In Copenhagen, the city hosting the Climate Summit, there are more bikes than inhabitants. Fifty percent of the population in the centre of the capital of Denmark uses this form of transport to get to work. Just before a new Xacobeo or St. James Holy Year is about to begin, a good option for travelling along the St. James’ Way could be on a bike. Bicycles are as much a part of life in China and Holland as rice and tulips. More and more travellers are choosing to tour the world pedalling along on two wheels. Bikes are also starting to fill up the popular places we visit. Towns and cities are becoming more bike-friendly. When you are planning your next trip, why not consider travelling by bike? This might mean having to change your normal way of doing things, to take on new experiences and discover places in a completely different way. It also means having to consider a few logistical aspects, but nothing so complicated that it should make you want to change your mind. For example, we recommend that before you embark on your adventure; ensure you know how your bike needs to be checked on to a plane, in case you will be flying. Conditions may vary, especially depending on the airline, as well as the airport. Don’t forget to take a wrench to remove the pedals and the handlebars (it is probable that you will have to do so at some stage during the trip). Also ensure that you can take the bike on board a train, as space may be limited, depending on the train’s itinerary or the time of day. And the most important thing, of course, is to make sure you have an enjoyable trip.
Modern vampires don’t come from Transylvania (Romania) anymore, where the infamous Count Dracula was from. The movie New Moon from the Twilight Saga, for example, finds them in Forks, Washington. In this case, these blood-thirsty creatures live in a region full of lush forests and transparent lakes. It is the perfect place for people who enjoy wildlife to go on different nature walks. It rains heavily in the winter, but the summer is hot and sunny. Highway 101 runs through Forks, where you will come across the only stoplight on a 163 mile stretch. There are also Indian settlements nearby for you to visit. If you want to discover the real America of the deep south of the United States, your best bet would be to follow the trail of the True Blood vampires. This HBO TV series takes place in a small town in Louisiana. Heat, humidity and the sensation that an elderly lady is going to appear at any minute sitting on her porch swing, sipping an ice-cold lemonade. The movie Let the Right One In (fantastic, by the way!) puts a completely different spin on the vampire’s origins. This time, if you want to follow the vampire trail, it will take you to Stockholm, Sweden. Considering that the streets here in the winter are dark and bitterly cold, this spot is a good option for these creatures, who must hide from the penetrating rays of the sun. The idea of following a vampire’s trail could be a perfect excuse for organising a trip. A word of advice though: don’t forget to pack some garlic in your suitcase…just in case.

A mining company in search of gold has apparently destroyed 100 metres of the Great Wall of China. The most well-known monument and tourist attraction in China was built 2000 years ago to protect its borders from invaders attacking from northern Asia. Until this mining company decided to blow it sky high, the Great Wall of China was 6,000 kilometres long. Previously, it had reached 8,000 kilometres, but with the passing of time and human intervention, parts of the wall are now in ruins or have disappeared. When travellers visit the wall, they might come across country houses nearby that were built with stones from this monument. Destroying the wall today could involve a hefty jail sentence. Many walls have been built and many others destroyed over the last 2,000 years, but the Great Wall of China stands proud, like a gigantic dragon, enduring the tests of time. It is simply amazing. Fortunately for the travellers who have yet to admire it in person, there are still 5,900 kilometres left standing.
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.
Friday 11 September 2009 13:33 | Published by a.smith | Category: Interesting Stuff, events
While the nation waits to hear if Susan Boyle will sing at the Britain’s Got Talent Tour, book your tickets and hotels now for this summer’s live shows and see winners Diversity and all the runners-up in action.
After proving to be the UK’s most successful and most watched TV programme for decades, tickets are expected to be snapped up, as well as rooms in UK hotels close to where the concerts are taking place.
The shows kick off at the Birmingham NIA on the 12 June, and culminate in London’s Wembly Arena on Sunday 21 June.
Confirmed concert dates are as follows.
Friday 12th June 2009 – 7:30pm – Birmingham NIA
Saturday 13th June 2009 – 2:30pm & 7:30pm – Sheffield Arena
Sunday 14th June 2009 – 1:30pm & 7:30pm – Manchester MEN Arena
Monday 15th June 2009 – 7:30pm – Glasgow SECC
Tuesday 16th June 2009 – 7:30pm – Edinburgh Playhouse
Wednesday 17th June 2009 – 7:30pm – Newcastle Arena
Thursday 18th June 2009 – 7:30pm – Liverpool Arena
Friday 19th June 2009 – 7:30pm – Cardiff Arena
Saturday 20th June 2009 – 2:30pm & 7:30pm – Nottingham Arena
Sunday 21st June 2009 – 1:30pm & 6:30pm – Wembley Arena
For more information, click here. To book hotel accommodation for all these dates, visit www.hotelopia.co.uk.
Thursday 4 June 2009 11:00 | Published by a.smith | Category: Travel News, events
If you’re looking for something totally different to do in the Balearic Islands this month, then book a hotel break to Menorca. This usually sleepy island springs into action for one of the Mediterranean’s biggest street parties – the San Juan fiestas- held from 23 to 24 June.
All the action takes place in the city of Ciutadella, as decorated horses parade through the city to cheering crowds. It may all look a little hair-raising for the horses, riders, and the on-looking crowds, but the horsemen spend months preparing the animals for the event.
Legend has it; touching the horse on its chest as it rears passing through the crowds will bring luck for the year ahead.
Head to Plaza del Born, and move into the side streets where the party continues long into the night. Stick around for the final night as a huge firework display lights up the skies over Menorca. 


