Wolfgang Busch

If you've never been to Vietnam, you're probably curious about the cuisine. Vietnamese food is a fantastic way to experience the culture of Vietnam in a way that is not only educational, but tasty, as well. Whether or not you have actually visited Vietnam, there are a number of ways you can explore the cuisine.

If you're in America, consider visiting a local Vietnamese restaurant. Go with a friend to a place she recommends or simply check out a place in your local yellow pages. Remember to explore and be adventurous. Don't simply order the chicken because it seems "safe." Trying new foods is a time to do just that - try new foods. Pick something random or let the waitress pick for you.

Do you have Vietnamese friends? Ask about their culture and food! Ask a friend if you can come over for dinner or come the next time she visits her grandma to try some authentic Vietnamese dishes.

Perhaps the best way to taste Vietnam is to actually visit and explore on one of those Vietnam tours. Check out local marketplaces, restaurants and groceries. Explore and try everything you come across. Don't be afraid to test out new things or try a taste of something that looks a little scary. Remember, trying new things is the only way to find out what you like and what you don't.

If you live near a college, check out one of their cooking classes. Your local community center may also be a great place to find local Vietnamese cooking classes. These classes will not only teach you about Vietnamese cuisine, but will give you a chance to try cooking some yourself. If you're the adventurous type, this is a fantastic way to jump feet first into Vietnamese food.

A Vietnamese grocery is a fantastic way to explore new foods, ingredients and cooking styles. Grab a recipe off the Internet and head to your local Vietnamese grocery with a list of things you need. Chances are, you'll be able to find everything you need and start trying Vietnamese food firsthand. While you may not make the most authentic food the first time you cook, you'll quickly improve the more you practice.

Overall, there are many ways you can learn to taste Vietnam. Whether you actually get to visit Vietnam and try the food firsthand or you cook it yourself in America, don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone to truly taste and try the fantastic food that Vietnam has to offer.

There’s no better way to party with your friends than on the slopes in one of Australia’s top ski resorts. Getting the perfect balance between great terrains and thriving nightlife can be a bit of a challenge, so it’s important to keep this in mind when you’re making your bookings. Here are a few of the best ski resorts in Australia for the ultimate snow adventure party.

This great ski resort is centred around a traditional alpine style village. With pedestrian only access, most of the accommodation here is ski in, ski out. Not only is this convenient for hitting the slopes during the day, but it makes for a fun way to travel through the village after the sun sets. With 32 dining options on the mountain and in the village, Falls Creek has more on offer than any other Australian ski resort. From a quiet night in at one of the cosy restaurants to a slighter wilder time at one of the clubs or music venues, there’s something in Falls Creek for every taste. When you need some time to recover, there’s always the option of a sauna and a few drinks in front of the open fire at one of the ski lodges.

With the highest lifted point in Australia, the nation’s longest ski runs and amazing beginner’s slopes, Thredbo is one of the most popular ski resorts in the magnificent Snowy Mountains. Boasting 6 bars and 20 restaurants, as well as a club for the really keen partiers, there’s plenty of opportunity to have some fun after dark. Thredbo has a reputation for a seriously thriving nightlife, with many revellers partying on until well after the sun comes up. It’s not just snow season that sees Thredbo full of travellers, the party goes on all year round with a fantastic range of activities to do once the snow has melted and the ski season is over.

Perisher is the largest ski resort in Australasia, and it has a fantastic party scene to match. With 1245 hectares of varied terrain, skiers of every ability will be able to find their perfect slope before heading back and enjoying some post-ski entertainment. With an amalgamation of four different villages, Perisher offers a great range of bars and restaurants. There’s everything from spirited pub races and karaoke competitions, to a few quieter spots where you can enjoy a drink and chat with friends. No matter what your party style is, you’ll find something that is perfect for you at Perisher.

Choosing the best place to party isn’t easy, as there are simply so many great Australian ski resorts to choose from! These are some of the best in the business though, and you’ll have an amazing time both on and off the slopes. With world-class facilities, terrain for all abilities and a vibrant social scene once the sun goes down, make your next party a guaranteed success with a trip to one of these great ski resorts.

Ever fancied a trip to France but worry that it may be expensive? Long for a river cruise through France to Prague for a romantic break away? It doesn’t have to break the bank and there are so many cruises to France and through the beautiful country these days that your trip is just a few clicks away.

Paris is well known as the city of magical romance; a place where you can take the love of your life for a romantic proposal or spend some quality time together. With a cruise through Paris to other enchanting locations you could be seeing exciting new sights every day, making a river cruise can be an ideal option for intrepid explorers.

With a range of European river cruises on offer throughout stunning cities and picturesque locations it could be the perfect opportunity to explore Europe in well-appointed accommodation and enjoy each other’s company. Cruise ships have a large range of facilities on board for comfort and luxury so there is no need to worry about where to go for dinner.

The accommodation is the epitome of style and the best thing about a cruise is that not only do you get to sit on board and watch the scenery go by in various locations, making for striking photo opportunities, but you also get the option to disembark and explore particular points on the journey.

On a river cruise adventure in France you can maximise the places you see and turn your holiday into an exciting journey rather than just a destination. Spend a few days soaking up the beauty of Paris, stroll around the stunning towns of Giverny and Vernon or explore the medieval city of Rouen taking in the haunting beauty of the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral. With a river cruise, so much is possible.

You may worry that a holiday could be expensive but with a river cruise it can be less expensive than you might think. Companies such as Viking offer a wide range of cruises in a selection of areas so that you can spend your holiday not just visiting one destination but enjoying several points along the way. The great thing is that the price is less expensive than you might think.

Surely the opportunity to visit several places and learning the history of towns and cities all while staying in high quality accommodation is a more exciting option than simply visiting one place? A river cruise in France could be the perfect option for your holiday this year so why not take a look at the locations available and the huge number of options and create the holiday of your dreams?

St. Lucia is one of the world’s most popular and luxurious destinations. As a sovereign country situated in the Caribbean Sea, it benefit’s from the best tropical weather, cool winters and blistering summers. With a population of just under 180,000, St. Lucia heavily relies on the money generated by tourism, however in recent years, many of the world’s rich and famous have started to snap up property here.

The island was named by colonised by the French, and named after Saint Lucy of Syracuse. However since 1814, the island has remained in control of the British, and St. Lucia continues to apply a legal system tightly based on British common law. Due to the on-going world recession, the island’s economy has been hit hard, with tourism numbers rapidly declining. With many of the island’s native people originating from African descent, as well as East Indian, a large proportion of the population have immigrated abroad to find work.

The island of St. Lucia is known for its exciting culture, and from festivals to sports, music to dance, there are many amazing things to see and do here. One of the biggest festivals on the island is the Saint Lucia jazz Festival, held every May all over the island. Drawing hundreds of famous artists, bands and composers from all over the world, St. Lucia remains firmly under the spotlight during this spectacular festival.

When it comes to sport, St. Lucia is one of the most passionate and talented island countries in all of the Caribbean. Their main cricket team – the Windward Islands Club – is entirely made up of players from the island, with Darren Sammy (the first St. Lucian to represent the West Indies national team) being a loved national treasure, and sportsman of the year in 2004!

As the banana market becomes more competitive in the midst of the recession, St. Lucia has started to see small increases in tourism numbers, and government officials expect these numbers to continue rising throughout the year. From the Pigeon National park to The Pitons World Heritage Site, St. Lucia is an island of natural beauty and stunning wildlife.

If you’re considering taking a holiday to the beautiful island of St. Lucia, then there are a number of things to see and do. Why not take a trip to the Mamiku Botanical Gardens, where you will be able to explore the amazing woodland trails, exquisite landscape gardens and the ruins of an 18th century family estate.

If you’re looking for something a little more daring, why not jump in a car and head down to the drive-through volcano – the only one in the world! Not only will you be able to smell the sulphur, and see huge clouds of steam rising through the crater vents, but this will also be an unforgettable experience if you’re travelling with young children. When it comes to relaxing, then the mineral mud baths are one of the best ways to unwind on the island – so make sure you give them a try!

With families living further away from each other geographically than at any time in history, multi-generational holidays are on the rise and are set to be a key travel trend in 2013. It is no surprise that as grandparents are living longer, retiring earlier and have more disposable income than in the past, many are off jet-setting with the whole family in tow. Another rationale behind this recent trend is the increasing popularity of “milestone holidays”, where the growing distance between relatives makes for the perfect excuse to organise special family-reunion trips to celebrate occasions like anniversaries, weddings and major birthdays.

However, this can make planning the trip a little tricky since there are more people to please with a varying range of ages and interests. Depending on the type of holiday, there are some important factors to bear in mind. Here are 3 of the best destinations for multi-generational travel:

For a hassle free holiday with something for everyone opt for an all-inclusive Caribbean deal. With some surprisingly good deals on offer, a holiday like this avoids extra costs of meals and activities which have a tendency add up! Whilst lacking in culture and often a reason to leave the resort it may not be for every family. But for those just looking to relax in a heavenly setting and let everyone do their own thing it is perfect as kids can join activity clubs whilst the adults can relax in the knowledge that everyone is occupied.

City breaks work well as destinations for multi-generational travel as long as there is a very good public transport system (avoiding multiple car hires) and lots of activities for all age groups. Therefore London is a safe bet with its host of attractions from the Tate Gallery or the Churchill War Rooms, to Harry Potter Studios and the London Dungeons, there really is something to cater for every audience. In addition, there are many sites that would be enjoyable for the whole family together such as a ride on the London Eye or a Thames river cruise.

Again boasting an efficient public transport system, and a vast array of attractions, Paris makes for an age and family friendly destination. Let the kids spend a day and Disneyland Paris, whilst the grand-parents can enjoy strolls along the romantic streets, admiring views of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. In terms of accommodation, an apartment offers the best of both worlds with separate sleeping arrangements with common living spaces to enjoy a bit of family time! All-Paris-Apartments have some great options located all over the city, spacious enough to hold sizable family groups. This also keeps your budget intact as you can make the most of the self-catering facilities by cooking meals for yourself.

About the Author: Georgia is a European enthusiast who believes that this continent can cater to every type of traveller and even when you think you’ve seen it all, there is always more to be discovered!

A family holiday is a special occasion for everyone to spend some quality time together and build important memories. But it can be less fun for parents if they are worrying about money. Treating the kids and constantly paying entrance fees for attractions can easily mount up.

Cheap holidays in Menorca can be easily achieved however, as all it takes is a little bit of time to seek out those attractions which are free and see where money can be saved without compromising on fun. Here are a few suggestions for keeping the price down while on holiday on this stunning Balearic island.

This park in the centre of Mao provides a great place to shelter from the hot Menorcan sun and engage in some family friendly games, such as football, Frisbee or hide and seek. It has a fantastic array of well kept flower beds, making for a lovely place to pass some time entirely for free.

Meals can be one of the most expensive parts of a holiday, so taking a picnic to the park can be a good opportunity to take advantage of the weather and cut down on costs. It is easy to pick up some picnic ingredients locally and enjoy them in the great outdoors, not far from the centre of activity.

Instead of heading to the two water parks on the island, you can go to Club Sant Jaime in Son Bou, which also has water slides and a swimming pool to keep the kids entertained. Add to this the wooden maze, which is equipped with water sprinklers and is lots of fun.

It can often be a better option for younger children who might not appreciate all of the rides at the larger water parks, plus under-threes get in for free. Parents may also enjoy the landscaped gardens complete with views of the sea and the surrounding countryside.

It may sound like an obvious suggestion, but the magnificent beaches on the island are a great attraction and can be enjoyed for free. If you know your children get restless quite quickly then bringing along some cheap equipment for snorkelling, building sandcastles or playing bat and ball can help to keep them entertained.

Otherwise, head to a part of the coast with plenty to explore, such as the Cales Coves, where there are a number of caves and rock pools. This is a fun activity for children at the age where they are starting to get a bit more independent and like to investigate things for themselves.

For the bargain price of just €2 (£1.73) visitors can go inside this pile of stones, which was once used as a burial chamber as long ago as 1130 BC. It was excavated in 1960 and is remarkably well preserved and fascinating to explore.

Inside there is an exploration of Neolithic man and how he lived in these parts, making it great for getting kids to think about the past and exciting history buffs too.

It costs nothing to walk the some or all of the Cami de chavalles, a bridleway which extends around the entirety of Menorca's coastline. Originally built for sentries in the 17th century. it was kept open throughout the 18th and 19th centuries too.

The route has only just been fully reopened as there were parts which had been closed, but it is a great way to get to know the island and see some of the best views on offer of Menorca's coast.

For the budget conscious, Israel is a little country where you small budget can go a long way. Notwithstanding that the local currency, the New Israeli Shekel (NIS) or Shekel as it is called by all and sundry, has been a stellar performer on world markets, the CPI remains around the 1.5% mark meaning that inflation is relatively low and prices for consumer staples are already comparatively low compared to most other first world countries.

Let’s start with the basics; unless you intend dining in top of the line restaurants, eating out in Israel is cheap. The street food is plentiful, clean, and incredibly tasty. Falafel in pita can be bought for NIS17 (around USD4.50) but if you shop around you can also find it for NIS5 (USD1.50). A turkey or chicken shwarma in pita can be found for NIS15 (USD3.25) or in lafa, a flat, round bread that is rolled up for NIS20 (USD5.50). Fruit and vegetables are cheap, fresh, and abundant as is water which is safe to drink from the tap.

Now that you are well fed and watered, it is time to cloth yourself. The local markets are great places to find real bargains. I strongly recommend the Rishon LeZion market on Tuesdays. It is a traveling market that rotates between Ramle/Lod and Jerusalem. The range of clothing is extensive with stock changing weekly. You can find real and fake designer bargains in clothing, toys, and anything else you can think of. How do they sell at such cheap prices? The colorful screams of the local traders may hold the answer when they extort the public. “Don’t stea! We’ve already done that for you.” I’m sure they’re only joking, but then again…

Israel keeps on breaking its own record for tourist numbers but unless you intend staying in five star accommodation you can find clean, compact, centrally located accommodation in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv for reasonable rates. Be prepared to bargain and if you are prepared to leave it to the last minute you could snare yourself a real bargain as vendors would rather receive something than have a room remain empty.

Getting around in Israel can be a chore. The public transport system is improving but is still not extensive and I never recommend hitching a ride although there are many who do so. The option of car rental in Jerusalem or in any other part of the country may be a viable option as there are many multinational and local car rental companies competing for your dollars.

Israel is a tourist haven not only for the wealry but also for the money conscious and there is good reason for this. Entrance to the vast majority of beaches is free, as re the showers located on the beach. The sunshine is also free as is the vibe. The best things in life really may be free but other necessities need not cost the earth – especially in Israel.