Home of British pop star Cheryl Cole and the UK’s best loved double act Ant and Dec, this city has come a long way since the Industrial Revolution, which gave the city its name as a powerhouse for ship building and engineering. With some exceptional hotels in Newcastle any stay here is sure to be a comfortable one.

If you are planning to visit Newcastle tips on where to stay ought to be considered carefully because the wrong choice of accommodation can ruin a short or long-term getaway.

Shopping and Nightlife

Newcastle boasts Europe’s largest indoor shopping and leisure complex, combined with a wide selection of boutiques and markets. By night, the city offers a vibrant nightlife with dozens of nightclubs and bars. You will also be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding places to eat, as the city comprises a superb selection of restaurants, cafés and eateries.

Arts and Culture

If you prefer arts and culture, the Theatre Royal is a world-class venue offering a diverse range of productions, while there is no bigger gallery of its type in the world than the city’s BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.

Castle Keep in Newcastle city centre is most definitely worth a visit, as is the Great North Museum and visitors to the area should enjoy a trip on the Victoria Tunnel if they have time.

Make time to take a stroll over the Swing Bridge across the River Tyne and of course, no trip to the North East is complete without a visit to see the Angel of the North, a contemporary steel structure designed by Antony Gormley, which is located just outside Newcastle in Gateshead.

Accommodation

Whatever the reasons for you visit or length of your stay, Newcastle has excellent accommodation options to suit every budget.There is nothing quite like having your home on your doorstep after a hard day’s work (or shopping). Many of the city’s hotels are so central it’s easy to pop back and drop off your shopping bags after a morning’s shopping, or put you feet up for an hour in between appointments if you are on business.

From independent guest houses and boutique hotels to large luxury hotels and apartments, you won’t struggle to find a hotel to suit your tastes and needs.

Anyone moving home should give themselves at least two weeks to get ready. The first point of business is to decide on what is going home, into the garbage and into storage. Home likely already has plenty of furniture and appliances, so any large pieces such as couches, love seats, lamps and other large items should be placed into storage.  Throw as much away as you can, as this will save time on packing and money on storage. It may be necessary to rent a dumpster if a lot is to be thrown away. This will cost between $200-$400, on average. Purchase or find boxes to pack everything that is going home or into storage. Many stores will provide boxes for free or boxes can be purchased. Packing is the most time-consuming aspect of moving and should be given at least a week to complete.

The easiest way to move is to hire a moving company to pack and haul the belongings, but that can cost several hundred dollars. It also means the least amount of work. With boxes packed, it is time to choose a storage unit. There are many types and it is the preference of the mover if they want the unit near their original residence or the home they are moving too. A unit near the original residence means less to pack for a long haul, but near home means easier access if the mover needs something. Storage companies rent units out by the month and can cost $30 and up, depending on the size needed. Movers can also request climate controlled units and insurance for an extra cost.

The final step, prior to the actual move, is either loading the packed goods onto a personal vehicle or renting a moving van. A moving van can cost $20 and up depending on the size and may require a deposit. Movers will also be charged for the mileage driven and are expected to put a certain level of gasoline in the vehicle before returning it. With the van packed, all that is left is to head home for as long as the mover wants or needs. Whether he uses moving companies or does it all himself, moving is never easy, but, sometimes, it has to be done.

To be frank, I really want it all. That includes a location where I will not get steamrollered by packs of tourists, grand pistes that are both challenging and picturesque, and affordability. As an avid reader of travel magazines and articles I am pleased to say I have honed in on such a thing. The illusive perfect trip is now all laid out before me. While I would love to take credit for the production of such information, I won’t even try to, because the source will impress you more than humble little old me.

The abundantly useful news comes from the presenters of the program Ski Sunday, and various professional skiers. Together they created a list of special ski destinations, some of which are in locations much closer to home. Aside from that, while the precise destinations are new to me, some of the countries themselves are not. After reading through the options a few times, I decided that I was most interested in the secret resorts identified in France. You’ll be happy to know I didn’t drop the ball, and am going for it. Look out France here I come!

In addition, I loved the way and the delectable sauces, in such a lovely array of colours, visually set off the fish or meat in the ingredients.  All along taking for granted the fact that in Thailand, and the restaurants at home the dishes were healthy for me. How could they not be if they were constructed of fresh produce and products?

Alas, my bubble has been abruptly popped. To improve my fitness level I started a program that has me enter the food I eat into a calorie counter. Oh my goodness was I startled by all of the calories that make up a typical Thai dish.  First I entered Pad Thai, my all time favourite. The calorie count blew me away. I accepted this, as it is a pasta dish, and moved on to a curry.

Well folks, the curry was just as bad. All the calories were in the gorgeous sauce. YIKES. I have resigned myself to limiting my intake of Thai food for now but will go hog wild when I return to Bangkok. Some rules were made to be broken.

The beautiful and enchanting island of Menorca is said to rival that of the other Balearics. Though the tourism board has not been screaming boastfully at the top of its lungs, like some destinations have of its sustainable tourism, it has been working to internally implement it. In fact it began its work in this area prior to it becoming economically influenced around the world.

To truly get the full experience of the island, a car is a very good idea to line up. That way you can readily access the stone monuments, coastal hiking paths, white sand cove beaches, indigenous flora and fauna, and a wide range of activities. Whether you are the kind of traveller who likes a leisurely pace on their holiday, or the type to seek out a fast and furious one, this destination aims to please both.

Just how much the island has to offer is becoming more and more apparent. The number of online premade lists of places to go and things to do in Menorca seems to be never ending. Thus, if it is diversity you thirst for or simply rest and relaxation in a real paradise, it all can be yours.

The Margaret River Region in Australia is gaining extensive attention for its many attributes, including wineries that are creating quite the names for themselves. The rough-hewn coastline proves to create the perfect environment for growing succulent grapes for wine making. The terrain is compared to that of the Mediterranean, and the product is too.

Nor are the wineries in this region limited to any one type of wine, Merlots, Cabernets, and Sauvignon Blancs are all happening, along with others of equal respectability. But what is most tempting about this place is that it is even more well known for its gastronomical treasures. Meaning a trip to this western Australian region will provide you with a virtually endless supply of all that you could want in intake on any one holiday tour.

If you are a late night aficionado, and long for the glitz and glamour of London’s nightlife, then you will be elated to hear about all the new clubs that are entering the foray. For way too long there has been what felt like a lull in the after dark agenda for London. Sure, there are old standbys like Fabric and Annabel’s, but something to reinvigorate the scene has been lacking.

While we in no way care to diminish the value of those clubs already in existence, and those who have withstood the test of time, because this is no small feat, something new is what we have been waiting for. Seriously, if you have the endurance to set the night on fire, then you are going to need nightspots that can accommodate.

So, what has opened? If you are interested in up and coming musicians, and the groove of a seventies setting, you will be enamored by The Nest. It is located at 36 Stoke Newington Road, and if you are in it for the long haul you can get in for free before ten pm.

Should you be the type to get into members only clubs, or are even the type to try for the sheer fun of it, then head to Rupert’s. Here you will be mingling with the who’s who of the really important folk, and none of the reality television types. Location, 55 Shepherd Market.

Jamaica has been influenced by Africa, Europe and Asia, and has combined all these traditions and cultures to form it’s own qualities. Kingston’s Devon House was the home of the first black millionaire in Jamaica. Tour this fantastic home not only for the history, but to see what gorgeous treasures it holds. While you’re there, sample some of Jamaica’s finest ice cream, the Devon House I Scream.

Montego Bay has spectacular beaches, private villas, and some amazing nightlife. Take a pirate cruise with your own personal storyteller. Croydon on the Mountains is an awesome plantation you can tour. You will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the lush countryside, the towering mountains and the serene waterfalls.

St. Lucia is a great place for the whole family. There are many resorts that offer special children’s clubs with activities to keep your kids entertained and happy. Let them run around Marigot Bay, where pirate ships used to hide out. Explore the wildlife at Maria Islands nature reserve for some unique sightings they won’t see anywhere else. Whale watching is also extremely popular in St. Lucia, with over 20 different species of whales spotted yearly. See your kids gaze in wonder at sperm whales, humpback whales, and even spotted dolphins.

Go off-road in Antigua on a jeep safari where you will travel through a sugar plantation, then kayak along the coast. Sample some of the fruits grown here, fresh or made into a mouth watering tropical drink. Take a boat to a small island where you will receive lunch and a fantastic snorkelling experience in the calm waters. Trek across the land and see beautiful tropical birds and local wildlife, and end your journey with a fantastic pelican viewing.

At Stingray city you can swim around with these magnificent sea creatures, and even hold and pet them. It is an experience you don’t want to miss.

Travel to Barbados, where you can stroll through Hunte’s Gardens. Enjoy classical music while you enjoy the secret gardens full of colourful flora, fauna, and statues. Mr. Hunt will guide you through and even offer you a delightful drink to cool you off.

Harrison’s Cave is a wonderful tour that takes you a mile into the heart of the cave. Fantastic formations are all around, and you will learn the history of how it was discovered.

The Caribbean is the perfect holiday spot to find adventure, or just to relax and unwind on a beautiful beach.

Click here for great deals and fly away to a Caribbean vacation and find fantastic package deals at Virgin Holidays.

Venture over to see the impressive ancient Mayan structures of Itza, Tikal or Copan and then go beyond that to view the people in their modern day habitat. One of the best places to do this is the Guatemalan highlands. Travel three hours by bus from Guatemala City to the town of Chichicastenango and you will come face to face with a whole population of Mayan people.

It is a different existence to be certain, but like most of the other indigenous people of our world, they have acclimated. Still, they carry traditional goods and craftwork to markets to be sold, in addition to the making of stone formed tortillas for travellers to enjoy. Don’t make the journey to a Mayan site, and miss out on a day amongst the descendants of those who once lived amongst the hidden cities of the past.

Athens

As the capital city of Greece and the birthplace of Western civilization, Athens is one of the most popular tourism destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Cruises will come to port in the ancient Piraeus, where it is a short trip to get to the heart of historic Athens. Many of the most significant landmarks are found in the Acropolis, the ancient city that overlooks Athens and boasts magnificent structures like the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike and the Propylaea. Other worthwhile destinations within the city itself are the Ancient Agora, the Kerameikos Cemetery and the many museums and art galleries reflecting Greek culture and history.

Venice

The beautiful city of Venice is one of the most popular locations in Italy, and is a popular port of call for cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. With water surrounding the city, and in fact traversing the major plazas in the forms of canals and lagoons, it is a large part of life for Venetian residents. Cars are not to be found anywhere in the ancient city, but gondolas can transport you when walking through the city become tiring. The major historical sites within the city of Venice include St. Mark’s Basilica, San Giacomo di Rialto, the Zattere and the Rialto Bridge.

Istanbul

As the only city on earth which can claim to be part of two different continents, Istanbul blends the best of Western culture and modernity with ancient Turkish history and heritage. The architecture is breathtaking, and includes world famous landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and the Blue Mosque. Within the old city are marketplaces, or bazaars, selling fresh produce, spices, dried fruits and many souvenirs that are the perfect way to remember the holiday.

Dubrovnik

Along Croatia’s Southern coast lies the city of Dubrovnik, a beautiful ocean resort town which also happens to be a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is easily the most popular destination in Croatia, thanks to unparalleled scenery, a warm climate and stunning beaches. It is also home to a large historic town centre, filled with fascinating landmarks and well-preserved churches. The most popular sites include the Bell Town, Sponza Palace, the Placa Stradun and the 18th century Church of St. Ignatius and the Jesuit College.

Can’t wait to get away? Book a last minute cruise through Virgin and take advantage of great savings today!