If travelling anywhere within Russia, use the train. The vast distances covered mean that all trains (apart from the local suburban ones) are sleeper trains. If you want privacy you can book a four or two berth cabin, but I recommend the third class (platzkartny) carriages – they are open with four berth alcoves, and are a great way to meet people. You could be sitting with all kinds of people, from babushkas taking their little grandkids on a trip, to young guys on their way to start their military service. Most train journeys are at least several hours long, so you will get to know your fellow passengers quite well, and it makes the journey much more interesting. Make sure you stock up on plenty of supplies for the journey, as much to share as for your own consumption, although there is often a restaurant car (quite good quality actually) and at most stops there are people selling all kinds of food and drink such as crisps, fruit, homemade meat cutlets, pierogi.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

It may not be picture postcard perfect and may be a little frayed around the edges but it is a real living town.

The people are some of the friendliest you will encounter anywhere in the world. Within half an hour of stepping off the boat everyone will be greeting you on first name terms!

The mix of African and Arab influences in the culture and food make it a fascinating place to spend a few days. It is only a 20 minutes walk to Shela and the beautiful beaches further around the island. A great antidote to safari fatigue.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Minsk is a pretty little city, much nicer than one might expect. The best time to go is in the summer when the weather is inviting and the streets, parks and shops are lively. Prices are good and tourists are few. It is a safe country to visit. With the exception of taxi drivers, who can be very greedy, most residents are very courteous and polite to tourists.

I have written a guide to Belarus which can be found at: www.travelswise.com/belarus.htm

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This cafe is rough and raucous, with the most varied clientele ranging from footpads to intellectuals, musicians, businessmen, down-at-heels actors, students and dons from the nearby AUC (American University in Cairo). This is one of the few places left in Cairo that savours the city's past and colourful diversity, but it's a past that is firmly in the present. It's a great place to have a beer and thrash out the issues of the day, practise some Arabic or simply to make contact with a real cross-section of Cairo life. Moving among its French decor - faded mirrors, marble tables and creaking ceiling fans - is Saad, the wonderfully eccentric barman and a real character who will welcome you warmly with wonderful Egyptian humour. This place is a must for the adventurous but not for the fainthearted. I loved it throughout my twenty years in Cairo and know I still have a place there whenever I return.

The Hurreya Cafe, Midan Bab al-Khalq, behind the AUC. It's on the corner, across the square from the market.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Two Socks is a man who lives in Barcelona, and is possibly the funniest and wisest bloke in the world. He hangs about in Placa Real and looks like the lovechild of Bob Marley and Ruud Gullit. He's very friendly and can speak eight languages, so if you see him go and ask him if he wants to play pool or basketball. He'll definitely be up for it and might even take you for a beer and some ham and a dance with his girlfriend. Legend.

Placa Real (just off La Rambla)

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The place to be out and about at night. If you want to be seen with the right people, make sure you are seen there. Great places to eat, drink, dance, and most importantly, people watch.

Calle 92 with Kr 15

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends