Ibiza Night View by Teosaurio August 22, 2009, on Flickr via Creative Commons

The word party is almost synonymous with Ibiza. The small island is not only the party capital of Spain, but one of the entire European continent and even the world. Ibiza clubs attract the best DJs and sound mixers in the world to perform for thousands of party goers and vacationers each year. Many people opt to stay the whole summer and live in many of the Ibiza apartments available so that they do not to miss even a second of the fun.

Ibiza is pretty small and you can get around well in taxis or public transport. There are hundreds of establishments catering to you on the beach and off. The Mediterranean sun might be one of your main reasons for visiting, but unlikely! If you’re in Ibiza it’s for the night! After pre-gaming at bars or at your apartment or hotel so as not to go bust, you’ll want visit the best of the best, Amnesia. You’ll find Amnesia in the middle of Ibiza. It is the club that offers you the best dance music and a long list of top international known DJs. To accompany the tunes, you’ll have ton of effects for a full sensory experience!

If it’s electronic music you’re after, a season in Ibiza is not complete without a tour of one of DC10’s all-night raves. You’ll recognize DC10’s iconic symbol as the crazy clown, an apt symbol for a rave venue if ever there was one. There’s nothing quite like seeing the wee hours of the morning glow into view once the rave has finally come to a close; however it’s easy to lose track of time!

Ibiza 2008 by Simon Welsh June 22, 2008, on Flickr via Creative Commons

Possibly the most popular club on Ibiza is Pacha. It has been around longer than any of the others and its experience has allowed it to grow internationally. However, the Ibiza location is the original and flagship set-up. Today it attracts the hottest artists in show, with names like Jay Z and Dr. Dre throwing the party. This place is particularly fun if you plan on playing the VIP!

You’ll find the next great club in San Antonia, right on the water. Es Paradis is one of the oldest clubs on the island as well, and its time has seen transformations that have made it one of the most attractive clubs on the island. This place is noted for its elaborate interior design and the strange water parties it throws.

The Ibiza scene might be crazy, but thanks to its fabulous location in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, the days allow for a refreshing way to relax the hang over away with a cocktail on the beach. The large clubs are that mainstay of Ibiza, but you could always opt to spend your party season lounging around beach bars and smaller clubs.

Meet the Author: Madeleine Wilson Madeleine is a travel writer and currently the editor of the HostelBookers blog. Her articles have been featured on Lonely Planet and The Huffington Post.

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Dim Sum Lunch by ilovememphis, on Dec 12, 2011 on Flickr via Creative Commons

A trip to Hong Kong means that you’ll be embarking on a culinary adventure that will leave its mark on you for years to come. Hong Kong is already famous for its modern cityscape; high skyscrapers and high-tech everything. However, one of its greatest attractions is its gastronomic Cantonese heritage, which owes its renown to a little something called dim sum. Literally translating as “touch your heart”, dim sum is sure to impress you. What is dim sum, you ask? It’s a way of eating breakfast and dinner, once typically involving unique and separate dishes being carted around the place. Dishes are individually prepared and they come in portions of 3 or 4 and you order as many as you can eat! It’s the best way to pick at food and enjoy Hong Kong days and nights. Finding Hong Kong hostel and check out these top places.

The restaurant known as City Hall is among the most well-known of the Cantonese dim sum establishments in the city. You’ll simply love this place. Although dim sum was once served on carts, most restaurants have retired the practice. Not City Hall! This is one of the last places you’ll be able to call a cart over and pick off whatever dish catches your eye.

Cuisine Cuisine is another dim sum joint that exists among the best of them, offerings clients some exquisite dim sum dishes in scene that is anything but traditional. The restaurant makes its home in one of the city’s towering modern skyscrapers. Its modern design presents a truly enjoyable clash with the ancient dim sum dishes that they serve up. Just get ready to spend a bit more for the feeling of luxury.

dim sum by killrbeez, on May 21, 2005 on Flickr via Creative Commons

If you’re more interested in the traditional, then head over to the Tsui Hang Village restaurant. This place is the complete opposite of Cuisine Cuisine. Here, the staff don traditional Cantonese dress and serve dim sum among traditional Chinese décor. The food is just as good as at the previously mentioned places, but here you’ll be able to save a little more cash, which is always in your best interests!

A cheaper and delectable dim sum joint to consider is at the Western Market building. This place speaks more to the traditional than to modernity, which is made even better as you sit to your dim sum dishes and watch a traditional tea dance!

One last place to check out in Hong Kong before checking out is the San Hing restaurant. They say that this place is your best choice if ending a long night on the town. In fact, San Hing opens after midnight and people pack the place to near overflowing!

Dim sum is one of the best things you can experience in Hong Kong. Typically you’ll find barbeque pork, egg tarts, prawn and pork dumplings included in a dim sum menu. The best thing about it is of course the wide range of choices you have.

Meet the Author: Madeleine Wilson Madeleine is a travel writer and currently the editor of the HostelBookers blog. Her articles have been featured on Lonely Planet and The Huffington Post.

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My idea of a vacation doesn’t mean all-inclusive cruises and hours wiled away eating and lounging. I like all-day adventures complete with heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping activities. Of course, this kind of trip is always best in a beautiful locale.

Some of my favorites include a morning run through the towering redwoods followed by a terrifying yet invigorating bike ride along narrow, winding Highway 1, or a kayaking adventure through hidden coves before a stroll along a sea-glass covered beach. Others entail treks into dormant volcanoes and snorkeling adventures. All of them are near the ocean, encompassing the perfect beach adventure vacation.

Oahu, Hawaii

Volcanoes, rainforest, beaches and a rich, exciting urban center. What doesn’t Oahu have? For those starting small with the adventurous aspect of travel, rest assured you can get everything you need here. From a large selection of dining, shopping, Waikiki hotels and resorts to easily accessible outdoor activities, Oahu is perfect for an active beach vacation. Must-dos include snorkeling, hiking and surfing, all well within reach of many Oahu hotels. Hanauma Bay is one of the best places to snorkel, where hundreds of species of fish swim amid calm waters. Kuilima Cove is the most sheltered and serene spots for beginners to try their hand at snorkeling, with a white sand beach quiet atmosphere.

Hiking opportunities abound in Oahu. Whether you are looking for an easier trek or something bordering on extreme, every type of hike can be found. Diamond Head, just a short drive from Waikiki, is one of the most popular hikes in Oahu. The .8-mile trail is short and strenuous, gaining 560 feet of elevation from the valley floor, and offers an amazing 360 degree-view of the entire Island. On the complete other end of the spectrum is Oahu’s Olomana Trail. The 2.5-mile hike is steep, narrow and scary at times, but the 1,000-foot elevation gain rewards you with bragging rights and an awesome view. See for yourself!

Olomana Hike by kevin1024 on February 23, 2008 on Flickr via Creative Commons

The Big Island, Hawaii

Home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Hawaii’s Big Island is commonly assumed to be a barren land of deadened rock and Lava Rivers. However, this island offers a remarkable display of geodiversity. The rolling hills of Waimea are perfect for calm bike rides or horseback adventures. The jungle of the Hamakua Coast proves for awesome hiking, and the calm, inviting sand of the Kohala Coast offers a quiet beach refuge.

Big Sur, California

Where the Santa Lucia Mountains abruptly hit the Pacific, the wilderness of Big Sur is one of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous places in the world. Rolling green plateaus, dramatic towering cliffs and waterfalls on the beach complete this region as a gem of California. I like to start my day at Sand Dollar Beach with a peaceful stroll before embarking on a serious hike through the Ventana Wilderness. Nearly 170,000 acres strong, the unique area of rugged coastal mountains is characterized by steep-sided, sharp-crested ridges the range from 600 feet to 5,750. The quiet of the woods provides the perfect backdrop to truly connect  with this extraordinary locale.

Humboldt Redwoods, California

The biggest, oldest trees in the world are right here in the lush-fern filled rainforest. Colder and foggier than the Central Coast, the North Coast of California offers raw wilderness in a more rugged form. Agate Beach in Patrick’s Point State Park may be cold, rocky and a decidedly unsafe place to swim, but it is absolutely beautiful. Giant cliffs with the famous redwoods plunge into a wild surf, serving as the inspiration to get you moving up the steep trails into the forest.

Don’t settle for just one of two extremes, i.e. a lounging beach vacation vs. an adventure filled trek through wilderness. Do a little extra research and surely, you can have the best of both worlds when you travel.

Meet the Author: Leslie Leslie is a young travel writer who is obsessed with new adventures in new places, great food and good company. She describes herself as a simple girl from a big city looking to assert her imaginative vision against the creatures of the common place, in hopes of finding something extraordinary in the process.

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fresh fish n chips by f10n4 via Flick and Creative Commons

Minus the sea breeze in your hair, London knows how dish up a decent portion of fish and chips. There are a number of upmarket options should you prefer to sit in but if you enjoy mobbing up your chips in newspaper, a couple of take-aways really stand out from the shoal.

Sutton & Son’s

White tiled walls and chunky wooden tables give the place a refined canteen-style affair with daily specials chalked up on the blackboard. Fish is locally sourced – from their very own fishmongers across the road! They also offer a free delivery service (no deliveries on Fridays) on orders over £15. Traditionalists can enjoy a battered Mars bar or Snickers for pud.

Cod and chips: £6.90

Interesting alternative: Kennedy’s Pies

Alcohol served? Yes

Address: 90 Stoke Newington High Street N16

Tel: 020 7249 6444

Fish Central

A golden oldie that opened in 1968, the area is now primarily residential and a firm favourite with locals. There is real thought going in to this place with chargrilled swordfish paella for the more adventurous and deserts of fruit salad with banana leaf and mango sorbet to really cleanse your palette.

Cod and chips: £9.55

Interesting alternative: West Mersea rock oysters

Alcohol served? Yes

Address: 149-155 Central Street, EC1V

Tel: 0207 2534 970

Nautilus

Large portions are made more manageable with the Jewish-style matzo meal instead of standard batter. This makes your fish and chips deliciously light. The interior is not going to win any style awards – it has been owned by the same Greek family for over 50 years – but you are here for the great quality food and enthusiastic service.

Cod and chips: £7.50

Interesting alternative: A battered sausage is always going to be interesting

Alcohol served? No

Address: 27-29 Fortune Green Road, NW6

Tel: 020 74352532

Fish and chips de panais by balise42 on Flicr via Creative Commons

Brady’s

Buying direct from Grimsby and Cornwall, they sell nothing but fish. It is often bustling inside and I suggest you indulge in a few fishy starters to make the most of the variety on offer including half pints of prawns, cockles and sweet herrings. I doubt you will get this far but the puds are homemade.

Cod and chips: £7.50

Interesting alternative: Cockles

Alcohol served? Yes

Address: 513 Old York Road, SW18

Tel: 020 8877 9599

Geales

With chips priced at £3.45, you know you are in for a fancier affair at Geales. It was proudly established in 1939 and touches like a scoop of blood orange sorbet with your desert, set this Notting Hill venue apart. All from sustainable resources, you can tuck in with a clean conscience too.

Cod and chips: £15.20

Interesting alternative: Geales fish pie or sweet corn and coconut

Alcohol served? Yes

Address: 2 Farmer Street, W8

Tel: 020 7727 7528

Sea Fish

Previously the Trawlerman, this is a great option if you are struggling to find a budget place to eat on Islington’s pricey Upper Street. It is nice and bright inside with bare brick walls and a chandelier for the full delusions of grandeur effect. They have a great lunch time deal of fish and chips for a fiver.

Cod and chips: £7.95

Interesting alternative: Spicy seafood soup

Alcohol served: No

Address: 205 Upper Street, N1

Tel: 020 7354 0276

HostelBookers is a budget accommodation specialist with some great cheap hotels in London  accompanied by customer reviews and ratings.

Meet the Author: Madeleine Wilson Madeleine is a travel writer and currently the editor of the HostelBookers blog. Her articles have been featured on Lonely Planet and The Huffington Post.

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View from Les Ombres

Paris is a good-looking city. And by that I include the people, architecture and the banks of the river Seine. What better way to breathe in the view across the higgledy piggledy rooftops Amélie Poulain style – she ponders what everyone else in Paris is up to at any given moment – than from a rooftop that, conveniently, serves drinks too.

Unfortunately, in most cases, you will have to pay through the nose for a seat at one of the Paris rooftop bars and restaurants. But here are 5 of the best…

Le Georges

A decent mix of locals’ luncheoning and tourists snapping Notre Dame descend on Le Georges. It is on the 9^th floor of the infamous Pompidou Centre so very convenient for slipping away from Europe’s modern artists for an hour or two – service is a tad slow! The alfresco bit is also open at night but just for diners.

19 Rue Beaubourg

View from Centre Georges Pompidou by Andrea Schaffer on June 28, 2010 on Flickr via Creative Commons

Café Richelieu

Traipsing around museums and galleries is tiring and thirsty work. So Café Richelieu, located on the first floor of the Louvre, is very convenient for a break. You will need to buy a ticket for the museum to access the café during museum hours, but the terrace overlooks the magnificent pyramid and the Eiffel Tower. It’s a real gem!

Louvre, 1st Floor-Richelieu Wing  

Les Ombres

The name refers to the restaurant’s shady location – in the shadow of the immense Eiffel Tower that looms overhead with intermittent twinkling. This place is not just a pretty face; the food is also fantastic, as are the prices. But if you are looking to splurge and unashamedly gawp at Paris, this is THE place. Hey, you can always book a cheap Paris hotel instead.

27 Quai Branly

Les Jardins Plein Ciel

In summer, the roof terrace of the Raphael Hotel is open for lunch and dinner. The menu is predominantly cold dishes with barbeque meats rustled up by the hotel chef Philip Delahaye. Its crowning piece is a view to the Eiffel Tower.

17 Avenue Kléber

Le Deli-Cieux

If you can’t afford sky-high prices, Le Deli-Cieux (The Deli-Cious) is much more down to Earth. It can be found on the 9^th floor of the Printemps de la Maison department store. It’s a low key and self-service affair but stylishly presented among splashes of greenery. Free up some money for shopping and stay at a cheap Paris accommodation like hostels.

66 Boulevard Haussmann

Meet the Author: Madeleine Wilson Madeleine is a travel writer and currently the editor of the HostelBookers blog. Her articles have been featured on Lonely Planet and The Huffington Post.

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