The city of lights is awesome, there’s no denying it but there’s a lot more to Nevada than just the fabulous Las Vegas and its many casinos. This fly drive encompasses the very best of both worlds and allows you to get out into the Nevada desert and into Utah. Embrace the opportunity to see some of Mother Nature’s most impressive creations first hand, and at your own pace.

2 Nights – Las Vegas

Two nights in this crazy cosmopolitan city will be gone in a flash of lights, sounds and gambling! You’ll have time to fully explore the Strip and its casinos, enjoy delicious food, visit Caesars Palace and check out the fake famous landmarks of cities around the world. On your third day it’s time to leave the lights and collect your Las Vegas car hire, ready for your expedition into the desert.

1 Night – Bryce Canyon

The first leg of the journey will have you headed for Bryce Canyon, 250 miles away. The journey will be relatively slow going and will take over 4 hours with no stops, but the beauty of a fly drive is the freedom to stop as and when you wish to soak up the brilliant scenery. A worthy spot to stop is Zion National Park. Head for the visitor centre and choose the most appealing route, then go for a walk around to see Weeping Rock, Emerald Pools, Angels Landing, or The Narrows. Keep your eyes peeled for sighting of a great range of mammals from skunks right through to ring tailed cats. Continue on your journey until you arrive at the final destination; Bryce Canyon. Filled with towering spires, fins, arches and mazes, Bryce Canyon is inspiring and the range of colours among the rocks are fantastic.

1 Night – Moab

From Bryce Canyon, the next stop will be Moab. Follow the route into Kodachrome Basin State Park and continue past the fascinating Anasazi Indian Village. It’s worthwhile stopping here for a quick visit to the museum. The site is believed to have been occupied since 1050 AD and although still largely unexcavated, there are many artefacts on display in the museum. The journey will then take you through Capitol Reef National Park where you can see the beautiful Hickman Bridge, before arriving in the Moab Valley for your one night stay. There are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Moab from horseback riding to white water rapids rafting trips! It’s worth mentioning that the Arches National Park is right on your doorstep and there are several short ten minute walks that take you right up several of the arches allowing you to enjoy fabulous views. A visit here will see you appreciate the power of erosion.

1 Night – Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde is the location for your fifth night and it is located approximately 140 miles away although it’s great to split the journey up with a stop at Canyonlands National Park en route! The canyons here took over 300 million years to form and are nothing short of wonderful to explore. When you reach Mesa Verde, you will have the opportunity to see some of the world’s best preserved, and certainly impressive, Native American cliff dwellings. Neither will disappoint!

1 Night – Grand Canyon

At this stage of the trip you are approaching the big finale; the Grand Canyon. At a staggering 1 mile deep, the Grand Canyon attracts millions of visits every year who travel to awe this natural beauty. The South Rim is easier to access and a much more popular choice for viewing the canyon but if you go at the right time of the year, the North Rim is also an option. The Park Rangers offer free guided tours and with their knowledge, this is a great way to experience the park. Book a smooth water raft trip at Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River and hike the fantastic terrain to really experience the Grand Canyon.

1 Night – Las Vegas

Having spent your last night in the Grand Canyon National Park, wake up early to watch the sun rise and snap some fantastic shots over the Canyon. After one last hike, it’s time to travel back to Las Vegas via the huge Hoover Dam for one final night of city fun.

This part of America is wonderful to explore and what better way to do it than with your own itinerary? You could alter the route to suit your taste and maybe even feature Los Angeles or San Diego in your fly drive holiday plan.

Australia is a diverse and stunning country and there is so much to see and do. To really get an insight into the country, you would have to spend at least a month here. If such a long trip isn’t feasible but you still want to explore some of this fantastic country, a fly drive holiday could be the ideal solution. Travel from Melbourne to Adelaide and take in some fantastic sights along the way.

1 Night – Apollo Bay

Having explored the culture filled city of Melbourne, collect your Melbourne car hire and hit the road. The first stop of the route is the beautiful Apollo Bay, approximately 2.5hours drive away. The route sweeps around Geelong and once you reach Torquay, it becomes the Great Ocean Road. As the title suggests, the road tightly hugs the coast traversing rainforests as well as fantastic beaches and cliffs. Just relax and enjoy the ride. Once you arrive in the picturesque Apollo Bay found at the foothills of the Otways, there is plenty to enjoy. Explore the curious selection of shops, cool off with a swim in the clear waters or hire a kayak and paddle with the seals that live in the bay. Give surfing a go or head off for a hike into the hills to find Australia’s oldest lighthouse. The choices are pretty much endless so take your pick.

1 Night – Port Fairy

The next stop of the itinerary is Port Fairy and the journey there is unarguably one of the most spectacular stretches of the Great Ocean Road. Passing Port Campbell National Park you will enjoy fantastic views of the 12 Apostles as well as London Bridge, The Bay of Island and Loch Arch Gorge. Be sure to stop at some of the many vantage points and beaches en route. When you get hungry, there are plenty of free self-use barbeques sites that you can stop at along the way too; keep your eyes peeled for wild parrots and koalas! Continue past the city of Warrnambool to Port Fairy, one of the oldest Ports in Victoria. There are often festivals and events going on here but if there isn’t don’t worry, as there are many permanent activities to enjoy.

1 Night – Halls Gap

The next leg of the journey will take you away from the coastline heading inland, northbound to Halls Gap where you can explore the Grampians National Park. The Grampians are a haven for hiking, rock climbing and abseiling and having enjoyed an active day discovering all that the park has to offer, Halls Gap is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the evening. Be sure to buy an ice cream from Coolas Ice Cream parlour!

1 Night – Coonawarra

Departing Halls Gap, the next stop will be Coonawarra just over 3 hour’s drive away. The route will take you north-west before curving back down towards the coastline. The region surrounding Coonawarra boasts rich red soil which produces some of the best wines in the world. Perfect then, I hear you say, for some winery tours. There is no shortage of vineyards to choose from so take a detour and get the most from this famous area.

1 Night – Naracoorte

Having treated your taste buds to some exceptional wine tasting, Narracorte is the next destination of the route. This is the shortest journey of the fly drive so far and it’s a good thing too as there is much to be seen and enjoyed upon arrival. Soak up some South Australian culture at the Art Gallery and step back in history at the fascinating Naracoorte Caves National Park where you will be able to see the rich deposits of fossilised mammals. This is only natural World Heritage Site in South Australia and it’s highly regarded. It’s a very worthwhile experience.

2 Nights – Kangaroo Island

Get up bright and early the following morning and make your way to Cape Jervis; the gateway to Kangaroo Island. You will then have two nights to explore this large and fascinating island home to much Australian wildlife and captivating natural beauty. Spend time at the Seal Bay Conservation Park, Flinders Chase National Park and go caving amongst much more. You may find you don’t want to leave. Once you tear yourself away however, the last leg of the journey will be just over an hour to Adelaide where you can return your hire car and spend a few days exploring the city before it’s time to go home.

Australia is a wonderful country and best explored by car to really get a feel for it, no matter which part of the country you choose to discover.

If you are exploring your first driving tour, then the Andalucian region of southern Spain is a great option. This trip has become well known for many reasons, but mostly because it can be a laid back route that has much to offer. Here, we will look at some of the highlights in more detail.

Getting to Andalucia

To get to the start of the driving tour you should fly into Malaga Airport. The trip starts from Malaga, which is right on the southern coast. The great thing about getting to the area is that you will find an abundance of low cost flights to Spain with the many budget carriers that operate holiday flights. If you cannot find something suitable at Malaga Airport, then you can also look for flights to Seville.

Andalucia Driving Route

This route has many variations but the main one runs from Malaga, Ronda, Seville, Carmona, Cordoba, Jaen, Granada, through the Sierra Nevada mountain range and back into Malaga. This is why it is a good idea to get flights into Malaga and hire a car from this airport.

Driving Distances and Times

If you choose to use the conventional route, then here are the driving distances and a rough estimate of the amount of time it should take you to get from one city to another.

• Malaga – Ronda – this journey will take roughly one hour and forty minutes at just under 65 miles. To get to Ronda use the A357 and A367.

• Ronda – Seville – this journey takes roughly two hours at just under 80 miles. This journey can be done on the A-375.

• Seville – Carmona – this is a short journey at just under 20 miles, which will take no longer than half an hour.

• Carmona – Cordoba – this is another short journey at 54 miles, which will take you just over an hour.

• Cordoba – Jaen – this journey will see you hit the north-most section at Andujar. At just over 72 miles and taking less than one hour and three quarters this journey uses the A4 and A311.

• Jaen – Granada – this southern journey uses the A44 for 59 miles. This should take no more than one hour and ten minutes.

• Granada – Sierra Nevada – this is a short journey of just 12 miles taking no more than 10 minutes to get to the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

• Sierra Nevada – Malaga – this journey is roughly 62 miles and should not take any longer than one hour and a half.

Accommodation in Andalucia

If you choose to do a five day driving trip through the Andalucian Region of Spain, you should stay in the following places; Malaga for one night either at the start or end of your trip, Ronda, Seville, Granada and the Sierra Nevada. If you intend to do this journey for a week, add Jaen and Cordoba as the two other destinations.

If you are driving around on a decent budget, here are some great three star hotels (or better) that you can stay in for one night:

• Malaga – Hotel Silken Puerta Malaga is a four-star hotel with some great reviews and year round deals. A double room for one night should not cost any more than £55.

• Ronda – the Hotel Parador de Ronda is a four-star hotel with some great ratings. A double room will set you back no more than £75 per night.

• Seville – the Hotel Sevilla Center should set you back no more than £50 a night for a double. This modern four-star hotel is less than a mile from the city centre.

• Granada – the Hotel Macia Real de la Alhambra is a fantastic four-star destination. At less than £50 per double per night this hotel is a bargain.

• Sierra Nevada – as expected, rooms up in the Sierra Nevada are more expensive. At £90 per double per night the Hotel La Almunia Del Valle is a great three star option.

Hopefully, this guide has given you some great ideas about how to take on your driving tour of the Andalucian Region. Remember, the best thing about a tour is you are in control of every move.

About the Author:
Martin Petersen is a travel blogger and writes for Go Travel Spain, a great source of information when planning your holiday to one of the most popular destinations in Europe.

Are you still trying to choose your annual holiday location for 2012? Being bombarded with so many stunning locations can make an already challenging task, nigh on impossible! If you are constrained by a budget or simply want some inspiration, consider our list of the top 6 holiday hotspots:

Croatia

Cited as an up and coming location for a few years now, Croatia has the benefit of a gorgeous climate and breath-taking scenery. Suitable for those seeking a beach break, or those wishing to tour the sights, Croatia should whet everyone’s holiday appetite. Zadar is packed full of culture and contains a number of Romanesque features. Sun worshippers will easily find the perfect spot along the Dalamatia Coast. The vast array of flora and fauna, coupled with the truly spectacular views also make the Plitvice Lakes a must see.

Cyprus

Albeit Cyprus is becoming incredibly popular, especially with families, this wondrous island should also have wider appeal. Coral Bay, which lies just outside of Paphos is filled with long stretches of golden sand, great for those who love water sports and considerably quieter that its close neighbour. Travel to Polis and Latchi which both border the Akamas National Park. Packed full of hiking opportunities, connect with the great outdoors here.

Menorca

Smaller and more tranquil than its fellow Balearic Islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, this petite gem offers a fantastic alternative to the usual break in Spain. Mahon is home to some wondrous gothic architecture and fabulous local cuisine. Santo Tomas is at the foot of Mount Toro and is packed with small town charm; make sure that you explore this picture-perfect location.

Malta

Primarily known for its historical prominence, many people visit here for the museums and monuments. The nearby island of Gozo is full of rocky coves, and endless sandy beaches, ideal for swimming, snorkelling or just plain relaxing. Back on the island of Malta, Valletta offers a mixture of shopping and never-ending expanses of coastline.

Madeira

The winning combination of a striking mountainous backdrop, coupled with a lush panorama already puts Madeira at the top of many peoples wish list. Ribeiro Frio, which is surrounded by the Ribeiro Frio Natural Park is littered with plentiful walking and hiking opportunities. The compact nature of the island makes it easy to navigate your way to a beach, or to the bustling town of Funchal.

Turkey

Growing in popularity due to the endless beaches and sunny climate coupled with Asian and European influences, Turkey should be on your travel to do list. Dalyan, whilst being home to many sea turtles, ancient tombs, thermal springs and mud baths also has a plethora of other sights to add to its appeal. The ever-popular Turtle Beach is nearby and offers fresh water one side and sea water on the other, certainly a little different. Izmir, home to Ephesus, one of the best preserved ancient cities in Turkey, exists alongside a vast array of city based attractions such as The Agora and more.

We hope that this list has given you some great holiday ideas, half the battle when you are set on getting away to sunnier climbs. All that remains now is to hunt down the best deal, why not read our other blog for some top tips to help you secure the best price for your break.

If you like to take control of the reins on holiday and explore the area you are visiting, a fly drive holiday could be just what you need. Allowing you to get the most from your time away, fly drive holidays are becoming increasingly popular. On the road you have the freedom to stop where and when you like for a break, to admire that fantastic view and get off the beaten track a little. Check out this taster itinerary for a fly drive across northern Italy taking in two popular cities and the natural beauty of the three lakes in between.

1 Night – Milan

Having landed at Milan Airport, track down your hotel and drop off your things for your 1 night stop in Milan. Once you’ve checked in, your first stop should be at the church of Santa Maria della Grazie to view the infamous and breath-taking work of art, “the Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci. The remainder of the day could be spent exploring Centro Milan on foot plus a visit to Castello Sforzesco which contains 12 miniature museums and of course the Castle itself. It’s really up to you as to how you spend your time however; you may prefer to utilise the fantastic shopping opportunities or enjoy a canal cruise instead.

2 Nights – Lake Maggiore

Once you’ve collected your Milan car hire, you will be ready to hit the open road first thing on day two, heading for the beautiful Lake Maggiore. Here you can spend two blissful nights free from the crowds and surrounded by exquisite natural beauty. Each of the Italian Lakes has a micro climate however Maggiore is the coolest of the three meaning it is the best place for hiking. Lose yourself in the Alpine backdrop and relax with a ferry boat ride on the Lake itself. Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola Pescatori, some of the islands dotted within the Lake, are each attractive and interesting to explore.

2 Nights – Lake Como

Depart Lake Maggiore and follow the route around the Northern shores, which cross over into Switzerland, to the next stop of the itinerary; Lake Como. The deepest in Europe and shadowed by the Alps, Lake Como certainly does not disappoint. Activities to be enjoyed on Lake Como range from the relaxing to the very active. Try your hand at golf or hire a bicycle and explore the surrounding areas of the lake. You can also enjoy a Gondola Ride from the Funiculare on the Western shore of the lake and enjoy the fantastic views. Whichever activities you choose to partake in, ensure you keep your eyes peeled for the host of celebrities who live along the shores of Lake Como.

2 Nights – Lake Garda

The next stop on the itinerary is the most popular of the three Lakes; Garda. Located just over two hours away, the drive there can be slow paced and leisurely, allowing you to take in the sights along the way. Spend your days here exploring the towns and villages dotted around the Lake and be sure to get involved in the boundless array of activities. Have a go at rock climbing, wind surfing, sailing and swimming not to mention a ride in the cable car which takes you 1,800m above sea level. There are many different footpaths up here allowing you to explore the surroundings.

1 Night – Verona

The last leg of the journey will take you just one hour before the city of Verona comes into view. Driving past the southern shore of the Lake will be your last opportunity to drink in the fantastic views and make the most of the picture-perfect photo opportunities, so take it slow and embrace it. Once you arrive in Verona there is plenty to see and do; see the Cathedral of Verona, Juliet’s balcony and of course the Verona Arena amongst plenty more. Be sure to indulge and enjoy a fantastic Italian breakfast on your last morning before it’s time to return your car and fly home.

This is just a taste of the type of fly drive holiday you could have in Italy. The beauty and appeal of fly drives is that you can tailor the itinerary so it suits you perfectly!

With over 2 million people living here making it the largest city in Texas, Houston is very diverse and this is clearly reflected in the myriad of interesting things to see and do. There’s so much to do in fact that if you are coming to Houston for your holiday, you might find that you quickly run out of time. Here’s our top pick of attractions, restaurants, shopping and nightlife to ensure you get the best from your holiday in Houston.

Attractions

The Johnson Space Centre is the best of the rest and a truly unique attraction. This mammoth centre spans 1,620 acres and is the home of the NASA astronaut corps. Visitors to the centre can touch real moon rocks, see behind the scenes on the NASA Tram Tour, experience a zero gravity environment in the Living in Space exhibit and even experience a virtual rocket launch in the theatre plus much more. Everyone has a secret fascination with space and astronauts and what better way to uncover it than with a visit to the space centre; it will be sure to make your visit memorable.

Get an insight into the history of Texas with a visit to the George Ranch Historical Park. This 480 acre living-history park offers hands on experiences and costumed historical interpreters. Book up for an authentic meal to really complete the experience!

When it comes to museums, Houston doesn’t disappoint with two of the best including the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the John P McGoven Museum of Health & Medical Science. Both offer fascinating, fun and education exhibits and displays with hands on attractions too. The Science Museum even has an in-house IMAX theatre.

Restaurants and Nightlife

Bayou Place is widely regarded as the best place for both eateries and evening entertainment. Contained within one large complex in the heart of downtown’s Theatre District, Bayou Place offers a huge selection of restaurants such as the excellent Sambra Grille and the obligatory Hard Rock Café, not to mention the Blue Fish which is rated as one of the best sushi bars. Verizon Wireless Theatre has music of all styles covered whereas Sundance Cinemas delivers the very best in film.

Kemah Boardwalk is a similar type of establishment located on the waterfront, however it combines restaurants with a larger array of entertainment including fairground rides. Kemah Boardwalk is therefore a great choice for families.

Shopping

When it comes to retail therapy, the best regarded areas include the Galleria, Houston Heights and Westheimer and Dunlavy. Westheimer offers a range of big name brands whereas Galleria and Houston Heights offer a more sophisticated and upmarket approach.

Old Town Spring shopping village offers a different retail experience and boasts a huge selection of 1900’s Victorian style shops combined with restaurants, museums and art galleries. It certainly makes for an alternative approach to shopping but no less enjoyable by any means.

The Montrose Neighbourhood one the other hand is a vintage shoppers dream with its antique mall and live music venues. The tree lined boulevards make this area particularly pedestrian friendly and is highly enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.

What do you think are the best things to see and do in Houston? Share your thoughts!

One of the most travelled to cities in the world and the home of both A-list celebrities and wannabe actors and actresses, Los Angeles holds certain connotations. With the likes of the Walk of Fame, Venice Beach and window shopping on Rodeo Drive featuring highly on most tourist’s itineraries, you might think you have LA all figured out. There is a surprising side to LA however so read on and get taken off the beaten tourist track in Los Angeles…

The Hollywood sign is an iconic symbol of LA so it seems odd to begin this post with mention of it; you’d think it would be swamped with visitors and hardly regarded as off the beaten track. The thing is though, most people only ever get a snapshot of themselves in front of the sign; very few ever actually reach it. Don’t believe us? Don your climbing gear, get started on the strenuous hike up the hill and you’ll see why few make it! If you have an active side to you, this climb is highly recommended.The panoramic views over the sprawling urban patchwork beneath you are second to none and the memories will be so much better than any photo with the sign in the background.

A huge appeal of Los Angeles is of course its connections with the film and television industry. Most never venture beyond Universal Studios however. Why not make your visit a bit more individual and head to Burbank instead? Here you will find five major production studios including the likes of NBC Television, Sony and Warner Brothers.Come to one of these and you’ll have a much higher chance of seeing some live filming than if you follow the masses and stick to Universal. In terms of watching movies, a unique experience would consist of a visit to the Silent Movie Theatre. There aren’t many around so relish the opportunity whilst you can.

Steer clear of the multitude of fancy shopping malls and instead take a trip to the original Los Angeles Farmers Market. Often overlooked by visitors, the idea of a farmers market in this fast paced city seems almost out of place but it will make for an individual twist to your visit. Head to the Miracle Mile area at the intersection of 3rd Street and Fairfax and you will find the market brimming with the colours of fresh fruit and veg, meat, nuts and sweet and gifts. There are also some great little restaurants to be found.

Spend some time visiting the selection of quirky museums around the city too. Rather than going straight to the Getty Museum or the Hollywood History Museum why not spend a few hours perusing some of the different options. For starters, try the Museum of Jurassic Technology in Venice Beach, regarded as the most unusual of the lot and providing a hands-on experience of life in the Jurassic. The Museum of Tolerance on the other hand is a very different type of museum focusing on the problems in society with regards to racism around the world. Another completely different option to consider is a walking tour of the many fantastic murals painted around the city. There are more than 1,000 so you won’t get to see them all but it’s certainly worth some of your time.

Like every big city, Los Angeles is known for particular things however there is a lot more to be discovered. Get off the beaten tourist track, open your eyes during your visit and you might just enjoy a whole different side to Los Angeles.

Las Vegas is unanimously known as the entertainment capital of the world. With an endless supply of gambling, shopping, and fine dining there is no chance of boredom during a trip here. Sights and sounds engulf your senses and the whole experience can be quite overwhelming, in a good way of course! It’s all too easy to get wrapped up in the excitement, so here are five tips for surviving Las Vegas!

• Give serious gambling a wide berth unless you really know what you’re doing. We hate to sound like a killjoy, but you can easily blow your whole trip’s budget in just a few hours and that would really kill the joy! Stick to the slot machines and watch everyone else lose their cash at the blackjack and roulette tables. If you do want to give it a go, make sure you know your limits!

• Everyone knows that tipping is customary in the USA, but Vegas is pretty much tipping Kingdom so be ready to tip like you have never tipped before. Nearly all bartenders, casino dealers, slot machine attendants, hotel maids and waiters rely heavily on tips. If you don’t, you certainly won’t be in anyone’s good books and you should only expect poor service!

• Avoid the cheapest buffet in town – if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is, particularly when it comes to the quality of the food. Some excellent restaurants can be found in Las Vegas so make sure you choose right and don’t get sucked into the “Full Las Vegas Buffet for $10!” lines!

• Watch out for extra fees! Simple services such as ATM’s can be really expensive in Vegas. Avoid using the ATMs machines in the casinos at all costs. They can charge between $2 and $6 for the pleasure of getting your money, plus your bank back home is likely to add on additional fees. Be smart and head to a machine off of the Strip before you get started on the days entertainment. Equally however, be smart and ensure you don’t have a pocket full of money. Another cash saving tip to take note of is to avoid logging on to the internet in your hotel room. The cost of your hotel room may fool you into thinking it’s provided for free but in actual fact you can be charged as much as $12 for just a short period!

• Don’t expect to travel anywhere quickly along the Strip. Although it’s just one road, it can get clogged very easily at rush hour with both human traffic and vehicular. A normal bus is known to take almost two hours to travel from one end of the Strip to the other! Also, if you have arranged Las Vegas car rental, drive east or west of the Strip to buy fuel; it will save you a fortune!

Any visit to Las Vegas will be a whirlwind of lights and excitement but you might find these tips come in handy! Have you been to Las Vegas and have any tips of your own?

If you’ve ever considered a holiday to the USA, the first places that sprung to mind were probably New York, Los Angeles, Orlando and maybe even San Diego, but perhaps not San Francisco and that’s a shame.

By no means is San Francisco a bad place to go; in fact very much the opposite but a lot of people don’t really know anything about it. It’s most definitely a city worth considering, so here are 8 reasons to visit San Francisco.

1. It wouldn’t be right to start this list without stating the obvious. It’s a beautiful city and many who visit here quite simply fall in love with San Francisco. Located at the tip of a peninsular between the Bay and the Pacific Ocean and built on 43 hills, the views here are simply stunning.

2. The Golden Gate Bridge aptly follows as the second reason to visit. Perhaps the best known icon of the city with its huge towers and sweeping cables, it is acclaimed as one of the world’s most beautiful bridges. Consider hiring a bicycle to travel the length of it and when you’re cycling along with the wind in your hair, surrounded by stunning views, you won’t regret it! It’s the best way to experience the Golden Gate Bridge. For the best views of the bridge, head to Cavallo Point.

3. San Francisco is a culture and art lover’s dream and is renowned for its artsy feel. There is a huge selection of museums and art galleries to choose from, each of which will deliver an enjoyable afternoon. The nightlife doesn’t disappoint either with indie rock, latin music, jazz, blues or swing found all over the city, ensuring each and every taste is catered for.

4. With over 30 different neighbourhoods, San Francisco is nothing if not diverse. Spend hours exploring the perfectly unique neighbourhoods from ‘The Mission’ with its Mexican Taquerias to the gay district ‘Castro’. Each has a different feel and during your explorations you will see the biggest China Town in the world along with ‘Pacific Heights’ which is filled with luxurious mansions. Each district adds a different flavour to San Francisco yet each exist wonderfully together.

5. The mention of Mexican Taqueiras brings us nicely on the subject of food and food lovers will simply be in heaven here. In fact, there are at least 4,500 restaurants in a 7 square mile area. Whatever your favourite food, you will be aptly catered for, with countless options so you can try something new! What are you waiting for?

6. There are plenty of other attractions to visit and the infamous Alcatraz tops the list. Hop on the ferry to Alcatraz Island and take the tour. Once home to some of America’s most notorious criminals, the 104 year long history is certainly controversial but a visit here is nothing short of fascinating. Aside from the prison, the island is now home to rare flora and fauna.

7. Ride one of the iconic city cable cars. They’re great and provide a relatively cheap way to get about the city and quite frankly they are a mandatory part of the San Francisco experience. There are three different lines with the most popular being between Powell and Hyde Street. The cable cars are the oldest and longest running of its kind and make San Francisco all the more special.

8. Another allure to San Francisco is its proximity to natural beauty spots. The stunning Yosemite National Park is one of the best that America has to offer and it’s less than 3 hours away. Escape the city for a while and drink in the sights of the Yosemite Waterfall, Redwood forests and beautiful flora and fauna.

Have you ever holidayed in San Francisco or plan to go? What were your reasons for visiting?

Orlando and Walt Disney go hand in hand and we’re led to believe that a holiday here must solely focus around the vast selection of theme parks. There’s no denying that plenty of fun can be had at each and every one, but don’t forget that there are hoards of other equally enjoyable things on offer to keep you occupied. Check out of some of our suggestions to get out of Disney!

Tipped as the only attraction where humans are kept caged and the animals run free, Monkey Jungle does pretty much what it says on the tin. Over 400 primates from 30 different species take charge of the park which spans over 30 acres. This is one of few protected habitats for endangered primates in the country and allows the monkeys to live as they would in the wild. They’re also fed at various times through the day which makes for a great sight! You’re free to explore the park as you please and it’s highly enjoyable, whether you have your own little monkeys or not!

Anyone remotely interested in the story of the Titanic should spend a day at the Titanic Experience. This mammoth interactive museum spans over 20,000sq ft. and is a lifelike replica of the real thing. Embark on a unique guided tour with actors dressed in period costumes to really complete this unmissable experience.

Take over the cockpit controls at Kissimmee Air Museum. Located on the outskirts of Orlando, it’s an air museum like no other. The aircrafts here are left un-roped, allowing you get up close and interact with aviation. View the educational exhibits, aircraft restoration and even partake in exciting training flights in WWII fighter-trainers! Not simulators, the real thing! Where else can you experience that?

For a bit of peace and serenity amongst all the hustle and bustle, Bok Tower Gardens is perfect. Voted the best gardens in Florida, these stunning landscaped gardens provide a wonderful setting for a walk. You can also see the 205ft high Singing Tower which is housed within the gardens as well as the historic Pinewood Estate. Enter the Mediterranean style mansion which dates to the 1930s for a guided tour.

Enjoy both a hands on and educational trip at the Orlando Science Centre. Covering four floors, the centre inspires the curious cats among us and is jam packed with things to see and do. Exhibits, movies displayed on giant screens and engaging live programming are just some of the things you can expect from a visit here. 2012 will even see a temporary Star Wars exhibition to complete the exciting range of permanent displays!

The Ancient Spanish Monastery is a rather unexpected treat, but worth visiting, regardless of your religious beliefs. Built in Spain in the 10th century, the monastery was dismantled and shipped to the US in 1925 thanks to a hefty sum paid by a newspaper tycoon, William Randolph Hearst. He suffered money problems however and the stones were sold at auction and were left in Brooklyn warehouse for 26 years. They were then bought for use as a tourist attraction and $1.5 million dollars later, this impressive building was reconstructed! Enjoy a guided tour, explore the onsite museum and relish your temporary escape from the fast paced world outside the gates.

The Everglades swallow a large proportion of the state of Florida and hundreds of alligators have made it their home. So, what better way to get up close and personal than with a thrilling Air Boat Ride through the swampy pastures? Get an insight into the non-commercialised, natural areas of Florida that are so easily forgotten and see some fascinating creatures in their natural habitats. Soak up the fantastic scenery and enjoy this unforgettable experience!

Have you been to any of these attractions? What are your suggestions for things to do in Florida without going to Disney?