Always try and find some of the smaller gems too, though. Ask around, as personal recommendation can be a great way to find somewhere new. Le Sofa near the Place de la Bastille is tiny but the food, service and atmosphere is fantastic.

Sitting around on the terraces of bars with a glass of rouge watching the world go by has to be one of Paris’ pleasures. Once a bar near my hotel organised a farm-themed evening to celebrate the new Beaujolais, and so covered the floor in straw and brought in rabbits and ducks… right next door to la Bastille…

St Germain des Prés is also a great place to people watch. The famous Deux Magots is expensive, but their hot chocolate is lovely and it’s worth going even if only once. You need to head to the Marais, too for a bit of contrast with the luxury of St Germain. The Marais is a bit like Paris’ gay quarter and boasts some brilliant bars and restaurants.

There’s one in particular that has caught my eye while roaming on the net. In Normandy in Northern France, there’s a tree-house that has been built in an enormous chestnut tree overlooking the Le Perche Natural Park.

This is by no means roughing it in the middle of nowhere (the house is heated and has a shower room), but is a comfortable and relaxing retreat. It can take up to five people, which in my book makes it sound like a great place to either take the kids, or go off for a reunion of old friends.

If cider and crêpes in the countryside sounds quite tame, then keep looking online. In Costa Rica you can rent a tree-house which is, in part, the fuselage of a Boeing 727. In a tree.

Apparently, the popularity of tree-house and other more ‘eco-friendly’ holidays is on the increase. Hopefully I’ll be able to see for myself in the not-too-distant future…

That is exactly what I did last time I was there, and it was a fantastic way of seeing the island (although you do need to be careful of crazy Cretian drivers, it must be said).

We were staying south of the resort town Agios Nikolaos, on the east side of the island, and decided to rent a bike and head off to the eastern tip, then continue following the coast to Ierapetra before crossing back to Vathy.

The great thing about going off on the bike was that we could change our route at a moment’s notice or simply follow whichever route took our fancy.

We stopped at tiny villages in the mountains, where little old ladies in black rode through the streets on donkeys, and took stony, dusty tracks alongside olive groves where it would have been impossible to take a car.

Kato Zakros was a great place to stop: a few tavernas by the beach in a sheltered cove… We found a self-catering room surrounded by flowers in a small complex set just beyond the Minoan ruins… Absolute heaven and definitely something I’d recommend.

My girlfriend and I went horse riding in the mountains, and walked down the coast to the Blue Lagoon – albeit a man made sandy lagoon but it’s really quaint and scenic and a perfect place to relax for the day. The main beach itself is pebbles and you might have to pay for sun loungers but you can simply take a towel and find a comfortable place where the stones and pebbles aren’t too large. Our advice would also be to DEFINITELY hire a speed boat for the day if you can stretch your budget a little. You can then fly round the coast line or go at a leisurely pace that suits you, anchoring the boat at some gorgeous tranquil locations while getting a suntan and drinking a few cold beers (although you’ll have to provide these yourself).

The locals are lovely and friendly and the nightlife is lively – there are local bands playing, cocktails on offer everywhere and the usual fix of karaoke and much more.

The vaccinations you may need will depend on a few factors:

• The destination
• Any current medical conditions you have
• Any medication you have to take

Some vaccinations will be free, such as typhoid, whereas others, such as yellow fever will have to be paid for. It’s worth asking your GP surgery if this will be the case before you have the injections, so you can add up the costs.

• Fill your hire car up with fuel before you return it – Most car hire companies will tell you to return the car with a full tank. But they also say if you don’t fill it up they will do it for you. If they fill the car however, the inflated price of fuel could create a stinging effect on your pocket.
• Try not to use your mobile phone – Althoiugh mobile phone firms are now more strictly regulated it can still cost you a lot of money.
• Don’t use your credit card to take out cash from a cash machine – you will be charged.
• Tell your bank before you go – they may have good exchange rates.
• Take out travel insurance – medical expenses when on holiday can stack up.

No visit to Rome would be complete without a visit to the Vatican City and St. Peters. Try to go on a Wedneday when the Pope performs his service to the masses and soak up the atmosphere. Don’t forget to visit the Vatican museum and the awe inspiring Sistine chapel.

Next stop should be the Pantheon. Raphael’s final resting place sees unbelievable architecture from 27BC. Don’t forget to stare at the heavens through the dominating oculus.

You can’t visit Rome without seeing the Colosseum. Try to avoid the queues by booking your tickets online. And unlike many guided tours the official Colosseum guided tour is definitely worth a look.

La Ramblas

This tree lined street runs from the Placa Catalunya to the waterfront harbour. Enjoy the entertainment as dancers, street sellers, and musicians ply their wares.

Take in some architectural culture

Enjoy the architectural splendour of Gaudi with some of his finest achievements right in the city centre. A visit to Barcelona is not complete without a look at La Pedrere, Casa Batllo and La Sagrada Familia.

La Sagrada Familia

Gaudi’s unfinished master piece dominates the skyline. Walk up the hundreds of steps to the top to take in the breathtaking views.