TNT Magazine Spring 2016 by TNT Magazine

December 2015 Issue 1596 tntmagazine.com March 20152015 IssueIssue 15911595 tntmagazine.com September tntmagazine.com

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ERCAR A SUP ING DRIV + Travel through Europe IENCE EXPER E TRAVEL LUSIVepic with EXCour LE guide to BUND

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SAILING THE HIGH SEAS Croatia, Turkey and FESTIVAL Greece fight it out GUIDE 2016 All theBEST essential THE places to know. OF EUROPE, ASIA, AFRICA & TNT/STA TRAVEL THE AMERICAS FROM ARMIDALE SHOW 2016 We really have done all TO The THE biggest APPRENTICE free travel

the hard work so you don’t Mark show inWright Londonshows have to. You’re welcome. expats how it’s done

SH*T JUST GOT WEIRD This year’s most unusual festivals

! L E ! A C I P E C I E E R R P T S G D N W A O I O T H R S A N R L I E E T V S EA MM DR T U S

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NEW YORK WEEKENDER MEXICO’S WEST SIDE ++ SOUTH AFRICA TRAVEL DEALS FESTIVALS TRAVEL DEALS CHEAP LOW-SEASON SKIING PAMPLONA BULLS CAREERS SETTING UP UP IN IN THE THE UK UK CAREERS SETTING

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FOOD 14 DRINK 15 LIFESTYLE LIVING: SETTING UP

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EDITORIAL Editor James Clark EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES 0203 011 1066 SALES/MARKETING/EVENTS Managing Director Kevin Ellis PHONE 01603 343102 EMAIL kevin.ellis@tntmagazine.com For all general enquiries please call 0207 989 0567 or email sales@tntmagazine.com DESIGN / PRODUCTION Head of design and production Matt Johnson functiondesignstudio.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS / DISTRIBUTION Manager Caroline Penn PHONE 01603 559004 EMAIL caroline.penn@tntmagazine.com ACCOUNTS Emma Overton EMAIL emma.overton@tntmagazine.com STARTRACK MEDIA LTD Directors Kevin Ellis, Ken Hurst Stuart Bidgood PUBLISHER Startrack Media Limited DISTRIBUTION Emblem Direct Ltd NEWS AAP PICTURES Getty Images, TNT Images, Thinkstock and iStock TNT Magazine Star Track Media Ltd The Royal 25 Bank Plain Norwich Norfolk NR2 4SF tntmagazine.com

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I love the New Year, it gets me thinking about festivals or most importantly the ones I am going to in 2016. I’ve decided to steer away from the UK and head to sunnier climates. That’s not to say that I don’t love the festivals here, I just like to travel further afield when I can grab the opportunity. In July I’m doing Pohado in Slovakia, Garorock in France and Love International in Croatia. For the month of August back to Croatia for Soundwave and the Netherlands for Lowlands and finally on to Mexico City in November for Corona Capital. We’ve put together a festival guide covering the UK, Europe and other great festivals from around the World for next year. Get planning and let us know which ones you’re heading too. Our writers, like me are obsessed with travel and if you are too then you’re going to be thrilled to hear that we are working on February’s TNT / STA Travel Show. All your favourite travel companies will be under one roof at the Business Design Centre in Islington on Saturday February 27. Offering unbeatable exclusive discounts, giveaways and advice, this is the best place to book travel for 2016. South America may not be the easiest place to get to, but it’s well worth the haul. This is a continent of spell-binding scenery (think rainforests, red rock canyons, deserts, glaciers and soft white sands), hip-shaking beats, sultry summer sun, cosmopolitan cities of cool, ridiculously good looking locals and loud and proud Latin culture that’s sure to exceed your expectations. Here, we give you a rundown of the countries that simply have to be on your hit list, and how you can go about making them happen. Nothing can prepare you for the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon, but the West Coast has so much more on offer. There’s the beaches in San Diego, driving Route 66, the great architecture of San Francisco, Yosemite in California and my personal favourite the debauchery of Las Vegas. South Africa’s Eastern Cape is full of fascinating history and culture. From early settlers and frontier war heroes to anti-Apartheid icons and literary legends, it’s all here, and it would be a shame not to learn about it while visiting the great country. When your head is full of history Cape Town has to be your destination for an adrenaline fix with extreme sports and beaches to die for. Whatever you do, book it at the TNT Travel Show! I’ll be there, be sure to come over and say hello. We’re always on the look out for travel writers and readers to review gigs, bars, clubs and restaurants in London. Send me an email if you’re interested.

james.clark@tntmagazine.com

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GUIDE TO JORDAN

BEST OF USA

TNT Magazine is printed on paper from sustainable forests. There is no business connection between the proprietors of this magazine and TNT Ltd, the worldwide transportation group. Copyright here and abroad of all original materials is held by TNT Magazine. Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden, except with permission of the publishers. Registered as a newspaper at the Post Office.

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WINTER’S TOP PICKS BRITAIN’S CHILD MIGRANTS

GILLES PETERSON AWARDS

until June 12

Jan 16

Between 1865 and 1970, 100,000 British children were sent to Australia and other Commonwealth countries as part of initiatives offering boys and girls the chance of a better life overseas. Could be a great way for our Aussie friends to find out more about their family history.

A showcase for some of the very freshest talents from the worlds of funk, hip hop, jazz, dub, house, electronica and more. Performances by young London rapper Little Simz, LA freakjazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington and Mercurynominated soul singer Eska.

V&A Museum South Kensington vam.ac.uk

Koko Mornington Crescent koko.uk.com

MUST-DO TNT/STA TRAVEL SHOW Feb 27 The TNT/STA Travel Show will provide attendees with massive exclusive discounts on trips and tours from top tour operators covering the UK, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Americas and Australasia. Plus service providers from recruitment, tax and visa experts to shippers – everything you need to make the most of your stay in the UK and your travels abroad. Business Design Centre, Islington

Angel

tnttravelshow.com

LUMIERE LONDON

PANCAKE DAY

CHINESE NEW YEAR

VALENTINES DAY

Jan 14 - 16

Feb 9

Feb 8

Feb 14

More than 20 artists have been enlisted to light up the streets of the capital with new commissions and site-specific work for Lumiere London in 2016. Neons, projections, and performances are set to sparkle across the West End and King’s Cross providing relief from the winter blues and new ways of viewing the city.

Pancake Day is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Lent – the 40 days leading up to Easter – is traditionally a time of fasting. Don’t miss out this Pancake Day. Head to one of London’s brilliant pancake restaurants for a Pancake Day feast. There are loads of restaurants and pop - ups all over the capital, so get out there and eat until you can’t.

London’s Chinese New Year celebrations are one of the largest outside Asia. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people descend on the West End to wish each other a Happy New Year. Chinese New Year festivities in Central London take place in Trafalgar Square, Chinatown and Shaftesbury Avenue. Our favourite has to be Chinatown just for the food.

Grab the one you love or the one that you got off with last night and get some romance going. There’s so much on offer for a great night out, so you’re probably best to have a think about what you’d like to do and take it from there. Restauants tend to book up, so get on the phone if you want a table and if you really want to push the boat out then how about a hot air balloon ride.

Various, see website artichoke.uk.com

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Various

Chinatown

Piccadilly

Various

TOUR SEARCH www.tnttoursearch.com

TOUR SEARCH

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Photos: Supplied

Photo: iStock.com/EdStock

COMEDY NIGHTS

EXHIBITIONS

THEATRE

BILL BAILEY UNTIL JAN 10 / £56.49 Bill Bailey’s newest tour, Limboland, is finally homeward-bound this December, making this a true Christmas-time treat.

THE BATTLE OF AGINCOURT UNTIL JAN 31 / £24.50 Witness the chaos and scale of the battle through a detailed diorama of the battlefield, featuring 4,000 painted scale-model figures. Get up close to significant examples of medieval archery equipment, including longbows and arrows from the Mary Rose Trust, which expose the devastating use of English archers to secure victory; and discover the cutting-edge equipment of the day that protected men-at-arms. Expect talks, demonstrations and to join in.

WONDER.LAND UNTIL JAN 31 / £50 Welcome to wonder.land, where you can be exactly who you want to be. Bullied at school and unhappy at home, Aly, 12, loves this extraordinary virtual world and wonder.land offers an escape. Online, she becomes Alice, she is brave, beautiful and in control. Some of the people she meets – the weird Dum and Dee, the creepy Cheshire Cat, the terrifying Red Queen all seem strangely familiar. Aly starts to find it difficult to keep reality and virtual apart and wonder.land begins to collide in even more curious and dangerous ways. Bound to be weird, Damon Albarn from Blur is one of the writers.

Vaudeville Theatre

Charing Cross

vaudeville-theatre.co.uk

BILLY CONNOLLY UNTIL JAN 23 / / £60 After a successful run in Canada and Scotland, Billy Connolly brings his latest tour, High Horse, to the big smoke. Since the mid -1970s, Billy has been making us roar with laughter with deeply personal recollections of his wild, hilarious and sad life story. Eventim Hammersmith Apollo Hammersmith hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com

EDDIE IZZARD JAN 18 - FEB 13 / £55 Fresh from his world “Force Majeure” tour, the irrepressible Eddie Izzard will be taking up residence in London for four weeks. Palace Theatre

Piccadilly Circus

palacetheatrelondon.org

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HM Tower of London Tower Hill

hrp.org.uk

DESIGN TONIC FEB 6 - FEB 7 / FREE How can design and technology bring new perspectives to mental health? Multimedia works from students and alumni from the Royal College of Art’s Design, created in response to mental health issues. Featuring films, prototypes and workshops, investigating the beneficial and adverse ways in which technology effects our mental wellbeing. Southbank Centre

Waterloo

southbankcentre.co.uk

National Theatre

Waterloo / Southwark

nationaltheatre.org.uk

CIRQUE BERSERK FEB 8 - FEB 24 / £49 Contemporary cirque-style with adrenalinefueled stunt action, including jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, drummers, stunt men and a clown named Tweedy. Highlight the world’s most hair-raising motorcycle circus act. Peacock Theatre

Holborn

peacocktheatre.com

LONDONSOUND

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CLUB NIGHTS

GIGS

CAMDEN ROCKS CLUB JAN 2 / 11PM - 3AM / £5

FUTURE

Camden Town’s biggest weekly rock night, with free Jack Daniels on the door, i’m in. Expect Arctic Monkeys, Blink-182, Foo Fighters, Green Day, The Libertines, Muse, The White Stripes, AC/DC, PIXIES, Oasis, The Killers and so much more.

Just in case you don’t know Dapper rapper Future is from Atlanta. Expect tracks from his latest solo album Honest and What a Time to Be Alive, his new collaboration album with Drake. We can’t get enough of it here at the TNT office.

The Underworld Camden Camden

WATCH THIS

JAN 8 / 7PM / £41.50.61.50

O2 Academy Brixton

Brixton

theunderworldcamden.co.uk

GIN FESTIVAL LONDON 2016

TRIBAL SESSIONS

TORTURED SOUL

JAN 8 / 11PM - 7AM / £15 Tribal Sessions is set to launch a new primitive party series at Fire in London, a well-respected addition to London’s club scene. Keep your ears open, the full line up is still to be announced.

JAN 16 / 7PM / £15 The band is living proof that modern EDM can be freed from the DJ booth and fused with the classic styles of Prince, Heatwave and Kool & The Gang. This amazing live band brings a dance party like no other and unless you’re on a hot date shouldn’t be missed. Hell even if you are, bring the date with you. It’s going to be unforgettable.

Fire in London firelondon.net

Vauxhall

CLUB DE FROMAGE JAN 23 / 10.30 - 3.30AM / £6.50 Join London’s favourite pop and fancy dress party for a night of the biggest dancefloor anthems the best of classic pop and rock from the last 50 years including Bon Jovi, Britney, The Bangles, Backstreet Boys, One Direction, Charli XCX, Abba, Bruno Mars, Spice Girls, Will Smith (didn’t realise he was a singer), MJ, Blur, Taylor Swift, Tiffany, Katy Perry, The Killers, Megan Trainor, Queen, Take That and more. Islington Academy

Angel

clubdefromage.com

FRIED SUGAR JAN 27 / 7PM - 1AM / FREE Introducing Fried Sugar, east London’s answer to Wednesday nights out. The finest R&B and HipHop with a vast array of old and new. All played out by resident DJ’s rotated each week. Cargo in London Shoreditch High Street cargo-london.com

The O2 North Greenwich

theo2.co.uk

THE CORRS JAN 23 / 7.30PM / £42.50 - £97.50 They are back and after playing a recent triumphant show in Hyde Park, which was the band’s first for ten years, have confirmed a tour including a show at The O2. Bet they’re as enchanting as they were ten years back. The O2 North Greenwich

theo2.co.uk

JASON DERULO FEB 5 / FROM 6.30PM / £40.00 - £51.00 US singer Jason Derulo is doing great right now right now. Another number one with Want to Want Me, his new album is selling fast. We can’t wait to see this latest edition of Derulo fun as tickets for2016 UK tour go on sale. The O2 North Greenwich

After last year’s massively sold out London Gin Festival, GinFestival. com is back with even more gins that ever. With the most gins and the most people it’s the biggest UK gin event. Great for us we love the stuff. The festival will be showcasing over 100 different gins. On arrival you will be handed your glass and a brochure, full of information on all the gins you can try, a little about each company and the suggested garnish. You will need drinks tokens to buy the gin which will be available at the front desk, these are £5 per drink and includes tonic and a fresh garnish. Most people tend to buy a card of 4 for £20 and go from there, but you can buy less if you like. Bet no one does. There will be live entertainment, talks from gin industry experts if you fancy getting educated as well as drunk, food and lots of drinking with gin lovers. If you’re a gin novice, there are people to assist and recommend some to get you going, or tell you all about their favourites. Feb 19 - 21 2016, Tobacco Docks, Tobacco Quay, Wapping Lane ginfestival.com

theo2.co.uk

hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com

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LOOKING FOR AN ENDORPHIN-RELEASING KICK? Experience Megastore offers a range of supercar driving, lorry, hovercraft, segway and bungee experiences for thrill seekers throughout the UK. One lucky winner and a guest will win a supercar driving experience - If you’re 12 years or older, you can get behind the wheel of any 3 of Our amazing supercars including Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche 911 Turbo, Audi R8 and more, driving 3 laps in each of them. Professional instructors ensure you get the maximum from your experience at a choice of location; Essex, Lincolnshire, Vale of Glamorgan or Scotland.

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Ping pong at Bounce I swing my bat and miss the ping-pong ball for the fifth time in a row. Oh God, this was not a good idea. I shake my head apologetically and run around after the ball bouncing around between the feet of fellow punters, hoping that my jeans are the flattering kind as I parade my arse in the air like a cat in heat. But then the benefit of a ping-pong date shines through as my date comes around to show me a few techniques. I am usually far from the ‘Damsel in distress’ type, but I could make an exception for this excuse to get up close and personal, particularly as his tips actually did result in me hitting the ball back, even scoring some (occasional) points. Having a good laugh, some (relatively) friendly competition and, of course, plenty of ball-related innuendoes, ping pong turned out to be a damn good ice breaker on a date. I’m not advising you head to your local gym in sweats, though. Instead, go to Bounce in Holborn, a buzzing underground bar and restaurant, where the focus revolves around gangs of friends bouncing balls at each other. Party music blares out of the speakers and the carefully placed fluroescent lighting allows for a club-like atmosphere, but with enough light so you can actually see the ping-pong balls. (This does, however, mean you can’t use ‘bad lighting’

as an excuse for being crap at the game – I tried that one.) Having worked up a hunger and thirst, my date and I followed our game with a pulled pork pizza, garlic bread and wedges, sipped on some cocktails and shared a bottle of wine. And why stop there? The perfect way to end a pingpong date is, of course, with a bit of tonsil tennis... By Caroline Garnar £10/18 off peak, £13/26 on peak for 30/60 mins. Bounce, 121 Holborn, EC1N 2TD bouncepingpong.com

MYLONDON When I want to chill out I… go to a park. My favourite one that is not too far from me is Victoria Park. It has been improved unbelievably over the past decade and it is such a lovely place to lose yourself in. They often have events going on, but it’s so big you can always find a quiet corner to relax and chill out in. The most interesting person I’ve met in London is... Sean Lock. After a show a few years ago I had a few minutes with him and a crowd sharing a beer. I’m a huge fan and have seen him live a couple of times. I often wonder whether celebrities are as personable in the flesh – and Sean certainly was! My favourite spot to take visitors is... South Bank on a Saturday afternoon. There’s just so much for the eyes to digest! In the summer I love walking by the river, visiting the Underbelly festival, and having a drink up above it all at the Roof Garden. My favourite place for dinner is... Il Bordelo in Wapping, my favourite restaurant in London. Huge portions, friendly staff, and a great atmosphere. I entertain there both personally and for business, and I am never disappointed.

When you’re hungover in London you can’t beat... a walk down Regents Canal. It’s so peaceful and quiet, although when it’s busy you might have to dodge a cyclist or 10. If it is raining, I’m more likely to be sat somewhere in Canary Wharf nursing a hair of the dog. My favourite spot in London is... Borough. The market is great – there’s so much to see, do and eat! I often enjoy a morning there followed by a walk down the Thames or dinner at Black and Blue for a truly awesome steak. My perfect weekend in London would be... Christmas. The roads are quiet, people are relaxed, and almost everyone enjoys a break. I still occasionally go to a late night club around Christmas for a large night out. I’m not that old… yet! What I love most about London is... the variety. I’ve lived in Asia, I’ve travelled the world, and some days I feel like I see something from every part of the world right here in the city. The east end is a great example of this variety and colour. I spend a fair amount of time around Shoreditch and Brick Lane, and like to watch Arsenal at the Corner Shop Bar. Five words that sum up London are... The centre of the world! Visit

guidelondon.co.uk to buy stylish men’s designer clothing

RICHARD BENSON DIRECTOR OF GUIDE LONDON 12

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ROADTRIP

There’s nothing like getting your hands dirty on a date – we mean with a screen printing class, of course. Print Club Londonnorth is known forthe displaying selling verydown-to-earth snazzy screen in Lille, Belgium and influence offers Untitled-9 1 17/12/2015 menus of beer, mussels fries. prints, plus it offers classes forand beginners. The drivewe back to England, passing the rows of sombre The first thing were told to do was cast out any notions butprinting beautifully headstones Flanders Fields, of screen thatpreserved we had from school.atIndeed our gives Barry us time to refl ectwere on our oftenitmisjudged neighbour. technicians, and Elliot right; was nothing like I liken to an old during dame; elegant, nostalgic, stubborn what you mayher have done art, period four, with stencils and at timesThis resisting theinvolves modern world. and gloopy paint. instead a tank-like vacuum seal But therein lies the attraction. Forimages a country easysensitive machine so we could render our chosen in UV enough to drive then to from your home with each emulsion for printing, there are big and computers forstop photo offering a different glimpse into daily French life, you editing. The goal of the four-hour class is to explain the ought to get behind the wheel and head for Dover today. process in full, so that any eager beavers can screen print on their own in the future. Sure enough, I soon felt like I could Travelling by van go it alone – an impressive feat, given that ‘greyscale’ and With your bed always there and knowing you can be in ‘bitmap’France chat makes me shudder. in a matter of hours, a van tour is one of the most Aftermemorable, an hour lunch break, we down ways to the economical andgot liberating tomessy get around part – actually printing, which turned out to be a very the country and the rest of Europe. satisfyingTempting art-form.as Even forseem a newbie, theto final product looks it may however, spontaneously professional. Barry and Elliot were very patient with any hit the road, thorough preparations will make a huge questions that wetohad they laughing through the difference theand quality ofkept yourus trip. whole dayNaturally, too. you’ll need a UK or an international driving The session leftame wanting more you and decide you don’t licence, definitely insurance and green card should non-EUgenius countries. The French Road Safety have toto beenter an artistic to come out with excellent also to requires in France, results. Department It’s a great way spendall a drivers day, and the bestincluding part is drivers of vehicles registered outside of theor country, to that you’ll come away with a personalised gift, something haveto one warning triangle reflective pretty cool hang on your wall and as aone memento of jacket your in their vehicle. Authorities very strict on this regulation hopefully successful date. If youare discover a new skill, you can and regularly enforce on-the-spot fi nes. become a member to use their screen-printing facilities for a road-worthy vanoffer should set you back about £2000 month forA£100. They also advanced workshops for the but bear in mind that UK insurers may not insure a vehicle Regulated by the FCA more experienced. more than 20 years old. Also, as road conditions can be By Racheal Getzels rough at times, make sure you get your van checked out Beginners’ workshop costs £50. Print Club London, 10-28 Miller’s before starting. For shorter trips, you may prefer to rent Avenue, E8 2DS. printclublondon.com a van that will come complete with warranty, breakdown cover and insurance although again do check these cover TNTMAGAZINE.COM non-EU countries. of holidaymakers are discovering the area too. Simply start in 13 If you want to buy a van, visit gumtree.com. If you want Slovenia and head towards Greece through Croatia, Bosnia and

13:12

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BITE SIZE

ROCK XXXXXAND BOWL Taking Xxxxxxxx up residency inside the O2 Arena, Brooklyn Bowl brings a slice of [web] the Big Apple to its first outpost outside the US. Not your usual 12-lane bowling XXXXXalley, it features plush leather sofas, a stage for live music and disco Xxxxxxxx balls overhead. Meanwhile, hearty American [web] classics are prepared by Blue Ribbon restaurant, including fried chicken and Cajun catfish. Let’s bowl! XXXXX Xxxxxxxx london.brooklynbowl.com

DESSERTS [web] WITH LOVE Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite dons his apron once more to rustle up a range of desserts, from passion fruit meringue tartlet to a ‘Love Potion Number 9’ creation. Part of a three-course Valentine’s Day meal at the riverside Cutty Sark pub, old-worldly knick-knacks create an intimate setting for lovebirds. cuttysarkse10.co.uk

Photos: supplied. Words: Emily Ray

CHU ON THIS Aussies rejoice! Miss Chu – ‘the queen of rice paper rolls’ – is now feeding hungry mouths in London with its so tasty and yet so healthy food. The Australian brand has recently launched a full menu in its tuckshop at 91 Whitechapel High Street. TNT was already a big fan and since the local branch opened we have sunk our teeth into tiger prawn and green mango rolls, steamed dumplings and beef and oxtail pho (Vietnamese noodle soup). Warming, delicious and free of food-guilt thanks to the fresh, mainly gluten-free ingredients. Miss Chu, it’s great to have you back.

GAUCHO AFTERNOON TEA  Argentine

The Argentines do two things very well: steak and the tango. But afternoon tea? Surely afternoon tea is reserved for the quintessentially English. But, if you serve it in the Piccadilly branch of Gaucho, which has a heated outdoor terrace tucked away from, but still overlooking, the bustling Regent Street, Argentina and England seem like the perfect couple for a cuppa. We reckon you should venture out for an afternoon tea for two on Saturday. Plus, some of that Argentine passion could rub off on you... THE GRUB You can opt for a cream tea, with scones, jam, cream and a selection of tea for £10 as well as buying individual patisseries for £4.95, but we recommend you go all out with the afternoon tea, which starts off with the warm and buttery scones before moving on to a two-tiered platter of sweet and savoury treats. Classic British sarnies with a gourmet twist – smoked salmon, cucumber and cream cheese, and egg mayo, avocado and quail egg – are cheek to cheek with Argentinian specialities – a choripan, which is a sandwich of chorizo with chipotle chutney and sweet Romero pepper, and carpaccio and chimichurri nestled in a sweet brioche bun. Deliciously decadent. Then it’s on to not one, not two, but seven, yes seven desserts. At least this means there’s no fighting over who gets what as there is more than enough to share. Divvy up the chocolate profiterole, raspberry and custard eclair, alfajores biscuits, chocolate tartlet, Argentine chocolate cake, exotic fruit meringue and dulche de leche cheesecake, and you’ll soon be sweet for each other... BEHIND THE BAR Choose from an aromatic selection of teas including lavender Earl Grey, jasmine silver needle and blood orange. You can also enjoy a glass of Bianchi sparkling wine for an extra £6 or Veuve Clicquot for £15. BILL PLEASE Full afternoon tea is £30 per person. VERDICT Romantic, more unique than dinner, and pretty damn delicious too. Seriously you should think about giving it ago. CG THE SCENE

misschu.com.au 25 Swallow Street, W1B 4QR

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THE DRURY CLUB NIGHTCLUB

Do you dream of screwing Spencer Matthews? Or perhaps a Binky bonk is on your to-do list? If you have no idea who these people are, this place probably isn’t your cup of tea (served in a china cup, natch). If you do rush home to watch the Made in Chelsea gang, however, then you should rush yourself straight to this Drury Lane hotspot. Indeed, from one reality show to another, Ziggy from 2007’s Big Brother even works the door here. Ushered in, we found ourselves in a seriously cool underground space with red leather seating, glowing travel chest tables and exposed brick walls. The music is an awesome mix of old-skool R’n’B (yep, they even cranked out Gangster’s Paradise). Just be warned: girls, wear your heels, tightest dress, and prepare for a battle of the hair flicks; men, get your swagger on and your credit card out – the women flock to wherever the bottle of Grey Goose complete with firework is delivered. BEHIND THE BAR If you can’t afford a whole bottle (peasant), then let the talented barmen mix you up a killer cocktail. We sampled the Passion Fruit House Highball, which mixed Havana rum, spiced Bajan syrup and club soda, and a Rhubarb Kir, which muddled the fruit with aperol, rose wine and club soda. As tasty as dessert, but much more lethal. Oh, and you can rent an Absinthe fountain for £350... BILL PLEASE Cocktails from £10, wine from £11, beer from £7. VERDICT Watch your Made in Chelsea boxset and get your name on the guestlist. CG THE SCENE

3 OF THE BEST PANCAKES

Holborn

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BREAKFAST CLUB

SAVE YOUR BACON

SWEET OR SAVOURY

It’s hearty and delicious, though smoothies with waggish names such as the ‘Pommy Granny’ (pomegranate and berries) add a healthful note. Ignore the shabby chic and devour as many pancakes as you can.

Seb Emina, author of The Breakfast Bible, and Kaori O’Connor, writer of The English Breakfast book, will host a Book Club at The Hoxton on Tuesday March 4. Pancakes and bacon are included in the price (£17.25).

Whether you’re a sucker for sugar or a savoury devotee, the Botanist Square has got you covered: try its pancakes topped with either strawberry soufflé or shorthorn fillet, seared foie gras and bone marrow sauce. Fancy.

thebreakfastclubcafes.com

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thebotanistonsloanesquare.com

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167 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5PG

LIFESTYLELIVING KEEP YOUR COOL IN THE KITCHEN .99

£29

Star trek pizza slicer Reach the final frontier at dinner. thefowndry.com

.00

£20

Nine whisky stones Ice fit for a man – grunt. teroforma.com

.00

£45

Champagne cork ice bucket So baby just pop your cooler. xlcork.com

.00

£15

Mezzaluna cutting board Go pro with this herb chopping set. sainsburyshome.co.uk

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Live on the cheap London is the most expensive city in the world. Fact, people. Here’s where to live if your money tree is refusing to grow... According to a recent report, London is officially the most expensive city in the world. From the price of a beer to bus fare to the shoe boxes that people call home. And, of course, rents continue to rise but salaries are staying the same; so what’s a gal, or guy, to do? Well, we are here to tell you that there are areas of the capital where the rent is lower and you won’t be out in Timbuktu. Yes, it may take you a whole (shock, horror) 10 minutes more to get to central London, but, y’know, deal with it. We spoke to estate agents from Black Katz, Your Move and Currell about the best places to look for wellpriced rentals. Then, when you find your perfect pad for a fraction(ish) of the usual price, you can go all Wolf of Wall Street and start throwing lobsters at people. Or some frozen prawns at least...

Walthamstow This area of north-east London comes up over and over again as one of the best places to rent – so we’re scratching our heads as to why the masses haven’t caught on. Nevertheless they haven’t, so keep this on the down-low; we want you to be the first in. In Walthamstow you can get a place with spacious rooms for a decent price (by London standards, that is, but there’s nothing we can do about that). According to Shell Miah of Your Move, one bed flats in the area start at £120 a week, but you do have to search. The area itself has a village feel with a local market, a high street and a few good bars

Watch out: You don’t want to be late on your rent

and restaurants, so you really can’t complain. Miah added: “A lot of young people are moving to Walthamstow; it’s a nice area and the transport is good – only 20 minutes from central.” We think that sounds pretty good folks, so why not go for a snoop?

Westminister If this sounds like it’s out of left field, that’s because it is – and don’t start thinking flats in Hyde Park are going cheap; they’re not and they never will. However, Westminster has the unique trait of having extremely low council tax. You’ll be paying about half of what it costs in most boroughs, so the extra £700-800 you save every year could go towards your rent instead. Flats are more pricey given the location (Charing Cross is literally the most central point of the city) but again, the tax savings could make it worthwhile – and if living in the middle of the city is a priority, then this is where to do it. You won’t find anywhere here for less than £150 a week, but we’re telling you, a bit of tactical scrimping and saving and you might just land yourself a deal. And hey, with Big Ben right outside your window you could even save on a clock. How’s that for clever thinking?

Willesdon For those of you who are all about the West Side (G homies), then Willesdon could be a good bet for you. This area is beginning to gather some buzz. It’s not quite there but, as you move Kilburn way, there’s a marked

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Believe it or not: Westminster has the cheapest council tax going!

TOP TIPS KEISHA HERBERT 24 Market researcher

“I leave home an hour earlier so I can walk to work and save some money on London’s expensive transport – I like to think some of the pennies saved go towards rent! Also, we only have electric heaters in our flat so I always wear an extra jumper so we don’t have to leave them on for so long as they’re quite expensive.”

WHERE TO STAY WHILE LOOKING We’ve given you a head start on where to look, but we can’t guarantee how long it will take. There are a number of hostels that take long-term guests in London if you need somewhere to stay during your hunt. – It doesn’t get more central than this simple YHA hostel in Oxford Street. Beds start at £19 per night. yha.org.uk. – Dover Castle Hostel in Borough has a flat share option for long-termers and their staff are full of advice. A room in a shared flat starts at £85 a week. dovercastlehostel.com

Photos: Thinkstock. Words: Rachael Getzels

– If you want something more quirky, check out Clink78 in King’s Cross, which used to be a jail in Dickens’ time. clinkhostels.com improvement with new cafes cropping up and some good pubs nearby (Paradise in Kensal Rise is a hidden gem). Willesden Green is nicer than Willesden Junction, but there is a difference in price. Nevertheless, Willesden is jammily located a few stops from Broad Street, plus the Jubilee Line is almost never late, which is a joyous rarity in London. Prices are around £120-140 per week for a one bed. But don’t forget, there’s always the option of a double up! Just make sure your partner is cool with it...

Finsbury Park Finsbury Park has managed to dispel its somewhat rough image in the last few

years and coast off its great location and proximity to the Emirates Stadium (it helps that Arsenal are doing well this season). Young urban professionals have been flocking here and families are beginning to move in, which is a good sign. There’s some good foreign cuisine here and, of course, you can always go to the trusty Faltering Fullback, which may be an Irish pub on the outside, but everyone knows is full of Aussie love on the inside. Finsbury Park has great buses to east and north London and the Piccadilly Line is speedy. A room in a rental house begins at £150 per week here.

Balham You might give Clapham a round of applause, but you should cheer for Balham too, as the two aren’t too dissimilar – although the latter is slightly cheaper. (And yes, we did make a hilarious joke, but let’s not get off topic.) Balham has loads going for it. It’s a bit further out, but it’s fairly buzzing with good pubs, bars and restaurants, and they keep flooding in. Sam Turley of Currell estate agents told us: “Brixton and Balham are sort of the new Clapham. The area is spreading out and there’s a lot going on – it’s definitely going in the direction of Clapham.” Which is great news, as Clapham is a regular hangout for Aussies anyway. This is also a great place to go for flat shares as it’s jammed full of young people (and antipodeans) so you’re likely to luck out. Sites such as spareroom. co.uk have great listings for Balham, and prices range from £155-200 per week.

ASHLEIGH JAMES 25 Medical student

“I live with friends in Bethnal Green, which is an area that has lots going on but rent is still relatively affordable – at least for now. I also have a part-time job with a catering company, which gives me a little extra to go towards rent or bills. It’s a zero-hour contract and really flexible, which means I can fit it around studying, seeing friends and exploring London!” HARRIETTE HARRINGTON 25 Gallery Assistant

“I like to save money for living expenses by taking the bus around London rather than the tube, or by walking if I can. It’s a great way to save each week and good as a bit of exercise! I also make sure that I take my rent out of my pay cheque each month and save it in a separate account to make sure I don’t spend it!”

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WIN AN INCREDIBLE TRAVEL BUNDLE! TNT, Trendz, and Kitvision are offering 4 lucky winners the chance to win this incredible travel bundle. The bundle includes the Kitvision Splash Action Camera, the Kitvision Splash Selfie Stick, and the newly released Trendz geometric travel range which includes a passport cover, travel wallet, luggage tag, and power bank! This prize bundle really does have everything you could ever need for your adventures, so you can travel in style and look back on all your amazing memories.

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CASH-SAVING TIPS

HOW YOU SPEND IT!

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GORGE GALORE If you’re looking for a good excuse to ditch the diet post-January we’ve got what you need – some serious money-saving deals at London restaurants. The Famous Curry Bazaar on Brick Lane is offering 2 for 1 on all mains (thefamouscurrybazaar. co.uk) and Riverford at Duke of Cambridge in Islington is also offering two for one on delicious fresh foods (dukeorganic. co.uk). BOOZE ALERT Hallelujah! Bring a Bottle has arrived and it’s the answer to your prayers. The free website compares grog deals at all major supermarkets so you can get the best bang for your buck. You can even sign up for email alerts when the price of your fave bottle hits rock bottom. We just hope your behaviour doesn’t do the same. bringabottle.co.uk SHOW-STOPPING PRICES Theatre tickets that have been slashed can be yours. With more than 50 shows on the books of getintolondontheatre.com and discounts on West End sell-outs such Mamma Mia!, Billy Elliot, Les Miserables and Peter Pan Goes Wrong are on offer cheaper than expected.

LIFESTYLEMONEY

BRYCE KEANE, 29 JOB Co-founder of 3 Beards FROM Melbourne LIVES London How do you budget? I make sure I regularly send chunks of money home to savings and investment funds in Australia where I can’t touch it. When I send money home I use online money site TransferWise to avoid bank fees. Do you have any tips for saving money in London? The biggest killer here is eating and drinking out, and the London lifestyle lends

itself to that so I try to do a big shop at the start of the week and cook a huge meal that’ll last several days. What was your last big blow-out? A trip home for a month at Christmas and New Year last year – I travelled around catching up with family and friends, which all adds up.... What non-essential items do you spend money on? Mainly entertainment; my job involves a lot of going out, meeting people and networking – all of which is expensive in London.

HOW THEY SPEND IT! Kate’s hot wheels Hitting the big 4-0 is a major milestone for all of us, but you wouldn’t expect a £20,000 vintage Porsche for the occasion. Unless you’re Kate Moss that is, who was ‘presented’ the iconic car (read: it was free. Sigh.) Leaves us wondering what will she get for the 42nd in January.

❚ It’s one thing to get a £20,000 car for

Over the hill? Kate’ll just whizz back up it in her new Porsche

your 40th, but quite another to get a a 1965 Lincoln Continental for your 18th, as pop star Justin Bieber did.❚ It’s rumoured that Jay-Z drives the most expensive car in Hollywood since he’s been spotted cruising in a £5million Maybach Exelero. We wonder if he’ll let daughter Blue Ivy drive it? Well, maybe in a few years. ❚ You may talk the talk, but if you can’t, er, drive the car, it’s no use, as Kanye discovered when he clumsily crashed his £451,000 car into Kim Kardashian’s gate. Doh! ❚ A snap-happy admirer of a £547,000 custom-made car was shocked to come face-to-face with owner, Black Eyed Peas’ Will.i.am, as he took a photo of the parked vehicle in Los Angeles. TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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Do files make you smile? Get a job in admin

A pedantic passion Does a well organised spreadsheet make your heart race? Do you love a good Post-it note? Then these are the jobs for you... If you’re punctual and precise (we know you people do exist) then we’ve got the job for you – the rest of you lazy lot, turn the page now. In London, admin jobs abound and they’re straight-forward to get even if you don’t have experience. Though do note, turning up at the wrong office or forgetting the boss’s name will not lead to success. So brush up on your punctuality and punctuation and you should go down a treat.

Human Resources If you work in HR you’re the heart and soul of the company. The employees’ happiness depends on you; their pay depends on you; their job depends on you. Does Al in IT have BO? Fire his ass. We’re joking of course – that would be illegal – but you may be the 20

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one who has to tell him. What we’re trying to say is that with this job comes responsibility and dedication. People in HR organise salaries and benefits, recruitment and training (fancy team bonding on a Caribbean island? It’s worth a try). Almost every company has an HR department, which is great if you’re interested in a specific field. Simplyhrjobs.co.uk has a very thorough list of jobs in this area. Qualifications and experience: Any office jobs you have had will be helpful, but you don’t need qualifications – just show that you work well in a team, are friendly, dedicated and understand what the job entails. Pay and hours: Salaries start at £21,000 and go up according to role. Part-time or flexi-time is possible, depending on company size.

Personal Assistant Being a PA can be pretty glamorous – it can also be pretty gruelling, depending on who you work for; but if you land a good gig, there are tons of perks. PAs work closely with senior managers and executives. They are in full charge of their boss’s diary, booking meetings, arranging travel (this is where the perks come in) and answering (or screening) calls and emails. They also sometimes do background research for reports or meetings and are often required to liaise with clients, which is a major plus if parties are involved. Site palondon. co.uk specialises in PA jobs. Qualifications and experience: It’s important to have experience in admin as your employer will want to know you’re reliable and won’t doublebook her, or send the wrong present to

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ON THE JOB Kerry Bannigan CAREER CEO of Nolcha Fashion Week AGE 30 LIVES London FROM Corby, Northamptonshire

TOUR SEARCH

How did you get into your line of work? I moved to NYC after graduation and met a lot of people in fashion. I found there was a niche for independent brands showing their work during Fashion Week so we created Nolcha Fashion Week. Now it’s an award winning event at NY Fashion Week. What do you do day-to-day? My days vary but centre around working with the media, fashion designers and partner brands.

www.tnttoursearch.com

The most rewarding part of the job? Bringing somebody’s vision of an event to life and the results it achieves for their business. And the most challenging? The event world can be tiring and, no matter how well things are planned, things can go wrong. nolcha.com

HOW TO... RUN TO WORK Most of us are so pressed for time, that it’s almost impossible to fit in a gym session, so why not run to work instead? Here are some top tips to ensure you don’t stink out the office.

• Bring a change of clothes: you can’t be

sitting at your desk in neon Lycra now, can you?

• Hide your shoes: you won’t make any

friends with smelly trainers under the desk so ask if your building has lockers or invest in a good gym bag.

Looking for work?

Tractor drivers, lambing assistants, milkers, fencers, stockmen and all farm staff.

• Drink water: it’s easy to forget this at work, but fainting won’t help you get much work done.

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NEED-TO-KNOW INFO What: TNT/STA Travel Show Spring 2016 When: Saturday 27th February, 2016 9am-5.00pm Where: Business Design Centre 52 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 0QH Register for your free ticket at tnttravelshow.com

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TNT/STA Travel Show Spring 2016 It may be getting chilly out there, but TNT and STA Travel are about to make you feel all warm inside with exclusive travel deals and more... The TNT/STA Travel Show is still, after more than 20 years, proudly wearing the crown of the biggest free travel show in London. And over those years, it’s grown an enviable reputation for truly amazing discounts and deals; some offering as much as 60% off. We’ve perfected the art of getting the best tour operators into one room with literally thousands of budding travellers and mixing it all together with fun competitions, food & drink, music and of course, those all-important deals. Those favourite operators are here because you – London’s most adventurous travellers – are here in numbers that simply aren’t found anywhere else. That’s why they choose this day of the year to compete for your business with some unbelievable one-off deals. Oh! and we guarantee you will meet like-minded travellers and travel experts who will give you real insight and travel advice.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS: • Free entry if you pre-register (www.tnttravelshow.com) or just £3 on the day itself • Crazy deals and bargains • Experts to take you through your pick from 3000 guaranteed best price trips bookable on the day via TNT Tour Search • Affordable deposits - some as little as £10 (giving you plenty of time to budget for your trip after the Show) • Bookable one-to-one sessions with our show partner STA Travel

• The best place to book your 2016 trips – ask any one of the 10,000 travellers who come here every year • Located at the Business Design Centre – Islington’s top show venue just a step from Angel tube station • Our biggest and best show of the year • You choose where: the UK, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Americas, Australasia; we’ve got it all • It’s not just about holidays & tours; we can help find you a job to pay for your trip, help you get there and help you sort out all the legal stuff like visas etc • It’s quite likely you’re owed a tax-refund - we can help with that too! • Going home or moving on? Sorry to hear that but we can even help you get your gear where it needs to be • Competitions • The famous TNT Lucky Dip (one person will win up to £3,000.00 worth of prizes) • Giveaways • Bar, music and loads of other activities to keep you out of trouble (or in trouble if you like that sort of thing! By the way, do you dare spin the wheel of misfortune..?) • Oh, and did we mention the massive exclusive discounts from top tour operators? So, what have you got to lose? Register now and we’ll see you on Saturday February 27th 2016! www.tnttravelshow.com

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LUCKYDIP

Do you feel lucky? The Lucky Dip prizes are coming in thick and fast – it’s so easy – on show day, just head to one of the Lucky Dip stands, fill out the form and hand it back. You will then go into the draw to win ALL of the below… A place on a YOLO Cruise with Sail in Greece Join us on Greece’s #1 party cruises and experience Greece like never before. Our 7 days YOLO cruises are ideal for young travelers 18-35s, looking to party! Exclusive parties at pop-star Mykonos, breathtaking sunsets at Santorini, adventurous water sports at Ios and even donkey rides are at your service! Make new friends, see spectacular sunsets, deep into crystal clear Mediterranean waters, enjoy epic nights with a drink in your hands and local Philoxenia around you! Our experienced tour manager will make your party cruise a once in a lifetime experience! T&Cs apply. Worth £469 4 day Amalfi Coast trip for 1 person with Italy on a budget 4 days of relax, fun and breathtaking scenery that you will never forget. Small groups led by Italian local guides fluent in English… for an authentic Italian experience and more fun! What’s Included: Private transport from/back to Rome, Small groups – max 25, Entry ticket to Pompeii heritage site, 3 nights accommodation in a cliff-top camping village, Orientation tour of Sorrento, Limoncello and chocolate tasting, Boat tour to and around the island of Capri, Full day on the Amalfi coast stopping in Amalfi and Positano, 4h stop in Naples, Orientation walk of Naples, Local English speaking guide, Info and local facts of each destination. T&Cs apply. Worth €269 9 day Felucca Odyssey tour for 1 with Travel Talk A tour full of history, tradition and the best of the Nile on Felucca! Uncover the jewels of the Nile on this 9 day Felucca Odyssey. Kick back and relax as you take in the stunning sights along the Nile and experience what the Nubian life was like. Hunt for lost treasures in the Cairo markets and relish in all the wonders that Egypt’s many temples have to offer. T&Cs apply. Worth £149 A Budget Expeditions voucher (18-35s) Group Tour anywhere in South America, Asia or Africa, anytime in 2016 with Tucan Travel Budget Expeditions are all about choice and flexibility. We want you to pay as little as possible for the tour so you have more to spend when you are out there so that you can create a trip that suits your personality and budget. Budget Expeditions do not include many excursions meaning you only have to budget for the optional excursions that you really want to do. You can see a full list of excursions on your detailed itinerary. T&Cs apply. Worth £200 5 day HAGGiS Highland Fling with HAGGiS Adventures Go monster hunting on Loch Ness, hike in one of the last great wildernesses of Europe, ride the train which inspired Harry Potter’s ‘Hogwarts Express’, hear tales of Scotland’s bloody history and soak up the culture with a wee dram after a day’s exploring. There’s also the chance to get into some traditional Scottish music and dance at a genuine Ceilidh to make this a proper Highland Fling! Highlights: Isle of Skye’s awe-inspiring scenery, Jacobite Steam Train as seen in Harry Potter (summer only), Visit a Highland

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whisky distillery, Overnight on the banks of Loch Ness, Stunning ferry trips in summer, Ceilidh the night away in Oban, Eerie Glencoe, the ‘Weeping Glen’, ‘Outlander’ sets Culloden and Clava Cairns, Eilean Donan Castle, Hermitage Forest walk, Stay Wild and plant a tree in ‘HAGGiS Grove’ (selected trips only). T&Cs apply. Worth £215 5 day Shamrocker Celtic Rocker with Shamrocker Adventures Amazing days around Ireland’s spectacular south and west that will bombard your senses and change your life forever. We’ll show you places you never imagined existed and will never forget. Discover what great craic the Emerald Isle is, from incredible landscapes, mountains and castles, to nights squeezed into the local pub with traditional live music and a pint of the black stuff in hand. Highlights: The mighty Cliffs of Moher, Kiss the Blarney Stone, The Gaelic speaking isle of Inis Mór (Apr – Oct), The wild mountain landscape of Connemara (Nov – Mar), Explore Galway, ‘City of the Tribes’. T&Cs apply. Worth £319 Busabout 6 Stop Flexitrip Pass with Busabout 14 Countries, 46 Destinations. The Flexitrip is designed to give you the ultimate in flexibility so you can design your own trip. Choose anywhere you’d like to go and then buy the number of corresponding coach days. This is ideal if you really want a true trans-continental flexible tour of Europe or have a clear idea of what cities you want to experience. So go crazy, pick the destinations you have always dreamed of visiting, then join up the dots and count up the coach days! T&Cs apply. Worth £339 Shipping voucher with Anglo Pacific Leaving the UK should be about farewell drinks, not hassles over packing up your room. Anglo Pacific makes it easy with free delivery of boxes, collections any weekday (and Saturdays in London) and a friendly, knowledgeable team who know exactly where you’re coming from – and going to! T&Cs apply. Worth £100 La Tomatina Experience Valencia + The Official After Party *Day Trip* for four with Festivals All Around Want to make the most of your La Tomatina experience? Come join the experts who live and breathe this festival! This package is your one-stop-shop for a truly epic day ending in the most awesome way with the madness of The Official La Tomatina After Party. What’s Included: La Tomatina entry ticket, Transport to and from Valencia, FREE SANGRIA PARTY before the tomato fight, Festivals all around La Tomatina t-shirt, Experienced Festivals All Around Guide, Entry to the Famous The official La Tomatina After Party. THE MOST EPIC DAY OF YOUR LIFE! T&Cs apply. Worth €369 Plus more to be confirmed For more info and T&Cs see tnttravelshow.com/tnt-lucky-dip

Award winning educational recruitment consultancy

Finding roles for teachers and support staff throughout the UK

Roles available in a range of settings – from Nursery to Further Education

Daily supply, long term and permanent roles available - market leading rates of pay

Regular events and socials for overseas teachers

Our dedicated overseas team is on hand to advise you with every step of finding a teaching job in the UK

www.prosperoteaching.com

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EXHIBITORLISTINGS OUR SPONSORS STA TRAVEL STA Travel is the world’s largest student and youth travel company. It specialises in market-leading travel offers, whether it’s exclusive flight fares, a complex round the-world itinerary, a series of overland adventure tour options or a snap-gap trip of a month or two. However STA Travel is not only for students – its great-value airfares, hotels and tours are open to all. Now celebrating 36 years of business, its expertise means STA Travel Experts are the very best people to advise on any aspect of travel. STA Travel has joined forces with TNT this year for its travel show so expect some seriously amazing deals and offers. The STA Travel stand will also cover many partner companies including Contiki, G Adventures, Busabout, Dragoman and Eurolines. statravel.co.uk

Festivals – these great value trips take you to some of the highlights of Italy and Spain, sailing along the Croatian or Turkish coast, exploring Eastern Europe and Morocco or partying it up at Pamplona and Oktoberfest. The choice is yours! Feeling the need for an Asian adventure? Busabout has you covered there too! It’s the same ethos, the same freedom and the same vibe as our European trips. Our itineraries are a unique blend of ‘must-sees’, hidden gems and local favourites. There’ll be towering temples, sandy dance floors, wise stories and all the scrumptious food you can eat. Pick one trip, combine a couple or even link up the whole lot!

including Paddy’s Day, Anzac Day, Royal Ascot, Croatia Sailing, Running of the Bulls, Greek Islands, La Tomatina, Oktoberfest, Skifest and Hogmanay. Don’t head home without ’em!

FESTIVALS ALL AROUND Festivals All Around are here to show you the most incredible festivals Spain has to offer La Tomatina, Wine Fight, Running of the Bulls and Las fallas in the most epic fashion possible. Join the ¨Festivals All Around Family¨ to discover what these festivals are all about! BE PART OF IT! www.festivalsallaround.com

ENCOUNTERS TRAVEL

GO SAIL TURKEY

www.anglopacific.co.uk Leaving the UK should be about farewell drinks, not hassles over packing up your room. Anglo Pacific makes it easy with free delivery of boxes, collections any weekday (and Saturdays in London) and a friendly, knowledgeable team who know exactly where you’re coming from – and going to! Choose from budgetfriendly sea freight or a faster air service. Get your quote now.

Encounters Travel is an adventure tour operator, based in the UK but with representatives in Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. We run a wide selection of cultural and adventurous tours around the world, each carefully designed to help you get the most out of the country you’re visiting. Our tours range from historical sightseeing and Nile cruises in Egypt, through to long strenuous treks and white water rafting in Nepal or swimming with whales in Tonga. You can join other travellers on a small group departure, or personalise and tailor-make an itinerary for you to enjoy privately. Whatever your preference, we have a team of experienced travel consultants ready to advise you and help arrange your next great adventure! www.encounterstravel.com

www.gosailturkey.com Go Sail Turkey is the best way to see Turkey! Sleep under the stars on deck, swim with sea turtles, get an en-suite cabin as standard, share cold beers with your shipmates, tuck into 3 amazing meals every day and dive into secluded bays. As the only exhibitor offering 4-day one-way and 7-day Return Turkey sails, you’ll be sure to find the right route at the best price that fits into your travel plans for Turkey 2016. Ask us about our special group offers, TNT/ STA Travel Show discounts and addon land tours to Istanbul, Gallipoli, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and ANZAC Day specials.

BUSABOUT

FANATICS

www.busabout.com Busabout are the flexible travel alternative, with our hop-on hop-off travel network designed exclusively for the independent and budget conscience traveller. Our hop on, hop off network covers 46 destinations in fourteen countries across Europe, including the continents most exciting capital cities. Looking for something different? Check out our regional Europe Adventures and

www.thefanatics.com Fanatics are Australia’s largest supporter group & licensed tour operator to worldwide sporting events including cricket, football, Davis Cup tennis, US Masters & British Open golf, rugby league, rugby union and much more. Fanatics also operate a huge range of quality tours to all the big European festivals & events and must-see locations

TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION ANGLO PACIFIC WORLD MOVERS

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HAGGIS ADVENTURES We’ve been running legendary trips for backpackers and independent travellers since 1993 that get you off the beaten track and explore the best of Scotland. Our reputation has been built on ‘word of mouth’ recommendation and our mission is to make each trip the best one yet. Our trips range from day tours to 10 day adventures plus Easter, Christmas and Hogmanay specials. And we have the best Guides – proud locals who are passionate about showing you around and who want you to love their country as much as they do. www.haggisadventures.com

EXHIBITORLISTINGS ITALY ON A BUDGET

SAIL IN GREECE

Italy on a Budget is a tour operator based in Florence for students, backpackers and travellers aged 18-39 who want to visit Italy without breaking the bank. They offer day tours, short breaks and adventure holidays to the major Italian destinations including Florence, Tuscany, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Rome, Venice, Amalfi coast and lots more. All tours are escorted by local, professional and trained English-speaking guides – their sole purpose is to ensure you have the time of your life. They know the people, the traditions and the customs so that they can provide you with unrivalled insights and a real taste of the culture while having fun. If you are looking for the real Italian experience, Italy on a Budget is the perfect choice for you. www.italyonabudgettours.com

www.sail-ingreece.com Sail in Greece is a tour operator company specialising in small ship party cruises within Greece, ideal for 18-35s. Join us on our 7 days YOLO cruises, Greece’s #1 party cruises and explore Greek islands from your private deck! Amazing Greek islands such as Mykonos and Santorini, private handmade wooden boat, exclusive shore activities, epic nights, unlimited sunshine and FUN tour manager at your service. #SmashReality

OASIS OVERLAND www.oasisoverland.co.uk With fun, adventurous overland trips you can travel the world, make life-long friends and see stunning areas of Africa, South America, Europe and Central Asia as well as explore individual countries like Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Morocco, Egypt and Jordan. This is your chance to see the world and take the first step toward what will be a life changing experience.

PADDYWAGON The “most fun tour company in the world”, as voted by 900,000 Hostelworld travellers in their annual Hoscars! Paddywagon were also 2011’s “best UK & Ireland tour operator” at the TNT Golden Backpack Awards. Paddywagon is well-known worldwide as the 100 per cent True Irish Experience. We guarantee the most fun, flexible, informative and friendly Irish extravaganza. The only 100 per cent Irish owned backpack Tour Company, we promise the best travel experience in our beloved motherland. Choose from relaxing day-trips in our sexy Green Mercedes Paddywagons or full-on six or nine-day tours of the country in the company of Ireland’s top tour guides. As seen on TV. www.paddywagontours.com

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SHAMROCKER www.shamrockeradventures.com Since 1999, it’s been Shamrocker’s mission to give independent budget travellers the chance to really discover Ireland and remember it as one of the best times of their life. The team will make sure you get a tremendous insight into the country, meet real local characters, and discover what it means to be Irish. All the guides are 100% Irish born and bred, full legends in their own right who have more stories and knowledge of history than you would think was possible. Fan-feckintastic we say!

TNT FOREX www.tntforex.com Transfer your money quickly, cheaply and easily… TNT Forex is a simple, efficient and cost-effective way of sending your hard earned money between the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

TNT TOUR SEARCH www.tnttoursearch.com Launched by TNT Magazine in 2014 TNT Tour Search is the easy to use tool that gives travellers the ability to search for tours in all the seven continents of the world. The new advanced search functionality allows travellers to search by most means necessary:

TRAVEL TALK Travel Talk tours are designed for young, fun-spirited individuals aged between 18 and 35. In partnership with

Our tours will take you on life changing adventures and provide exhilarating experiences, without breaking the bank. We aim to offer you exciting and diverse tours at reasonable and affordable prices without compromising comfort or quality of services. Our popular exotic destinations include Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Spain, Portugal and Russia. In the summer we have Croatia Sailing and island hopping tours in Greece. In the winter we offer skiing and snowboarding tours in different villages in the French Alps. Travel Talk also takes you to the biggest festivals in Europe including La Tomatina, Oktoberfest and to Gallipoli for Anzac Day tours. Make sure you stop by to visit our friendly team and check out our tours at AMAZING prices, PLUS you only need a £10 cash deposit to secure your spot! www.traveltalktours.com

TUCAN TRAVEL www.tucantravel.com Tucan Travel have had over 28 years’ experience in adventure travel and are an expert Tour Operator offering travellers the opportunity to get a genuine travel experience while visiting awesome destinations worldwide. They have 4 very different travel styles to choose from, and over 400 amazing itineraries South America, Central America, Africa, Asia, Europe and Antarctica. With some incredible discounts exclusive to the TNT/STA Travel Show, visit their stand and they can help you decide where your next trip should be.

WICKED CAMPERS Wicked Campers are the original budget campervan rental company with heaps of experience, awesome vans and plenty of traveller-friendly deals. If you’re an independent, adventurous traveller then come and visit us at the TNT show to bag yourself an epic deal, pick up some freebies and meet some legends! www.wickedcampers.co.uk

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BILBAO BBK LIVE HAS DATES AND TICKETS ON SALE FOR 2016 After the success of the festivals tenth edition, with yet another consecutive ‘sold out’, Bilbao BBK Live is pleased to announce dates for its next edition: These will be the 7th, 8th and 9th of July 2016 at Kobetamendi, Bilbao. The first three-day tickets have already gone on sale at a reduced price of 90€ + 6€ booking fees and 100€ + 6€ booking fees for tickets including access to the Bilbao BBK Live camping site. Hurry up as they won’t last long! bilbaobbklive.com TNTMAGAZINE.COM

Eat some haggis...

Iconic: Edinburgh Castle

A nation of whisky drinkers...

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Photo: iStock.com/George Clerk

Edinburgh Festival Street Performer

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Home of Arthur’s seat Edinburgh combines beautiful architecture, sophisticated culture and super-friendly locals. Whether you plan your trip around Hogmanay, the Festival or simply exploring the city, it’s bound to be memorable. Edinburgh Festival Edinburgh becomes a hive of cultural activity in August when the city plays host to the Edinburgh Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the biggest arts festival in the world. Hundreds of thousands of revellers are expected to flock to the city for three fun-filled weeks of comedy, music, drama and dance. Another good time to visit Edinburgh is at New Year’s Eve for Hogmanay - a massive street party takes place. Haunted South Bridge The dead have haunted Edinburgh’s cobbled streets and buildings since medieval times, and what better way to get spooked than to go on a ghost walk. Visit the vaults beneath the South Bridge and discover the story behind the city’s body snatchers. Eat some haggis (it’s delish, honest!) Nip into a cosy pub on the Royal Mile or Grassmarket and sit down to a steaming plate of Scotland’s most famous dish - haggis (sheep’s intestine combined with onion, oatmeal, spices and salt). It is traditionally boiled in the sheep’s stomach but today many other casings are used. While it sounds horrible, it tastes incredible when served with ‘neeps and tatties’ (otherwise known as turnips and potatoes).

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Be warned, the locals wouldn’t dream of contaminating their aged whisky with any perceived impurities such as a mixer

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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ON VISITING EDINBURGH WHEN TO GO: Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival both take place during August every year. GETTING THERE: Fly to Edinburgh and then catch the Airlink 100, which departs every 10 minutes, into the city centre. Virgin’s train service from London takes about five hours and drops you in the city centre. GETTING AROUND: It is easy to explore Edinburgh on foot, but there is a fairly extensive bus service if you want to go further than the city centre. www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/edinburgh-new-year-hogmanay-4day-2015-16

A dram of whiskey (no hard sell needed) As a nation of whisky drinkers, Scotland’s national drop is always at hand. But be warned, the locals wouldn’t dream of contaminating their aged whisky with any perceived impurities such as a mixer. The Scots love a drink so there are plenty of pubs from which to choose in Edinburgh. One of the best is the Last Drop where, legend has it, convicted criminals were taken for their final meal and a glass of whisky before being walked across the road to be hung in the market square. Things aren’t that grim any more, but the pub retains an old charm that makes it a wonderful place to spend a few hours. Edinburgh castle Perched at the top of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city from every angle. It’s a great place to learn about Scotland’s history and take in views of the Scottish capital. It’s also worth heading up to Arthur’s Seat, a little bump on a range of hills in Holyrood Park, which provides a stunning bird’s eye view of Edinburgh’s gothic architecture. TNTMAGAZINE.COM

Capital of the Republic of Ireland Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Dublin, from Temple Bar, Trinity College, Guiness and leprechauns to the less kitsch fun of Harcourt Street. WORDS KELSEY CLARK

Day One

11:00 Introduce yourself to the city and its history with a free walking tour newdublintours.com. For three hours you’ll wander past all Dublin’s major sights, led by friendly young guides who aren’t afraid to share their own personal stories of Dublin. Rain or shine, tours start at 11am and 1pm every day. 13:00 Fuel up at The Bad Ass Cafe badasscafe.com in Temple Bar for a lunch of bruschetta, handmade pizza and a jug of wine. Watch as your order is flung to the kitchen via catapult, and take in the donkey-themed art cramming the walls. 15:00 Still in Temple Bar, wander down the charming cobblestone streets and explore the bars, cafes and art galleries. Pop into the city’s only arthouse cinema at the Irish Film Institute irishfilm.ie, or check out the Gallery of Photography galleryofphotography.ie for some cultural enlightenment. 17:30 Up for some childhood magic? Duck into the National Leprechaun Museum leprechaunmuseum.ie on Jervis Street. For about £8.60, wander through the museum’s 12 storybook chapters, search for a pot of gold and enter an enchanted otherworld of fairies and leprechauns. 34

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Dublin’s The Temple Bar 19:00 Fill up on some satisfying fried food before venturing into the infamous pubs of Dublin. Eat at Leo Burdock’s leoburdock.com for the best-known fish and chips in the city, and with good reason. The menu is simple, fresh and has been around since 1913 – so they’re doing something right. 20:00 Kick up your heels at the Irish Dance Party leoburdock.com, an interactive music and dance show. For about £10, learn basic Irish group dances from professional Irish show dancers and challenge the young local musicians who take requests.

Photo: iStock.com/Holger Mette

9:00 Start the weekend with a free breakfast buffet at your hostel, the centrally located Ashfield House ashfieldhouse.ie where you can stay in a dorm for just under £8 or opt for a private twin for about £20. Check out Trinity College next door, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I.

22:00 If group dances aren’t your thing, escape the kitsch at D/ Two nightclub dtwonightclub.com in the Georgian area of Harcourt Street. This modern and stylish bar and club boasts one of the most popular beer gardens in Dublin and is frequented by a younger, student crowd. Day Two 10:00 Drag yourself out of bed and get a feel for medieval Dublin at Dublin Castle dublincastle.ie. Not exactly the most breathtaking castle in Europe (no moat, no turrets, pah!), it plays host to diplomatic state functions and rock concerts. But for just under £4, see the extravagant interior state apartments, or just wander around the impressive grounds for free.

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This modern and stylish bar and club boasts one of the most popular beer gardens in Dublin and is frequented by a younger, student crowd

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12:00 Climb aboard the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship jeaniejohnston.ie, a replica Irish emigrant ship from the famine era, located on Custom House Quay. For about £7, relive the cramped and depressing journeys of actual passengers from 1848, and be glad that you’re only visiting!

Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship

14:00 Get outside the city and on to the water with a Dublin Sea Safari seasafari.ie The 70-minute South Bay tour (at £30) has you watching for ocean wildlife as you bob around in a motorboat to nearby islands. www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/st-pats-party-dublin TNTMAGAZINE.COM

Photo: iStock.com/AmyLaughinghouse

The Notting Hill Carnival

London is one of the most exciting and cosmopolitan cities in the world. It also has an unfair rep for being one of the most expensive! Our friends at central-london-apartments.com have compiled a list of 10 fun and free things to do in London that whether you’re a native or a visitor, you’re guaranteed to have the time of your life. So, read on to find the best ways to have fun for free in London! The Natural History Museum Discover the secrets of the deep sea, explore coral reefs and meet the dinosaurs at the renowned Natural History Museum. The Blue Zone introduces you to dinosaurs 00 36

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Camden Market Camden Market is a vibrant, buzzing melting pot. This is a place where you can buy a holographic circuit print corset, or an exquisitely tooled bespoke leather bag; a necklace from Egypt or a doll from the 1930s. Where you can sip organic coconut tea, or sample over 100 varieties of rum; where the cuisine options are endless, from octopus to burgers, from Malaysian to Ethiopan, from mac and cheese to sushi in a bun. Insider Tip: Every Thursday, 6pm to 10pm, the Camden Night Markets will be running, with free music and a fantastic atmosphere. Nearest tube station: Camden Town, 56-56 Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF, 020 3763 9999, Portobello Road Market Portobello Market is a charming, vibrant, eclectic space, beloved by Vogue columnists, bargain hunters and antique

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A leading global city

and giant mammals, with a gallery of fascinating nature photography. The Red Zone takes you through a giant earth sculpture, where you can learn about the power of volcanoes and earthquakes. The Green Zone explores the wonders of evolution, and in the Orange Zone, you can see scientists hard at work, and visit the wildlife garden. There are 35 rooms of incredible exhibits, with the most intact Stegosaurus fossil skeleton in the world (in the Red Zone). There are regular free talks, tours and events for families. Insider Tip: Download the Museum app to help you make the most of your trip. Nearest tube station: South Kensington, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 5BD, 020 7942 5000

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The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a definite highlight

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dealers. You can see the racks of vintage clothes which inspire contemporary designers, or explore history in the form of antique lace, retro 1950s kitsch and 1960s tailoring. Experience other cultures, with French soap, Russian scarves, South American jewellery and fair trade handbags. Most of the antique dealers are there on Saturdays, but prices tend to be cheaper on Fridays. Insider Tip: Get there around 10am to skip the crowds, take a camera, and refuel at the Electric. Nearest tube station: Ladbroke Grove or Notting Hill Gate, Portobello Road, W10 5TA, 020 7727 7684 The Science Museum With over 15,000 objects on display and an exciting range of interactive exhibits, the Science Museum is fun, free, and fantastic. It’s perfect for kids (and big kids) who love robots and making things with their hands. You’ll meet robots who can write, and Adam, a robot who can carry out scientific experiments. Younger children will love the interactive storytelling events, and for older kids there are plenty of fun, free workshops. You can make a colourful magic lantern, a pop up Science Museum, an artistic doodling machine and your very own hand-made rocket mouse! Insider Tip: Open until 7pm during school holidays (last entry 6.15pm) so consider popping by later! Nearest tube station: South Kensington, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD, 020 7942 4000 Portobello Film Festival Dubbed ‘the wild side of Brit Film’ by the Metro, Portobello Film Festival divides into three sections; pop up cinemas, The Muse, and 50Golborne. This free festival spans a wide variety of venues, incorporating open air screenings, plush theatres, clubs and bars. Their remit is to highlight new and exciting ventures in British film, from showcasing cutting edge film makers (it has seen the debut of directors such as Guy Ritchie) to highlighting new media formats. 38

Insider Tip: Don’t miss Fuseli - the short film about cats, night terrors and sleep paralysis Nearest tube station: Ladbroke Grove or Notting Hill Gate. Unit 11 Acava, 54 Blechynden Street London W10 6RJ, Tate Sensorium The Tate Sensorium is a feast for all the senses at the Tate Britain. It comprises four paintings from the Tate Collection, with sounds, smells, tastes and physical forms inspired by the artwork, for an almost synesthetic experience. A 3D acoustic experience is created with ‘ultraphatics’; projected soundwaves that create sensation if your hand moves through them. Master chocolatier Paul Young, scent expert Odette Toilette and audio expert Nick Ryan have been drafted in to create the project. This intense, sensual exhibition is a free 15 minute experience, with tickets available on a first come, first serve basis. Insider Tip: The truffles available with Francis Bacon’s work reflect the nature of the piece; edible charcoal, smoke and flowers. Nearest tube station: Pimlico, Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG, 020 7887 8888 The Sky Garden The Sky Garden is at 20 Fenchurch Street, ensconced within a glass dome and home to three floors of public gardens, restaurants and observation decks. The highest gardens in London offer stunning 360 degree views of the city. The gorgeous grounds are planted with species designed to flourish in the light under the dome; water efficient, drought resistant plants from the Mediterranean and Africa. Insider Tip: Entry is free, but you have to book, and have just an hour from your time of entry. Use it wisely! Nearest tube station: Monument, 20 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 3BY, 0333 772 0020 Kenwood House Kenwood House is nestled on the edge of Hampstead Heath,

set within tranquil landscaped gardens and an ancient woodland. The breath-taking art collection is home to classics ranging from the pastoral work of Vermeer to the fevered brilliance of Turner. The grounds are graced by the exquisite abstract sculptures of Barbara Hepworth, and inside, you can learn the true tale of Dido Belle, who helped end slavery in the United Kingdom. Kids will love the explorer backpacks, and every last Sunday of the month there are interactive storytelling sessions for families; there is also a buggy park, and baby slings available to borrow. Insider Tip: Get more from your excursion with their new free App which helps you discover more about the house, the collections and amazing stories. Nearest tube station: Highgate, Kenwood House, Hampstead Lane, Hampstead, NW3 7JR, 020 8348 1286, english-heritage.org.uk Notting Hill Carnival An explosion of music and colour, the Notting Hill Carnival bursts onto the scene during the August bank holiday. The festival kicks off at Emslie Horniman Pleasance Park and generally attracts over 1 million people to the Kensington and Chelsea borough. The fabulous floats, colourful parades of costumed dancers, the calypso music, the delicious Carribbean food... it’s a feast for all the senses. Insider Tip: Try the jerk chicken, and wear your dancing shoes! Nearest tube station: Notting Hill Gate, Latimer Road or Royal Oak. Notting Hill Carnival, Hampstead Lane, Hampstead, NW3 7JR, 020 8348 1286 Free Royal Walking Tour, Changing of the Guard The two hour Golden Tours free Royal Walking Tour follows the footsteps of Britain’s monarchy. Learn about Kate and Will’s fairytale romance, see where the Queen buys her perfume, and see Westminster Abbey and other key attractions such as Garrad’s Jewellers, the Ritz hotel, and St James’ Palace. You will either see the changing of the guard, or the Horse Guards, depending on availability. Insider Tip: The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a definite highlight. Nearest tube station: Victoria or Green Park www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/london-explorer4-nights TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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EUROPESAIL

Island hopping in Greece:

Sun, sailing and partying in the Ionian Sea An intensive sailing course in the Ionian Sea comes with peace, quiet and then partying on some of Greece’s prettiest islands

I’m beside myself with excitement as I aboard a yacht at Nydri on the Greek island of Lefkas. I won’t be returning here for a week and am blissfully envisaging spending that time learning to sail on the glorious turquoise waves of the Ionian Sea, coasting into tiny harbours and villages along the way, and sleeping every night on board, lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves lapping against the timber vessel. What I don’t foresee at this point are the scary storms, skull-cracking, cocktail-induced hangovers and even a man overboard shock that is awaiting me. After just one day at sea, everything is swaying just a little, shifting almost imperceptibly up and down. Even when I’m on dry land, I can still feel as if the gentle bob of the sea is beneath me. Of course, it could be the effects of the couple of beers I’ve had with dinner in the charming little harbour at Meganisi, but I’m fairly sure it’s just that I’m used to being aboard a boat. I’m sharing the live aboard experience with skipper Ed, and just one other trainee sailor. Such a small crew makes for more hands-on sailing time, which is fine by me as I’m learning loads. Already I’ve learned to change direction and handle the steering on the crossing from Nydri, as well as fit in a cheeky swim when we moored off the island of Skorpios. When I arrived in Greece my knowledge of knots and ropes was basic to say the least. Yet here I am, somewhere between Little Vathi (on Meganisi) and Big Vathi (on Ithaca, the famed home of Odysseus) leaping about the boat as if I’m an extra in an Errol Flynn movie. At least that’s how it’s playing out in my head. The reality, I suspect, is more that my patient skipper Ed is doing all the hard work.

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The storm clears in Fiskardo...

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Fiskardo turns into a serious crime scene against cocktails (we hit them hard) – as the mojitos keep flowing, clumsy piggy back races along the waterfront seem like a good idea

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“I’ve been sailing since I was just a boy and not once have I ever been bored,” he tells me. “It’s the best feeling ever to be totally in charge of where you’re going and how you get there, not to mention the exhilaration when the weather gets feisty. I just love it!” Suddenly, that’s exactly what happens – the weather takes a sharp turn for the worse, and a strong wind picks up. As the boat heads between Ithaca and Kefalonia we start to coast at a clip that demands we move the sails quickly and decisively to control speed and direction. At least those tacking and jibing lessons are going to stick, I think. That said, it’s certainly alarming being in the galley and seeing the horizon dip and rise through the small doorway above you. Thankfully, the storm soon passes and we arrive safely in Fiskardo on Kefalonia for the evening. It’s time to meet up with the other boats in what could loosely be called our 44

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“flotilla” full of trainees eager like me to get their RYA (Royal Yachting Association) certificates by the end of the week. After a day out on the waves, it’s good to spend the evenings being sociable with the same crowd, getting to know each other over a few drinks. Genteel port town Fiskardo turns into a serious crime scene against cocktails (we hit them hard) – as the mojitos keep flowing, clumsy piggy back races along the waterfront seem like a good idea. There’s just one problem … getting back to the boats. All moored up against each other, there’s a dinghy ferry to be negotiated and out of the darkness suddenly comes an ominous splash, and then a distinctive Irish accent, which I recognise as belonging to one of my drinking buddies from earlier. “Argh, I’m in the water!” he shrieks, before hauling himself out. Lesson learned, don’t go drinking with the Irish. The following morning, I sprawl out on the boat in the morning sunshine, frightened to move my sore head in case it starts pounding again. When news arrives that a storm has blown in, meaning we can’t leave port today, I’m guiltily delighted – I can think of far worse places to have a hangover than Fiskardo’s pretty harbour, lined with taverns and bars and a smattering of arty nick-nack shops. Once we do begin our final leg back to Lefkas, I’m tested to see how much I’ve learned, and I’m pleasantly surprised how much has sunk in. I actually feel like a competent crew member now. The bustle of busy Nydri is a bit of a shock to the system after such tiny harbour stops. Still, we’re in port for the final night and there’s a choice of bars and restaurants, so it would be wrong not to sample them, wouldn’t it? We’ve got plenty of deals that include sailing to Greece and the Islands: www.tnttoursearch.com/ search/?place=sailing&country=Greece&Submit=Search

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4-day and 7-day sails The only way to see Turkey!

Add optional land tours to your sail to Istanbul, Gallipoli, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and moreâ&#x20AC;Ś. ANZAC tour departs 22 April 2016 Book Now!

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Home of Sailing

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Sailing trip of a lifetime with Medsailors

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Spend seven days sailing the most beautiful islands that the Mediterranean has to offer. Island hopping, Sun, sea, boat and booze all sound good to us.

EUROPESAIL Hot spot Croatia, classic Turkey and renaissance Greece are the current top spots for a sailing trip, so we look at the islands to help you figure out which destination is for you. Croatia The Dalmatian coast off Croatia has more than 1,000 islands. Most itineraries depart from Split and sail down through the islands, finishing up in Dubrovnik. Croatia is Medsailors most popular route. You’ll get the chance to explore eight towns, beautiful bays and hit some wild nightlife spots. TOP FIVE ISLANDS Brac The long pebbly beach, which reaches out into the Adriatic Sea, encourages swimmers and windsurfers to spend their days in the water. A tree-lined pedestrian promenade connects the strip to the old town, where you can explore the shops and stop off for a cooling drink at a cafe. Hvar Hvar draws in the crowds because it has everything on offer and it’s the sunniest spot in Croatia. Hvar Town is home to swanky hotels, bars and restaurants, where a night out is as much about seeing and being seen as it is sampling the local produce. Vis The residents of Vis are still adjusting to the boats of tourists off-loading into their previously quiet harbour; the island was cut off from foreign visitors for nearly 40 years. It is underdeveloped and retains its charm and stress-free way of life, which seeps into you as soon as you step ashore. Korcula See the impressive St Mark’s Cathedral, St Peter’s Church and Marco Polo’s alleged place of birth; regardless of whether it really is or not, the tall house’s windows offer an impressive vista. Gather in the town square for religious ceremonies and folk dancing, or explore outside the stone walls to find vineyards, olive groves, small villages, dense woodland and sandy coves on the south, or pebbly beaches to the north. Mljet is Croatia’s greenest island with clear and clean sea, gentle sandy shoreline and underwater sea life. The island is considered one of the most beautiful of the Croatian islands. www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/sailing-croatia---discoveryroute Turkey

buildings that have since risen mean this tourist resort feels blissfully suburban and relaxed. Oludeniz Chill out in the beautiful bay of Oludeniz where you can bob about in the wave free water. It’s secluded by green-sprinkled cliffs. Nearby is Butterfly Valley, named due to its sporadic visit from groups of colourful butterflies, which also has great snorkelling and offers the chance to hike up a waterfall. Kalkan This harbour-side town is along the postcard lines of pretty shutter-windowed houses stacked upon the hillsides sloping down to a bay of bobbing boats and swooping gulls. The restaurants here are a step above, with fresh, perfectly seasoned seafood. Kas Kas is great for an adventure on sea or land. Kayak through caves, dive through wrecks or hike up craggy hillsides. Skopea Limani Within the Gulf of Fethiye is another bay, Skopea Limani, which is surrounded by an assortment of rocky flanked bays, creeks and islands that offer lots of alcoves and crevices for hours of exploration. Around the bays you can enjoy a number of mountainside walks through heavily wooded pathways and ruined cities or alternatively sit and drink wine. www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/sailing-turkey Greece A sailing trip hopping between Greece’s isalnds between Athens and Epidavros is a great way to spend your time. TOP 5 ISLANDS Aegina A common spot for weekending Athenians, you can stroll among fellow vacationers, buzzing motorbikes and diners spilling onto the pavements along the waterfront for a taste of a true Greek holiday. Perdika Perdika is a quiet fishing village by day, with a surprising scene of late-night music bars by night. Poros Separated from the mainland by a small channel, Poros Town feels more as if it’s perched on a lake. The other side of the island is dominated by forest and sandy coves.

You can explore the beautiful south-west coastline of Turkey by car, but who would choose to sit inside a stuffy motor when you can feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face on a majestic Turkish gulet? A gulet is an all wooden handcrafted motor sailing yacht equipped with one or two masts that were originally built and used by fishermen to transport their catch. Today they have been luxuriously redesigned especially for yachting holidays.

Hydra No cars here, just donkeys on the cobbled lanes. That’s not to say it’s not bustling, though, as the port sees sailboats, ferries and water taxis sweeping in and out, with cafes and restaurants lining the waterside to welcome hungry and thirsty travellers. Walk into the winding streets to get a taste of traditional Mediterranean life; peeking into dark windows that keep the heat out, and smiling at old women chattering on their doorsteps.

TOP 5 STOP OFFS Fethiye The majority of the gulets sail off from Fethiye harbour. Flattened by an earthquake in 1958, the low-rise

Spetses The lively old town lines the waterfront, offering sleek restaurants and nightlife at its lively square. www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/sailing-greece

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SOUTHAFRICA

Town called Adrenaline Get your adrenaline fix with extreme sports in Cape Town, South Africa. A squeal of confused excitement goes up among the other surfers treading water offshore. What looks like a fin edges above the surface, snaking between my friends and myself. My over-active imagination kicks into overdrive: “This is it,” I say to myself, expecting my life to flash before my eyes. But before I know what’s happening, I’m screaming excitedly to my friends, pointing at the blackish-brown object slipping through the water. “Look,” I yell, just as a tiny pup leaps out of the water. “A baby sea lion.” The excitement reaches fever pitch as the bug-eyed scamp swims within a whisker’s length of us, flippers twirling, lapping up the attention. “Only in Cape Town,” I tell people afterwards – a cheesy sentiment, but the so-called ‘LA of Africa’ is one of those rare places that actually lives up to the gushing travel reviews. Mediterranean climate, exhilarating mix of cultures, laid-back pace, and some of the best waves in the southern hemisphere are just a few of the reasons which have me coming back year after year. My friends, on the other hand, are drawn by the hairraising activities the Cape region has to offer – I quickly discover this when they start producing pamphlet after pamphlet, as we settle down for lunch at one the smart bistros that line the historic V&A Waterfront. Thankfully, the troupes of fire-breathers, jugglers and traditional African dancers battling it out on the quayside offer a welcome distraction, and the conversation soon moves on. But it’s not long before talk turns to climbing Table Mountain, the soaring flat-topped mountain that looms above the city, and before I know what’s happening, I find myself on a three-hour slog up this 3,500ft (1000m) Everest. (Just thinking about it makes my legs ache.)

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It’s not long before talk turns to climbing Table Mountain

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Cock-a-hoop at conquering such a mammoth challenge, my friends and I catch a cab to Long Street, in the heart of the city centre, for a few well-deserved drinks. Packed bars and clubs overflow on to mezzanine verandas, and people huddle around tables to watch the comings and goings in the street below. Leaning against the wrought-iron balustrades, with live music and laughter ringing in my ears, I feel like I’m in New Orleans’ French Quarter during Mardi Gras, rather than Africa on a week-night. As the band starts to hit its stride, however, I decide to call it a night, and head back to my digs for some much-needed shuteye. I’m staying a short taxi-ride away in Observatory – a bohemian suburb packed with buzzing hole-in-the-wall bars, shabby-chic cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy anything from a quiet coffee over a book or a sumptuous three-course meal for less than a tenner to a rowdy night dancing Coyote Ugly-style on the bar, depending on what takes your fancy. The next morning, I wake up at the crack of dawn itching to hit the beach. From Observatory, it’s a 30-minute drive to the premier wind- and kite- surfing hotspots at Kalk Bay and nearby Muizenberg – scene of my nose-tonose encounter with the Cape Fur Seal pup – apparently they just look like sea lions. After a few hours of pounding Muizenberg’s waves, we decide to head down the coast to Kalk, and grab lunch at the Brass Bell – an open-sided restaurant-cum-bar that I manage to drift back to every time I’m in the city. Bikini-clad beauties and bronzed gods sit at rustic picnic tables exchanging stories of their day’s exploits over some of the best – and most reasonably priced – grub in the city. Gentle waves lap against the restaurant walls, sending a refreshingly cool spray into the air, and I ponder chilling out here for the rest of the day – but the promise of seeing the pint-sized Jackass penguins further down the coast at Boulders Beach proves just too alluring. The waters in this part of the Cape, known as False Bay, may be home to animals more typically associated with Antarctica than Africa, but this stretch of coast is actually the warmest in Cape Town. TNTMAGAZINE.COM

The view atop Table Mountain... However, if you don’t mind your surf bracing, the Atlantic coast has some of the best waves. In the South African summer (Nov-Mar), Kommetjie’s Sunset Reef even boasts some of the biggest waves in the world, which on good days can reach a bone-crushing 25ft (eight metres). The sight of the comical penguins waddling on the beach and swimming among the bathers has me in hysterics. My pals, on the other hand, are preoccupied with thoughts of the seabirds’ mortal enemies – the waters off Cape Town are home to one of the largest populations of Great White sharks in the world and, unbeknown to me, they’re planning a cage-dive with these toothy predators. I manage to give this excursion a wide birth – I’ve seen Jaws too many times to be dangled over the side of a boat like giant bait - although I end up cursing myself when I see that they’ve still got all of their limbs intact. “The sharks come so close to the cage,” my friend Frank enthuses, adding salt to the wound. “They just appear out of nowhere and start circling around the boat, before swimming right up to the bars for a closer look. “It’s such a weird experience. There is literally just a few inches of metal separating you from all those teeth.” Buoyed by his brush with death, Frank and the others plan a skydive over the city. Later that week, a private transfer whisks them to an airstrip half an hour north of the city, and while I thumb my way through one of Desmond Tutu’s biographies by the pool, they are climbing 9,000ft above the peninsular, excitedly pointing out the landmarks beneath them. “It’s the most fantastic way to see the city,” my friend Claire says. “We could see Robben Island and the ocean dotted with boats, and Table Mountain towering over the city on the other side of the bay. 50

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Oh aren’t they cute!

Catch waves upto 25ft... [Caption]

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There is literally just a few inches of metal separating you from all those teeth

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“And the jump itself was unforgettable. After freefalling for 30 seconds, the instructor pulled the shoot and we slowly drifted back down to Earth. It was so quiet.” With the adrenalin now well and truly pumped, all sights are set on the world’s highest commercial bungee jump – a gravity defying 216-metre drop– a few hours’ drive from the city along the tourist-clogged Garden Route. With this in mind, my friends and I decide to hire a car and set out along this spectacular drive, and it’s not long before I discover why South Africa’s answer to Route 66 is so popular: it’s the sheer number of sights and activities on offer, including dune boarding at De Hoop, black-water tubing down Storms River, zip-wiring though the forests of Tsitsikamma, ostrich racing in Oudtshoorn and whalewatching at Hermanus. I summon up the courage to go zip-wiring, and spend an unforgettable afternoon whizzing through the forest canopy like a crack-SAS soldier My trip along the coast takes me as far as Addo Elephant National Park – home to the largest concentration of elephants on the planet – where I book a guided night-safari

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to witness Africa’s big game in their eerie nocturnal world. Driving through the bush, the driver scans the darkness with his industrial-strength torch, wisely ignoring the incandescent eye-shine of the antelope and kudu standing agape by the side of the road. Suddenly, he cuts the engine. After a tense few minutes a pride of lions emerges from the shadows, encircling our jeep. As the rest of the passengers and I watch in awe, gripped by the same rush of adrenaline and fear as a scary movie in a blackened cinema, a crackled message comes over the radio. Before I understand what’s happening, we’re off in hot pursuit of something else. After a few twists and turns, the driver slams on the brakes once more and out of the darkness appear a herd of more than 60 elephant marching trunk to tail. It is the perfect end to my jaunt up-country. Back in Cape Town, I spend my last few days flitting between Long Street and the beach, before deciding that it’s only polite to drop by some vineyards – “when in Rome”. I make a beeline for the Boschendal estate near the picturesque town of Franschhoek and while away a blissful couple of hours sipping wine under a spanning oak tree, before continuing the “vineyard crawl” with a visit to Spier, near the historic town of Stellenbosch. My friends and I stock up on vino and head back into the city to watch the sunset from Lion’s Head, the sphinx-shaped hill that flanks Table Mountain.

SOUTHAFRICA

A gravity defying 216-metre drop... After an hour-or-so climb, we finally make it to the top and crack open a bottle of Boschendal just as the setting African sun dips into the Atlantic. The others start reminiscing about the best part of their adrenaline-fuelled holiday, while I slip into my own little world and start planning my next action-packed visit. I just hope I’ll have discovered my inner daredevil come this time next year.

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TOP FIVE

SOUTH AFRICAN MUST-DO’S

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CAGE DIVING

Top five travel must-do adventures in South Africa Meeting a great white face-to-face is top of the list for many thrillseekers. These beasts inspire both awe and fear – remember how scared you were watching Jaws from behind a pillow? Well, multiply that adrenaline by a thousand and you still won’t come close to the rush on offer here. Thankfully, travellers can take on this activity safe in the knowledge they’ll live to tell the tale. And Shark Alley is one of the best places in the world to get close to these stunning creatures. A two-hour drive from Cape Town to the small fishing village Gansbaai, Shark Alley is a deep channel between Dyer and Geyser islands where great whites come to feast on the islands’ 40,000 fur seal inhabitants. Your heavy, metal enclosure is attached to a tour boat, and bobs along on floats. Divers breathe through an air pump, snorkel or hold their breath while underwater, so scuba experience isn’t necessary. It doesn’t take long for the guests of honour to arrive, as the guides attract them with a liquid fishy mix. Sharks can 52

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smell blood from more than a kilometre away, so they’ll be keen to find out what’s on the menu. Measuring about six metres and weighing 2000kgs, the great whites get so close, you’ll be able count all 300 of their lethal serrated teeth, aligned in rows, while staring into its dark, piercing eyes. As well as cage diving, most companies offer tours to watch breaching (sharks jumping out of the water), predation (sharks hunting seals) and surface viewing, where you can see these magnificent beasts from the comfort of the boat if you’re a bit too chicken to get into the cage. The peak season runs from April to October, when sharks are particularly active in their feeding behaviour and so are more likely to be spotted. As well as the thrill of a lifetime, you may even come away with a new-found respect for sharks, far from being the man-eating monster sensationalised in Steven Spielberg’s film.

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SOUTH AFRICAN MUST-DO’S

SURFING IN DURBAN

Surfers the world over flock to South Africa’s ‘Surf City’ Durban, where the beaches are golden, the vibe laidback, and the waves are consistently good, all year round. The sophisticated seaside port has a subtropical climate, meaning you can ditch the restrictive wetsuit and hit the surf in comfort. Newbies can take their pick from the surf schools and camps aligning the beaches – just compare prices first.

LOCAL VILLAGES

Get into the heart of South Africa and its peoples, with a tour to one of the many rural villages, tucked away from the bright lights of the cities. Learn about Zulu, Xhosa, Basotho, Tswana, Shangaan and Ndebele tribes, to gain an insight into SA’s heritage. Don’t expect just to be a bystander – get involved in dancing, brewing beer, moulding clay pots, hut decorating, and tending cattle. Take some cash to buy some of the arts and crafts on sale and support the local community.

TOP FIVE

WALKING SAFARI

Where better to spot the Big Five – black rhino, buffalo, elephant, leopard and lion – than on foot in South Africa’s world-renowned Kruger National Park? It’s one of the largest game reserves in Africa, covering more than 7500sqm, and extending 360km north-south. With wilderness trail options, including guided overnight walks as well as vehicle safaris, you may also spot cheetahs, hippos, giraffes as well as other species of smaller animals.

TABLE MOUNTAIN

The best way to experience Cape Town’s majestic, flat-topped Table Mountain is on foot – and there are a number of trials of varying difficulty to choose from. At the 3558ft summit, take in the rugged landscape and sprawling views of the city 1000m below. Feeling brave? Choose to abseil down the cliff edge, or explore the rare sandstone caves nearby. If you don’t fancy the hike up, sit back, relax and take in the view from the cable car. TNTMAGAZINE.COM

7 amazing things to do in Africa Thinking of exploring the great continent of Africa? Make sure you add these to your to-do list. WORDS: MARC CROUCH

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BIGTRIP

Being the second largest Continent on Earth, Africa is not short of incredible experiences for both locals and visitors to enjoy. Some are nice and relaxing, others are edgy and fraught with danger, but all are guaranteed to create unforgettable memories. CAGE DIVE WITH SHARKS When you ask people of about their bucket list, diving with sharks will invariably come up. It’s a addiction that many people want to try out. If this kind of adrenaline sport is for you, look no further than the beautiful coastline of South Africa. Famous for being of the shark capital of the world, you’ll find no shortage of groups offering deals on cage diving excursions. Out in the water, you’ll have a totally unique experience. As the massive, 5 metre, great white swims by your now suddenly flimsy feeling cage, jaw wide, rows of teeth glistening, its menacing figure disappearing into the murky distance. You’ll be struck by the elegance, beauty and raw power of this incredible beast. While there might be more unusual and lesser known experiences, but you’ll be hard pushed to find one as primal and striking as this. VISIT KRUGER NATIONAL PARK You can’t really justify a journey to Africa that doesn’t include a safari trip. Another true bucket list experience, safaris are available in many African nations, including Malawi, South Africa and Kenya. Featuring a vast array of unique animals, this an absolute must for nature lovers. While there are indeed many to choose from, the most exciting place to visit is undoubtedly Kruger National Park in South Africa. One of the largest game reserves in Africa, it is home to over 200,000 animals, sweeping plains, beautiful mountain ranges and breathtaking ravines. You wouldn’t want to miss it. www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/kruger-camping-safari-2015

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Visit Kruger National Park CANOE THROUGH CROCODILE INFESTED WATERS Somewhat similar to a safari, canoe tours offer an exciting, if not slightly perilous, way of viewing Africa’s amazing natural world. While you can do this along many rivers, the Zambezi is a firm favourite thanks to its gentle current and stunning location. While out on the canoe you’ll encounter wildlife in a way like never before. Expect elephants drinking from river banks, hippos wallowing in the mud and crocodiles slowly floating across the surface. If you want to experience the thrill, excitement and encounters that come hand in hand with a canoe tour then go for it, but ensure you book with a reputable and knowledgeable tour guide, and of-course, make sure you know the risks before you set the canoe adrift. Good luck.

Keep your hands in the canoe at all times...

CLIMB KILIMANJARO The tallest lone mountain in the world, to climb Kilimanjaro is not only an exhilarating experience, but also a great achievement, with only 45% of climbers ever reaching the top. The trick is to climb it slowly, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude. If you make it to the summit, the sights to be seen from the top are unlike any other on Earth. Plus you can take a epic selfie with the famous Kilimanjaro summit sign. www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/classic-kilimanjaro-trek-5 SWIM TO THE EDGE OF VICTORIA FALLS If coming nose to nose with the fearsome Great White Shark, or being metres away from a ravenous crocodile, isn’t scary enough for you, then you might want to try out this next experience. Located along the Zambezi River, on the border 56

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between Zambia and Zimbabwe, you’ll find Victoria Falls. Water running down the river faces a sheer 108m drop into the devil’s pools below. Twice as high as Niagara Falls, it is awe-inspiring sight to behold from the river banks. But, what if you fancied a different view? Tour groups will offer

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Water running down the river faces a sheer 108m drop into the devil’s pools below

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Don’t get too close to the edge...

to take you out on a boat and allow you to swim right to the very edge of the falls. At certain places, a thick rock wall causes the current to become very gentle and protects you from being swept over the edge. From here you can sit on the wall and enjoy the sites of this enormous waterfall. Remember though, while safer than swimming up to the edge of Niagara, this is definitely not without its risks. Enjoy and keep safe. www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/road-to-victoria-falls DUNE SKIING Not every activity in Africa has to be perilous, in Namibia, you can escape to the sandy dunes for something really special. For decades now, locals and tourist groups have been utilizing the area in a very unusual way. Given the steep angles, great height and smoothness of the dunes, skiing has become a favourite pastime in this blisteringly hot part of the world. Just like normal skiing, you barrel down the side of a dune, weaving in and out making tracks in the sand, except now instead of wrapping up in heavy winter clothing, you’re in shorts and t-shirts soaking up the heat of the blazing sun. Very much, a unique experience. www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/namibia-nomad

Duneboarding is optional too...

VOLUNTEER Popular throughout Africa, volunteering promises to be a life changing experience for anything who decides to take part. Volunteers not only report extreme feelings of empathy, pride in what they are doing, a sense of self-worth and changed perspective, but also experiences of great joy, laughter with locals and a sense of community not found in other parts of the world. To make things better, not only does volunteering promise to be an amazing experience for you, but also for the people you help. Whether it’s educating communities, helping build homes or taking care of the wounded, you can make more of a difference to a person’s life than you ever could have imagined. Marc Crouch, owner and founder of Naturally Africa Volunteers, invites you to visit Africa by volunteering in struggling communities. Not only will you get the chance to experience the highs of volunteering, but also many of the other activities during your down time.

Xxxx WORDS RACHEAL GETZELS

Volunteering promises to be a life changing experience

Rock tombs in Dalyan

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James Bay

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Festival Guide 2016 We’ve got to admit that there’s more festivals than we could mention here, but we’ve put together a list of our favourite UK, European, Worldwide and Cultural festivals for 2016 that we think will keep you occupied. Up for grabs, in a few weeks are tickets for Soundwave and Love International in Croatia and Nozstock here in the UK, so if you haven’t signed up to our newsletter then you better do so now to be in with a chance of winning. EUROPEAN MUSIC FESTIVALS Long gone are the days when a music festival meant an endurance test of mud, rain, soggy tents and more mud. Europe’s best live extravaganzas can be found across a spread of incredible locations, so take your pick from these top events and mix your music with a little aprés-ski action or beach time. LOWLANDS, THE NETHERLANDS When AUGUST 19 – 21 2016 Celebrates the 24th edition of the festival. Although music is at the heart of the festival, Lowlands offers around 250 acts throughout the three days, including a comprehensive programme of good quality theatre, film, visual arts, standup comedy and even a university. For three days in August, the Lowlands city rises in the middle of Holland: with 55,000 inhabitants, several hundred performances, many bards and global restaurants, a market, campsites, live radio broadcast, daily newspaper and unique currency. lowlands.nl/en BILBAO BBK LIVE, SPAIN When JULY 7 – 9 More dash than cash? Bilbao BBK has your name all over it. The Spanish music fest is an absolute bargain, with three-day tickets just £85, including camping. The action all happens at night, so during the day you’re free to hit the beach, explore Bilbao’s dynamic arts scene or join locals and start the boozing early. The fest pulls in crowds of up to 40,000 and in addition to the four main stages, there are also two dance tents, a pop tent, a chill out area and a mean gin and tonic. bilbaobbklive.com

SNOWBOMBING, AUSTRIA When APRIL 4 – 9 Be honest – do you prefer the après-ski action to any actual sport? Then this is the fest for you. Sure, you can spend your days skiing and snowboarding on the Austrian slopes of Mayrhofen if you like, but you’ll want to save most of your energy for the evenings, when there will be parties, concerts and DJs in various scenic Alpine settings – think an igloo, a forest clearing and plenty of mountainside cabins. snowbombing.com GAROROCK, FRANCE When JULY 7 - 9 The most cherished festival of the South West of France, Garorock is produced by a non-profit organization. The festival takes place in Plain of Filhole, a natural site bordered by the Garonne River, 5 minutes from Marmande town centre. The music is central to the event, offering an eclectic line-up, a mix of widely known artists, together with up and coming bands, looking at guaranteeing the future of live music. garorock.com/en MOTEL MOZAIQUE, NETHERLANDS When VARIOUS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR Genuinely alternative artsy fests don’t come along very often, so snap up tickets to this Rotterdam event ASAP. Everything from gigs to theatre to art shows are on offer here, all of which take place in various venues across the city. This is definitely a fest with community spirit, too – last year a collective of artists arranged breakfast for 200 people in the middle of Rotterdam’s largest shopping street. motelmozaique.nl

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BERLIN FESTIVAL, GERMANY When MAY 2016 Berliners know how to throw a good party, but this one is on a big scale by anyone’s standards. The two-dayer takes place on the decommissioned Tempelhof Airport’s airfield as well as the two hangars on-site until midnight, and then switches to Club Xberg, which is held at downtown’s Arena Berlin. During the day, the fest’s Art Village host workshops and exhibitions. berlinfestival.de POHODA, SLOVAKIA When JULY 1-3 Pohoda Festival started as a local music event (8 bands in 1997) and has turned into the best and most prestigious art festival within the former Czechoslovakia. Each year, about 200 bands and DJs from more than 20 countries perform at the Festival. Apart from music, other forms of art such as dance, theatre, movies, photography, literature and fine arts are heavily represented. Non-profit sector has also a decent representation and space is regularly given to debates on various topics. Every year the aim is to organize a cultural event and to create the atmosphere of ease, joy, communication and tolerance. The presence of artists and visitors (30.000/day) from different countries, of different ethnicities and nationalities and different religious beliefs and opinions, lead to mutual awareness; it breaks down prejudices and perfects communication, i.e. helps raise tolerance and improve quality of living together. pohodafestival.sk/en HORIZON, BULGARIA When MARCH 12 – 17 Picture heavy bass thumping out over the snowy slopes of Bulgaria to a crowd of mostly British, up-for-it electronica fans. That’s pretty much the scene at Horizon, which is held over six days in the ski resort of Bankso. This is another good one for those watching their budget – it’s one of Europe’s more affordable resorts for skiers and beginners get discounts on lessons. As for the price of mountain-raving fuel – even that won’t set you back too much with a pint of beer anywhere costing just £2. togetherski.com

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Every year the aim is to organize a cultural event and to create the atmosphere of ease, joy, communication and tolerance

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EXIT, SERBIA When JULY 2016 This festival is drum and bass like you’ve never experienced it – while dancing in an old fortress on a hill, overlooking the Danube River. Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad plays host to hip-hop and dubstep as well as drum and bass DJs. During the day you can recharge your dancing batteries on the nearby sandy beaches. exitfest.org SZIGET, HUNGARY, OBUDAI ISLAND, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY When AUGUST 10 -17 Voted Best Major European Festival at the 2014 European Festival Awards, Sziget deserves all the hype as it continues to attract the big names as well as the crowds. szigetfestival.com BALATON SOUND, HUNGARY When JULY 6 – 10 sziget.hu/balatonsound_english CAPRISES, SWITZERLAND When APRIL 7 – 11 Information to be released last week in January, so remember to check on-line. caprices.ch

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Gearing up for its fourth epic season of winter mountain fun and wall to wall non-stop music!

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FLOW, HELSINKI, FINLAND When AUGUST 12 – 14 Music from days gone by to current newcomers and a little bit of everything in between. It’s close to the centre of Helsinki for great nights out and after parties. flowfestival.com HORIZON, BULGARIA When MARCH 12 – 17 Gearing up for its fourth epic season of winter mountain fun and wall to wall non-stop music! A full six days and nights are crammed with snow based action, amazing value eating and drinking (£1.50 a pint at today’s exchange rate!), and a mind blowing series of club events and raves provided by over 100 of the hottest cutting edge DJ’s, Record Labels, and Club Brands. horizonfestival.net SEADANCE, BUDVA, MONTENEGRO When JULY 14 – 16 Voted best medium sized European festival and Europe’s best beach by Lonely Planet, Seadance has developed quite a following over the last two years. seadancefestival.me

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THE GARDEN FESTIVAL, TISNO, CROATIA When JULY 7 – 11 It’s your final chance to go to The Garden Festival, as it celebrates its tenth and final season in Croatia this summer. Originally founding and since inspiring the now thriving Croatian festival scene, The Garden Festival unites adventure seekers from all over the world in its slice of paradise on the Adriatic coastline. Get set for a spectacular finale. apartments, boutique camping and Podpads are available for extra, but will get you £20 off your festival ticket. thegardenfestival.eu MEADOWS IN THE MOUNTAINS FESTIVAL, POLKOVNIK SERAFIMOVO, BULGARIA When JUNE 15 - 17 Said to combine the spirits of Glastonbury and Burning Man, Meadows in the Mountains brings some of the best unsigned, underground artists from Europe to one of the most stunning settings in Europe. The emphasis is on making friends, painting faces and braiding hair: embrace your inner hippy and enjoy. meadowsinthemountains.com INMUSIC, LAKE JARUN, ZAGREB When JUNE 20 - 22 Croatia’s biggest open-air festival focuses on renowned indie rock and electronica – all in an ideal island setting. Yes please. inmusicfestival.com ULTRA EUROPE, SPLIT, CROATIA When JULY 15 - 17 Started in Miami, America’s foremost electronica event is coming to Europe for the third year running after a hugely successful 2014, with more than 150,000 revellers partying across the three days. Topped off by a pool-side set from a leading DJ, this is a mammoth dance party to end all others. ultraeurope.com

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CROATIA ROCKS, ZRCE BEACH, PAG ISLAND When JULY Ibiza Rocks, which hosts weekly club nights on the Balearic Island, is condensing its mega programme of electronic music into five nights of live music, DJs, producers and emerging talent playing under the stars in Croatia. There will be a main festival stage, beach raves and boat parties galore. croatiarocks.com STOP MAKING SENSE, TISNO, CROATIA When JULY - AUGUST You’ll dance all day and all night under the stars and on the beach in this magical private bay with tiki bars, beach sports and boat parties. stopmakingsense.eu DIMENSIONS FESTIVAL, FORT PUNTA CHRISTO, PULA When AUGUST 26 -30 Dimensions showcases the world’s best underground electronic music in the beautiful location of an abandoned 19th century fort right by the stunning Adriatic coastline, with the opening concert in a 2000-year old amphitheatre. Boat and beach parties day and night offer a fantastic experience soundtracked by brilliant live and DJ talent. N.B. If you can’t make these dates, check out Outlook below, which is the same location a few days later. dimensionsfestival.com

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OUTLOOK FESTIVAL, FORT PUNTA CHRISTO, PULA When SEPTEMBER 1 - 4 It’s all about that bass at Outlook, which joins the dots between musical legends right through to the next generation of up-and-coming talent. Reaching its 8th year in 2015, some of the finest live acts and DJs in the world descend upon a 19th-century fort for five days and nights of amazing bass music in Croatia. outlookfestival.com ROCK AM RING & ROCK IM PARK, FLUGPLATZ MENDIG/ VULKANEIFEL & ZEPPELINFELD NÜRNBERG, GERMANY When JUNE 3 - 5 The Reading and Leeds of Germany, these festivals have the same line-up, same vibe, same dates, and different locations. No matter which one you’re at, prepare to rock. rock-am-ring.com/rock-im-park.com MELT! FERROPOLIS, GERMANY When JULY 15 - 17 The big draw at this electronic-meets-rock fest is its unique location in an open-air museum of huge industrial machines from the 20th century. At least doing ‘the robot’ will be welcome. meltfestival.de DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE, DE GROENE HEUVELS (THE GREEN HILLS) PARK, BEUNINGEN, HOLLAND When JUNE 24 - 26 This surreal and psychedelic Alice in Wonderland-inspired festival won Best New Festival at 2014’s European Festival Awards. Billing itself as the festival where you can ‘be who you are when no one can see you’, it encourages free-spirited fun. downtherabbithole.nl

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ADE, ACROSS AMSTERDAM When OCT 14-18 If you were wondering when might be a good time to visit the ’dam, this is it. The Amsterdam Dance Event, or ADE, is the biggest clubbing festival in the world with performances by more than 2,200 artists in 85 locations around Amsterdam last year. For the 350,000 festival visitors in 2014, ADE was the ideal place to check out everything from the latest musical trends and emerging talent to the latest work by the scene’s pioneers and superstars, so we should think you can expect the same again. a-d-e.nl OFF FESTIVAL, KATOWICE, POLAND When AUGUST 5 - 7 This dirt-cheap festival feels anything but that with a well thought-out, extremely eclectic list of performers. offsklep.pl SUPER BOCK SUPER ROCK, PARQUE DAS NAÇÕES, LISBON, PORTUGAL When JULY 14 - 16 As one of the longest-running festivals in Europe, this regularly attracts big names – one of which is the legendary Sting this year. The beach-side back drop is an added bonus. superbocksuperrock.pt SONAR, BARCELONA, SPAIN When JUNE 16 - 18 Sonar prides itself on its selection of ‘advanced’ new music and hosts the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking artists out there, irrespective of genre. sonar.es/en

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FIB, BENICÀSSIM, SPAIN When JULY 14 - 17 English festival-goers love Beni, with its hot weather and even hotter tunes. Its line up offers a nice mix of cool rock and quirky pop for those who prefer their music a bit more mainstream. fiberfib.com LOVE INTERNATIONAL, TISNO CROATIA When JUNE 29 – JULY 6 Love International is the spiritual successor of the acclaimed original Croatian odyssey, The Garden Festival, and seeks to build upon the decade’s worth of magic created already in the region when it makes its debut in summer 2016. By day a harmonious holiday beneath the sizzling sun, and by dusk as the beats shift gear and introduce each balmy night beneath a canopy of stars, the intimate setting holds a unique energy. Sound-tracked by some of the world’s leading electronic music underground DJs and producers, a vibrant and diverse audience is drawn from across the world to a tiny strip of paradise in the stunning coastal town of Tisno. loveinternationalfestival.com SOUNDWAVE, TISNO CROATIA When AUGUST 4 - 8 Soundwave takes place in the beautiful and enchanting Garden Tisno, a mesmerising piece of paradise hidden along the Dalmatian coastline. Sound-tracked by the some of the world’s finest exponents of broken beat, reggae, afro to acid jazz, hip-hop, soul, funk, drum and bass and more, the festival is a harmonious and beatific odyssey which seamlessly merges a sublime holiday and musical escape like no other. loveinternationalfestival.com

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The event organiser Michael Eavis has talked about stopping the event in a few years’ time, so if you want to make history get booked for next year!

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UK MUSIC FESTIVALS ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL When 9 – 12 JUNE This year we partied on the beach with the Prodigy. The champagne garden is a real hit if you like the fizzy stuff, bohemian woods, a treasure hunt, vintage tea room and if it all gets too much hot tubs and sauna. The festival’s standing is second to none with a peace loving hippie feel reflecting the way it all began in the 1960s. isleofwightfestival.com DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL DONINGTON PARK, DERBY When 10 – 12 JUNE The UK’s largest metal festival has attracted the likes of Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Metallica over its ten year history. With the event fast approaching, the acts have been booked so you can take a look and really start to plan out your weekend. downloadfestival.co.uk BARCLAYCARD BRITISH SUMMER TIME HYDE PARK, LONDON When JUNE 2016 We love this one, the festival goes on all week, so check before booking to make sure you don’t miss your favourite headliner. bst-hydepark.com GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL WORTHY FARM, GLASTONBURY, SOMERSET When JUNE 22 - 26 Probably the most known and largest Greenfield music festival in the World. The festival may have gone conventional, but it’s still worth a trip for the great mix of people and awesome laid back atmosphere. The event organiser Michael Eavis has talked about stopping the event in a few years’ time, so if you want to make history get booked for next year. glastonburyfestivals.co.uk T IN THE PARK STRATHALLAN CASTLE, PERTHSHIRE When JULY 2016 80,000 music lovers will descend on Strathclyde for Scotland’s biggest music event of the year. tinthepark.com TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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V FESTIVAL CHELMSFORD, WESTON-UNDER-LIZARD When AUGUST V is so popular that it gets spit over two sites, Hyands Park in Chelmsford and Weston Park in South Staffordshire. They’ve got shot of the beer tokens this year, so just one queue this year not two. vfestival.com CREAMFIELDS DARESBURY, CHESHIRE When 26 – 28 AUGUST This is the ultimate bank holiday party, held every year on the last bank holiday of the summer. Filled with drum and bass, house and dance acts you’ll need to rest after this one. creamfields.com READING AND LEEDS When 26 – 29 AUGUST World famous for longevity and its alternative and metal headliners over the years such as Metallica and Eminem. readingfestival.com SUNDOWN FESTIVAL NORFOLK SHOWGROUND, NORWICH When AUGUST A relative infant on the scene compared to some of the other festivals, but great for getting out in the park, putting your feet up and enjoying the tunes. There’s a big top opening party exclusive to campers. sundownfestival.co.uk

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BESTIVAL ROBIN HILL COUNTRY PARK, ISLE OF WIGHT When 9 – 12 SEPTEMBER Famous for its huge line up including the Chemical Brothers, Primal Scream and Basement Jaxx. bestival.net THE GREAT ESCAPE BRIGHTON, SUSSEX When MAY 19 – 21 greatescapefestival.com FIELD DAY, LONDON When JULY 17 - 18 Okay we’re cheating a bit here as camping’s not included in the price, but seeing as it’s in London, you can stay in the comfort of your own bed, unless you get lucky. fielddayfestivals.com Y NOT FESTIVAL, DERBYSHIRE When JULY 29 - 31 This festival only loses points due to the travel expense of getting there. Based in Derbyshire you are looking at over £80 for a train to Matlock or Buxton, with shuttle buses taking you to the festival from there. You will be rewarded for your efforts, though, with Snoop Dog, Basement Jaxx (they are working overtime this summer), Primal Scream, Ocean Colour Scene, Johnny Marr and more in the line-up. Plus the Peak District is stunning. Surrounded by gorgeous countryside and tucking into local produce and cider, you’ll feel like you’ve had a mini-holiday for your money. ynotfestivals.co.uk

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NOZSTOCK THE HIDDEN VALLEY, ROWDEN PADDOCKS, BROMYARD, HEREFORDSHIRE When JULY 22 – 24 Curated by the father and daughter duo of Noz and Ella and a huge extended family who work across the entire festival, there’s a unique charm and energy to Nozstock unlike anything else in the country. Reaching its 18th year in summer 2016, Nozstock is like a mini-Glastonbury nestled in rolling hills. Set on a beautiful working farm in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside, the reassuringly welcoming and independent event has evolved from 50 friends gathered at the inaugural gathering and flourished into an intimate musical odyssey. Joining the dots between pop, ska, folk, funk, soul, indie, drum and bass, psytrance, house and a whole lot more, plus interactive adventure and performance for big and small kids of all ages, Nozstock is a playground for everyone, from seasoned festival goers to newbies setting out for their very first time. Nozstock.com

Best beer festivals TRUCK FESTIVAL, OXFORD When JULY 15 - 16 Luckily not an event for sweaty-vested truckers, this festival in the gorgeous county of Oxfordshire was £3 a pop when it first started back in 1998. It’s not quite that cheap anymore, but it’s still very reasonable, and your weekend ticket will cover camping and the chance to see Basement Jaxx (yep, again), The Charlatans, Augustines, Don Broco and many more. Priding itself on being the ‘anti major festival’ festival, Truck even refrains from ripping you off once you’re in the gates, as it allows you to bring your own food and drink into the arena. truckfestival.com BROWNSTOCK FESTIVAL, ESSEX When JULY 8 -10 Just a 45-minute train journey from London Liverpool Street, getting here is cheap, and weekend camping tickets were only £83 last year. You can even go VIP for half the price of a standard weekend elsewhere, with queue jump, VIP camping with luxury loos and showers, ess to the VIP pit at the front with its own bar, two spa treatments and access to the after parties, all for £140. There’s an intimate feel to the festival too, with personal touches like a Treehouse stage, complete with birds’ nests, a saloon bar, an open mic stage and circus performances. Food and drink is locally sourced, with beef for the burgers fresh from the farm it’s held in. brownstock.co.uk BOOMTOWN, HAMPSHIRE When AUGUST 11 – 14 Boomtown rose up from the underground in 2009 to become one of the UK’s wildest and most inspiring independent festivals, from a humble village fair it is now a sprawling creative metropolis and home to every species of artistic miscreant. Thousands of people descend on the festival to embark on an immersive audio-visual joyride. boomtownfair.co.uk

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Or as an alternative to all that music and if you love your beer, then a pilgrimage to one of these European beer festivals is an absolute must. MUNICH OKTOBERFEST When SEPTEMBER 17 TO OCTOBER 3 The Munich Beerfest is one of the most famous events and the world’s largest fair. Oktoberfest 2016 will be no exception. With some six million people attending every year, it is an important part of Bavarian culture. Think Disneyland for adults. Think must do! munichsoktoberfest.com CZECH BEER FESTIVAL When MAY 7 – 23 A collection of at least 60 Czech beers under several tents in a big field next to an air base at the end of the metro line. If you are an avid beer lover, then it’s definitely worth attending the event. ceskypivnifestival.cz GREAT BRITISH BEER FESTIVAL When AUGUST 9 – 13 The Great British Beer Festival is organised by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and offers visitors the chance to explore over 900 real ales, ciders, perries and international beers. The UK’s biggest beer festival will feature over 350 British breweries across 27 different bars as well as fantastic entertainment, food, seating areas, and traditional pub games to enjoy all under one roof in the heart of London. gbbf.org.uk BELGIAN BEER WEEKEND, BRUSSELS, BELGIUM When SEPTEMBER 2 - 4 Throughout the weekend, several small, medium-sized and large Belgian breweries offer you a wide range of their products to allow you to discover the different kinds of beers that stand for the reputation of Belgium. belgianbrewers.be

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The Munich Beerfest is one of the most famous events and the world’s largest fair!

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Oktoberfest

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SANTORINI, GREECE Seven nights half-board accommodation at the 4-star Veggera Hotel in Perissa on the stunning Greek Island of Santorini from £293.32pp. The Veggera Hotel is situated right on the sea front - just cross the road and you are on one of the best beaches on Santorini. Includes return flights from London Gatwick departing April 26th. easyJetholidays.com

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Destination: Greece Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s covered: Athens, Santorini, Crete, Mykonos, Corfu, sailing the smaller islands and what to eat and drink

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A GUIDE TO GREECE

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The hot spots Athens You will likely fly in and out of Athens, so be sure to book your first or last couple of nights here to explore one of the oldest cities in the world, with 3,400 years of recorded history. The most iconic of ancient ruins is the Acropolis - head there as late as possible to avoid the crowds (it closes at 6.30pm in summer). Join a tour to find out the history behind the Parthenon, the Theatre of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, or simple climb up for the fantastic views across the city and sea. Then there are the tranquil National Gardens which house the restored 50,000-seat Panathenic Stadium, and 10 minutes away you will find the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. Museums worth checking out include the New Acropolis Museum, and the Benaki Museum. At night, try Adrianou Street for al-fresco dining followed by the bars and clubs in Gazi Square. Doing it VIP? Head for Villa Mercedes, the cream of Athenian clubbing with regular PAs by international DJs, such as David Guetta. Don’t arrive before 1am. www.tnttoursearch.com/rsearch/1?place=Athens&durati on=0-100000000&price=0-100000000&sort=ASC Santorini Santorini is the postcard model for Greece. Those whitewashed houses with blue roofs to complement the Aegean expanses beyond, the dazzling sunlight and dramatically plummeting precipices – you will find them in Santorini, my friend. The 18km-long isle is somewhat of a geological phenomenon. The Santorini ‘caldera’ or cauldron is a volcanic basin, formed from an eruption 3,500 years ago.

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This makes for a spectacular landscape and it’s tempting to do nothing but soak it all up with swim in the warm sea and a stretch on the dark sand by day and dinner and drinks in Fira (aka Thera or Thira) with spectacular views by night. But history buffs would do well to explore the Byzantine Empire monuments, basilicas, monasteries and ancient settlements. In the south, the once-buried Minoan city of Akrotiri, dubbed a Bronze Age Pompeii, has emerged from its heavy coat of volcanic ash and stone and is Greece’s bestpreserved prehistoric city dating back to 1600BC. www.tnttoursearch.com/rsearch/?place=Santorini&durati on=0-100000000&price=0-100000000&sort=ASC Crete One of the most popular islands is Crete, which is Greece’s largest. It has its own distinctive culture, history and cuisine (snails in tomato sauce sound good to you?), so much so that at times it seems like a separate country. Visitors can spend their vacations admiring the remnants of ancient civilisations, such as the Minoan ruin complex Knossos, exploring gorges that spill out to the sea and hiking up whitewashed mountains. Of course no Greek island holiday would be complete without a little lazing on a pristine, sun-soaked beach, and the southern coast is the best place for this, with its clean sands and isolated coves, along with smaller and slowerpaced villages. Over on the north side is where the nightlife gets more raucous. Malia is still the place to go for the biggest party scene, with fish bowls, glow sticks and slut drops galore. Click here to see Crete with TNT Tour Search http://www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/island-cruisingsantorini

A GUIDE TO GREECE

Acropolis with Parthenon temple in Athens

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Mykonos Ever since Jackie Kennedy and Onassis set foot here in the ’60s, the party has gone on and on. The frolicking is concentrated around the tavernas, cocktail bars and nightclubs of ‘Little Venice’ where people gather on bar terraces at sunset for an aperitif or mezedes washed down with ouzo. By day the main beaches - Paradise Beach and the gay-friendly - and, in parts, nudist Super Paradise Beach - are packed and getting through the maze of Mykonos town is a jostle. If you want some quiet time to sweat out that hangover quieter spots include Kalafatis, good for surfing and diving; Ftelia, for windsurfers; and Ornos, with a coarse-sand beach that has been described as a slice of heaven. www.tnttoursearch.com/rsearch/?place=Mykonos&durati on=0-100000000&price=0-100000000&sort=ASC

Crete

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Of course no Greek island holiday would be complete without a little lazing on a pristine, sun-soaked beach

Corfu This Ioanian paradise inspired both Shakespeare (most agree it’s the setting for The Tempest) and Homer (it appears in The Odyssey as ‘Scheria’). Check out the TNTMAGAZINE.COM

Sail the smaller islands

pretty, Venetian-style old quarters of the east coast capital, Corfu Town, which has been designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. Or if what you really want is a few beers, a lot of vodka jelly shots and a night spent in a sweaty blur of drinking and dancing, head to the southern town of Kávos. www.tnttoursearch.com/rsearch/?place=Pink+Palace&dura tion=0-100000000&price=0-100000000&sort=ASC Sail the smaller islands A sailing trip hopping between Greece’s smaller spots dotted along the crescent between Athens and Epidavros is also a great way to spend your time. You’ll want to reserve seven days as you will likely need to loop back to Athens to catch your flight back home. TOP FIVE STOP OFFS Aegina: A common spot for weekending Athenians, you can stroll among fellow vacationers, buzzing motorbikes and diners spilling onto the pavements along the waterfront for a taste of a true Greek holiday. For day-to-day life, head behind the bustling harbour to see chatting teens and washing lines strung between town houses, or for history, spot the Temple of Apollo just north of the harbour. Beyond that stands lush land sprinkled with wildflowers, making for a pretty backdrop for this slice of Grecian life. Perdika: Perdika is a quiet fishing village by day, with a surprising scene of late-night music bars by night. For a swim, catch a caique (small boat) to the island of Moni (if your boat doesn’t stop there already), which has a tree-lined beach and relaxed cafe. Otherwise, sink a few cold ones in a taverna, waiting for the sun set, before enjoying the live bands.

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A GUIDE TO GREECE Poros: Separated from the mainland by a small channel, Poros Town feels more as if it’s perched on a lake, with ice-cream coloured houses dotting the shores and rising up to greet a clock tower. The other side of the island is dominated by forest and sandy coves. Russian Bay is a good option for chilling out, while Neorian Beach offers classic watersports including banana boating and water skiing. Hydra: Hydra is unique because it is vehicle free; the only mode of transport are the ambling donkeys which clip-clop across the cobbled lanes. That’s not to say it’s not bustling, though, as the port sees sailboats, ferries and water taxis sweeping in and out, with cafes and restaurants lining the waterside to welcome hungry and thirsty travellers. Walk into the winding streets to get a taste of traditional Mediterranean life; peeking into dark windows that keep the heat out, and smiling at old women chattering on their doorsteps. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, head into the mountains to find peaceful monasteries and sweeping vistas.

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Greece’s favourite alcoholic drink is ouzo – made from pressed grape skins, herbs and berries. It’s ideally drunk straight and sipped slowly with friends over plates of mezze

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Spetses: For a taste of true carefree island life, Spetses is a great port of call. The lively old town lines the waterfront, offering sleek restaurants and nightlife, also found at its buzzing clock tower square. Rent a moped for the day and ride the Tarmac roads that line the pebble beaches and weave between the rolling hills. Head for Agii Anargyri and Agia Paraskevi to grab some food at a tavern, have a go at some watersports and swim out to Bekiris Cave. Bliss. www.tnttoursearch.com/rsearch/?place=sail+Greece&dur ation=0-100000000&price=0-100000000&sort=ASC Food and drink Seafood is the culinary highlight of the Greek islands. Often it comes in the form of ‘mezedes’, traditional appetisers, hot and cold, which can make a delicious and inexpensive meal when treated as a smörgåsbord. Look out for these tasty local dishes… Sardeles pastes Fresh sardines, salty and swamped in olive oil and served with chunks of lemon. Good for anchovy fans. Octopodi Grilled octopus is reputedly the best mezze twinned with aniseed-flavoured ouzo. Succulent and tender, some tavernas pre-boil then grill it, and serve it with oil, lemon and herbs such as oregano. Saganaki These bite-sized delights take their name from the small frying pan they are cooked in, the sagani. The most common ones are made from sharp, kasseri cheese, deep-fried and seasoned with lemon. Others consist of little casseroles of mussels, shrimps and prawns. Bourekakia Small filo pastry envelopes stuffed with feta cheese, and sometimes nuts and spinach. Loukaniko Grilled spicy sausage Ouzo Greece’s favourite alcoholic drink is ouzo – made from pressed grape skins, herbs and berries. It’s ideally drunk straight and sipped slowly with friends over plates of mezze.

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Photos: iStock.com/Adam Petto

New Holmenkollen Ski Jump

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48 hours in Oslo Have a blast skiing in Norway’s city of fire and ice – Oslo – rather than settling for a lukewarm break.. WORDS KELSEY CLARK

What to see and do Take the underground for the 35-minute ride to Voksenkollen (line T1) to arrive at Oslo Winter Park and have a blast on its 18 pistes served by 11 lifts, which stay open until 10pm as the slopes are floodlit. Non-skiers can easily explore its crosscountry skiing trails, or ski guide ReidunLøvstuen can get you started. You might even see the Northern Lights. To get your heart racing you can stand at the top of Oslo’s futuristic new ski jump, four stops down the line at Holmenkollen. You can do the jump, albeit in a simulator, next door. The centre, which includes a ski museum, is set in an elegant 19th-century cliff-top suburb, with restaurants, wooden houses and observatories overlooking the fjords. Back in the heart of the city, follow the half-frozen waterfalls of the Akerselva River to arrive at the unique Wallman’s dinner show. Inside one of the giant 19th century warehouses you find beautifully laid tables arranged around a stage. And the performers, who also strut catwalks between the tables, are your waiters and waitresses for the night, bringing exquisitely prepared courses in between medleys of Abba and Queen. See Edvard Munch’s eerily evocative Scream, actually four paintings, as they are rarely exhibited abroad, two having been stolen – and recovered – while the fourth was sold to a private buyer last year for $120 million. The Munch Museum has two, but you can see the one at the National Gallery for free if you go on a Sunday. From the old to the new, the Astrup Fearnley museum of modern art, which opened recently, has been built of wood on an island by the architect of London’s Shard, Renzo Piano. It greets visitors with a giant manga doll and holds work by Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons. Avoid paying separately

for museums as the popular Oslo Pass gives you access to a huge number of attractions, plus unlimited travel on local transport. Where to stay The Folketeateret is a curvaceous art deco theatre, in an elegant, covered arcade of cafés and salons that has been turned into a boutique hotel with stylish, modern rooms. It offers an excellent breakfast, afternoon tea and buffet dinner in the price of your stay, which cuts costs dramatically. Radisson SAS is the tallest hotel in northern Europe and has a pool and spa on the 35th floor included in the price. However, the glass-fronted sauna with its views across the city may not be for the self-conscious, you will prefer to sip cocktails on the 34th floor, where you can see the floodlit slopes you may have skied earlier that day. tnttoursearch.com/tours/scandi-express-2016 tnttoursearch.com/tours/scenic-scandi-2016 tnttoursearch.com/tours/northern-exposure-2016

Photos: iStock.com/Anna Bryukhanova

If you can’t decide between a ski holiday and a city break, get to know Norway’s spirited capital. Oslo has so many museums and attractions that you can combine all the cultural delights of a city break with adrenaline pumping activities, especially if you want to grab a chance to explore a winter wonderland on skis.

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EASTERNEUROPE

Guide to Eastern Europe Help to get the best out of Eastern Europe. Krakow a city almost untouched by WW11, Prague is beautiful with more to offer than stag nights and Munich the beer guzzling capital of Europe, during Oktoberfest. If you’re anything like us you’ll go to them all. Kraków, Poland - history, nightlife and when to visit Visit Kraków, Poland, for its history and nightlife. Unlike the battered city of Warsaw, Kraków was almost untouched during World War II. Today, the former capital of Poland retains its historical character and its title as the cultural heart of the nation. Kraków central The Rynek is the largest medieval market square in Europe, and in summer it’s abuzz with pavement cafés. The monument to Adam Mickiewicz, a famous Polish poet, in the middle of the square is a common meeting point for locals. If you’re lingering here, listen out for the Kraków bugle call or hejnal (pronounced hey-now), played on the hour from the highest tower of St Mary’s Basilica. Then wander round the Sukiennice (Cloth Hall), which slices the square in half. Formerly Kraków’s chief trading centre, these days it’s a glittering tunnel of amber jewels and souvenir stalls. The Jewish quarter For something different head to Kazimierz. Home to the city’s Jewish quarter, this suburb lay neglected after World War II but since the 1990s has seen a string of bohemian bars and cafés open. The area is also dotted with synagogues, cemeteries and museums, which act as a reminder of the oppressive Nazi reign. Kraków nightlife By night, Kraków springs to life. Alfresco cafés are ditched in favour of cellar bars and clubs around the Main Market Square, while Kazimierz is abuzz with hip bars. CK Browar (ul Podwale 6-7) is an Austro-Hungarian style pub where nonfiltered, unpasteurised beer is brewed right in front of you. Alternatively, travel back in time to communist Poland at Club Lubu Dubu (ul Wielopole 15) where everything

is retro, including the music. Try local lagers Zywiec or Okocim or, if you fancy something stronger, go for a shot of proper Polish vodka. Ask for Wyborowa, bittersweet Zoladkowa Gorzka or Zubrowka, which is often drunk as a cocktail known as szarlotka (apple pie). Visit Auschwitz Anyone who visits Kraków should see Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, where the Nazis murdered up to 1.5 million people during World War II. The site was protected shortly after the end of the war to ensure the world would never forget the atrocities. Also worth a visit is Wieliczka Salt Mine (included on Unesco’s World List of Cultural and Natural Heritage) on the southeastern outskirts of the city. The museum is one of the biggest underground mining museums in the world.

WHEN TO GO: Summer can get very warm, while winters can be freezing. GETTING THERE: Ryanair (ryanair.com) and EasyJet (easyjet.com) both fly direct to Kraków from London. VISAS: South Africans need a Schengen visa. CURRENCY: Polish zloty. 1 GBP = 4.9 PLN. LANGUAGE: Polish. GETTING AROUND: Kraków can be explored on foot. Visit Auschwitz by organised tour for about 100zl. For Wieliczka, take the 304 bus from Dworzec Glowny Zachod. GOING OUT: It costs about £1.50 for a beer. ACCOMMODATION: A bed in a dorm starts from £8 a night, while a private room costs from £17. www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/communism-experience

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Life’s a beach in Indonesia

Mad about Munich: Short break to Germany’s most outdoorsy city City sights Germany and fast cars are inextricably linked in the minds of most petrol heads, so if you’re one of them head to BMW’s HQ (known as four-cylinder tower) and the museum next to it. There are exhibitions about the technical development of cars and vintage models on display. As for those who prefer their sightseeing a little more historical, the 17th-century Baroque Nymphenburg Palace (above) is open to the public and boasts grand period furniture and paintings. Guzzling beer Maybe a few nights in the infamous bierhalles of Oktoberfest will leave you never wanting to see another drop of beer as long as you live. Or more likely, you’ve had your appetite for the amber nectar whetted. In that case, get outside and enjoy some more beer garden action. Waldwirtschaft, which we promise is much easier to pronounce after a couple of tongue-loosening pints, has a lovely, leafy outdoors drinking area and regular live jazz concerts. Alternatively, The Chinesischer Turm, which is also based in the Englischer Garten, always has a great atmosphere. Not only does it serve all the beer and Bavarian food you could ask for, but it’s scenic setting is next to a five-storey wooden pagoda (The Chinese Tower, which gives the bar its name). There are also live oompah music concerts here at the weekends. More info about Munich at muenchen.de Oktoberfest runs from September 21 to October 6 Getting there Fly from London Stansted to Munich for £144 return with EasyJet.

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Eat, drink, sleep EAT Budget: Just want a quick snack? Munich is famous for its weiners (no sniggering), so pick up a hotdog complete with lashings of mustard at the Schlemmermeyer Sausage and Ham Shop. From £4. (Viktualienmarkt 3, 80331 München; tel. 00 498 929 5575) Midrange: Have a Bavarian feed up in the quirky Muschelsaal of the Zum Augustiner Restaurant and Bierhalle, where the walls are covered with mussel shells. Get stuck into all the schitzel and sauerkraut you can eat here. Mains from £8. Luxury: An art nouveau-styled restaurant serving gourmet German food with a twist, Kaisergarten is predictably expensive for dinner but their weekend breakfasts are more reasonably priced. Think smoked trout, omelettes and fresh bread. Breakfast with prosecco £13pp. DRINK Budget: For a cheap beer in Munich a backpacker bar is your best bet. Euro Bar shows sports on the big screen, hosts regular karaoke nights and their beers cost from £1.75. Midrange: It’s all about the music at The Atomic Café, which has built itself a reputation for putting on the best up-and-coming

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Germany and fast cars are inextricably linked in the minds of most petrol heads

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bands and the odd hip-hop night. Beer from £3 a bottle. Luxury: Low-key Havana Club is considered one of the best places for a drink in Munich, specialising, unsurprisingly, in all drinks rum-related. Cocktails from £7.50. SLEEP Budget: Cheap and cheerful Wombats Munich (above) is a favourite with backpackers for its buzzing atmosphere and central location. Take a breather in the glass-roofed courtyard after a day’s sightseeing. Dorm beds from £13.50pn. Midrange: Rooms at the ultra-modern Hotel Cocoon come complete with funky hanging ball-chairs, free wi-fi and all the mod cons a gadgety traveller might want, including iPod docks. Rooms from £59pn. Luxury: The very swanky Charles Hotel is right in the Old Botanical Gardens, meaning a break from the city bustle without being too far from the action. Rooms are spacious and glamorous, starting from £318pn. www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/oktoberfest-4-dayscamping-startend-munich Beyond Beer – 5 reasons why Prague is much more than Stag Nights Charles Bridge by night It may be a staple on the visitor circuit but Charles Bridge is worth a night time stroll. The city by night from the bridge and especially the view of the castle all lit up (the lights were paid for by the Rolling Stones) will make any trip worthwhile in seconds.

Astronomical Clock for the bucket list

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Prague is much more than a stag night

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Letna Park This park sits above the city on the north side of the river and was home to Europe’s largest group statue of Stalin before it was pulled down in 1962. Today, the space is taken up by a large metronome with amazing views over the city. Hint: the Hanavsky Pavilion offers views and great food if you fancy a pit stop Praha 7 Holesovice Holesovice in the up and coming 7th district of Prague is a great taste of the city as a local. With warehouses situated along the marina hosting markets throughout the day and a great selection of cafes, bars and restaurants to choose from, you can easily spend the day. Check out the selection of ‘beer tapas’ at microbrewery Pivovar Marina for an authentic Czech experience. Astronomical Clock Another ‘bucket list’ item but with a dancing skeleton and a view of the Tyn Church which inspired the Disney logo from the same square foot of pavement, a moment in front of the clock is well worth the time (#intentional).

Prague’s bridges

Leica Gallery Prague While there’s always an international viewpoint on show, this photography gallery aims to showcase both Czech and Slovak photographers’ front and centre. Currently there’s an exhibition exploring freedom against the backdrop of the 25th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution – inspiring stuff. www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/prague-experience

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The Treasury. Ancient city of Petra

The Magic Kingdom A secret city carved into rock, a sea where no person can sink, magical mud that can turn back time… Jordan truly is the Kingdom of fairytales WORDS CAROLINE GARNAR Jordan is one of those countries where if you only go to one area, you are seriously missing out. It’s possible to cover the main spots in a week or so - I only had a few days and managed to cover Petra, Dana, Karak, Wadi Musa and the Dead Sea - but after chatting to people who had visited the other areas – Amman, Wadi Rum, Jerash and Aqaba – I’m already planning my return. There’s something truly magical about this place, with its traditional way of life, natural and man-made wonders, and religious sites. It strips life back to the basics, and is surprisingly humbling. Here, I share my experience, look at the other worthy stops, and which companies you can tour with on your journey in Jordan… 84

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Petra Does it get any more magical than a lost city? Petra was built by the Nabateans and what we can still see today is believed to date back to around 400BC, but was discovered by the Western world only in the early 1800s. Petra is now one of the seven wonders of the world, and you have probably seen a thousand pictures of its famous Treasury, but nothing compares to seeing it in real life. Nature has provided a suitably magical introduction: you weave your way through a crevice hewn between two honey-coloured rocks for around 30 minutes before reaching a strategically placed bend. This acts as a pair of hands cupped over your eyes before being lifted to reveal the surprise: your first glimpse of the Treasury.

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As you step into the light you can drink it up in all its glory; take in the big – the columns, the gaping entryway, the porch-like facade – and the small details – the seven cups, which represent each day of the week, the spray of bullet holes, from where Bedouin believed the pot at the top held treasure, and the remnants of mythical creatures guarding the doorway. Nowadays it’s guarded by two costumed guards and camels, horses and donkeys waiting to take you on a lolloping ride. You are likely to be constantly bothered by the animals’ keepers, but your guide with help you politely refuse or negotiate the right price. We decided to hop aboard a donkey when visiting the monastery, which is at the top of more than 800 steps. Paying JD5 (approx £4.50) we convinced ourselves it was all part of the authentic experience as we passed people twice our age hopping, skipping and jumping up the steps alongside us. Reaching the top, we ‘oohed’ and ‘ahhed’ at the monastery, which had a façade so smooth it seemingly transformed the once-jagged rock into butter. You barely catch your breath before it’s taken away again as you take in the views of the surrounding canyons and mountains. There’s so much more to see, including tombs, the remains of a theatre and naturally formed rock patterns, as well as stopping for a cup of tea with a Bedouin who calls this wonder of the world his home. After all this, be sure to stop off at a Turkish bath; we paid JD20 (approx £18) to ease our tired legs in a jacuzzi, steam room and with a soapsud-fuelled scrub, massage and hair wash. With all the dust of the day washed away, head for a cheap dinner of garlic chicken, Arabic flatbread and pickles at a local café before enjoying a nightcap at The Mövenpick Petra’s rooftop pool bar. Do something similar: Intrepid Travel offers a Petra Uncovered tour, which mainly focuses on Petra, but also takes in the Dead Sea. It’s a two-nighter and costs from £670. Topdeck’s Promised Land of Petra is a more intensive trip, which also covers Jerusalem. This eight-night tour includes a full day soaking up the sites of Petra. from £1,495 tnttoursearch.com

The Monastery in ancient city of Petra Mosaic maps of Jordan housed at the church of Madaba

View from Mount Nebo

Images: Thinkstock and Getty

Dana, Kerak and Wadi Musa The journey between Petra and the Dead Sea is around five hours, but it’s all part of the tour as you drive along King’s Way, which is peppered with tourist sites and beautiful scenery. Stop offs include the peaceful mountain village of Dana, and the church in Madaba, which houses mosaic maps of Jordan and is believed to have been the site of a miracle (look out for the third hand which magically appeared, apparently, on their image of the Virgin Mary). Then there’s Kerak Castle, which has a fascinating history and looks over beautiful Jordanian countryside, and Mount Nebo – the believed burial site of Moses – where you can see across Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Jericho. There are various other view points, including a sweeping vista over Wadi Musa, a vast, cavernous wadi said to rival the USA’s Grand Canyon. Do something similar: Intrepid’s Family Journey to the Lost City takes a day out of its week-long tour of the hot spots to explore the stop offs en-route, taking in Madaba, Mount Nebo and Kerak Castle. From £695 tnttoursearch.com TNTMAGAZINE.COM

A sea as calm and still as a mill pond stretches as far as the eye can see

HOW SAFE ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO VISIT? Many countries have been declared a no go zone after a host of tourist destinations were listed as being at high risk. Winter sun favourite Egypt is among the number of danger zones, with all UK direct flights to Sharm el-Sheikh suspended until into the New Year. Tunisia is at high risk and the Foreign Office are advising people not to travel to south and west of the country. France is also at high risk after the attacks in Paris, as well as Brussels, which has recently been on shutdown. European favourite Spain has also had its threat level heightened by the British Government. A number of countries along the Mediterranean, regularly visited by backpackers have been declared as dangerous zones. While we’re not suggesting that you don’t go to these countries, we are suggesting that you do so at your own risk and with prior knowledge of the situation. Keep up with up to date information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. James Clark

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The Dead Sea To look at the Dead Sea is to see a drawing of a mystical land come to life: a sea as calm and still as a mill pond stretches as far as the eye can see. You feel as if you are on the edge of another world as the water acts as a mirror perfectly reflecting the blue sky and dove-grey low-rise rocky border. No creature can survive in the Dead Sea waters and yet its mud can bring eternal youth (well, almost). Smother yourself in the gooey thickness before wallowing into the water and feeling it lift you up, like a bobbing cork. It is a peaceful, mystical place and truly one of my favourites in the world. If this is all too relaxing for you, about 30 minutes from the main Dead Sea trip, you can do the Siq Trail at the mouth to Wadi Mujib. This is a natural assault course of rocks and waterfalls that would have Bear Grylls crying for his mummy. Using ropes, your own strength and a heavy dose of courage, clamber up rocky walls, dive into waterfalls and whiz down Mother Nature’s water flumes. Do something similar: Every tour takes in the Dead Sea, but many opt for a quick dip and you’re on your way. Granted, you can’t soak for too long in the salty water, but if you want to also check out the Siq Trail, Encounters Travel offers this option (during season) as part of its seven-night Jordan Encounters tour. £590 tnttoursearch.com What else? WADI RUM If you were a fan of the Northern Territory back home, be sure to tick Wadi Rum off your list. This stunning landscape of sand, rocks and canyons would transport you directly to Oz if it wasn’t for the Bedouin guides, lolloping camels and ubiquitous sweet-smelling shisha pipes. Spend the day tearing through the vast space in a Jeep and the night under the blanket of stars, smoking shisha before setting off for bed in a camel-hair tent.

A GUIDE TO JORDAN

Night lights of Amman

AMMAN This is the capital of Jordan and where its airport is, so most tours will spend a day here at the start or end of your trip. And quite right too, as it’s a captivating place. Wander through the bustling markets of Downtown, take a snap of the pink Grand Husseini Mosque (non-Muslims are not allowed inside), climb the Hill of the Citadel to see what’s left of the Temple of Hercules, and check out the impressive Roman Theatre with views over the city. AQUABA This is the part of Jordan which feels like you could be in Europe as it’s a busy beach town with tourists a-plenty. There is a reason for this, though: the diving is second to none and the beaches are clean, sandy and backed by butter-coloured mountains.

Aquaba is the place to go diving...

JERASH After Petra, Jerash is the second-most popular tourist attraction in Jordan, and one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. Climb to the top of the south theatre for a great view of the city and a performance from the resident Jordanian Scottish pipe band. Seriously. www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/essential-jordan-9-day www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/jordan-on-a-shoestring www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/egypt-jordan-discoveredby-felucca www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/egypt-jordan-discoveredby-land-0 www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/egypt-jordan-discoveredby-ncruise

Jerash is the second-most popular tourist attraction in Jordan TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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BIGTRIP

Indo-needs-ya Like a path of breadcrumbs leading you from Asia to Australia, Indonesia is spread across a chain of thousands of islands. TNT urges you to follow the trail... EDITED BY IAN ARMITAGE

First-time travellers to Indonesia usually head straight for Bali. It is Indonesia’s doe-eyed beauty and the undoubted star; a real boon for tourism. But Indonesia is an incredibly diverse archipelago, with no less than 17,000 islands, each with their own identity. So next time you head home, be sure to make a stop off at one or more. Here we offer you a nifty little overview of this expansive and beautiful country, giving you an insight into the popular travel hotspots, and revealing one or two incredibly valuable travel tips (it’s our speciality in case you didn’t know). This is an adventure that’s affordable and increasingly accessible – although half the fun is travelling in tiny, fragile planes, rusty boats and back-firing buses. It’s worth noting that if you only have a few days or even a couple of weeks, you’ll have a better time if you restrict yourself to exploring a small area; don’t try to island hop over 3,000km to see your top 10 sights. It’ll be a nightmare! Itinerary ideas IN 2-3 DAYS If you have limited time, it’s admittedly best to head straight to Bali, which most tourists do. Hotels are a dime a dozen, from five-star luxury outfits to budget $2-a-night rooms without a fan or fly screen (goodbye sleep). Spend your time surfing the reef breaks, feasting on cheap seafood, sampling the unique nightlife, shopping ‘til you drop and exploring mystical Hindu temples. IN A WEEK With a week up your sleeve, there is a bit more time for you to get to know Bali a little better. Explore the Bukit peninsula and head into the misty mountains at Ubud. In your last few days, catch a ferry across to Nusa Lembongan or Lombok, or consider flying to the island of Sumbawa. These places are slightly off the radar, offering a more traditional experience and an insight into the simpler Indonesia, away from the neon tourist districts of Bali. IN TWO WEEKS+ After exploring Bali and stopping in at Lombok or Sumbawa, head west to the islands of Java or Sumatra. Java has the capital, Jakarta, along with the peaceful mountain hideaway of Yogjakarta. Meanwhile, Sumatra is home to verdant rainforests chocka with bird life and orang-utans. Alternatively, head east from Bali and explore the oft-overlooked islands of Roti and Timor. Bali Bali is the complete tropical island: lush, culturally unique and exotic, yet it has all forms of creature comforts. It’s also a surfing mecca: the epic reef breaks of Uluwatu, Padang

Padang and Bingin have lured surfers from all corners of the globe since the 1970s. Back then, Bali was largely untouched by tourism. These days, with an international airport within a ‘coo-ee’ of the waves, the most popular breaks are always packed with a small army of Australian, Brazilian, American and local surfers. Still, with warm water and perfect coral-reef barrels, it remains a surfer’s paradise. The island is bursting with natural attractions, with miles of sandy beaches from Legian to Kuta and Nusa Dua, picturesque rice terraces, towering active volcanoes, pristine crater lakes, sacred caves, and lush tropical forests full of exotic wildlife. It’s also a scuba diver’s paradise – the best Bali diving sites are along the east coast near Candi Dasa, Amed, Tulamben and Nusa Penida. Bali’s rich cultural heritage is visible pretty much everywhere, with more than 20,000 temples – the best of the bunch are Tanah Lot, Uluwatu and the Besakih Temple on the slopes of holy Mount Agung. Plus there are palaces and dozens of colourful festivals and ceremonies including the Hindu ritual of tooth filing and cremations with drama, music and dance. The tourist strip from Kuta to Legian and Seminyak is a hedonist’s dream, with plenty of clubs, bars and pubs that are packed with revellers from all corners of the globe in the dry, warm months from May to September. Hit the Bounty Hotel if you’re up for a big night, or cruise the bars along the beachfront and Poppies Lane. The tranquil town of Ubud is a great escape into the cool, mountainous interior of Bali, away from the hectic pace of Kuta if you’re craving some peace and quiet. It also has a colourful daily market, famed for carvings and sculptures. You could while away a lengthy holiday just in Bali, but the island is also the perfect launching pad for cruises of the Indonesian archipelago. There are literally hundreds of cruises from Bali through to Lombok, Sumbawa, Sulawesi and the Moluccas. You can choose from modern cruise liners, luxurious private yachts, and traditional Balinese schooners. Jakarta At first glance, the Indonesian capital of Jakarta can seem like a smog-choked concrete jungle, but spend a little time here and you’ll fast come to recognise its charms. A wild array of restaurants offer the best of Indonesia’s varied cuisine. There’s also a fascinating dock district that is well worth exploring, and markets that rival those of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. This, remember, is one of South-East Asia’s largest cities, so there is plenty here for the independent traveller. A large chunk of Jakarta’s populace are immigrants TNTMAGAZINE.COM

from the other parts of the island of Java and the rest of Indonesia, so the capital is a vibrant mix of Javanese and Sundanese languages, culture, customs and traditional foods, making it an interesting city to get to know. Kuningan and Jalan Sudirman make up Jakarta’s main CBD, and this is where you’ll find the gleaming skyscrapers, clean streets, Western malls and restaurants, and a huge variety of nighttime entertainment. The endless gridlock and haze of smog might take a little getting used to. It’s no coincidence foreign residents nickname Jakarta ‘The big durian’ – the tropical fruit that has both a strong odour and is an acquired taste. However, there’s no denying the city is a bustling urban metropolis that never sleeps. Jakarta’s Chinatown (Glodok) is a landmark neighbourhood that is well worth a visit, full of tantalising restaurants, markets and a wealth of interesting shops to explore. Getting there is fairly easy because it isn’t far from Jakarta Kota Station and, when you’re finished, you can wander around Fatahillah Square in the town centre or explore the beautiful orchid garden at Slipi. The Jakarta History Museum, housed in the old Batavia Town Hall, is an interesting look at Indonesia’s past and one of the city’s solid reminders of Dutch rule. Jakarta is also home to plenty of rather odd monuments and giant statues – a legacy of former President Soekarno’s socialist ideals. One of the most impressive is the 132m flame-topped National Monument. A 10-minute walk from Taman Fatahillah, the old port of Sunda Kelapa is home to a flotilla of magnificent Makassar 90

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Rice terraces, Bali

Pictures: Getty, Thinkstock, Mövenpick Hotels and Caroline Garnar

Life’s a beach in Indonesia

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Jakarta at rush hour: Busy

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The monument is said to replicate the path to enlightenment

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schooners. The bright-painted ships are a key transport and freight delivery link between Jakarta and the outer islands. They’re also one of the capital’s main tourist attractions. While it’s not oozing late-night discos and clubs, Jakarta nevertheless has a thriving after-dark entertainment scene, particularly in Kemang, where there are a number of good pubs. Kemang’s main rival is Jalan Jaksa, which as well as being home to good pubs and clubs, is also a good place to find cheap hostels and accommodation. Java Jakarta is of course on Java, and while there may not be any great beaches to speak of on the island, it does lay the bold, yet justifiable, claim to having the most mesmerising temple in South-East Asia and many fantastic volcanoes to hike. Rise with the morning adhan (call to prayer) for a dawn viewing of the 8th-century Buddhist temple Borobudur, a Unesco World Heritage site and one of Indonesia’s biggest draws, and you can explore the intricate lattice stupas while the morning mist unveils the surrounding paddy fields. TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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GETTING AROUND An ambitious travel itinerary could turn a relaxing holiday into a frantic race when visiting Indonesia. Buses and trains can be slow and crowded and so many travellers opt to hire a car or moped. Off the beaten track, especially on remote islands, travelling can be pretty unpredictable and, occasionally, downright impossible. Like most Asian countries, the local bus is the mainstay when it comes to transport. Buses link virtually every city in Indonesia with every other city and they are dirt cheap as well – just expect to share your seat with chickens and maybe a goat or two. Otherwise, a high speed train links Bali with Jakarta and ferries also plow the water channels between the islands, though high-speed vessels are a rarity. In Jakarta, tuk-tuks are a substitute for taxi cabs. Make sure you haggle with the driver for a decent price. Otherwise, taxis are common in Bali and, while they have meters, it’s also better to agree on a price with the driver before you set off.

GETTING THERE Tours to see orangutans bring thousands to Indonesia every year Once abandoned, Borobudur is one of the largest Buddhist monuments in the world, containing around 500 statues of Buddha. The monument was built between 840AD and 780AD to resemble a mandala – a wheel-shaped symbol of the cosmos. Walking up the monument is said to replicate the path to enlightenment, beginning at the base in the realm of desire and ending with the realm of formlessness at the top. When you’ve scaled that, you can hike (or take a 4x4) up Mount Bromo for lunar-like, cloud-carpeted views of Java’s nobbled volcanic spine of craters and steam-spewing peaks. Yoschi’s Guest House is located at Ngadisari, which lies about five kilometers from the crater rim, or you can choose Cafe Lava Hostel or the Cemara Indah Hotel at Cemoro Lawang, which are even closer. Lombok and the Gili Islands Lombok is a low-key island situated east of Bali that remains a sleepy, peaceful getaway from the chaos of its western neighbour. Rice paddies line the roads and farmers still plow the land. The hardest decisions a visitor has to make are whether to have banana pancakes or fresh fruit salad for breakfast, and which beach to take a dip at to cool off from the ever-present equatorial sunshine. Lombok is the most popular destination in Nusa Tenggara as it is home to the fabled Gili Islands – the perfect spot for a Robinson Crusoe adventure. The Gilis dot along Lombok’s north-eastern fringe, a strip of tiny jungle-and-sand islands, 92

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Garuda is the national airline, flying directly into Bali’s Denpasar airport as well as into the capital, Jakarta, on the island of Java – in total it services 33 domestic cities. Medan is the major hub on Sumatra, with flights linking it to many major cities within Asia. You can also enter Indonesia via ferry from Singapore and Malaysia – the trip from Kuala Lumpur to Medan takes just a few hours, and has been a major route for surfers and travel junkies needing to renew their Indonesian tourist visas. The type of visa you need depends on your nationality, the purpose of your stay and how long you intend to visit. indo.com/tplan/visa

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haloed by kaleidoscopic coral reef, and all without cars, crowds or complexity. We wouldn’t recommend staying there, as lovely as the Gilis are, because they have little in the way of comforts, so it is best to visit for the day and stay back on Lombok – on the Gili-facing side, of course. Sumatra The island of Nias, was home to head hunting tribes as recently as the 1980s. While lopping off skulls is discouraged now, the island remains a treasure trove for intrepid travellers keen to check out this ancient culture, while exploring the island’s verdant rainforests, surfing the worldclass waves or diving over brilliant coral reefs. Sumatra is the home of Krakatoa – actually it is between Sumatra and Java on the Sunda Strait – the famous volcanic island whose eruption in August 1883 was one of the most deadly of modern history. The island is about three miles wide and 5.5 miles long and, before the historic eruption, it had three linked volcanic peaks: Perboewatan, the northernmost and most active; Danan in the middle; and the largest, Rakata, forming the southern end of the island. Krakatau and the two nearby islands, Lang and Verlatan, are remnants of a previous large eruption that left an undersea caldera between them. tnttoursearch.com/tours/10-days-inindonesia-bali-the-gili-islands Sumatra is also, and rather significantly, one of the few

places left in the world where elephants, rhinos and tigers live together in the wild. Critically endangered wild tigers are fighting to survive in the face of widespread poaching and forest-clearing. Across Sumatra, there are fewer than 400 tigers left, and they are extinct on the nearby islands of Java and Bali (see sumatratigertours.com). Kalimantan The untamed island of Borneo (of which Kalimantan makes up around two thirds) has enchanted adventurers since the days of the great Victorian explorers – and today little has diluted that raw experience. Home to an amazingly beautiful rainforest, bone throughthe-nose tribes (the sorts of which you expect to see in a King Kong movie) and the largest population of orangutans in the world, this is just the spot to find the last corners of wilderness, relatively untouched by humans. River boating into the ‘heart of darkness’ through the Tanjung National Park is one of the most popular ways to see this place – and marvel as the kind-eyed orangutans loop through the trees before meeting the Dayak Tribes. Kalimantan Tours (kalimantantours.com) offers a range of jungle trips throughout the region, including Derawan, a fishing island about three hours by speedboat from Berau that has developed as a dive resort, attracting divers from around the world.

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Morocco Magic Whether you want to ride a camel, catch some waves, hike in the High Atlas mountains or follow in the footsteps of Kim Cattrall and co, Morocco delivers. TNT shows you the way to go...

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The fortified city of Ait Benhaddou

Best for budding cooks: Essaouira

Best for aspiring surfers: Agadir

The laid-back beach town of Essaouira is the perfect spot to learn how to prepare a tasty Moroccan tagine, a flavoursome stew slow cooked in a conical-shaped dish also called a tagine, cleverly designed to seal in the spicy fragrances. Take a four-hour workshop in authentic yet sleek L’Atelier Madada (lateliermadada.com) in the lofty grounds of boutique hotel Madada Mogador. Suss out how to make the perfect cup of mint tea, laced with lashings of sugar, a vital part of Moroccan culture served after every meal. After cooking the richly-flavoured tagine and indulging in the fruits of your labour, enjoy a tour of the hippy town’s fish and spice souk (market), chock full of olive mountains, highly patterned tagine dishes, caged chickens and suspicious looking medicines – herbal Viagra anyone? Much of what’s on offer is not for the faint-hearted: think blood-smeared decapitated rams’ heads. Escape the gore by retreating to one of the market’s small spice shops, stocked with an array of glass jars filled with heady spices, henna dyes and sweet smelling perfume sticks, such as gazelle musk, taken from behind the animal’s ear.

A 25-minute drive north of Agadir, Taghazout is a mecca for surfers as it boasts an enormous stretch of coastline and 330 days of sunshine a year with temperatures rarely dropping below a toasty 20 degrees. Surf spots aren’t as swamped as those in Europe and the US, and the warm water and consistent waves makes for a pleasant ride. Whether you’re a novice or a super-star surfer, Taghazout has a break for you. Hash Point is known as the lazy man’s spot because it’s an easy right-hander that breaks near the shore, ideal for those who loathe paddling, while the Super Wedge offers small fun waves. Stay at surf camp Taghazout villa, set on the water’s edge at Hash Point, which offers surf guiding. See surfmaroc.co.uk for the full low-down.

The fortified city of Ait Benhaddou

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Best for film buffs: Ouarzazate Famously known as the Hollywood of Morocco, Ouarzazate is home to the Moroccan Film Studios where epic films, such as The Jewel of the Nile, Cleopatra, Lawrence Of Arabia and some scenes for Star Wars were shot in its desert-like landscape. Visitors can go on a guided tour of the film sets. Also meriting exploration is the fortified city of Ait Benhaddou, an 11th century UNESCO-protected kasbah which provided the backdrop for Russell Crowe’s swashbuckling Gladiator movie. The well-preserved town marks the start of the road of a thousand Kasbahs, known as one of the world’s oldest trading routes. It’s freckled with ancient Kasbahs with buildings built from mud and straw, while olive and date palmeries break

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The pulsing heart of Marrakech...

up the dry desert landscape, along with small markets selling prickly pears and watermelons. And although Sex and the City 2 was set in Abu Dhabi, much of the film was shot in Marrakech’s Mandarin Oriental Jhan Rahma Hotel. Best for people watching: Djemaa el Fna, Marrakech Djemaa el Fna is the pulsing heart of Marrakech, a big square that’s chock-a-block with snake charmers, leashed monkeys (which will somehow find their way on to your back) and storytellers. At night, the square is filled with plumes of cooking smoke infused with sizzling aromas from the open-air food market made up of pop-up stalls with gas fires, where cooks are dressed from head to toe in white, and cheery waiters will vie for your custom with promises of “Asda price” tucker. Eating here is a no frills-affair – you will sit on plastic

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benches, but the food is delicious and the prices are low. Food ranges from brochettes (meat skewers), salads and couscous to fish and snails. Agree a price up-front to avoid getting ripped off. Best for maze-like medinas: Fés el-Jdid In many Moroccan cities, the French colonial authorities established well-ordered ‘new cities’ a few kilometres out from their chaotic traditional hearts. And, while many of the best hotels and restaurants are to be found in Fés el-Jdid (the new city), the most interesting part of Fés for tourists is to be found in the old walled medina of Fés el-Bali. Most visitors to the old city start off at the main entrance of Bab Bou Jeloud before descending into the wonderfully atmospheric market via either the Talaa Kebira (big slope) or Talaa Seghira (little slope). If you don’t already have a guide, at this stage you will almost certainly be inundated with

It is worth considering hooking up with a decent official guide as they will lead you to places that you might otherwise only stumble upon via serendipity 98

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BESTOFAFRICA DO SOMETHING SIMILAR MOROCCO ON A SHOESTRING This budget trip offers an amazing insight in to Morocco’s historic cities, with bustling medinas and fantastic historic sites to see, and a wonderful chance to experience local Moroccan cuisine. Book it: ttoursearch.com/tours/morocco-on-a-shoestring MOROCCO: FES AND MARRAKECH Discover two of the most vibrant cities in this fabulous country on this must-do mini five-day exploration. Discover the rich and colourful history and culture alongside the modern day buzz of the souks, markets and streets. The perfect way to see Morocco! Book it: tnttoursearch.com/tours/morocco NORTH MOROCCO ADVENTURES Immerse yourself in the exotic colours and cultures that define Morocco. From the imperial cities of Meknes and Rabat to the whitewashed town of Chefchaouen, the rich history and traditions of this ancient land await. Discover the medieval city of Fes, explore the spice markets of Marrakech and travel to the Roman ruins of Volubilis - this northbound tour lets you soak up the extravagant sights and revel in the hidden delights. Book it: tnttoursearch.com/tours/north-morocco-adventure

offers. It’s difficult not to become a little defensive in Morocco when you are constantly being approached by touts, hawkers and ‘guides’, but it is worth considering hooking up with a decent official guide as they will lead you to places that you might otherwise only stumble upon via serendipity. Buried deep within the dark tangle of narrow alleyways lies such attractions as the Kairaouine Mosque, the Bou Inania and Al-Attairne Medressas (theological colleges), and the pungent leather tanneries.

EXOTIC MOROCCO An ideal tour combining history and culture. Begin your Exotic Tour in the amazing city of Marrakesh. Enjoy a remarkable day in the Moroccan desert including an entire day of trekking on a camel. Pass through the traditional village of M’Hamid and stay in sedentary tents portraying the authentic local life of the Saharas. Visit nomad families living in hand-woven, goat haired tents and have dinner under the stars among the biggest sand dunes, the ‘ocean without water’. Book it:.tnttoursearch.com/tours/exotic-morocco MOROCCO TOURS Morocco is a land of dizzying extremes, lying in the shadows of the imposing Atlas Mountains and bordering the northern edge of the Sahara Desert, Morocco has long been a melting pot of uniquely different cultures that create a rewarding holiday experience for all those looking to explore and Encounter this fascinating part of North Africa. From cities full of bustling souks, aromatic spices and beautiful mosques to the rugged desert landscapes, home to ancient caravan routes and small oasis towns, Morocco has something for everyone. Perfect for adventurous travellers looking for the ride of a lifetime, a trip through this North African country is nothing but high notes. See this North African gem’s fascinating landscapes on one of our exciting group tours: www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/exotic-morocco www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/adventure-morocco www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/essential-morocco www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/morocco-desert-explorer-7d6n www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/south-morocco-discovery

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Remembering the brutality of the battle of Lone Pine April 25 marks 101 years since the Battle of Lone Pine was launched at Gallipoli. The bloody battle, that cost thousands of Australian lives.

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Breakfast, a thoughtful way to keep the community occupied between the dawn service and the march. In addition to the Dawn Service at Monument Hill, and the parade leaving from Esplanade Reserve, Fremantle also holds a closing service with an Anzac Day Concert. Free admission is offered to persons with military medals or uniforms. The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne not only hosts a Dawn Service, but also a Ray of Light ceremony. The Consort of Melbourne also hosts a concert at St Paul’s Cathedral that features the Choir of St James’ King Street from Sydney. Closer to London, many Australian visitors travel to Turkey to commemorate the battle. Each year Australia and New Zealand conduct three commemorative services at Gallipoli, a dawn service at the Anzac Commemorative Site, an Australian Memorial Service at Lone Pine, and a New Zealand Memorial Service at Chunuk Bair. We have tour options available: www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/anzac-2-day-tour-2015 www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/anzac-3-day-tour-2015 www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/anzac-4-day-tour-2015 www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/anzac-4-day-tour-2015 www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/anzac-6-day-tour-2015

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Launched on 6 August 1915, the battle was part of an attack to distract Turkish attention from the British planned August offensive. The Australians managed to draw Turkish troops into four days of combat and even succeeded in taking the main Turkish trench. The bloody battle resulted in more than 2000 Australian casualties and is remembered for the lives lost. To remember this tragic event thousands gather at Sydney’s Anzac memorial to commemorate one of the most brutal battles of World War One. The Australian War Memorial in Canberra hosts Anzac commemoration on a grand scale, with activities not only taking place on the day, but also on the days before and after. The Memorial hosts its own dawn service, a national ceremony featuring a march of veterans and peacekeepers, and exhibits throughout the weekend. Brisbane hosts a silent service for Anzac Day at midnight and another service at dawn at the Shrine of Remembrance. The Anzac Day March in Brisbane features thousands of people with about fifty thousand spectators flocking to support them. The largest service in Western Australia takes place at the State War Memorial in Perth. There is also a Gunfire

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Go West Make 2016 one to remember with the entertainment, spectacular scenery and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s west coast has to offer.

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WORDS KATHERINE WEIR

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Best for: Jaw-dropping views

Best for: Giant sequoia trees

Grand Canyon, Arizona Carved out by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon overwhelms the senses with its immense size and intense colour palette. Nothing can prepare you for the natural beauty of the canyon, and it is essential that you get to see both the breath-taking sunrise and sunset while in this world-renowned National Park. There are several trails to cover if you fancy taking on a hike—including the Bright Angel Trail that winds down towards the canyon base—this can be done in one day, but only for the fitness elite, so be sure to turn back up when you start to feel tired. Going down is the easy part; it’s the calfcrucifying trek back up under the baking heat of the Arizona sun that will really work off the American diet. Then, after you’ve seen all you can from the ground, it’s time to take to the air with a helicopter flight, getting a bird’s-eye view of all 277 river miles long and 18 miles wide of the canyon. Soaring over the lush green forest that surrounds it, get ready for the stomach-churning drop as the canyon dips to its base, allowing you to see the winding river and all the beautiful formations. What else? While in Arizona you can visit part of the iconic Route 66 and the town of Seligman, which was the inspiration for Radiator Springs in the Pixar-animated film, Cars. And, if you’re looking for a night under the stars, there’s no better place than Lake Havasu; with its stunning mountain views and clear waters for sunset dips. If all else fails, just grab yourself a cowboy. www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/grand-canyon-overnight-2d1n

Yosemite, California Whether you are looking for a hiking challenge or just somewhere to kick back and relax among amazing natural beauty, you can spend several days exploring what Yosemite has to offer. The biggest pull to this part of California is usually the impressive collection of giant sequoia trees. Scaling heights of up to 88 metres in the Mariposa Grove, it is almost impossible to capture the size of the trees in a picture. Because of some lightening damage, you can walk (and then crawl as the tree tapers) through the inside of a fallen tree. You can also stand inside one of the sequoias, looking up into the heart of the tree. While hiking, keep your eyes peeled for some amazing waterfalls such as Vernal Fall and the unusual Horsetail Fall, which appears to be on fire when it reflects the reds and oranges of the sunset. Lake Tuolumne is the perfect place to take a dip: with its crystal clear waters and a stunning mountain backdrop. Another great place to relax and enjoy a swim is Merced River, next to Housekeeping Camp. Littered with fallen trees and mossy underfoot, the river provides an ice-cool retreat even in the August heat. What else? Nearby to Yosemite National Park is Mono Lake. The ancient salt lake is home to a unique ecosystem of no fish but trillions of brine shrimp and alkali flies, as well as being a prime spot for millions of migratory birds each year. Along the lakeshore, scenic limestone formations, known as tufa towers, rise from the water’s surface, providing distinctive scenery. www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/yosemite-adventure-fromla-3d2n

Best for: Architecture San Francisco, California A week in this city would be perfect, but if you only have a couple of days then get an itinerary together as there is so much to see and do. San Francisco is home to the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and it is packed full of quirky little shops such as the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where you can see the magic happening. A short walk from Chinatown is the Beat Museum, celebrating the Beat generation of 1950s San Francisco—there’s even a street named after Jack Kerouac. A visit to the famous Lombard Street should also be on your list of things to see—with its steep one-block section that consists of eight tight turns. Featured in several films and TV shows, it is amusing to watch the cars struggle to negotiate each bend. Travelling by tram is the only way to go, so hop aboard and watch the colourful houses— each unique in design and decoration—and give your legs a rest from the steep, unforgiving streets. Book well in advance if you want to see the eerie Alcatraz; but if you can’t there’s always a lovely sunset cruise on a catamaran to get a decent view of the island as well as the towering Golden Gate Bridge. You can also walk or ride a bike along the bridge for some amazing views and blustering winds. What else? Further down the west coast you can experience Big Sur State Park and its 90 miles of stunning coastline. Make sure your camera is fully charged as there is little that you won’t want to capture—including the viewing platform overlooking McWay Falls. While here, be sure to grab a burrito from the River Inn restaurant where you can sit on chairs in the river to cool your feet. www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/san-francisco-to-los-angelesexpress-2015

Up to 88m tall...

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Best for: Beaches

This place has seen a Hangover or three... Best for: Debauchery Las Vegas, Nevada There is so much more to do in Vegas than gamble, but if you do fancy a flutter there is nowhere better than The Strip. When you tire of slot machines and poker tables you can watch the dancing fountains at The Belagio just like the cast of Ocean’s Eleven. Take a gondola ride indoors at the decadent Venetian or take in a show at the behemoth that is The Mirage. At every turn along The Strip there is something new to see and a new novelty drink to enjoy, so come armed with cash, and plenty of it. Party buses are available if you have a large group and provide a unique experience of drinking in a moving vehicle with a stripper pole. Be sure to get a picture at the iconic Las Vegas sign and try to catch the Freemont Street light show before the strawberry daiquiris kick in. During the day you are welcome to carry on drinking and gambling, but if you fancy something a little more thrilling then why not try your hand at shooting? Several gun ranges are on hand (of course, it is America) so you can take on a machine gun or go old school with rifles and handguns. What else? Built to tame the mighty Colorado River, The Hoover Dam took five years to build during the Depression and its colossal size is hard to fathom until you stand on the bridge overlooking it. Another tourist attraction that is well worth the visit is the ghost town of Gold Point in Nevada. With the old post office, jail, general store and several cabins—with only a handful of permanent residents—it truly feels like a deserted town. If you call Herb (co-owner of the majority of the town) he will cook you something nice and serve you from his bar, all for a small contribution to the upkeep of Gold Point. www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/las-vegas-grand-canyonadventure-4d3n 104 TNTMAGAZINE.COM

San Diego, California With a laid back atmosphere and the promise of blazing sunshine, San Diego is the prime location for getting an impressive tan and enjoying some beautiful beaches. Mission Beach is a must and is surrounded by shops, bars, eateries and street performers to keep you entertained. You can also visit Belmont Park, which has rides and arcades as well as the chance to test your surfing prowess with the artificial wave at the Wave House. The sea can be very choppy, so get ready to jump high to get over the waves, or admit defeat and watch from the comfort of your sun lounger. San Diego is also home to Casa Beach, also known as Children’s Pool, where you will see a healthy population of seals and sea lions. Strangely mesmerising, you can spend an hour or two watching them sunbathing and barking. The beautiful city of Coronado is not far from San Diego and is home to the famous Hotel del Coronado, which was the setting for the 1959 Marilyn Monroe film, Some Like it Hot. What else? Salvation Mountain is situated in the lower desert of Southern California and is a very strange but necessary part of your west coast travels. Standing 50 feet high and 150 footwide, the mountain is one man’s tribute to God in multi-colour. Among the assault of colour there are messages such as ‘God is Love’ and other religious writings peppered among the painted clay stripes, flowers, waterfalls and bluebirds. You can also visit the majestic sand dunes for a photo opportunity that will look more like ancient Egypt than California. www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/san-diego-grand-canyon-vegas-2015

The road to ROUTE 66 Kicks are abound on Route 66 so come get yours. Nicknamed “the Main Street of America,” there’s nothing Norman Rockwell-Esque on the stretch of highway you’ll travel on this trip. Burgers, longboards, and big-city shenanigans are the order of the day every day as you take in the sights and sounds of LA, Vegas, San Diego, and the Grand Canyon with an expert CEO leading the way. If you’ve always longed to see the real American Southwest but never had the time or the money, well, you’re fresh out of excuses. From £699 per person. See more at: www.tnttoursearch.com/tours/san-diego-grand-canyon-vegas-2016-17#sthash.T0zmswXP.dpuf

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next adventure? Launched by TNT Magazine in 2014 TNT Tour Search is the easy to use tool that gives travellers the ability to search for tours in all the seven continents of the world. The new advanced search functionality allows travellers to search by most means necessary: • If you know the city you want to visit then we’ll show you the best deals around. • If you fancy visiting a country but want to know what’s on offer we can show you the various places to visit. • You may choose the continent and leave the rest to us. We will serve you up with all the top tours available. • If you’re on a budget or have an amount in mind you can tailor your search based on the value. • You may just know how long you want to go away for, so why not specify the duration. • It may be that you have an activity in mind. If so, we can be specific with this too. Or if you really know what you want, you can use a combination of all the above and we will show you tours that meet your exact needs. Whether it’s a weekend away in Europe or a 90 day tour around the world, TNT Tour Search is here to show travellers what is available from the leading operators at the best prices. With full booking functionality and customised search facilities travellers can tailor their searches from the thousands of tours available from day one of launch. This new version of TNT Tour Search is a result of user feedback and operator input and the tool will be constantly updated and improved to ensure travellers are able to find exactly what they want, when they want and a price they can afford. Log on to www.tnttoursearch.com today and find the right tours for you!

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Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eat the whole cow

Photo: iStock.com/kobbydagan

Feast an in-depth exploration of a traditional local dish and how it connects to the culture, with recipes and recommendations where to eat WORDS JAMES CLARK

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SOUTHAMERICA We were completely unfazed by those who laughed at us and suggested we were crazy for travelling all the way from the UK to Montevideo, Uruguay to try the best barbecue meats in the world. My mouth was watering as we walked up the steps of the plane at Heathrow airport that would take us to Buenos Aires via Madrid, where we’d pick up the Buquebus to Montevideo. We looked at each other and smiled each knowing “there’s no going back now.” Montevideo may not be splashed all over the glossy high street travel brochures of South America, like it’s stunning bythe-sea neighbour Punta del Esta, but Montevideo has nothing to feel ashamed of. Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay’s political and commercial heart. A few skyscrapers may blaze into the sun filled sky, but for the visitor there are a collection of small museums and a busy old city and port area to enjoy. With only a few tourists roaming the streets, Montevideo’s 1.3 million residents are keen to show off their city to visitors, but not promote it too much in case it gets overrun. We met our bilingual tour guide Alberto Rodriguez from the Ciudad Vieja Tour Company outside the Mercado del Puerto in La Ciudad Vieja (the old city). “Welcome to Montevideo, my city,” he greeted us warmly “I am keen to show you it from a local perspective.” From the outside the market looks like any other tourist attraction in a relatively shabby looking area surrounded by restaurants and other eateries, the area outside home to vendors selling paintings and other Uruguayan crafts. At the doorway stood a couple of men energetically playing the guitar and singing a tune, but all I could concentrate on was the delicious smell of barbecue meats coming from within the markets walls. ciudadviejatour.com The building reminded me of an old-fashioned railway station with its glass roof and metal structure that resemble what you will have seen on TV if you’re an old black and white movie fan. That’s where the similarity stops, you’ve never seen anything like Mercado del Puerto, and it is literally teaming with hungry hoards and the smell of barbecued meats. The smoke fills the entire building and escapes through open windows and entrances whilst the delicious smell attracts more and more

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Alberto explained enthusiastically that each place had its own reputation and specialties for us to try and reconfirmed what we already knew; beef was the favourite dish

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SOUTHAMERICA

Inside Mercado del puerto

workers from the surrounding streets into the market. Each venue within the market serves the same or very similar dishes, steaks, kidneys, liver, sweetbreads, blood sausage, intestines and lots more which are cooked over wood fired grills. Some places are small, some are family orientated, some have swivel chairs for you to sit and eat at the bar, many have white table clothed seating areas and a few even have enclosed dining room (best of luck getting one of these). Alberto explained enthusiastically that each place had its own reputation and specialties for us to try and reconfirmed what we already knew; beef was the favourite dish. There is very little (in English) on the Internet regarding specific places to eat within Mercado del Puerto, so we were glad that we’d arranged to spend the afternoon with Alberto. We wandered through the market, taking in the energy, sites and enjoying meats at some of the busier looking venues. I don’t think we would have managed to order as successfully

“

without his help. We ordered mouth-watering steaks that were succulently perfect and huge cattle kidneys (I’m not a fan of kidney). I found myself pleasantly surprised, as they tasted like the steak. I enjoyed delicious chunky liver (cattle must be huge in Uruguay), sweetbreads that were light and tasted a little like bacon (an expensive treat and delicacy) and blood sausage barbecued to perfection. The only thing I could not eat were the intestines, the tubes looked like something out of an alien movie, the blubbery consistency felt wrong to me, so I politely spat it into my hankie. Swallowing really was not an option. Two hours into eating we were stuffed and could hardly be bothered to move. It was at this point that half the market erupted into applause. Alberto explained to us that it is customary to give the burly beef filled cook a round of applause when he has made a good job of the meat. If you want to get really involved just copy what the locals do, they’ll

Two hours into eating we were stuffed and could hardly be bothered to move. It was at this point that half the market erupted into applause 108 TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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appreciate it and want to engage with you. The Mercado del Puerto is located a few minutes’ walk from the port area, so you shouldn’t have any problems locating it from the passenger terminal. We recommend giving it a try. We can see why Uruguayans boast that this is one of South America’s greatest food experiences. “What about Mate, have you tried it?” Alberto asked. We had heard a lot about yerba mate tea, its invigorating properties, and the local obsession with mate and were keen to give it a go. “Only one problem” he laughed “there’s only one place in Montevideo that sells it and it’s closed. Come to my apartment.” We were surprised that there was only one place that prepares and sells mate as the guidebooks wrongly suggest that every cafe and bar is full of mate drinkers. We were happy to follow Alberto to his apartment that was five minutes’ walk from the Mercado del Puerto in La Ciudad Vieja along the residential street Pérez Castellano. At Alberto’s apartment we gathered around the kitchen table and met his wife Veronica where she performed the mate ceremony and explained and demonstrated every step of the process to us. After a couple of hours of mate drinking and light hearted conversation Veronica said that we could stay with them for the four nights that we were planning on staying in Uruguay. The second floor apartment was large and had a bedroom with two single beds and a shower and toilet for our use only. It was their plan to start renting out the room to tourists and we were lucky enough to be the first. www.airbnb.com/rooms/1754098 110 TNTMAGAZINE.COM

the mate ceremony STEP BY STEP 1. Pack the dry mate leaves into the gourd (cup) to just over half way.

2. Place your hand on top of the gourd and turn it upside down making sure that any fine pieces of leaves are near the top. This will ensure that you don’t swallow all the powdery bits through the bombilla (straw) later. 3. Turn the gourd on its side and give it several light shakes. 4. Insert the bombilla into the gourd. 5. Pour hot, not boiling water into the gourd. Boiling water has a habit of making the mate taste bitter. 6. Don’t play around with it, when its handed to you drink it and pass it on to the next person to prepare. 7. Keep repeating until the mate loses its taste.

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