My Dad is scared of flying so unfortunately he is rather limited to the places he can get to. Luckily he doesn’t mind trains, so I have recommended he take the Euro Star across the Channel and explore the wilderness France has to offer!
The French must be doing something right, as it has one of the worlds highest life expectancy and is the most visited country in the world. I have been to France as a young girl and I loved the hospitality shown by the residents and the wonderful freshly cooked food on offer. There are so many sites to see, not only in Paris so it does not matter where you go, you are bound to have a great time.

A reminder to anyone who is planning a trip to the USA, planning ahead is crucial for anyone planning to travel abroad. Effective from 20th January 2010, if you are bound for the USA and departing from the UK then you must complete an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation form (ESTA). This gives flyers prior approval for entry to the United States and can take up to 72-hours to be approved by the US Department of Homeland Security. Valid for two years, the form replaces the traditional green I-94 card and you will be refused boarding for travel to the USA if you are without a valid form.

The mention of ‘England’ brings to mind tidy hedgerows, stately homes and towns and villages sporting delightfully quirky names like Middle Wallop and Burnt Bottom. There is no better way to explore this wonderful country than by travelling in comfort and style on a coach. Forget tales of endless toilet stops and rambling drivers, many tour operators have cleaned up their act and now offer coaches with leather seats, increased leg room, dedicated tour guides and even the option to pick you up at home right outside your front door. No more standing on a cold and deserted street corner at 7am! What’s more, you can go on holiday all year round! Why not spend this Christmas or New Year on an all inclusive break at a hotel in the countryside where everything is laid on for you and festive fun is guaranteed, you’re sure to make new friends.

Just over 800 kilometres south of the Thai capital Bangkok lies Thailand’s largest and most magnificent island. Forget the stories of seedy areas , there is so much more to Phuket or ‘bukit’, its Malay name meaning mountain or hill. You won’t believe your eyes the moment you walk out on to Karon or Patong beach and take in the long, white, pristine beaches which make Phuket renowned for a relaxing and spectacular holiday. If you prefer not to lounge on a beach then why not try scuba diving and discover popular diving spots such as Phang Nga Bay and Koh Phi Phi. For the best weather arrive between March and April when the weather is at its hottest and not a rain drop!

It is that time of year when it feels like the winter months are never going to end! You are sick and tired of the short days and the dark nights. It gives you the perfect excuse to look for some winter sun. At this time of year if you have a small budget, the choice of destinations can be quite limited. However you can always relay on the Canaries. There are a number of islands to choose from depending on what you are after for your trip. Lovely hotels, nice beaches and a good night life can be found for those looking for a relaxing time.

Many people think about going to Kenya, but most of them don’t actually ever do it. Maybe 2010 is the year to take the plunge, and see the amazing animals, wildlife, and breathtaking natural terrain that this part of Africa has to offer.

There are loads of companies offering safari and other adventures to tourists and serious travellers alike – all you have to do is choose a package to suit you. Here are a couple of examples of what’s on offer:

• 5 day Masai Mara wildebeest migration safari
• Hot air balloon safari in Kenya
• 4 day Lake Nakuru safari

If you’re looking for some inspiration for where to go in 2010, it may be useful to see where most people went in 2009. Helpfully, the Times Online has released a list of the top 36 travel ideas of last year. The following are a few highlights from the list, and some of them may surprise you:

• New Year in Hong Kong
• Caribbean cricket
• Snowbombing festival in the Alps
• Easter fireworks in Greece
• The White Nights Arts festival in St Petersburg
• Mardi Gras in Salvador, northeast Brazil
• The Fête de la Musique in Paris

Why do so many people visit Australia every year? It’s such a long way away, but some people go every year and others even move out there. I’ve been wondering why Australia is so popular, and here’s what I came up with:

• Surfing – Surfing conditions are brilliant in Australia; with so many beautiful beaches, it has almost become a national sport.

• The Australian outback – This stunning yet unusual natural feature is pretty awesome due to its sheer size, where desert plains of red sand stretch out for miles.

• Sydney – the stunning architecture of the Sydney Opera House, the beautiful harbour, the laid-back attitude, the weather…need I say more?

Going on a city break can be the most affordable and exciting ways to squeeze in a small holiday between working weeks, and it can also be the perfect present for a boyfriend or girlfriend. In my opinion, the three best city breaks are:

1. Berlin – I’ve only ever been to Berlin during the freezing winter, but the snow and cold seemed to suit the city somehow. Whether you’re a beer and bratwurst fan or a history buff, there are so many places to see; you’ll need to make an itinerary! Highlights include Berlin Zoo, the Brandenburg Gate and the Jewish Museum.

2. Amsterdam – I haven’t been yet, but people who have tell me that Amsterdam is not only a liberal and wild party city, but it is also a quaint, pretty and historical place to visit.

3. Paris – The ultimate city break. There are countless iconic places to see, and an amazingly cultural sophisticated atmosphere everywhere you go.

While temperatures in the UK are freezing and the weather is so very poor, a large number of people are looking to get away for a while to enjoy some winter sun. It’s a lovely feeling to experience a sunny climate when it’s the middle of winter back home; it can recharge your batteries after the Christmas period or even a couple of months of hard work.

Hawaii has recently been named by Expedia.co.uk as the sunny place UK holidaymakers would like to escape to. Temperatures reached 29°c during October and November, and these were amongst the coldest months in the UK last year. It may be a long way to go, but the beach, tropical weather and ‘aloha’ spirit are more than enough incentive to jet out there for a week or so. Other popular destinations include the Algarve, Mauritius and Andorra.