Focus

Focus feature

• A fresh Starck to the New Year

  Few designers can claim to have had as large an impact on hotels over the last 20 years than Frenchman Philippe Starck. Although irritatingly self-congratulatory (he was recently named one of the biggest meglomaniacs around by Le Point magazine), one cannot deny his unparalleld vision and passion for creating hotels which are not only comfortable and innovative, but which also bring to life new concepts in, and ways of thinking about, travel and accommodation. Here is a selection of his hotels from around the world to give you ideas for New Year's Eve, which is slowly but surely creeping nearer and nearer... ...Read more

• A gastro tour of the world: 10 new horizons

  Local cuisine is an integral part of a trip to many countries and for certain destinations the gastronomy merits the journey itself. Those seeking the highest of standards should choose their hotel with a great amount of care as countries that are not particularly renowned for their cuisine may be hiding some real surprises. So, where is the best place to head off to tickle those taste buds? Below is a (non-exhaustive) selection of 10 destinations where you'll not be able to bear the wait until dinner time, certain to eat well, but each with their own distinctive style. Bon appétit! ...Read more

• A holiday on a budget: think quality not quantity

  The severe austerity that we are going through in the UK at the moment is no secret, especially when you look at your bank balance mid-month and you wonder how you are going to make ends meet let alone how you are going to be able to afford a holiday this year. We have pooled some of our key tips for piecing together a holiday of a lifetime on a shoestring - really. Seeing as you're probably going to shell out for the one holiday this year, think about quality rather than quantity as the aim isn't just finding sun, but with all the stress that comes with ongoing financial problems, we need to start looking at ways of relaxing as much as possible ...Read more

• A walk down the most expensive streets in the world

  Even just walking down these famous world thoroughfares makes ones feel chicer, richer and hipper, never mind having the means to actually go into any of their shops and purchase something. Only the very fortunate will have the privilege of crossing the threshold where an exclusive welcome, luxury objects and prices to match await. The rest of us will have to do with sitting in a coffee shop, for a one or two figure sum only, and gaze at the lucky passersby who can justify a trip to the most expensive streets in the world. Here is our selection of 10 select shopping avenues which separate the mega-wealthy from the mere well-offs! ...Read more

• Across the Channel: beachside France

  French beaches have been proving extremely popular with the British masses since the nineteenth century and post-crisis, their popularity has only increased. Boasting mounds of historical sites, a lively family atmosphere, top fitness facilities, chic hangouts or celeb-studded yachts, French beaches have something to cater for all tastes. Some beaches have become known as the original starting place for swimsuit fashion trends (Dinard, Deauville, La Baule?), whilst others are well-known for the splendour of aristocrat villas and entertainment to match like the hippodrome, casino and a number high-end hotels. Others have become famous for the Heat ...Read more

• Affordable family holidays for the February half-term

  No sooner has the memory of Christmas and New Year faded than the next holiday period creeps up on us as the winter sets in. February half-term is just weeks away and you may not have had to time to think of or find a suitable destination for a week's (or less) family holiday. Well we have come up with a few ideas of places to head off to and for the most part they are sunny ones too! Not only are the offers we have uncovered affordable, we have also told you where to find them. So don't fret about not having enough time or money to make your kids' school holidays special, you'll find all you need right here. Just remember that prices may have ...Read more

• Around the world with Norman Foster

  Something a little different this week, when we head around the world to visit the audacious architectural creations of Foster+Partners. Lead by Lord Norman Foster, champion architect, the group is renowned for its avant-garde glass and aluminium clad structures. Starting with the world famous Gherkin in London (pictured), to Switzerland for environmental innovation at the height of architecture, we continue our exploration with Singapore's space-vessel-like train station, Valencia's award-winning congress centre, Berlin's magnificent Free University, the pyramid-shaped Peace Palace in Kazakhstan, Malaysia's Petronas University, St Etienne's Zenith ...Read more

• Be inspired this Valentine's with our top cities

  Right chaps (and chapettes, depending on who wears the trousres on your relationship), we're into the final straight before St. Valentine's day. If you haven't organised something special yet then get your finger out because, trust us, the consequences for failing to blow your partner away are far worse than the small amount of effort needed to plan a short romantic break. Just in case you need some inspiration, easyvoyage.co.uk have come up with 10 cheeky hotels in Europe (and one in the States) where you can spend a few days celebrating your love for one another. So take a look, choose one and book it! You'll be kicking yourself if you don't! ...Read more

• Choose your cruise and set sail from the UK

  All aboard! Traditionally associated with vacationers of 'a certain age,' the cruise holiday has seen a surge in popularity with a recent boom in bookings. Major tour operators such as Thomas Cook and Thomson offer a range of cruises, with the latter even bringing back 15 ex-UK itineraries this summer. So what's all the fuss about, why is the cruise the holiday of choice for many? Many people see it as a top opportunity to see or 'cover' a variety of destinations in a short space of time. Families find them handy for the varied entertainment options and on-shore activities and of course the ease of all inclusive food and drink. For others it's ...Read more

• Christmas shopping from Paris to Prague

  After last week's Focus on how to shop smart on holiday, put our advice to the test this Christmas as we take you shopping around the world! If you've had enough of leaving your Christmas shopping until the last minute, why not combine the 'chore' with a mini break or exotic escape? From the souks of Marrakech, to the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, the department giants of New York to the traditional Christmas markets of Germany; the perfect festive gift is out there. Christmas shopping doesn't have to be a drag, especially not if you've paired it with sightseeing in Paris, culture in Prague, or sunshine and beaches in Dubai. So don't put it off any ...Read more

• Diaries at the ready - short-haul events not to miss in 2012

  It's back to the drawing board this New Year with good resolutions and gym memberships being taken up right, left and centre. You're probably filling in your brand spanking new diary for the year 2012 as we speak! Here's something to give you a bit of a head-start: our selection of events not to miss - the good thing is that you'll only need a long weekend to go to any of the events we recommend below and they're all within a 5 hour flight from the UK, meaning you get to avoid that nasty APD (Air Passenger Duty). On that note, a very Happy New Year to you! ...Read more

• Do it differently this Valentine's

  Get ground-breaking, not heart-breaking this Valentine's. Forget long tube journeys, bus journeys, endless traffic jams, grey skies and drizzle. Leave your laptop and mobile phone in the UK, grab your swimming costume, your partner, and head off into the sunshine! Fed up of hearing about The Seychelles, Mauritius, Bali and the like? Want to be a little innovative? We've got just the thing! Here is a selection of 10 exciting destinations to explore that couldn't be further from cliché 'romantic' destinations. Be careful; you will be mesmerised, so don't drift off for too long just yet! ...Read more

• Doing your bit for the environment while on holiday

  Discovery, entertainment and simple lazing around are just three of the many pleasures associated with holidays, today, accessible to us all. In fact the entire planet is full of the fleeting travellers that we have relatively recently become. Mass tourism, unavoidably, leaves its mark?In a time where we are all more conscious of the importance of protecting the environment, here are some simple gestures that each one of us can make in the interests of our planet. ...Read more

• Get the most out of your holiday

  Summer is here but with most of us taking fewer holidays (and some of us even opting for a staycation), it's really important to be prepared. If you're only going to take one holiday this year, make it one to remember with this week's Focus: top tips to get the most out of your holiday. Easyvoyage guides you through everything, from choosing your holiday type and destination, to how to stay healthy while away. Bon voyage! ...Read more

• Glamping for National Camping & Caravanning Week

  If you want to get back in touch with nature this summer but the traditional camping option seems too rough and rugged, why not go 'glamping' instead? The notion of "camping with glamour" signifies camping without compromising luxury or comfort. Find yourself in nature's heartlands; whether you're perched on a cliff top overlooking the sea or nestled in lush woodland, 'glamping' accommodation comes in all shapes and sizes. One thing is for sure though; you won't have to worry about sharing the bathroom with a hundred or so other campers! Here's our pick of the top 10 'glamping' sites around the world. Words: Rooksana Hossenally. ...Read more