The bay of Cabo San Lucas, at the southernmost tip of Baja, was once a base for pirate ships waiting to pounce on Spanish treasure ships. Even fifteen years ago, it was little more than a fishing and canning village occasionally visited by adventurous sports fishermen with the means to sail in or fly down, but it quickly earned a reputation for the marlin that could be caught here, and the once-quiet place found itself inundated with fishermen in search of El Marlin Azul, home to sleek, radar-equipped fishing yachts.
In recent years, it has rapidly become the focal point of Los Cabos: million-dollar condos have sprung up, palms have been transplanted, golf courses have been laid, water has been piped in from San José and everywhere is kept pristine. More like an enclave of the US than part of Mexico, preserving almost nothing that is not geared to tourism, it can be fun for a day or two, unless, of course, you want to fish or dive. Though prices are higher than in neighbouring San José, there's more of a party atmosphere, with a younger crowd. Currently there are some 3000 rooms for rent, and the local feeling is that 10,000 is the next feasible "goal" that would equate the town with the long-established resorts such as Mazatlán or Acapulco. Upcoming developments include an enormous mall that will comprise a convention centre, a theatre complex, a bowling alley, a huge parking outlet and condos, and there are even plans for an artificial island to sit in the bay, complete with restaurants and bars.
Germany offers a huge choice of regions (16 states called Bundesländer or short "Länder") most of which could provide an enjoyable and fascinating holiday. Germany is also famous for its forests, mountains and lakes.
Let�s begin for the North: Germany has coasts to the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. In this part of the country you can find the famous Fairytale Road with white, sandy beaches, resorts and seaports. There is also the city of Bremen, the Germany�s second port; there are galleries, the town hall and the Roland Statue. The Germany�s number one ocean gate way to the world is the international port of Hamburg; there are chic shops, elegant hotels and great museums. We can not forget Berlin, Germany�s capital, one of the mega cities in the world and the top travel destination in Germany. Berlin offers a wonderful combination of history, night life, architecture and culture.
In the Germany�s south you can find from the beauty of the Black Forest to the dazzling allure of the Alps. There is the city of Heidelberg, where stay the Germany�s most famous castle ruins. Other important city is Freiburg, the capital of the southern Black Forest; it is also known for its magnificent cathedral, an excellent example of late gothic architecture. There is also Munich, Bavaria�s capital and one of Germany�s most beautiful and charming cities, it is home of the world-famous Oktoberfest and of the Deutsches Museum, the largest science and industry museum in Europe. Other areas of interest in Germany�s south include Triberg, Lindau, Dinkelsbühl and the historic Franconian city of Würzburg.
In the middle, you can find Europe�s center of international business and finance: Frankfurt. The city is vibrant, dynamic, and flashy, earning it the questioning distinction of the most Americanized city in Germany. In the eastern part of Germany, you can find extraordinary cities: Leipzig, Weimar, Schwerin and even Dresden, famous for its Frauenkirche and historic center. In the western part cities still have some French influence, discover Bonn, Düsseldorf, Cologne (the heart of the Rhineland), Trier (the oldest city of Germany) or Aachen with its impressive cathedral and history back to Charlemagne.
We have to recommend the Germany�s valleys, well-known as �Romantic Wine Valleys�. Let�s begin for the Rhine Valley; its unique beauty unfurls across the legendary River Rhine. It is famous for its wine festivals during the autumn. The next romantic valley is the Moselle Valley; it attracts visitors not only for its beauty, but also for the friendly atmosphere created by wine and song. Other beautiful valleys are The Ahr Valley, the Weser valley, the Neckar valley, and the Altmühl valley.
Germany is an excellent destination all the year although its climate can be unpredictable. Most people prefer to visit it between May and September (high season) when the sunny days are most likely. A lot of activities are popular in this season, especially outdoor events (hiking, cycling and swimming) and festivals. Cold and wet weather should never be unpredicted in Germany, however: between one-third and one-half of the days each year brings some amount of precipitation. In June and July, school groups filled the major youth hostels, bringing noise and confusion.
The other seasons (from March to May and from October to early November) bring fewer tourists. Usually, in April and May the weather can be mild and sunny. On the other hand, between November and early March skies tend to be gloomy and the mercury often drops below freezing (there are only six or eight hours of daylight); in this season, travel to Germany is becoming more and more popular, especially to the ski areas in the Bavarian Alps. Keep in mind that the rain is a possibility in any month, so try to be cautious.
BERLIN is the largest city in Germany and it is best known for its historical associations as the German capital. It offers a wonderful combination of history, night life, architecture and culture. Berlin has modest beginnings, but over time it grew into a European powerhouse and since reunification in 1990 it became into a dynamic and creative city.
Berlin has wonderful sights although it is not as centralized or small as other European cities. It is also known as one of the greenest cities in Europe: over 60% of its surface area is either a park or a river, it is beautiful! Berlin is also an industrial city; key industries such as electronics, manufacturing and information technology reflect the hopes for a brighter future for the city.
In Berlin, you will find the leisure time activities that you would find in every big city all over the world, and in the city limits there are numerous recreational areas, nature reserves and parks. You can find a lot of amazing things simply strolling along one of its fascinating streets. Berlin is a city that thrives on change and that has made a virtue out of reinventing itself s one of Europe�s finest capitals.
Turkey has a diversified climate, its regions contrast from each other due the diverse nature of the landscape, and particularly for the existence of mountains running parallel to the coasts. While coastal regions have milder climates, the inland Anatolia plateau has hot summers and cold winters with limited rainfall.
In the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts the climate is cool with rainy winters, and hot moderately dry summers in contrast to the Black Sea coast that receives the greatest amount of rainfall. The Anatolian Plateau is much more subject to extremes than the coastal areas, where winters are especially severe and the temperatures could down from -30°C to -40°C in the mountainous areas in the east. However in the west, winter temperatures average are below 1°C. Summers are hot and dry with temperatures above 30°C.
The climate in the Black Sea area is wet and warm on summer the average is 23ºC and on winter 7ºC. In Eastern Anatolia and South-Eastern Anatolia there is a long hard winter; days and nights are cold with the snow lying on the ground from November until the end of April with an average temperature of 13ºC. During the summer the average is 17ºC. Western Anatolia as well as the southern coast of Anatolia has a mild Mediterranean climate with average temperatures of 9ºC in winter and 29ºC in summer.
Mountains close to the coast prevent Mediterranean influences from extending inland, giving the interior of Turkey a continental climate with distinct seasons. In Istanbul and around the sea of Marmara the climate is moderate in winter the temperature can drop below zero. 
Day 1 Istanbul
Arrival to Istanbul Airport and transfer to hotel by agency representative, short info before check in and remainder of day at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 Istanbul
Full day tour with licensed tour guide visiting the world famous landmarks and heritage of Istanbul. Sights include the Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Topkapi Palace Museum, Ancient Hippodrome lunch at local restaurant and Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi). After the tour, return to hotel and evening at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul
Day 3 Istanbul - Ephesus
In the morning join on a half day cruise on the Bosphorus which separates the Asia and Europe. During the cruise visit the Spice (Egyptian) Bazaar and Rum Eli Fortress. The afternoon is then at leisure until transfer to the bus station. Travel on overnight bus from Istanbul to Kusadasi / Selcuk (Direct flights from Istanbul are also available if you prefer to fly).
Day 4 Ephesus
If by overnight bus, arrival early morning and after a short rest, depart on a full day tour to visit the remains of Artemis Temple, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Then on to visit Ephesus Ancient City, the best preserved Greco-Roman city in the world. Here you will explore the Agora, Odeon, Curettes Street, public toilets, Celsius Library, Roman Baths, Grand Theatre, Marble Street. After a lunch break depart for the House of Virgin Mary and visit the chapel where she is said to have spent her last days. End the day with transfer to your hotel and the evening at leisure. Overnight in Seljuk or Kusadasi.
Day 5 Pamukkale - Cappadocia
Breakfast at the hotel and then depart on a full day tour to visit the natural formation of the travertine's at Pamukkale and the ruins of Hierapolis, end of the tour, transfer to the bus station for overnight travel to Cappadocia.
Day 6 Cappadocia
Arrival early morning and transfer to hotel for short rest before starting the tour to visit Devrent Valley, Zelve Open-Air Museum, Monk's valley (Pasabagi) where you will find the world known fairy chimneys. Break for lunch in Avanos and then continue on to the Goreme Open-Air Museum where you will visit the numerous rock carved churches and monasteries. Depart for a panoramic view of Esentepe and then on to Uchisar, a natural rock castle Overnight in Cappadocia
Day 7 Cappadocia - Istanbul
Another full day tour this time to visit the famous Derinkuyu Underground City. Afterwards a short hike through the green Ihlara Valley along the stream visiting some of the churches along the way. Stop in Belisirma for lunch and then on to Selime for a panoramic view. Stop at the Agzikarahan Caravanserai is included. At the end of the tour free at Goreme village before transfer to the bus station for overnight coach back to Istanbul with arrival early the following morning. (Direct flights also available if preferred).
Day 8 Istanbul
If by overnight bus, arrival to Istanbul early morning. Option to extend package with additional night(s) in Istanbul or transfer directly on to Istanbul Airport for return international flight.
Perfectly placed in Brighton's Regency Square, Hotel Una is a cosy boutique hotel spanning three floors of a Georgian townhouse. Open since 2006, each of its 20 rooms are named after rivers of the world and decorated with an individual twist. WTG's Caroline Lewis takes a look.
Hotel Una is located in one of the most regal spaces in Brighton – the large rectangle of Regency Square, right off the seafront and smack in the middle of Georgian architectural supremacy.
Behind a sensually lit facade, sits a tiny reception and an even smaller lift. But inside, wood panels and elegant lighting make sure everything looks sleek rather than stuffy. It's small scale but neatly done.
Despite the majorly modern interiors, Hotel Una has remained true to its heritage and situation - contemporary lighting, original artwork and avant-garde furniture haven't done away with the Regency architectural feel.
Once I was whisked up and installed into 'Wista', one of the luxury rooms, I began to feel at home. The room was like a city apartment with separate bedroom, enormous TV and lengthy sofa. Aside from the duvet (give me some goose down and I'm anyone's), favourite features had to be in the bathroom - sparkly black walls, Molton Brown goodies and a hugely oversized shower head. In the morning, an over-eager chambermaid burst in, in search of either a clean room or a glimpse of me in a towel. I think I'll go for the former.
In other parts of the hotel, 'Eden' is one of the largest rooms. It has the fortunate position of overlooking the sea through windows that are both high and wide, making it beautifully bright and breezy. If this wasn't enough, the view out to sea can be admired from inside the freestanding bath that's perched close to the window. More? It has a balcony, the bed is super kingsize and the sofa is upholstered in finest dark brown leather. The current guests had initially booked for two nights but were still there after six.
'Danube' can have similar superlatives applied - it's another with the tempting bath-with-sea-view option.
Views aside, down in the basement there are rooms that have their own private mini spa. Spacious 'Aragon' and secluded 'Belise' have private saunas and whirlpool baths and the resident masseuse will come to you for treatments that include hot-stone and Thai massage.
Hotel Una's self-declared Premier Room is 'Quaile' - and it's a truly luxury suite. Attributes include a full home cinema plus leather recliners, a private bar with complimentary spirits and an Illy espresso machine and a large meeting table for eight.
There is a small dining room at Hotel Una where you'll feel cosy rather than cramped - but if you prefer, fill out the form and have your breakfast brought to you. The choice is impressive but, for the best porridge you'll ever eat, go for the Scots porridge with maple syrup. Served up on a huge tray at the time you choose, I opted for a leisurely 9am. Leaving that duvet was a struggle.
Hotel Una also has a (contemporary-styled, of course) bar that's open for non-residents till 11pm and for residents all night. Stop for coffee in the day or a sophisticated drink at night. An exclusive range of spirits is stocked, including a fine selection of cognacs such as Hennessy Paradis.
The owners have worked hard to create an atmosphere that makes you feel decadently relaxed and sumptuously comfortable. Their aim is to make you want to keep staying that one extra night. And with the stylish surroundings, unbeatable location and friendly staff, you might just want to.
Hotel Una
55/56 Regency Square
Brighton
BN1 2FF
Tel: (01273) 820 464.
Website: www.hotel-una.co.uk
Author: Caroline Lewis
There's nothing quite like watching a baseball connect with a bat then enjoying the spectacle of the diminishing red and white sphere describing a wide arc out of the Rangers Ballpark and into the dome of the starry Texan night. After a long day of shopping and sightseeing, a beer and a hotdog in the balmy Texan evening is hard to beat.
If you want something more than a hotdog, then this most well heeled of Texan cities is also for you. The celebrated and very successful Stephan Pyles Restaurant is down in the Dallas Arts district. Pyles made his name cooking on Good Morning America with his ‘new millennium Southwestern cuisine' - go and see why.
Fine dining of the new-American cuisine kind can be found at the acclaimed Bolla restaurant, linger in the art deco bar first; its vibrant décor will only be enhanced by working your way through the extensive cocktail list.
Finally, bring your wallet and perhaps someone else's too, and visit (deep breath) the Mansion Restaurant at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek for more exquisite new-American cuisine. Try to wangle one of six places at the ‘Chef's Table' where the chef conjures up unique meals, seemingly on a whim.
Dartmoor National Park is the last place in England where you can legally camp wild. Spending one or two nights on the open land here is perfectly acceptable provided that you choose your spot sensibly. Don't pitch your tent on farmland, on moorland enclosed by walls, within 100m (328ft) of a road, on flood plains or on archaeological sites. Camping beneath scarred tors as the wind rakes across the moors is great fun and you'll share your campsite with wild ponies.
In the Scottish highlands and islands, there's no greater pleasure than sharing the heather-sprayed hillsides and shimmering lochs with a loved one under canvas. Just don't forget your torch, midge net and repellent - the small, biting insects can make spring and early summer miserable if you don't have the right kit. Be sure to check you're not camping on private land.
Price: Free.
Facilities: None.
