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10 of the best rooftop bars in Europe: readers travel tips

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10 of the best rooftop bars in Europe: readers travel tips

From the tops of boutique hotels to car parks and old office blocks, our tipsters know where to enjoy booze with a view

Winning tip: Skajo, Freiburg, Germany

I had a couple of hours to spend in Freiburg while my bike was being repaired, but no energy left to sightsee. The guy at the cycle shop suggested I visit Skajo rooftop bar, in the old centre of Freiburg. Skajo provided a cooling breeze, cold beer and a delicious charcuterie platter. All-round views saved my legs while giving me a snapshot of this lively city, from a close-up of the magnificent cathedral, right out to the surrounding green hills and the beginnings of the Black Forest. Scents from the flower market drifted up, mingling with the strains of buskers in cathedral square. Bliss! fionachaillier

Park, Lisbon

This is the top level of a car park in Bairro Alto that has been turned into a garden terrace. Park is not the easiest place to find and you do wonder if you are in the right place as youre walking through an eerily quiet multistorey car park covered in graffiti, but the views over the city and the River Tagus are totally worth it. The terrace is covered in plants so you feel cut off from the hustle and bustle below. We visited in the evening and an impromptu dance-off between break dancers provided some lively entertainment. Excellent selection of beers and good simple food. Miles Wilson

Franks Cafe, Peckham, London

Photograph: Alamy

In south-east London the opening of Franks Cafe is the official sign that summer is here. Go for the novelty (the bar is on the top floor of a car park behind Peckham High Street and features contemporary sculptures) and stay for the epic urban sunset views. Arrive after 5pm and youll be surrounded by locals getting their post-work fresh air fix. If the weather turns a bit British dont panic there are plenty of restaurants on lower levels and you can retreat to the Peckhamplex below for bargain 5 cinema tickets. Peckham Rye station (on the Overground and Thameslink) is almost opposite. Sam Wallis

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Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print, and the best entry each week (as chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet) wins a 200 voucher from hotels.com. To enter the latest competition visit the readers’ tips homepage

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Konak Cafe, Istanbul

Sit on the Konak Cafe rooftop bars terrace you will see the Golden Horn replete with Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The Asian and European shores are both visible, separated by the sparkling Bosphorus and two bridges are in sight the Ataturk suspension bridge across the straits and the Galata road bridge lined with fishermen, which leads to the old city. Glance back to see the Galata Tower face on and close up. Service is friendly and prices reasonable. And make sure you visit the charming fin-de-siecle drawing room at the entrance to the cafe. charlibey

La Pedera, Barcelona

Photograph: Alamy

Antoni Gauds architectural masterpiece, La Pedera, a flight of modernista fancy, has a secret rooftop bar that allows you to avoid the crowds of the day and enjoy the stunning skyline in peace, all while listening to jazz. Buy a ticket to one of its rooftop concerts, arts and lighting shows (34) and get a short guided tour through the building, to the jewel in the crown, the rooftop; a switchback of terraces and iconic chimney stacks, looking like sentries of helmeted warriors. On arrival, a glass of cava is proffered, included in the price. Numbers are strictly controlled, so you never feel crowded. As sun turns into night, delicate strip lighting guides visitors across the undulating space. Music, sunset and views, all with a glass or two of wine, in an otherwise noisy and busy city, are worth seeking out. Derrick Fish

The Nebotinik, Ljubljana, Slovenia

The Nebotinik (Slovenian for Skyscraper) was the tallest building in Yugoslavia when it opened in 1933, but these days is just an unassuming 13-floor tower block one that just happens to house a rooftop cafe bar with the best views in the city. The terrace offers a 360-degree panorama that takes in the medieval streets of Ljubljanas old town overlooked by the magnificent castle on one side, to the foothills of the Julian alps on the other. The perfect place for coffee and cake, or a cocktail at sunset. ID2361667

Rinascente, Palermo, Sicily

Photograph: S Deith

The Vucciria market area is classic Palermo fish stalls, vespas, creative graffiti and second world war-damaged palazzi. On the edge is Piazza San Domenico, where the church houses the tomb of Giovanni Falcone, the famous anti-mafia judge killed by the mob. Adjacent is the Rinascente department stores serene rooftop bar, with views of the square and cloister but also across the city to the Madonie mountains. Cocktails cost 8, freshly-squeezed juices 4. Its open until 12am on Fridays, but 8.30pm on other days. S Deith

Art-Cafe, Tblisi

After entering what seems like an abandoned club cloakroom through an unmarked door, climb the stairs to find the Art-Cafe Home rooftop. With comfy sofas, a chilled vibe and friendly locals, this bar is the perfect place to enjoy standard cocktails with a distinctly Georgian twist (cha-cha, a Georgian equivalent of grappa, features heavily). Best of all, it is a great spot to view the eclectic architecture of Tbilisi the medieval fortress, crumbling Soviet houses and enormous modern constructions. James Fawcett

360 Bar, Budapest

Budapest is famous for its ruin bars but look up above leafy Andrssy t and youll find 360 Bar. Head here for sundowners and marvel at the skyline, including the magnificent neo-gothic style Fishermans Bastion against a mountainous backdrop. There is a wide selection of drinks, with cocktails from about 5, bottled beers from 1.90 and an americano is about 1.30. It attracts a young crowd with DJs playing deep and progressive house. It is a perfect place to relax after exploring the city. jbridge90

Locavore Bar, Vsters, Sweden

The Locavore Bar is on the 18th floor of the Steam Hotel in this central Swedish city. It is in a former power station and now a gleaming and stylish example of Scandinavian chic. With views over the lovely Lake Malaren, the third largest fresh-water lake in Sweden, this bar is stylish luxury of a rare kind. Its own steam beer costs 75 krona (about 6.30), so this is not for the budget traveller. Gleaming chandeliers in the dining room give way to magnificent views at the top, and there are stunning sunsets. Sit back and witness the young locals ski and skate their way across a frozen wilderness. Pat Greenwell

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Japan on a budget: readers travel tips

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Japan on a budget: readers travel tips

The perception that Japan is an expensive destination is challenged by our tipsters, who find 70p sushi delivered by robot, cheap internal flights, all-you-can-drink-deals and friendly hostels

Winning tip: Art and yurts, Naoshima

Naoshima, the jewel of Japans art islands and an easy one-hour train journey from Kyoto or Osaka, has museums ranging from a gallery hotel to art installations. Free buses take you around the art locations and to an amazing art-filled sento bathhouse (4.40), complete with full-size elephant sculptures overlooking the baths. Staying in the Benesse Foundations hotels is very pricey (from 250) but there is a fantastic alternative a very short walk from the key art sites and beautiful: Tsutsuji-sos yurts (25-30 per person per night). They are private, traditional Mongolian tents with proper beds. Pat Kirby

E-bikes in Takayama

Photograph: Hanah

A tour on e-bikes of the Japanese Alps countryside around Takayama with Daisuke, the tour guide, for just 42 per head, was the highlight of our holiday. We started from JR Hida-Hagiwara station and took in historic villages to start with then a hidden valley off the tourist trail, the e-bikes making light work of the hills. There were surprises along the way such as a traditional Japanese lunch (included in the price) and coffee on the river in the middle of nowhere, and all for a reasonable price. The 26km/six-hour route and its views were incredible. Hanah

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Friendly hostel, Nagano

Photograph: 1166 backpackers Nagano

One of the best hostels Ive stayed in was 1166 Backpackers in Nagano, run by a lovely woman named Orie who makes everyone feel at home. She runs regular events in the hostel communal areas, such as sake tasting. Beds are about 20 a night. Its in the Monzen district of Nagano, within easily walking distance of Zenkoji temple. Its well-placed for day trips to nearby amazing Matsumoto Castle or Snow Monkey Park. Samuel Parker

Alpine honeymoon bliss

Oshi Ryokan, Nagano

To get a complete contrast from city life, I suggest a stay at the Oshi Ryokan in Naganos Japanese Alps. Mr Oshi (a Shinto priest who looks after the nearby temples) will take you to the temple at the crack of dawn an incredible experience. Mrs Oshi also cooked us what was probably the most amazing meal we had in Japan each dish was a work of art and it was so special having the experience in their home, rather than a restaurant. We were on our honeymoon and the lovely couple even offered to let us try on their own wedding kimonos and take photos. Double from 65 B&B, about 120 with dinner, oshiryokan.com/en-gb Lucie Johnson

Subtropical beaches, Yaeyama Islands

Kabira bay, Ishigaki island. Photograph: Ippei Naoi/Getty Images

For a 25 return flight from Naha (on Okinawa) to Ishigaki, you can experience the subtropical climate and unspoilt beaches of Japans Yaeyama Islands. Stay at Shiraho Friends House (12 a night in shared gender-specific rooms). Almost every review of this hostel praises its owner, Hiro; he really is amazingly helpful without being overbearing. The island is great for swimming and leisurely walks along the palm groves. In the evening you can head to a bar, see night-blooming flowers, or go to a free viewing at the observatory. Isabella Dmochowska

Day trip from Tokyo

At the foot of 600-metre Mount Takao, a great day hike within the Tokyo city bounds, is the tucked-away Keio Takaosan Onsen. With a mix of indoor and outdoor (rotenburo) baths of various water temperatures, it is the perfect place to restore sore muscles, with all the vibe of a mountain ryokan (traditional inn) for a fraction of the price:6.70 for adults and no time limit. You just need to bring your own towel. The onsen is next to Takaosanguchi station on the Keio line. Sarah Liang

Campervan savings

You can save thousands of yen by hiring a campervan from japancampers.com. Its near Narita airport, and runs a pick-up service from Narita station, so you can be mobile within a few hours of arriving. The campers start at 6,000 a day (40), less than youd pay for a hotel room, and come with camping equipment. The staff are helpful, bilingual and just a phone call away if you run into difficulties. It is perfectly legal to sleep in your van anywhere you stop, giving you the freedom to roam around the worlds safest country, and the Japanese baths (sentos) are on hand for your daily scrub. Dom

All you can eat and drink, Tokyo

An izakaya in Tokyo. Photograph: Alamy

Instead of drinking in western-style bars, which can be very expensive, go to a typical izakaya such as Kin no Kura in Shinjuku, Tokyo, where Id suggest a nomihodai option all you can drink for a set time and set price. Pay around 17 for 2-3 hours of uninterrupted drinking! Order from a tablet on the table, and the server will announce briskly: Hai dozo! (Go ahead). Its a great, social place too ideal for playing card games. The range of drinks include beer on tap, highballs and sake. You can also get a tabehodai (all you can eat option in izakayas). 1-16-6 Kabukicho Darren

Excellent hostel, Tokyo

Kaisu Hostel

The Kaisu Hostel (6-13-5 Akasaka) in Minato is a short walk from Roppongi but quiet enough to have a good nights sleep in its shared rooms with pods. Its spotless like almost all Japanese hotels and serves great beer in the stylish bar area; and at around 20 a night it was great value. It has a female-only shared room too, with 10 pods. Its a short walk to an izakaya called Motsusen (lunch 3.40, dinner 19 and all-you-can-drink menu, 9-2 Kabutocho) where you can rub shoulders with salarymen and eat until you cant move. Ben

Bathtime, Tokyo

Photograph: Karen Kasmauski/Getty Images

I accidentally miscalculated how much cash to bring (my hotel gave price per night rather than the total of all three nights and I was careless in checking) and on my last day in Tokyo I was broke … I took myself to a sento for the afternoon for the equivalent of 3. I spent a couple of hours in there, sheltering from the 38C heat, getting clean after a sweaty day stomping the streets and having a cultural experience at the same time. It was one of the highlights of my Japan trip because, as well as being a sucker for a spa, it was great to feel SO comfortable strutting about naked because nobody bats an eyelid. Best three quid I ever spent. Gaby

Conveyor belt sushi chain

Photograph: Alamy

If you want to try conveyor belt sushi, Genki Sushi, with branches from Hokkaido down to Kyushu, is a great choice. Most of its dishes only cost 70p and you can order your food via multilingual touch screens. If youre with kids, they are going to love being able to order their own food, as well as the little robot trains that deliver your order to your seat. We visited the Shibuya branch in Tokyo and it was wonderful, but later on we saw the dinner queue stretching into the street, so best get there early. Bori Kiss

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tourguideexpert-blog-blog · 6 years ago

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10 of the worlds best city views: readers travel tips

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10 of the worlds best city views: readers travel tips

These stunning viewpoints put the fun into funiculars and the drama into panorama and many have art, bars and cafes to enjoy, too

Winning tip: Jaipur, India

Nahargarh Fort sprawls around a rocky outcrop above the Pink City of Jaipur in Rajasthan province. Take a rickshaw up the hairpin road or go in the evening and tackle the stiff 20-minute hike up the path from the citys northern edge. Wander the extensive battlements and find an empty rampart or dome-covered lookout for incredible views over the constant tumult of Jaipur. Grab a late beer at the forts Padao Cafe and watch the famous pink render of the citys buildings glow in the evening sun. SPD

Havana, Cuba

Photograph: Kate Hockenhull/Alamy

The best views of the colourful houses and sparkling blue bay of Havana can be found hiding in plain sight on the corner of the Plaza Vieja in Old Havana, at its tallest building: Edificio Gmez Vila. It was surprisingly bereft of visitors when I visited: after ascending in the lift and paying the two pesos ($2) to enter the terrace, I had the large terrace with its amaing views to myself. The panorama is worth the entry fee alone, but the show inside guiding you through live views from the only Cmara Obscura in the Caribbean, which offers 360-degree views of the city at 30x magnification, are worth a look too. lahabana.com Anna

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Verona, Italy

Photograph: Don White/Alamy

We discovered an extraordinary view over the rooftops of Veronas historic heart when we visited a wine festival there, with tasting stations throughout the city. The final tasting involved crossing Ponte Pietra and taking the funicular up to Castel San Pietro. Terraces extend in front of the castle, from where the view over medieval Verona, its towers and palaces all tucked inside a loop of the Adige river, is a stunner. Romantics should aim for sunset. The Reteodorico restaurant at the top of the funicular has garden terraces perfect for enjoying the panorama over a meal. Funicular 1 each way, funicolarediverona.it, reteodorico.com Martha

Bergen, Norway

Photograph: Yvette Cardozo/Alamy

Bergen after dark, viewed from near the top station of the Flibanen funicular railway, is a magical sight. The daytime view is impressive, but its as evening draws in that the lights of the city and ships around the harbour sparkle, especially if its cold and clear. If my partner and I hadnt had already had the talk about not getting married, that view might well have brought on a bended-knee moment You dont have to take the train to see it: you can walk up to the viewpoint from the city centre and head back down for a coffee, or another expensive beer, afterwards. 125kr return (11), 65kr single, visitbergen.com Keith Rickaby

Valparaso, Chile

This city is full of fantastic viewpoints, and you get a different sense of the place from each of them. A favourite was the terrace of Fauna, a hotel/restaurant that did excellent pisco sours in Cerro Alegre; depending on which direction you look, you either enjoy the sight of hundreds of colourful houses perched haphazardly on the citys 42 hills or, if you time it right, watch the moon rise over the mountains across the bay. The poet Pablo Neruda so loved looking over Valparaso that he built an amazingly surreal house (open for tours) high above it. Mains at Fauna from $9, faunahotel.cl Carly

Bilbao, Spain

Photograph: Paul Adams/Alamy

Whenever we take friends to Bilbao, our starting point is the Mount Artxanda funicular, providing them with a glorious perspective of the entire city and the way it sits perfectly between the encircling peaks. The funicular journey takes less than three minutes and costs 3.60 return, a far cry from rather more expensive counterparts in other cities. The view from the top is truly spectacular, taking in the whole city including the Casco Viejo, the Guggenheim museum, San Mams Stadium and countless bridges across the River Nervin. As an added bonus, the park at the summit is a perfect picnic spot. bilbaoturismo.net Stuart La-Ffin

Hanoi, Vietnam

Photograph: David Harding/Alamy

Check out the excellent observation deck at the top of the Lotte Center. An 8 ticket (adult) and a 50-second elevator ride will whisk you up to the 65th floor, where you can gawp at panoramic views across the city. The most spectacular elements are the two vertigo-inducing glass sky decks. You can spend as little or long as you want up top theres a bar, fast food stall, and cafe to keep your energy up for all those photo calls. Deck open until midnight. lottecenter.com.vn Jo Ditcham

New York City

Photograph: Yooran Park/Alamy

After paying $25 to shuffle around the Museum of Modern Art (Moma) with the hordes in the afternoon, we went in the evening to a free session at the Whitney Gallery of American Art in the Meatpacking district. On a Friday evening from 7-10pm it is pay-what-you-like in the stunning Renzo Piano-designed building. The views from the rooftop terraces over the lights of the Hudson, New Jersey and downtown were amazing. Better yet we had the place and exhibitions virtually to ourselves. And for a different city view, the High Line walkway just around the block allows a glimpse into the apartments of the rich and probably famous as you stroll by their windows. whitney.org Joanne Welding

Kyiv, Ukraine

Photograph: Grant Rooney Premium/Alamy

Pastel-hued St Andrews Church, at the top of a steep hill in the historic Podil district of Kyiv, has wonderful baroque architecture. But what really sets this church apart from the many others is the viewing platform, accessed for a mere 60p, which affords magnificent 360-degree views of the city. You can gaze down upon the colourful old houses, domed churches and the cobbled street known as the Andriyivskyy Descent before turning around to discover the river and modern city. Charlotte

Cape Town, South Africa

Photograph: National Geographic Image Collection/Alamy

This must be one of the most beautiful cities on Earth and the view from the top of Table Mountain is an obvious one. But not many people know its even more beautiful from neighbouring Lions Head. At almost 700 metres, Lions Head has the most breathtaking vistas of Cape Town below and the mountain above. The two-hour hike entails some steep ascents and, on one route, holding on to chains close to precipices (the main route signposted to the left is much easier) but its all very rewarding and lots of fun. The trail twists around the peak so you get views of the whole area. For the brave, theres also a vertigo-inducing rocky outcrop at the very top, perfect for posing on the Insta! Erika Lelovicova

Looking for a holiday with a difference? Browse Guardian Holidays to see a range of fantastic trips

This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our journalism is independent and is in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative. By clicking on an affiliate link, you accept that third-party cookies will be set. More information.

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tourguideexpert-blog-blog · 6 years ago

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10 of the worlds best city views: readers travel tips

New Post has been published on https://travelqia.com/must-see/10-of-the-worlds-best-city-views-readers-travel-tips/

10 of the worlds best city views: readers travel tips

These stunning viewpoints put the fun into funiculars and the drama into panorama and many have art, bars and cafes to enjoy, too

Winning tip: Jaipur, India

Havana, Cuba

Photograph: Kate Hockenhull/Alamy

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Verona, Italy

Photograph: Don White/Alamy

Bergen, Norway

Photograph: Yvette Cardozo/Alamy

Valparaso, Chile

Bilbao, Spain

Photograph: Paul Adams/Alamy

Hanoi, Vietnam

Photograph: David Harding/Alamy

New York City

Photograph: Yooran Park/Alamy

Kyiv, Ukraine

Photograph: Grant Rooney Premium/Alamy

Cape Town, South Africa

Photograph: National Geographic Image Collection/Alamy

Looking for a holiday with a difference? Browse Guardian Holidays to see a range of fantastic trips

This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our journalism is independent and is in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative. By clicking on an affiliate link, you accept that third-party cookies will be set. More information.

Read more: http://www.theguardian.com/us

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tourguideexpert-blog-blog · 6 years ago

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Great desert adventures: readers travel tips

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Great desert adventures: readers travel tips

Spectacular night skies, vast red dunes, one of the worlds longest trains and Navajo porridge are among our readers highlights in these beautiful sandscapes

Winning tip: The Canning stock route, Australia

Crossing four deserts, the Canning stock route in Western Australia extends 1,850km from Halls Creek (east of Broome) to Wiluna in the mid-west. The route was established in 1910 to break a monopoly in the beef trade. Much of it is bush track and can be undertaken with a 4WD. However, it is more usual to travel in a small escorted tour either for the whole or a section of the trail. (Last year my father-in-law undertook a section with a group of volunteers maintaining the waterholes and wells.) The trail crosses a vast and stunning wilderness: from the red dirt of the Kimberley, the Pilbara regions Lake Disappointment (a huge salt lake surrounded by sand dunes) to the wildflowers that appear in early spring. You may even see a camel or two. The best part of the day is when you set up camp, night falls and the heat subsides, and you sit beneath an endless canopy of bright stars thinking you could be the only people on the planet. john redston

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Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and in print, and the best entry each week (as chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet) wins a 200 voucher from hotels.com. To enter the latest competition visit the readers’ tips homepage

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The Sahara, Mauritania

Photograph: Alamy

Chinguetti in Mauritania, almost swallowed by sand, is the Sahara at its prettiest. The town is one of Islams holiest cities and an architectural delight. The surrounding sand dunes are mesmerisingly beautiful and impressive in size. Its possible to visit nearby oases on a camel and stay overnight in the desert under the open sky, an unforgettable experience on both full moon and moonless nights. The very adventurous can get to Chinguetti by riding the first class carriage (free of charge) on Mauritanias iron ore train, one of the longest trains in the world (at about 3km). It departs Nouadhibou and Chinguetti can then be reached via Choum and Atar (which has an airport and can be reached by air from the capital, Nouakchott). GoranLondon

Navajo territory, Arizona, US

Photograph: Alamy

On the last night of our four-day trip in Arizona, my brother and I stayed at Shash Dine Eco-Retreat (cabin sleeping four from 112 a night, shashdine.com). We were able to spend the night on Navajo land in a traditional hogan (a small house made from poles and branches). We spent time taking in the reds, oranges, and purples of Antelope Canyon, exploring the bizarre landscape of toadstools, splashing around Lake Powell, and marvelling at the majesty of the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. That night around the fire we watched the stars while lightning storms rolled through in the distance. The fire kept us warm for hours. Soon enough the sun rose and we were greeted with freshly brewed Navajo tea, porridge, and fresh fruit. Our last stop before we left town was a lookout over the Grand Canyon. Our hosts took us because it is not accessible to the public, being on Navajo land. It was explained that, according to the Navajo, the gods lived in the Grand Canyon. Once more I stood in awe of its greatness; the gods chose the most wonderful place to call home. Kara Cunningham

Petra, Jordan

Photograph: Alamy

Even without the incredible rock-hewn monuments, Petra would be one of the most captivating of desert landscapes. The Siq canyon is mindblowing enough, cleaving through the rosy sandstone for more than a kilometre, but the puckered eruptions of rock that contain the ancient city are a masterpiece of natural beauty. Blistered red cliffs soar skywards, painted with streaks of purple, rose, ochre and orange. Follow rock-cut steps up to the High Place of Sacrifice, looking out for the colourful strata on the way up, and enjoying a birds eye view of the mountains from the top. To round off the desert experience, spend the night in one of the Bedouin camps near Little Petra, reached along a road through more mind-bending rock formations. marthah

Stargazing in the Atacama, Chile

Photograph: Getty Images

While visiting the Atacama desert, our standout experience was a tour with a retired astronomer. A minibus picked us up at our hotel in San Pedro and we drove out to a collection of fixed telescopes, where for the next two hours we were shown the wonders of the night sky free from light pollution. Wrap up warm. The tour doesnt run for three nights either side of a full moon. Tours from 30, spaceobs.com Danny Jones

Oatman town, Mojave, US

Photograph: Liz Marr

In stunning scenery along a mountain road between Lake Havasu City and Kingman lies the forgotten town of Oatman. Take away the cars and you have the old wild west tumbledown wooden buildings and saloon bars. Wander the raised wooden sidewalks with the oh-so-friendly donkeys that roam free in the streets and sometimes the gift shops. Eat and drink at the old west cafes when you need to get out of the sun. Dont forget the Oatman Sidewalk Egg Fry in July when temperatures can reach 50C. Sun block and hats a must! Liz Marr

Rajasthan, India

Photograph: David Ross

As you approach the city of Jaisalmer through the vast Thar desert, the vegetation becomes ever more sparse. Peering through the windows of your train carriage, you can see the cattle slowly give way to camels. At the end of the line a 17-hour rail journey from Delhi is a real desert treat: a city of imposing sandstone forts, intricately carved temples and jaw-dropping Rajasthani havelis (mansions). In a country as populous and frenetic as India, this isolated region on the border with Pakistan feels special. Within an hour of the city walls you feel as if you are days from anywhere. An overnight camel safari is the perfect way to appreciate the beautiful wilderness: cooking and camping under the stars in the Thar gives you an experience of solitude you will never forget. The wonderfully relaxing Hotel Mystic in Jaisalmer (doubles from 28 B&B, mysticjaisalmer.com) makes a great base and also organises trips into the desert. David Ross

Cycling the Sonoran, Tucson, US

Photograph: Alamy

You can cycle (my favourite) hike or drive through Saguaro national park, part of the Sonoran desert bordering Tucson. Youll be blown away by this landscape. Some features are familiar, such as the iconic giant cacti: silhouetted against a desert sunset, they are breathtaking. This desert abounds in birdlife. Ive been lucky enough to glimpse hummingbirds and vermilion flycatchers. For a fuller understanding of the ecology and more, the Arizona-Sonora museum (desertmuseum.org) is worth a visit. Moiraash

An enchanting ecolodge, Jordan

Photograph: Alamy

Its a bumpy old ride to get there, through unmade roads in Wadi Feynan in Jordan, but you are definitely rewarded as you approach Feynan Ecolodge in the rugged Dana Biosphere Reserve. My wife and I threw caution to the (sandy) winds, and hired a car in Jordan to drive deep into the desert for a night at this incredibly peaceful ecolodge, where your only neighbours are wild camels and the very occasional Bedouin goat farmer. While the candlelit dinner was something special, it was lying on the roof terrace watching the stars unfold on a cloudless night that made this an experience to remember. Doubles from 124 full board and activities, ecohotels.me Joe Sunderland

Sandboarding in Perus Northern Desert

Photograph: Getty Images

Most people travel to north Peru to surf the coastal waves, but inland at the Northern Desert theres surfing of a different kind sandboarding. Take a 30-minute taxi ride from Trujillo to the oasis of La Laguna de Conache. At this small farming settlement, you can rent boards for a few pounds and surf the huge sand dunes. Climbing up is a work-out in itself and coming down is heart-stoppingly fast, so remember to pause at the top for a photo of the endless desert as you perch gingerly on your board. Cool off in the neighbouring reservoir, and even hire a boat to fish for tilapia. bowbank

The Negev, Israel

Photograph: Northlondonhousewife

Consider a trip to the Negev if youre visiting Israel. Its such a small country that nothing is really very far away, but the Negev feels as if its a million miles away from everywhere, including the troubles of this region. Hostel Succah in the Desert, near Mitzpe Ramon, has fairly basic cabins (no electricity, no running water, no wifi, no mobile signal) that take you back to a much simpler time and place. Theres a pool at the reception, which is also where breakfast is served. Activities include horse and camel rides, and desert safaris. Desert cabins from 105 B&B, succah.co.il Northlondonhousewife

Wahiba Sands and Hajar Mountains, Oman

Photograph: Joe Trevorrow

With three friends I hired a guide and a 4×4 through Nomad Tours in Muscat (250pp, nomadtours.com) and set out on a very basic camping expedition into the Hajar Mountains in the north of Oman, witnessing stunning sunrises of which I have pictures of, climbing through dangerous desert canyons and seeing a space rocket burn up in the night sky. We then headed south for a night in the Wahiba Sands a 200 sq km desert with long rolling dunes, herds of bedouin and camels roaming. The desert much is reddish in colour, and comes alive at night with various insects, lizards and jerboas hunting. Dunes rise to around 200 metres in height and climbing them is certainly a workout. The further you head into the desert you find yourself cut off from the dune bashers and civilisation. Temperatures during September when we went hit 49C during midday so we had to make sure all our skin was fully covered. We finally headed out of the sand dunes to Wadi bin Khaled, one of many oasis-like features found in Oman to wash the sand of and refresh. Joe Trevorrow

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10 of the worlds best piers: readers travel tips

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10 of the worlds best piers: readers travel tips

From a favourite of John Betjeman to Polish art-deco cafes, underwater observatories and Hemingways fishing spot our readers reveal their favourite over-water strolls

Winning tip: Huntington Beach, California

Huntington Beach is the spiritual home of Californian surfing. I love strolling out early in the morning along Huntington Beach Pier, when the marine layer mist lingers, making everything seem mystical. All you can see are the silhouettes of hundreds of surfers, sitting, waiting for a wave. Watch them as you stroll along the 1,850ft-long pier, then head to Rubys, a 1940s-style diner at the end of the pier. Head upstairs and sit by a window looking out to the Pacific, to watch the dolphins and the mist slowly lift, drinking bottomless coffee and eating delicious pancake stacks. Maddy Miller, London

Usedom, Baltic Sea

Heringsdorf Pier. Photograph: Martin Siepmann/Getty Images

The island of Usedom, shared between Germany and Poland in the Baltic Sea, is a fantastic place to cycle. One of our rides covered the five-mile promenade linking the three imperial spa villages of Bansin, Ahlbeck and Heringsdorf. The last of these has an impressive pier (a relatively modern structure of glass and steel, replacing the original wooden one constructed in 1891, which was then the longest in continental Europe). We enjoyed its shell and coral museum, and ate in the space age-looking restaurant at the far end. You can rent holiday apartments on the pier, and Heringsdorf has fine golden sands a lovely resort. Kevin, Ilkley

Clevedon, Somerset

Photograph: Joe Daniel Price/Getty Images

The most beautiful pier in England according to John Betjeman, and Englands only surviving Grade I-listed example, Clevedon pier is a gem. Theres a lovely tea shop at the end and a superb new restaurant that during the day offers delicious picnic-style food to eat on the pier, and at night becomes a classy food venue specialising in fish dishes. The Bristol Channel has the second-highest tidal range in the world, and watching the tide sweep in and out can be spectacular. You can spend a pleasant hour or so reading the moving and often funny memorial plaques. The paddle steamer Waverley is an occasional visitor. Russell Richards, Clevedon

Sopot, Poland

Photograph: Dariusz Kuzminski/Getty Images

After two days walking around Gdansk in northern Poland weheaded towards the coast on a 15-minute train journey to Sopot. Sopot is home to Europes longest wooden pier. It is over 500 metres long and is dotted with classically trained buskers. As you walk out over the sea and turn to look back at the beautiful Polish coastline, youll see an art-deco hotel and cafes. Try it at sunset. too. Ollie, Lisburn

Umhlanga, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

Photograph: Rich Townsend/Getty Images

What Umhlanga Pier on South Africas east coast lacks in length, it more than makes up for in dramatic beauty. The whalebone archway makes for unforgettable photographs as you stroll along it, perhaps to watch sunset over the Indian Ocean. It hides a clever engineering project too: its an extension of an underground culvert that helps disperse storm water and has radically improved water quality in this tourist spot near Durban. Theres lots to do in Umhlanga, from watersports to fine dining, but the pier has to be the resorts most iconic land-cum-water mark, especially when lit up at night. Moira, South Wales

The Hague, the Netherlands

The most unexpected part of my visit to the Netherlands. Extending 400m over a wide strip of golden sand and flanked by beach cafes, a wide promenade and great shopping, the pier is home to a zipline, a ferris wheel and a bungee jump. If you prefer things a little more sedate, there are cafes and shops to browse. Festivals, cultural events, markets, kids afternoons, educational activities and musical performances are offered throughout the year. And if you want to make a night of it, stay in one of the beautiful suites, at the end of the pier, where youre guaranteed a sea view and a great nights sleep listening to the waves whispering up the beach. Deborah Gilbody, Rushden

Roker Pier, Sunderland

Photograph: Mark Sunderland/Getty Images

This newly refurbished pier is a gem. It looks like any other harbour pier on first inspection, well used by cyclists, strollers, sunbathers and people fishing. Recently it has undergone restoration so that you can now explore its tunnel, hidden within the pier itself, which runs to the lighthouse at the end. Where else do you get to go inside a pier structure? The views from the lighthouse are superb. And there is excellent fish and chips at the entrance to the pier. Entry to pier is free, tours of tunnel and lighthouse 6pp, rokerpier.co.uk Anya Chapman, Bournemouth

Busselton Jetty, Western Australia

Photograph: Posnov/Getty Images

Reaching 1.8km into Geographe Bay in the far south-west of WA, three hours from Perth and close to the Margaret River wine region, Busselton Jetty is over 150 years old. Built on wooden piles, it was a major trading point for European settlers, servicing over 5,000 vessels during its working life. Now you can walk, or ride the miniature railway, to the underwater observatory at its farthest point. A day ticket is $4, which allows you to walk the jetty, and dive, fish or swim from it; the miniature railway and observatory cost extra. Better still, the jetty is open 24 hours and is free in the evenings and early mornings. busseltonjetty.com.au Graham Sheath, York

Hua Hin, Thailand

At weekends, Bangkokians drive 90 minutes south to Hua Hin, not just for the beach and sea but to eat freshly caught fish at what are known as the squid piers. These are wonderfully constructed long wooden jetties over the sea, lined with open-air restaurants serving reasonably priced dishes. Id recommend La Terrasse, Chao Lay and Mee Karuna. Helen Jackson, London

Ernest Hemingway Pier, Melia Cayo Guillermo, Cuba

Photograph: Getty Images

This idyllic pier is freely accessible from the beach and was a favourite fishing spot of Ernest Hemingway. And many thanks for the Hemingway-esque brevity of this tip Sandra, Richmond

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10 of the world's best public transport rides: readers travel tips

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10 of the world's best public transport rides: readers travel tips

Theres no need for expensive tours when you can take a cable car to a cloud forest, a train through a gorge or a $10 bus to fantastic vineyards

Winning tip: Ferry to Mull and Iona, Highlands and Islands

Idyllic Iona is reached by a 10-minute, 3.50 return, ferry from Mull. It is the culmination of a pilgrimage starting at Oban on the mainland with the 45-minute ferry to Craignure and then bus, from which you can enjoy the isolated beauty of the road across Mull to reach Fionnphort. You embark on your short voyage to Iona with seals and dolphins playing in the wake of your ferry, impressive sea bird displays and the teal- to indigo-shaded waters. You will be rewarded with spiritual refreshment at sixth-century-founded Iona Abbey, the freshest fish in the St Columba Hotel and beautiful beaches near the Iona Hostel. calmac.co.uk Lizzie

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Hovercraft to the Isle of Wight

Photograph: Colin Burdett/Alamy

The hovercraft trip between Southsea (Portsmouth) and Ryde may well be the worlds only passenger hovercraft service, and its one of the most exciting rides you can take. That moment when the craft rises ponderously from its haunches, then slides gloriously sideways into the sea is one of the most exciting bits of any journey I ever go on. Theres the feeling of flying in fact, the reality of flying without any of that tedious business of getting to an airport and climbing into an aircraft. Those hovercraft go fast a shame its over in 10 minutes, but you get to see Victorian forts in the Solent and other interesting marine craft that traverse the channel. Yes, its noisy, but my, its fun. From about 24 return, hovertravel.co.uk Matthew

Free tram, Melbourne, Australia

Photograph: Getty Images

There could not be a more charming way of exploring Melbourne than the City Circle tram, a quaint Burgundy and Gold W6 class tram, with glossy wooden bench seats and panoramic views. It trundles around a circular loop of the city centre, with the rolling commentary sharing anecdotes about the history, buildings and parks. You can hop on and off all day between Melbournes vibrant centre, Flinders Street and the pretty waterfront. It is the saviour of travel-worn feet, a wonderful novelty and, best of all, its free. ptv.vic.gov.au Anna Kennett

Medelln cable car, Colombia

Photograph: Getty Images

For under $1, you can glide smoothly out of the citys centre to barrios on its lush surrounding hills and even further into the cloud forest on cable cars, part of Medellns metro network. This transport is not only cheap and convenient for locals but is a wonderful way to take in all of the different flavours of this fabulous city. Line L takes visitors to the Arv Park nature reserve, with its miles of trails and bountiful wildlife. A fifth line (Line M) is due to open this summer as the network expands. medellincolombia.co Eleanor

Alilaguna water bus, Venice

Photograph: Getty Images

If you reach Venice by air, buy your tickets for the Alilaguna water bus from Marco Polo airport and follow the well-signposted route to the jetty. We found the linea rossa boats frequent (they run twice an hour in summer) and clean, and the staff were helpful. A cheap and unhurried trip across the lagoon via the Lido and Murano, with a stop near Piazza San Marco. Incredibly scenic. Returns 25 between airport and Lido, alilaguna.it Lynn

Wine-tasting by bus, Argentina

Quilmes fort. Photograph: Alamy

Doing a wine-tasting trip is brilliant if you use the bus. The Mendoza-bound 339 from Salta to Cafayate follows a route through steep rocky valleys, dusty, cacti-covered hills and flashes of surprisingly lush green vegetation to deliver you 190km south to some of the countrys best vineyards in beautiful Cafayate, well known for its Torronts grapes. Youre almost certain to be the only tourist on the 339, and if you stay onboard for another hour youll arrive at the ruined fortress of Quilmes atop a hill that commands a majestic view of Tucumn province. Tickets from around US$10. The 339 is operated by Flechabus.com.ar but other bus companies operate between Salta and Cafayate, including transporteaconquija.com.ar Alex

Sleeper from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Photograph: Ian Atkinson/Alamy

We booked the SE2 Reunification Express overnight train from Ho Chi Minh in the far south up the east coast to Da Nang, taking about 18 hours. What a great experience. Soft(ish) sleeper, lots of stops, the opportunity to talk with locals on and off the train, and fascinating sights along the way. Dinner of two boiled eggs, accompanied by rice wrapped in a banana leaf, was tasty and filling. Its not fast or luxurious, but beats flying hands down. Sleeper from about $50 one way, vietnam-railway.com Mike Kilbane

Derry to Coleraine train line, Northern Ireland

Photograph: Alexander Cimbal/Alamy

Trains in Ireland are as rare as hens teeth in this day and age but those that do exist boast some of the most spectacular and scenic views anywhere. Particularly the 45-minute Derry to Coleraine journey which Michael Palin described as one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world. Hugging the unspoilt coast of the north-west of Ireland, this journeys highlights include Downhill Strand (where Stannis Baratheon oversaw the burning of the statues of the Old Gods for you Game of Thrones fans) and Mussenden Temple perched on the clifftop above the railway. 10 one way, translink.co.uk Catherine

Ferry journey, Alaska and the Aleutians

Photograph: Danita Delimont/Alamy

Instead of expensive and environmentally harmful cruises, take the Alaskan State Ferry between Bellingham, Washington State (just across the border from Vancouver), and Juneau, the Alaskan capital. It runs at the least weekly and takes about 60 hours. The accommodation may not be as smart as a private cruise but the scenery is the same and your fellow passengers are much more interesting. You can continue your journey along the Aleutians to the remote port of Dutch Harbor on Unalaska island perhaps the most remote place you can ever get to by public transport in North America. Ive been on the ferries twice both memorable journeys subsidised by the Alaskan taxpayer. Adult from $418 (Bellingham to Juneau), dot.state.ak.us Simon Fowler

Historic railway near Patras, Greece

Photograph: Charalambos Andronos/Getty Images

Train journeys dont get much more dramatic and technologically interesting than the Odontotos rack railway between Diakopto and Kalavrita in Greece, south of Patras. The journey covers 22km and takes 68 minutes as the train winds its way through the Vouraikos gorge, a geologic area recognised by Unesco. To allow for the ascent of 750 metres, a cog or rack system kicks into effect at certain points on the route. Youll move through towering cliffs, with rushing waterfalls below and a canopy of plane trees above. The destination, Kalavrita, was the scene of an infamous wartime massacre, marked by a moving museum and memorial site. Return ticket 19, odontotos.com Ian Ferguson

Looking for a holiday with a difference? Browse Guardian Holidays to see a range of fantastic trips

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10 of the best eccentric attractions in Europe: readers travel tips

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10 of the best eccentric attractions in Europe: readers travel tips

Weird wonders, including a prowl around Amsterdams cat museum, a truly deep Transylvanian theme park and Stalins World in Lithuania, have made readers embrace the quirky

10 of the best eccentric attractions in Europe: readers travel tips

Cultural trips

Readers' travel tips

10 of the best eccentric attractions in Europe: readers travel tips

Weird wonders, including a prowl around Amsterdams cat museum, a truly deep Transylvanian theme park and Stalins World in Lithuania, have made readers embrace the quirky

Guardian readers

Wed 14 Feb 2018 06.00EST

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Mineral marvel the theme park in Salina Turda salt mine in the Durgu-Valea Srat region, Romania. Photograph: Alamy

Winning tip: Theme park in a Transylvanian salt mine, Romania

For a surreal experience, look no further than the Salina Turda salt mine. The 120-metre-deep mine was built in the 17th century and briefly used during the second world war as a bomb shelter. Then, later, it was a cheese storage facility. More recently it has been converted into a magical underground theme park, with a ferris wheel, mini-golf, bowling alley and table tennis. It also has an underground lake with rowing boats that you can use to explore the mine. Adult 5.75, child 2.90; ferris rides 1, row boats 2.90, salinaturda.eu Lindsay Watters

Stuttgart Pig Museum, Germany

Trotter this way piggy banks on display at the Stuttgart Pig Museum. Photograph: Alamy

Claiming to be the largest pig museum in the world (it could be there is little competition), the Schweine Museum has 50,000 items over three floors and 25 rooms that detail every aspect of the pig: from hunting, farming and butchery to the role of the pig in human culture. There is even a room dedicated to the pig in relation to human sexuality! If all this pigginess gives you an appetite, its restaurant awaits where pork and ham dominate the menu, obviously. Adult 5.90, child (7-14) 3, child (4-6) 1.50, under 4s free, schweinemuseum.deJustabloke

Trick fountains at Hellbrunn Palace, Salzburg, Austria

Showers forecast visitors amid fountains at Hellbrunn Palace, Salzburg. Photograph: Getty Images

I first visited these trick fountains as a child and enjoyed them so much I returned years later with my girlfriend. The Mannerist fountains, within the picturesque grounds of Schloss Hellbrunn, were the brainchild of the eccentric Markus Sittikus, Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, who enjoyed playing practical jokes on his guests. Highlights include a banqueting table rigged with water jets for unsuspecting guests, a grotto that traps guests with a maze of water sprays and a water-operated musical theatre. You walk in trepidation, awaiting the next shot of water, and often to the great amusement of everyone else. Dry off with a stroll around the beautiful gardens. A great attraction for a warm summers day. Adult 12.50, child (4-18) 5.50, family 26.50 (2 adults, 1 child, 2.50 for each additional child); price includes guided tour through trick fountains, hellbrunn.at Michael Groves

Ace caff with a garden attached, Sintra, Portugal

Monserrte Palace, Sintra. Photograph: SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images

As if Sintra were not eccentric enough, William Beckfords gardens at Monserrate can only be described, like the cause of his exile, as flagrant. Waterfalls, streams under gothic arches, a ruined chapel and a huge collection of plants once curated by a gardener from Kew are all there with what was once the only lawn in Iberia. The palace inspired by Brighton Pavilion stands at one end of a path and the cafe at the other. Everything you eat or drink there is splendid, as recommended to us by a group of trainees from, yes, Kew, whom we overheard working in a particularly luxuriant bed. The palace has seen better days but chamber concerts in the original music room are raising funds for its restoration. parquesdesintra.pt John Pelling

Mountain views while on a toilet in Andorra

Stream of consciousness toilet with a sloping view at Grandvalira ski resort, Andorra. Photograph: callens17

In the principality of Andorra, at the Grandvalira ski resort, I discovered an eccentric attraction the toilet on one of its, ahem, runs. From the outside it has reflective walls, but once inside the walls appear transparent so you have a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains. You do have to keep reminding yourself that while you can see the passing skiers they cant see you. Its a bit unnerving at first. callens17

Jet engines in the garden, Burgundy, France

Plane crazy aircraft at Savigny-ls-Beaune

Not many chateaux have around 90 jet fighters in their garden, but the crumbling chateau in the village of Savigny-ls-Beaune does, along with helicopters, a hovercraft, hundreds of motorbikes of various ages, a shedful of viticulture tractors, a display of ageing fire engines, thousands of models of all sorts of vehicles and an attic full of (real!) Abarth racing cars. It also produces and sells wine. It was a weird but fascinating experience. Adult 11, child (10-16) 5, under 9 free, chateau-savigny.com Sandra Charles

ikov television tower, Prague

Photograph: Alamy

Voted the second-ugliest building in the world, the ikov tower makes for an interesting diversion from the historic architecture of the centre. Its an odd sight, featuring crawling babies ascending to the top. Inside, however, there is an observatory and a rather swish cocktail bar (and restaurant), serving delightful concoctions in test tubes. At the top you can sit in half-sphere glass seats dangling from the ceiling a comfortable spot for relaxing with fantastic views of the city. Observatory admission adult 8.80, child (3 and over) 5.60, family (2 adults, up to three children) 22, towerpark.cz bevshields

Muse du Champignon, Loire Valley, France

On a family holiday, we stumbled across a mushroom museum at Cave des Roches, east of Tours, which involved a fascinating and bizarre cave tour through the world of French shrooms. On the site of a former quarry, there are now seven underground levels to explore. I was not a funghi fan before visiting but the delicious shiitakes converted me. The Saumur region, more generally, is also gorgeous and perfect for a family camping holiday. Adult 9, child (6-18) 7, musee-du-champignon.com Gemma Wilkins

Purrfectly ridiculous cat museum, Amsterdam

Paws for thought at Katten Kabinet, Amsterdam. Photograph: Alamy

Amsterdams Katten Kabinet is devoted to an exploration of the cats role in art and culture through the centuries. Fascinating though that was, for me the best bit was the section on JP Morgan, a ginger feline owned by the museums eccentric founder, Bob Meijer, and the inspiration for the museum. This cat inspired huge devotion from Meijer and his equally crazy cronies. For example, to celebrate Morgans 15th birthday, they produced US dollar bills with George Washingtons face replaced by the cats and the words In God We Trust replaced by We Trust No Dog. That gem alone was worth the entrance fee. Adult 7, under-12s free, kattenkabinet.nl rja123

Grtas sculpture park, Druskininkai, Lithuania

Park revolutionary bust of Lenin at Grtas sculpture park, Druskininkai. Photograph: Danita Delimont/Getty Images

In a beautiful forest setting in southern Lithuaniai is a sculpture park unlike any Ive ever visited. Here are gathered Soviet-era statues of such notables as Marx, Lenin and Engels. They were rescued from abandonment by the parks millionaire owner after the fall of communism. So far, so eerily impressive. The jury is out on whether the mock-gulag extras of watchtowers and barbed wire are educational or tacky and the park has earned the nickname of Stalins World. Its museum depicts communisms dark side and there are some striking and familiar propaganda posters in the art gallery. Adult 7.50, 6-16s 4, under 6s free, grutoparkas.lt Moiraash

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Visit Sidari in Corfu Greece Travel Guide Travel Tips Tourism Greece

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Visit Sidari in Corfu Greece Travel Guide Travel Tips Tourism Greece

Member we’re on the northern coast of Corfu Sid re is the most popular resort village of the area its characteristic striped sandstone walls guarding traces of many millennia, it’s cliffs shaped by water, and wind appear on every postcard a famous side of the place is the canal d’amour the Love Canal which ensures gullible couples that if they swim through the canal together they will stay to find tradition on Corfu that all swimming pools of restaurants, and cafes may be used by anybody not only the guests, it’s the same way in sadar e the sandstone walls are a beautiful sight when viewed from the sea we may do this by paddle boat for instance you Siderius not only a pleasure resort, it’s also the starting point for boat trips from here we can travel by boat to the Da Ponte islands to paleokastritsa or cassiopi.

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Visit Stavros in Chalkidiki Greece Travel Guide Travel Tips Tourism Greece

Those preparing for the conquering of the eastern coast of Macedonia venture upon a longer, and more exhausting journey than other companions going to northern Greece. Because a journey to Eastern Macedonia requires Fitness resoluteness persistence moreover the awareness of the advantages, and charm of this beautiful region the scenery here though compensates us for everything but some characteristic features considered unique even in Greece.

Pure simplicity naturalism savage cliffs sometimes wild sometimes alluring bays magnificently dominating the whole area Alexander the Great the conqueror as well as his father philip ii of macedonia were born, and grew up here the latter was the first builder of the Macedonian pyre, and the founder of the famous Greek military formation, and strategy defiance Vasa dounia’s spiritual artistic cultural, and scientific prosperity can be attributed to them the famous via Ignacio the big roadway led this way in the Roman then East Roman Empire being the only continental road between Greece, and Byzantium the residential buildings of starbursts were built on the hill stretching along the coastline from where even Kaka can be seen in clear weather the long stretching sandy coastline of East macedonia spreads before us with beautifully developed beaches stavros ospa Volta, and um people in the parks feature shade giving trees showy flowers, and a petting zoo for children.

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Best places to eat and drink in Japan: readers travel tips

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Best places to eat and drink in Japan: readers travel tips

It might not be hard to find great sushi in Tokyo, or a gem of a saki bar, but where would you go for the best okonomiyaki pancakes, takoyaki octopus balls, gold ice-cream or udon noodles?

Winning tip: Takoyaki, Nishiki Market, Kyoto

Ive eaten the most rarefied meals of my life in Japan, but its hard to beat the charms of a 2 portion of takoyaki fluffy balls of eggy batter studded with boiled octopus, ginger and spring onion in a polystyrene tray. These are anointed with takoyaki sauce (Japans answer to HP) and mayonnaise, then sprinkled with dried pink bonito (skipjack tuna) flakes, which writhe in the heat emanating from the molten core. You spear each ball with a notched cocktail stick and nibble while trying to avoid singing your lips. Its like eating mouthfuls of octopus-flavoured cloud. Osaka invented them, but you can find them pretty much everywhere in Japan. Among the best are the ones served in Kyotos Nishiki Market, where you buy a ticket from a vending machine before placing your order with the cook juggling the golden balls. MoragR

Tofu temple, Kyoto

Photograph: Guardian Witness/MoragR

You need a good-luck talisman (and some instructions printed from the internet) to find Shoraian, hidden in the glorious Arashiyama mountains to the west of Kyoto. To reach it I followed the jade waters of the Hozu river, then took a steep path into the forest to a lonely hillside clearing with a wooden house, which seems to belong in a fairytale. Shoraians fame rests on its tofu-based menu. It sounds ascetic, but this is Japan, where simplicity means invention and elegance. All its tofu is made in-house, which results in something completely unlike the stuff packaged in supermarkets. We ate in a room overlooking the river and shaded by rustling trees. We chose the cheapest of the set menus, at around 25 per head (lunch is always a more affordable option than dinner in Japan). The meal starts with homemade plum wine served with a scoop of tofu as creamy as burrata, served with a pinch of salt. Vegetarian delicacies follow, an artwork on a plate. Then a bowl called sunrise, served with a calligraphy poem, based on a preserved egg as bright as a pocket-sized sun. Then comes yudofu (tofu hot-pot) blocks of tofu simmered in tasty broth. Dessert is tofu ice-cream nutty, toffee-ish and textured. I will never eat a more magical meal. Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, +81 75 861 0123, shoraian.com MoragR

Sushi Tokami, Ginza, Tokyo

Hiroyuki Sato preparing sushi at Tokami. Photograph: Guardian Witness/pfrosty

Ginza is where the best sushi places in Tokyo are found and must be among the best in the world. Sushi Tokami is my pick of the lot, run by Michelin-starred Hiroyuki Sato, one of the young guns of the sushi scene, who loves a joke and is happy to chat and explain while making exquisitely flawless nigiri. The place is a tiny basement affair with 10 seats in total but when you also learn that Tokami means 10 gods then you realise this restaurant is a small but beautiful offering to the world of sushi. Sushi (10 pieces) from 31 including soup and appetiser, Ginza Seiwa Silver Building B1F, 8-2-10 Ginza, Chup-ku, +81 3 3571 6005, sushitokami.3zoku.com pfrosty

Jumanji 55, Roppongi, Tokyo

Photograph: Facebook

You dont get much better than Roppongi for a fun cheap night out in Tokyo. For just 6 you can drink as much as you like here for four hours, and the service is fantastic. It has everything: bizarre interior design, a fine selection of western and Asian music and a real buzz. It also has a great selection of traditional snacks. 3-10-5 Mariner building 1F, +81 3 5410-5455, jumanji55.com Natasha Alexa Searle

Bar Track, Ebisu, Tokyo

Ebisu is known for its izakayas (informal bar and eating joints) and as a cool spot away from the crowds of Shinjuku and Shibuya. A simple sign saying Bar on a nondescript building leads to a warm and hushed interior. Theres a huge selection of rare Japanese and Scotch whiskies and US bourbons. The bartenders play old jazz and blues records from a collection of thousands through vintage wooden speakers. There are simple bar snacks to keep you going banana chips, wasabi peas and rice crackers.

3-24-9 Higashi Shibuya +81 3 5466 8871, on Facebook Sam Seager

Kushiya monogatari, Shinjuku, Tokyo

Photograph: Getty Images/Flickr Open

This is a brilliant restaurant in the Shinjuku area offering a range of tabehodai and nomihodai (all you can eat/drink) options. It specialises in kushiage various meats, veg and fish on skewers. Each table has a small fryer in the middle, you pick out the skewers you want and batter/fry them yourself at your table. The best thing is you can have as much as you want in 90 minutes for about 2,500 (15.50) including drinks. I have eaten in many different types of restaurant in Japan but this definitely ranks at the top of my list. Not only is the food excellent but it is a fun and unique dining experience and great value for money. 1-3-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, 5th fl, Sunflower Bldg, +81 3 5321 6166, sunnypages.jp Roy Searle

Sushibar Hamacho, Nozawa Onsen

Photograph: Alamy

Nozawa Onsen is a great little ski resort, still very traditional. Its tiny streets have a great selection of eating places. My favourite was Sushibar Hamacho, a one-room place with seating at the bar or on the floor of a raised, matted platform. The place is usually busy with seemingly random opening hours. But the fresh, plump salmon and tuna are beautifully presented and of perfect quality, taste and texture. Four of us shared the platter and then polished off another one. Most meals cost around 9. 9519 Toyosato Nozawaonsen-Mura, +81 2 6985 2591 buryboy

Hida beef and sake in Takayama

Photograph: Getty Images/AWL Images RM

Kill two culinary birds with one stone with a visit to Takayama, a historic town in the mountains 200 miles west of Tokyo, famous for both its hida beef and sake. Once youve explored the numerous shrines and temples sprinkled around the surrounding hillsides, keep an eye out for the distinctive balls of cedar hanging from a building which signify a sake brewery; where the cedar ball has turned brown it means the sake is ready to drink. Several of the breweries offer tastings, and tasting cloudy sake is definitely an experience. In the evening, head to a specialist hida beef restaurant, such as Maruaki, to experience the best steak youll taste in your life. 6 Chome-8 Tenmanmachi, +81 577-35-5858, hidagyu-maruaki.co.jp cr7364

Noodles at Gamou-Udon, Shikoku island

Photograph: Alamy

For the true udon experience, go to Kagawa prefecture on Shikoku island. The signature foods here are soup and the al dente udon noodles. Gamou-Udon sits in the middle of farmland, dedicated to serving mainly udon and soba (thin buckwheat noodles) available only during its season from Nov-Apr. The menu is simple: small, medium or large noodles and you can add your own toppings (selection of tempura, fried bean curd and poached egg). I recommend to stay within three toppings to actually enjoy the noodles. This small hut that seats about 15 people gets very busy. People come, slurp the noodles and leave. Locals as well as Japanese tourists queue up during lunch hour. If you go too late, they will run out for the day so go early. It doesnt do dinner. Best udon Ive ever had (Im Japanese). 762-0023 Kagawa-ken, Sakaide-shi Alvin K Shimoju

Somen noodles, Shodoshima island

The small island of Shodoshima off Okoyama often gets overlooked by visitors to the Seto inland sea who favour its nearby arty, even smaller, neighbour Naoshima. Shodoshima, however, is a food paradise, from roadsides lined with olive groves, to the smell of sesame oil wafting through the air; food is central to life here. Highlights for visitors include Yamaroku, a small family soy sauce producer who estimates the age of its business through the ancient barrels its soy sauce ferments in. It is free to visit and you can climb up and look into the dark vats as well as sample a delightful spectrum of soy sauce products. Around the corner you will also find Nakabuan, a local somen noodle-maker where you can watch the thin wheat-flour noodles being hand-rolled, while eating the one dish on the menu, a bowl of fresh somen with dipping sauce. ID5040053

Gold ice-cream, Kanazawa

Photograph: Guardian Witness/Claire Mason

The opportunity to indulge in a golden ice-cream is rare; but not here in Kanazawa. The city was spared from bombing during the second world war and has managed to retain its historic districts and charm. It produces almost all of Japans gold leaf, and there must be a surplus because its even used as an ice cream topping. You can buy the creamy, gold ice-cream from various stands in the historic parts of town. Claire Mason

Okonomiyaki pancakes, Hiroshima

Photograph: Getty Images/AWL Images RM

Street food has been mainstream in Japan for a while now, with variations on savoury pancakes in the 20 or so eateries in Hiroshimas Okonomiyaki building a classic example. Combining whatever ingredients you want fried up with fish stock and cabbage pancake mix is an unpretentious meal, eaten off up-turned beer crates while sat around the hot plate. The snack is highly visual, with a pizza-size lattice of mayonnaise and tangy sauce mingling with oscillating tuna flakes sizzling away. Yours for 7. Tayls79

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10 of the best US road trip stopoffs readers travel tips

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10 of the best US road trip stopoffs readers travel tips

Anyone driving in the US will encounter kitsch diners and gaudy motels, but the roads are also lined with oddball museums and unique amusements New Testament mini-golf anyone?

Winning tip: Freight car motel, Pennsylvania

Visiting Amish Country on our road trip from Philadelphia to Chicago, we stayed in an old caboose (railroad wagon): the Red Caboose Motel in Ronks. The motel consists of a string of old carriages in bucolic countryside. On the farm beside our caboose we watched Amish men in wide-brimmed hats farming with old-fashioned tools; we bought produce from women in bonnets and long dresses, and waved to Amish children peering from buggies. The cabooses vary; larger units cater for families with bunk beds, whereas the smaller baggage car is more basic. Theres a dining car restaurant and even a honeymoon caboose with whirlpool bath. Doubles from $80 room only, redcaboosemotel.com bowbank

Florida island restaurant

Stepping into the Bubble Room on North Captiva island, off Florida, is akin to stepping into every dream of 1950s America. From the vintage toys inside glass tables, to mommas own cooking in the kitchen, youre overcome with the sights and sounds of this playful restaurant with a kitsch Christmas theme. The hardest part will be choosing which room youll eat your dinner in. Dinner mains from $18.95, bubbleroomrestaurant.com Anna Kilcooley

Hooked on barbed wire? Texas

Photograph: Mark Williamson/Getty Images

The Devils Rope and Route 66 Museum in McLean, just off the old Route 66, is housed in a former (underwired?) bra factory. Barbed wire was used extensively in ranching, and many of the 2,000 different patterns of wire, and the tools used to construct the fences, are displayed here. Not grabbing you yet? Theres also a photographic and textual history of the dust bowl (the 1930s period of dust storms caused by drought and poor farming methods) and cattle rearing. You can even buy barbed wire art, including some unique sculpture; and theres a section devoted to Route 66 memorabilia, including the original Big Texan Steak Ranch cow, an old motel sign. barbedwiremuseum.com fionachaillier

Gods golf course, Kentucky

Weve done our fair share of US road trips and often use roadsideamerica.com as inspiration for detours. The Bible mini-golf at the Lexington Ice Center, set in gardens with waterfalls and streams, was worth stopping at for sheer quirkiness alone. You can choose from three different courses, Old Testament, New Testament or Miracles, where youll find holes called Mount Sinai and Jonah and the Whale, for example. We played Miracles … its as underwhelming as you might imagine! lexingtonicecenter.com Chris0000

Classic roadside cafe, Montana

As you head south from the west side of Glacier national park, side-step the main US93 in favour of the scenic MT-35 which hugs the eastern shore of Flathead Lake and takes in cinematic Montana farmlands and landscapes along the way. Echo Lake Cafe in Bigfork is the perfect place to refuel. A classic American roadside cafe with a menu to match (lunch from $9.40), wooden booths, outside seating, excellent bottomless coffee, and impeccable service. Be prepared to queue up alongside the locals; its definitely worth the wait. echolakecafe.com VonBon

Kitsch amusement park, Indiana

Just south of Interstate 64 in Indiana youll find the bewildering, charming town of Santa Claus. Although the town features many Christmas-themed attractions, the main draw is the appropriately named Holiday World amusement park. The place is planned around four holiday-themed sections: Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas and is as kitschy and wonderful as it sounds. With amazing wooden rollercoasters and a superb water park, Holiday World is a must see if you ever find yourself driving through southern Indiana. Adult $50, children $40, holidayworld.com klo3912

Big Sur literary stopoff, California

Photograph: Alamy

The Henry Miller Memorial Library is on Highway One at Big Sur. It is dedicated to the renowned writer and describes itself as a place where nothing happens. In the winter its a beautiful spot where you can stop off and enjoy the stunning coastal surroundings, browse novels and enjoy free tea and coffee. During the summer it hosts a variety of cultural events from film screenings in the forest, to intimate gigs on a makeshift stage. For a man who said memorials defeated the purpose of a mans life. Only by living your own life to the full can you honour the memory of someone, Miller certainly has the most beautiful one Ive ever been to. henrymiller.org todayherenow

Wild west jailhouse, Arizona

We found this little corner of the wild west while driving through Arizonas Tonto national forest. Founded as a mining camp in 1875, remote Globe in Gila County has remained a real frontier town you can still find a few unique stores and old-time diners. Theres also the notorious Gila County courthouse, now the beautiful Cobre Valley Center for the Arts and the adjacent rather spooky Old Jailhouse. Globes history is laced with murders, hangings, stagecoach robberies, Apache raids, vigilante justice and links to the Clanton brothers of Gunfight at the OK Corral fame. Phineas Clanton married, had a ranch and is buried there. Jailhouse tours from Cobre Valley Center for the Arts Rachel Bloomfield

A desert oasis, Arizona

Rosies Den in 2010. Photograph: Alamy

We first stumbled across Rosies Den on the way to see the Great Wash (the westernmost part of the Grand Canyon). The exterior had a Bates Motel feel to it clapboard shack with fading paint, windows thick with desert dust, a disused pickup truck surrounded by tumbleweeds and a rather sad looking Joshua Tree emerging from a gravel pit. Inside, there were just a few wooden tables, one elderly server and a short counter, so we werent expecting much. Then the menus arrived. Between the four of us we ate steak and mashed potatoes, biscuits and country gravy, pancakes and eggs, a cheeseburger and fries, and lemon meringue, blueberry and coconut cream pie. Rosies has undergone many changes since. The original building burned down, then Rosie passed away, but her son rebuilt, landscaped and refurnished it. He extended the counter, installed a jukebox and hired more staff. New menu items were added and the place now sells cocktails. But Rosies still has a huge amount of nostalgic charm and good, homemade food. Its not just a roadside stop its a destination itself. On Facebook MelRoy

Giant hole, Arizona

Photograph: Tony Rowell/Getty Images

Meteor Crater is an enormous and well-preserved meteor crash site in the middle of the desert. Everything about the build-up to the crater the billboards, the gift shop, the museum is wonderfully kitsch, but seeing the 1.2km-wide crater itself is a surprisingly powerful experience. It is just a six-mile detour off Interstate 40 (which replaced the old Route 66) about 20 miles west of Winslow, and is well-signed – you cant miss it. The flat, dry landscape on this stretch of highway can be a little repetitive so this unique stop-off is certainly the best thing to break up the journey! At $18 entry this is a bargain be sure to walk the crater rim for the full experience. meteorcrater.com sw0001

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Best overseas breaks at Christmas and new year: readers travel tips

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Best overseas breaks at Christmas and new year: readers travel tips

Our tipsters go cold turkey on the traditional British Christmas in search of ice hotels, a lantern festival, exotic wildlife and traditional markets, from Brittany to the Japanese alps

Winning tip: east African wildlife trip

Last year we spent 25 December in Giraffe Manor, in a suburb of Nairobi, where giraffes poked their heads through the windows looking for breakfast. We then travelled to Ethiopia to celebrate the Orthodox Christmas on 7 January in the Bale mountains, hoping for a sighting of the endangered Ethiopian wolf. We drove and trekked across the Sanetti plateau, but the wolves remained elusive, so we drove up Ethiopias second-highest peak, the 4,377-metre Tullo Deemtu, for views of worlds largest expanse of Afro-alpine moorland and crystal-clear tarns. On the way back to Bale Mountain Lodge, we spotted a lone wolf basking in the sun on the roadside. Santa had been after all. RoyMessenger

A tree house in the Japanese alps

Three hours from Tokyo by car there is a stunning chain of mountains on the south eastern side of Lake Shirakaba-ko called Yatsugatake. There, amid a forest, is a restaurant called Canadian Farm, where owner Haseyan has crafted a rustic, charming and cosy tree house. We stayed in this chocolate box setting at Christmas and relished the local traditions of the Japanese equivalent of Valentines Day on Christmas Eve, where locals go for walks with their partner. There was also the surprise delivery of our Christmas Day feast, a KFC chicken bucket! Christmas Day isnt an official national holiday so travel is a breeze, but everyone celebrates anyway, in a jovial way. The tree house in Hara, Suwa District, Nagano, costs about 130 a night in December. go-canadianfarm.com ID863949

Giant lanterns in the Philippines

Photograph: Alamy

For Christmas magic and wonder, you cant beat the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando in the Philippines (an hours drive north-west of Manila). The festival sees beautiful and elaborate multicoloured lanterns lighting up the evenings of the holiday season. The tradition began with villages crafting paper lanterns but has evolved into something even more spectacular, with thousands of electric lights adorning the competitors efforts. Spectators travel here from all over the country: light is a symbol of hope and faith, and the warm festive atmosphere and obvious delight of the crowd are all part of the show. A competition day is held on 16 December, and the lanterns are exhibited every evening through to New Years Eve. giantlantern.ph temarispheres

Torontos big bash

Photograph: Alamy

New York would like to claim a monopoly on New Year celebrations but its neighbours over the border certainly give them a run for their money. Every year Toronto puts on a free outdoor party in Nathan Phillips Square, with live music and performances, ice skating and a huge firework display at midnight. As 31 December this year marks the end of Canadas 150th birthday celebrations, the city authorities have promised this bash will be a big one. Public transport will be free from 7pm-3am, too. hecticplanet

Strasbourg Christmas market

Photograph: Alamy

A lifelong Scrooge, I jumped at the chance of getting away from British festivities with a stay in Strasbourg, where I ended up falling in love with the notion of a traditional Christmas, especially because it snowed. The Christmas market, Christkindelsmrik, goes back to 1570 and takes over the cobbled streets round the cathedral. Stalls are festooned with evergreen branches. I really enjoyed bratwurst and gluhwein in the evenings, consumed outside in the cold, around tables shared with smiling strangers. At midnight mass we belted out familiar carols in four different languages. Christmas dinner in our one-room flat was confit de canard from a can. Our live tree, six inches high, was from the market. Next day, a local bar was open and we feasted on pork and sauerkraut. Janet Holland

Bright lights of Brittany

Photograph: Alamy

Ferry to Saint-Malo, a quiet drive to Rennes and a booking at a city centre logis, where we were offered breakfast in our room. We walked the quiet streets illuminated by lights like droplets of ice on every branch of the footpath trees. The botanic garden was open and we had it to ourselves. There were tickets at the theatre for the ballet Gat Parisienne, which we enjoyed with an enthusiastic audience, then lobster for dinner at a reasonable price. No double charge or unwilling staff: the evening was a delight. Boxing Day is just another working day in France: we drove through light frost to Carnac, finding just one other couple at the ancient stones. John Pelling

Glhwein and ski jumping, Austria

Spectators burning fireworks at the Four Hills ski jumping event. Photograph: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Igls is a small village about 20 minutes from Innsbruck, where we spent a magical New Year trip. We skied in the day and danced with the locals to waltzes at midnight on New Years Eve in the pretty streets as snow fell. Every year there is the Four Hills tournament for ski jumping, which hits Innsbruck on 3 or 4 January. To get there, you take a little tram from Igls through the woods, with locals appearing through the trees to join the tram. After about 30 minutes you are in the middle of Innsbruck. Magical. The ski jump is a huge event full of trumpets blowing, glhwein, happy cheers and bells. Its amazing. samamber

Thermal pools and fireworks, Iceland

Photograph: Getty Images

Missed having a white Christmas in the UK? Head to Reykjavik for a picturesque and adventure-filled New yYear break. Hire a four-wheel drive, book an Airbnb or stay at Kex Hostel (dorm bed from 28, double from 67), avoid the busy Blue Lagoon and head to the Secret Lagoon at Fluir (20pp) instead. Take fireworks up to the cathedral for New Years Eve but be careful the locals dont always aim high, and health and safety is not strictly applied. Sara Thomas

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10 of the best US hiking trails: readers travel tips

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10 of the best US hiking trails: readers travel tips

From a rocky wonderland with views of Las Vegas to the green ridges of the Appalachians, our readers share their tips for great walks

Winning tip: Angels of Utah

This five-mile round-trip hike within Zion national park takes you from the Virgin river to the top of Angels Landing (nearly 2,000 metres). The views from the top of the valley below are truly breathtaking. But firstly there are 21 steep switchbacks Walters Wiggles to navigate. The final part is along a very narrow ridge with sheer drops on both sides, with just a support chain to hold on to. A truly memorable (and at times scary) experience. hikespeak.com jwinkworth

New England mountains

Mount Katahdin. Photograph: Alamy

It was a walking trip in the wilderness of Virginia during which we had a rather worrying encounter with three bears that led me to look into doing a tour for my 50th birthday. Wanting to join a small group to hike the Grand Canyon, I discovered Grand American Adventures circular tour of breathtaking canyon landscapes. We travelled by minibus and hiked great wilderness routes. Ive since hiked spectacular sections of the Appalachian Trail with them, in the mountains of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, including an ascent of 1,600-metre Mount Katahdin, the highest peak of Maine. Its the perfect combination: a small group of like-minded people, camping or staying in lodgings, experienced leaders who know the routes, wonderful hiking and lasting memories. Appalachian Trail hike from 1,719 camping, 2,289 staying in hotels (flights not included), grandamericanadventures.com jules7

Shelter-to-shelter walking in Vermont

Camels Hump, Huntington Photograph: Alamy

I initially chose to do Vermonts Long Trail for unromantic logistical reasons but ended up falling in love with it. The trail is the oldest long-distance hiking route in the US and quieter than the more famous paths. It runs through high rugged mountains, alpine forests and wide open green valleys and is as stunning as anything Ive seen. Despite the name, at 272 miles it is shorter than many of Americas famous long treks. The route is well-marked with white blazes so theres less time with your head in a map and more opportunity to take in the beautiful Appalachian landscapes. There are more than 50 hikers shelters along the route so you can get away with not taking a tent helping to keep pack weight down. greenmountainclub.org Savas Arici

California island dreamin

Anacapa island. Photograph: Alamy

Channel Islands national park, 40 miles due south of Santa Barbara coast, has no cars, can only be reached by boat ($60 return with Island Packers from Ventura) and light plane, and has great hiking above rocky coasts or inland hills. We saw one of the islands tiny endemic foxes on Santa Cruz island, many seals, sea lions, pelicans and other birds on both Anacapa and Santa Cruz. The boat trip usually sees dozens of dolphins, sometimes a whale, in the Santa Barbara Channel. The website has lectures and webcams (underwater, eagles, shore birds). Weve done day hikes, and its possible to camp. Its never crowded, since the boats have limited capacity. nps.gov pburke

Teeming with wildlife, New Mexico

Pecos Wilderness, Sangre De Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe. Photograph: hedobaby

The Pecos Wilderness has a variety of trails winding by high peaks and ridges, lakes, rivers and cascading streams. This southernmost tip of the Rockies is outstandingly beautiful. There are trails for all levels of hiker and many spots to camp as well. You can reach the Pecos via car from Santa Fe in less than an hour. There are lakes and streams for fishing as well. The area is teeming with wildlife and one would not be surprised to see eagles, deer, bears, chipmunks and squirrels. This is a wonderful destination for day hikes or camping trips. pecosnewmexico.com hedobaby

Oregon wonderland

Sparks Lake, near Bend. Photograph: Alamy

Oregon is truly a hikers paradise. Youll find something to suit any hiking preference and ability, from easy scenic lakeside rambles to spectacular challenging mountain climbs and coastal paths, most if not all superbly maintained and documented. The Columbia river gorge is on Portlands doorstep. The Sisters wilderness area on Bends. South Sister is a workout for mind and body that leaves you buzzing (and aching) for days. Theres even a forest hike in Portlands centre. The variety of hikes available in or within fairly easy reach (albeit by car) of Portland and its surrounding towns is amazing. And the added bonus is that Portland and those cities not only have a character unlike many other US cities and towns but also provide so many options for that very welcome craft brew at the end of each hiking day that youll never get bored. methismenos

A meeting with Big Bob, Montana

Cliff mountain and cliff pass, Bob Marshall wilderness. Photograph: Alamy

The Big Bob in northern Montana is the highlight of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), which takes in 2,000 miles and five states from New Mexico to Montana. Its full name is the Bob Marshall wilderness a land of huge escarpments, ridges, grassland and forests full of wildlife. You will need six months to do the CDT winter snow and summer lightning storms add to the stress factors of hiking along its paths, 70% of which are signposted so take a compass. A Davy Crockett spirit and a can of bear spray is useful too in case you meet any grizzlies, as we did. Make as much noise as possible to scare them off we discovered they dont want to meet you as much as you dont want to meet them! continentaldividetrail.org gallarate

Wyoming wildflowers

The North Fork of Cascade Canyon. Photograph: Alamy

Cascade Canyon and Phelps Lake are the less crowded areas of the Teton mountains for wilderness hiking. Start out from Jackson in Wyoming from April to September and you soon find yourself in fields of bluebells (depending on the time of year) with herds of elk and moose grazing and gazing as you walk along. Dont be deceived by their docile demeanour and cartoonish faces they can be dangerous if they feel threatened so best not to approach them. Walk up from the lake for great views over Death Canyon. tetonhikingtrails.com lion67

Medicine for the soul, Montana/Idaho

The Gird Point lookout tower, Bitterroot national forest. Photograph: Alamy

Last summer I was lucky enough to spend time exploring the states of Montana and Idaho. The two states are both beautiful in their own ways, but one hike Ill never forget was the Medicine Point Trail in the Bitterroot national forest. A steep four-mile trail up to a historic forest fire service lookout was a tough yet fun-filled hike spent sampling huckleberries and spotting wildlife such as deer, goats and many types of birds (thankfully no bears during our trip). The rustic lookout tower had basic amenities for an overnight stay no water or electricity, but an axe for chopping firewood and stunning views of the southern Bitterroot valley and into Idaho. We spent the evening watching the spectacular sunset, and the night staring up at the Milky Way. Ive never been so happy to be off the grid. recreation.gov Jennifer Johnson

Hiking near Las Vegas

Lake Mead national recreation area. Photograph: Alamy

Walk in the desert in the morning and in cool pine forest in the afternoon. Top it off with world-class dining or a headline performer at night. Eschew Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire; both desert areas are stunning but can just as easily be done by car on loops. Instead head to Bootleg Canyon, with 30-odd miles of trail near Boulder City. The peaks, shrouded in silence, offer views over Lake Mead, high desert and the oasis of Vegas in the distance. The area gets its name from being a hidden area for smuggling in beer for the builders of the Hoover Dam during the prohibition era. In the afternoon, 35 minutes the other way from Vegas, head up to the trails that lead out from Lee Canyon surrounded by pine trees and, in winter, plenty of snow. From here you cant see Las Vegas, just mountain walls, blue skies, wildlife and evergreen trees. A beautiful change for the senses. To emphasise how removed you feel, it is often 10C cooler up here. bcnv.org catchytitled

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10 of the worlds best piers: readers travel tips

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10 of the worlds best piers: readers travel tips

From a favourite of John Betjeman to Polish art-deco cafes, underwater observatories and Hemingways fishing spot our readers reveal their favourite over-water strolls

Winning tip: Huntington Beach, California

Usedom, Baltic Sea

Heringsdorf Pier. Photograph: Martin Siepmann/Getty Images

Clevedon, Somerset

Photograph: Joe Daniel Price/Getty Images

Sopot, Poland

Photograph: Dariusz Kuzminski/Getty Images

Umhlanga, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

Photograph: Rich Townsend/Getty Images

The Hague, the Netherlands

Roker Pier, Sunderland

Photograph: Mark Sunderland/Getty Images

Busselton Jetty, Western Australia

Photograph: Posnov/Getty Images

Hua Hin, Thailand

Ernest Hemingway Pier, Melia Cayo Guillermo, Cuba

Photograph: Getty Images

This idyllic pier is freely accessible from the beach and was a favourite fishing spot of Ernest Hemingway. And many thanks for the Hemingway-esque brevity of this tip Sandra, Richmond

Looking for a holiday with a difference? BrowseGuardian Holidaysto find a range of fantastic trips

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Mexico City: Formula E's Esteban Gutierrez's top five travel tips

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Mexico City: Formula E's Esteban Gutierrez's top five travel tips

(CNN)From Monaco to Montreal, Berlin to Buenos Aires, Formula E criss-crosses the globe in order to find the world’s best electric driver.

Follow @cnnsport

When the championship recently visited Mexico City, CNN Supercharged had a local guide — Techeetah driver Esteban Gutierrez — on hand to give his top tips for tourists.

For such a vibrant city, visitors may struggle to take everything in, particular during a whistle-stop Formula E weekend.

Mexico City: Eco solutions for pollution

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