The much loved all American Greyhound bus service has just launched on British shores and has already started a price war with fares starting from just £1.

For anyone who has travelled around the USA on these budget friendly busses will know that the Greyhound service has provided something of a lifeline to those wanting to explore the country for less.  It’s hoped that the UK service will give travellers a similar taste of freedom.

The service offered currently runs between Southampton, Portsmouth and London (Victoria) to cater for the tourist and student masses, but there are hopes it will expand to include other UK destinations in the near future.

If you’ve experienced the American version of the Greyhound, then you’ll be in for a surprise with British service.  The sleek blue busses are fully equipped and boast reclining seats, plenty of leg room, guaranteed comfort, plug in points for laptops and even a free newspaper.

And judging by the rave reviews in the national press today, National Express will be quaking in their boots.

The world’s first hotel made of key cards has been launched in New York.  Measuring 400 square feet, the hotel is decked out with over 200,000 of the Hilton hotel’s finest unused key cards.

Visitors to New York don’t have to book at stay to see this record breaking downtown Manhattan masterpiece but are invited to pop in and take a look around.  The hotel is open to the public from 17 September through 21 September on South Street Seaport.

Built by professional card stacker Bryan Berg, the hotel took some four months to construct.  During the five day event, Bryan will build a freestanding nine-foot replica of New York’s Empire State Building in the lobby of the Key Card Hotel, using Holiday Inn branded playing cards.

Commenting on his achievement, he said,  “This is my largest card stacking challenge to date and the only card creation I have ever made at full human scale.”

Built to celebrate a milestone in Hilton’s hotel history, the Hilton Key Card hotel room isn’t yet available to book on Hotelopia yet, but many other hotels in New York are.  Click here to view.

Latin America boasts unbelievably beautiful scenery, from tropical beaches to some of the peaks of the world.  What’s more, this month, Hotelopia brings you a Latin American extravaganza, as we’ve sourced some of the very best hotels right through the continent.  So check out our mini-country guides and pick a destination and book a break.  What the heck, make it a gap year of it and see the lot!

Panama
Much overlooked by those embarking on the LatinAmerican trail, there are many hidden gems to be found here aside from the Panama Canal. Much of its coastline remains unspoilt and its mountains and rainforests are rich with a wealth of flora and fauna.

Venezuela
Venezuela is home to the longest stretch of Caribbean coastline which makes this a great reason to book a break here. Explore the tropical Canaima national park which is home to the magnificent Angel Falls. What’s more, Caracas is a lively, colourful and cosmopolitan city, not to mention home to controversial president Hugo Chavez.

Ecuador
This multi-ethnic masterpiece allows you to explore the depths of the Amazon Basin to the heights of the Andean volcanoes. The cities Cuenca and Quito are now designated World Heritage sites while the country is also home to the Galapagos Islands, one of the world’s greatest nature reserves.

Caribbean Islands
Get guaranteed fantastic weather in possibly Europe’s favourite winter destination. Find your own piece of paradise in islands including: Aruba, Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, Curacao, and Martinique.
Peru
Home to Machu Picchu, one of the new wonders of the world, see this amazing phenomenon before the government threatens to restrict access. With its fascinating history of Inca empires and Spanish conquistadors, this country is a must-see for those hitting the Latin American trail.

Bolivia
Take a deep breath now, since getting to the capital La Paz, may just require extra oxygen. This is the highest capital city in the world and why travellers head to explore this space which is as atmospherically challenging as it is indigenously varied.

Brazil
Famed for soccer, music, carnivals, and captivating capoeira dancing, Brazilians certainly know how to enjoy the finer things in life. While everyone knows Rio de Janerio, the country’s colourful capital, get out and explore other areas including Ouro Prêto or Olinda.

Chile
There are few places in the world where you can either sizzle or freeze to the extent that can be experienced in Chile. From the volcanic peaks to the neighbouring Antarctic, Chile is a land of massive extremes. What’s more, it’s one of the most fascinating and diverse countries on the continent.

Argentina
Creators of the tango and possibly the greatest tasting steaks on the planet, Argentina is a Latin paradise of cultural extremes. Soak up the fun in Buenos Aires, and then breathe in the fresh air in the wilds of Patagonia.

Uruguay
While Montevideo pulls in the crowds, travellers are finally cottoning onto the fact that Uruguay is often overlooked on the South American trail. Check out hidden highlights including Maldonado and Punta del Diablo.

Whether you’re a believer or strictly atheist, check out Hotelopia’s guide to our most impressive religious must-sees around Europe for those planning a your city break this autumn.  Don’t forget to dress respectively (ie. no shorts, mini-skirts or vest tops).  Enjoy!

1. St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City (Rome):
As the headquarters of Catholicism and home to the Pope, followers and tourists make the pilgrimage to see what is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most prominent religious sights.   While the equally overstated St Peter’s Square is the place to go for some weekly Pope spotting, the impressive basilica which stands behind is the location of many important state events.

2.  The Sagarda Familia, Barcelona:
The fact Antonio Guaudi’s wedding cake masterpiece cathedral remains unfinished doesn’t detract from making this the centrepiece to the one of Europe’s most popular city break destinations.

3.  Aya Sofya, Istanbul:
You can’t fail to spot this artchitectual masterpiece of the religious world set in the heart of Istanbul.  The structure has served as both Christians and Muslims it’s structure reflects both influences. Today however, it is now a museum and documents its fascinating and colourful history.

4.  Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence:
Again Italy is home to another religious wonder of the world. This basilica stands proud in the heart of Florence and admittedly the outside is more impressive than inside you’ll see it’s in fact made up of amazing sculptures and artworks as well as thousands of tiles.

5.    St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow:
Located on Red Square, this nine-chapel cathedral is incredible to see up close.  Infact, it is by far one of the most stunning buildings in Russia.  Legend has it, that after the building was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible, he blinded the architect so as he wouldn’t build anything as beautiful again.

Check in free to Hotelopia’s all new Hotel Confidential. OK, it’s not actually a  hotel, but it gives you the opportunity to book a bargain hotel break for up to 25% off regular prices.

We’ve created a dedicated website which has exclusive access only to Hotelopia newsletter subscribers and Blogtelopia readers.

So click on the  Hotel Confidential link and check out our massive selection of hotels.  It’s where our participating hotels have dropped their rates so drastically that they’ve asked to keep their name confidential allowing you to save up to 25% on your hotel booking!

Check out the map , browse through a selection of our hand-picked hotels to save. Each hotel is well located hotel and offers excellent value for money.

Also browse through our independent customer reviews, as well as information on services and detailed mapping.

So what are you waiting for? Kids are back at school, the resorts have emptied and the favourite European cities are getting lively for the Autumn.

Availability on discounted hotels is limited.  Now book before the summer ends!

With all the recent media coverage surrounding overfishing and declining tuna stocks, Catalan chef Carme Ruscalleda is trying to create some balance in the ocean by getting jellyfish on the menu.

Anyone that’s been stung by these pesky sea creatures while holidaying in the Med will soon be able to take revenge and order them freshly cooked (minus stingers) at Carme Ruscalleda’s restaurant in Sant Pol del Mar near Barcelona soon.

A combination of warming sea temperatures and a decline in the jellyfish’s natural predators, such as turtles, tuna and sharks means jellyfish populations are growing to become potentially a sustainable oceanic food source.

The Mediterranean jellyfish haven’t yet been classified by the EU as legitimate food stuff, so currently the sea creatures have to be imported from China, which is crazy considering the amount of jelly fish we see during the winter months floating in the waters off Majorca.

Their popularity on menus in the Med will depend on how well they’ll be accepted by the diners and will mean a change in cultural attitudes towards these slimy sea creatures.

Found in restaurants throughout Asia, the Chinese believe jellyfish benefits, balance blood pressure, improves cholesterol, and helps joints.  It’s also good for the skin and great for the cardio-vascular system.  This is however, after the jelly fish has been correctly prepared and seasoned, so don’t try cooking jellyfish at home just yet folks.

In the first of a series of weird festivals around the world, Blogtelopia brings you inspiration for two great events coming up this winter.

Guaranteed to give you an experience of a lifetime and make your mates green with envy, book a break with a difference and head to where the parties at this winter.

1.   Roadkill Cookoff: On the 26 September, book a trip to West Virigina in the USA for the annual Roadkill Cookoff. The perfect event for the “recessionista” who can get inspiration from a festival of nature’s best cuisine – best of all, it’s already been slaughtered and it’s free.

Yes, join the fun as festival goers bring along their fresh road-kill.  The barbecues are lit and a chefs gather to cook up a storm by either grilling, flaming, or baking whatever’s brought to the table.

Expect some surprises, and dishes you probably will never find anywhere else.

Favourites in the past have included squirrel gravy over biscuits, teriyaki marinated bear and tasty deer sausage.

After this festival, animals everywhere will be taking care crossing the road.

2.  Hadaka Matsuri: The Japanese Naked Festival: If you’ve ever wanted the chance to get naked in the middle of Japan’s freezing winter, then here’s your chance.

On January 14th, head to small town of Konomiya, outside Nagoya.  And when you hear the cry “Hadaka ni narimashou!” it’s time to get naked – well almost.

Sake fuelled naked men take the streets, cover themselves in a loin cloth (although some don’t worry about that) in an attempt to touch the hin-otoko (or “god-man” an honorary position selected from the group of followers the day before).

When he appears, the crowd surge forward to touch the “god man” for luck. Judging by the video, it also looks like all that body warmth really keeps out the cold.

Red strips of cloth are given out to the thousands of spectators and participators.   Grabbing one is brings luck for year ahead.   And if  it at least wards off hypothermia then it’ll have definitely worked its magic.

This is what happens when celebrities start to blog.

Gywneth Paltrow, “A” list movie star and wife of Coldplay’s Chris Martin seems to have had enough of the being represented to the world by the tabloid media and has turned to the blogshere to share her tips on travelling, eating,  sustainability and relationships.

On Goop.com, the actress writes regularly about topics which she feels passionately about, giving an insight into her personality and life.

In addition, check out Gywneth’s own recommendations for hotels in London, Barcelona, Paris, New York and Los Angeles where she claims to have stayed.  If you can’t afford a room in these plush pads, then check out the Hotelopia website.

Plus read about her restaurant recommendations.  It’s also nice to see  one of her favourites, Wagamamas, is also mine.  This Asian chain restaurant  serves fantastic fusion food, although I’ve yet to spot her sharing a table with office workers and budget travellers.

Overall, Goop is not a bad read.  There’s some interesting stuff in here, which isn’t just targeted to other “A” listers with piles of cash.  But let’s just hope Gywneth writes Goop herself (and doesn’t have a team of blogsters to do the work for her).

This month, we’ve selected Almeria in Spain as Hotelopia’s destination of the month.

Read more about the southern tip of Spain, as well as our great hotel offers in and around the region. All this information and more will be included in our newsletter.  Click here to subscribe.

So what’s so great about Almeria?  Almeria boasts more hours of sunshine per year than anywhere else in Spain. In fact, you can easily visit in February or March, find a sunny spot and strip off to your bathers to catch some rays. And since, this is Spain’s most southerly tip, it’s easy to find your own piece of beach paradise on the hundreds of kilometres of glorious coastline.

What’s more, this is the perfect place to see lasting impact the once ruling Moors had on the region. Everyone’s heard of the Alhambra in Granada, but Almeria is home to the equally stunning Alcazaba, an imposing Arabic fortress which stands boldly on the coast.

Add to this Almeria’s desert-like and cactus filled landscape and you’ll think you’re in Arizona than anywhere in Spain. The region has provided a location for various blockbuster movies and spaghetti westerns, which also makes this a great place to learn or to go horse-riding – Yee-ha!

Travelling the world isn’t just about seeing the sights or chilling out on a beach.  And getting to grips with a country’s fruity gastronomic delights is as much of an adventure as the distance travelled.

We’ve scoured Hotelopia’s destinations and found five of the world’s most unusual fruits to try to help you make the most of booking an exotic break.

1.    Durian Fruit
This South East Asian delicacy smells like “hell” and “tastes like heaven” – see the Youtube video below.  In fact, when I was travelling in Singapore, there are signs on the MRT underground metro to say that the passengers are banned from carrying the fruit.  And I can confirm, that it does smell like skunk but the flesh is actually quite tasty.
2.  Dragon Fruit
Found in Central and South America (and also Marks & Spencers) the Dragon fruit is also known as the Pitaya or Pitahaya fruit.   It’s actually a fruit from a type of catus and can be eaten on its own when you slice through the bright pink skin.

3.  Ugli Fruit
The Ugli Fruit isn’t the world’s prettiest fruit, but is a cross between a grapefruit and a Clementine.  The delicious taste detracts from its ugly gnarly appearance, and is most likely to be tasted by those holidaying in Jamaica.

4.  Lamut (Sapodilla)
Visitors to Mexico will probably mistake the the Lamut fruit or a potato.  In fact the taste is surprisingly tasty.  Also, the dried sap from its Sapodilla trees (chicle) is also used to make chewing gum (or “chicles” as it’s called in Spanish).

5. Soursop
Its green cactus-like appearance doesn’t look like the most delicious fruit, but again, looks can be deceiving.  The Soursop’s pulp is tasty (if you can get around the seeds), vitamin enriched and resembles something between a strawberry and pineapple.   However you’ll need to travel to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America to try one.