As lifts have become more prevalent some of them have even developed into tourist attractions in their own right. So what are the top ten most incredible lifts in the world? Read on to find out.

Santa Justa, Portugal

The Santa Justa lift sits proudly at the heart of Portugal’s capital city. The lift, which is 45 metres high, links the highest and lowest points of this scenic city and was originally steam powered. Although it now runs on electricity not much else about the lift has changed over the last century and its ornate design still attracts thousands of tourists each year.

Bailong, China

This incredible lift, nestled in the cliffs of the Zhangjiajie National Park is almost a thrill ride in itself. Passengers embark underground and are then transported upwards through the parks caves, opening out at around 50 metres to reveal a spectacular view of the lakes and mountain ranges and forests in the area.

Taipei 101, Taiwan

Taiwan is one country that always likes to be in the running for the ‘world’s tallest building’ accolade. Although the Taipei building doesn’t quite make it to the top of the tallest building list, it does contain the world’s fastest lift which reaches speeds of 60kph.

Hammetschwand, Switzerland

Switzerland is probably most famous for its great skiing and the Hammetschwand lift on the northern side of the Burgenstock mountain range has helped cememt the area as one of the best skiing destinations in the world. The lift seems to cling precariously to the mountainside, travelling 150 metres in less than a minute and affording passengers incredible views of Lake Lucerne.

Luxor, Las Vegas

The people of Las Vegas certainly don’t do things by half and the lift at the Luxor hotel is no exception. The lift travels at an angle of 39 degrees up the pyramid shaped walls of the hotel. The glass front gives passengers the opportunity to people watch the hundreds of guests below.

The Louvre, Paris

The platform lift which stands at the centre of the Louvre museum is one of the most spectacular disabled lifts in the world. The cylindrical lift is elegantly encased by a spiral staircase and allows visitors a bird’s eye view of the interior of this beautiful building.

Oregon City, Canada

Oregon is one of the world’s most unusual cities as it is split into three levels by basalt terraces. The city’s famous lift transport passengers swiftly between the three levels and is one of only three like it in the world. A lift has stood in the same position for nearly 100 years, but the hydro powered lift was replaced with an electric model in 1955.

The Eiffel Tower, Paris

Most people who have visited the Eiffel Tower will also have experienced the amazing lifts which transport tourists to the tower’s highest viewing platform. The highest point of the tower stands at 180m and can only be reached by lift.

Salvador Bahia, Brazil

The Lacerda Lift in Salvador Bahia, Brazil allows passengers to easily travel between the two levels of the city. The lift is used by an incredible 30, 000 people on a daily basis and at the end of the 38 second trip passengers can enjoy incredible views of Brazil’s coastline.

St Louis, Missouri

The St Louis Gateway Arch is one of the world’s most architecturally arresting buildings. On its completion it was particularly unpopular but has still become a big draw for tourists to St Louis. The futuristic pod shaped lifts within take passengers to the top of the arch where they can look out over the city.

While most of us spend a considerable amount of time planning which tourist attractions to visit and what sort of food we’d like to try when we go abroad, how many of us actually take the time to research the local culture and how much it differs from our own?  While cultural differences can be fascinating, too many tourists do not pay enough attention to local custom and end up causing offence or even alarm to their host country’s citizens.  Here are some cultural clashes to take into consideration when planning a trip abroad.

We probably don’t think much about our hand gestures while out and about in the UK, but in other countries our hands can sometimes convey something very different to what we would imagine. Sticking your thumb up to show you’re pleased is the equivalent of sticking your tongue out at someone if you’re in Thailand, while in Iraq and Iran this gesture is actually considered obscene.  Holding your palm up towards someone to say ‘stop’ is an insult in Greece where it harks back to a time when shackled criminals would have excrement smeared in their face, and crossing your fingers in Vietnam may cause you embarrassment as the Vietnamese see this as resembling female genitals.

While we all know to be careful what we eat abroad, it also pays to take note of how we eat.  Clearing your plate is a no-no in any Asian country no matter how hungry you are, as it indicates your host hasn’t provided you with enough food.  Many of us shy away from chopsticks for fear of throwing our dinner over ourselves, but there is in fact a plethora of etiquette surrounding chopsticks including not sticking them upright in a bowl of rice, as this is a Japanese funeral rite for the recently deceased.  It is also important to remember that alcohol is generally forbidden in Muslim countries and drinking alcohol or appearing intoxicated in a public place is illegal in many Islamic states.

Finally, holiday clothing choices need extra consideration when visiting some destinations. In Muslim countries showing flesh, especially if you are female, is extremely offensive and therefore shorts and bikinis in public are unacceptable. In Japan and other countries in the East it is customary to take off your shoes and hat when entering a temple or someone’s home so remember to take plenty of pairs of clean socks, and resting your foot on your knee and bearing your sole is an insult if you are in Singapore, Egypt, Saudi Arabia or Thailand. There’s no need to be paranoid, it only takes a quick bit of research to make sure it’s only your tan lines that make you stand out from the locals.

Written by Francesca Caruana-Grima

Robin Hood is one of England’s most popular heroes and if film and TV have taught us anything, it’s that he lives in Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire. Although he has medieval origins, plenty of 21^st century tourists are hot on the outlaw trail, travelling to the East Midlands from around the world. Perhaps they’re hoping for their own slice of a swashbuckling adventure, but Robin Hood can still be an elusive character if you don’t know where to look for him. Never fear, for help is at hand in this article, where I reveal the best places to find Robin Hood in Nottingham…

Around the Castle

Most people have seen photos of the famous Robin Hood statue that stands below the walls of Nottingham Castle. Countless tourists have posed with invisible bows and arrows by its side and examined the four plaques in the wall behind, which depict scenes from the traditional legend. The Castle itself is quite a surprise to first-time visitors, as although the walls and gatehouse suggest a medieval stronghold, the main structure is actually a 17^th century ducal mansion.  A relatively new Robin Hood trail around the city has its first stops here and visitors can follow the 12 boards as far as St Mary’s Church to learn more about Robin and Nottingham.

Take A Tour

If following the Robin Hood trail boards isn’t enough, why not sign up for Robin Hood’s Town Tour? Robin Hood himself will guide you around the city on foot, starting at the Castle gatehouse and even descending below the city to the old sandstone cave network.  The tour gives a fascinating insight into Nottingham’s medieval and industrial past and asks some thought-provoking questions about what our favourite outlaw stands for in the 21^st century.

In the Forest

Contrary to popular belief, Sherwood Forest is not on the immediate outskirts of the city of Nottingham.  However, the Visitor Centre is worth the 45 minute car journey.  There is an excellent gift shop to satisfy every Robin Hood fan, an exhibition about his long-standing connections to the forest and even a restaurant.  One of the oldest trees in Britain, the Major Oak, is a 15 minute walk away and will astonish all visitors with its gargantuan branches.  Every August the annual Robin Hood festival is held around the Visitor Centre and is an excellent family day out.

Edwinstowe Village

Known as ‘Robin Hood’s Village’, Edwinstowe is only a five minute drive from Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.  Most local businesses bear names with some relation to the legend and there is a statue of Robin and Marian by the library.  The village church is even said to be where the romantic couple were married.  A quick wander around Edwinstowe can be the perfect end to a day spent in the forest, particularly if it includes a visit to Robin Hood Plaice…

Written by Jemma Saunders

Read Jemma’s blog or follow her on Twitter @JemSaunders1

You’ve used up all your leave over the festive season but being back at work has turned out to be more of a downer than you had expected.  Sound familiar? You’re most definitely not alone in suffering from ‘January Blues’ and the good news is your opportunity for a bit of R&R is closer and more hassle-free than you think.  Going abroad for the weekend may sound glamorous but in reality the time wasted in busy airports and on cramped planes often takes up a day in itself.  Instead, why not book a weekend hotel break in an attraction hotel where your time can be spent doing something fun or simply taking the opportunity to sit back and do nothing at all.

Golf breaks are becoming more popular, especially since many hotels situated on golfing ranges also include spa facilities just in case teeing off becomes too exhausting or you’re not as golf mad as your other half.  Celtic Manor Hotel near Cardiff offers five star luxury rooms and award-winning dining venues, not forgetting their Ryder Cup hosting golf course as well as opulent spa, gym, and health facilities.  This holiday is admittedly not the cheapest, but it is guaranteed to leave you stress-free and renewed by the time Monday comes around.

Park breaks are a great idea for a family weekend or even just a fun getaway with friends.  Alton Towers and Thorpe Park are perfect for thrill seekers or alternatively wildlife parks such as Longleat offer the chance to walk with the animals on (an albeit probably sunshine-free) safari.  Such venues also tend to have plenty of shops and numerous restaurants, cafes and eateries so there’s something for everyone.

Finally, National trust and heritage breaks are a chance to relax in beautiful traditional surroundings.  From accommodation in a historical building, to the opportunity for walks within the country estates or in the surrounding areas, to the stunning interiors and absorbing history of the buildings themselves, the decision to take a more cultured approach to your time off will almost certainly not be regretted.  Whatever you choose to do on your weekend break, plan it to be as hassle free and enjoyable as possible and you can’t go wrong.

Written by Francesca Caruana-Grima

Malvern is famed for its hills, its water and Morgan Motor Cars.  Many people have heard of this town, nestled in the English Midlands, but surprisingly few take the time to experience its beauty for themselves.

Situated about 20 minutes’ drive from the city of Worcester, Malvern boasts two stations with direct rail links to Birmingham, Oxford and London.  Great Malvern station is a gentle walk from the town centre, where the grand Priory church can be seen.  Visitors can sample the renowned Malvern water fresh from a spring on Belle Vue Terrace, before admiring views over Worcestershire next to a statue of composer Edward Elgar, whose connections to the area are another draw for tourists.

A blue plaque on the Unicorn Pub hints at Malvern’s literary links, as C.S. Lewis (author of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe) drank here on many occasions.  Continuing up the road from the Unicorn will lead you to the hillside.  It is steep in places, but refreshments are available at St Ann’s Well café, a quaint octagonal building that specialises in vegan food.  This is by no means the top of the Worcestershire Beacon, but those that persevere to the summit will be rewarded with stunning panoramas across the Midlands and towards Wales.

The Worcester Beacon is the tallest hill in the Malvern range, but those looking for a gentler amble could try the Hereford Beacon, also known as British Camp.  Children armed with cardboard sledges are a common sight here, as British Camp was an Iron Age hill fort and is distinctively shaped by defensive ditches, which today form a natural playground.

Besides being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Malvern also offers culture, largely thanks to the Malvern Theatres complex above the Winter Gardens park.  From music concerts and world cinema to classical ballet and drama, there is something here for everybody to enjoy.  An excellent range of restaurants fall within short walking distance of the Theatre, including Indian, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.

Fresh air, glorious scenery, entertainment to choose from, fine dining readily available and plenty more to discover: need I describe further why Malvern in undoubtedly a gem of the Midlands?

Written by Jemma Saunders

Follow Jemma on Twitter @JemSaunders1 or read more on her blog.

If you’ve ever visited London and needed to find a decent hotel then you’ll know that it can be stressful, difficult and expensive. But before you start stressing out and desperately searching the net for a cheap hotel that won’t be full of roaches, why not think about staying out of London instead?

Windsor is one of the UK’s finest towns and many Windsor hotels are amongst the best in the country. Royal Windsor has been a tourist attraction since people began to tour the country as a leisure activity.

The main reason Windsor is such a popular spot is because of its royal connections. Windsor castle is one of the oldest castles in Europe and has been lived in by members of the royal family for many hundreds of years. It’s also one of Europe’s largest castles with a permanent staff of over 250 people.

As the castle has been around for so long it has been built on, renovated and adapted which means it features architecture from all sorts of ears, making it an exciting and fascinating place to visit.

However, what many people don’t realise is just how close Windsor is to London. In fact it’s just a short train journey away and can be reached easily by car too. This means that if you are planning a trip to London you can make your life easier by booking a gorgeous Windsor hotel at a fraction of the price you would pay in London. You will get all the advantages of London without any of the drawbacks and you’ll also get the added bonus of being able to explore the resplendent and historic town of Windsor.

In fact, Windsor is a great base for all sorts of places in the surrounding area such as Legoland, Royal Ascot and Eton. Not to mention the beautiful countryside and picturesque villages that surround the town. The town itself boasts a fantastic farmers market, a popular theatre, comedy venues and a host of delightful bars and restaurants, so you’ll never be stuck for something to do.

Although we all like to pay a visit to our great capital it can be annoying to have to pay over the odds to stay in a cramped and unimpressive hotel. So before you book a room for your trip to London why not consider staying out of the city and take a look at Windsor hotels instead.

Whether you’re driving to the airport, in the departure lounge, at the hotel, or on the beach, there is no good location to get that awful feeling of dread in your stomach when you realise you’ve forgotten a basic but crucial holiday essential.  It’s usually something no smartphone or phrasebook can help you replace, or that you are too proud to buy from your vacation destination for twice the price.  To help avoid this sort of situation marring your future holidays, below are five of the most useful and most forgotten holiday essentials which we really shouldn’t be taking a break without.

Most people love to send postcards to friends and loved ones whiles they’re taking it easy in foreign climes, but many of us forget to take a list of addresses in order to send our “wish you were here’s”.  The easiest way to get around this problem is to take a small notebook or address book in your bag, which will also serve as a useful way of jotting down any interesting things you’d like to look into when you get back home.

Although many of us jet off to sunny destinations for our hols, there’s no guarantee it won’t rain.  Local shops and hotels make a fortune from hapless tourists who have forgotten their brollies and are running around in their shorts and vest tops while the heavens open with a vengeance.  Nowadays umbrellas are so compact and lightweight there really is no reason to not take one in your luggage just in case.

A first aid kit may not be of any use in a serious emergency while on vacation, but it will save you from running around trying to find the nearest pharmacy where upon the language barrier will force you to perform your best mime of ‘blister plaster’.  It’s also handy to take some paracetamol just in case you ‘accidentally’ over-indulge on the local red wine.

Over the past few years clear plastic bags (or a lack of them) have been to blame for large cues forming outside baggage security stations at airports all over the world.  Buy some clear freezer bags and take them with you to avoid a despairing stare from your other half as you are forced to pay two pounds for a flimsy bag that should cost pence.

Finally, a cheap and cheerful document wallet or folder is the best way to keep all your travel and identification documents together.  It sounds simple enough, but how many luggage pockets did you look through to find your passport last time you checked in on a flight? Let’s not do that again.

Written by Francesca Caruana-Grima

Commuting to your workplace, travelling from city to city or even country to country is so common these days. People understand the importance of being in a certain place at a certain time when it comes to their jobs, so more and more positions involve some commuting.

Although time consuming and tiring, travelling does not have to be a horrible experience. All you have to do is to plan it carefully.

Make Lists

It is always useful to write lists before travelling. Write down absolutely everything you need to take with you two days before leaving. Review the list before you pack and use it when arranging your luggage.

Luggage Limit

Even if you do not travel by plane, bear in mind that you would probably be carrying your luggage with you at most times. Therefore, just take the bare essentials with you. Travel size cosmetics, medicine you know you have to take – make sure everything is in there properly sealed. Just remember that airports have quite strict rules when it comes to liquids, so be sure to have containers that do not hold more than 100ml each. Put them in a zip-lock bag and make sure that the total of liquids you carry with you does not go over 1 litre. Just to be sure you won’t have any surprises at the airport, check the company’s policy when it comes to hand luggage.

Don’t Take Your Entire Wardrobe With You

It is always a bit difficult to judge what clothes you will actually be wearing and which ones will be forgotten at the back of your luggage. Will you have meetings often? Are you going to posh venues? You can never go wrong with plain office clothes that you can accessorize in order to make your outfit stand out.

When it comes to packing, be sure they do not take too much space in your luggage. Use vacuum bags to diminish bulking. This way, you will keep your clothes cleaner and away from minor incidents like a leaking shampoo container or a broken bronzer.

Emergencies

To avoid unpleasant events, always also carry cash with you, not only your credit cards. In case your bag gets stolen, keep some money in your pockets. Always have your phone charged. Keep a list of important numbers close to you – have one on your phone as well as a written piece of paper. DO not forget to include the numbers of police, ambulance and the person who has arranged the journey for you. Use maps. Have train/ bus timetables handy. Do not be ashamed to ask people for directions. If you suffer from a disease that requires medication, keep a note in your wallet just in case you faint and there is nobody you know around.

Although it can be stressing to plan a trip, you also have to rest the night before your departure. You need to have a clear mind and worrying will not let you have a proper sleep.

Have a safe trip!

This article has been written by Maria Lupu, Online Content Writer & Illustrator. Find more about her work at http://inglorious-editor.weebly.com/.

Is the traffic bad where you live? Are you always complaining about how long it takes to get to work? You really need to read about the world’s biggest and worst traffic jams to get a perspective! The next time you’re in your car driving to work or to pick up your kid from school, just thank God you weren’t caught in one of these jams! However, if you were caught in one of these jams – well, our heartfelt sympathies.

1. A Traffic Jam Stretching For 110 Miles In Paris

A bad traffic jam in a still-developing country like China might come as no surprise, but Paris? Well, in 1980, the French Autoroute between Paris and Lyon was blocked for 110 miles in what is considered the world’s worst traffic jam ever. This jam actually made it into the Guinness World Records. Traffic in Paris is expected to double every year and we can expect the traffic situation there to continue the same for a long time.

2. A Traffic Jam Stretching Over 60 Miles In China

Cars and trucks were crawling at an ant’s pace, jammed by multitudes of vehicles and people for over 60 miles on the National Expressway 110 on August 19^th, 2010. The route 110 is the major route that connects Beijing to Zhangjiakou. The highway has insufficient traffic capacity caused by the ongoing maintenance construction since August 19. Jams on this highway continued for months starting August 19^th. With 17000 trucks using the highway every day, it’s hardly a surprise that any wrench in the process can cause a jam here.

3. Huge Traffic Jam In Sao Paulo, Brazil

Sao Paulo, Brazil, experiences huge traffic jams every day but the greatest one took place in June 2009. 295km of traffic jammed the whole city, grid locking over 35% of the city’s roads. Sao Paulo is said to experience the worst jams in the world. It’s so bad and so regular that men and women perform their toiletries on the roads while waiting to get to work. Men shave, women put on makeup, people make calls and people just lock up their cars and go have a drink!

4. UK M25 Jammed For 20 Hours Due To Blocked Tunnel

The United Kingdom does not experience too many jams, thanks to the amazing infrastructure. Still, a 20-kilometer jam was quite a bit deal. One such took place in 2006 due to a lorry driver who managed to crash into a ventilation fan in the Dartford tunnel. This happened on the M25 route; the tunnel had to close down for nine hours, keeping drivers waiting in the freezing weather inside their cars, burning up fuel to keep themselves warm.

5. The Biggest Traffic Jam In Japanese History

In 1990, Tokyo saw Japan’s biggest traffic jam ever. Preceding the Typhoon Winona, motorists returning from their vacations joined evacuees to get out of Tokyo, causing 15,000 cars to cram into a jam that spanned 84 miles. Japan is not big enough to withstand large jams but the truth is that Japan’s traffic is horribly congested on a daily basis. The huge jam in 1990 is actually only twice the daily traffic of Japan’s roads!

6. Traffic Jam On The German Border

East and West Germany were coming together again and that made 1990 a great year. Tourists and families were celebrating; visiting each other along the border. 18 million cars were stalled alongside the East-West German border, blocking traffic for miles on a road equipped to handle only 50,000 cars at a time. The authorities had to manage the traffic jam as best as they could, but they couldn’t get harsh with the people for finally celebrating their reunions with family and friends.

7. The Winter Jam In Moscow

Every winter in Moscow sees horrible traffic jams. Winters cause accidents in Moscow that give rise to pile ups, huge snow drifts, unsafe driving conditions and so on that bring traffic to a stop. Roads are regularly closed and people have to make do with those that are open. Schools are usually closed during winter to prevent children from being hurt in these jams.

8. Traffic Congestion Caused By Hurricane Rita

Thousands of people started fleeing from Houston, Texas, to escape Hurricane Rita in 2005. This caused major pileups and traffic on Interstate 45 for hours, making it tough for anyone to really escape the hurricane. In 2005, even as people came to know that Hurricane Rita was scheduled to hit, they all decided to evacuate at the same time. The result? 2.5 million cars loaded on Interstate 45, jamming the world for 100 miles. The jam lasted for 48 hours, with people passing time chatting amongst themselves. It took motorists 28 hours to cross a 3-hour stretch!

This article is written by present ideas company Adrenalin. Adrenalin is an experience provider company that offers a large range of presents for men including unique and thrilling driving and flying experiences all across Australia.

If the title of this article conjures up unpleasant images in your head of caravans on cliff edges or a rogue sheep invading your poorly constructed tent, allow me five minutes to change your mind.  Hawaii and Morocco may be your dream holiday destinations but believe it or not Great Britain really does live up to its name when it comes to fantastic city breaks.

We’re all watching the pennies at the moment but that doesn’t mean you should give up on your holidays.   The UK’s major cities offer culture, entertainment, relaxation, and retail opportunities without the need for changing currency, booking vaccines, mastering a new language or worrying about the origin of the meat in your dinner. Even if you’ve visited, worked or even lived in a particular city at some point, it’s unlikely you will have experienced absolutely everything it has to offer.

The key to a fantastic staycation experience is doing your research.  Budget national hotel chains have improved greatly over the past few years, but you may be surprised at the great deals available when you look on accommodation comparison sites.  Here you can often find packages which include admission to theatre shows or museums and art galleries within the cost of your stay.  Make an effort to look up independent cafes, patisseries and restaurants for your meals instead of relying on major food chains you can find everywhere, and look out for local markets where you can pick up a hidden treasure at a great price.

It’s also worth finding out about any National Trust properties and gardens just outside the city as well as any local historical sites where you can have a look around.  These are beautiful and often relatively cheap to visit, and if the weather is on your side they are a great place to enjoy a picnic.  Be sure to check for any events in the area such as festivals, conventions or local fayres, and don’t be afraid to pop in to the tourist information centre for any advice or guidance.  Above all remember that this is your holiday and not a school trip.  Tailor your break to suit your interests and hobbies and you’ll be sure to have a great time.

Written by Francesca Caruana-Grima