Le Rhul is a three-star hotel located on a bend off corniche Kennedy (the beautiful road that goes along Marseille's Mediterranean coast line). It's not the most modern or best hotel you will go to, but it probably has one of the best views of any three star hotel in the world. The rooms also have a lot of character (not that you will be looking anywhere but out of your window). This was a real treat for a budget traveler like me, and I would never have expected getting a view like this on the coast of France without selling one of my limbs. Some of the best photos I took while traveling through the south of France were from my tiny balcony at this hotel.

www.lerhul.fr/
269 Pro Corniche John Kennedy, 13007 Marseille
+33 4 91 52 01 77
Google map: bit.ly/HK4STo

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Take an easy and must do day out from the urban bustle of Naples. Buy a 180 minute biglietti ticket at Naples Central station and take a train south to the university port of Salerno. Outside the station change on to a SITA blue line bus to underrated Maiori, remembering to sit on the left hand side. Hold tight as the bus winds its way along the coast with each bend offering a different breathtaking panorama. Get off at Maiori, the only town along this coast with a promenade and beach. Take a swim in the warm waters or sit under a shading palm, sipping a fizzing local wine. Walk along to the harbour and take a 10 minute water bus around the headland into Amalfi town - a jaw dropping way to arrive, plus it avoids any local traffic jams. Spend some time exploring the moped friendly alleys, the churches and soaking up the atmosphere. Continue by taking a 15 minute bus into the mountain above and the quiet hill town of Ravello. Relax in a garden bar before descending, on foot, down through fragrant lemon groves to ancient Minori below. From here take the bus back to Salerno and onwards to Naples. How much fun in one day can be bought for under 20 euro?

www.sitasudtrasporti.it/

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Naples is a fantastic city which is not too touristy (yet). There are fabulous jazz bars, cafes, museums, markets and short ferry rides to the beautiful islands of Capri and Ischia. If you want some real history, Pompeii is a short train ride away. I can thoroughly recommend staying at the quirky travelers' hostel, 'Six Small Rooms' - if guests get tired of all the fabulous cafes and restaurants they can cook in the kitchen and sit with other guests and chat about their travels. Nearby, there's a wonderful, outdoor market selling all sorts of fresh food. Naples is still unaltered - there you will find the real Italy.

www.6smallrooms.com/
Via Diodato Lioy, 18 80134 Naples, Italy
+39(0)81 7901378
Google map: bit.ly/InLWcr

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Lovely, welcoming bargainous B&B (45-90 euro per night) clinging to the hillside above Taormina. Huge balconies overlooking the bay and Giardini-Naxos. Reward yourself after climbing back up the hill after dinner with a bottle of wine and fireworks; more often than not there is of course Etna or be there on 8 September when man-made fireworks are let off all evening to celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

www.villasara.net
Via Leonardo da Vinci, 55, 98039 Taormina, Sicily
+39(0)942 28138
Google map: bit.ly/IyifWm

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Hossegor is a wonderful buzzing French seaside town with Capbreton just down the coast within cycling distance which has a stunning harbour full of extravagant yachts but it's a perfect place to watch the world go by with a cocktail. Perfect area to camp too.

www.camping-du-lac.fr/
518, rue de Janin, 40440 Ondres
+33(0)5 59 45 28 45
Google map: bit.ly/HKf7ST

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Small jewellery store in Plaka area. All items are hand made, made from semi precious stones, coral or silver to name but a few materials.
The prices are extremely reasonable with turquoise or coral bracelets retailing from €7 upwards.
Very friendly service with no hard sell.

Adrianou Str 136, Plaka
+30 210 27 75 005

www.athensprotasis.com/en/stores-athens-protasis-plaka.html

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

I've spent a majority of my life traveling around Europe in a VW Campervan, and the only place I wish I had never left was this wonderful campsite south of Bordeaux. It's a prime location for surfers, foodies and hikers alike. The weather is beautiful throughout the summer - and you're allowed BBQs. And what's best, the beach is only a minute's walk, and thanks to the dunes, you can't hear a thing of the (rather tame) beach parties in the night. Fresh fish it served at the local restaurants at a very reasonable price for such good French food.

camping-cap.com/
Avenue de l'Océan, 40170 Lit-et-Mixe
+33 (0)5 58 42 83 47
Google map: bit.ly/JnCO35

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Decent food quickly at very reasonable prices.
We had two mains, one Coke, two bottles of beer for £12.80. It should have cost £15 or so but there was an automatic 20% discount (which seems to occur frequently).
This place serves decent Asian food and not surprisingly given the student population in the area is always busy.
It is quick and cheap and while it will not be garnering any Michelin stars it is somewhere we often go back to when in the area.
Don't believe they do reservations and you can always get a table though you might have to wait a few minutes.

45 South Bridge, Edinburgh , EH1 1LL
Google map: bit.ly/IL8nH4

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

As the name suggests, the only food sold here is pork. In the window is a whole hog from which the staff take shredded pork.
The pork is served on rolls (three different sizes) with the choice of stuffing and apple or chilli sauce for extra flavour. That is in essence the menu!
The pork is absolutely amazing!
Some seats on the premises though a lot of people just take away.

www.grassmarket.net/oink.asp
34 Victoria Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2JW
Open daily from 11am
Google map: bit.ly/HNF0ni

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Just inland from the expensive and ram-packed Amalfi is the town of Agerola, which translates to something along the lines of picnic basket. With stunning sea views, lots of local market shops it was an incredibly peaceful place to stay. There is lots of walking in the area, particularly popular is the 'Path of the Gods.' However, if you need to a bit more relaxation, there are regular buses directly to Amalfi - which is perfect as parking is a nightmare. Although if you prefer a stroll you can always go down the 3,000 steps to the beach at Duoglio. Staying at the 'Beata Soltitudo' offers a lot of different accommodation options for campers, hostellers, or people who just want a private room. Moreover, the host is very friendly and willing to help you out with any activities you might want to plan when staying there.

www.beatasolitudo.it/index.htm
Piazza G. Avitabile, 4, 80051 Agerola (NA)
+39(0) 81 8025048
Google map: bit.ly/HrAIBO

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Over the past few years, glistening trailers have colonized vacant parking lots and flat open spaces across Austin, offering innovative and delicious cuisine from all around the world. Playing on traditional Texan trailer parks, these kitchens on wheels pride themselves on quality, value, innovation, ethical produce, and providing an unpretentious eating experience. The trailer park located on trendy South Congress Avenue is no exception. One of the founding fathers of the trailer park eating movement is restaurant owner and chef Jeff Blank who was approached by the Austin City Limits Festival to provide local quality food for the festival goers in 2002, and in 2009 opened The Might Cone. Not to be confused with an ice-cream van, the Might Cone sells tortilla cones filled with chicken, avocado, or shrimp, coated in the special Hot and Crunchy batter of Chilies, Almonds, sesame seeds and corn flakes. Look out for specials as these guys like to experiment by putting their batter on everything: “If it sits still long enough, we'll put Hot 'n' Crunchy on it”. For the most exotic German Sausage you could conceive of then visit Wurst Tex next door; I recommend the Predator and Prey which is rattle-snake and rabbit with a hint of jalapeño, but the El Wursto (Chicken and Turkey, with mild habenero, green chilies and Tequila) may be a safer bet for those of you seeking something more familiar. If you have space, or even if you don’t, you shouldn’t leave without trying the “decadent goodness” of Hey CupCake! The creamy fluffy infusion embodied in the signature cupcake Vanilla Dream must be tried, but so too should the chocolate, carrot, and strawberry flavours – to be inspired I recommend that you watch their promotional video at www.heycupcake.com/. If you are too stuffed to try a cup cake first time, look out for their super shiny trailers at four other locations across the city and their café.
Closing times vary and can be erratic, as they are often determined by the moment that daily provisions have been devoured, which is something I have always found reassuring. Picnic benches are laid out alongside the trailers and these offer a convenient spot for those seeking to watch the cool people making their moves up South Congress.

1600 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704
+1 (512) 383-9609 _
Google map: http://g.co/maps/2sm8v

Wurst Tex: www.wursttex.com
Opening Times: Wed 11am – 7pm. Thurs 11am – 8pm. Fri & Sat 11am – 9pm. Sun: 11am – 6pm
Hey Cup Cake: www.heycupcake.com/
The Mighty Cone: www.mightycone.com/index.html
Opening times: 11am – 9 pm every day except Monday


* Mark Sheaves is our Been there local for Austin. You can read his profile and about Austin here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/austin-local-mark-sheaves.jsp and you can follow his tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/MarkSheaves. Check out other locals here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/trails/been-there-locals.jsp

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Gozleme is a mouthwatering cross between a pancake and a flat bread usually cooked for you while you sit cross legged on cushions in a mock Bedouin tent by traditionally dressed Turkish ladies. They are delicious and can be both savoury and sweet. The savoury usually being a mix of minced lamb, potato, white cheese, parsley and chilli and the sweet being either honey or chocolate with nuts. These little places usually don't look much but to pass by would be a denial of a little piece of heaven. The ladies skilfully roll out the dough, add a filling then cook the delightful Gozleme on a heated dome which resembles an upturned wok, all the time basting it with butter until its cooked to perfection and cost a mere handful of lira.

Various locations around towns and alongside roads

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

In the words of the bad guy from the movie The Rock, “I sh#t you not,” this is the best meal out I have ever had in my life. With a morning dash up Needle Mountain, the ominous peak which bisects the intimidating Commando training base and idyllic fishing town Egidir, under my belt, Rose and I strolled along the man-made causeway which connects the main town to the tiny outcrop which is home to a few Pensyions and restaurants. It was a hot day and we stopped for a quick swim to cool off, only the sound of a few truants playing nearby for company. After drying off we meandered past a couple of empty restaurants and came upon one that although not full was showing signs of having recently been enjoyed by many; busy smiling staff, messy tables (unheard of in Turkey) and the smell of many flavours still in the air. Expecting to be told we were too late for lunch we politely enquired, “of course we do food sit down” was the clear message. We were seated under a lemon tree right by the lakeside, the only boat in view was a small rower with two old men smoking and talking under the guise of fishing. We each ordered a different fish, with other options of course being tavuk (chicken) and the staple Kofte. Our perfectly cooked, freshly caught fish was presented in a proud manner which suggested the waiters were used to happy customers. They didn't disappoint and were perfectly accompanied by a delightfully light and zingy parsley salad. We ate contentedly but not too quickly, happily savouring the taste, the atmosphere and the view, all working together in perfect harmony. It was one of those meals where you wouldn’t change a thing, topped off with a bill of about six quid. Teşekkür ederim. And we shall see you again.

Lake Egirdir
3rd Restaurant as you enter the island on the South side.
Google map: bit.ly/GAyE8b

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Most people will argue that, while in Turkey, you should eat kebabs in all their different incarnations (İskender, döner, şiş, etc) or the pide, or baklava or any of the other amazing foods that Turkey has to offer.
However, if you truly want to get to the heart of Turkey’s crowning glory, Istanbul, there is no better nor faster way than the midye.
Midye, the little stuffed mussels with rice and lemon juice, are ubiquitous in most Turkish cities. But to walk across the Galata Bridge, eating midye, watching the sunrise, is another experience in itself. The rice in the overstuffed morsel, absorbs the saltiness of the sea and the sourness of the lemon, producing a combination much like Istanbul itself, that in the overcrowding of 11 million people and four empires, you can find peace in the calm waters of the Bosphorus, highlighted by the sharpness of the sun.
On this bridge, at this time, with this food, you can feel the overwhelming sense of beauty of the Queen of Cities.

Sold everywhere near the Bosphorus and the Galata Bridge.
Google map: bit.ly/GACD81

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Balik ekmek (fish bread). A large fried fish sandwich with salad, pickled chillies and lemon juice all washed down with a glass of Ayran (refreshing salted yoghurt drink) while you soak up the sun and the view of the bay or the natural aquariam in the river and watch the world go by. About £4 for two. Perfect.

Akyaka, Ula, Mugla Turkey
www.akyaka.com
Google map: bit.ly/z2JBrQ

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The name of the food is La Majune - i dont think its spelt like that but the food is amazing - there are so many of these take away and eat in places where its advertised clearly in front that they make and sell La Majunes. These are large circular flatbreads which are smothered in a lamb sauce ( not spicy at all ) and lettuce tomatoes and cucumber are added along with their fantastic houmous - you then roll it up and enjoy. It's a lovely filler as a light lunch to get you going on your shopping spree as the eastern side of Istanbul is bargain central!

If you are staying on the western side of Istanbul and fancy something more authentic - then catch a boat marked USKADAR at the port of the sea of Marmara and it will take you straight over.
Google map: bit.ly/GT1tAS

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The National Protectorate closest to Cairo is on the fringes of the southern city suburb of Maadi, built during the 1920s and now home to a large number of expats. Wadi Degla is an ancient river bed that was gouged out of the rock 60 million years ago, leaving marine fossils and dried waterfalls behind in this desert landscape.
Walk between the high cliffs along the flat valley bed, or take a quick scramble up the right-hand side of the Wadi just after the gate. From the top of the cliffs you get views over the southern and eastern parts of the city, stretching over to the pyramids. At the weekend you’ll share Egypt’s ‘Grand Canyon’ with walkers, joggers and picnicking families.

Get the Metro to El Maadi station and then take a taxi. Ask for Wadi Degla in Zahraa el Maadi. You may need to specify you want the Protectorate, as there is a sporting club housing an Egyptian premiership football team called Wadi Degla as well! Look out for the brown signs to follow when you are on the Autostraad.
Wadi Degla costs 5LE to enter and is open from sunrise to sunset. Bring plenty of bottled water, and don’t forget your binoculars.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The perfect place for your first taste of Bangkok's famous street food. Some of the best and cheapest smoothies, phad thai and mango and sticky rice I have had in Bangkok.

The start of Sukhumvit Soi 38, nearest Sky train/BTS: Thong Lor
Google map: bit.ly/yUwYlh

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

I've been visiting Milan for quite a few years now, since my sister moved there to study, fell in love and settled.
Milan is not known as the most picturesque of Italian destinations. Having said this, it does have a lot to offer and I'd recommend it as a great mini-break destination. Apart from the art, architecture and opera there are loads of nice bars and places to go out, particularly if the weather is good. If you're lucky enough to be there on a warm spring day (spring is best as there are less mosquitos and more people about - the Milanese tend to leave the city en masse at the weekends in Summer) it's great to go out in the "Navigli" area which is full of nice bars and restaurants with tables and chairs outside looking over the ancient canals. This area is lovely although if you fancy having more than one beer or glass of wine it might sting a little as the prices are pretty high due to the "aperitivo" culture. This is basically Happy Hour time when drinks are expensive but the bar offers a buffet so you can eat and drink for 8-10 Euros which is great if you don't want to have more than one drink or go out for dinner afterwards.
I love going out for dinner and having more than one glass of wine so my top tip, to avoid getting stung, is the "Vineria" wine shop/bar on Via Casale, between the Porta Genova metro station and the "Naviglio Grande". This wine shop has big barrels inside and the staff pour out litres and bottle on request. It has no tables inside, no waiter service and no free aperitivo so it cuts out all the extra costs. You can sit outside with a glass of wine that costs €1.5 instead of €8 and, if you do fancy a bite, order a cheese and meat board, again for a very reasonable price. It's a great place allowing you to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the area, the good weather and wine and all on a budget.

www.la-vineria.it/eg/index.html
Via Casale, 4, 20144 Milano
+39(0)2 83242440
Google map: bit.ly/y6m8iP

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Sitas Heaven is a family run guest house that over looks the beautiful mountains of Ella. It's clean, comfortable, and cheap accommodation, and JP, the owner, is fully knowledgable on all things Ella and can provide you with anything from tour information to Yalla National Park to great places to eat in town.
If you don't want to eat out the family offer home cooked meals at the guest house, where you can spend the evening lounging on the balcony with a Three Coins beer, listening to the sounds of the jungle below.

www.sitasheaven.com
Google map: bit.ly/zmpz7c

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends