One of the most notable cultural experiences in Fiji is a dance that is completed by the native residents. They put on their grass skirts and do a dance which is very similar to that which you might have seen in Hawaii. Despite the many similarities it also has many differences that are unique to the history of Fiji. Dance is an important part of Fiji’s culture and while you are there it would be a good idea to get involved and learn to do some local dance moves.

Museums and historical buildings are some of the most treasured items in the culture of Fiji, and they are very proud of their long history and heritage. In the capital of Fiji, Suva, you will find a fascinating museum which is surrounded by the most beautiful of botanical gardens. Inside the museum there are architectural treasures dating back through thousands of years of Fiji’s history.

Other testaments to the long history of this country are the parliament building, a famous Hindu temple and the various buildings that were constructed during the time of British rule. One of the best things about the museums in the capital city is that they are not simply targeted towards tourists. They are very popular with local citizens as well and when you are touring round them you will see a fair mix of locals and foreigners.

It is also possible to buy many souvenirs around the museum, including statues, as well as what Fiji is famous for, tiki masks that have been handcarved. Suva is also the best place for seeing a meke show and these happen almost every night of the week in the capital city.

Fiji is also well known for its stunning caves and in the culture of the locals they are regarded as sacred. Despite this, visitors are welcome to tour around them and this is something that would be highly recommended to any tourist.

There are many tours operated around the country and these are properly what those who’ve been to the country talk about the most. They will really allow you to get an idea of the traditions of Fiji and they take you out of the city and away from the normal tourist areas into something a bit more unusual.

You will experience a side of the culture that you will find amazing and taking a tour will be well worth your time. As well as all these cultural attractions, don’t forget that Fiji has some of the most stunning beaches anywhere in the world.

The monument is called the Holy Tinity Column, and it is situated in the Upper Square, or Horní náměstí, in Olomouc and UNESCO designated it as a world heritage site in 2000. It is 35m tall, making it the highest sculpture group anywhere in the Czech Republic. As part of a group that includes the Marian Column in the Lower Square, or  Dolní náměstí, and another 6 baroque fountains, it has been a monument of national culture since 1995.

Built between 1716-1754, it is  monument that the locals have been very proud of from the day the construction was completed. The fact that it was actually built in Olumouc speaks volumes of the city’s historical importance, and it was the seat of Bishops until 1063 and the former capital of the Moravia region. The idea of building the column was first conceived by an architect and stonemason called Václav Render.

He fought hard to get his project approved by the city council,developed the idea and even contributed to the funding of it. It was originally intended to be a plague column but during the course of  the erection the project changed and it became dedicated to the Holy Trinity, which is represented by gold plated copper sculptures that dominate the 3 storey monument,

It also has a further 18 statues of various saints, 14 reliefs and a small chapel. It is when you stand directly in front of the monument that you feel the atmosphere of times gone by exuding from it, and you can appreciate both its artistic and architectural mastery and pay your own tribute to the creators.

Olomouc Astronomical Clock

Another rarity to be found in Olomouc is located just a few steps from the UNESCO monument: an astronomical clock. It was probably built at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries and has undergone several renovations that have gradually changed its appearance. It was heavily damaged at the end of the 2nd World War, in May 1945, and a national artist named Karel Svolinský, a native of nearby Svatý Kopeček (“St. Hill”), was asked by the city to repair it. It was he who re-built it in 1955 in the shape as we know it today: the mosaic of the astronomical clock in the spirit of socialist realism embodies the life and work of the region’s people. It is a truly unique monument that is probably unparalleled throughout the world.

Olomouc has many more sights to offer!

The Olomouc panorama is inseparable from the towers of St. Wenceslas’ Church. It got its neogothic appearance as we know it today, with the tallest tower to be found in Moravia – and the second tallest in the whole of the Czech Republic – at the end of the 19th century. You should definitely take a stroll there when visiting the city. And don’t forget to visit the Romanesque palace of Moravian bishops at the Premyslid castle, which is sometimes incorrectly referred to as the “Premyslid Palace”. It is the most outstanding architectural monument of Central European importance to be found in Olomouc that was built in the first half of the 12th century and features unique Romanesque arched windows decorated with relief ornaments that are unparalleled in the Czech Republic.

Aviation Museum features many interesting attractions!

You might think that the Moravian city of Olomouc is too far to travel to when visiting the Czech Republic. However, it is not that difficult: the cities of Prague and Olomouc are connected with a motorway but you can also take a plane and land at one of five Czech international airports. When getting from plane in Olomouc, do visit its Aviation Museum, which features different technology, including military jet planes, many exhibits from the history of air transport, a large collection of flight simulators and aircraft engines.

Svatý Kopeček

Situated just eight kilometres from the city centre is the most popular tourist destination and a place of pilgrimage in the region, Svatý Kopeček (“Saint Hill”). This part of the foothills of a mountain range called Nízký Jeseník is dominated by a baroque Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, rising majestically above Olomouc and offering a beautiful view of the region. Since 1956 the surrounding forests have encompassed a zoological garden, spreading over an area of 40 hectares. When visiting the zoo, you can enjoy a sightseeing tour on board a mini-train or a view from an observation tower. It offers nice relaxation and new knowledge at the same time. You will find more than 350 animal species and many of them are very rare. The whole region enjoys a network of hiking paths and cycle routes. If you have had enough of strolls in the countryside, why not go back to the city and take a cruise along the river Moravia! You can choose one of the one to three-hour cruises on comfortable eight-seat inflatable boats. Don’t worry: each boat has its own skilled instructor on board! Night cruises on boats decorated with Chinese lanterns along illuminated sights are especially romantic, and more experienced canoeists can take a longer trip on a raft or a canoe to a nearby picturesque natural reserve called “Litovelské Pomoraví”.

Flora Olomouc

The metropolis of the Haná region is inseparable from the traditional international gardening exhibition called “Flora Olomouc”. Whether you visit its spring or summer stage, you will definitely be fascinated by a wide range of flower species coming in countless colours. Various flower arrangements displayed in many corners of the city will call your attention to the exhibition that just takes place in Olomouc. The Olomouc Exhibition Grounds hosts 15 exhibitions and fairs every year and its staff take care of 47 hectares of parks including greenhouses, a rosarium and a botanical garden.

Another opportunity to relax is provided by Olomouc’s renowned restaurants. If you visit one of the places labelled with the “CzechSpecials” mark, you can be sure it offers national and local specialities. Try “hrstková polévka” (Haná mixed soup), “syrečky” (local ripened round cheese with bacon) or Haná traditional pear scones. After a good hearty meal you can take a trip on to a different part of the Olomouc region.

Olomouc Region

The symbols of the Olomouc region include traditional ceramics, the dialect of Haná, Haná dances, songs, music, ornamental costumes and many folk ensembles, folk festivals and shows. And of course several castles including probably the most beautiful among them, Bouzov. If you prefer chateaux to castles, there are also plenty to choose from: Náměšť na Hané, Plumlov, Tovačov or Velké Losiny, which is one of the oldest functional hand paper mills to be found inEurope. The region also features a technical rarity: the Dlouhé Stráně pumped-storage hydro power station. Last but not least: we should definitely not forget to mention hot and cold healing springs, baths and colonnade concerts you can visit in several spa towns renowned for their high-quality care.

This exhibition has her works from the past 3 years juxtaposed with key pieces from throughout her career which are used as reference points to track the path of her artistic journey by. The exhibition finishes on 12^th March 2012, and further details can be found on the museums website at www.ludwigmuseum.hu

Take Advantage of Free Night’s & Spa Entry for a Valentine’s Break

Budapest is one of Europe’s most romantic city’s and if you are looking for a great value Valentine’s break this year it’s hard to beat. The Budapest Winter campaign is offering an extra night for free when booking a two or three night stay, plus free spa entry into one of the city’s famous historic spas. More than 70 hotels are included in the deal ranging from luxury five star hotels to comfortable three star’s and city apartments, so there is something to suit all budgets. Flight partner is low cost carrier, Wizzair who fly direct from London Luton from £82 per person for travel 12-15 February 2012, including taxes. For more information visit www.budapestwinter.com

50% off Food & Drink During ‘Gluttonous Thursday’ 23 February 2012

Visitors who find themselves in Hungary on Thursday 23 February 2012 may be able to take advantage of a local promotion that promises a 50% discount off food and drink at over 1,000 restaurants nationwide. Participating restaurants will have signs in their window that they are taking part in the promotion and so visitors may be able to grab a last minute table. The website for the campaign is only in Hungarian, but visitors can find out which restaurants are taking part and make bookings from 1 February 2012 atwww.torkoscsutortok.hu - ask your local guide or hotel concierge to help!

First Horse Exhibition in Hungary at the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture, Budapest

Hungary is known as an equestrian nation famous for its horsemanship and now for the first time the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture in Budapest is presenting the world of horses in an unparalleled way. It will demonstrate the crucial role of the horse in Hungarian history, take a look at Hungarian horse breeds and methods of training, as well as show off the life of famous race horse, Kincsem, the most successful thoroughbred race horse ever who won all 54 races for 54 starts. Born in 1874 this horse is a national icon in Hungary and is revered in other parts of the world too. Over four seasons she won all her races at race tracks across Europe, a record that is still unbeaten. For more information visit www.mezogazdasagimuzeum.hu

Jet2.com Launches New Route from Leeds Bradford Airport to Budapest

Jet2.com has launched its third direct route to Budapest with the announcement that it will start twice weekly flights on Thursdays and Sundays for the Hungarian capital from Leeds Bradford Airport, starting on 29 March 2012. Flights will start from £31.99 one way including taxes, with city break packages through Jet2holidays from £249 per person for three nights staying at the 3* King’s Budapest City on a bed and breakfast basis. Jet2.com also flies direct to Budapest from Manchester and Edinburgh. For more information visit www.jet2.com or www.jet2holidays.com

Smoking Ban Effective in Hungary from 1 January 2012

Hungary has joined many other European nations and has banned smoking in all enclosed spaces including offices, restaurants and pubs as of 1 January 2012.

Or the Namib Desert, home to rhinos and lions, giraffes and elephants. For less frightening animals, you could go to the Ruacana where there is an abundance of birds in all their splendour. Also across Namibia, the Damara Dik-Dik travel freely. The Dik-Dik is a very cute species of antelope native to southern Africa.

Yet more animals can be found by Skeleton Coast, named in monument to past nautical disasters, where hyenas and desert elephants roam across the landscape where little else is able to survive.

If seeing wild animals in their natural habitat is not enough of an adventure for you, then there is also white water rafting and sand boarding available, or perhaps some sightseeing by hot air balloon would tempt you, or crossing the desert on the Desert Express Train.

Perhaps it is curiosities that would interest you, an in Damaraland there is a petrified forest that is hundreds of thousands of years old. Endemic trees such as the Welwitschia Mirabilis, which grows for thousands of years and the bulk of which is underground, or the distinguished Kokerboom, perfectly adapted to life in the desert.

As well as the natural wonders available, there are human based attractions as well. There are many fascinating towns where the traditional African cultures have been mixed with the traditions and the architecture of arriving visitors. If you want to get away from the relative hustle and bustle, then travel out away from the towns to look at the cattle ranches and the mission stations, or find an oasis out in the desert.

There are many national parks in Namibia, including the Namib-Naukluft Park, which at almost 50,000 square kilometres, is the fourth biggest on the planet. If you want a beautiful photograph, then this could be the place to find it. There are a variety of different landscapes, with different plants and wildlife to accompany them.

In the Central Region is the capital of Namibia, a city called Windhoek. Thanks to the international airport, Windhoek is a likely place for your tour to begin and end, and it is a convenient spot from which to commence your travels in and around the area.

There are a variety of tours available from Welcome Tourism Services. If you want to do your own thing, then a self-drive tour may be the best option. For those who want to be shown around to ensure you miss nothing, then there are escorted tours. Whatever you’re interested in, there is the package available for you. Whether you are travelling alone or in a group, everything is catered for.

The climate in South Africa is subtropical and temperature variations are moderated by the ocean to the East, West and South, as well as the altitude for some places in the country. This makes the country much milder than some of the other places in Africa. Even in the winter there is plenty of sunshine in South Africa and this can make it a perfect escape from colder temperatures back home.

The summer in South Africa is from October to February and this can be very hot. In autumn the country has a more moderate climate with very crisp nights and balmy days. Between May and July is a time when the country experiences winter and the weather is noticeably wetter.

It is not wet all the time and you will find there is fabulous weather throughout the winter. If you are able to visit in the spring you will be able to see some of the most beautiful wildflowers ever,  especially if you head into the provinces.

Most people travel to South Africa during the summer as this is when the beaches are at their best. The disadvantage of travelling at this time is that accommodation is significantly more expensive, some places will raise the prices by up to 70 percent.

The Easter holidays also tend to be a busy time as in South Africa as they have a ten-day holiday during this time. The country is also very busy with many people who’ve come for holidays, but if you don’t mind increased prices and everything being slightly busier then there is no reason not to visit during the summer.

Earlier in the spring could be one of the best times to visit as you will found the crowds have eased and the heat is just a little bit less intense. Travelling between July and November is particularly good time to go there.

Sun worshippers can even take their swimming costume with them and catch some rays on one of Faro’s many beaches, if they can’t stay away from the sea for a whole day, even though the town is not one of the main Algarve resorts. Similarly, you can try a wider range of restaurants, many serving Portuguese cuisine, and join the locals as they party at the weekend.

However, the main reason to visit Faro is to experience something a little different from the resort where you are spending most of your trip. The town’s medieval quarter, also known as the Cidade Velha, is crammed with picturesque squares and ancient architecture, with many buildings dating from the Middle Ages onwards.

Highlights include the Museu Etnografico, a museum about the history and culture of the region, the stunning Igreja do Carmo church and the Nossa Senhora Assuncao convent, built in the 1500s and home today to hundreds of pieces of religious treasure and artwork.

Most visitors to Faro inevitably find their way to the harbour; the heart of the city for generations. Still used by local fishermen today, some of the best seafood restaurants on the Algarve can be found in the streets around the historic port while the weekly market is the perfect place to buy local produce and a few gifts for friends back home.