Millions of tourists walk around its ruined columns from the western end of the Acropolis and the Panathenaic Way, every year.  It is one historical site that most tourists keep high on their must-visit lists because though archaeologists have been studying it for years nobody is sure how exactly it was built. A word of warning here: wandering around the ruins on a summer day is a very pleasant experience, but the sun can get really hot so it is better to start early or later in the evening unless, of course, it is overcast.

The Acropolis, which borders the Parthenon from the south and west sides, has streets filled with cafes and restaurants. A stroll down the streets is much better than driving up to the site. The Parthenon can also be reached from the Plaka and Monastiraki side, which again is an on-foot journey, and a walk uphill will give you a great view of the sights.

The theatre of Herod Atticus built in 161 AD by the Romans is still used for classical concerts and ballet performances, which will leave anyone attending them spellbound. The stone theatre of Dionysius, which was used for gladiator fights, is also a worthy tourist attraction.

You should be aware that there are different types of cruise holidays available.  Some have themes such as whale watching in Alaska whilst others will take you on a journey to taste the various wines of certain countries.

Some cruise lines also provide cruises for certain age groups such as singles and seniors. If you are planning to take your trip with children, then make certain in advance that your cruise line allows this. Many companies have cruises that are classified adult-only.  This is mainly because the other passengers may not want to have children around.

Pricing will be a concern when booking any cruise holidays.  You can look at the website of the cruise line itself or use a travel agent who will find the cheapest prices for you.  Sometimes it is cheaper to not book through the cruise line – a good agent can advise you on this.

When choosing which cruise to go on, take a good look at the ship’s itinerary so that you can see exactly where your cruise will take you.  You may wish to consider far east cruises or going to places such as Norway that are inaccessible by any other mode of transportation.

If you have decided upon booking your first cruise holiday, then take the plunge and start hunting for that perfect place to visit.  You will not be disappointed.

Airports foreign exchange counters may be convenient, but their rates typically aren’t the best because a high commission is often charged.  Likewise, a trip to the high street may offer good deals, but it’s still possible to find better.  It’s not a question of discounts, commission rates or special offers, but the exchange rate itself.  In other words, how much bang do you get for your buck.

The internet has proved a vital resource in this respect, and within seconds of going online it’s possible to get an accurate idea of what you should be getting.  Once you’ve checked out several currency exchange websites and found the best rate, simply exchange your currency and have it credited to your bank account or credit card.  Alternatively, have the cash delivered to your home, although you’ll need to give yourselves a few days to make sure that it arrives in time.

All this without leaving the house and without any surprises: you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.  Popular currency exchange websites include Travelex, ICE, FairFX, XE and my Travel Cash, while the Financial Times website is another useful resource for comparing currencies.

Benefits of the Cruise Experience

Travelling abroad can be a daunting and hectic experience, but it does not have to be.   A traditional tour or holiday you organize for yourself is most likely includes a series of hotels in various cities you would like to visit.  Every time you have exhausted the attractions in one area, you must pack up all your belongings and find your way to the airport or bus station in order to continue your journey to the next stopping point, where you will unpack and begin the process all over again.

A cruise holiday is entirely different.  Because your ‘hotel’ is itself a moving entity, you can settle down into one cabin or stateroom for the duration, knowing that you will only need to unpack your belongings once.  Rather than wasting valuable holiday time figuring out how to use public transport or waiting in airport lounges, you can enjoy a cool drink on deck whilst the land of Egypt on both banks amazes you with sights never before imagined.

Other ports that are visited on cruises that stop at Madeira may include Tangiers, Casablanca, Lisbon, Tenerife, and Barcelona.  The ports of call will vary depending on the individual cruise.

The weather in Greece tends toward hot in the summer, which makes the other three seasons better times to plan a holiday in Athens.  Once in the city, tourists will find that they can reach major landmarks without needing to travel long distances.

The Acropolis

One of the most visited sites in the city is the Acropolis with its ancient temples demonstrating that the Greeks knew how to design beautiful architecture thousands of years ago.  The centrepiece of the Acropolis is the Parthenon, long regarded as the international symbol of both Athens and all of Greece.

The Agora

Another important tourist site is the ancient marketplace known as the Agora.  The history of the Agora alone makes it worth a visit.  This is the place where the philosopher Socrates discussed justice and morality with his students.  Later, the Agora became the setting for St. Paul’s efforts to persuade the ancient Greeks to convert to Christianity.

Sandy Lane of Barbados

Designed for tourists who wish to spare no expense, the owner himself is a billionaire investor who owns stakes in Manchester United as well as London City Airport.  The 47,000 masterpiece construction is a five star diamond standard luxury resort featuring an award-winning spa.  The likes of Rihanna, Elton John and Tiger Woods have either stayed at this luxury hotel or received spa treatments there.

Como Shambhala at Parrot Cay of Turks and Caicos

East meets west at this luxury spa that features ayurvedic therapies and treatments like chickpea scrubs and ginger baths, performed by professionals from all over the world.  Como Shambhala is nestled on Parrot Cay’s spectacular and unspoiled 1,000 acre pristine property and makes holistic wellness its top priority, through products, treatments, a relaxing ambiance and healthy cuisine.

BodyHoliday Le Sport of St. Lucia

This resort guarantees a super luxurious stay with a long range of treatments, activities and top of the line catering.  A winner of Conde Nast’s 2011 Best Spa Destination in the World Award, everything from archery to Thalgo Marine body treatments is available from the world’s finest practitioners.  The diversity of the activities and services here make this a traveller’s favourite.

Rosewood Little Dix Bay of the British Virgin Islands

Luxurious island charm meets true sophistication with award winning fine dining, luxury villas and a relaxing and pampering full service spa.  Rosewood Little Dix Bay uses rare ingredients – including indigenous botanical resources – and specializes in progressive techniques.  A notable treatment includes the impossible to resist Virgin Gorda Goat Milk & Honey body wrap in the exclusive Cliff Spa Suite for couples.

The most important step is to make sure you remember to pack all of the tickets and documentation that you will need for your break; including for the journey to and from the departure port.  You may like to put all tickets, passports, visa documents and other paperwork safely together in a folder or envelope, so that they do not get mislaid. 

You will need to think about what clothes to bring.  Check your cruise itinerary to see if there are any formal dinners or other events that have a dress code and make sure you bring appropriate outfits.  If activities or adventure sports are available and you would like to take part, bring suitable clothes for these too.  For day-to-day clothing, it can be a good idea to pack outfits that can be mixed and matched as this will save space in your suitcase.  It also helps to check the local weather and pack accordingly. 

The main attraction of Las Vegas is the array of gambling casinos to be found in the city.  There are two major casino areas: downtown Las Vegas and the Strip, also known as Las Vegas Boulevard.  The downtown area contains the “original” Vegas where the first casinos were built and now also features the “Fremont Street Experience,” which consists of an entire city street roofed in so that laser-and-music shows can entertain tourists.

The Strip, in contrast, is the place to go to see the themed hotel-casinos that have made Vegas famous.  Excalibur resembles a medieval castle complete with roaming knights and ladies, while Luxor is fashioned to resemble an Egyptian pyramid and contains a recreation of the Sphinx as well as a variety of ancient Egyptian artefacts.  At Treasure Island, guests can watch an actual pirate battle every evening, complete with full-scale ships, while the Mirage features nightly eruptions of a manmade volcano.

Most major casinos also offer live entertainment shows, which often feature major headline stars.  The Rio, for example, located just off the Strip, has had world-famous magicians Penn and Teller performing for ten years, with tickets available almost nightly.  Circus Circus takes live entertainment in a different direction and provides free carnival acts several times each day. 

There is much more to Las Vegas than the casino scene, however.  The Atomic Testing Museum is a case in point.  The museum commemorates Nevada’s historic role during the Cold War, when the atomic testing grounds near the city were the site of numerous bomb tests.

Barbados holidays are sure to be memorable, with an abundance of luxury resorts throughout the island. Visitors can be thoroughly pampered and resorts are so well equipped that it is possible to enjoy a fulfilling holiday without even leaving the comfort of your hotel. However for those wishing to explore the island, there is plenty to see and do. Water sports are a big draw to the island, with windsurfing, jet-skiing, diving and snorkelling all being popular activities. In addition, in the water, it is possible to swim with sea turtles, an amazing and unique experience.

Barbados has many former plantations to explore, where you can learn more about the history of the island. It is also possible to visit a rum distillery, tour the factory, learning about the production of rum, and sample some of the finished product. Much of the colonial architecture in Barbados still remains and makes interesting viewing, especially in the capital city of Bridgetown.