We think Toyko is the coolest city in the world. Here are our ten reasons why:

Hayao Miyazaki & Studio Ghibli

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Hayao Miyazaki is the Godfather of Japanese animated feature films and a national treasure; he is Japan’s answer to Walt Disney. Miyazaki co-founded Studio Ghibi in 1985, the animation studio responsible for mega-bucks grossing films such as Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle. Tokyo is home to the engaging Studio Ghibli Museum – a meticulously thought out interactive visitor’s attraction. The museum (which is unsurprisingly a mecca for anime fans) is designed by Miyazaki himself and has the motto ‘Let’s get lost together.’

Robots

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Most people know that the Japanese are obsessed with futuristic technology, especially robots. You would probably expect nothing less from the country that created ASIMO – a freakishly realistic humanoid robot that can run, walk, climb the stairs and bring you your tea. Now the Japanese are developing robots to look even more human like and the newer versions have the ability to express emotions and even smile and blink. One of the latest robots is a hot female humanoid that is programmed to walk down a catwalk. There are also robots in Japan that can take the place of pets, help the elderly and become a lonely child’s best friend.

Karaoke Bars

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If your only experience of karaoke is a ropey microphone and TV set up in a dodgy back room bar then you really must give karaoke in Tokyo a try. Karaoke is a billion dollar industry in Japan and the bars are often an impressive 10 stories high and packed with hundreds of futuristic pod-like rooms. Book a room and sing your heart out accompanied by a sound-activated laser show and then order food and drink using the high-tech touch screen remote control. An experience not to missed (even if it is to hear a hundred Japanese men murder a Bonnie Tyler song…)

The people

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Japan is famous for it’s harmony-loving culture and the Asian country is often thought to have one of the most polite societies in the world. Customs and social etiquette are very important here and the extreme politeness of the people will probably leave quite an impression on you. In Tokyo it’s not uncommon to see stooping station masters greeting you at the underground entrance or shopkeepers continuously bowing you out of a shop after making a purchase.

Cosplay

Cosplay

Getting dressed up as your favourite manga or anime character is the thing to do in Tokyo and ‘Cosplay‘ a performance art trend is now catching on in many other countries around the world. If you happen to be taking a stroll around Harajuku in your normal casual weekend attire you might feel more than a little under-dressed amid all the gothic rock stars, lolitas, french maids and shiny video game characters.

Love hotels

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Love hotels cater to just about everyone and anyone who feels the need for a pay by the hour (or a night) hotel. Rooms are quirkily themed and decked out to look like anything ranging from a subway train carriage to a prison cell. Other rooms are cuter and more light-hearted and in open-minded Tokyo not all Love Hotels have a seedy reputation. Most provide ‘equipment’ such as toys, karaoke machines, game consoles and more unusual stuff. Great for trying out – even if it’s just to have a funny story to tell when you get back home…

The trains

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The Japanese take their trains and their train network systems very seriously. The trains and railways in Tokyo are second to none for cleanliness, efficiency and time keeping – you could literally set your watch by them. Okay so they might be crowded, but in off-peak times the trains are a joy to travel on and will probably leave you wondering why your own public transport system is so rubbish in comparison. The iconic Bullet train which travels at speeds of up to 300 km/h is an essential ride and the journey from Kyoto to Tokyo is especially recommended for the incredible views of Mount Fuji.

Kawaii

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In Tokyo you can’t walk more than a couple of steps without passing a ultra cute Hello Kitty toy, Totoro, Gloomy bear or miniature plastic sushi. The Japanese are infatuated with Kawaii (which literally means cute, loveable and adorable) and Tokyo’s fondness for all thing cute just adds to it’s coolness.

Maid cafes

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Okay they might not be for everyone but Tokyo’s maid cafes are a thriving industry. Here customers can grab a coffee and cake and be served by waitresses dressed in maid costumes. The ‘maids’ act as servants and treat customers as masters (and mistresses) just like they would in a private home. Increased competition in the cafes means that many of them are trying to outdo each other in the crazy stakes – which probably means even more interesting cafe experiences in the future. Female travellers might want to try one of the butler cafes…

The lights

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When night falls in Tokyo the city really comes to life – gigantic neon signs and advertising hoardings adorn every available space on Tokyo’s multi-storey buildings. For total neon immersion head to the wealthy shopping area Ginza, crowded Shinjuku or Akihabara (otherwise known as ‘Electric City’). Recreate a scene from Blade Runner by picking up barbecued skewered chicken on a trip to Shinjuku’s Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho).

Written by Becky and Graham Padmore

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We have picked four Bangkok Hotels to splash the cash and blow the budget on…

Le Meridien Bangkok

A sleek and towering oasis of calm in one of Bangkok’s liveliest areas it’s no surprise this hotel tops many prestigious hotel hot lists. The much lauded décor is ultra contemporary and the designers have made liberal use of glass, marble and wood. All rooms come equipped with state-of-the-art amenities including an ergonomic work chair, touch-screen IP phone, rain shower and for those that fancy a more interesting slumber there is even an option to stay in a room with a circular bed.

The dining is equally as impressive and the Le Meridien culinary experience consists of top chefs creating dishes live to order and wandering waiters presenting signature dish samples to the lucky guests. Good job the hotel has a pretty cool gym too. Prices range from ($109-$205)

Peninsula Bangkok

Another one of Bangkok’s sky-rise beauties the Peninsula, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya, is an award winning five star hotel strategically designed to ensure every room has a panoramic river view. With only twelve sumptuously decorated rooms on every floor, peace and comfort are not a problem here. All the rooms are decorated in a classy colonial style with a modern twist and contain state of the art electronic delights such as mood lighting, electronic curtains and a sophisticated bedside control panel. Those with even deeper pockets might want to book a room with a personal outdoor jacuzzi…

The choices of dining range from riverside alfresco to world class fine dining and other impressive facilities include a three tiered swimming pool and modern gym. Need a little pampering? The largest spa in Bangkok will surely oblige. The Peninsula’s health and spa centre also offers a whole host of therapies including an innovative all encompassing wellness programme focusing on everything from nutritional cleansing to treatments that purify the mind. Prices range from ($182-$361)

Mandarin Oriental

With 130 years of catering for distinguished guests it’s no wonder the legendary Mandarin Oriental is getting it so right. Within the restored 19th century and more modern walls historical colonial inspired luxury awaits and it’s easy to see why this five hotel has had a long list of celebrity guests including mega A-listers such as Elizabeth Taylor and the late Audrey Hepburn.

It’s reputation for unrivalled service is well deserved – the hotel has an exceptional concierge and on every floor is personal butler waiting to cater to your every whim. Other unique features include poolside private cabanas, the hotel’s very own Thai cooking school and a fine array of internationally acclaimed eateries. Guests also travel for miles to unwind in the world famous teakwood house spa and Ayruvedic Penthouse. Prices range from $324-$477

Siam@Siam Design Hotel & Spa

Colonial style not your thing? Then try the eclectically designed Siam Design hotel. This smart and luxurious hotel is strategically located in the heart of Bangkok’s commercial district and right on the doorstep of the ubiquitous sky train. Service, relaxation and a sensual moody atmosphere are the priority here and unsurprisingly the hotel attracts a young, hip and trendy crowd.

The rooms are contemporary, large and artistically designed with a sleek and stylish finish and Siam turns up the cool factor with it’s dining experience with a 24 hour restaurant going by the name of ‘Siam Party House’. Other impressive amenities include a handmade cigar and fine wine kiosk and a sun terrace and infinity pool offering great views of the city. Health fanatics will also lap up the state of the art gym, shape-up playground and refreshment juice bar. Prices range from $138-$167

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A grand metropolis and one of the world’s greatest cities, London is an exciting mix of different cultures and strong music, art and design scenes. Sometimes gritty, always historically proud with many pockets of true originality and quintessentially English eccentricity, the city doesn’t tend to disappoint it’s many visitors. We have chosen ten hotels (in no particular order) that reflect London’s taste for the original, the ultra cool, slightly extraordinary and the impeccably designed.

1. Hotel 41

Aptly located on Buckingham Palace Road Hotel 41 frequently tops prestigious hotel critic lists. Often cited as having a ‘private member’s club’ feel, this luxurious five star hotel mixes traditional English opulence and elegant nostalgia with cutting edge technology, yet still manages to retain an intriguing edge. All 41 rooms are individually designed but all feature rich fabrics, marble bathrooms and the hotel’s monochrome and mahogany signature design. Services include a 24 hour honesty pantry, a personal butler and a cellar of fine wine. Average price per night £342

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2. The Soho Hotel

Part of the exclusive Firmdale chain this frequently praised luxury hotel centred in the city’s entertainment and creative district has quickly become a London institution. Immaculately designed by celebrated interior designer Kit Kemp in her signature contemporary English style, the hotel attracts A-list celebrities and the cream of London’s glitterati. Each individually designed spacious room feature strong textiles, solid granite and oak bathrooms, flat screens TVs and DVD/CD players. The hotel also has two state-of-the-art private ’screening rooms,’ a gym, beauty treatment rooms and an honesty bar. Average price per night £370

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3. The Hoxton Hotel

The Hoxton Hotel epitomises the trendy urban cool of Hoxton itself but with surprisingly competitive prices. Innovatively designed with open fireplaces, classic leather furniture, exposed brickwork and the occasional faux moose head, the style is often likened to a modern urban country lodge. The guest rooms, although compact, are equally as stylish with Frette linen, flatscreen TVs, rain power showers and some cool artistic details. Other extras include a free Pret a Manger Breakfast (delivered to your door), fresh milk and water in the fridge and free WiFi. Also watch out for their extremely popular £1 a room sale. Normal Average price per night £114

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4. Church Street Hotel

Church Street Hotel located in a Zone 2 South London neighbourhood, prides itself on it’s unique and welcoming atmosphere, colourful Cuban/Mexican inspired room designs, attention to detail and it’s good value prices. The new owners transformed a run down bed and breakfast into positively received boutique hotel adorned with striking Mexican tiles, painted furniture and Spanish-American religious art. Personal touches include a cigar box containing Green and Black’s chocolate, a complimentary jar of hot sauce and lovingly made organic breakfasts. A slice of Havana heaven in Camberwell. Average price per night £106

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5. 40 Winks

With only two bedrooms 40 winks is likely to be one of the smallest boutique hotels you can find. In fact the hotel is actually the four storey Queen Anne townhouse home of acclaimed interior designer David Carter, and it’s eclectic and meticulously designed rooms are the antithesis of a bland large hotel environment. Decadent and eccentrically English but with a fashionably shabby chic twist (and details like a lion’s head tap in the bath and a music room complete with a Beatles drumkit) it’s no surprise the hotel is also one of London’s most successful celebrity and fashion shoot locations. It also attracts a host of artists and A-listers. Quirky events such as a vintage afternoon tea party and glamorous pyjama parties are a regular occurrence. Single Room £90 Double Room £130 Events from £25

For 40 Winks Bookings

6. Andaz

Housed in a red brick Victorian building in Liverpool Street, the Andaz is a sleek modern new hotel where design and faultless personal customer service are the priority. When you arrive the receptionist greets you at the door and checks you in with a laptop and services such as wifi, local phone calls and healthy organic mini bar are all included in the room price. The rooms are spacious and stylish with minimalist bold colours, flat screen TVs, iPod docks and a fast-fill deep eco-friendly bath. Average price per night £284

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7. Rough Luxe

Photo by Marcus Peel

Rough Luxe is definitely not your average boutique hotel. The design is the brainchild of architect and interior designer Rabih Hage and the result is a unique combination of urban shabby chic and classic English luxury. Peeling walls, bare floorboards and unfinished surfaces are contrasted with top quality furniture and an impressive collection of modern art. In some of the nine rooms you may have to share a bathroom, but all the rooms have expensive bed linen, designer comforts and an unconventional individual design. Staying here would be an experience in itself. Double Rooms from £150 per night

• Check prices for Rough Luxe

8. The Zetter

Located in the heart of London’s trendy creative neighbourhood Clerkenwell, this small contemporary boutique hotel caters to a design loving crowd. Once a Victorian warehouse, now The Zetter houses 59 guest rooms individually designed in a bold retro-modern style with quirky and delicate artistic touches. Other unique details include a vending machine on every floor (deposing everything from champagne to disposable cameras) and complimentary spring water from the hotel’s very own 1,500ft bore hole. The Zetter has also been commended on its eco friendly ethos and dedication to providing state of the art technology in every room. Average price per night £198

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9. The Boundary

The Boundary is a new joint project between famous interior designer Sir Terence Conran and his wife Vicki and is already winning critical acclaim. Opened in trendy Shoreditch in 2009 the converted Victorian warehouse is now home to 12 individually designed guest rooms. Each room pays homage to a different legendary designer or design movement from Bauhaus to Josef Hoffmann. Conran’s signature style of simple clean lines with a quirky twist follow throughout the hotel and the designers have thought of every detail. These details include heated floors, large flat screen TVs, handmade super King sized Savoir beds and extensive acoustic sound-proofing. The Boundary experience also includes a popular rooftop terrace and several impressive bars and restaurants. Rooms start from £200 but special rates are offered at the weekend.

• For The Boundary Reservations

10. The Pavilion Rock and Roll Hotel

The Pavilion Fashion Rock ‘n’ Roll Hotel, located in Sussex Gardens is a small quirky hotel with an unconventional design. The brother and sister owners have strong links with the fashion community and their offbeat and photogenic hotel is popular with the fashion, media and musical set. Each room is themed and bursting with flamboyant kitsch and retro antiques, from a 70s style ‘Honky Tonk Afro Room’ to the Hollywood star inspired “Monochrome Marilyn.” Other room names include “Metallica” “Enter the Dragon” and “Better Red Than Dead”. Average price per night £85

• Check prices for The Pavilion Hotel

For Top Ten Cool and Unusual Hotels in Berlin

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The Inca Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the world and also a top traveller’s destination. Visitors to Peru brave the often gruelling high alpine four day trek through cloud forests, jungle and stone mountain paths for the unparalleled views, scenery and the mystical Inca Ruins. The ‘trail’ is approximately 43km but at its height the Inca Road system covered over 20,000 km and stretched from Ecuador to Chile.

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Are you a self-confessed beach bum but have had enough of high rise over-development and rowdy beer boys? If so, we have pulled together a list of some of Europe’s finest beach resorts with not a crowded disco bar or banana boat in sight.

Best for incredible coastline

Amalfi Coast, Italy

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You would be hard pressed to find coastline as jaw-droppingly beautiful as the southern side of Sorrento’s peninsula. The Amalfi Coast is 50km stretch of towering cliffs, winding roads, pungent lemon groves, vineyards and whitewashed villas. The resort has long been a magnet for the rich and famous and although the area is incredibly popular, thankfully over-development has been limited-probably largely due to it’s unforgiving terrain. The gorgeously located Sorrento and Ravello shouldn’t be missed nor should the photogenic but expensive town of Positano. If you are a tight budget give the exclusive hotels a miss and stay in one of the family run B&Bs instead.

Best for authentic charm

Sesimbra, Portugal

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Sesimbra, located on the west coast of Portugal is a small and attractive working fishing port where visitors will also benefit from a long promenade, a great beach, clear turquoise sea and some better than average hotels. Sesimbra is not what you’d call underdeveloped but it still somehow manages to retain it’s rustic charm and village atmosphere – the resort is the antithesis of the unashamedly brash Algarve. Lisbonites come here to escape the city hassles and is undiscovered by most living outside Portugal. The bay is excellent for swimming and dolphin spotting and there are endless rows of cafes and restaurants to enjoy the local catch of the day. Being only an hour’s drive from the capital, Sesimbra also makes the perfect base to explore Lisbon and the neighbouring cosmopolitan seaside town Cascais.

Best for hanging out with the beautiful people

Sardinia, Italy

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Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean sea is popular with affluent tourists, island-hoppers, beautiful bronzed people and the odd celebrity or two. It’s also a travel destination of contrasts – it’s both historic and cosmopolitan and laid-back and lively. As well as some impossibly picturesque traditional towns, Sardinia has natural beauty in abundance and the perfectly clear turquoise sea and white sandy beaches seem to have more in common with islands much nearer the equator. Head for the glitzier resort towns of Costa Smeralda and Porto Rotundo for your celeb-spotting fix.

Best for boating

Kefalonia, Greece

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The popular novel Louis de Bernières Captain Corelli’s Mandolin turned Kefalonia into one of the most sought after Greek island resorts but yet this large but still traditional island has somehow managed to escape the problems that the other tourist ridden Greek islands have suffered. As well as being blessed with natural beauty, Kefalonia is adorned with all the usual cliched Greek images such as olive groves, white washed villages, incredible beaches and rugged mountain ranges. Try hiring a small boat to discover one of the many secluded bays inaccessible by road or foot, or use discount cruises to island hop the rest of the Ionian islands.

Best for timeless beauty

Croatia, Dalmatian Coast

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Croatia has come a long way from it’s unsettled past and is now considered a safe and welcoming country. It’s also a much-loved and much hyped holiday destination. Rapid development has been kept to a minimum here and Croatia with it’s bustling fishing ports, stone-built villages, quiet coves and historical towns is one of Europe’s most unspoilt and timeless places to take a holiday. Part of it’s appeal is it’s renowned dramatic and lengthy rugged coastline often known as the New Riviera. Dubrovnik, Lord Byron’s ‘pearl of the Adriatic’ deserves a special mention, it’s a unique city that has pristinely preserved its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, palaces and monuments.

Best for rugged scenery and chic coastal towns

Corisca, France

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Although popular with tourists, Corsica is another island that has surprisingly not succumbed to over-development. Holiday-goers flock here for the mild climate, white sand crescent beaches, serene rocky coves and unrivalled diverse landscapes. The rugged mountainous parts of the island attract walkers and hikers and the chic towns and ports lined with pavement cafés and palm trees offer the perfect place to relax. Try the famous GR20 – one of the top trails in the world for a particularly exhilarating hike or drive.

Best for budget

Patara, Turkey

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Patara is a beachside village located on the glistening ‘Turkish Riveria’ (the south-west Aegean coast of Turkey). The resort has one of the longest and most beautiful sandy beaches in the Mediterranean and has the added bonus of being outside the expensive euro-zone. Legend has it that Patara is the birthplace of Apollo and at the height of the Roman Empire it was one of the most important harbours in the western Mediterranean, fine examples of excavated Roman masonry can be found in the village’s ticketed archeological site. Nowadays Patara mostly attracts Turkish day trippers, bohemian foreigners and nesting turtles!

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Do you fancy doing something a little different for your honeymoon? If so here is our list of underrated and often overlooked honeymoon destinations specially selected to suit a wide range of tastes.

Tuscany Villa
Perfect for couples looking for peace, seclusion and culture

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Book a secluded villa in Tuscany a region in central Italy for your honeymoon and relax with your loved one in utopia-esque Renaissance country. The landscape is a pastoral quilt of olive groves, vineyards and rolling green-valleys and has inspired many famous artists including Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael, it also has remained virtually unchanged for centuries and certainly lives up to it’s hype. Head into one of the sleepy hill-top towns nestled in the countryside and indulge in typical Tuscan cuisine such as mushrooms, truffles, roasted meats and sheep’s milk cheeses like pecorino and ricotta of course washed down with a glass of the region’s world-famous wine. If you tire of indulging in the sweet art of doing not very much at all, then hire a boat and Island hop along the region’s coast, visit Florence, Pisa or one of the perfectly-preserved atmospheric medieval towns or a grand gothic castle.

Toyko Four Seasons
Perfect for adrenaline seekers and Asian culture lovers

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Often overlooked as a honeymoon destination, many don’t realise that it’s possible to enjoy the best of both world’s in this adrenaline fuelled city if you retreat to a peaceful haven each night like the Four Seasons hotel. Tokyo a giant, fascinating metropolis where the old and the new jostle for space would make a perfect honeymoon for adrenaline junkies, fans of cutting-edge modernity and quirky trends. Although the city does offer an alternative side; the Japanese are fiercely proud of it’s ancient traditions and neighbourhood festivals are held regularly and shrines and Zen Temples can still be found on many streets. Looking for a romantic day trip out? Then head for the Temples of Asakusa or the beautiful gardens of the Imperial Palace. The Four Seasons Hotel would be a great choice for a honeymoon hotel because it offers a calming ultra-modern natural wood interior, Zen-inspired spa treatments and impeccable Asian hospitality serenely secluded amidst a historic Japanese garden- a perfect antidote to a chaotic but uniquely exciting day.

Borneo Rainforest
Perfect for adventurous wildlife fans

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Honeymooning in the Borneo Rainforest would suit adventurous eco-conscious couples with a fondness for wildlife. If you book a trip here you would benefit from pristine white sandy beaches, ancient forests with unique flora and fauna, breathtaking mountain scenery and of course the now world-famous Sepilok Sanctuary where you can see the most lovable of all monkeys-the orangutans. Depending on your choice of holiday you could include a trip to the awe-inspiring Mount Kinabalu or the Batang Ai Reservoir where the Iban Headhunter tribe live. Another option could be braving a canopy walk high above the jungle or interacting with endangered turtles and Proboscis monkeys in Kinabatangan River sanctuary. After a long but extraordinarily wonderful day, retreat in comfort to your eco-friendly luxury beach villa or rustic jungle lodge.

Scottish castle and whale watching
For outdoor and history loving couples

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There’s probably something very appealing about living like a 12th century King or Queen in a remote part of Scotland. Staying in a Scottish castle for your honeymoon would combine tranquil seclusion with luxurious, opulent accommodation and wild rugged and romantic landscapes. Dine on a six course meal in the grand hall, sip whiskey by the fireplace or even take up croquet for the duration of your stay. Trips out could include a romantic scenic drive from Fort William to Mallaig, a visit to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle or whale watching on the Isle of Mull. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, the Hebrides is an area of outstanding natural beauty and an abundance of wildlife. One Isle of Mull company (Sea Life Surveys) offers a 98% sighting success rate of seeing either minke whale, porpoises, basking sharks, dolphins, orca or grey seals.

Roadtrip through South America
Perfect for adventurous film fans

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Fans of the Motorcycle Diaries might fancy retracing the historic route or part of the route that was so beautifully captured on film. Travelling through South America is now a uber-trendy and increasing popular honeymoon destination for more adventurous types looking for the ultimate wild and romantic roadtrip. Okay so not everyone has eight months to spare like Che Guevara, but a route touring through four countries starting from Santiago in Chile and ending Buenos Aires in Argentina (via Bolivia and Brazil) in 25 days might be an option. Learn to dance in Buenos Aires, join the carnival in Brazil or just enjoy the rugged and unparalleled beauty of Chile and Bolivia.

Cruise the Rhine in five star luxury
For honeymooners looking for relaxation and traditional sightseeing

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Germany and the beautiful River Rhine is a romantic destination in the traditional sense and would best suit couples fond of history, culture and sightseeing. Thanks to a fairly new river cruise ship, the Premicon Queen you can now cruise the beautiful Rhine river in sophisticated five star luxury. This spacious ships comes with modern dark wood decor, spa facilities and attentive staff. Dine under the Cologne bridge, sail past fairytale historical castles, half-timbered villages and picturesque mountain pastures and stop-off and picnic among the ancient evergreens of the Black Forest- a perfect alternative honeymoon.

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Just two decades after the fall of the Berlin Wall, this vibrant and unique city’s troubled past is now a fading memory. It has also been crowned the new capital of cool, thanks to an influx of international designers, writers, architects and artists all drawn here by cheap rents and a culture of openess and experimentation. Hedonistic, trendy and edgy, many of the places to stay in Berlin reflect this new happening and cultural vibe and some of the most unusual and exciting city hotels can be found here. Here is our Top Ten (in no particular order):-

Design Hotels

Lux 11

Lux 11 caters to a hip, individualist crowd. This hotel has been successful in creating a calming modern, cosmopolitan and futuristic ambiance for people to escape the city hassles. This former stately home turned stylish boutique hotel is located in the Mitte district, one of Berlin’s hottest and trendiest neighbourhoods. The white geometric and impeccably designed rooms are more like apartments than hotel rooms and come complete with plasma TVs, WiFi and kitchenettes. Average nightly price $200

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Hotel Casa Camper

You may be aware of the trendy trainer brand Camper, well now you can stay in a Camper Hotel. Following the same ethos of their poplar footwear brand, Berlin’s Hotel Casa Camper is a contemporary design hotel with a focus on relaxation, comfort and an strictly ecological approach- all the products used are environmentally friendly in their materials and their production. The decor is sleek and modern but with an emphasis on a ‘homely feel.’ The hotel is also often commended on their attention to detail-you can make more out of your stay with a Camper bike or a romance kit! Average nightly price $260

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Hotel Q

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Achingly cool and edgier than most, this sleek and minimalistic design hotel has a striking red and white interior courtesy of the Graft Group (Brad Pitt‘s favourite architects) The hotel pays attention to the smallest of details-the lobby is filled with hip and atmospheric music, the clinical white corridors are lined with red shag pile carpets and the young and good-looking staff are all dressed in black. All the rooms are innovatively designed with sloping beds built into the walls and a spacious modern bathroom. Attracts a hip, young and glamorous crowd. Average nightly price $204

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Arcotel John F

Like Berlin itself, Arcotel John F is a vibrant, cosmopolitan and international hotel. The elegant, glossy and glamorous decor bear the hallmark of the Viennese industrial designer, artist and architect Prof. Harald Schreiber and all the rooms combine modern design with attention to detail. A very popular four star luxury hotel in the trendy Mitte district at a competitive price. Average nightly price: $166

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Hotel Art Nouveau

Recently renovated, this unique, small and charming hotel pays homage to the Art Nouveau tradition. The welcoming ambiance and elegantly themed rooms are completed with high ceilings, hand-picked antiques, polished hardwood floors, Conran-esque details and contemporary art. The antique wooden birdcage lift and the friendly and attentive English speaking staff add to the quirky but homely feel. Average nightly price $175

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Ku Damm 101

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A smart, competitively-priced design hotel with a colourful and striking futuristic lobby and industrial design inspired minimalist rooms. Each room has designer furniture, free wifi and a funky white-tiled bathroom. The hotel also has a convenient central location, a popular bar with terrace and a sunny breakfast room located above Berlin’s rooftops. Average nightly price $140

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Budget-Friendly Design Hotel

Motel One – Berlin Mitte

Ideal city accommodation for the more budget conscious, the popular Motel One offers trendy, comfortable and modern rooms for two star prices. All the rooms have a cool retro turquoise, grey and white signature colour scheme and the lobby’s stylish decor comprises of dark wood floors, leather cube stools, shag pile rugs and turquoise swivel chairs. Guests also benefit from flat-screen tvs, bathrooms with classy granite decor and free Wi-Fi in the lounge. Average nightly price $104

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The Really Unusual

Ostel

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Ostel perfectly captures the nostalgia for the former Communist East Germany days and neatly repackages it into a fun and trendy budget guesthouse/hostel. Mixing modern kitsch with days-gone-by this comfortable hotel offers a variety of different sized rooms all lovingly decked out in lurid 70s wallpaper, plastic flowers, chintzy lamps and chunky transistor radios as well as original GDR furniture. Average nightly price $104

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MichelBerger

MichelBerger is definitely one of a kind. This popular hotel was formed by a group of friends who aimed to create comfortable budget accommodation that feels more like you’re staying in the guest room of your cool mate’s house. The result is a high-design, uber-trendy but laid back hotel which perfectly captures the arty, edgy rebellious spirit of Berlin. Located in a old factory building the rooms feature high ceilings and larger than average windows decked out with kitschy wallpaper, flea-market finds, flat-screen TVs built into reclaimed industrial boxes and a vast collection of books! Average nightly price $98

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Propeller Island City Lodge Hotel

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Propeller Island Hotel is probably the nearest thing you can get to staying overnight at an art gallery. Extraordinary, surreal but never seeming to take itself too seriously, Propeller Island is often cited as being one of the world’s most unusual hotels. All the rooms have a one-off theme created by the German artist Lars Stroschen (although be warned-some rooms are more user-friendly than others!) and among many other room designs you can choose to sleep in a coffin in a crypt, a green-padded cell, an elevated cage or boxes beneath the floor of a room. Probably not a hotel for the closed-minded… Average nightly price $127

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The Cenotes (literally meaning sinkholes) of the Yucatan peninsula (located just south of Cancun, Mexico) are extremely popular with visitors, swimmers, snorkelers and divers.

The entire Yucatan peninsula was once a reef beneath the ocean until the water receded, causing the sea life to be fossilised into the walls of deep holes thus forming a subterranean universe of caverns, karst tunnels and sink holes-some hundreds of feet deep. There are four types of Cenotes – those completely underground, semi-underground, land-level Centotes like a lake or pond, and those that are open wells.

Cenotes were sacred to the Maya both for drinking, irrigation and in religious ceremonies. They also considered to be one of the best cavern diving spots in the world.

Incredible Diving

Diving enthusiasts around the world flock here because of the amazing underwater scenery and crystal clear water. Divers can swim through thousands of stalagmites and stalactites formed over 65 million years ago and sunlight penetrates multiple openings making the whole experience unforgettable. The Cenotes, located all through out the Riviera Maya are filled with rain water so the visibility while diving is over five hundred feet.

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If you find the beaches of Florida too crowded and a vacation in New York too expensive then perhaps it’s time to try our pick of destinations that offer you a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of life in the city. No doubt, vacation means visiting those places that you have always wanted to see but it also means relaxation and a break from all the daily hum drums. If you are tired of visiting overrated and over crowded destinations, why not plan an action packed outdoor vacation?

Taking an outdoor vacation is fun. You don’t need to venture into some remote wilderness to explore these destinations; they are conveniently located near your own neighbourhoods. Here is our pick of top outdoor destinations that should certainly feature on the “Places to Visit” menu.

Rocky Mountain National Park

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Breathtaking snow-capped peaks, majestic mountains, hiking trails that will take your through spell binding scenery, romantic hotels and lodges await you in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. A paradise for outdoor lovers, Rocky Mountain National Park is perfect for everyone seeking a relaxing time full of fun, romance and adventure. Be it a romantic getaway, a family vacation or a group trip, Rocky Mountain National Park has everything to make your vacation an unforgettable one.

Poconos Mountains

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Perfect for those in search of that place where they can enjoy the most, Poconos Mountains in Pennsylvania, is all about romance, adventure and relaxation. Explore trails that will take you through magnificent waterfalls and striking scenery covered with flowers. Spice up your trip by indulging in various activities such as biking, white water rafting, skiing and snowmobiling. Play golf at the Buck Hill Falls Golf Club. Enjoy your stay in luxurious romantic hotels and resorts. Your Poconos vacation will surely be remembered for a lifetime.

Lake Tahoe

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Whether you are a family vacationer, a honeymoon couple or a city slicker seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life, Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada mountains (located along the border between California and Nevada), is just perfect for all. Take a Lake Tahoe Cruise. Enjoy the Beaches. Explore enchanting trails that will take you through diverse landscape. Couples will just love the romantic ambiance and the privacy. As for adventure seekers, Lake Tahoe is home to some of the best ski resorts in North America.

If you’re done partying at the nightclubs or  cheap hotel in New York City, gambling outrageously at the casinos of Las Vegas or soaking the sun on the picturesque beaches of Miami, then it’s time to head out to these offbeat destinations and discover the undiscovered.

By Kavita Sharma
www.cheapostay.com

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In honour of the up and coming Saint Valentine’s day here are five of the most romantic places I’ve ever visited:

Montmartre, Paris

Photo: Begona V

Despite heavy tourism I still think Paris’s last village is one of the most romantic and charming areas of Paris. Follow in the footsteps of Amelie and take your time to explore the atmospheric winding cobbled streets, houses with shutter board windows and quaint 1930’s style cafes. Grab a Croque-Monsieur, climb the steps to the Sacré-Cœur and enjoy one of the most panoramic views in town. Montmartre is a gastronomical and cultural haven and you wouldn’t have to walk far to find an art gallery or typically Parisian chic vintage boutique. Of course the nostalgically attractive but probably overpriced bars and restaurants come complete with the obligatory charismatic, gesticulating and attentive waiting staff. For a more peaceful stay keep the time you spend in the seedier neighbouring Pigalle district to a minimum but make sure you visit the world-famous and iconic Moulin Rouge theatre at least once.

My personal Montmartre trip highlights:

• Staying at the Le Chat Noir, a quirky design boutique hotel dedicated to the infamous 19th-century cabaret of the same name.
• Visiting the Generation Art Gallery-a gallery of colorful, contemporary and surprisingly affordable art.

Highlands, Scotland

Photo: Martin Sojka

The Highlands will always be on my list of one of the most romantic and unforgettable places I’ve ever visited. Hire a car and drive into the depths of Scotland through breathtakingly beautiful wild sloping landscapes, ancient woodlands, majestic castles and crystal-clear lochs. There will be also plenty of alone time, in the less touristy areas you’d be hard pressed to spot anyone else in vast expanse of beautifully surreal, lunar-esque scenery. In these areas the lakes and woods have eery stillness and you can view a land virtually unchanged for hundreds of years. If the wind and rain start beating you down don’t worry you can always warm up again by your cosy log cabin fire.

My personal Scottish Highlands trip highlights:

• Trying to spot otters on the peaceful and rugged Isle of Skye (voted 4th best island in the world by National Geographic magazine)
• Abandoning the foolish idea of climbing Ben Nevis on a short and ill-equipped trip and hiking the much easier and well-worn tourist path to the Ben Nevis Valley instead.

Big Sur, California

The Pacific Coast Highway that runs through the area known as Big Sur is a road that seems custom made to live out the top-down, wind-in-your-hair American road trip fantasy most people have always dreamt of. Highway 1 is well deserving of its reputation of being one of the most unforgettable and exhilarating road routes in the world. Wind your way along the cliff top road with dramatic views of the blue-green pacific and waves crashing underneath and then camp under the stars at one of the perfectly located camping sites. If you’re not a particularly outdoorsy person stop off one of the quirky bohemian coastal towns instead and enjoy the welcoming hospitality and free cheese and wine evenings that most of the Inns offer.

My personal Big Sur trip highlights:

• Visiting one of the hotels located near Big Sur’s hot springs-a place where the boho/hippy spirit is still very much alive and well.
• Whale watching for hours from the balcony of the gorgeous Tickle Pink Inn in Carmel.

Lake Garda, Italy

Photo: Renata F Oliveira

More laid back than Rome and less crowded than Venice, Lake Garda is a place that has seduced the likes of DH Lawrence, Ibsen and oh.. George Clooney. It would also be my choice for one of the most romantic destinations in Italy, if not Europe. Where can you go wrong with a beautiful sea-like mountain lake flanked by impossibly gorgeous and quintessentially Italian villages with names like Limone and Gardone Riveria? Each of the lake-side villages are very different from the last, ranging from a historic town dominated by a medieval castle to a picturesque village brimming with flowers and pastel-coloured houses. Hire a convertible car and zig-zag your way through caves and tackle the hair-pin bends James Bond style then choose an attractive harbour-side trattoria to eat alfresco, sip limoncello and watch the sunset.

My personal Lake Garda trip highlights:

• Hiring a speed boat before checking the guide book and only narrowly avoiding ’sea-sickness’ while sailing in the northern choppier end of the lake.
• Gaining an insight into an eccentric and possibly insane rich man’s mind on a day trip to the Vittoriale – a bizarre villa and the home of Gabriele D’Annunzio (the most colourful and controversial personality of Italian literature).

Amsterdam

Photo: MorBCN

Whilst not an obvious choice I found this beautiful and fun city to also be a great place for couples. Amsterdam has a unexpected romantic quality that you just can’t put your finger on but its undeniably there. Maybe it’s the relaxed culture and unbelievably friendly locals, the city’s compact layout and lack of cars or the canals, cobbled streets and uniquely tall gabled houses. If you’re less than open minded or easily shocked stay away from the red light district and concentrate on the culturally rich and historical side of Amsterdam, visit instead the Tulip, Van Gogh or Anne Frank museums. My advice for a more pleasant ‘couples’ break is to stay away from the smaller run down hotels and book into more contemporary or luxurious accommodation.

My personal Amsterdam trip highlights:

• An easy afternoon spent sipping beer in a local-filled typical Amsterdam ‘Brown Cafe’ – famous for their nicotine-stained walls and woody interiors.
• A 3am pizza ‘lock-in’ at the pizza joint around the corner from our hotel (an example of how friendly and laid back the Amsterdam culture is – I can’t imagine many pizza restaurants owners in other cities giving away all the days unsold pizzas to whoever happens to be in the restaurant at the time!)

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