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.

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.

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?

Spring lies between the winter and the summer months and since ancient times has been a season closely associated with rebirth and renewal. Its beginning is marked by the spring equinox, a time when the equator is closest to the sun and the number of daytime hours is almost the same as the number of night time hours. This year that date was 20th March and spring will last until the first day of summer on June 20th, a date also known as the summer solstice or Midsummer Day. The word solstice means the day when the sun stands still, and it is the time of the longest day and shortest night.
Naturally spring is also associated with romantic love and is a very popular time for weddings. The term “honey moon” is associated with the moon that shines on the night of midsummer and it is supposed to be a time when newlywed couples were given gifts of mead, a drink made from fermented honey and thought to have aphrodisiac properties and to enhance both love and fertility.

This brings us back to Paris, a city very much associated with this season. It is a fact that Paris is at its very best in the spring. During the summer months it can become hot and dusty and overcrowded with the flocks of people who visit it, but in the spring it tends to be warm and welcoming and it is the perfect time to enjoy it before the summer crowds turn up. However don’t expect continual sunshine; there are frequent spring showers in Paris, so don’t forget your umbrella.
Paris is the perfect setting for a springtime romantic city break. Wander along the banks of the Seine and perhaps take a picnic for two, hire a boat and cruise down the river lingering underneath the famous arches of its many bridges, relax outside the famous Parisian cafes and restaurants, explore the wonderful and colourful parks and gardens, Paris is the ideal city for wandering around.

Visit Montmartre and allow one of the many street artists to paint your portraits, wander up to the sumit and visit Basilique du Sacré-Cœur which is one of the most romantic settings in the city and from it you can enjoy some of the most amazing views of the city you will find.

As the sun goes down enjoy the legendary Parisian night life in the trendy Oberkampf district  or at the more boisterous Bastille. Place Vendome is a favourite of the celebrity set and Marais is the gay centre with numerous gay clubs and bars.

Spring has arrived, so why not try Paris?

If you stop by Edinburgh this year make your stay at the Sheraton, no i wasn’t paid to say that, but following a recent event I attended at the Sheraton Edinburgh, I can without a shadow of a doubt say that this is certainly one of Edinburgh’s best hotels!

Following a recent complete refurbishment of the hotel and a global social media initiative called meetyouthere, which brings together anything mentioned about the Sheraton brand on Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, TripAdvisor and Instagram into one central place, means (in my book) that the Sheraton brand has customer satisfaction firmly at its core.

On April the 12th Travelideas were were lucky enough to be invited to an evening and overnight stay of the Sheraton Edinburgh to see how much the hotel has changed since the refurbishment. We were not the only attendes, there was a global mix of travel bloggers including Mike Snowden for travelllll.com, Kate McCulley of adventurouskate.com, Lisa Theirl of Itravel Britian,  Rebecca Quin of Sharing Travel Experiences and Chris Watts of Pure Travel Style.

The objective of the night was to showcase the refurbishments and massive overall to the hotel and highlight the logic behind these changes.

Our evening began in the club lounge on the 7th floor, (but not before we tried out the One Spa hydrotherapy pool in the afternoon. Set on the rooftop of the spa suite, the hydrotherapy pool is an open air spa pool with beds to lie back in and enjoy the Edinburgh skyline – a must for anyone visiting the hotel!)

The club lounge itself is a meeting place on the 7th floor club level offering a relaxing atmosphere as well as work stations for business. Set on the 7th floor it has a view overlooking the city and is a great space to come to unwind if you have been out in the city all day.

Following drinks in the club lounge we had a full tour of the hotel – starting off in the One Spa – we were shown the two floor spa area and treated to a treatment and then we saw the gym, where we had a shot at the gym’s Core Performance programme, which has a section dedicated to the jetlagged visitor!

After this we had a tour of the link@sheraton which is a new part of the entrance of the hotel offering WiFi and workstations and a seated breakout area.

After this we had an interactive gin and wine tasting, before (one of my favourite parts)… visiting the hotels kitchens.

Having worked in the catering industry in my youth, I remember kitchens as hot, sweaty and dangerous – the Sheraton has turned this around by using induction hobs, which means that the kitchen has a cool comfortable working environment. And special thanks goes to Executive chef Malcolm (@mbwedinburgh) who made my my own veggie food!

After this we were invited to eat in the Sheraton restaurant which offers an outstanding selection of food and wine, and with views overlooking the castle this is the perfect spot to finish off any evening in Edinburgh.

And following drinks, dinner and conversation a well deserved rest!

The verdict – our overall verdict after the event was that the hotel is truly fantastic and the refurbishment has certainly made it one of the best hotels in the city so well worth staying when in Edinburgh.

And for a brand to truly ‘embrace’ social media rather than simply ignoring it or only highlighting the positive feedback it receives is pioneering and currently sets this hotel brand apart from its competitors.

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Bournemouth
A decade or so ago, Bournemouth used to be the favoured destination of the older person and you would be hard pushed to find a holiday maker under the age of fifty. Now Bournemouth is trying to re-brand itself as a destination for all ages, and not without good reason. It officially boasts the finest beach in the UK, as rated by Trip Advisors ‘Travellers Choice’ awards, with over 7 miles of golden sands. In addition to this, it was also voted in the top 10 best beaches in Europe beating other Mediterranean hotspots of Spain, France, Italy and Portugal. Recently the council have injected over £11 million into the rejuvenation of Bournemouth investing in top class water sports academies, a newly refurbished pier and trendy new restaurants. Add to this the wide choice of hotels, Bournemouth B&B’s and self catering establishments, and it is easy to see why it is a great place for a weekend getaway.

Scotland
Scotland is a place of extremes, from the stunning scenery and the peace and tranquillity of the highlands of Scotland, to the trendy cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. Why not stay in a fabulous B&B overlooking one of the many Scottish lochs or find some of the best group accommodation Scotland has to offer. Or alternatively, if you like a little more hustle and bustle, then why not base yourself in one of the major cities. With a flying time of around 45 minutes from London or around 5 hours by train or car, you can be there in no time at all.

Peak District
The area surrounding the peak district has the distinction of being the UK’s first national park, and to this day is still one of the most popular. There is plenty to see and do here and situated in Derbyshire, right in the heart of England, it is easily accessible from many points in the UK. It’s classic walking country, ranging from the gentle inclines and toe paths where you can meander, to the more challenging peaks. The peak district also offers some great accommodation, coupled with some excellent restaurants and pubs serving some fine food and drink. All in all, a place you simply have to visit.

Norfolk
Norfolk is awash with miles of unspoilt coastline, some of the best nature reserves in the country, historic market towns and picturesque villages, and of course the Norfolk Broads. Enjoy the stunning beach at Holkham or see the vast cliffs at Weybourne. Sample the Saturday morning vibe of market towns such as Swaffham, Wymondam and Fakenham, or visit the ancient city of Norwich, which still retains it’s old world charm.

There you have it! 4 great destinations for a UK weekend break.

Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/skinnylawyer/5464349514/

Of all the places you can travel within the country though, the most fascinating place for most visitors is Seoul. The name of the city is translated into English literally as ‘capitol’ and rightfully suits this bustling economic center that is now home to over ten million people. It is the perfect place to film travel videos and creating lasting memories.

One of the first things you’ll notice when visiting is that a large majority of the population speaks English or is in the process of learning it. Unlike those of us who live in America, you’ll quickly realize that many countries overseas teach their children a second or even third language without thinking twice. Japanese is also common here.

You won’t find huge numbers of westerners traveling to Seoul, at least not yet, but you will find that it is very popular with people from China, Japan and Thailand. In fact the city is so large that it is home, surprisingly, to the second most trafficked subway in the world, known as the Seoul Subway. It is one of the most efficient and affordable ways to travel the city alongside the buses.

We’re strong believers that the best way to experience a culture is to just throw yourself into it and learn as you go with a little help from the locals. This turns out to be much easier in Seoul because of the widespread use of English. If that’s not your thing, read one for some quick tips about visiting Seoul.

Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmanueldyan/5748033177/

There are several tours that will quickly get you familiar with Seoul and experience it’s fascinating history and diverse culture. Most of them last between 2-4 hours but can be on the expensive side at around $50 USD per person. For a cheaper option you can use the local public transportation and learn at your own pace if you are willing.

One of the best ways to get to know a local culture is through their food and Seoul is no exception with staples such as Tteok (rice cake), Seolleongtang (beef and vegetables) and Budae jjigae which is a unique dish made of baked beans, ham and sausages mixed with noodles and vegetable scraps. Amazingly, even though it sounds a little sketchy, it’s very good.

Spring or Autumn are the best times for you to visit Seoul as you’ll not only find nature has a way of showing itself off during those months but the temperature is also more bearable for those coming from warmer climates. The winter here can quickly become very dry and very cold with average temperatures hovering right around zero.

Shopping is one of the popular attractions in Seoul for visitors and the local currency is Won and even more interesting is that the largest comparable bill in USD is the $10 bill and you’ll find no standard denomination in Won that is higher. Any visit here should easily include a stop at the Dongdaemum Market which is the largest in the country and sells everything you could imagine from clothing to electronics.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember when traveling to Seoul is to interact as much as possible with the locals. There are stories that only the locals will tell you and restaurants that only they can find. Living by a guidebook is fine to a certain point but everything new requires exploration and any trip to Seoul will be better off because of it.

Camping trips abroad may not be what immediately springs to mind for you and your closest; but it is one of the most rewarding activities you can do as a family. Many will be put off by the ‘Do-it-Yourself’ nature of pitching a tent and ‘foraging’ for food. With some common sense planning – you can ensure, however, that your camping trip goes off without any problems.

For families, especially ones with young children, the self-catering aspect of a camping trip can suit very well indeed. There is a certain pleasure that can be derived from raiding the local supermarkets and cooking up the best of native cuisine. The firm favourites can also be found for the children. Camping holidays in France are the perfect venue for trying out a new way of eating and experiencing a country’s fare.

An outdoors sojourn gives you plenty of freedom to do as you please. The itinerary is all of your own creation. There are a plethora of wonderful adventurous activities you can take part in with the children. If you are on a family on a budget, making your own entertainment can be a very cheap or cost free way of having fun. Collecting wood for fires, picking berries and nature trails are great ways to bond with the family.

There is a certain educational quality for the children of these activities. The skills and sense of resourcefulness you use and acquire along the way are useful for life. When camping, there is a certain amount of fending for yourself.  Out in the fresh air and in beautiful countryside – this sort of holiday will undoubtedly be a welcome break, especially for the urban dweller.

On the subject of cost saving – camping is a cheaper accommodation option than staying in a hotel. If you get a ferry to the continent and take your car to get to the campsite; you can save a considerable amount of money on travel (as opposed to flying). Money saved on these elements – usually the biggest expenditures of a holiday – puts money in your wallet to be spent on other things (such as the occasional treat or local entertainment!). Camping is an alternative and cost effective way of spending quality bonding time with the children and the rest of the clan.

This post was written by +Sarah Clarke, a freelance writer and enjoyer of travel, techno, kittens and cheese on toast.

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.

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.