Tuvalu, 26 sq km

The nine low-lying atolls and islands of Tuvalu comprise one of the most isolated independent nations on earth, huddled together in an idyllic and unspoiled corner of the Pacific. Due to the high costs associated with getting there, Tuvalu is still rarely visited. The country’s total land area of just 26 sq km is formed by a curving chain stretching 676 km in length; it’s the gateway to tranquil reef diving, uninhabited beaches and paradisiacal weather (except during hurricane season). In this idyllic setting, dancing and singing is still the number one entertainment, with lively fale kaupule shows put on each night.

Maldives, 298 sq km

As with most remote islands, some of the best adventures in the Maldives are to be had in the ocean. Particularly renowned are sunset cruises offered on most of the 200 inhabited islands (out of a total of 2000). Expect to find yourself clicking with joy as scores of dolphins put on an effortless natural display that you won’t find at any marine park. Another popular excursion is night fishing, where even the lamest landlubber can expect to reel in a snapper. During the day it’s a toss up between sunbathing or donning a snorkel and chasing angelic reef fish through corridors of coral.

Tiny countries that pack a big punch

 Monaco, 1.95 sq km

If you want posh then you’ve come to the right principality. Monaco was established in 1297 when François Grimaldi seized the fortress that still dominates the area from a rival Italian faction. The 195- hectare independent state, which lies on an exceptionally picturesque, narrow coastal strip, has long been a tax refuge for the spectacularly rich and famous. Actress Grace Kelly, who married Monaco’s Prince Rainier, is buried in the cathedral in the heart of the wonderfully preserved Monaco-Ville old town. Exploration on foot is facilitated by public lifts and escalators to help overcome steep hills. Dress smart if you don’t want to stand out.




Grenada, 344 sq km

This oval landmass, known as the Spice Isle because it produces vast quantities of mace and nutmeg, contains some of the Caribbean’s most spectacular natural vistas. From a narrow coastal plain, volcanic cliffs rise majestically through luscious rainforest to form Grenada’s mountainous backbone, now under the protection of the Grand Etang National Park. Grand Etang itself is a water-filled crater that, legend has it, is bottomless; few have the nerve to swim in the eerily tranquil waters. Spectacular interior hiking trails lead to wonders such as Concord Falls, while beachcombers should head for the Levera National Park.

San Marino, 61 sq km

Because of San Marino’s high altitude, the view when walking around this enclave of central Italy is a bit like looking out of an aeroplane window onto endless clouds and the spectacular snow-capped Apennines. Founded in AD 301 by a stonemason named Marino, the rugged city-state claims to be the world’s oldest republic. Steeped in medieval history, a visit here is not complete without trekking up to the three imposing tower-fortresses perched along the cliff tops, the oldest of which, the Rocca Guaita, dates back to the 10th century. Also check out the infamous torture museum, which uses diagrams to explain how the gruesome instruments were used.

0 of the best budget hotels New York:  The Big Apple may be one of the ultimate city break destinations – shopping, art, sightseeing and so much more. It’s also (like most major capital cities) unfortunately notoriously expensive. So for those wanting to maximise their spending money, you will have to seek out some good NYC budget hotels. To save you the time and the hassle here are 10 of the best budget hotels New York has to offer:

The Gershwin:

This Manhattan midtown hotel is just a block away from 5th Avenue and close to both Madison Square Garden and the Empire State Building. It caters for all budgets with private rooms, and for the budget traveller, dorm style bunks. It has a distinctive arty feel, and is filled with great paintings and trendy furnishings. The central location means you’re never far from New York’s beating heart, and with all the usual luxuries like Wi-Fi, air conditioning and cable TV, The Gershwin is rightly popular with trendy travellers on a budget.

The Jane:

Once home to salty sailors and Titanic survivors, The Jane is a living work of art. A true (budget) boutique hotel, its rooms are designed as ship’s cabins, and are small but perfectly formed. The Standard and Bunk Bed Cabins all share communal bathrooms, while the Captains Cabins have en-suite facilities. All are equipped with wireless internet, a flat screen TV and a safe, and are decorated in warm colours and period furnishings. The Jane is located in the Meat Packing District, a short walk from Soho and Chelsea. Take advantage of the free bicycle hire on site, dine in the pretty Cafe Gitane, and be sure to tip the immaculately dressed bellhop!

The Pod:

The Pod prides itself as a hip, affordable New York City hotel, and its central location and room chic for all budgets makes it a great place to stay in Manhattan. Only a mile away from the iconic Rockefeller Center, and within strolling distance of Midtown East’s quirky shopping district, The Pod is a modern, funky and colourful residence which is easily one of the best budget hotels New York can offer. Choose from single, double or bunk bed Pods (rooms) and enjoy flatscreen TV, free WiFi and dimmable mood lighting. For those on a tight budget, there are dorm rooms with shared bathrooms. Don’t forget to check out the on site restaurant for tasty organic food.

Broadway Hotel and Hostel:

Well loved and often talked about, The Broadway caters for travellers on a limited budget. It features both private and dorm-style rooms, and is located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, just 4 blocks from Central Park. Decorated in an Asian style, all the rooms feature flat screen TVs, air conditioning and an iPod dock. The dorm rooms are also well equipped, and have shared bathroom facilities. Close to the underground and within easy reach of all Manhattan has to offer, The Broadway is a great budget place to stay.

Holiday Inn Long Island:

Situated on Long Island, in the borough of Queens, this Holiday Inn offers visitors to New York a chance to stay close to Manhattan without paying a premium. A short hop over the Queensborough Bridge, the Holiday Inn Long Island City offers well appointed rooms with free wireless internet, coffeemakers and flatscreen TVs. The on site gym and indoor pool are a welcome addition, and the hotel is only a short drive from La Guardia airport. It might not be a boutique residence, but it’s functional and affordable, and within easy reach of Manhattan island.

Sohotel:

Lower East Side’s Sohotel is a stones-throw from Little Italy, the vibrant (if touristy) neighbourhood of Manhattan that offers plenty of dining experiences for visitors. The Sohotel offers a good choice of room types, all decorated to a high standard, with the usual modern facilities you’d expect from a boutique hotel, but at an affordable price. The dark woods and exposed brickwork, together with animal print furnishings make for a glamourous stay, especially in the Regency Plus room, that features a marble bath suite and sleeps five.

Serenity at Home Guest House Brooklyn:

Manhattan island may get all the attention, but for cheaper New York hotels also look on the surrounding boroughs – you’re more likely to get better value for money. The Serenity at Home guest house is located in Brooklyn, just over the bridge from Manhattan island, on a pretty tree-lined street, close to the Botanical Gardens. A B&B with an old school feel, the Serenity dates back to 1901 and offers warm spacious guest rooms with shared bathrooms. Check out The Serenity Suite, a separate 1 bedroom apartment that has access to the gardens of the house.

Condor Hotel:

This is another great hotel located just across the bridge in Brooklyn. The Condor is a chic and stylish residence perfect for those who love their classy stays, but without the hefty price tag. Condor’s target market is actually Orthodox Jews but they welcome all people of religious beliefs! You’ll find wig stands and a Yiddish-speaking concierge and be aware that no televisions or phone operator on Friday nights and Saturdays. Although this seems a small price to pay for these prices and levels of decor. The Condor hotel has a trendy modern design, a good range of facilities and a plentiful hot (kosher) breakfast served every morning. Guests can even relax in the hotel’s own well tended garden – perfect for that post-shopping long drink.

Hotel 91:

Located in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Hotel 91 is set in the heart of Chinatown – a bustling colourful neighbourhood with plenty to see. A stone’s throw from the Brooklyn Bridge, and within easy reach of transport links, Hotel 91 is a very good value-for-money residence with well appointed rooms and facilities. Proud of its Chinese roots, Hotel 91 is a clean and functional hotel at a great price. Nearby Little Italy is worth exploring, as is Clinton Street – a trendy avenue of cafes and eateries including the famous Clinton Street Baking Company & Restaurant.

Park 79 Hotel:

This is an old school budget boutique hotel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Park 79 is perfectly located for those wanting to explore New York City. On the doorstep of Central Park and the Museum of Natural History, Hotel 79 is surrounded by great places to shop, eat and sight see. The hotel has a range of rooms, all with free Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs and cozy beds. Some may be smaller than others, but the rates are very reasonable, considering the fashionable location. No trip to the Upper West Side is complete without a visit to 55 Central Park West – also known as the Ghostbusters Building!

Tulip Time - Holland, Michigan

This festival claims to be one of the largest of its kind. Hundreds of thousands of tulips bloom each spring with multiple varieties being planted each year to ensure the longest blooming season possible.

Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival - Orlando, Florida

Each spring, Disney World welcomes master gardeners from all over the world to create elaborate horticultural displays. Find bushes and flowers sculpted into your favorite Disney characters dotted all around the Epcot park. The festival typically runs through March, April, and May.

Jade Mountain St. Lucia: Where All Rooms Have Infinity Pools

JADE MOUNTAIN, ST. LUCIA

 Rising majestically above the 600 acre beach front resort of Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain is a cornucopia of organic architecture celebrating St Lucia’s stunning scenic beauty.

Architect owner Nick Troubetzkoy has expanded upon his philosophy of building in harmony with Caribbean nature in his creation of Jade Mountain. The bold architectural design – individual bridges leading to exceptional infinity pool sanctuaries and rugged stoned-faced columns reaching towards the sky – makes Jade Mountain one of the Caribbean’s most mesmerizing resort experiences.

Expect grand sweeping spaces where bedroom, living area and an extravagant private infinity pool glide into one another to form extraordinary platforms floating out into nature. With the fourth wall entirely absent, Jade Mountain’s sanctuaries are stage-like settings from which to embrace the full glory of St Lucia’s Pitons World Heritage Site, and of course, the eternal Caribbean Sea.

Wrapped around an infinity pool with a dazzling kaleidoscope of colors, the Jade Mountain Club caters exclusively to resident guests, celebrating James Beard Award winner, Chef Allen Susser’s “Jade Cuisine.” Hovering in space above the Jade Mountain Club is the Celestial Terrace, perfect for sunset cocktails or star-gazing.

A wide range of spa services can be enjoyed in the privacy of the Jade Mountain sanctuaries or at Kai en Ciel, Jade Mountain’s boutique spa and fitness studio.

The Jade Mountain sanctuaries are deliberately techno-free; there are no telephones, radio or television. Internet access is available at reception for those who simply cannot let go of the outside world as the resort encourages you to! The resort major domos and a dedicated resort team ensure outstanding service around the clock.

Enjoy the exclusivity and privacy of Jade Mountain with all of Anse Chastanet’s restaurants, bars, boutiques, art gallery, spa, scuba, bike and watersports facilities as well as 2 soft sand beaches available to Jade Mountain guests at all times.

 Located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, Jade Mountain in St. Lucia is one of the most incredible resorts the Sifter has seen. Each room has only three walls and a private infinity pool with stunning panoramic views of the beautiful Caribbean. A tropical oasis, this slice of heaven doesn’t come cheap, with nightly rates ranging from $950 up to $2,700 US. One can dream though!

Many things to experience before you die

 Visit Socotra island off the coast of Yemen, which is an international biosphere reserve, and has been called the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean. Home to dragon blood, frankincense and myrrh, and both Thomas the Apostle and Sinbad the Sailor are said to have visited.