Must-sees in Berlin

Berlin has an important historical heritage, the city itself is an important contemporary witness. A former bunker has been transformed into a big art collection, the so-called Sammlung Boros, and can be visited if you make an appointment.
A few spots you shouldn’t miss if you’re planning on visiting Berlin are Checkpoint Charlie, an ancient crossing point between East and West Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the German parliament and historical edifice and the so-called East Side Gallery, the longest section of the Berlin Wall existing today.

Can More Than One Application Be Submitted?

In most cases, only a single application may be submitted by an individual for each annual drawing. The exception to this is with a married couple, who may each apply for the greencard lottery and list their spouse on the application. This gives a married couple a double chance of being chosen, because two applications are submitted instead of only one. Since each application covers the primary individual and spouse, both would receive a green card if either of the applications is chosen as a lottery winner. The spousal exception is the only circumstance which allows an immigrant to have more than one chance of being drawn from the pool of applicants. Get more information on http://www.green-card.com/.

Nowadays, there are opportunities to learn almost any languages from any corner of the world. That being said, the most popular places remain the USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy and China, all of which offer a variety of options at all levels.

Length of stay can generally vary 2 week introductory lingual courses right through to the participation of a full academic year abroad. The courses can be purely language orientated or connected with culture studies. Whatever the duration, international schools are perfect opportunity to gain a broader understanding of the world and meet wonderful new people from every imaginable background.

One of the most popular education companies specialising in academic degree programmes, cultural exchange, language course and educational travel is is Education First (Often abbreviated as EF). Details of the programmes on offer as well as entry requirements and application details can be found on their website.

The Socrates Erasmus Programme (European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students in its full format) is another student exchange programme popular across Europe. Students participating must in their second year of studying for a degree or diploma in order to participate in the scheme which offers a study period of at least 3 months abroad. Further information can be found through the Erasmus Student Network

Of course, with the myriad of guide book options available, such situations can be avoided altogether with a little careful selection.

Do not be fooled however, all travel books are not created equally! It is possible to buy what seems an ideal guide, only to have a stressful arrival made more unpleasant by the thought of the money wasted on a useless rag. As much as variety is the spice of life, in this particular field it is always best to stick with a tried and tested model. It is for exactly this reason that Lonely Planet and Rough Guide dominate the market.

However, even when narrowed down to the two most popular options, there is still a clear winner in my experience; the Lonely Planet range. There is nothing inherently wrong with Rough Guides as proven my the millions of people that trust them implicitly, they are fine books. Content is almost identical to Lonely Planet with high quality maps and reviews provided to help and traveller along the way.

They can, however, be of the shabbiest build quality I have ever found in a publication, and in a book is designed to be taken adventuring around the world!

My last Rough Guide lost over 15 pages in its first week, despite infrequent use and careful storage while travelling. Furthermore, the pages in question were mostly maps which were somewhat vital! This, I can safely say, has never happened with a Lonely Planet guide.

So to summarise, either of the two biggest brands could prove invaluable in a time of need with fascinating, insightful content and fantastic advice on local etiquette. That is, as long as half of you keep a roll of sellotape handy.

Thailand

Gateway to South East Asia, Thailand is an absolute must in any round the world trip. With supercity Bangkok as its capital and some of the most heart-breakingly beautiful beaches to be found anywhere in the world, Thailand offers something of a sensory overload very few other destinations can compare with. As such an important transport hub, the choice of carriers to Thailand is practically endless, therefore quite incredibly low prices can be found if a little patience is used to shop around.

Australia

Continuing on from Thailand, it is possible to use one of the country’s domestic carriers to secure cheap and easy carriage to destinations all across Australia. Obvious choices such as Sydney, Melbourne and Perth spring to mind, but once on the ground it is possible to get off the beaten track further than anywhere else in the world. Organised excursions into the outback give an experience of the real Australia, venturing into plains which seem to stretch on forever. The Great Barrier Reef also offers the most spectacular diving in the world and should not be missed even if just for a fleeting visit.

USA

As a final stop for a round the world trip, the USA offers endless choice and variety. Flying into a major hub such as Los Angeles opens up the entire country to exploration either by cheap domestic flights, scenic train journeys or often colourful Greyhound coach rides. A full coast to coast trip is possible in as short as a week or two, though could easily be extended to several months. Either way, a journey finishing in New York will provide an unforgettable ending to the trip, not to mention the most convenient options for returning home.

Glastonbury Festival of Performing Arts, England

The Glastonbury Festival has been the cornerstone of the British festival scene for over four decades and continues to grow. Initially a free festival with strong ‘hippie’ overtones, the festival has become one of the biggest of its kind in the world. Over 80 stages showcase up to 700 acts over a single June weekend, meaning the festival is never the same twice and thus appeals to such a diverse crowd. Unfortunately, time has also seen the ticket and price skyrocket to a level some believe contradicts the initial ethics of the festival. Nevertheless, for the 150,000 attendees every year, the spectacle more than makes up for the cost.

Rock am Ring, Germany

For those who prefer their music a little heavier, the MTV Rock am Ring festival in Germany is difficult to top. Held in a stunning location at the Nurburgring in Germany’s Eifel Mountains, Rock am Ring has been attracting fans of rock music from across the world for over 25 years. A number of small villages are within easy walking distance of the main camp sites where locals seem to welcome the 150,000 attendees with open arms and wide open cash registers. The appeal of frequenting a traditional, clean pub is indeed a luxury to be revelled in after a few days living in a crowded field!

Heineken Opener Festival, Poland

Twice winner of best European Major Festival, Heineken Opener is the largest music event in Poland. Located in the north of the country by the Baltic sea, the festival is still somewhat undiscovered throughout Western Europe, perhaps a deliberate ploy to keep this much revered event a secret. A relative newcomer to the festival scene beginning in 2002, the event has fast established itself as a heavyweight amongst he veteran. Now extended from one day to four, seven stages are used to showcase over 130 acts to a daily audience of around 60,000.

It is impossible to think of a theme-park holiday without picturing Florida’s two titans, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. These ‘dream-factories’ have been delighting, astounding and occasionally disappointing the world for the last 40 years, but what of the alternatives? They may have the most visitors, strongest reputation and biggest budgets, but if thrill-seeking is on the cards they simply cannot hold a candle to some of the attractions on offer elsewhere.

The highest roller coaster in the world, named Kingda Ka, is located at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. With a vertical climb of 456 feet at 128mph, Kingda Ka towers over its Floridian competition. Now approaching its 40th year, the theme park also boasts an impressive safari park and separate water park name Hurricane Harbour.

The title of fastest roller coaster on the planet was stolen from Kingda Ka in November 2010 by Formula Rossa, located at Ferrari World in Dubai, the world’s largest indoor theme park. The train catapults the rider to a speed of 150mph at a rate which is similar to that of an aircraft carrier’s steam catapult. Such is the force that riders at the front are required to wear protective glasses to prevent damage by the extreme air speed. The coaster is also the world’s third longest at 1.4 miles.

Steel Dragon 2000 at Nagashimi Spa Land Amusement Park, Japan holds the title for longest roller coaster in the world with an impressive track length of 2478 metres. The cost of building the coaster was so high it effectively put the construction company out of business!

Statistics aside, it is overall experience that counts and for that, the brownie points have to go to Millenium Force at Cedar Point Ohio, voted greatest roller coaster in the world no less than five times, including in 2010. Although it no longer holds any specific records, its combined height, speed, length and experience are said to be quite simply beyond compare.

An up and comer in the big leagues of tourism, Latvia maintains a wonderfully undiscovered feeling whilst providing activity and hospitality options which are second to none. Its new status as a holiday destination has seen a huge boom in competition, keeping prices low when compared to other major European countries.

The Capital, Riga, is at something of a crossroad in its existence. Stag parties and tourists with unsavoury agendas have begun to appear in the city; understandable when accommodation, food and alcohol prices are some of the lowest to be found anywhere.

Thankfully, they are still relatively rare and, when present, are well controlled. Still, the future is somewhat unclear, which makes now the ideal time to make the most of what is on offer before it is potentially swallowed up by the cheap package tour.

The standard activities are all present here; paintballing, karting and so on. However, Riga takes the subject one step further and offers a few alternatives unlikely to be found on a standard city break.

Venture into a bleak, ex-Soviet housing estate to the East of the city and to find an inconspicuous entrance to a former nuclear bunker, now home to a public shooting range. Prices are by the bullet and a bewildering selection of firearms is available, from Uzis to Semi-automatic shotguns. Safety is something of an afterthought with laminated disclaimers handed over on entry, therefore common sense is a must.

Around 60km from the city centre lies Sigulda, a winter sports resort which boast an Olympic bobsleigh run open to the daring public. This is not a trip for the faint-hearted and disclaimers are once again required to gain entry. Of course, all rides are conducted under expert supervision so there is little cause for worry!

Bungee jumping is also offered with a Latvian twist, namely that it is conducted from a cable-car above a valley in the stunning pine forest. The town also sports numerous castles, ski slopes and wonderful hospitality options for the less adventurous visitor.

Europe offers an endless range of boat trips options; an ideal way to explore the coast, countryside, cities and villages at your own pace. While boating is considered a summer activity, many options continue throughout the colder months for those willing to brave the elements.

7 Day Trip – Trèbes-Narbonne (France)

A romantic visit to Paris incorporating a week spent exploring the canals makes for a wonderful alternative holiday in France. Beginning in Trèbes, a small town on the south of France, and continuing along the Canal du Midi which is an unmissable location for food and wine lovers. Best of all, there is no requirement for any professional experience or certification. Boats come fully equipped to the highest standard and are ready to go. You are then free to jump on or off at your leisure on your way to Carcassonne, with its spectacular mediaeval town ruins.

Short Boat Trip – Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher (Ireland)

From the Clare coastline, a short cruise of just one hour provides passage to one of the three Aran Islands off the western coast of Ireland, known for their rich culture and ancient heritage. Incorporated in the cruise is a sightseeing trip to the base of Cliffs of Moher, the biggest of their kind in Europe, reaching an impressing 702 feet in height.

The trip is perfect to be taken in a single day with many attractions and activities offered along the way. Each of islands (Inisheer, Inishmaan and Inishmore) offers cycling and walking routes, along with opportunities for fishing and further boat trips. On the way back to the harbour, the trip follows the Atlantic coastline to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, where a brief stop is made for bird-watching in one of the most stunning locations in the world.

The Canary Islands have long been synonymous with sun worshippers from across the world seeking sanctuary from biting winters. Lying in an idyllic location just off the northwest coast of Africa, the Canaries benefit from a year-round climate known as ‘Eternal Spring’ envied by much of the world. Little wonder that of the 12 million visitors every year, thousands cannot bear to leave and instead join the ever exploding number of slow-roasting ex-pats.

However, cast of the stereotypes of bad mannered stag parties and leather-skinned locals and another side to the Canaries can be found, offering some truly world-class sports.

Club La Santa on Lanzarote is quite simply the greatest sporting holiday resort in the world. Occupying a premium location on the north-east coastline just minutes from the Airport, the resort offers over 30 sporting activities from athletics to watersports in one of the world’s finest complexes.

Instructors are available at every level, offering huge flexibility from brief introductory courses to intensive programmes. La Santa has long been the resort of choice for the sporting professional, recently frequented by Jenson Button and the England Football team during training. A range of packages are available for families, first-timers and hardcore enthusiasts either through a travel agent or booked directly via Club Lasanta.

For anyone seeking an adrenaline rush, the tiny resort of El Medano on Tenerife’s southeast coast offers some of the most outstanding kite surfing opportunities in the world. The consistently strong winds which batter the village from the Atlantic Ocean make conditions ideal for the sport, if slightly treacherous for the sunbather. Instruction is available, though the waters become incredibly congested during high season. Of course, with the guarantee of year-round beautiful weather, these periods can be easily avoided. A good place to start is El Medano Kite Center.