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.

Gran Canaria

This island consists of several main resorts but I would especially recommend Playa del Ingles, which is the largest resort. I chose to stay in this resort for my fortnight break. It is suitable for families and the young and lively alike. It features no less than 11 shopping centres including the famous Yumbo centre, where I spent many an hour exploring the four floors and the jewellery, clothes, electrical goods and cosmetics available. If you are a fan of water activities then you should visit one of the two water parks, Aqualand, is a good one offering 30 rides for adults and children. There is also an excellent range of cuisine on offer in an unlimited supply of restaurants. There are plenty of bars, and clubs for those who want to party into the small hours.

Fuerteventura

The oldest of the canary islands and definitely the quietest out of the four considered here. One I still have to view, and after some research it is definitely worth a visit. I would recommend Corralejo, which is one of the main tourist resorts. It has all the water activities you would expect of a holiday destination including snorkelling, diving and surfing. Other activities include cycling, motor cycling, running, golf, football and trike riding. If shopping is your thing you will not be disappointed as there are a few good shopping centres available as well as markets. Eating out is another area well catered for in this lovely island, and you will find a wide selection of restaurants in all the main resorts.

Lanzarote

This island has many tourist attractions including Guinate Tropical Park and Penguin Park, where you can see a variety of wildlife including birds, reptiles, fish and many more. I would also recommend seeing The Cave of Los Verdes, The Cactus Garden, Timanfaya National park, Ranchos Texas Park and the Lanzarote aquarium. Puerto Del Carmen is the main resort, and one I am visiting in a few months time. Water sports are offered on most of the beaches. Regarding shopping there are many popular shopping outlets including the fashion store Zara, and popular centres including The Biosfera shopping centre. A weekly market is held on Sundays. There are many quality restaurants incuding El Tomate, and if Japanese food is your thing try the popular Nippon restaurant located in the old town. With regards to nightlife you will find many bars including those specialising in cocktails such as The Hawaiian Bar and The Galleon, and those with live music and bands such as The Crowded House bar. For clubbing in the small hours try The Big Apple, which is a popular nightclub.

Tenerife

This is the largest of the seven islands. Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Americas are the two main resorts although I would have to say I favour Playa de Las Americas, which would be the better option for those going on a clubbing holiday. I have stayed here two times already. There are many sights to see in Tenerife and the best of these are Mount Teide, Parque Las Aguilas, Exotic Parks featuring plants and animals, including a tropical rainforest themed area, Loro Parque, and a water park.

There are also a range of sporting activities including ten pin bowling, golf, cycling, and water sports such as diving and snorkelling. There are a range of foods on offer from seafood to tapas to traditional, in many quality restaurants throughout the island. Night time entertainment is well catered for in the busy resort of Las Americas and the Veronicas area is a must visit for all those wanting to party the night away. If you prefer something a little quieter you could try the popular piano bar, or choose from the vast selection of other bars on offer.

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Here again is another museum I visited whilst at secondary school! This museum features all forms of transport from the early 1900s including trains and cars, as well as a ‘Titantic' exhibition. Activities from yesteryear such as spinning, weaving, basket making, lace-making and carpentry among others are on display.

Belfast Zoo

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A must have for animal lovers, and it is being constantly updated. The latest feature to be added is a rainforest exhibit. The zoo is open all year round, everyday of the week, and features over 150 rare species including gorillas, chimps, elephants, giraffes, lions, penguins, and sea lions amongst others.

Old Bushmills Distillery

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Calling all whiskey drinkers, here is your chance to see where and how the famous irish whiskey is produced. Gives demonstrations of all stages of the process and if you are lucky enough you may be able to taste a sample.

Ulster American Folk Park

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This is one of my favourite museums, and I can remember visiting it as a child. It is situated in Omagh and is based on emigration activities which took place in Ireland during the 18th and 19th centuries. There are thatched buildings and American log cabins on view as well as enthusiastic demonstrators who give an insight into what life was like during this period of emigration. Highly recommended!

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

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This is a challenge not for the faint hearted or indeed those scared of heights. The bridge is situated in Ballintoy and when you cross it you are rewarded with picturesque views of Rathlin Island and Scotland.

Giants Causeway

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This is probably one of the most well known sights in N. Ireland and is found on the North Antrim Coast. It was formed 62-65 million years ago, and consists of many stones of different sizes which look like stepping stones. I have visited it many times, but why not go yourself and hear the story of the legendary Finn MacCool.

Other sights I would recommend visiting are:

• Carrickfergus Castle, and Belfast Castle

  Northern Ireland is home to many castles but these are two of my favourites.

• Belleek Pottery Centre

  Visit and see how beautiful these ornaments are.

• Portstewart Strand and Portrush Whiterocks Beach

  This country is home to several glorious beaches and these 2 are the best in my opinion. Visit during the summer months to truly appreciate them!

• Belfast

  The capital of Northern Ireland should most definitely be visited for its shopping, nightlife and entertainment value.