Although there is lots to see and do (in fact, there’s something for people of all interests, ages and budgets), it can often be difficult to make an exact decision on where to go. To give you a helping hand in ensuring you aren’t too overwhelmed, however, I’ve come up with a list documenting the top five things that I think Malaga has to offer.

Best restaurant

If you’re something of a foodie, you definitely ought to seek out the top restaurants once your cheap flight from Manchester to Malaga has touched down.

One place that I recommend you visit is La Taperia Delicatessen. Situated in the heart of the city close to popular attractions such as the Arabic baths, this tapas bar has been serving fantastic food and drink for more than 20 years.

Known for its impeccable service and good-quality cuisine, La Taperia Delicatessen offers classic tapas fare, including fried camembert and crispy goats’ cheese served with orange marmalade. There are three kinds of salad to choose from, including Russian and tropical, though if you want to really savour local cuisine I recommend you go for the traditional Malaga salad.

Best museum

Once you’ve eaten at La Taperia Delicatessen, I suggest you take a trip to the nearby Picasso Museum. While there are plenty of great museums in Malaga, I don’t think any can top this establishment. Indeed, it is situated in the house where the iconic artist was born in 1881, so it is the ideal destination to gain an insight into his life and work.

As you might expect, the museum contains a wide selection of the Spaniard’s work – though it focuses mainly on the pieces he created between 1931 and 1971. Paintings, ceramics and sketches are all presented here, with Suite de los Saltimbanquis (which translates as the ‘acrobat suite’ in English) among the items on show.

In addition to containing a great range of art, the museum also exhibits several of Picasso’s personal possessions (as well as those of his parents) and works by contemporary local painters, including Diego Santos.

Best landmark

Malaga is awash with beautiful buildings, but I reckon that the city’s cathedral is truly stunning. Considered to be one of the best examples of Renaissance-era architecture in Andalusia, the church dominates the skyline, despite it not actually being complete.

Although work on the structure started in the 16th century, its intended design has never been fully realised. In fact, it’s commonly known as La Manquita – or the ‘one-armed lady’ – in reference to the fact that the southern tower has not been built and the main facade is unfinished. That’s not to say it isn’t worth seeing, though, with the 17th century choir stalls and baroque-style interior decor noted as two of its most eye-catching features.

Best beach

As is the case with many other resorts in the Costa del Sol, Malaga is blessed with plenty of beautiful beaches. Among the best, in my opinion, is El Dedo. Stretching some 550 m, this golden sand beach is a popular spot among families, with its calm waters providing ideal conditions for swimming.

El Dedo is easily accessible for people with disabilities, while a number of restaurants are located nearby, meaning you don’t have to travel too far to grab a bite to eat after a few hours spent soaking up the sun.

Best hidden gem

Last, but by no means least, I’m going to look at what I reckon is the city’s top hidden gem – the English Cemetery. As you might have guessed from its name, this 19th century graveyard was established to provide a resting place for Malaga’s community of British expats.

Upon its creation, it became the first cemetery for non-Roman Catholic Christians to be situated in mainland Spain and, over the following years, has seen people from all walks of life buried here. These including Finnish author Aarne Haapakoski, Spanish poet Jorge Guillen and soldiers who died fighting in the second world war.

The cemetery was also visited by Hans Christian Andersen – who wrote The Little Mermaid, among other fairytales – in 1862 and it is said to be the Danish author’s favourite spot in the city.

These are just five of the best things that Malaga has to offer; if you’re planning a trip to the city let us know what about it appeals to you the most.

The German capital is split into very distinct areas, centring around the historical Mitte – rich with history, culture, nightlife, food havens and shopping spots. In East Central areas (Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg) you’ll find trendy arty types while City West (Charlottenburg, Tiergarten, Wilmersdorf and Schöneberg) is home to Kurfürstendamm, a luxury shopping avenue.

Culture fans will be spoilt for choice in Berlin. Essential sights to see and places to visit include the remains of the Berlin Wall (there’s a memorial site which runs along both sides of the BernauerStrasse), the iconic Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, Parliament building Reichstag and the beautiful Charlottenburg Palace. Popular galleries include C/O Gallery which has a focus on photography, BerlinischeGalerie full of home-grown talent and Pool Gallery for modern art and street culture. Berlin also houses the Bauhaus Archives (Museum of Design), a Currywurst Museum and the R.M.C.M Ramones Museum.

Berlin is well known for its nightlife so friends, couples or party-goers who fancy a few good nights out in Berlin will not be disappointed. The city’s most famous venue, Berghain/Panorama Barn on the border of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain is set in an abandoned warehouse with DJs playing techno and house music. Be ready to say goodbye to your weekend though: Friday nights will finish on Saturday afternoon, while Saturday night sessions tend to wrap up on Monday morning. Rockers and punks will love Wild at Heart in Kreuzberg with live music acts every Thursday to Saturday.If you’re booking a hen party in Berlin, go to Hen Heaven, who will arrange everything from the hotel to your activities – click here for more information.

If you fancy a shopping spree in Berlin, head to North Mitte for boutiques and independent fashion stores; or Friedrichstrasse for big name designer stores. Check out Prenzlauer Berg and the Humana second hand outlet in Alexanderplatz for vintage steals.

Tiergarten image – copyright flickr.com/edwin11

Families should be sure to visit Tiergarten, the city’s largest park at nearly twice the size of Hyde Park in London. On the border you’ll find Berlin Zoo and Aquarium, which has the largest collection of species in the world. Save little feet by hitching a ride on a sightseeing boat tour or bus tour for a view of the city’s top spots.

It may seem straight forward and common sense, but it’s important to work out the type of foods you can and can’t eat.  If you are heading abroad for your holiday, make sure that you pack some gluten-free food in your luggage.  By having essentials such as gluten-free snacks, biscuits and breads to hand it means that when you arrive at your destination you do not need to panic about finding gluten-free food as soon as you check into your hotel.  A good idea when travelling abroad of course would be to find the contact details of the coeliac association for the particular country you are travelling to and ask for their expert advice about your eating out options.

When dealing with the language barrier, GlutenFreeRoads.com has a very good solution.  Just as there are phrase books and dictionaries available in a wide selection of languages that can help you to converse with people you meet while on holiday, it is important to know the right way to explain your gluten-free requirements in a foreign language.

Glutenfreeroads.com, via the German Coeliac Society has made available an ingenious way to get the very best dining experience.  It is a note to the chef of the eatery you are visiting that explains exactly what it means to have coeliac disease and how this affects your diet.  It also asks the chef politely that they point you in the direction of food and meals on the menu that would be suitable, or if that isn’t possible, whether they could prepare one of their dishes and alter it so it meets your dietary requirements.  It is available in a wide selection of languages and would obviously avoid any unnecessarily embarrassing situations.

Therefore, if you are planning a trip abroad or already have one booked, then you need not worry about where you are going to eat.  Instead of dread and anxiety you can feel excited and relaxed about your holiday, knowing you will be able to explain your situation and still enjoy delicious food.

Go Online for a Wager

If you have a laptop with you and can get a Wi-Fi connection then you can play some casino games, have a go at bingo or maybe bet on a sporting event. This is a fun way to pass a few hours if you don’t have much else to do and don’t fancy watching the TV until you go to sleep. If you don’t know what sites to look up then try looking up the likes of a sportsbook review to get you started. Instead of going online in your room I would suggest seeing if you can get Wi-Fi in the hotel bar or in a nearby restaurant which looks safe and friendly. You might even find that you can get connected in the local plaza or beach but be sure to avoid badly lit or potentially dangerous places.

Listen to Music and Watch Dancing

Just about anywhere you go in the world there is likely to be a local tradition of music and dance which they are proud of. For example, if you are in Spain you can go to a flamenco show, while in Argentina you can watch some tango, in Mexico it would be mariachi and so on. These are often touristy events which involve a meal, a drink and a good few hours worth of entertainment in the evening.

Go to the Cinema

How you do this will depend largely upon how comfortable you are with the local language. If you can understand it well then you could go and watch a national film production in the local language and really feel immersed in the culture. If that sounds too difficult for you then you could settle for an English dubbed movie and simply pass a couple of hours munching popcorn (yes, this seems to be the cinema food of choice everywhere in the world) and having a good time while surrounded by people.

Do Some Reading

There are few better pastimes when you are abroad than reading a book.  A good suggestion would be to read a history book or travel book about the place where you are, and plan your next day’s adventures while you are doing it. Alternatively, you might want to study the language you are surrounded by and try to make sense of a few of the words you heard or saw during the day. As with the internet idea, it is best to avoid simply sitting in your hotel room. Look for a safe, comfortable bar or touristy restaurant where you can nurse a drink or two for a couple of hours without anyone hassling you.

Munich is the home to Circus Krone, one of the largest circuses in Europe. It’s survived two world wars and has been entertaining people for over 100 years. Originally founded and run by Carl Krone, who was actually born in the back of a circus in 1870, it’s now run by his granddaughter Christel Sembach-Krone. In the winter months it has regular shows full of amazing performers and over 200trained animals.

The winter season ends in late March, and that’s when the circus begins its 8 month European tour. This entourage has been called the “city-on-wheels” dragging behind it a 5000-seat circus tent, a cafeteria, a school and its own electric generator.

If you want to catch a performance then you can fly over to Munich where they’re stationed for most of the winter months, or you could always run away with them and follow the route of the summer tour. Flights leave regularly from London Stansted Airportand are reasonably quick and cheap. Click here for information on cheap airport parking so you can leave your car behind without having to worry.

If you aren’t a fan of the cold winter months in Europe, Munich is also home to Oktoberfest. Taking place in late October, the festival spans 16 days and is a mecca for beer enthusiasts. It begins with a parade through Munich and ends with a traditional gun-salute on the steps of the Bavaria Monument.

So whether you want to be swept away by the exciting life of the circus, or sip a chilled beer on an October afternoon, Munich is the place to go in 2013.

This is why having a comprehensive travel insurance policy before you leave home is absolutely essential. Without cover, you could find yourself out of pocket or stuck in a tricky situation with no easy solution evident. So here are the top reasons why travel insurance is so important.

Cancellations

Under certain circumstances, you may need to cancel a trip abroad or cut your foreign excursion short. Not all insurance policies will cover every eventuality, so check the minor details with your provider.

Legitimate reasons to cancel include accident, illness, family bereavement, jury service, an emergency at home and redundancy.

It is advisable to buy a policy that will refund you the full cost of your trip as well as covering pre-paid expenses and the cost of getting home.

Medical expenses

Even though we benefit from a free national health service in the UK, this privilege does not extend to abroad. Therefore, if for any reason you need to visit the doctor or hospital while abroad, you may be liable for the cost.

However, with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) you could get treatment or medical attention at a reduced rate or even for free. Available from the NHS, the card covers pre-existing medical conditions, routine maternity care and is valid in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries, including Switzerland.

Personal liability cover

If you’ve caused injury to another person or damaged a building or property, a travel insurance policy can include personal liability cover.

In all instances, record the facts as soon as possible through a statement and photographs, collect the name, contact details and witness reports from other parties, and get in touch with your insurance company. However, you should never openly accept responsibility.

If you happen to be the victim of an accident while abroad, you may be eligible for holiday accident compensation.

Lost or stolen possessions

It’s a horrible feeling when you arrive at baggage claim but your suitcase is nowhere to be seen. You may be eligible for an emergency payment to buy clothes and toiletries with a good travel insurance policy.

As a tourist with lots of cash, you will also be an easy target for thieves and pickpockets. Your home contents insurance may provide some sort of protection abroad, but it is advisable to take out specific cover for travelling.

Peace of mind

Even though all of the aforementioned incidents are rare, having a comprehensive travel insurance policy will eliminate any worries or concerns.

Going on holiday or travelling abroad is usually a big expense, which has probably taken you months to save up for. For just a little bit of extra money, you can be sure that nothing will ruin your time away.

Iconic Structures and Immigrant Heritage

One of Australia’s most famous landmarks is the Sydney Harbour Bridge, located in the heart of downtown Sydney. Sometimes referred to by locals as ‘The Coathanger’ due to the arches which dominate its design, crossing the bridge can be done by car, on foot or by rail and it’s a journey which every visitor to Sydney should make. The view of the Sydney Opera House alone makes the crossing worthwhile. Built in 1932, the bridge is the widest long-span bridge in the world. Eight lanes of traffic cross its span.

The North Head Quarantine Station in Sydney is another iconic Australian location. This range of heritage-listed buildings occupies a special place in Australian history, as it was where many recent immigrants were housed during the 19th and 20th centuries. Many of the early equipment and tools used by immigrants have been preserved and the stone buildings remain almost in their original state. Legend has it that many of the building are haunted and that ghosts lurk behind the ancient walls…

Hands Across the Sea to China

A different kind of immigrant contribution to Australia’s past can be found at the Chinese Garden of Friendship. This monument was donated to the city of Sydney by Guangdong City, its twin cuty in China, to commemorate Australia’s bicentenary in 1987. This quintessential Chinese garden, modelled on the private gardens which were prevalent in China during the Ming Dynasty, is a peaceful and serene place to visit. One important feature is the Dragon Wall, a sign of the bond between New South Wales and Guangzhou Province. Visitors can also enjoy refreshments at a Chinese tea room.

Barrenjoey Lighthouse is another 19th century Sydney landmark, having been constructed in 1881. Located in the Sydney suburb of Palm Beach, it is located on an island which is linked to the mainland by a sand spit. This beautiful sandstone feature is a very well-known landmark on the New South Wales coast. As well as the building itself, a visit is worthwhile for the remarkable views of the ocean and coastline that the island affords.

New South Wales Seat of Power

Anyone interested in the political history of Australia should be sure to visit the beautiful Parliament House in Sydney. The original building dates back to 1816 and it now houses the Parliament of New South Wales. The main building is a two-storey Georgian affair, with two neo-Gothic buildings on its flanks. Interestingly, its design and construction was fraught with difficulties and problems relating to building short-cuts were still being found as late as the 1980s. The building can be found on the east side of Macquarie Street and public tours are held on a regular basis.

Beaches are the main attraction of Pattaya holidays and there are beaches for every type of traveller or group. If you are visiting Pattaya with your family, taking a trip to Jomtien Beach will be the most pleasurable destination. This beach is fun but is a lot more relaxed than some of the other beaches in the area. It is a fact that many people associate Bangkok with a party atmosphere and if this is what you are looking for, Pattaya Beach is the place to be. This is an extremely crowded beach, making it perfect for people watching. The many bars on the beach help to create the party atmosphere and if you want to get involved with jetskis or other high powered activities, the option is there. No matter what sort of beach holiday you are keen to find in Pattaya, you will find it.

Life in Pattaya is not just about the beach though, there are plenty of other diversions too. You will be able to enjoy daytrips to various island groups and if you are a keen golfer, you will find the fact that there are over 20 golf courses on the island to be fantastic news. Then again, you may be too busy sleeping during the day after sampling the wild night life that can be found in Pattay. While the number of families visiting this resort are on the increase, it remains a place where the real action begins when the sun goes down.

And, the people over at WOW247 have created this infographic in order to help you do just that this summer:

Find Days Out with WOW247

No roads, no cars or even people, the place that shook me to the core is Salar de Uyni – an endless salt flat in miraculous Bolivia.

Salar de Yuni is a place where it’s hard to breathe because of the altitude but it is even harder to believe that you are still on the Earth.

One of the largest salt flats in the world occupies 10, 582 square km. During wet seasons Uyni is a glass-like salt lake. The history of the place goes way back; scientists claim it to be created more than 40 000 years ago.

The large lake seems to have several islands that evolved for many years from volcanoes, the size of which varies from 10 cm to several meters.  The nature of Salar de Uyni is incomparable to anything else in the world, salt fields and shallow water, active volcanoes and geysers, and the cactus islands make you feel like you are dreaming. Uyni is the highest point in the country, located on the altitude of 3, 6 km above the sea level. Some say it’s the brightest spot on the Earth if to look from the space.

The total amount of salt is accounted in billions of tones. In theory, it would be enough to provide all the needs of the world salt for two hundred years. Luckily, nobody is that interested in Bolivian salt yet, so the place remains untouched.

Endless white expanse of saline is surprisingly photogenic, but its dazzling brightness is painful to the eyes. Coming to Salar de Yuni without sun glasses would be a big mistake. During the rainy season, from December to March, salt marsh is covered with a continuous layer of water, turning it into a big mirror, which reflects the clouds. Enormous mirror also reflect the mountains, but you cannot say whether they are far or near, real clouds and their reflections are merged together. The vibes that come from the land are almost overwhelming, you feel like you got to another world, somewhere near the Moon.

Bolivians are unique, they are the one to ignore fast food and they still follow all their ancient traditions. They also believe that salt is not only beautiful, but practical. They make different sorts of crafts and even built the only salt hotel in the world, a special treat for tourists. The hotel use dense grayish salt bricks not only for the walls, but also for the furniture and crockery. It is located at the age of the salt desert, every year thousands of tourists come to the Altiplano to make their way through the town of Uyuni salt marsh and further to the Chilean border. Some dare-devils try to cross the salt desert by bike but most tourists prefer jeeps.

As a salt marsh should have Salar de Yuni has its own island with tropical vegetation. One of the most popular is Incahuasi, also known as Fishermen and the Cactus Island.