Many people consider the best red wine of France to come from Bordeaux and some of the best white wines too. Many vintages of Bordeaux are correctly classed as being fine wine and you can easily pay over £1,000 for a bottle of 2002 Pétrus and over £500 for a bottle of 2001 Latour.

Bordeaux is one of those wines that ages very well, and many people buy young Bordeaux with the express purpose of laying it down for at least a decade and sometimes substantially longer. As so many people do this, it means that the price for young Bordeaux is often more than you might anticipate; the fact that it will be so much better in years to come has already been factored into the price that people are willing to pay for it. Consequently, as the price you pay for a bottle of the stuff is already at a premium, drinking it when it is still young is simply a waste of money.

The Bordeaux region of France covers a large area and is generally considered to be the number one world centre for producing fine wine. In particular the region is associated for producing rich clarets, dry white wines and sweet dessert wine. In fact there are over 250,000 acres of the region that are under vine. 80% of the wine produced is red.

Not surprisingly there is a considerable amount of variation throughout the region. It is known for its diversity of microclimates and the way in which the quality of its soils vary from east to west and from north to south. Every year the conditions vary and there are so many different parameters at play that it is often difficult to predict which vineyard will produce that year’s finest wine.

Of course Bordeaux wines are not varietal and they are generally a blend of at least two grape varieties. Different areas within the region have different blending preferences and even within the same areas opinions differ between producers.

There are literally thousands of different Bordeaux wines, so choosing the right one for you and your guests is never going to be easy.

These are the major grape varieties that the wine masters use to produce some of the finest wines in the world: Cabernet Sauvignon which has a high degree of tannin and thus takes a long time to mature, but when it does produces rich cedar black cherry and blackcurrant flavours; Merlot which is plumy and often produces wines with a high alcohol content; Cabernet Franc which is light, aromatic and fresh; Malbec which is deeply red and full of body; Petit Verdot which is a late ripening grape and highly perfumed; and Sémillon which tastes of peach and apricot and is perfect for making sweet desert wines.

A personal loan can cover the cost of most types of honeymoon, but newly-weds should think carefully about getting into debt. Here are several options for financing a honeymoon.

Loans
A loan can be useful but only if repayments are affordable. High rates of interest should deter applicants who cannot realistically afford to pay back a loan in accordance with the relevant credit agreement. This should not be a point that needs to be made, but millions of people in Britain are struggling with debt. The early years of a marriage can be financially difficult enough without adding loan repayments into the mix, so couples should adopt a sensible approach to loan applications.

Of course, loans do not always cause problems for newly-weds. If repayments are affordable, the loan can be well worth taking. A honeymoon is, or at least ought to be, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so spending money on this exciting adventure is by no means wrong in all cases. If you are interested in obtaining credit to pay for your honeymoon celebrations you can click here for loans options in the UK.

When considering finance options, the bride and groom – or whoever intends to pay for the honeymoon – will encounter two types of loan: secured and unsecured. A secured loan can bring more money to the table and it is often cheaper to obtain, but the borrower’s home is used as security for the debt, so failing to keep up with repayments could prove disastrous for newly-weds. An unsecured personal loan tends to be subject to higher rates of interest but it is the more popular choice among couples looking to pay for their honeymoon.

Credit Cards
Credit cards offer an alternative source of finance. Accepted in most countries, credit cards make paying for goods and services easy. Consumers simply buy what they want, when they want. Repayment can be sorted out later. This is especially convenient for newly-weds who want to enjoy their time together without worrying about money.

Couples ought to be sensible when using credit cards to pay for a honeymoon, however. Interest repayments on some cards are astronomically high, so what might seem convenient at first could end up proving very costly. No couple should plan to start their marriage with a debt they cannot afford.

The burden of debt can be minimised by shuffling liabilities from one card to the next. Balance transfers are often subject to introductory rates of interest, so by carefully planning the transfer of a credit-card debt, newly-weds may be able to maintain affordable repayments over a relatively long period of time.

Family and Friends
Another way to finance a honeymoon is to accept gifts from family and friends. Guests at a wedding could be asked to contribute towards the cost of a honeymoon instead of showering the bride and groom with goods they neither need nor want. There is also no shame in accepting a cash gift from parents or relatives.

Save and Wait
Perhaps the best option for newly-weds is to do nothing. Rather than get into debt, couples can bide their time. They can deposit a portion of their monthly salaries into a savings account. Eventually, they are likely to have saved enough money to finance that romantic trip to Paris or the Bahamas. They may have had to wait a little longer than other couples, but their patience would be rewarded with a debt-free start to married life.

I have one tip when it comes to going on holiday in Italy: to get out and see as much of the region you’re staying in as you can. This is one of the most fascinating countries in the world, so you won’t want to waste a moment of your time here.

image from flickr

With this in mind, it makes sense to arrange transport for your stay so you have the freedom to hit the open road and explore at your leisure.

However, with so much to see and do, it will always be hard coming up with an itinerary for your stay. Luckily, that’s where I can help.

If you are planning a trip to northwest Italy, check out my five must-see sights to visit in the region.

Milan’s Duomo
After arranging your Milan airport car hire, you’ll probably be keen to start exploring the wider region – but before you do, pay a visit to the city’s cathedral. Duomo di Milano is an awe-inspiring sight and unlike any place of worship you will have seen before.

Built on the most important site of the ancient city of Mediolanum, the new basilica was founded by Saint Ambrose at the start of the 5th century and, in total, the magnificent gothic structure took just short of 600 years to complete.

Genoa’s harbour
Genoa’s old port has been renovated and is a sophisticated spot to sit at with a glass of wine and watch the yachts bobbing on the water.

If you fancy something to eat, order a plate of pasta in pesto sauce – a dish that originated from these parts. The rich green sauce is made from fresh basil, parmesan cheese, garlic and pine nuts in olive oil, and the Italian original will beat any version you have tasted at home.

Mont Blanc
Italy’s white mountain is the highest peak in the Alps, which has helped cement its reputation as being a premiere resort for skiing and snowboarding holidays.

If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, this is a great place to visit, whether you fancy hiking in the foothills or hitting the piste for a few days of winter sports.

Acqui Terme
This fascinating city has a rich Roman past and is home to hot sulphur springs. Just like Bath in England, here you can visit the thermal baths built by the Romans to take full advantage of this water source.

Make your way to La Bollente in the centre of town – the place where the water bubbles at the highest temperature – and call in at the pretty cathedral on the way.

Once you’re done sightseeing, it’s worth sitting down with a glass of wine, as Acqui Terme is situated within one of Italy’s principle wine-making regions.

Bussana Vecchia
This small medieval village makes for a fascinating daytrip destination, and once you’ve listened to its story, you’ll wonder why you’ve not heard of it before.

In 1887, the settlement was struck by a staggering earthquake, which killed 2,000 people and rendered it a ghost town for decades. Then, in the 1960s, a group of artists descended on Bussana and made their home in the ruined stone houses.

Come here and browse some of the crafts produced by this unusual community, or attend one of the events they regularly organise.

Do you have any other tips for holidaymakers visiting northwest Italy?

Cheap car rental is the perfect way to see parts of the world you’ve always meant to visit but never quite got around to. Istanbul, the former capital of Turkey, is a case in point, and this city is stuffed like the ubiquitous Turkish Dolma with all manner of delights for the discriminating taste.

Although roads in the eastern part of the country frequently leave much to be desired, those in major centres such as Istanbul and Ankara are as good as any in the rest of Europe. The drivers tend to make excessive use of their horns, but despite the initial hectic and chaotic impression of Istanbul’s traffic those who choose to drive here quickly find that it’s not as bad as it looks.
Because of its sprawling character, driving here is actually quite delightful, with the main coast road along the Sea of Marmara a particularly attractive one, having the ancient city walls on one side and the waves of the Marmara crashing on the other.

Dolmabahce Palace in the heart of the city was the home of the later Ottoman Sultans, and in fact derives its name from the same root that lent its credentials to a popular Turkish cuisine. It’s easily reached by following the northern shore of the Bosphorus and has plenty of places to park.
Several centuries ago some land was reclaimed from a small cove on the western Bosphorus shore and a series of waterfront pavilions and houses were built there by successive sultans until a whole complex sprang up that was known as the Imperial Palace of Besiktas.

An amusing anecdote from that time has the Sultan Murad IV (1623-1640) sitting in his palace here and listening to the poet Nef’i reading his satirical poems, when suddenly lightening struck the floor next to him, and he told the poet never to read satire to him again.

Many of the old waterfront timber buildings can still be seen on 19th century postcards of the palaces along this stretch of the Bosphorus.

Between 1844 and 1846 the old structures were demolished for the last time, and the architect Garabet Balyan was commissioned to design a new palace on the site. It was completed in 1853 and was essentially the imposing waterfront stone structure that dominates the Bosphorus shoreline to this day. It looks something like Buckingham Palace, and was deliberately built in the European royal style.

The former Turkish ambassador to Paris, Ahmet Fethi Pasha, was responsible for the furnishings that are seen by visitors taking the modern guided tour of this immense structure. They were ordered from factories and shops in Paris and Eastern Europe, and the stage director of the Paris Opera was brought in for some of the flamboyant and OTT decor that leaves visitors speechless. No expense, in short, was spared in making the sultan’s home more than worthy of a European monarch.
Take a drive along the Bosphorus to the fabulous Dolmabahce Palace and be amazed at how the later sultans indulged themselves and impressed visiting royalty, including Queen Victoria, who the Turks insist had an affair with the sultan whilst staying here as a guest.

David Elliott is a freelance writer who loves to travel, especially in Europe and Turkey. He’s spent most of his adult life in a state of restless excitement but recently decided to settle in North London. He gets away whenever he can to immerse himself in foreign cultures and lap up the history of great cities.

Sharm el-Sheikh is a fascinating Egyptian city that has a lot to offer tourists and holidaymakers. Situated on a peninsula at the tip of the Red Sea, there is no experience as unique as Sharm el-Sheikh – but why should you holiday here?

Egyptian culture

Whilst it may not be in the heart of Egypt, Sharm el-Sheikh is still rich in Egyptian culture. It may not have the pyramids of Giza but the city is just as rich in its Egyptian heritage as Cairo. Holidays Egypt are fascinating experiences and from the local cuisine to the ancient Egyptian history it is a country with a truly individual identity.

Sharm el-Sheikh also boats a popular market in Sharm old town. These old markets are fascinating experiences, selling unique Egyptian items, from clothes to souvenirs which are rich in Egypt’s heritage and style.

The coast

Being on the tip of a peninsula, Sharm el-Sheikh has fantastic coastlines and ocean views. The Red Sea is one of the most beautiful waters in the world and they is viewable from nearly anywhere in the area. The majority of the city is further enveloped by long, beautiful stretching coastlines of pure sand and sea – all thanks to the unique geographical location.

This, of course, opens up the sea to a number of activities. The city has a very active water sports scene and opportunities for tourists are rife. Likewise, snorkelling, scuba diving, jet skiing and other typical water activities can be found here: if you’re a fan of the water or swimming and want to make the most of the amazing Red Sea then Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the best places you could visit.

Attractions

There are numerous things to see and do throughout the city. The local national park of Ras Muhammad is a prime example: overlooking the sea and providing some breath-taking views of coral reefs.

Of course, Egypt is also known for its expansive deserts and it is no different here.

Day trips into the desert, often on camel back, offer a unique exotic experience that always proves popular with tourists and travellers. Needless to say, it is quite hot and dry but for a day’s excursion it is quite the memorable experience. More private excursions can be taken for more than a day for those who truly want to sample life in the desert.

As for night life, the city does not disappoint. There are numerous clubs, bars and cafés that are excellent places to spend a night, all heightened by the long warm summer nights which make up the Egyptian climate. There is a bustling tourism business to be found here, meaning that a lot of the major establishments are very welcoming to tourists.

In short, there are numerous reasons to plan your next holiday in Sharm el Sheikh. Whether you wish to soak in the local culture and history, or simply marvel at the beautiful deserts and waters, then Sharm el-Sheikh does not disappoint.

Wildlife projects are a popular option for those looking for volunteer work abroad, thanks to the opportunities they offer for helping protect threatened animal species, as well as for exploring a whole new destination.

Here are three of the species you could make a difference to if you choose to volunteer overseas as part of a wildlife work scheme.

Giant pandas
Scientific name: Ailuropoda melanoleuca
Found in: South-western China
Conservation status: Endangered
The giant panda is perhaps the most well-known of the planet’s endangered species, thanks to the fact the animal has been featured in the logo of the World Wildlife Fund since the 1960s. There are believed to be fewer than 1,600 giant pandas left in the wild – with some estimates putting the number closer to 1,000 – as a result of the relentless march of modern industry putting paid to their forest habitats.

While efforts have been made to conserve giant pandas through the establishment of reserves in China and the efforts of zoos worldwide, their numbers continue to fall. Despite this, there are some great opportunities for volunteers to help reverse this trend, especially at the aforementioned Chinese reserves. Giant pandas can be quite dangerous, so you’re unlikely to actually get to touch them, but you will probably be involved with duties like cleaning cages and feeding.

Sea turtles
Scientific name: Cheloniidae/Dermochelyidae families
Found in: Coastal areas and open water worldwide
Conservation status: Three out of seven types are critically endangered; another three are endangered
Sea turtles have helped shape marine and coastal ecosystems around the world for millions of years. However, their numbers are declining dramatically as a result of predators preying on the young, and humans destroying their natural habitat and harvesting their eggs. They can be found in a number of locations worldwide, including Costa Rica, Australia and the Indian Ocean.

Volunteers who opt to help conserve sea turtles will therefore be of great assistance to the various schemes dedicated to halting the eradication of this once-thriving species. Your duties might include gathering data, cleaning beaches, helping transfer eggs between nests and hatcheries, patrolling beaches at night, and maintenance work. As you can see, this makes for a varied environment in which to volunteer, ensuring you pick up as many skills as possible.

African wild dog
Scientific name: Lycaon pictus
Found in: Africa
Conservation status: Endangered
Also known as the African hunting dog, this particular species is among the most endangered predators in Africa. While the creatures are similar in size and shape to the domestic dogs we’re familiar with in the UK, they have unusual mottled coats coloured beige, black and brown. Up to 5,000 of these animals are still in the wild, but are threatened by disease, lack of hunting space and farmers who shoot them if they feel their own livestock is in danger.

There are numerous wildlife sanctuaries and reserves that work to protect the African wild dog, offering lots of volunteering opportunities in the process. Potential duties could include feeding, cleaning, helping build new enclosures and assisting with the maintenance of fences and other structures. Many reserves home to the African wild dog also harbour a variety of other threatened species, so it’s likely you’ll be able to help lots of different animals during your volunteer work abroad.

If you’re planning to take a tour of Rajasthan, stopping off in Udaipur is a must. Why? It’s among the most unique cities in the state, for a start, and it combines some characteristically Indian attractions in a landscape that wouldn’t seem out of place in Europe.

The City of Lakes
Often referred to as the City of Lakes or the Venice of the East, Udaipur’s main quirk is that, despite being in the heart of a desert region, it’s home to – you’ve guessed it – lots and lots of water. A key reason to include it on a tour of Rajasthan, its lakes give the city an almost magical air.

They’re among Udaipur’s main features and certainly one of its highlights, but, equally, they’re not something you can miss seeing, because they’re everywhere. That said, you should make sure you definitely visit Lake Pichola, because this is home to one of the other top local attractions – Lake Palace – but more on that later.

Amazing palaces
Rajasthan has a reputation for its stunning palaces and Udaipur’s got to be one of the best places to see them, simply because nowhere else are you likely to spot them paired with stunning lakes. There are several to visit, but the top site to add to your must-see list is the City Palace.

This is perched on the banks of Lake Pichola and is the largest palace complex in the state. When you’re visiting, bear in mind that this really is a palace complex, rather than a single building, so you should leave plenty of time to wander round. In fact, it’s made up of 11 palaces in total – most of which were added by different monarchs over the years. What’s interesting though – and what’s likely to strike you while you’re looking around – is that despite being built be different people, the buildings in the complex still have a pretty cohesive style.

Inside, you’ll find the City Palace Museum, which is packed with some great local artefacts. It’s spread out in different sections and there’s a fair amount to get through, but one of the best is the Mor Chowk, which has some amazing mosaics of peacocks. Aside from looking around the artefacts, you can also head on to the complex’s balconies. From these, you can get awesome views of our next top attraction – the Lake Palace.

This is exactly how it sounds – a palace in the middle of the lake. It’s perched on the tiny Jag Niwas Island and it looks like it’s floating, as well as appearing every inch the fairytale palace. Originally it was intended to be a royal summer palace, but today it’s a five-star hotel.

Impressive temples
Like a lot of the most popular Indian destinations, Udaipur is home to some impressive temples. Standing out from the crowd is Jagdish Mandir, which is the largest and most lavishly-decorated of any in the city. You’ll find it close to the City Palace; its size and ornate exterior make it easy to spot. Chanting and bell-ringing can usually be heard from here too, so if on the off-chance you can’t spot it, you may well be able to hear it.

When you visit, look out for the brass image of Garuda (this will be in the shrine at the front of the temple) and the black stone image of Lord Vishnu.

Marmaris is a bustling seaside resort with plenty to offer you by day and night. While your mornings and afternoons may be taken up by lying in the sun or trying some of the water sports on offer, once the sun sets its worth heading into town and discovering the vibrant local nightlife.

Even though booking package holidays in Turkey might make it tempting to stay at your hotel, it’d be a shame to miss out on the variety of bars and restaurants the town is home to.

Here are just five spots you should visit during your stay in Marmaris:

Netsel Marina
The Netsel Marina in Marmaris is a lovely place to visit, day or night, but if you’re on a break with your partner, you’ll find nowhere more romantic for dinner and a few drinks. As you indulge in fine food and a cocktail or two, you can gaze out over the water at the luxury yachts moored up for the evening.
La Fortune is the place to go if you want to sample delicious seafood, while Pineapple Restaurant offers a range of sumptuous cuisine and boasts a beautiful terrace with great views across the marina.

Uzunyali Beach
This long stretch of sand reaches all the way to the neighbouring resort of Icmeler and is lined with a host of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a relaxing drink in sight of the sea. Tables from the establishments spill out on to the pedestrian-only promenade, making it a lively place to take a stroll.
Wander along the seafront and stop off at any of the bars that take your fancy – if you’re planning a late night, make sure you head to Talk of the Town Cheers. This vibrant bar and club has its own private beach and regularly hosts cabaret shows.

Bar Street
As the name suggests, this is one of the busiest areas in Marmaris once the sun goes down. Most of the resort’s top nightclubs can be found here, including Greenhouse Dance Club that offers a mixture of trance, tech house, R’n'B and even pop music and Crazy Daisy Bar and Nightclub, where you can dance the night away – or relax on its comfy seating on its outdoor terrace.

For a dusk ’til dawn clubbing experience, head to Club Areena Marmaris, the biggest open-air disco in the town that has space for up to 4,000 revellers! As it’s open until 04:00 local time, you’ll be heading back to your hotel just as the sun rises. It’s worth checking to see what events the venue has planned, with foam parties and laser shows often taking place.

Armutalen
This residential part of Marmaris is a bit quieter than Bar Street or the seafront, but if you want to experience some traditional Turkish entertainment during your stay, this is the place to come. Kervansaray regularly hosts evenings packed with belly dancing, Turkish music and a host of other local folk dances. You’ll need to set aside an entire night for the show, as it starts with an authentic meal at around 20:30 and the fun continues until midnight.

Moonlight boat tour
For a truly unique evening out, book a spot on one of the moonlight cruises that sets off from the marina every night. You’ll be out on the water until after midnight, where you can enjoy food, drinks and music. From the ship, you’ll be able to make out the bright lights of Marmaris on the shore – a perfect way to round off your holiday.

When searching for a suitable accommodation most holidaymakers instinctively look at hotels as the only form of accommodation, though for families, large groups and even for couples it does not always prove cost effective. In recent years other forms of accommodation such as renting a holiday home have increased in popularity and here’s why.

Choice – The Internet has helped villa, cottage and apartment owners to list their properties and for holidaymakers to find these properties with a click of a button. It means that you are no longer limited to a small number of hotels, but free to evaluate further properties based on your individual circumstances and type of holiday. You may wish to incorporate your favorite hobby such as fishing or water sport together with your stay in such cases you simply have more choice by picking a certain region rather than depending on a specific hotel chain.

Unusual destinations – Holiday homes are often situated in areas that feature hotels, but the same is not always true. Certain regions, certain rural and country areas feature a small number of hotels compared to a large number of villa, cottage, B&B and even apartments because of the rural history of the region. For example, should you consider renting a villa in France in one of the domestic rural regions such as Dordogne, Provence or the Lot Valley you would find a greater number of alternative accommodation compared to the more typical ones. If you have decided on a stylish gateway in one of the nearby villages these will often include only private forms of accommodations.

Suitable for larger parties – One of the main benefits of renting a holiday home comes into light when large parties of friends or an extended family is concerned.  Villas and cottage suit large parties and will differ in their number of rooms. Not only are these types of properties more suitable compared to hotels, but they also help keep the entire party under one roof thereby increasing the sense of togetherness and bonding.

Value for money – Renting a holiday home is not always cheaper compared to hotels when you only take into account the sleeping arrangements, however when you compare the entire package the cost saving does become vividly clear. Holiday villas simply offer higher levels of spec, which is why they are often refereed to as holiday homes.

If you’re looking for something to do whilst you’re on holiday in Dubai, there are several theme parks in Dubai, including water parks and snow parks, which are great places to take the family. Because of the hot weather, the majority of the parks are located indoors or themed around cooling water.

Ski Dubai is located at the heart of the Emirates Shopping Mall. This ski resort has 400m-long runs with slopes that will suit everyone from beginners to experts. There are five runs, including a black run – the world’s first indoor one.

The highest part of the ski centre is 60m. There are fun snow-based activities on offer, including snowman-building for the children. The sight of indoor ski lifts and snow in a place that is so hot outside is slightly bizarre but very entertaining. The slope is enclosed by glass so that shoppers passing by can watch the skiers.

The Wild Wadi is an outdoor water park themed around the adventures of Sinbad. Set in 12 acres of greenery, there are 23 water rides which are suitable for young and old alike.

You can enjoy free-fall water slides, jet-powered rides and a lazy river for those who prefer a little more relaxation rather than thrill seeking. The park is located a short 20-minute drive from the city.

Further afield, about a 35-minute drive away, is the Dreamland Aqua Park. Situated in 250,000sqm of grass land, the park has more than 25 water rides and slides. The main rides are the four Twisting Dragons, the Kamikaze and the Black Hole.

Dreamland Aqua Park also has plenty of catering facilities, restaurants and a pool bar which is licensed. If you intend to stay for the full day, then you can spend the night in a cabana hut or tent at the overnight camp.

The oldest theme park in Dubai is Al-Nasr Leisureland, which was first opened in 1979. Set in 48 acres of land, it is a cultural and sports centre which hosts many sporting events, exhibitions and shows. The park hosts regular nightly meetings where expats and locals gather for fun and entertainment.

Aquaventure is another water park situated just outside of Dubai. There is river ride that is 2km long and is perfect for the younger members of your group. There are also water rapids and shark pools.

The main attraction for the younger visitors is the area called Splashers, where they can play on an adventure playground especially designed for children.

If you are a motor racing fan, then Ferrari World is the place for you. It is one of the largest indoor theme parks in Dubai and is full of technologically advanced rides and games where you can practice driving a Ferrari F1 car.

KidZania is a new leisure park that has recently opened in the Dubai Mall. Aimed at children, the park has several exhibits that will capture their imagination of children. They can discover what it is like to be a working adult, with information and displays about over 80 professional roles.

The Dubai Dolphinarium is where you can see bottle nose dolphins and seals perform tricks for the audience. You will also get the chance for a thrilling swim with the dolphins.

In Global Village you can sit outdoors watching a cultural show. There is also an entertainment arena and shopping mall. You will find products from around the world in the shops along with more traditional local ones. You can also taste the local cuisine in one of the many restaurants.

In the near future there are plans to open Dubai’s largest theme park, called Dubailand. This park will feature rides and thrills for the whole family and will also have leisure facilities, shopping malls and dining facilities.

There really is a great choice of theme parks in Dubai that are suitable for the whole family. With most offering catering facilities and shopping malls along with the attractions, they can provide the perfect day out.

Guest post by TravelSupermarket.