The Secrets of Low Cost Travel

It may only be February but if you're travel savvy you'll know that summer flights at their cheapest now. Where are you planning to go for summer holidays? Don't know? Here are a few places around the world that will definitely be worth checking out this year. From London to Panama to Helsinki... there's a whole world out there to explore!

1. London

Why should you visit London in summer? First, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee is in June. She has reigned for 60 years and still (hopefully) has many years left in her. London will be bursting with parties. Later in the summer the Olympic Games come to town. For culture, celebrate the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens. It'll be a literary delight.

2. Panama City

The country finally has control of its canal again, for the first time in 12 years and the economy is booming! This also means that huge investment is pouring into the country and if you want to see Panama as it always was, especially the canal, then there is no time like the present. In just a few years, it'll be hard to even recognize the place!

3. Tokyo

Tokyo is making a good come-back post-tsunami but tourism is not like it used to be. That's good for a lot of reasons though. One, prices are still way down compared to before the nuclear disaster in Fukushima. Last minute reservations are abundant, even at previously booked solid places like the Park Hyatt Tokyo.

4. Helsinki

For design freaks, Helsinki is the new Copenhagen or Stockholm. As this year's World Design Capital of 2012, Helsinki should be on your list. Summer is without a doubt the best time to visit. Coffee shops pour into the streets and the nights are long. Between art galleries and lattes, check out the city's new Helsinki Music Center.

5. Lhasa

The holy capital of Tibet is just about to get a luxury make-over! In 2010, the first of now a handful luxury hotels opened up, with plenty of controversy to go along with it. The St. Regis Lhasa Resort is situated at an impressive 12,000 ft. above sea level. 

6. Moscow

There are two new museums on the Moscow culture scene. The first, the Russian Icon Museum is free to enter and holds the largest collection of Russian religious artwork in the world: a whopping 4,000 pieces. The other museum is called Tochka G (in English, G Spot) and is a collection of 3,000+ sexual items from Soviet condoms to modern sex dolls.

7. Florence

Florence is constantly celebrated for the art scene from its past. It was after all the birthplace of the Renaissance. Now, let's celebrate Florence for its present. Check out the Centre for Contemporary Culture Strozzina the next time you pass through this classic Italian culture spot.

8. Koh Rong

Anyone who makes it to Koh Rong this summer in Cambodia deserves bragging rights. It's quite the distance, but if you're looking for more than just Angkor Wat, this is the place to be. It's a string of islands, starting just 30 minutes by boat off the coast of Sihanoukville. Think quiet fishing villages, empty beaches...

9. Vienna

This summer Vienna celebrates the 150th birthday of Gustav Klimt! This is the year to visit Vienna if you love his artwork. Tons of exhibitions will be going on this summer. 

10. Dubrovnik

The pace around Dubrovnik is picking up. More and more people are realizing how special this place along the Adriatic Coast is. Much cheaper than St-Tropez, Croatia's seaside cities are great (and budget) alternatives. Surprise, they're just as classy and just as modern... without the price tag.

Where are you going this summer?

You've never lived unless you've been to Bali. 

That's what same people say at least. We'd like to take that even further by saying, you haven't experienced the real Bali if you haven't ventured back Kuta, Seminyak and Legian. 

There is more to this island than the sand and sun that you see on postcards and in movies. It's a cultural paradise rooted in traditions and tropical landscapes. After you've seen the southern part of this Indonesian island, head elsewhere, you won't be disappointed!

Surfing

Bali is the perfect place for a real escape and to find a little adventure. The surfing here is excellent, especially in the Bukit Peninsula. Amateurs beware though, the waves are rough and even experienced surfers find them challenging. Check the conditions before renting your board, interactive maps come in hand here.

Market shopping

For a closer look at the island's cultural side, check out the fish markets in Jimbaren. The early morning is the best time of day to catch all the action. In the evening the streets are filled with the smells of grilled fish, fresh out of the water. 

Foooooood

Suckling pig is roasted meat to the extreme and as far as the islanders go, no place roasts a pig like Ibu Oka does in the centre of Ubud. It's a dish best eaten in good company so join a babi guling dinner in the warung across from the palace in Ubud. Tuck in and eat until dawn!

Trekking

If you're into hiking and trekking, the best place to head is north to Kintamani to climb the second highest volcano in Bali, Gunung Batur. It last erupted in 1994. It attracts a lot of attention for its crater lake, lined by tiny villages.

Beaches

Of course you'll want to spend time at the beaches while on holidays in Bali, we don't blame you. For something a little different though, try the northern part of the island to visit Lovina Beach, a black sand paradise. Lay out your towel and soak up the lack of tourists. If you have an extra day, check out the nearby hotsprings in Air Panas Banjar.

Are you ready for your Bali adventure? 

Image: widakso / Flickr cc.

New Year's Eve is upon us in a couple short weeks. Have you already sealed your plans for the final night of 2011? Whether you'll be toasting with a million in Time Square in NYC or in Trafalgar Square in London, at home with your family or out with friends... toast to 2012 with one of these cocktails and drinks, sure to inspire a year of wanderlust.

Will 2012 be your year of adventure? Be transported to the corners of the world when you toast with these!

Mango Lassi - India

A definitely creamy welcome to the new year, this Indian drink is a traditional retreat from the heat but if you add a little liquor, it'll warm you right up! Mango, yoghurt, milk... it's a sweet way to welcome 2012, wouldn't you say?

Pina colada - Puerto Rico

A classic... coconut milk, pineapple juice and rum will transport you from the party to the white sandy beaches of the island where this cocktail originated. Let yourself be inspired as you sip on this to take that island holiday you've been yearning for all 2011.

Schnapps - Berlin

As one of Europe's classiest cities, there's no better way to ring in the New Year than at a guest house Berlin with a glass of schnapps in hand.The best part of this liquor is that it comes in so many flavours: apple, pear, plum, cherry, apricot, even raspberry.

Martini - New York

Do it James Bond style, shaken and not stirred. Don't be caught drinking anything but the original (none of this appletini stuff...). Drink it try, with two olives. Who knew gin, vermouth and olives would change the world? At least the drinks menu!

Caipirinha - Brazil

Think Daiquiri but different. This is the national drink in Brazil and is worth a trip to this incredible South American country just to taste it. It's a refreshing combination of lime and deliciously sweet Brazilian sugarcane rum. Sip softly, this one's a strong one!

Sake - Japan

If you can get your hands on a bottle of traditional sake this New Year's Eve, cheers! Drink up to a future journey to Japan, the best place to experience this strong drink. You can drink it chilled or warm. Let the cool and dry flavour sink in, enjoy it.

Where will you be celebrating New Year's this year? Where do you hope to travel in 2012?

Image: lo_ise / Flickr cc.