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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Dublin used to be Stag Night heaven that is until the Gardá (otherwise known as the Irish police) and many pub owners got properly fed up with the male orientated parties causing a lot of trouble. Their solution was to ban Stag groups from the most popular drinking area, Temple Bar. Ladies however, are still very welcome to come for Hen Nights as this tends to attract local lads who are then willing to part with their hard earned cash. Most people would associate Dublin and Ireland with drinking and whilst I admit the ‘pub’ is a large part of life, there’s still plenty to do for visitors.

Visitors only usually come to Dublin for a short time and pack in a lot in a few days. If you are visiting Dublin for a only a short while, these are my suggestions for things to do, places to eat and where to enjoy a few drinks along the way…

Early Morning Start

Irish breakfasts are very similar to English breakfasts (sausage, bacon, fried egg, etc.) the only difference is that include white pudding. Strangely this simple added ingredient adds a whole new dimension to your breakfast and I think it’s definitely worth trying. A great place have your large Irish breakfast is The Bad Ass Cafe which is located in the centre of Temple Bar.

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Once your breakfast has settled cross over the river and jump on the Luas (Dublin’s city tram), get off at the Suir Road stop (Heuston station direction) here you can visit Kilmainham Gaol. Guided tours around the 18th century gaol will cost you €6; it’s a very informative tour where you will learn all about the history and it’s occupants. As you can imagine it isn’t very pro-Britain so if you’re English be prepared for a bit of Brit bashing!

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By the end of the tour you’re likely to be ready for a pint, what better time to head to the Guinness Storehouse in South Dublin, you can walk but I would suggest jumping in a taxi. The Guinness Storehouse will take about two hours to walk around and unsurprisingly it’s Dublin’s most visited tourist attraction. If you decide to visit you’ll get a free pint at the end of the tour in the Gravity Bar which overlooks the city – an impressive view on a clear day. The entrance fee is a little steep, it costs €15.00 but you can get a 10% discount if you book online. It’s not just about getting a “free pint” you will learn about Guinness’s history, the ingredients used, visit the tasting laboratory and then go to my favourite part – the Guinness advertising where you can see all their adverts spanning several decades.

Late Lunch the Irish Way

Next stop is Temple Bar, I would highly recommend a trip to the Elephant and Castle, if you do go there you are going to have to order the chicken wings. If you ask any Dubliner about the Elephant and Castle, they’ll grin and say “chicken wings”. The burgers are also very good, as are the desserts and there’s a nice selection of wines. If you are after something lighter do as the Irish do and get a soup and a sandwich from one of the many pubs. If you are looking for a cheaper option then head across the Ha’penny Bridge to the Epicurean Food Hall where you can find food from all around the world – I would recommend La Corte Coffee Shop for an excellent salami calzone.

Afternoon shenanigans

After a busy morning my suggested itinerary will now let you wind down a bit. I would recommend taking a stroll around Trinity College, if you are interested in beautiful manuscripts then for a fee you can see the famous ‘Book of Kells.’ At the bottom of Grafton Street say hello to Molly Malone (aka the Tart with the Cart!) before taking a walk up Grafton Street. If it is a nice day also have a walk around the beautiful Iveagh Gardens which were originally designed back in 1865 by Ninian Niven.

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Once you’ve seen some sights, enjoyed the gardens and looked around some shops you cannot possibly consider leaving Dublin without trying a pint or two in one of the pubs. Every pub I’ve visited in Dublin (although admittedly I haven’t been to them all) serves a good pint of Guinness. To be honest I couldn’t see a pub lasting too long here if it served bad pints of the black stuff..

Dinner and a lively evening

Most will now want to eat dinner before the evening activities start. Parallel to Grafton Street is Dawson Street where you will find loads of great bars and some very good restaurants. Two places that I would recommend are Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse and Grill and Fire, if your pockets are quite deep and you fancy having the best steak in town then head to Shanahans on the Green.

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After dinner head to the bars Dawson Street where you will find many of the locals drinking. Alternatively you visit the main tourist hub Temple Bar. If you want one more activity before your night of drinking then why not go greyhound racing. The Irish love to gamble and I personally think dog racing is a great night out – you will even see children as young as ten going up to gamble! There are two race tracks, one is Shelbourne Park (open Saturdays) and the other is Harolds Cross (open Fridays). You can bet as much or a little as you want, enjoy a few drinks and hopefully have a good time. After the races, head back into town to spend your winnings, alternatively (if you’re like me) drown your sorrows.

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Dublin is definitely worth a visit – it’s a fun and lively city as well as being beautiful, atmospheric and romantic. As you can probably imagine there are plenty more things to do in Dublin, these are just a few suggestions. If possible I would suggest staying a bit longer than a weekend and travel a bit further afield to Ireland’s other great cities of Cork, Galway, Kerry and a personal favourite of mine-Kilkenny. Be sure to come and visit and and stay lucky…

by Scott Balaam – please also check out his great Football blog FootieFun

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For years, Melbourne in Victoria, Australia has claimed to be the best sporting nation and many locals already knew that no other city in the world puts on major sporting events quite like Melbourne. Well now it’s confirmed as true. In a recent SportBusiness industry analysis of global sporting cities, the state capital of Victoria went on to win the title of “Ultimate Sports City” for the third time in a row. Melbourne won the prestigious award ahead of other competing cities including Berlin-who hosted the IAAF Athletics World Championships and Singapore who hosted the first night Formula One Grand Prix.

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If you are a major sports fan then Melbourne is definitely the place to visit. The city offers a year round calendar of major events, excellent facilities, great weather (normally!), strong event attendances and an amazing sporting atmosphere with crowds that have a genuine passion for sport.

Why do Australians love sport so much?

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Sport is sometimes jokingly called “Australia’s national religion” and the devotion to organised activities is probably down to the fabulous weather and the clean air which provides ideal conditions to participate in and watch sports. There is a culture of looking after your health in Australia and sports and activities are often ingrained in everyday life. The Australian government is also very supportive. Each state in Australia has agencies responsible for sport and recreation policy and every area operates their own institutes and academies of sport.

What sports can I expect to see in Melbourne and Australia?

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Throughout Australia there is a very wide variety of sports to chose from Taekwondo to Iron Man events and everything inbetween. The most popular sports in terms of attendance (according to 2006/7 government statistics) are Australian rules football, horse racing, rugby league, motorsport, cricket, rugby union and soccer. Other popular sports are of course surfing and kite surfing, but also swimming, roller skating, cycling, golf and softball.

What are the major international sporting events held in Melbourne?

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• The International Cycling Union (UCI) Road World Championships is due to take place in Melbourne running over 5 days from 29th September to 3rd October 2010. This event is second only to the legendary Tour de France in terms of importance and prestige in international cycling and brings the best riders in the world to Australia.

• The famous golfing event ‘The Presidents Cup‘ is to be held at the Royal Melbourne in November 2011, making Melbourne the first city outside of the United States to host the Cup for a second time.

• The Australian Open Tennis Tournament hailed as ‘The Grand Slam of the Asia/Pacific’ will be in Melbourne Park on the 17-30 January 2011. All the big international tennis stars will be there.

• The Spring Racing Carnival is Melbourne’s thoroughbred horse racing festival and launches at the end of September 2010

• The Melbourne Formula One Grand Prix is part of the exciting annual FIA Formula One World Championship. The next one will be held in 2011.

• The Australian Football League is the highest level of professional and competitive football in Australia and the most popular sports competition. The final is traditionally held on the final Saturday in September every year.

• The famous Boxing Day Test Match Cricket is hosted at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and involves the Australian cricket team and an opposing national team touring Australia that summer.

Any other reasons to visit Melbourne?

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Melbourne is lively and cosmopolitan city set around the shores of Port Phillip Bay with the city itself sitting on the northern banks of the Yarra River. Melbourne prides itself on it’s friendliness and welcomes its visitors with character, personality and enthusiasm.

There are some great neighbourhoods (Fitzroy, St Kilda and Carlton) which have strong art, music, cuisine and design scenes and several other areas such as the century-old Queen Victoria Market which are great for shopping. Melbourne also has some interesting museums, tranquil landscaped gardens, some great offbeat festivals and of course the incredible Great Ocean Road is not too far away. For accommodation and more visitor information the Visit Melbourne site is very useful.

Camille Brandon
Director of Results
Milestone Personal Training

Camille Brandon is GlobalGrasshopper’s Travel Health and Fitness Expert. Camille is a Master Trainer and Functional Movement Screen Specialist with in-depth expertise of weight management, strength and sports conditioning, and rehabilitation and exercise referral joins. She also is very well travelled!

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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

• Check prices for Hotel 41

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

• Check prices for The Soho Hotel

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

• Check prices for The Hoxton Hotel

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

• Check prices for Church Street Hotel

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

• Check prices for Andaz

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

• Check prices for The Zetter

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

For Top Ten Cool and Unusual Hotels in New York

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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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You’re about to travel to a known malarial zone; you’ve read the literature, you know the statistics, you even know the range of drugs on offer that will protect you from contracting the disease. But have you explored all the other alternative options and are you fully aware of the potentially very unpleasant side-effects from these drugs?

About Malaria

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Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease and is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of the Americas, Asia and Africa. It’s a disease with very unpleasant symptoms and can be fatal. The symptoms include fever and headaches and in severe cases coma and death. Modern drugs are normally prescribed as part of the preventative measure and these drugs include mefloquin (Lariam), doxycyline (available generically), and the combination of atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride (Malarone).

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I recently spent three months travelling through Africa and almost everyone was taking one of these recommended drugs and almost everyone felt some form of side-effect, mostly not reported in the literature we were provided. One of my fellow travellers even experienced some very serious side effects on the antimalarial Lariam. He was not informed by his GP that Lariam is known to sometimes cause severe depression, anxiety, paranoia, nightmares, birth defects and central nervous system problems (occurring in up to 25% of people taking the drug). In certain cases the symptoms of the side effects are permanent.

While photosensitivity is a recognised side-effect of Doxycycline, I personally experienced painful, discoloured fingernails and toenails on this drug that resulted in me discontinuing with the course, even while travelling through known malarial zones.  Photo-onycholysis refers the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed after exposure to ultraviolet light and can be induced by doxycycline. It’s not a well publicised side-effect but one I had the painful experience of finding out for myself!

The use of prophylactic drugs is also seldom practical for travellers spending extended periods of time in malaria-endemic areas. This is due to the cost of purchasing the drugs (which can be very expensive) and the negative effects sometimes experienced from long-term use.

So what other options are there?

• Artemisinin is a drug used to treat multi-drug resistant strains of falciparum malaria. Use of the drug by itself is explicitly discouraged by the World Health Organisation as there have been signs that malarial parasites are developing resistance to the drug.  Combination therapies that include artemisinin (such as Coartem or Cotexin (SP)) are the preferred treatment (not prevention) for malaria and are both effective and well tolerated in patients.

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• Prevention.  Mosquito nets used mostly at night above a sleeping area help keep mosquitoes away and greatly reduce the infection and transmission of malaria. Insect repellents containing DEET will also protect against mosquito bites. As a general rule, a 5% product will provide approximately 90 minutes of protection while 100% provides up to 10 hours. It is also advisable to cover up as much as possible in malarial zones and to wear long sleeves tops and long trousers.

If you are making a trip to a known malarial zone hopefully knowing the facts will help you make some informed choices-and remember prevention is always better than cure!

Camille Brandon
Director of Results
Milestone Personal Training

Camille Brandon is GlobalGrasshopper’s Travel Health and Fitness Expert. Camille is a Master Trainer and Functional Movement Screen Specialist with in-depth expertise of weight management, strength and sports conditioning, and rehabilitation and exercise referral joins. She also is very well travelled!

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It was supposed to be a short six day break in my favourite city but turned into a twelve day holiday. You probably would have heard about Iceland’s temperamental Eyjafjallajokull volcano deciding to spew ash into the flight space above Europe from April onwards this year-ruining many a traveller’s holiday and leaving thousands of others stranded and at the mercy of their credit cards. Well it happened to me and my wife the day we tried to leave Rome and return home. Being stranded isn’t a pleasant experience -you feel a certain vulnerability when you realise you have no options. Although having said that I can think of much worse places to be stuck!

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After we eventually got back home I caught one of the many ongoing Ash Cloud news reports and I realised we could have easily been camping out at the airport-we were definitely one of the lucky ones. Here’s how we coped and how we used the time uncovering some of Rome’s cultural hidden gems:

No room at the inn

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At first we were pretty excited about having an extended stay in this beautiful city but then the excitement turned to slight panic about the extra money we would be having to spend and hadn’t budgeted for. We’d been staying with a friend but decided imposing on them for an extra six days could really test our friendship! Roma Rentals website turned out to be life saver and in not much time at all found a lovely apartment on the outskirts of Trastevere which was perfect for the two of us. Although by now we getting more than a bit worried about the cost of our beloved dogs residing in some expensive kennels and the airport car park charges were also racking up at €7.50 each day. I could have kicked myself for not taking out any travel insurance…

Food and drink

We also had to look at our limited budget and factor in the extra costs of eating and drinking. Some restaurants in Rome are reasonably priced so we knew if we were a bit savvy about this we could just about manage. We begrudgingly had to give up the 30 euros bottles of wine we had been previously enjoying in the touristy but classy Campo di Fiori and swap to a 2 euro version in La Cantina di Bracco in Trastevere.

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This restaurant was a great place – here you can choose your wine and they put it into plastic bottles and charge you by the litre. We also made the most of the shops where they sell slices of fresh (and delicious) pizza and pasta by weight and a great cheap restaurant Antica Osteria da Giovanni (Via della Lungara, 41a) where they only charge 5 euros for a main course. Thankfully we didn’t have to starve…

Passing the time being culture vultures

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We had plenty of time on our hands waiting for the ash to clear and decided it would be foolish not to use this time wisely in this culturally and historically rich city. Having previously lived in Rome for some time we had already seen all the main sites quite a few time over so we decided to visit a few places not on the major tourist trail. First stop was Villa Farnesina, an incredible renaissance building on Via della Lungara which was completed in 1510, the Villa has wonderful frescos on display by artists including Raphael, Sebastiano del Piombo and Il Sodoma.

During the next few days we also managed to squeeze in visits to Galleria Corsini where there was a gallery with an impressive collection of 18th-century furniture, ancient and modern sculpture and art and the impressive and tranquil Botanical Gardens (Largo Cristina di Svezia, 24) which was a welcome relaxing escape from all the fumey mopeds flying around the city.

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The overall cultural highlight was a visit to two different galleries; the first was the Caravaggio Exhibition which celebrated the 400th anniversary of the artist’s death. We got there early but still had to queue for about two hours but as you’ll probably agree from the photo it was definitely worth the effort. A couple of days later we then headed to Palazzo delle Esposizioni where we saw “Nature According to De Chirico”. This was another excellent exhibition; there were more than a hundred paintings from public and private collections.

Slowly running out of money

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As funds grew low we were forced to find alternative ways to spend the extra days. This wasn’t difficult – Rome is the perfect city to sit outside in bars and cafes in Piazzas reading and watching the world go by. We found an excellent English bookshop that had a wide range of books in English and also friendly staff that were more than happy to provide recommendations of places to visit and what to do. Should you be in Rome and have a need for a book then visit Almost Corner Bookstore (Via del Moro 45, Trastevere).

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Okay so we did spend a lot more money than we had planned but overall it was a pretty exciting and memorable experience and I got to see much more of Rome than I normally get to see. Maybe volcanic ash isn’t so bad after all…

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The diverse, mystical and golden land of Thailand is Asia’s most popular tourist destination. It’s reputation for hedonism attracts thousands of backpacker’s and it’s outstanding areas of natural beauty and idyllic beaches attract an increasing amount of holiday-makers. It’s a country rich with culture, history, smiling locals and some interesting quirks. With so many tourist attractions on offer, how does a first timer to this far-flung land know where to start? Here is my personal Top Ten list of places to visit in Thailand:

1. Bangkok

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Bangkok is a pulsing, exciting and often chaotic metropolis and an essential part of a trip to Thailand. Although not everyone’s cup of tea, this fumy and noisy city has some incredible places of interest that you would be foolish to bypass. The exquisitely bejewelled Grand Palace should not be missed and if you have time also try to visit the beautiful Wat Phra Kaeo and Wat Po where a huge golden reclining Buddha resides. The more adventurous head for the infamous backpacker’s paradise Khao San Road, Chinatown’s alleyways and bazaars and the Patpong Night Market (set in the city’s notorious red light district).

2. The Floating Market

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The Floating Market located on the Damnoen Saduak Canal in the Bangkok region was made famous by the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun.” Although a major tourist attraction, the market is a fun and photogenic experience where visitors can get an idea of what trading was like in Thailand before the modernisation of the city. Here if you want to buy something you can hail down a narrow long boat piled high with local produce. The region is also abundant with vineyards, orchards and local businesses which are great to view by canal boat on route to the market.

3. Chiang Mai

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The spiritual city of Chiang Mai is a much calmer city than Bangkok but still an essential visit on the travellers trail. Dotted with temples, craft shops, delicious restaurants, Thai massage and cooking schools the city has somehow a relaxing and comparatively tranquil atmosphere. Many travellers often cite Chaing Mai as their favourite Thai city and once visited it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. It’s location high in the north mountainous region of Thailand which also makes it’s a perfect base for the popular mountain treks and organised treks can be arranged very easily here. The trails from Chiang Mai are although very interesting are often a well-worn path and many backpackers now head for nearby Pai – a gorgeously located traveller’s mecca popular with artists and musicians. Pai also offers less touristy and more ‘rustic’ treks and visits to hill-tribes.

4. San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

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San Kamphaeng is located 36km from Chiang Mai and it’s popular hot springs set in beautifully landscaped 40 acre parkland are well known for their restorative properties. The springs come from a deep source, are over 100 degrees centigrade and high in sulfur. You can also camp, dine, bath in the mineral rich waters or boil some eggs!

5. The East Coast Islands

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Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are islands on the east side of Thailand that are very popular with tourist and backpackers. Both have gorgeous palm tree lined white sandy beaches, clear turquoise beaches, a diverse range of places to stay and a laid back attitude. Koh Phangan also plays host to the world-famous monthly full moon parties and bohemian style bars and cafes. Nearby Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan are much less touristy due to their more isolated location and are perfect for those looking for peace and world class snorkelling and diving.

6. Mae Hong Son

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Mae Hong Son is the capital of Thailand’s northwesternmost province and it’s close proximity to the Burmese boarder gives the city a very different feel to the rest of Thailand. Very quiet and isolated this mountainous city is often shrouded in an atmospheric mist. Visitors come here for the unusual and beautiful natural scenery, the mountain trekking and the hill tribe communities – one of which is the famous Karen long neck tribe. The Thanon Thongchai range between Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand is popular for trekking and so is the impressive Pha Sua waterfall. Handicrafts and artworks of the hill-tribe people can be purchased at the local night market-ideal for unique souvenirs.

7. Ayutthaya

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Only an hour outside of Bangkok, Ayutthaya was a Siamese kingdom existing from 1351 to 1767. The ancient city is now ruined but the remains of the elegant, extraordinary and often towering temples and buildings are now classed a UNESCO world heritage site and should not be missed. Hiring a motorbike to cover the surrounding areas is recommended and don’t forget to bring your camera!

8. Railay

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Railay and the coast of the Krabi province located in the South of Thailand is a tropical paradise characterised by towering rugged limestone cliffs, turquoise water and powder white sand. From this area it’s also easy to take a trip to the iconic “James Bond Rock” in neighoubouring Phang Nga. Railay is a beautiful secluded beach accessible only by boat and attracts backpackers, well-heeled tourists and enthusiastic rock climbers. Surrounded by lush vegetation and mountains the area is also popular with trekkers and water sports lovers. Completely cut off from the daily grind it’s a place many travellers choose to stay for a lot longer than originally planned.

9. Koh Phi Phi

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The tiny but idyllic island of Koh Phi Phi is seen by many as the ultimate island paradise. Even though it has now fully recovered from the tsunami, the island has suffered from rapid tourist growth especially since the release of the popular film “The Beach”. Having said that it still manages to retain a relaxed vibe which seems to keep the backpackers and vacationers happy. Koh Phi Phi highlights include climbing the high viewpoint to watch the sunset and hiring a long tail boat to snorkel the beautiful surrounding waters.

10. Hin Daeng

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Diving enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Hin Daeng in Andaman Sea. Literally meaning the Red Rock, this area is often thought to be one of the top diving spots in Thailand. Hin Daeng features large underwater pinnacles, incredible carpets of anemone and colourful coral. It’s also teeming with wildlife including large shoals of fish, round batfish, manta ray, barracuda and the odd whale shark.

Before travelling to Thailand please check The Foreign Office website for safety updates.

by Kelly Nolan and Becky Padmore

Kelly Nolan is a published travel writer and has written articles ranging from surfing in Hawaii to UK car hire

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My trip to Grand Cayman coincided with the fun, colourful but slightly surreal Pirate festival and also the very surreal aftermath of the unforgiving hurricane Ivan. Despite the devastation I was struck by the deep warmth and friendliness of the islanders and also how they pulled together to overcome the destruction of their beautiful home, on my trip here it occurred to me other nations could learn a lot from this happy-go-lucky attitude. As well as proud and charming people, this tiny island nestled in the deepest part of the Caribbean also offers so much more.

Festivals

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Firstly I would say if you can, overlap your trip to Grand Cayman with a festival. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Aside from the fun and colourful 10 day Pirate festival in November there are many other annual festivals on Grand Cayman and the surrounding islands. This includes the April Cayfest, this is a celebration of all things Caribbean from local art, to music and dance. Culture and history are immersed in the islanders daily lives and I strongly believe that’s part of the reason how they made such a spectacular recovery from Hurricane Ivan.

Cayman cuisine

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The Caymanians are particularly proud of their cuisine, every second or third building is a restaurant or eatery and the food is incredible. You cannot leave the Carribean without sampling their world-famous seafood. My favourite Seafood restaurant was the Cracked Conch, the views of the ocean are unrivalled and they also serve some of the best food in Grand Cayman- from local conch to pan-seared swordfish. The Lobster Pot is also worth a mention, it has long held an outstanding reputation for serving the most delectable local food, from its eponymous lobster to the local Mahi Mahi (dolphin-fish). For those looking for something a bit more traditional there is always The Grand Old House which combines elegance, old world style with a hundred year old reputation for serving excellent international dishes with a Caribbean flair. The English Room harks back to the colonial days, as Grand Cayman was once an English colony and therefore embodies all things quintessentially British with old world charm and opulence.

Shopping

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Georgetown is the capital of Grand Cayman and the best shopping location, however by shopping I mean meandering through local art and craft stores, as many islanders go to neighbouring Miami for shopping centres! The Cayman Craft Market is open almost daily and affords visitors the opportunity to pick up unique souvenir from their trip to the island. However, while bringing home shell jewellery and Caymanian birdhouses are fantastic mementos, no one should leave the island without tasting some of the local rum cake. The Tortuga Rum Company located in Georgetown sells most of the islands rum, coffee and delicious rum cakes, and this should be your first port of call. You should also take advantage of the islands duty-free status in one of the numerous jewellery shops (including Cartier). I also recommend visiting the farmers market where you can pick up jars of local chutneys, spices and sauces to bring a Caymanian flair to your own home cooked meals.

Activities Caribbean style

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Grand Cayman is one of the best diving and water sports resorts in the world. Head for Rum Point, historically a smugglers haven but is now adorned with cute little restaurants serving fresh seafood straight off the boat, hammocks and clear turquoise waters-holiday perfection.

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The Pedro St. James Castle, the oldest structure in Cayman is a must see as well as the Turtle Farm. The idea behind the farm is an ecological effort to prevent the over-fishing of turtles in the wild and repopulate the oceans diminishing Green Sea Turtle. In the last number of years the farm has successfully released over 40,000 turtles into the wild.

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Also while here, make sure you take a trip to Hell! Hell is the name affectionately given to the area around the West side of the island where millions of years of erosion have left the landscape with a barren and blackened look. However, in true juxtaposition it’s also one of the most beautiful sites you will see on Grand Cayman.

Out of this world beaches

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It would be remiss of me, to talk the Caribbean without mentioning the spectacular beaches. Grand Cayman’s most impressive is Seven Mile Beach, and as the name suggests it’s seven miles of never ending idyllic sandy terrain. It is in fact, the longest beach in the Caribbean and it is the perfect place to take in the amazing views of the ocean and relax after a day’s sight seeing. I would also take a day trip to the sister islands Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, which are each in their own right a little slice of paradise, teeming with stunning natural resources and wildlife.

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There is more to Grand Cayman than beautiful beaches and scenery, the island’s history and culture are prevalent and its media reputation for being a haven for corrupt businessmen and bankers is unfair. In the face of the Hurricane Ivan disaster the people of Grand Cayman proved to be a formidable force in themselves and their attitude in the wake of the hurricane is a testament to a nation of who want nothing more than to give visitors a true taste of the Caribbean so they never forgot the surreal yet blissful paradise which is Grand Cayman.

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