Till now, the Hollywood movie Parent Trap still seizes the imagination of little girls around the world for the opening romantic sequence where the couple gets married on board the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise as it crosses the Atlantic. The chandeliers, winding staircases, and dancing underneath the stars on the prow of the ship is a call back to the 1930s glory days of Hollywood.

But many forget that getting married on board a renowned liner is still an option, and it is the option Steve and Catherine took up when they recently got married on board the Queen Mary 2 – a Cunard Queen.

Not only is a ship wedding a romantic dream come true, it also simplified lots of the planning hustle and bustle most newlyweds encounter. The rooms, food and seating were all catered for by Cunard staff and taking the wedding package meant Steve and Catherine were given priority boarding and were able to spend time together.

As the couple were put into the stateroom and treated as guests of honour for the day, flowers and champagne were on hand to make the moment truly last. Cunard staff, well trained to maintain guests privacy, also took care of the nitty gritty of wedding planning.

The Queen Mary 2 has dedicated wedding coordinators Christel Hansen and Tanya Svyrydova working hand in hand with Captain Kevin Oprey to ensure the ceremony proceeds smoothly.

To top it off, a make-up team also helped to ensure Catherine pulled off her Dita Von Teese-styled stunning red number in line with the theme of the night – to emulate the bygone days of Hollywood dazzle.

The intimacy of the gathering was also possible despite the liner’s huge dimensions and the presents of other guests as the team handheld Steve and Christine all through the ceremony, from the popping of champagne to the cutting of the cake, and finally sampling the finest of ship cuisine at the Todd English restaurant for the wedding dinner.

Little touches also served to add quirky details to the unique wedding, from an invitation to dine with Captain Kevin on the last night of the transatlantic crossing, a certificate with the exact coordinates of where they got married and stunning photos of the big day. All Steve and Christine had to do was show up, and from then on it was a breeze of a wedding.

So when it is your turn, perhaps a wedding on board a ship may be just the hassle-free solution for you. The transatlantic crossing will be the first journey you embark on as newlyweds, and who knows? Maybe you’ll then explore the New World together, or start on your honeymoon immediately. Click here to read more.

So, if you’re looking for an ideal destination for your family, here are some lovely suggestions that guarantee you a wonderful time.

Oaxaca, Mexico

This wonderful Mexican city is a great opportunity for children to discover new and exciting cultures, while having the chance to spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities. There are many playgrounds for kids and a vibrant market where you can purchase natural goods for them.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a wonderful place for a family getaway. You can see and visit mosques, palaces, museums, amazing bazaars and shopping hot spots, food markets and wonderful cultural sites. Children will enjoy the Bosphorus cruises and the delicious Turkish cuisine.

London, England

London (creative commons)

You can visit London as many times as you want and you won’t ever get bored. There are places to visit, fun parks and great cultural experiences to be lived, what makes London a genuine family travel destination.

Los Angeles, USA

More of a teenagers destination, Los Angeles is a good holiday destination that encapsulates the notorious American Dream. You can choose between the original Disneyland, the Universal Studios and Santa Monica, and you will surely have a blast!

Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. There are many beaches, a huge urban park – Stanley Park – and many outdoor activities which include hiking and biking trails. If that doesn’t seem interesting, you’ve got the Rocky Mountains nearby.

Lisbon, Portugal

With a breathtaking aquarium and a fascinating maritime museum, Portugal is without any doubt a great family city break. The city captivates the children and the fairy tale town of Sintra is just a short train ride away which gives your kids the chance to set their imagination free.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen (creative commons)

Copenhagen is all about a mix of old charm town with modern elements. The city can be explored by foot, which gives your family the opportunity to be more active. You can visit the Tivoli Gardens, the Royal Palace Museums that are especially dedicated to children’s activities and the Bakken.

Sydney, Australia

Sidney is all about the fun. You can enjoy beaches, swimming pools and many ferries for family rides. Not to mention the Sydney Aquarium, the Taronga Zoo and the Koala Park Sanctuary which are children’s favourite places.

Milford Sound, Monkey Creek by Trey Ratcliff (Creative Commons)

A road trip through New Zealand is the best way to see the country’s amazing and diverse natural beauty, including jagged mountains, scenic beaches, steep fiords, rolling pasture lands, active volcanoes, trout-filled lakes and raging rivers. Not only does New Zealand provides a variety of accommodation facilities for anyone on a trip in the country, but it’s one of the most popular family holiday destinations this year too!

There are quality hotels, luxurious lodges, camping grounds and sites in many places around the country, and the larger cities have restaurants that offer excellent meals for travelers. A 460-mile road connecting Wellington and Auckland is the best stretch to see most of the diverse parts of the country, and other great roads include Gentle Annie and Twin bridges roads. Let’s take a look at New Zealand’s Best Road Trips.

The Lost World Highway

The Lost World Highway is the oldest road trip route in New Zealand. It stretches for 160km from the North Island central plateau, across the Taranaki mighty mountain and the west coast. The route passes across crinkly landscape and through dense forests, tunnels and gorges, and people traveling through this route have the chance to see some of the best sights and attractions in the country. From the highest waterfall in the North Island, to the unforgettable Tangarakau George, there’s so much to see and do here that it’s hard to know where to start.

Mount Taranaki (Creative Commons)

Milford Sound Drive

Milford Sound Drive has some of the must-see attractions in New Zealand. The 120km drive stretches from Te Anau across the south island to the Milford Sound, and there are numerous historical monuments on this route, including incredible landscapes, lakes, open plains, forests and mountains.

Some of the most popular natural attractions for families include beautiful rivers of roaring water, the Homer Tunnel architecture, mirror lakes, Key Summit hiking and the towering Southern Alps. Additionally, there are campsites along the Milford Sound Drive for families to base themselves while exploring the area.

The Catlins Route

The Catlins are located on the southeastern corner of south island of New Zealand, and this route presents people with rugged beauty, stunning waterfalls, vistas trees and epic coastal spots. It is also home to numerous wonderful sights and attractions such as the gentle sloping mainland of New Zealand, a massively stunning blowhole, spectacular cliff tops, waterfalls, forests and colonies of sea lions. This is archetypal New Zealand and if that’s what you’re looking for then the Catlins Route is the one for you – try grab yourself a flight before the winter months really set in.

West Coast of the South Island?

The New Zealand South Island West Coast drive route is one of the best trips in the world. The most popular stretch of road can be found from Greymouth through Arthurs’ Pass National Park to Haast Pass. The trip is made more interesting by mountain ranges covering the South Island with peaks that are 3000m high.

Additionally, tourists are normally attracted by blue glaciers and glacier rivers, surfing beaches, geological spots, lush forests, Maori sculptures, the State Highway 73 curvy road and possum pies. Thankfully, there are a variety of accommodation facilities including luxurious guesthouses, cozy hostels and remote campsites, however it may take three days to completely explore the west coast.

Empire State Building by Carol M. Highsmith (Creative Commons)

New York City is often thought of as a playground for adult visitors, but don’t underestimate the variety of attractions available to children. There are plenty of kid-friendly spots to visit throughout the city, and no end of delights for children of all ages and a trip to the Big Apple with children can be endlessly entertaining.

American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is located on the edge of New York’s famous Central Park, an enormous complex of several buildings that host both permanent and temporary exhibitions. With well over 30 million artifacts sourced from our natural world, this museum never ceases to educate both children and adults. Watch as children marvel at huge gemstones, life-sized replicas of whales, patiently built dioramas and the fossils of a terrifying Tyrannosaurus rex.

Empire State Building

This skyscraper holds a place in the imagination of children across the globe. While its history and design may not be the most valuable aspect of this building for children, they nevertheless gleefully visit the observation deck for incredible views and an opportunity to use some of the vintage coin-operated binoculars to scan the horizon. Children will also enjoy a visit to this landmark at night as they watch the city below twinkle in miniature.

FAO Schwarz

Watch as children’s imaginations unfurl when they walk through the doors of this popular toy store. Let them peruse the several floors of this imaginative and colorful wonderland as they tinkle the ivories of the famed jumbo piano keys. Make sure to block out plenty of time to fully enjoy the many departments and floors this store has to offer. FAO Schwarz should not be missed by children nor the young at heart. When you need a break, a café provides relief to the weary parent, while several thousand square feet of candy aisles will satisfy any child’s sweet tooth.

Any child will love it here, so a trip to New York is a great idea for a family. Get on to Cheapflights, pack your bags, and make your way to the Big Apple – you won’t regret it!

Coney Island

If you’re willing to take a short trip out of Manhattan, head to the South shore of Brooklyn and visit Coney Island, a mecca of entertainment that will not fail to amuse both children and adults. Take a stroll down the boardwalk and treat kids to a funnel cake while they look ahead to the classic amusement park rides. A turn on the giant Ferris wheel lets New York City show off while offering a few moments of rest tired parents, and when the whole family needs a break from all the excitement, visit Coney Island Beach and relaxed in the sand while the children play along the shore. As dusk falls, stay a while and enjoy a free fireworks show that illuminates the water.

Central Park by Ed Yourdon (Creative Commons)

Times Square

This Midtown attraction is many things to many people. While adults may enjoy it for a Broadway show or a New York-style slice of pizza, children will enjoy a visit to this frenetic landmark for its shopping opportunities and magical lights. No trip to Times Square with children is complete without a visit to the enormous Lego store. Let children browse the bins as they design their own Lego sets and enjoy the hands-on displays. After shopping, stand in the middle of the square as the sun sets and the billboards come alive.

But the first thing every responsible student must do in order to have a wonderful vacation is to take care of his financial matters. You might be looking for a cheap holiday, indeed, but still you can’t be too certain about travel expenses. And why carry a huge amount of cash with you when you have many other options? Do some research regarding student banking accounts and choose the one that suits your travel needs and personal desires. You’ll make a great deal if you look into options for Lloyds TSB student bank accounts, for instance. They have a variety of services for young students and the possibility of fantastic overdraft plans that you can benefit from. Not to mention the holiday fees discounts and full time access to your accounts.

Travel budget checked. Let’s hit the holiday hot spots.

Budapest, Hungary

The startling capital of Hungary has so much to offer and it’s one of the best possible holiday destinations for students from all over the world looking to have a blast and experience some cultural encounters. The city is famous for its art, museums, historical sites and restaurants. Plus the food is delicious, the accommodations are very cheap and the clubs are high class. It’s impossible to get bored in Budapest.

Hamburg, Germany (creative commons)

Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg is the ideal destination for cheap travel. You can do tons of sightseeing and gallery visits at very low prices, enjoy great food at very affordable prices and stay at nice motels that don’t charge much. It’s a dream to be here and the city is filled with opportunities for fun getaways.

Havana, Cuba (creative commons)

Cuba

Cuba is a more exotic holiday that every student would definitely enjoy! And if you’re one of those who seek a little bit of adventure then this is your thing. The vibrant Havana will capture your heart forever. A great way to fully experience the Cuban culture is to stay with local families in casa particulars. You’ll find plenty of offers on the internet. Plus, it’s cheaper. Once in Cuba, you can travel. Listen to great music, make wonderful pictures and speak to locals. The’re very friendly and eager to share their life experience with you.

Love it or hate it, a trip to New York is never forgotten. To make sure you err on the side of the latter, it pays to do a little research about the Big Apple to make sure it doesn’t bite you first; for tips and advice corporatetraveller.com.au is designed to make your oversees stay the most easy and enjoyable experience possible.

Give A Tip

Always tip the staff. The minimum wage for hospitality workers in America is one of the lowest in the developed world. You might notice that the staff in New York bars, restaurants and other venues are especially attentive and friendly; while undoubtedly you yourself are quite charming, they’ve also got their mind on the rent they’ve got to pay. For a lot of hospitality workers, tips are their biggest source of income. So don’t be stingy – not only out of compassion but also to avoid a frosty shoulder or an altercation in response to your closed wallet. New Yorkers are famously vocal about their thoughts.

Be Open To The Unexpected

If you’ve got any free time in your program, make the most of it: you’re in what many argue is the cultural capital of the world. Avoid the tourist traps and be open to new experiences. A local Italian café can be just as interesting and enjoyable as the Rockefeller Centre or the Metropolitan Museum of Art (though we recommend those too if you’ve got time). The Frick Collection (1 East 70th Street) is the former home of tycoon and art patron Henry Clay Frick and holds an incredible variety of rare and beautiful European art works. It’s less famous, less crowded sites such as this that will set your trip apart from the average tourist whirlwind.

Ooze Confidence

Be assertive. Americans in general but New Yorkers in particular appreciate those who are enthusiastic and confident. Be comfortable in upselling yourself and your company a little more exuberantly than you otherwise would; you’re in the place for it, so relax and let go of any excessive deference. The streetscape itself can be a little aggressive, but don’t take it personally and don’t be afraid to join in on the hustle and bustle. Equally don’t get too carried away. No one will appreciate an impersonation of De Niro from “Taxi Driver’.

View of New York Skyline at Night Photo by- ajagendorf25, Creative Commons

Become a Transport Native

Speaking of taxis, while there’s a time and place for limousines, have some empathy for the others on the street who have to negotiate around these behemoths. New York’s transport systems are very egalitarian so don’t worry about getting those tailor made shoes grubby; you’ll be rubbing shoulders with the business elite down in the subway. The subway is second to the taxi is terms of the fastest and most convenient way to get around town. If there is a number of people trying to hail a cab and you’re chivalry is wearing thin, position yourself so that you’re ahead of them. Once hailed tell the driver your destination only after you’ve closed the door; once the door is shut the driver is compelled to accept the ride. The more you know, huh?

La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain (Creative Commons)

Who would have thought that there were so many museums on the tiny island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. Below is a quick tour around the 5 museums so that you can make your selection when you visit the various resorts around the island.

Casa del Maestro – Located in Tijarafe, Calle 18 del Julio 11 and opposite the town hall. This museum is open Monday to Friday 08:00 to 15:00 (14:00 in the summer months) and is cultural museum with an exhibition of items such as pots and a kitchen complete with utensils.

Casa Museo del Vino – Located in El Paso, Camino El Callejon 88, above the Plaza la Glorieta. This museum is open Monday to Friday 09:30 to 13:30 and then again from 16:00 to 18:30 and also on Saturdays from 09:30 to 14:00 and is a wine museum showing growing areas, grape varieties, vineyard work and the production process.

Casa Roja – Located in Mazo, Calle Maximiliano Perez Diaz [the village centre] and is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 14:00 and then again from 15:00 to 18:00 and on Saturdays from 11:00 to 18:00 and Sundays 10:00 to 14:00. This is known to be the only museum in Spain exhibiting embroideries to do with the Corpus Christi celebrations.

Archaelogical Museum – Located in Los Llanos de Aridane, Calle de las Adelfas and open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00 and again from 17:00 to 20:00. This modern museum displays by use of audio-visual equipment and exhibits, the habitat, religious beliefs, industries and other subject matters on the island going back to the benahoaritas [the first inhabitants of the La Palma].

Museo del Plantano – Located in Tazacorte, Camino San Antonio [the historical quarter below the church] and is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 13:00 and then again from 16:00 to 19:00. This banana museum shows the history and banana growing on the island and demonstrates the benefits to the island.

So, for somewhere to escape the sun or to learn something about the history of this pretty island, a visit to a museum will undoubtedly be a good choice.

Find out more about taking a break in La Palma at this website. Alternatively, visit the official tourism website for La Palma at http://www.turismodecanarias.com/canary-islands-spain/tourism-office/la-palma-island/ for more information about the island.

El Golfo Beach in Lanzarote, Canary Islands (Spain) by Luc Viatour

If you have yet to book your summer holiday for 2013 and are in need of a bit of inspiration, never fear, because we’ve compiled a list of a few of the best places for a beach break this summer. Read on to check out our hot tips for a holiday filled with sun, sea and sand.

The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands have long been a favourite holiday spot thanks to their good year-round weather, excellent beaches, well-equipped resorts and staggering array of activities. Added to this are the amazing natural landscapes you can find on the likes of Tenerife, Lanzarote and La Gomera and you’re on to a winner.

But if you’re looking for a beach holiday, the archipelago is an especially good choice, with dozens of stretches of sand spread across the seven islands. There’s a lot of variety, too, with golden bays a complete contrast to the black volcanic sand beaches.

There are even natural swimming pools worn out of the rocks and amazing caves that you can explore, so a day at the beach need not only be about working on your tan.

Florida

If you’re happy to go somewhere a little further afield, consider Florida – which is a particularly good choice for families as there’s so much to see and do away from the beaches. However, the state’s Gulf Coast is home to some amazing bays and coves that you’re bound to want to visit if you’ve got sun, sea and sand in mind.

Parents with small children should head to Siesta Key near Sarasota, for instance, which is said to be one of the safest seaside spots for little ones. There’s also a lot of space here for sandcastle building – always a winner with the kids.

Should you be hoping to combine a beach holiday with the thrills and spills of Orlando’s theme parks, meanwhile, make sure Cocoa Beach is near the top of your list of places to go. This vast sweep of sand is really beautiful and is also close to Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Centre.

Croatia

We’re returning to Europe with our next pick and it’s a country you might not typically associate with beach holidays – Croatia. However, its Adriatic coast is home to some real gems, from busy sandy areas to secluded, empty coves.

What’s even better is that, along with the destinations on the mainland, there are also dozens of islands dotted just offshore, so there are ample beaches for you to discover. One of the most famous – and most beautiful – can be found on Brac. Zlatni rat is a long, triangular sandspit that juts out into the turquoise sea on the south coast of the isle near Bol. It’s fringed by pine trees and is quite a stunning sight.

Other top destinations for a beach holiday in Croatia are located within easy reach of the cities of Dubrovnik or Split, providing you with the opportunity to discover some of the country’s astounding heritage while working on your tan.

Turkey

Our final suggestion is Turkey, which has made quite a name for itself in recent years and is considered to be a top place to go to if you’re after glorious weather, beautiful beaches and vibrant resorts.

Antalya, Bodrum, Oludeniz and Dalaman are just a few of your options if you’re looking for somewhere to relax in the sun while the sea laps at the shore. Oludeniz is very picturesque, thanks to its blue lagoon, while Dalaman is ideal if you’re looking for a beach that’s completely undeveloped.

The town itself is set back from the coast on a river estuary and its nearest beach is Iztuzu, which is protected because it’s a turtle nesting site. You’ll need to get a river taxi to reach the bay, and once you’re there you can enjoy the unspoilt sweep of golden sand.
 

Congratulations- you’ve decided to go on a cruise holiday! To ensure you can completely relax and unwind, it is important to plan a budget and stick to it. That way, you won’t have any nasty bills waiting for you when you disembark.

Get a great price

Cruise fares vary greatly depending on the cruise line, travel itinerary, and the season. You can also save a packet if you don’t mind your room being on the interior of the ship (no sea view), or with a slightly obstructed view. Who wants to spend their holiday inside their room anyway?

By travelling outside of school holiday periods, you can make a great saving too. There are other flow-on benefits to this; think shorter queues to most of the activities, both on and off the ship. Cruiseabout specials are great places to grab a bargain.

Be prepared for some extra costs

The beauty of a cruise holiday is that they are all-inclusive. There are meals, transport, and a huge range of activities and entertainment. However, there will still be plenty of opportunities for you to spend your cash, and the key here is being prepared.

Guided shore tours are usually at an additional cost, so before you leave home, grab some free maps from the tourist boards and research the hidden gems in the area. There are bound to be some great freebies waiting to be discovered. Explore these on foot, or use local public transport if you’re confident.

Laundry services on cruises can prove quite expensive, just as when staying at regular hotels. Pack a small container of detergent and do your washing in the sink, and air-dry them in your room.

The art of saving

Saving for a cruise can be daunting. It’s important that you budget for the cost of the cruise, the extra costs (such as those listed above), spending money, plus any other incidentals, including getting your passport renewed or booking travel insurance. Once you have added up these numbers, you know how much you need to save. For example, you might need to save $4000.

Take a look at your regular home budget. This should show you how much money you have left over each week after you’ve paid for all your essential costs. Now take the amount you need to save ($4000), and divide it by the amount you have left over each week (for example, $200). In our example, $4000 divided by $200 means that we need to allow 20 weeks for us to save our target amount; that’s nearly 5 months.

Budgeting is hard work, but coming back from your cruise and into debt is no fun. With a bit of planning and careful saving, you can return from your cruise holiday thoroughly relaxed and in good financial shape.

Written by Emma Jane

If you’re a fiend for French breads and fantastic baked goods then no doubt your mouth will water at the thought of finding the best baguette in the whole of Paris. Luckily, hunting for such a treasure isn’t as hard as it might seem, thanks to the “Grand Prix de la Baguette de Tradition Française de la Ville de Paris”. It’s the annual competition for the best baguette in Paris, and it’s done all the hard work for you. A panel of bakers and food celebrities decide each year whose baguette is the big cheese of Parisian patisseries. Just follow the trail of victors to take yourself on a tour of Paris’ best baguettes.

Le Grenier à Pain

One of Montmartre’s most treasured bakeries, on 38 rue des Abbesses sits Le Grenier à Pain, winner of the 2010 prize for best baguette in Paris. Académie Culiniaire member Michel Galloyer presides over this famous patisserie with great passion. This rustic and traditional bakery has a whole array of impressive looking baked goods at surprisingly reasonable prices, including cakes, tarts and a range of breads, but the crown jewel is Michel’s famous award winning baguette, the perfect pain Français.

Au Levain d’Antan

In 2011 and 2012, veteran baker Pascal Barillon won first prize in the Best Baguette in Paris comp for his impeccable baguette de tradition. Just down the road from the 2010 winner at number 6, rue des Abbesses, his bakery Au Levain d’Antan is a sure stop-off for baguette hunters and foodies. Here you’ll find the most tantalising cakes and chocolates on display, as well as melt-in-your mouth croissants and, of course, the best baguettes baked in Paris two years in a row.

Au Paradis du Gourmand

Winner of the presitigous title of Paris’ best baguette is Tunisian baker Ridha Khadher from Au Paradis du Gourmand at 156 rue Raymond Losserand. Ridha takes great pride in hand-making these traditional baked delights and his now famous bread is the pride of Au Paradis du Gourmand’s range of fresh goods.

These winners have all won the honour of baking bread for the French President as part of their grand prize. They have passed the judges scrutinies of their hand-made baguettes, everything from the inside to the outer crust deemed better than any other of their competitors for that year. The winning bread that manages to take the title of best baguette in Paris is nothing short of a perfect pain, guaranteed to impress even the most serious gourmand and cause food-loving travellers to swoon.

So if the thought of Paris’ best baguette is too enticing to pass by, perhaps it’s time to plan a visit to these proven purveyors of perfect bread. To help get you started on this baguette tour of Paris, check out some great travel deals at http://www.travel-associates.com.au.

Written by Emma Jane