Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia's Cosmopolitan Capital

Kuala Lumpur offers the traveller looking for a city break something elevated above the norm for this is not your regular South-East Asian city. As one of the most cosmopolitan in the region, Kuala Lumpur offers you a whole host of sights that infuse the tradition of a Malay city with booming modernism that has transformed the city into a hub for World business and trade.

You can visit such iconic locations as The Petronas Towers in the centre of the city which allow you to peruse a panorama of KL that stretches as far as the eye can see. The antithesis of the Petronas towers are the Batu caves, located on the outskirts of the city. A short bus drive takes you to this breathtaking natural wonder that also acts as a place of worship for Malaysia's Hindu population.

For the more cultured, Kualu Lumpur has plenty to offer. The Islamic arts museum contains a multitude of artefacts that convey how Islam is perceived by a range of cultures and the building itself is work of art with it's decorated walls and huge domed ceilings. For something a little different, you could visit either of the city's famous Bird or Butterfly parks showcasing a range of exotic and colourful species from around the globe.

Being Malaysia, you are also spoilt for choice in the food department. You can visit any of the-street food stalls for cheap, yet delicious treats or head to a restaurant for a spot of fine-dining and a choice of International cuisines.

The top three alternative World cuisines

Forget Indian, Chinese, Italian or French! Why not treat your taste-buds to something a little different on your next trip and visit a country that provides alternative fine fare whilst providing you with an eye-opening holiday.

This quickfire list of the top 3 alternative foody destinations will give you a helping hand.

1)Thailand

Characterised by the use of fresh herbs, fish sauce and rice, Thai cuisine provides the biggest departure from standard Western foods. For a real kick, you can try some eye-wateringly strong tastes such as raw beef and fermented fish paste!

2)Mexico

You've probably already had a taste of Mexico through supermarket all-in-one box-sets, but for genuine Mexican fare head to the place of source! Mexican dishes are characterised by spice and simplicity and an amalgamation of ancient cultures that have combined to create perfection over many centuries

3)Japan

Japanese is rapidly becoming the food of choice for the hip. Characterised by seasonality and a reliance on fresh fish, Japanese cuisine is filled with smooth textures and strong tastes that can be overwhelming at first for Westernised tastes.

Kassiopi - Corfu without the crowds

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Corfu for a weeks holiday. I was travelling there with my other-half and so wanted a town that was couple friendly and didn't have the crowds of nearby Sidari or Kavos.

Kassiopi seemed like the ideal destination on this sun-drenched Greek isle and I would certainly consider venturing out there again after a holiday that was both surprising and uber relaxing.

Kassipoi is a quiet harbour town situated to the North of the island of Corfu. The focal point of the town is the small harbour where local fishermen regularly bring in their freshly caught aquatics. You will also discover that this is the best area in the whole of Corfu if you would like to explore the island by boat. A multitude of trips depart from Kassiopi ranging from glass bottom boat tours to beach hopping full-day trips where relaxation is the order of the day.

You will find a multitude of tantalising Greek bakeries near the main square, along with scuba centres offering a range of courses for beginners and experienced divers alike. If you'd like to take in the sheer beauty of the town, you can climb to the top of Kassiopi fortress. The walk is short if a little steep, but well worth it when yo get to the top.

The windy, souvenir-shop-filled roads of Kassiopi are ripe for exploration and you will discover that the restaurant options are amongst the finest on the island. Kalamionas beach is a shingle beach located just down the road from the port. Being shingle, you may find it tricky to get comfortable with just a towel, but if you're willing to pay a little extra for a lounger this will not be a problem.

Alternatively you can find your own beach by renting a quad bike or moped and venturing further afield. There are a range of nearby villages and towns that are more than accommodating.

Book now before prices get to high by visiting a reputable holiday provider such as direct-line holidays.

Bath - The most relaxing city in Europe

Our very own Bath has been voted the 2nd most relaxing city in the World by a Global travel survey. The Somerset city beat off stiff competition from the likes of Florence, Washington and Rome to take the silver medal and was only beaten by Sedona in Arizona U.S.

If you ever take the time to visit this gem of a city, you can see why this place is so relaxing. Being built on the only naturally occurring hot springs in the UK, there is an abundance of spas and hotels that solely aim to take the weight off your feet and assist in recharging those batteries. The pick of the bunch is Thermae Bath Spa, where you can experience Bath's mineral enriched waters both inside and outside. A 2-hour spa session costs just £25 giving you decent value for money and a service that is difficult to beat anywhere in England.

Voted as a UNESCO World heritage site, this city has plenty of relaxing sight-seeing options; chief of which are the Roman baths that take centre stage in this charmer of a city. As well as this, Bath contains some of Europe's finest architecture such as the Pulteney bridge and the Royal Crescent both of which are lovely to walk around during the Spring and Summer months.