Shopper's Paradise

Blackpool

Known for its "Kiss-Me-Quick" hats, sticks of rock and the ubiquitous fish and chips, Blackpool has all this and more. With miles of golden sands, stunning Victorian architecture, a host of entertainment for young and old alike and the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District right at the doorstep, Blackpool enjoys a scenic setting and easily maintains its status as the unofficial entertainment capital of the North.

Houston, Texas

Located in Texas, the fourth largest city in the U.S. is known for NASA, its annual rodeo and the largest medical complex in the world, the Texas Medical Center. However, Houston has matured into a complete and downright hip vacation destination for the savvy traveler. The city is a diverse metropolis where no ethnicity comprises a majority of the population. This mix of cultures has contributed to making Houston a city of superb cuisine and world-class culture, entertainment and shopping.

Amman

Although the Jordanian capital has its fair share of ancient remnants (the city was first mentioned as Rabbath Ammon in the Hebrew Bible around the 10th century BC), it is the way Amman experiences modernity that fascinates the most. Often listed among the most progressive cities in the Middle East, Amman is a flourishing capital growing by the hour, inhabited by a culturally diverse and rather liberal populace.

How To Do London: The Basics

Whether it's your first time visiting London, or if you've been before, learn how to do London like a local. From how to use an oyster card to travel around the city, to ideas for things to do including how to beat the queues, we've got it covered.

The London Story - Famous Londoners

We asked some of the capital's favourite famous Londoners to tell us their London Story. Sharing their passion and top tips for the city are Mayor of London Boris Johnson, actress Joanna Lumley, chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay, model and actress Twiggy and the Royal Ballet's Principal Dancers, Thiago Soares and Marianela Nunez. Discover more London stories www.visitlondon.com/story

Ningbo

One of the oldest cities in China, Ningbo is the birthplace of the Hemudu culture, which dates back over seven thousand years. Translated from Mandarin as ''the Serene Waves'', Ningbo is located at the shores of Hangzhou Bay and is a long-established international port and trading post. With the Hangzhou Bridge, the longest trans-oceanic link in the world, Ningbo is now directly connected to Shanghai and has emerged as an important international hub in its own right.

Geneva

Geneva is nestled like a sparkling jewel on the shores of Lake Geneva. Here everything exudes luxury, quality, elegance and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. The place is buzzing with people from all corners of the world. The city has excellent restaurants, exclusive shops, beautiful parks, a vibrant cultural life and interesting museums. A practical aspect is that Geneva is geographically quite small. You can wander around the town in an hour, and it is easy to go on quick one-day excursions to the idyllic surroundings.

Mauritius

The island of Mauritius lies about 2,000 kilometres off the southeast coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. As part of the Republic of Mauritius, which also includes the nearby island of Rodrigues as well as the outer islands Agaléga and St. Brandon, Mauritius has a long history of colonial conquests, disputed by the Netherlands, France and Great Britain. Having gained independence in 1968, the Republic of Mauritius retains its colourful diversity to-date, remaining multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multicultural and multilingual, giving shape to a very own, unique environment.

The London Story - Notting Hill

Let Henrietta share her London Story as she explians the vibrant mix of film, fashion, style and music on offer in Notting Hill.

Bahrain

It is easy to overlook this small island-nation, having, as it does, such powerful and flashy neighbours as Qatar and the Emirates, but to ignore Bahrain would be a huge mistake. It is an emerging power in the region, with all the luxury and worldliness of a cosmopolitan destination and all the charm and personality of a small island. Add to this the growing arts scene and burgeoning international cuisine in the country, and you have the newest prime travel destination in the region, and the most socially liberal one, to boot.

Afternoon Tea in London

Do you want to find the best afternoon tea in London? Watch this video guide to the classic British tradition and set your mouth watering over cakes, scones and dainty sandwiches. Whether enjoying the traditional splendour of afternoon tea at The Ritz or The Landmark London; high tea at Scoff & Banter; a leisurely cruise with City Cruises; a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory inspired tea at One Aldwych; or a fashionista tea at The Berkeley, there’s an afternoon tea London venue to suit you. If you want to get more hands-on, why not make your own afternoon tea at The Cookery School, Little Portland Street. Close to Oxford Circus, this charming cookery school is the perfect place to improve your skills as you learn to bake cakes and make the perfect cucumber sandwich.