the entire country into Tolkein’s Mordor. Last year, Wellington played a central role in the hosting of the Rugby World Cup. If you want to get far away, go.

Iquitos

Peru’s most action-packed city, Iquitos is South Americana through and through. Full of nightclubs pulsating to latin rhythms, it’s a 24-hour party city. If you want a relaxing time, best avoided, but if you want a trip to remember – and be worn out by – Iquitos is the hottest ticket going this year.

1. Japan notoriously has the world’s highest cost of living. Extremely high property values translate into over-priced hotels and restaurants. Typical standards of living are high, and travel is extremely comfortable and enjoyable. Prices, however, border on outrageous. The petroleum price, a global indicator of the cost of living, is higher than almost any other first world country. A famous example of Japan’s exceedingly high price can be found in a typical supermarket good; a watermelon often costs upwards of $50. This staggeringly high price of living translates into a staggeringly high cost of traveling, earning Japan the top spot in most expensive countries to visit.

2. Geneva, the capital of Switzerland, is often thought of as the most expensive city to visit in the world, so it is no surprise the rest of Switzerland carries a hefty price tag for travelers. The banking giant is often considered a hub of commerce in Europe, and many business trips and meetings take place in Switzerland. Due to the influx of travelers, hotel prices border on extortionate and restaurants are extremely overpriced. Seeing Switzerland’s eclectic set of gorgeous scenery and attractions will certainly come with a hefty price.

3. Singapore, the Asian capital of business, has shot up on lists of most expensive countries. The small country has extortionately high hotel accommodations and food prices. To avoid these costs, travelers are urged to splurge as little as possible and eat street food often. Singapore has extremely high taxes on all alcohol and tobacco products, so indulgence carries a very hefty premium.

4. Norway, the tucked away Scandinavian beauty, is often touted as one of the most expensive countries for travelers to visit in the globe. Due to its remoteness, large prices are often associated with travel costs to and around Norway. Train tickets must be booked early, or they will quickly out price international flights. Accommodations are, however, fairly reasonable and hostel lodging facilities are common and inexpensive. Petroleum prices, often of $9 a gallon, force up the cost of traveling and lead Norway to be ranked 4th in the world as the most expensive country to visit.

5. Taiwan, currently part of China, is often considered one of the world’s most expensive provinces to visit. The small island features a higher cost of living than any of the major European capitals, and is often thought of as one of the most expensive cities in the world. International flights have high prices and transportation is expensive. Expensive lodging prices due to a lack of accommodations, combined with high food prices and expensive transit make Taiwan, China one of the most expensive counties to visit in the world.

Pearl Harbour
Spend the day taking a tour of the USS Missouri and the Arizona Memorial. You can wander through the museum and watch an excellent documentary that highlights the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. The USS Missouri is one of the most popular activities in Hawaii that you do not want to miss.

Atlantis Submarine Adventure
Climb aboard the Atlantis and see the beautiful reefs of Waikiki. You will go more than 30 meters down where you will see sharks, sea turtles, and beautifully coloured coral reefs. Most Honolulu accommodation has a pick-up and drop off service which is included in your stay.

Diamond Head
This United States monument is a must see if you are travelling to Hawaii. Put on your walking shoes and start climbing. Your guide will share the history of this dormant volcano, and once you get to the top you will be in awe of the spectacular views. There are several tours available and some may be included in your Honolulu accommodation.

Kualoa Ranch
There is more to Hawaii than beautiful beaches, and if you like to go horseback riding, head to Kualoa Ranch on the north shore of Oahu. Saddle up and enjoy the aquaculture ponds and ride past World War II bunkers. Your experienced wrangler will share the history of Honolulu while you enjoy breathtaking ocean views.

Waikiki
A trip to Honolulu is not complete without spending a day or two on Waikiki beach. Get some surfing lessons, or join in a game of beach volleyball. You can go parasailing or rent a kayak. One of the most popular activities is whale watching. Drinks and snacks are served throughout the entire trip.
Anytime is a great time to visit Hawaii. Book your accommodation in Honolulu and take a trip with your family, or surprise your partner with a romantic getaway. With so many things to do and see, you may want to stay an extra week.

There are no direct flights between the United States and Bali. Getting there requires at least one plane change and an entire days worth of flying. It’s is just about as far off the grid as you get and still enjoy all the pleasantries of modern life. The people are friendly and the Bali accommodation options are vast and in all prices ranges.
So once you get there, what do you other than sit on the beach and work on your tan? Here are five suggestions for ways to maximize your enjoyment in one of the world’s most magical locations.

- Kecak Dancing At The Ulu Watu Temple
Located on the cliffs near the southeast point of Bali, this ancient temple offers up one of the truly memorable experiences. At 6:00 nearly 100 brightly clothed dancers arrive, chanting and stomping as they recreate a performance reportedly first shown to natives by a German teacher in the 1930s.

- Rafting Through The Heart Of Bali
One popular tourist experience is participating in a wild water raft heart down the middle part of the island. Any Bali accommodation or tour guide can point you in the direction of the service, which will consume most of your day.

- Climb Mt. Batur
This mountain towers over Bali and while it is substantial, it can easily be climbed due to the many walking paths. Because of the heat, most tours up the mountain begin at three or four in the morning. That timing also gets hikers at the top of the mountain in time to see the rising sun.

- Snorkeling Near Menjangan Island
Located on the far western side of Bali, this little-developed area offers some of the best snorkeling in the world. Pristine waters and easy access make for the perfect day trip.

- Sunset At The Tanah Temple Lot
A perfect thing to do on the last night on Bali, watch the sunset from this beautiful and historical temple.

Majorca
Majorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and it’s here that you’ll find the popular family destination of Palmanova. While there is no shortage of adventure and water parks on the island, Palmanova is home to the only 4D cinema in Majorca. With 6 movie rides to choose from, strap yourself in, pop on your 3D glasses and you and the family will enjoy much more than a simple 3D cinema experience. With seating that moves with the action, this is a cinema and a ride combined, and one of the most popular attractions at this resort.

With the success of recent programmes like Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars, ballroom dancing has never been so popular. Whether you love to tango, live to salsa, or you’re completely new to the ballroom dance floor, you can pick up the basics, improve your technique and make new friends at the Majorca’s Pickles Ballroom and Dance Studio. Located in Magaluf, there are lessons throughout the week, as well as fantastically popular social dances every Wednesday and Friday night.

If you’re travelling with children, then a visit to the Hidropark in Alcudia is a must. One of the biggest attractions in Majorca, this waterpark features endless waterslides, rides, activities for all the family and a wave pool too.

Menorca
Menorca is the second biggest of the Balearic Islands, and is a little more sedate than it’s larger neighbour Majorca. Perfect for a relaxing getaway, and ideal for families, the island’s capital, Mahon, is one of the most popular tourist spots. If you’re keen to learn about the history of the islands on your trip, then Mahon is the town for you, as it’s home to the Museum of Menorca. Located in the former abbey of a Franciscan monastery, the museum hosts some fantastic archaeological finds from all over the region, as well as the biggest Menorcan fine arts collection in the world.

Another essential stop off in Mahon is Es Freginal Park. As well as being the perfect place for a lazy afternoon picnic, this glorious green space plays host to countless music concerts, art and flower exhibitions throughout the year, including Menorca’s annual Jazz festival.

We started our excursion with a little travel on a small Botanic train, which takes passengers through the garden and keeps them happy and provides a welcome rest for walk weary feet. We went with it across central part of the garden continuing our travel with walk enjoying and just following our noses.

There are special sections there which represent the vegetation of the Mediterranean Basin, Southwest and Central Asia, Australia and New Zealand, North America and Europe. We’d spent in the garden almost all day long and didn’t get tired at all because there are so many interesting things there.

There is also a bonsai grove there tended by local enthusiasts, with the artificial lake and a restaurant on its shores where you can fortify yourself and to take a rest.

Spend your Easter with all the family in London – 24 Apr.

Take part of this year’s Virgin London Marathon – 17 Apr.
Bump and grind your way into London Burlesque Week – 26-30 Apr.

Mother’s Day 2011 is special day out in London – 3 Apr.

Watch London’s legendary Head of the River Race – 2 Apr.

Visit Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey on 29 Apr.

Enjoy English heritage on St George’s Day in London on 23 Apr

Chelsea Flower Show is the world’s greatest flower show which comes to London.

Fashion designers show at Kensington Palace. Until 30 JunVaisakhi in London

Until 30 Jun you can join Vaisakhi celebrations for Sikh New Year in London.

Starring Danielle Hope and Michael Crawford. Until 17 Sep

Animals At War Memorial

Animals are all too often the forgotten casualties of war, a situation that this moving tribute to the millions of animals who have been killed in war seeks to address. It was unveiled in November 2004, and features life size bronzes of two pack mules, a horse and a dog walking through a curved Portland stone wall. The wall itself displays relief images of all the animals that have served in war, from elephants to glow worms. It was designed by David Backhouse and paid for by voluntary donations. Whether you love animals, sculpture, or both, you cannot fail to be impressed by this fine monument.

Burlington Arcade

As far as shopping arcades go, Burlington Arcade is right up there with the best of them, and it is fair to say that it is the most impressive of its type in London. It stretches all the way from Bond Street and Saville Row to Piccadilly, and is full of shops selling jewellery and other fancy items. However, it is the stunning architecture of the building, which was designed by Samuel Ware in 1818 that is the real star of the show here.

50 Berkeley Square

For a long time now, 50 Berkeley Square has been considered the most haunted house in London. Prime Minister George Canning died in this house in 1827, and there have been numerous, well documented sightings of ghosts in the house, including a little girl, a young woman, and a grotesque man with a gaping mouth. These days, the spooks are co-habiting with the antiquarian and rare booksellers, Maggs Bros.

Allies

This famous monument, which is situated in the pedestrian area that divides New Bond Street and Old Bond Street, is a life size statue of Sir Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt having a conversation on a park bench. It was sculpted by American artist Lawrence Holofcener as a tribute to the bond shared by the British Prime Minister and the American President during World War Two. As well as being interesting to look at, it also presents an irresistible photo opportunity for the tourist.

A drawing competition is a great way to keep yourself and the kids amused. Decide on a theme – monsters or aliens or something equally fanciful to get their creative juices flowing. A good way to make it a shared experience is by folding some paper into three equal sections (or four if there are four of you) and having one person draw a head in the top section. Fold it down so the next person can’t see it, then have them draw the midriff, before folding it down to pass onto the next person, who draws the legs (and feet if there are four of you!). Now unfold the meisterwork and give the creature a name.

Similar to Chinese Whispers (but, ironically, much quieter) Invisible Ink is a really fun game to while away an hour of a flight. If you’re in a window row, get the player next to the window to think of a word. The person in the middle must then hold out their arm while Player 1 ‘writes’ the word using their finger. Player 2 then repeats this step on the arm of the person in the aisle seat. Carry this on until you’ve been round all the members of your party, until the last person says the word they think it is. Be prepared for some amusing misunderstandings.

Pick a timekeeper with a watch. The timekeeper then says a letter of the alphabet, and each player must write down as many words that begin with that letter as possible in one minute. The winner is the person with the most legitimate – and accurately spelt! – words. After that, each player must try to write a sentence including as many of the words on the list as possible. Again, give them a minute to do this. A great way to have fun and teach your kids new words at the same time.

If you’re still looking for a family holiday for this year or next, try Thomas Cook, who have a number of family vacation deals and cheap package holidays on their website. Book a trip, and bear in mind some of the fun activities above if the kids start to get restless on the flight. And if they’re still bored, there’s always thumb wars…