The May offers are as followed. Three nights May 2nd -Friday-Monday 5 th for £119 and four nights May 5 th Monday-Friday for £89 both offers include excellent entertainment each night. The price and venues tend to change from time to time.

The restaurant is beautifully designed with chairs and tables set out in an orderly fashion. The added attraction is the amazing view of the seafront while you indulge in your food and if you ' re lucky enough, you may get the same experience from your hotel room depending on which direction your window is facing.

Though some parts of the room don ' t give much in the way of size, there is a double bed, so there ' s plenty of space to stretch out after a long day. Each room has its own television set with satellite channels as well as local ones. The en-suite bathroom has its own shower, toilet and the usual toiletries.

This city is known for its famous tram service which has been around since the 1 st World War, and with the town centre just 5-10min ride away, it ' s a useful convenience as well as an uplifting experience for first time users. They come in different colours and styles, sheltered and open topped. I never got the chance to travel on the roofless ones, but it worth a try. Ticket prices for trams through Metro Coastline is £5.95 for an adult and £5.45 for a child. More information can be found at www.blackpooltransport.com When travelling on one, it gives you an unusual feeling of being on a railway train that ' s travelling on the streets of Blackpool. During your stay, take full advantage of the tram service. They will take you up to Fleetwood and back round to the town centre so you get to see more of the cities attraction.

The centre of town is alive with visitors and locals alike. Here you can buy gifts for friends and family, but don ' t forget to pick up some memorabilia for yourself. You can also find confectioneries such as rock candy, hard boiled sweets and delicious fluffy candy floss as well as jewellery, ornaments and many other delightful trinkets.

However, The Pleasure Beach has so many activities and a variety of indoor and outdoor fun interests. There ' s a theme park made just for the younger kids called Beaver Creak. Here children will be kept amused for hours with non-stop fun. One of the most intriguing rides for kids is the Treasure Beach water ride, but be prepared for the big splash at the end of it. Also the Ghost Train is a spectacular scary treat for them as it takes you to a second level of spookiness, but if that ' s too much for them, then they can always try their skills at Alpine Golf. It ' s like golf, but you have to putt the golf balls into tunnels and slightly obstructed holes in the wall and floor.

There are so many extreme Roller Coaster rides to choose from. None of them were for me, I like to keep my feet on the ground, but great for those who like the thrills " n " spills experience. One of the most popular rides in the theme park is the " Infusion " . Unlike the usual method of sitting in a cart, in this one your sitting in a seat that dangles beneath the tracks. The well designed ride is to give you the feeling of diving and with its turns and hoop manoeuvres, it ' s guaranteed to give you the adrenaline rush you seek. It ' s a good idea to take a map of the Pleasure Beach with you, or you may not find what you ' re looking for and you could get lost. These are available at the theme park free of charge or you can print one from their website . When you are there, you will need to purchase special wristbands from their ticket sales office in order to use the facilities. However, you can pre-purchase them before you get their.

Away from the sky-high adventures are some other ideal holiday treats such as the various arcades around the park. This is a place where you can test your skills against some of the most high-tech games and virtual reality simulations. If you ' ve never experience virtual reality, then I highly recommend it. You get to travel through doors and explore the many passageways within the cyber world as well as battling against bad guys. There is also a 4D cinema for the kid where they get to put on their 3D glasses while they watch a movie that seems so real, they can almost reach out and touch it. The seats vibrate with the action as well as twisting and turning while you get sprayed with water. If you want to go for something a little more relaxing, why not try your hand at bowling at the Bowladrome and/or a game of pool. There are many different things to see and do as you go from one arcade to the other.

The seaside is a spotlight destination for those who want to soak up the sun or splash around in the sea. The amazing view of the sea joining with the sky has a definite postcard look. While you are on the sandy beach, you ' ll notice some Donkeys. These are part of the beach resort and kids can ride them up and down the shore for £2. Also the famous Blackpool Tower stands high above all the other surrounding buildings. It was built in the 1890 ' s and just beneath it is a ballroom hall where people came and dance the night away, and over a hundred years later, nothing has changed. People still use it for entertainment venues.

The streets of Blackpool are quite clean especially around the resort areas. However this town truly comes alive at night. The streets are illuminated with thousands upon thousand of multiple coloured lights, even street lamps and buildings don ' t go untouched. It ' s like a British version of Las Vegas 24 hours a day and as you walk down the street, you can hear the music pumping from clubs and coins falling from winning customers slot machine in the nearby casinos. Everything seems to have a good feeling atmosphere to it. At the end of the day, you go back to your hotel room, have a shower and sleep on that luxurious double bed.

For me the city of Blackpool is an excellent choice for a getaway from the busy streets of London. The moment you get of the coach, you can smell the freshness in the air. The town is clean and tidy even on my first day I was worrying if I was getting any dirt from my shoes on the floor. It ' s such a breathtaking experience when you here the sound of the sea crashing and displaying itself in great wonder while seagulls hover above, but watch out for these birds if they get the chance, they ' ll take your food. So if you ' re planning your next holiday why not try this bright city, you ' ll be glad you did.

Shopping

For the shoppers amongst you, be warned this is a shopper's paradise and you will spend much more than what you want too. The main area, Oxford Street with over 300 shops, is sure to keep you entertained for days never mind hours. There is a good selection of shops specializing in many products including ladies, men and children's fashion, sports, accessories, electronic, toys, jewelery, music, and home ware. Some of these shops are more expensive than others but there are many bargains available, it is just a case of finding them. Be sure to check out massive stores such as Selfridges, House of Frazer and John Lewis. For a little more exquisite shopping jump on the tube and go to Knightsbridge where you will find the famous Harrods, and you never know what celebrity you may bump into while browsing. Covent garden is another great shopping area and you will find many brand shops each such as Diesel, Miss Sixty, Guess and Replay.

Sights to Behold

It is hard to know where to start under sights, I have still to see many of these myself but I will consider some of the main highlights. Madame Tussauds is the place to go if you like celebrities and here you can see clones of Kate Moss, Drew Barrymore, Jim Carey, Justin Timberlake and many others. Why not take a trip on the London Eye and see views of most of London including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and River Thames. London Zoo is another great highlight where they now have a tropical bird exhibit. You should also check out the Tower of London and the British Museum.

Theater

I would never consider myself an arts person but no visit to London is complete without a trip to the theatre. There are many shows at all times of the year, and you can purchase tickets online or at one of the many ticket offices in central London. Shows are on in the afternoon and at night and the majority of theatres can be found in the Leicester Square area. Recently I went to see Dirty Dancing and I would definitely recommend it. I have also seen Mamma Mia previously and enjoyed it also.

Transport

It is unbelievably easy to get around London at anytime of the day or night. They have an excellent tube service and you can buy a day ticket for relatively cheap and stop off wherever you want. Tubes run for at least 18 hours of the day, and go daily so they are always available. There is also an excellent bus service which runs around the majority of London. From the airports you can either get a train, taxi or an express train service which takes you into the central of London in around 30 minutes.

If you are thinking about going to London I would suggest you plan your trip early and order some of your tickets online to save money. An important point is that you may not get to see everything first time around but this gives you a fantastic excuse to visit again in the future.

Brick Lane - Food and Bars

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Hidden behind the industrial buzz of Liverpool Street Station is Brick Lane. Ten years ago it was thought to be an area to avoid, but an influx of students and artistic types has made this hidden area into a thriving community, and a great place to pick up one of London's staple dishes, an Indian curry, at a bargain price. The bars here are relaxed and young and in the summer there are plenty of places to sit outside. The area is best known for its curries which are served up at a host of restaurants that line the West end of this infamous street. Bring your bargaining skills and prepare to be approached by eager restaurant owners ready to offer a variety of incentives ranging from free drinks to money off the bill. The legendary Ten Bells pub where Jack the Ripper picked up his victims is just around the corner.

Tube - Liverpool Street

The Historic Coronet Cinema

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Until the recent smoking ban there was a smoking section in this independent cinema. Still very much a part of the London arts scene this cinema is very unique inside and shows films that won't be found in the more commercial cinemas. Students go for half price on a Monday and the deal is extended to all on a Tuesday making it a bargain at £3.50. The cinema has stood on the same site since 1898. Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts filmed a scene here in the film "Notting Hill".

Tube - Notting Hill

Hoxton Square - Food and Bars

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In London's up and coming East End, Hoxton Square brings a European flavour to this thriving neighbourhood. Hidden away from any main roads and with plenty of out door seating there are plenty of bars serving up cocktails and food from all nations. Round the corner from the new Courtyard Theatre and housing London's only female oriented sex shop this square attracts a big after work crowd and is a great place to meet the locals.

Tube - Old Street

The King's Head Theatre

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An institution on the London theatre scene, this fringe venue and pub has hosted a variety of shows and has been the spring board for talented artists including Victoria Wood, Joanna Lumley, Alan Rickman and Tom Stoppard. At the beginning of 2008 this venue announced plans to become a producing theatre and now features a season of home grown work. This theatre has leant particular support to new writers and musical theatre over the years and is a great place to soak up some London arts culture and see some start of the future. The pub also serves great food at lunch and dinner time.

Tube - Angel

Sketch - Café and Restaurant

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The upstairs restaurant at this unusual was at one time said to be London's most expensive restaurant and the downstairs café doesn't go easy on the pocket book either. If you stick to a simple coffee and cake it is worth the expense, if only to visit the bathrooms which are by far the most unusual in London. Tracey Emin regularly displays art in the corridors here. From the staff's hair cuts to the paint splashed stairs this venue screams London style and fashion. It makes a great change from a regular coffee stop and is walking distance from Oxford Street so makes a great rest stop.

Tube - Oxford Circus

Somerset House - Historic Building

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During summer there is a great line up of concerts and festivals in the impressive courtyard of this 16th century palace originally the home of the Duke of Somerset. Last year Amy Winehouse was amoung those to take to the temporary stage. Winter events are just as entertaining with a temporary ice rink set up between October and February. It is worth booking early as the recent craze for ice skating means that weekends are often booked up well in advance. Covent Garden is the nearest tube but it is well worth travelling to Waterloo in order to walk across Waterloo bridge and take in one of the most stunning views in London.

Tube - Covent Garden

Southbank - Walk

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Along from the bustle of the Millennium eye the south bank river walk stretches all the way to Southwark where the Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre dominate the river. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants to stop and rest in as well as a few market style stalls and shops. The view is fantastic and if you feel adventurous there are even routes down to the river bank at low tide where treasures from Victorian England are regularly found. At certain points along the route some of London's famous buskers can be found and a little before London Bridge you can see the new City Hall and the site where David Blaine performed his 44 day endurance and survival stunt in 2003. He suspended himself in a Perspex box without food in order to push himself to his human limits. Not all Londoners took kindly to the stunt and one group even took to cooking hamburgers underneath him in an attempt to taunt him with the smell.

Nearest Tube - Waterloo

Borough Market - Food Market

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Best experienced on a Saturday morning this market is a haven for the senses. Wander from stall to stall and taste the varied offerings. The food is fresh and it is a great place to pick up a sense of London's famous market culture. There are several prized pubs and restaurants around the market itself and the Menier Chocolate Factory theatre, a fringe theatre set in an old chocolate factory is minutes walk away.

Tube - London Bridge

Prince Charles Cinema

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This small theatre is a prized London secret. It is hosts regular singalonga shows where audiences are encouraged to dress up and sing along to their favourite film musicals. Hairspray is the current offering. Ticket prices are notoriously low for central London and members get even better deals with shows from as little as £1.50.

Tube - Leicester Square

Toptable

Not a location as such but a great web site for getting great deals on eating out in London. Featuring deals such as three courses and a glass of wine for £15 it makes dining at some of London's best restaurants a possibility for even those on the tightest of budgets.

Tube - The Internet

London is full of hidden gems. Go out and have a great time finding your own!

The tiny leaded glass panes in one of the windows of G2 have come away in places from the lead, and wait patiently to crash and tinkle to the ground below. The single light comes from a bulkhead fitting in the centre of the ceiling of the type that used to be fitted to minesweepers, circa 1944. An electrical conduit pipe runs from it down one wall. You can rest your head on it as you lie on the bed, for there is no headboard.

The room reminds me of Fletcher's cell in "Porridge", but the walls are painted cream, rather than green. The plug chain in the sink in the corner is attached to no part of the sink. Some idler has made off with the caps for the taps, so you don't know which is hot and which is cold. You soon discover however, when you are scalded when you run your hand under the hot tap. Paradoxically, however, the showers in the grotty shower room along the passage, where you can catch fifteen distinct diseases just touching the shower-head, run permanently cold, so if you want to wash your hair or your extremities, you do so in the sink.

The carpet on the floor is of the cheapest needlecord and is dark brown in hue to attempt to disguise the stains in the same way as teenage girls disguise acne by trowelling on makeup. Just as certainly as it does with the teenage girls, so the carpet fails on all counts. The furniture is of the gimcrack variety, and would be rejected by a boot sale. The wardrobe door is secured by a hasp and staple, though the padlock is missing. One of the runners on the top desk drawer has collapsed and the drawer is jammed in place.

The towels smell as if they had been washed in vinegar. The bedsheets are the cheapest possible cotton/rayon mix, and the duvet seems to be constructed of some unidentifiable material akin to tarpaulin. The single green blanket has the texture of carborundum paste. The painted walls are gouged and chipped in many places, and the room looks like a hospital waiting room that has been designed by Albert Steptoe.

I have a view out of the leaded window - I can see the fire escape, littered with empty cigarette cartons, juice bottles, old newspapers and older rags, and plastic bags blown hither and thither. There are no tea-making facilities, no iron, no trouser-press, no mini-bar, no tiny shampoos, no bath gels, no headed stationery, nothing to make your stay in a hotel even moderately tenable. I'm surprised there isn't a chamber-pot so that you can slop out of a morning.

The cost of this extravaganza, including a continental breakfast comprising a couple of slices of spam on wholemeal bread that could only appear on a continental menu in somewhere like Albania, was £95.

I got my revenge - I left several chewed pieces of gum on the undersides of the furniture where they will lie undetected until the furniture collapses in piles of dust.

On a humid, drab day in England's capital, the Wellington Boot hotel precisely mirrors my mood of seedy despair and grim isolation.

Malaysia

Like other parts of the world, Malaysia too, celebrates the New Year's Day with great excitement and joyful. Malaysians prefer to celebrate New Year's Eve with much merry-making at public squares like Dataran Merdeka, hotels and restaurants. Though Malaysia is a multi-racial country with races includes Malays, Chinese, Indians, Sikhs, Eurasians, Portuguese, indigenous people and other minority races, we are here celebrated the New Year's celebration in harmonious and tranquility, regardless of religions, customs, languages and races. This unity spirit marks the strong unity among the citizens of Malaysians without bios and racism, which highlights the beauty of Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Malaysians gather one hour earlier at the Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur. Dataran Merdeka is just like the Times Square of New York. Almost all the restaurants and shops have their premises decorated with colorful bulbs, balloons and steamers. The Malaysian flag or “Jalur Gemilang” and the state's flags are swinging gracefully on top of the premises. People prefer to come out in the streets and stay until daybreak to cheer for the arrival of New Year rather than sit in front of the television, as they want to capture the full excitement moment in the mood of New Year's celebration. People will gather at stadiums, coffee shops, café, restaurants, KLCC, Genting Highlands and all parts of states in Malaysia shouting Happy New Year or “Selamat Tahun Baru” to each other when the clock strikes 12 at midnight.

The unique of Malaysians here are unity and family oriented. A day before the New Year in Malaysia, all family members from far of places return to their hometowns for the reunion dinners. We are proud to be Malaysians!

China

In the early morning on January 1, 2008, the Beijing Tiananmen held a grand flag-raising ceremony.

Flag-raising ceremony in China

People from all parts of China gathered here to watch the ceremony while greeting the arrival of 2008.

A child was sitting on the adult's shoulder while watching the flag-raising ceremony.

Japan

Every year on 1 January, Japanese celebrate their New Year or also known as Oshiogatsu or shogatsu. In general, the New Year in Japan commences on 31 December and lasts until 3 January. On every 31 December at the midnight, Buddhist temples ring their bells for 108 times on the last night of the passing year all over Japan. This event is also another major attraction called The Watched night bell held every year in Tokyo during the New Year's Day. The night bell is stricken 108 times symbolizes the 108 human sins in Buddhist belief and get rid of the 108 worldly desires regarding sense and feeling in every Japanese nation. Japanese believe that the tolling of the bells can get rid off their sins of the previous year.

Dezomenshiki in Japan

In Tokyo, the capital of Japan, people bid farewell to the past year and welcome the New Year by undertaking some activities such as Dezomeshiki (New Year's parade of firefighters. Traditional acrobatic stunts are performed by the firefighters of Tokyo in the parade during the New Year's Day in Tokyo) and Special Opening of the Imperial Palace Grounds.

Tokyo, Japan

Japanese eat Herring roe or fish egg (symbolizing fertility), black beans (symbolizing health), dried chestnuts (symbolizing success) and prawns as omens (symbolizing happiness) on the mood of celebrating the arrival of New Year. They also have their traditional mouthwatering delicacies called mochi or white rice cake breakfast called zouni.

Before the New Year's day, they sent cards to their relatives and friends but the postmen will keep them and only deliver the New Year's greeting cards or nengajo at one time on 1 January. All Japanese put on beautiful and finely knitted Japanese traditional costumes to greet their guests. Females will wear Kimono or Yugata on this day.

Japanese children play karuta or a card game, some play hanetsuki or a badminton type of game, and some have takoage or kite flying during New Year's Day. Parents give their children money or otoshidama on New Year's Day. In Japan, Japanese will do hatsu-mode by paying holly visits to Shinto temples and shrines to pray for a healthy and Happy New Year. They put decorations outside their house with pine and bamboo or Kado-matsu to celebrate New Year. They display a large steamed rice cake or Kagami-mochi in a place of importance in the house until 11 January.

South Korea

On 1 January, Korean people rush to sunrise sites in the eastern Gangwon Province and Southern city of Busan (the largest port city in the South Korea) to see the first sunrise of the New Year. Some gather at the east coast cities of Gangneung and Donghae to make wishes as the sun rose on the New Year. Korean Folk Village features at hosting some traditional games and events all over the Korea on New Year's Day. The festival mood of New Year's Eve Celebration includes a series of Korean cultural performances in central Seoul.

Watching sunrise in South Korea

Seoul, South Korea

On New Year's Eve, more than 150-thousand Korean people gather in Jongno district to witness the striking of an old temple bell at the Bosingak (Bonshingak, made in 1468,is the largest pavilion among the Korea's national treasures) pavilion. The bell rings 33 times to greet the coming of New Year. As the festive mood in Korea mounted, Korean people attend a variety of ceremonies and events, including parades, fireworks and traditional cultural performances till the end of the New Year's Day on 1 January every year.

United States of America

One of the unique and unusual New Year's celebrations in United States is the Mummer's Parade (This custom is brought to Philadephia by European settlers and dates back to medieval England, where troupes of costumed performers went house from house presenting a folk drama or Mummer's play at Christmas time. “Mummer” in German refers to a mask. The earliest known Mummer's club was formed in the 1840s and the first official "Mummer's Parade" was held in Philadelphia in 1901) held in Philadelphia on 1 January every year. This parade features at elaborating costumes with ornate costumes that rival those in Mardi Gras parades, comedy and string bands of accordions, saxes, drums, violins, banjos, bass fiddles, glockenspiels, and clarinets. A slide show of the parade is available from Mummer's museum while its photographs are available from Mummer's Picture Gallery.

New York Times Square, U.S.A

The New Year's celebration at Time Square, New York was the ball drop, and its streaming video clips are available at EarthCam.com. The first Ball lowering celebration held on headquarters in Times Square, New York on December 31, 1907 and has proceeded for the past 100 years.

The Waterford Ball is a geodesic sphere with six feet in diameter, and weighing approximately 1,070 pounds. During the New Year at Time Square, New York every year, people there lower the ball. There are 504 Waterford crystal triangles engraved with the names of those lost in the World Trade Center on the ball, with the decoration of 696 multicolored light bulbs, 96 high-density strobe lights and 90 rotating pyramid mirrors.

In celebrating the arrival of 2008, the Bow Tie of Time Square (42nd to 47th Sts. between Broadway and 7th Ave.) was unavailable to traffic. After lighting the New Year's Eve ball, city officials and guests at the Countdown Stage in the center of Times Square will ring a commemorative bell. By pushing the Waterford crystal button, it marked the final sixty-second countdown prior to the Ball Lowering. The numerals of the New Year “2008” shone high above Times Square, with the light bulbs on the New Year's Eve Ball turned off. A two-minute pyrotechnic display illuminated and glistered with the bursts of custom-mixed colors in the sky above One Times Square accompanying with special effects of computer. The release of the world-famous New Year's Eve confetti from the rooftops of buildings throughout Times Square marking the start of New Year and the people cheered happily and contentedly in the mood of New Year's celebration.

United Kingdom, U.K.

New Year in Britain is a time to drink, eat and dance either at homes or with friends in a club or pub when clock strikes 12 at midnight. Different countries and cities in Britain have their own unique ways to welcome the New Year but the spirit to celebrate the New Year in each person's heart is the same all over the Britain.

The other main feature of New Year in Britain is the tradition custom of “First Footers”, which believes that the first person over the threshold on the New Year's Day will dictate the luck to bring to the particular house on 1 January. Scotland and Northern Ireland had followed this tradition with the first footers bringing in a piece of coal, bread and whisky while crossing the threshold.

London, England

Chinese New Year's Day Parade, London

London's New Year's Day Parade, also known as Hogmanay is famous all over the world. Over thousands of people, more than 10,000 musicians, dancers, clowns and acrobats gather and feast at Trafalgar Square while waiting eagerly for the arrival of New Year. London is by far the best city to be on the New Year's Eve for some of its excellent bars and clubs. Last but not the least, is the traditional dragon dancing, music and entertainment at London's Chinatown.

Scotland

People celebrate Hogmanay (Hogmanay's culture roots back to the pagan practice of sun and fire worship in the deep mid-winter. This fire symbolizes how the light of the knowledge to be handed over from one year to the next, which carries forward the light of hope to a better world) or Scottish New Year on 31 December every year. It has become a great festive season at the large city of Glasgow and Edinburgh. To view “1000 pipers” gathered at Edinburg castle and piping their way down to Holyrood palace, go to Homnanay.com and click some of the video clips.

Fireworks display, Hogmanay's Street Party, Dornoch, Scotland

When the bells of Big Ben chimed at the midnight, everyone sang Auld Lang Syne with lots of kisses. The words to this song are as follows:

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o'kindness yet
For auld lang syne!

Scotland “Firstfooting,” (Each year, groups of friends or families do a tour to each others' houses and each family takes turn to provide the meal for the group) and Ceilidhs (Scottish dances) took place in the most remote parts of Scotland. The children in Scotland went from house to house collecting oatcakes. Grand parties were held everywhere at this night, and people celebrated the arrival of New Year with Scottish dances or Ceilidhs.

Spain

Eating 12 grapes is a custom that makes New Year celebrations in Spain unique and New Year in Spain is worth visiting for his nightlife. The night view during the New Year's celebration is amazing, so make sure to be a part of the New Year in Madrid. Spanish people keep 12 grapes ready at the beginning of the New Year and eat one with each chime of the clock symbolizing the 12 months of the year. The grape eating custom dates back to the King of Spain, who gave grapes to everybody to eat on the New Year's Eve with jest and enthusiasm.

As soon as the clock strikes 12, people gather at the Puerta del Sol Square in Madrid cheered happily for the entry of the New Year. New Year in Spain indeed enchants the visitors with the atmosphere dipped in true festive mood, atmosphere and decorations all over the Spain.

In Barcelona, people also participate in 12 grapes eating tradition when clock strikes at 12 midnight. People here are having party, dance, music, drinking and feasting with great enjoyment, enlightening the New Year's atmosphere. Visitors may come to experience countless surprises while having rock band performances to salsa, and from ballroom dance to gourmet delights. Another feature of New Year celebrations include the arrival of Magos who distribute candies and lollipops to all in The Procession of the Three Kings, bottle rockets and other aerial fireworks are being shot off all over the city particularly in Barcelona, furnishing Spain with an aura of jollity and festive atmosphere.

Spanish people celebrated the arrival of the New Year or Año nuevo

A buffoon shakes his hands during a New Year's celebration in Spain's Madrid on December 31, 2007

Germany

In German language, “Silvester” refers to New Year's Eve as the name suggests that a pope who lived in the fourth century has his feast day of Saint Sylvester on 31 December. People here celebrate New Year by dancing, singing, drinking and getting merry. Many Germans prefer playing games to foretell the future of the arrival of the New Year. Dropping molten lead into cold water is one of the famous games that predicting the future according to the shapes it takes in the cold water. Some prefer to share this special moment with their friends and loved ones.

When the clock strikes at 12 midnight, Germans hug and wish each other Happy New Year. To celebrate New Year's Eve, Germans usually splash a bottle of fine champagne, burn eye-catching fireworks and party hard.

Germany Brandenburg Gate

In Frankfurt, a city rich in culture and tradition, the sky is dazzling with brilliant firework display. On the New Year's Eve, in almost all the pubs and clubs in Frankfurt, one cannot stop from munching the delicious almond cookies called Brenten, Bethmännchen and drinks like Kinderpunch and Apfelwein. On every 1 January, the traditional New Year's concert is held annually at Alte Oper with performances include Maurice Ravel's Alborada del Cracioso, Klavierkonzert G-Dur, Boris Blacher's Orchestervariationen über ein Thema von Paganini and Mazeppa. Meanwhile in Hamburg, as soon as the clock strikes 12 at midnight, the church bells toll and ships sound their horns, which marks the merriment of the New Year. New Year is a gala event where dance, party and usher in the New Year bidding adieu to the old in the stylist city of Germany has become an important festival in Hamburg, Germany.

France

The French celebrate New Year on 1 January by exchanging gifts, cards and goodies as if Americans celebrate Christmas. Initially, people celebrated the New Year's Day known as “La Saint Sylyestre” in France since 1582.

Paris, France

During the French New Year's Eve, people celebrate with grand pomp and show. Various cultural programs too, take place during the New Year's Day. French make every moment approaching New Year by partying hard with family and dear ones, and bid a joyful farewell to the past year while welcoming the New Year with sparkling success, glorious and excitement. The New Year's holidays in France ends on 6 January with a tradition of cutting cake and types of cakes are in varieties depends on the place where you are in France.

Australia

During New Year in Australia, the Sydney Harbor Bridge is dazzling with more than 80,000 fireworks lit at the Circular Quay in vicinity to the Sydney Opera House. During the New Year's Eve, from a 16km radius around Sydney, one can see the fireworks sparkling with glorious, joyful, and more than 300,000 tourists from all over the world who want to capture the glimpse of the famous fireworks set their legs in Sydney. Everyone set eyes on the clock waiting eagerly for the arrival of the New Year.

Sydney, Australia

Australians prefer to go on picnics, outing and camping on beaches as ways to bid farewell to the past year and at the same time welcoming the arrival of the New Year. Meanwhile, people enjoy themselves by having New Year Party, camping and enjoying bonfires in Sydney. As soon as the clock strikes at sharp 12 at midnight, they ring the Church bells with excitement. People there make loud noises, blow car horns, whistles and shouting Happy New Year to each other. The spirit to celebrate the New Year is the same no matter whether they are at the seaside, in a dance club, at home, in the shopping complex, in a hotel and any other places all over the Australia.

In celebrating the arrival of 2008, people have party along with their beloved family, relatives and friends in Melbourne accompanying with the hottest rock bands performing on Melbourne beaches. For the community of Chinese-Australia, spectacular Great Dragon appears in the streets of Melbourne, marking the arrival of the New Year.

Good-bye 2007, welcome 2008!

1. The British Museum

   The British Museum in London is one of the world's top museums that houses more than 13 million displays. The museum is a human history and cultural museum that displays a collection of artifacts from vases, clocks, bronzes and Egyptian mummies. The museum magnificent architecture building will certainly amaze anyone. Besides being only a museum, it also houses more than 350,000 reading material in its library and archive. It is a one-stop place to learn about the world's history. Tube: Tottenham Court Road

2. Piccadilly Circus

   Piccadilly Circus isn't a circus. Instead, it is actually a road junction in the central heart of London that link to other major roads in London. Piccadilly Circus is close to major shopping malls and entertainment outlets. Among the major attraction in Piccadilly is the memorial fountain. The fountain is one of the world's first statues to be cast in aluminum. Any artist would fall into the beauty of this statue. Tube: Piccadilly

3. British Library

   The library building might look odd but it is a must-visit library for anyone. The research library holds 150 million reading and audio materials from books, manuscripts and papers some dating back in 300BC. It is one of the world's biggest libraries that many famous personalities and authors do their research. Tube: Euston Station

4. The Natural History Museum

   This spectacular museum contains over 70 million items in display that is categorized under botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology and zoology. The museum architecture is truly complex and amazing. Among the famous exhibits, you can see here are dinosaur skeletons and other animal specimens. It will take up to days to visit all the galleries in this museum. Everything in the museum certainly will make you go wow. Tube: South Kensington

5. Bank of England Museum

   What's interesting visiting a bank, you might wonder? The bank of England Museum is located in the bank itself. It displays everything that is link to the history of banking in England. Among the items on display includes documents bank notes and gold bars! Tube: Bank

The best way to approach your trip is to start by picking out the things that interest you most and then fitting in as many of the other attractions as possible around that.

A ride on The London Eye is probably the best way to achieve an over view of the city and get a feel for the layout. As it takes its tranquil journey in an arc over the land you can sit back, relax and pick out the buildings and landmarks you hope to visit. The other way to do this is by taking a cruise down The River Thames. This has the added bonus of being accompanied by a guide who will point out anything of interest and answer any questions you might have.

Staying in London can be expensive, not only for the accommodation itself, but for the sightseeing and attractions you'll want to experience while there. To keep the costs down it's perfectly possible to book a cheaper hotel, leaving you more of your hard earned money to spend on enjoying yourself. Choose carefully. Check the standards of the hotel by reading up on what previous guests have to say about it. You can do this by visiting the hotel's website itself or by browsing various travel websites that list customer reviews.

Probably at the top of most people's list of must dos while in the city is The Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. You can't visit London without seeing these most famous attractions, but there are plenty of other, less popular things you might want to experience to give you more of a balance. Some of these are also inexpensive and even free to attend.

Speakers Corner, for example, is a fascinating place to visit. Even if you have nothing to say for yourself once there, it can be riveting to simply stand and listen to the other speakers. Camden Markets attract 500,000 visitors per week and specialise in vintage clothing as well as up and coming young designers, thus offering an insight into the possible trends and fashions of tomorrow. You don't have to buy anything if you don't want to, but it's certainly worth a look.

Something else you can view for free that you should make sure you visit while in London is The Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park. There's much emotion attached to this $6.5 million memorial, and nobody goes away unmoved.

Whatever you decide to do while in London, from the many museums and art galleries and taking afternoon tea at the Ritz, to browsing the shops and soaking up the atmosphere, you don't have to spend a fortune. Strike the right balance between the must do attractions and the less popular free sights and experiences, and you'll have a trip you'll never forget.

Most hotels offer the chance to take a look at the rooms, dining room etc on their website so you'll feel more comfortable about what you are booking. It's important, also, to be familiar with the location of your accommodation. If you are visiting London to see the sights, then you'll probably want a hotel in the centre of London, rather than on the outskirts or in the suburbs.

If you just want somewhere to lay your head that's comfortable and functional then you'll find a wide choice at reasonable prices, but it's always possible to book something a little nicer for almost the same price if you are prepared to shop around.

The best way to get a good deal on a hotel in London is to go for one with a good reputation that is offering either a discount at that time or a booking which combines itself with show tickets. Most visitors will want to take a trip to the theatre while in London anyway, so this can be an ideal way to keep the costs down.

Theatre in London has everything from musicals like Cats and Joseph and his Technicolor Dream Coat, to Shakespeare and contemporary plays. It's not unusual to see famous British actors, as well as some from abroad, on the stage in London, so these shows do get booked up quite quickly.

Make sure you have your tickets for any shows you want to see before you travel to avoid disappointment, and check the location of the theatre and the distance from your hotel. Taxis are always easy to come by in London, but it's worth having an idea of your bearings before you get there.

Public transport in London is very good and the use of it is to be advised when attempting to get from one place to another. Make sure you have your taxis planned, and sometimes even booked, before your evening out and be aware that driving yourself in the centre of London is both discouraged and notoriously difficult.

For the perfect evening out, combine the theatre with an evening meal. London has every type of Restaurant and bar you could think of, including an impressive selection of world foods, as well as traditional English pub food. The surroundings are usually interesting, the décor beautiful and tasteful and you never know, you may even have the chance to do a bit of star spotting while you dine!

Ever wondered what would one of the beautiful cities in the world look like from above?! No, you don't need to board the plane now! All you need to do is to board the London eye sponsored by British Airways and enjoy the rare treat of seeing the best of London right below you!

Route: London eye is pretty near to the Waterloo underground station. Westminster would also prove to be near and lots of people do alight at the Westminster underground to visit this place!

Admission fees: 15 GBP per person.*

2. Greenwich:

Experience the nature right where the time starts! Located on the eastern side of London, Greenwich, popular for housing the Prime meridian, is also quite popular for the lush green parks! It strongly reminds you of country life and quite a respite from the busy London crowd! There are host of places to visit in there like Royal naval Academy, the cruise, the Royal Observatory. Remember this is your only chance to be in two hemispheres at the same time!

Route: Board the DLR to Lewisham and alight at the Cutty mark. You will find the fun starts as soon as you come out of the station!

Admission fees: Free

3. Madam Tussauds:

Ah! So you watched them on TV! Now watch your favorite stars come alive in their wax figures at Madam Tussauds! Talent abounds in there with the work of perfection staring at you on the form of celebrities around the world! The dome shaped building houses movie stars, sports stars, politicians and lot of others who shine our lives with their stardom! Click snaps with all your favorites and flaunt them in style!

Route: Alight at the Baker street underground. The place is left to the station and is just 2 minutes walk away!

Admission fees: 25 GBP per person.*

4. Tower of London:

Welcome to the British Empire and to its riches! Find yourself lost amidst the glitter of crown jewels that has been the shining glory of the Royal Family. A unique museum, take a peek at the jewels including the famous Kohinoor and also treat yourself with the various myths and brave stories of the great empire. Highly recommended!

Route: It is in heart of the city! Alight at either the Tower Hill underground or Tower gateway DLR and find yourself staring at the grand tower as soon as you come out of it!

Admission fees: 16 GBP per person.*

5. Oxford Street:

What is a visit to London worth if you didn't shop at the Oxford Street! Yes, visit the most popular market in London and shop till you drop at the best of brands all along the street! Find yourself pampered by choice and enormity! A small hint - try walking from Bond Street to Marylebone - You are in for a shopping surprise!

Route: You can alight either at Bond Street, or Oxford Church or Marylebone. All would lead to the famous Oxford Street!

Admission fees: It's free!

* Visitors are requested to confirm the pricing before visiting.