Santa Claus, like the Three Wise Men, is the perfect guest. He comes once a year for a visit, he never shows up without being invited and he always brings fabulous presents with him. Even though this year he will surely pay us all a visit as well, wouldn’t it be fun to take up his invitation and go to see him at his house? I’ll bet the little ones in the family would love the idea. Santa Claus lives in Lapland, a few kilometres from its capital, Rovaniemi, an ideal city to lodge in. In Santa Clause’ village, as you would imagine, there is a post office where they receive all the letters that are sent from little boys and girls all over the world. You can also have a look around Santa’s workshop and meet his little helpers, the elves. Of course you will also want to see the reindeer, which are grazing out in the snow and getting ready to pull the sled. They say that there are more reindeer than people in this part of the world. A visit to the Santa Park could serve as a perfect excuse to go beyond the Arctic Circle, to discover this part of Finland and its amazing nature attractions. In the winters, it is likely that you will see aurora borealis displays. There are also lots of activities to enjoy: from rides on sleds that are pulled by a team of sled dogs to relaxing moments in a sauna or a Finnish massage at the hotel.

Club Gascon is a Michelin-starred restaurant in London where you can dine for 14 euros, without fear of getting sent to the kitchen to wash the dishes afterwards. It’s not the only one either. Thirteen restaurants with one or two Michelin stars have decided to offer their customers menus for less than 30 pounds (33.6 euros). Michelin Pied à Terre and the Foliage are two such restaurants. In the case of Club Gascon, which offers the lowest price, the menu includes a dish of the day, a glass of wine, dessert and coffee. The owners of these establishments say the crisis is the main reason why they are promoting this initiative. This means that on the London tube, you could here the following conversation between three friends backpacking around Europe:
“Where do you want to eat today?”
“Let’s get out the Michelin guide and look for a cheap restaurant.
“What do you think? One or two stars today?”

On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, we have compiled a few recommendations for diabetes sufferers who are planning on taking a trip. There is no reason why a person with diabetes should not be able to travel anywhere in the world. That said, it is a good idea to visit your doctor before setting off on your trip. It is important to take with you everything you need for every day that you will be away, along with an extra prescription just in case. In order to avoid any misunderstandings at airports, we recommend taking a medical report with you, explaining why you need to take the required material onboard. In the United States, for example, you can simply show the labelled product, as it can only be sold at the chemist with a doctor’s prescription. Keep time differences in mind, due to the fact that, depending on whether you are travelling east or west, you may need to inject an extra dose or avoid taking one. Insulin will withstand travel, but keep an eye out if your destination is a place with high temperatures. In this case, you could take a small cooler or a special case for insulin to keep it cool. We recommend taking a small amount of food with you in case you need it, as well as wearing a bracelet or medallion that indicates that you are diabetic. In the event that you will be walking considerable distances, be sure to examine your feet everyday. Lastly, go to a doctor if you have any problems. And above all, have a wonderful trip!

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.

Website www.360travelguide.com has found a loophole in the Ryanair rulebook allowing airline passengers to claw back some cash.

We’ve reported on Blogtelopia how Ryanair is happily becoming Europe’s most hated airline, due to proposals to charge passengers extra for taking a pee, carrying luggage on the plane or to be issued a sick bag.

But here’s how customers can turn the tables on the airline and get cash back from their flight.

Since Ryanair charge the same in Euros and Pounds for food and drinks from the in-flight kiosk, simply pay for your purchases with a £50 note but request  change in Euros.

The recent rise in the Euro currency means you will get more than the equivalent change back.  So pay £50 for a £3 coffee for example, and request change in Euros, which will give a return of €54, and a tidy €7 profit.  This will more than make up for any in-flight peeing or sick bags used on route.

We’re also guessing that this is one loophole Ryanair will be rapidly revising, so anyone travelling on the airline in coming weeks, make the most of it while it lasts!

Forget about beer or wine being the most important drink for the Great British holidaying public.  According to a survey carried out by supermarket giants ASDA, it seems more than 43% of holidaymakers can’t live without their daily cuppa, and pack their own tea-bags to take on holiday.

Although it’s become increasingly easier to buy British brand tea bags in main holiday resorts in Spain, Greece and Turkey, the average price for a packet of tea bags can be as much as 50% more than at home.

It also seems holidaymakers from East Anglia are the UK’s greatest char champions as some 60% admit to taking tea bags on holiday while 45% also take biscuits (something to dunk).

But it’s not just tea-bags that get packed into the check-in luggage.  The survey also found that Brits can’t live without pork pies, marmite or ketchup for their annual break away.

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.

It seems the UK is stealing Spain’s sunshine, with temperatures in Bournemouth topping those in experienced this weekend in Barcelona, Istanbul and Tenerife. Beaches across the south coast were packed with sun-worshippers, while surfers flocked to North Devon.

Meteogroup – which provides forecasts for the Press Association has already said that it seems summer has arrived in the UK, with warmer than normal temperatures.  According to today’s Daily Mail, thermometers in the Solent area peaked at almost 27C (80F) making this a great end to the sunniest May for almost a decade.

The sun’s set to shine all over the UK Bank Holiday Weekend which is perfect timing to visit two of the World’s Top Ten Beaches, according to this Guardian article.

But there’s no need to travel far.  In addition to the paradise sands in Brazil, Australia and The Cook Islands, two pristine UK beaches have been highlighted over other exotic stretches of sand.

First up is Shell Bay in Dorset, renowned for its sweeping golden sands and fabulous views along the Isle of Purbeck.  Take the short three minute ferry ride from Sandbanks to these well kept National Trust preserved shores.

Also making the “best beach list” is Scotland’s Sinclair´s Bay beach in Caithness.  If it wasn’t for the cooling northerly winds, you’d be forgiven for mistaking the pristine white sands and turquoise blue seas for those found in the Caribbean.  What’s more, it’s all on your doorstep (almost).

Madrid is one of Europe’s most exciting cities and during the month of June Spain’s capital positively buzzes with the onset of the summer.
Packed full of more tapas bars, cafes and restaurants than anywhere else in Spain, Madrid is also home to seemingly endless collection of art galleries, not to mention the jaw-dropping architecture.
But don’t just stick to the city centre. Head out to Chueca which is Madrid’s hippest district and now a centre for cool clothes shops and a sizzling nightlife.
Tempted? Then find out more from our customers’ recommendations for things to do in the city.