Camp while you can!

As summer draws to a close, many of you will no doubt be mourning the loss of light, heat and holiday prospects for the next few months. Well folks, don't be too hasty! All is not lost just yet. The end of the holiday season is not all bad; think last minute bargains, less tourists and traffic-free motorways. There is still time to enjoy one last holiday without breaking the bank, camping! The great outdoors awaits...

Long walks, bicycle rides, sitting around the fire, drinking in country pubs...any of this sounding good yet? We hope so. As far as we are concerned there is a camping 'style' for everyone with sites offering everything from a patch in a field to access to all manner of site amenities. Britain has a great array of camp sites country-wide. If you are a lover of great scenery then the Lake District, Snowdonia, Devon and Cornwall (to name a few) would all tick that box for you. No matter what your other preference may be, it is pretty safe to assume you will find somewhere that you will find somewhere that meets your requirements.

Once you have decided on your destination (are you happiest lake side and village hopping, by the beach or up a mountain?) its time to think about what you are going to need. A successful camping trip is all about preparation. A little more thought it perhaps required than when packing for your average package holiday but it is definitely worth it in the end. So here goes with the practical stuff: tent (we always forget the most obvious things!), hammer, groundcloth, padding/camping mattress (yoga mats could be useful here), sleeping bags, plenty of tissues and wet-wipes, torch, fold out table and chairs, bags (for rubbish etc), warm clothes (especially for evenings), mosquito net, towel and toiletries....

The Capital of the North – Manchester

Generally recognised as the north of Englands capital, Manchester stands strong as an industrial northern cultural epicenter for the surrounding smaller indutsrial cities, and for good reasoning. No where else can you find such stark yet comfortable contrast between a victiorian industrial past and modern affluent future. Manchester has become a thriving cultural and business hub with an impressive musical history and present. The city is well know for its Mad-chester days and hacienda scene and still hosts some of the best clubs in the UK with people travelling from all over to experience clubs such as The Warehouse Project and Sankeys Soap. If you are wanting to experience this notorious party scene but need a place to crash for a night whilst you sample the cities night life youself, why dont you look into couchsurfing for the night? The city is renowned for its laidback and creative atmosphere and is the home to many internationally renowned bands and artists, from Joy Division, New Order, The Smiths, Oasis, Spiral Carpets, and Mr scruff. Once you have visited this wonderful city it will be easy to see how such talent begins in such an open minded and friendly city.

Amsterdam – A City for Everyone

Famous for its controversial coffee shops and red light ditrict, Amsterdam fools many a stranger into thinking that this is all that the capital city of the Netherlands has to offer. The city is actually a great place to take children with playgrounds everywhere and the option to rent a bike with a children's seat and get about the city the way the locals do. If you were to visit yourself you would discover an exciting cultural hub where there is something for everyone to do with their time. Whether it be culturally stimulating things by day, or all night partying at some of the best clubs in Europe at night. Amsterdam is a charming European city overflowing with history, inspiring architecture, night life and culture with vast amounts of fun and thrilling options for its visitors.

Escape to Cape Town

South Africa is an eclectic and vibrant nation, progressive but simultaneously authentic it is marked as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Of all the beauty, warmth and majesty that South Africa has to offer, more people than anywhere else in the country are drawn to the bright lights and glamour of its legislative capital, Cape Town. Whether its luxury holidays, honeymoons or family breaks tourists from all corners journey to this bustling hub to explore, smell, taste and live Africa.

Cape Town is located in the South West Peninsula of South Africa, in the Western Cape district of the country. Originally established in the 17th century as a supply port for trade ships journeying on towards Eastern Africa, no one could have imagined what future laid ahead for this small coastal colony.

Today Cape Town is a vibrant and multicultural city home to international industries and multinational companies. Countless high class boutiques, restaurants, shops, bars and malls have been established to cater to a burgeoning community of discerning residents and tourists; particularly look out for Museum Mile, the Company Gardens, Greenmarket Square and St George's Mall.

One of the most fashionable places to be seen in Cape Town is the renowned Victoria and Alfred Waterfront; nestling between the sentinel Table Mountain and the infamous Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. This superbly developed area seamlessly marries traditional Victorian architecture with contemporary chic to produce a unique and energised atmosphere. Whether it’s a Michelin star bite for two, a helicopter trip across the Bay or a walk past the still fully operational docklands there is something here for everyone.

Sorrento holidays

In the classical mythology, the town of Sorrento was identified as the sirens abode, mythological beings that with their song seduced the sailors making them shipwrecked off the coast.

Today, Sorrento has been able to carve out a role in the Italian tourism, making of it one of the most popular destinations for holidays, not just for the summer.

From Sorrento you can enjoy breathtaking views over the Gulf of Naples and the islands of Capri and Ischia, but the town of Sorrento is a succession of high rugged coastline, among which are hidden coves and bays that seem to guard ancient secrets forgotten.

Florence: art and culture

From the thirteenth to the sixteenth century in Florence there was a seemingly endless source of creative masterpieces and Italian geniuses. Dante e Michelangelo were born in Florence. Here Boccaccio wrote his "Decameron". The Italian Renaissance, the Europe's richest cultural period, began in Florence when Brunelleschi finished the Duomo, with its huge dome.

Made in Italy: no clones

The Italian culinary tradition is one of the greatest wealth of our land and, in particular, the Mediterranean diet has become a cultural heritage of UNESCO. All products cultivated in our area are cooked and combined to create tasty recipes that always become famous in the whole world, attracting thousands of tourists. Roman Carbonara, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Tortellini of Romagna, Neapolitan pizza or Pizza Sorrento are the most common Italian recipes, a heritage of taste, quality and originality.