This little known museum has an amazing collection of soviet era helicopters and even some jets. It is run by a private collector who has built up the collection over the past ten years. Rarely seem outside Russia these copters and planes are impressive and interesting and if you have an hour whilst waiting for your flight can be seen for small fee

www.aviamuseum.org/EN/
Ten min walk from the main terminal...ask the helpful staff on the information kiosk inside the building as other staff seem unaware of its existence (as do official tourist info in riga)
full info and list of exhibits here
aviamuseum.org/EN/
Only bettered by the equally unknown air museum at east midlands aiport (ask in aircraft model shop...the only one I have ever found in an airport even though that would seem a great place for one!)

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A quirky little museum that claims to be the only museum in the world devoted to the Sun. I have no reason to doubt this claim and the museum has a section on astronomy (currently only in Latvian except for a short dvd) and a collection of sun related sculptures and painted sun signs from all over the world. As well as being artistic they also reveal a lot about the attitude of humans to the sun, from the all seeing eye sun from Turkey to the animated Indonesian sun devil and traditional Latvian sun charms. You also get the chance to create your own sun sculpture. A quirky little museum created by a private collector

www.saulesmuzejs.lv/index_en.html
Vaļņu street 30, Riga, LV-1050
(+371) 67225587
Google map: bit.ly/16LskJU

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Lanzarote is one of the canary islands and seems to be less well known here than the others e.g. it has had no readers tips on been there. But it deserves a better recommendation. Thanks to a far sighted policy from planner and local hero Cesar Manrique it has not been spoilt by overdevelopment. Large scale tourist resorts (which are also good in what they do) are confined to the one part of the south east of the Island. The rest is a mix of post volcanic landscape (a weird other worldly feel when you walk in it), relaxing villages and small towns, with interesting history (e.g. check out the museum of piracy in the fort at Tesguise), street markets, good food and great sunsets over clean beaches. For relaxation and winter sun only four hours from UK I would highly recommend it. Also I would recommend the eco resort at Arrieta see other tip

Between Tenerife and Gran Canaria off the coast of Morrocco

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Finca Arrieta is an eco resort - a low impact collection of yurts, stone houses and cabins in northern Lanzarote. It is powered off grid from renewable energy sources and seeks to minimise overall impact on environment e.g. by no TVs or other high energy demand facilities and sustainable water supply. It offers comfortable and attractive accommodation near the sea and within travelling distance of most of Lanzarote's many natural sights. The staff could not be more helpful and our stay in January was lovely.
We cannot recommend it too highly - relaxing and demonstrable how low impact tourist development is possible.
ps those of you seeking an "on trend" digital retreat from the internet it has wifi access but only in communal areas!

www.lanzaroteretreats.com/

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If you have any interest in military or turkish history this is the musuem to visit. Floor after floor of Ottoman weapons ranging from stylish scimitars to giant cannons. And on some days (check site) you get a free live show from an Ottoman marching band (mehter band bit like a highland regiment band in full costume with massive drum and pipes - great fun and much enjoyed by the Turkish schoolchildren on our visit). The text for the exhibits gives the "Turkish perspective" on issues such as Cyprus (but no mention of Kurdish conflict) and some debatable ancient history claiming Attila the Hun for the Turks. There is is even a Turkish submarine. In the grounds there are some giant cannon used in WW1 and a fighter jet. Highly impressive and most exhibits have English text. Companion naval museum is also meant to be good but we did not manage to find it. Recommended

www.tsk.tr/
Valikonagi Caddesi, Harbiye, 34298 Istanbul Istanbul, Turkey
+90 212 233 2720
Google map: bit.ly/Z1eAnD

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Don't let the slightly hippy name put you off! It is as far as I could find the only veggie cafe with vegan dises.

Morrocan food is great but can be bit of a challenge for strict veggie or vegan. This cafe meets this need. It is also quiet and relaxing contrast to the souk and feels very Moroccan rather than French as other cafes do.

It's inside a riad and is an oasis of calm in the frenzy. Lovely home-cooked organic food and a small gift shop selling organic toiletries and some craft gifts. In the afternoon you can while away the hours or chat to the staff if you want to as there is no hassle. A gem and only wish I had discovered it earlier in the trip

www.earthcafemarrakech.com
No 2 Derb Zouak Riad Zitoun El Kadim (entering the souk just off the corner of the main square Jmaa el Fna). It was signposted with the Earth sign and locals all knew it

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In response to a recent tip there is no need to resort to McDonalds to eat at reasonable prices even in central London if you know where to look.

Many Italian and Spanish cafes have good lunch options at reasonable prices and can be found in sidestreets around central London especially Soho. Or, get the Time Out guide to eating in London and make a note of the cheap places!

There are good takeaway options from Chinatown, fresh fruit in Berwick Market (later in the day is cheapest), many cafes in the streets south of Warren Street station off Tottenham Court Road are cheapish and if you are really pushed, chain sandwich bars are a better bet than McDonalds!

If you want a flavour of traditional cheap London food look up a pie and mash shop or an old-style fish and chip shop. The cheapest and best takeaway food option in London is Brick Lane Beigel Bakery but it's not central.

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It's in an old warehouse building just off Brick Lane (Hanbury street) running on Sunday mornings. It's far less crowded than the nearby Spitalfields Market which was cut in half by a redevelopment and is now too crowded with too many identikit stalls. It's got craft/jewellery, clothes and food stalls (excellent Ethopian food as well as all the usual suspects). Lots of beautiful stuff from new designers and a few quirky and fashionista clothes stalls. Good world music CD stall. And the Big Chill bar/historic Shoreditch is just round the corner.Get there around 11-12am and it's not crowded. Lock up bikes securely.....

Truman Brewery, Hanbury Street off Brick Lane.Nearest Station/Underground Liverpool Street

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