There’s no worse feeling when you’re away traveling around the world than being unable to blend into your new surroundings. It can be particularly difficult to feel at ease in a city as big and diverse as London, especially when it comes to deciding on what to do to fill your evenings. With over 30 boroughs to pick from, London nights out can range from a night at the theatre to something a little bit more boisterous, depending on what tickles your fancy.

To make you feel more settled during your time in England, here are a few ideas on what to do when darkness falls in the city of London:

Catch a West End show
London’s thriving theatre district is home to some of the biggest shows and names in the entertainment industry. Going for an evening in the West End is immensely popular with both tourists and locals alike and, what’s more, there are always discount deals to be had on the ticket prices, which can be expensive if you fail to shop around. Head to the individual theatre box offices to get value for money and the convenience of being able to pick and choose where you sit, while there are also plenty of companies in and around Leicester Square that offer cheaper tickets.

See the sights of Soho
Swap the dazzling lights of Piccadilly Circus for the flashing lights of Soho, where you will find a really interesting mix of pubs, bars and restaurants. From traditional English pubs to bustling nightclubs, Soho comes to life at night. There are shades of Amsterdam and Hamburg about Soho as the area has been the focal point of the city’s sex industry for over two centuries, but don’t be put off by this as it’s not actually as sleazy as it may sound and the onus is firmly on having fun.

Come on down to Camden
Camden is a real melting pot of various different cultures existing alongside each other in what is arguably the most diverse area of the city. No matter what your interests and hobbies are, how old you are or where in the world you come from, the chances are that you’ll have little problem enjoying yourself is this part of north-west London. Music fans will certainly not be disappointed as venues like Koko and the Roundhouse regularly play host to some of the most well-known acts around, while you can unwind and relax listening to live music of every genre in the countless inviting pubs and bars.

London has long been a live music mecca across many different genres, both for bands trying to make it and for those hoping to stumble across the next big thing.

As you might expect from a city this size, there are countless venues to choose from when it comes to live music.

Here’s a round-up of some of the best venues to visit when in England’s capital city:

Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7

Housed in an impressive Grade I-listed 19th-century building, the Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington was originally opened by Queen Victoria to promote the arts and science and quickly became one of the most well-known venues in the world.

It has seen an eclectic list of high-profile performers wow the crowds since its opening in 1871, including German composer Wagner, The Beatles, The Who, Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Jimi Hendrix, Jay Z and The Killers.

Other notable events that have taken place here include a demonstration of the first use of electricity at the establishment in 1873 and a boxing tournament featuring the three Kray brothers in 1951.

The venue is capable of seating up to 4,000 people, making for a fantastic atmosphere on concert nights.

Regular events at the Royal Albert Hall include the annual Teenage Cancer Trust series of gigs, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2010 and has seen the likes of Oasis, Eric Clapton, The Cure, Jools Holland and Arctic Monkeys take part to raise money for charity.

The venue has also started screening classic films accompanied by a full live orchestra – watch out for The Matrix Live with the NDR Pops Orchestra from Germany on October 23rd 2011.

Other upcoming performances of note this year include those by blues legend B.B. King on June 28th, the BBC Proms from July 15th to September 10th and Adele on September 22nd.

How to get there: Take the tube to South Kensington or High Street Kensington and walk the rest of the way to the Royal Albert Hall (about ten minutes). Buses that stop nearby include the 9, 10, 52, 70 and 360.

100 Club, Oxford Street, W1

With a history going back to the early 1940s, the 100 Club has achieved cult status among music lovers for the number of landmark moments and big names it has played host to over the decades.

Today, it puts on shows and club nights spanning all kinds of music, but originally found fame as a jazz club. It also featured some of the most significant musicians of the blues and beat genres during a particularly golden era in the late 1950s and 1960s, including Bo Diddley, Eddie Taylor, The Kinks and The Who.

While the first half of the 1970s was somewhat quiet for the venue, it saw its finest hour when it helped launch the punk movement with a 1976 festival that featured The Sex Pistols, The Buzzcocks, The Clash, The Damned and other then-unsigned acts.

Other highlights of the 100 Club’s history include a major role in London’s involvement with the Britpop scene in the early 1990s, hosting gigs by the likes of Oasis and Echobelly.

It narrowly escaped closure in early 2011 by signing a sponsorship deal with Converse and now helps promote up-and-coming bands, as well as organising special shows for bigger names.

Future gigs to look out for include a series of concerts as part of Bluesfest London between June 27th and July 3rd, which will include sets by The Echoes of Ellington Big Band and James Hunter.

It’s always a good idea to book tickets for 100 Club shows early, as it has a capacity of just 350.

How to get there: Take the tube to Tottenham Court Road or Oxford Circus. Buses that stop outside the venue include the 7, 8, 25, 55, 98, 176, N8, N25, N176 and N207, while the 10, 73 and N73 stop 30 metres away.

The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1

The Roundhouse is a performing arts venue housed in a Grade II-listed building in Camden that hosts a wide range of music, dance, theatre and other shows.

Its history goes back to the 19th century when it was a mere steam engine repair shed, although it only started promoting the arts in 1964. Since then, it has seen acts such as Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd play to attendees and now holds gigs spanning all kinds of music genres.

Upcoming performances at the 3,000-capacity venue in 2011 include Gomez on June 21st, cellist Steven Isserlis on August 17th, The Horrors on October 17th and The Damned on November 12th.

You won’t have to go far for a bite to eat. The Meathouse offers an outdoor barbecue on the terrace on days when performances are being held in the Roundhouse’s main space, while the Made in Camden bar and restaurant is open to all for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch throughout the week.

How to get there: Take the tube to Camden Town and the Roundhouse is a ten-minute walk from the station, or get off at Chalk Farm to cut your walk to two minutes. Buses that stop nearby include the 24, 27, 31, 46, 168 and 393.

O2 Arena and indigO2, Millennium Way, SE10

Formerly the Millennium Dome, the O2 Arena has fast become the go-to venue for major acts on world tours looking to play to crowds of up to 20,000.

Previous performers at the establishment include Scissor Sisters, Prince, Bon Jovi, Justin Timberlake, Elton John, Take That and The Rolling Stones, and the arena can also be converted into a space for sporting events.

Indeed, it will host the basketball and gymnastic finals at the 2012 London Olympics, with upcoming concerts in 2011 including performances by Neil Diamond on July 9th, 11th and 13th, Iron Maiden on August 5th and 6th, Dolly Parton on September 7th and 8th, and Britney Spears on October 27th.

If you prefer your live music on a smaller scale, the indigO2 venue next to the main arena could be more up your street. The 2,400-capacity space has hosted concerts by a diverse range of artists, such as Chaka Khan, Paul Weller and Busta Rhymes.

Gigs taking place here later in 2011 include Bootsy Collins on July 11th, Roger Daltrey on July 21st and 24th, and Q-Tip on August 26th.

How to get there: Take the tube to North Greenwich and walk 200 metres to the arena. Buses that stop nearby include the 108, 188, 422 and 486.

Electric Ballroom, Camden High Street, NW1

Located in the heart of bustling Camden and known for promoting new musical talent, the Electric Ballroom first began life as a ballroom and social centre for immigrants from Ireland in the 1940s.

Since re-launching as a rock venue in the late 1970s, the 1,100-capacity space has seen gigs by the likes of Joy Division, Talking Heads, The Fall, Oasis, The Smiths and U2.

It was also the setting for an infamous Jesus and Mary Chain show in 1985 that saw an angry audience trash the Electric Ballroom when the band refused to play an encore.

The venue almost underwent closure a few years back and while the threat of extinction still hangs over it, the building’s management appear to be carrying on as normal.

Notable shows that are coming up in 2011 include New Found Glory on August 23rd and Goldie Lookin’ Chain on November 4th.

Head to the nearby Electric Market – which offers a range of alternative and indie music and clothing – to while away the hours before gigs.

How to get there: Take the tube to Camden Town. Buses that stop nearby include the C2, 14, 27, 29, 31, 134, 135, 168, 214, 274, N2, N5, N20, N31, N134, N253 and N279.

Written by the team at travelsupermarket.com, a travel comparison website that compares deals on London hotels to ensure you get the best deal on London accommodation.

As your holiday rolls around it’s easy to overlook the little things especially considering that they’re usually the boring bits like buying a plug-adapter or packing your toothbrush. But, when it comes to making sure you get to the airport on time you don’t want to get in the car on departure day and realise you don’t know where you’re going. So here are some helpful directions that’ll get you to Heathrow airport no trouble at all so you’ll have plenty of time to hop on a transfer from your heathrow airport parking space to the terminal. No matter where you’re coming from near or far these top notch directions will be your guiding light, although if you’re coming from really far it might be worth booking into one of the Heathrow airport hotels; you don’t want to start your holiday tired do you?

From the North
If you live in the Midlands the easiest route is to head straight down the M40 from Birmingham. Then when you hit the M25 follow it round anti-clockwise until you reach Junction 15. Similarly if you are coming from further north then follow the M1 or A1 until you get to the M25. It should be fairly straightforward as the airport is really well signposted all along the M25 stretch and once you turn of you’re practically there already, the signs will guide you into your terminal.

From the South
From a more southerly direction you’ll want to take the A23 North for the M23 and on to London. Once you’re on the M23 keep going until you can get onto the M25 and head west, again this should be well signposted for Heathrow. The M20 offers a better route if you’re coming from the southeast. Take a London heading and get on the M26 signposted for Heathrow and Gatwick. From there your next turn will be at junction 5 which takes you onto the M25 which you stay on until you’re at junction 15 where the M4 will take you towards Heathrow and London.

From the East
The quickest route is either the A13 or the M11, both of which will take you to the M25. You’ll need to head in the Dartford direction all the way round to junction 15. When you’re there follow the M4 signposts to Heathrow and you’ll be there in no time.

From the West
Definitely the simplest direction when you’re flying from Heathrow. From Bristol, Swindon or Reading areas just get onto the M4 as early as you can and ride it all the way in, it couldn’t be easier. If you’re in more of a southwest direction then it makes sense to take the M3 towards London and then head north until you reach junction 15 for the M4 where signposts will take you the rest of the way.

When you look at the most significant historical moments in the history of Germany, it is no surprise that a large percentage of these moments occurred in the nation’s capital city, Berlin. For those who have an interest in history, visiting these historical landmarks in Berlin will be an absolute treat. For those who are not necessarily interested in history at the moment, you may well find that you are after visiting the following sights:

Checkpoint Charlie
One of the most prominent images in German history is the Berlin Wall being torn down. This wall was built in order to separate the communist west from the east of the city and was one of the most controversial structures in modern history. Checkpoint Charlie was formerly the third checkpoint for the Americans, and the line showing where the divide once stood is somewhat eerie and evokes thoughts of how such pain and suffering could be bestowed in what was in reality a relatively modern era.

Victory Column
This column serves as a reminder of the military power that Germany used to be, even in the days before the Nazis. It was built to celebrate successful military campaigns and is as artistic as it is imposing. The statue offers more than just something to look at as you can walk up the stairs within the statue itself and experience some beautiful views of the city, and in particular the Reichstag.

Reichstag
This building has featured highly in the colourful past of this city. Those with an interest in World War Two will be more than familiar with this building as it played a significant role in the Nazis attempt to gain power in the country. Prior to the Nazi rule, the Reichstag has a rich history as home to the German government.

Charlottenburg Palace
Taking your place on one of the hourly tours around this palace is highly recommended. One of the few buildings to remain from the Prussian times, it serves as a perfect indication of the luxury in which the Prussian rulers used to live. The Palace is now home to various exhibitions, with some including prehistoric artefacts. The gardens are delightful on a sunny day.

Contribution by James of holiday-velvet, who offer Amsterdam apartments and Accommodation in Amsterdam for European travellers.

The town of Marbella is a Mediterranean jewel. Often cited as Spain’s answer to Saint Tropez, it’s located on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol and is a favourite haunt for the rich and famous. Lavish yachts adorn the azure harbour, sports cars decorate the spotless streets and Rolex watches glint off many a tanned wrist.

Marbella enjoys its own European micro-climate, which results in an incredible 300 days of sunshine per year. Bizarrely, it’s quite normal to see holidaymakers frolicking in the surf in November – a month which, to the rest of Europe, is synonymous with hats, scarves and mittens.

Apart from the obvious water sports, there are countless ways to fill your time here, including golf, quad-biking, go-karting, dolphin safaris, horse-riding, museums, art galleries, theatre shows, theme parks…the list goes on and on. Equally rewarding is simply strolling around the charming backstreets, which are packed with quirky shops, tapas bars and gourmet restaurants. And if you want to just sit back, top-up the tan and enjoy your hard-earned time off, where better than the golden sandy beaches.

Accommodation differs widely, from cheap hostels to luxury boutiques. The hotels in Marbella are, on the whole, excellent. For a taste of luxury, try out the new Guadalpin Banus Hotel, situated on the beach and only a five minute walk from the Old Town (Puerto Banus). Each of the spacious rooms is stylishly decorated and furnished, and boasts a private balcony.

For something (a lot) cheaper, you can’t go wrong with the Hostal del Pilar, perfectly located in the heart of the Old Town, a few minutes from the beach. With its super-friendly staff, great roof terrace and communal lounge, it’s a firm backpacker favourite.

Come evening, you’re spoiled for choice. The nightlife is fantastic and Marbella clubs are quite simply among the best on the planet. Famous guest DJs keep dance floors packed from dusk ‘til dawn and, at the more exclusive venues, you may find yourself in the company of celebrities.

If you’re watching the pennies, Dreamers, an enormous club close to the Old Town and dubbed as the “cathedral of house music”, offers free entry and free drink vouchers to those who arrive when the night is young (about 1AMish).

However you choose to spend your time here, Marbella will leave you wanting more and more.

With its sunny weather, friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere, Malta holidays are a great choice for family holidays and romantic getaways alike. There are plenty of places to stay that suit all budgets and taste. But when it comes to a traditional seaside holiday, how do you choose between Qawra and Bugibba, two of Malta’s most popular resorts?

For families with young children and couples looking for a relaxing destination, Qawra’s chilled out bars and romantic restaurants win out over Bugibba’s livelier scene. Here you can spend your days enjoying boat trips along the coast, splashing around in crystal clear waters or just soaking up the glorious sun, while in the evenings you can take your pick of fine dining, friendly bars and family entertainment. You’re in a great position to explore further afield too, with plenty of excursions offering the chance to experience everything Malta has to offer; explore the historic grand harbour, see the island by seaplane or watch a traditional live show.

Just a few miles further along the coast is the resort of Bugibba, a lively resort that’s perfect for groups and families with older children. Teenagers and thrill-seekers will be spoiled for choice by the range of water sports and activities on offer, while grown ups will be delighted with the designer boutiques and busy markets that make shopping for souvenirs an essential part of any visit. In the evenings, Bugibba really comes into its own and while it might not be ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat the countless bars, discos and night clubs make a fun destination for anyone who enjoys an evening on the town. Here too, you’ll be close to all the exciting sights Malta has to offer as well as a variety of trips offering tours of Sardinia and other popular destinations.

So whatever you’re looking for in a holiday, you’ll find that Malta has it all. And with a little bit of careful planning, you can find the perfect resort for your holiday.

With the recession in its full, fell swing, many feel that they cannot take proper vacations. Cheap holidays are the order of the day; shorter trips for smaller budgets, less exotic locales, fewer borders crossed and flights taken. Many days of vacation time are finding themselves unused simply because few believe cheap holidays are feasible.

Holidays in Greece are often thought of as pricey, high-class excursions to a luxury zone in an exotic foreign country, but in truth, holidays in Greece can be done on the cheap, on the quick, and with all the fulfillment and relaxation of a grandiose, expensive trip.

Greece is an historic nation, the root and foundation of Western civilization; for young adults, be they students or professionals, there is no better place to go to inspire awe and reawaken drive lost in the working day-to-day. Greece is home to the former city-state Athens, the prototypical democracy, and Athens is in turn home to the Acropolis of Athens, foundation of the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, some of the finest archaeological ruins open for public viewing in the world. Athens alone houses dozens of museums for both archaeology and contemporary works, displaying the best and most important elements of the past alongside the cream of our present and hopes for our future. The Grecian islands contain a splendor of their own, as well, with their beaches of white sand flung up and down the entire lengths of their coasts, with majestic outcroppings of cliff and rock to shield the shores from harsh wind and weather.

Greece is the perfect location for any young adults looking to take a cheap, affordable holiday in their time away from University or on their limited vacation. The modern nature of Greece coupled with the historic nature of its tourism centers creates a much more affordable holiday not centered on the stereotypical tourist culture of expensive food and overpriced souvenirs, allowing both starving students and overtired young professionals to find some respite from their day-to-day lives without breaking their banks for a luxury hotel. Greece is the ideal escape for those on a tight budget looking for a true escape from the mundane.

When planning a European trip, a stop in London England is a must. I visited London England as a part of a larger European trip, but still ended up spending a fun-filled week in the city. With so much to see and do in the city, it can be difficult to fit it all in. During my week stay, I tried my best to see as much as possible, making it to all the important sites and attractions, as well as going on a few guided tours.

If you are planning a trip to London on a fairly strict time schedule, I would highly recommend signing up for a tour or two. Tours are a great way to make the most of your time by allowing you to see multiple sites at once while also giving you added background information from your tour guides. During my stay, I took a full-day guided tour that covered all the classic attractions of London. It showcased the city’s historic castles, museums, art galleries, and diverse communities. The tour my friends and I chose was great because it was a private tour where our guide drove us around from site to site and guided us through each attraction. We received authorized tours inside the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey, the place of Royal marriages, burials, and Coronations. We also went to the British Museum which featured the Elgin marbles, the mummies of ancient Egypt, the Rosetta stone, the world of the Assyrians, and treasures from the dark ages.

A trip to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards was also high on my list of things to do. We also purchased tickets to tour the palace’s more than 600 rooms, as well as the Queen’s Gallery and the Royal Mews. Next we went back over to the south end of the Westminster Bridge at the South Bank of the River Thames to see the London Eye at Millennium Pier. It is one of London’s newest tourist attractions which was designed to celebrate the year 2000. We climbed onboard the glass-encased capsules of the Ferris wheel for a leisurely, circular orbit, high above the Thames. The ride allowed for spectacular views across London and beyond. It is definitely not a fairground ride though, as each rotation around the wheel takes approximately a half hour to complete. This provided us with plenty of time to take in the great views and snap some great pictures.

The next day we took a tour of Apsley House, the London residence of the Duke of Wellington which sits opposite to the entrance of Hyde Park. The house is commonly known as No. 1 London, and contains memorabilia associated with Wellington including paintings, silver, and porcelain collections. From here we strolled through Hyde Park, walking by Serpentine Lake and Rotten Row which is a famous horse-riding area. From Hyde Park we entered Kensington Gardens which contains beautiful and formal gardens, as well as statue of JM Barrie, the author of Peter Pan.

Our final day in London consisted of some well-needed shopping and a trip to Covent Garden Market. Even though we got to see many of the main attractions and sites, I’m already looking forward to planning a future trip to see all that I missed the first time around.

France is one of my favorite places to travel to. It has everything you could want in a trip: metropolises, beaches, countryside, fabulous food and wine, a great night scene, fantastic shopping, culture, and history. Every time I return, there is more to see and explore. You cannot get bored in France because the country has just too much to offer. I’ve traveled to France a couple times as part of larger Europe trips, but my favorite experience in France was when I took a whole trip devoted to France. I had two whole weeks to experience the country and it was great because I had the time to really explore all of France.

I flew to Paris first and spent four days in the city of lights. Four days ended up being the perfect amount of time to spend in this great city where you could easily spend months exploring all it has to offer. But since I had many other places to visit on my trip, four days ended up being a great amount of time to see all the main sights and even a few less known attractions as well.

I started my Paris tour with the ‘Tour of Illuminations’ which shows all of the main sights all lit up for night. I also visited the louvre, the arc de triumphe, and walked along the river seine. I also made a trip to my favorite, the Notre Dame Cathedral. I also visited the castle of Versailles. I had never had the opportunity in previous trips to visit the famous castle, so I was excited to see it. I got to tour the grounds, and also receive a guided tour of the former royal family’s luxurious living quarters.

Next, I traveled through the scenic wine producing regions of Burgundy and Chablis. I got to go on a vineyard tour and wine tasting which is a must when traveling through France’s wine country. From there, I went on to the Chamonix, Mont Blanc, the world famous mountaineering center and Mecca for climbers and snow boarders. I took a cable-car excursion to the top of the heights of Mount Blanc. Once I reached the top, the view was absolutely breathtaking. My camera definitely got a workout as I took magnificent pictures of the surrounding Alps and ice caves.

Another great stop on my trip was to the French Riviera and the stunning Cote d’Azur. The beautiful blue waters and palm tree lined streets of Nice were beautiful. While here, I took a tour of a perfumery to learn how perfume is made. I also visited a couple of the great markets to have a picnic on the beach. I spent a couple of days just lazing out on the beautiful beaches and working on my tan. I also made my way into a few of the chic shops.

From there, I moved onto Provence where I finished my trip. The fields in Provence were pretty as they were filled with lavender, sunflowers, and wild herbs. From Provence, I took a long scenic drive back up to Paris to depart back home. It was a beautiful and relaxing trip that I hope to do again later in my life.

Norway is a refreshing land of mountains and fjords, a great place to take a break and discover one of the Viking homelands, with a lively mythology of trolls and wicked witches. The dense forests covered in hoarfrost and mists over the peaks and obscuring the farther reaches of the fjords inspired Ibsen to create the mischievous and terminally romantic Peer Gynt, and Grieg’s incidental music captures the magic of this country. It’s one of my favorite countries in the world, ad not just because my family comes from there. It’s a country for those who like winter and the outdoors.

When I go back, I rent a holiday villa in Norway and my family and I spend a lot of time out in the mountains. There’s nowhere quite like it, and every season has its own attractions. Kristiansand is Norwayís southernmost city and is popular as a holiday destination with Norwegians themselves as well as foreign tourists, with its long beaches and magnificent scenery. The old 17th century fortress of Christiansholm and neighboring wooden houses are not to be missed, and the Oddernes church just outside the walls is almost a thousand years old. It’s historic and we go back quite often.

The cuisine in Kristiansand is international, with an emphasis on spices and imported ingredients, and there’s a market in the old town square selling fruit and vegetables, so you’ll not go short on ingredients for your self-catering break.

Renting offers a degree of flexibility not available with hotels, where you’re constrained by set meal times, and kids in your group will appreciate the extra room to relax and feel at home. When you are staying at a place for a long time, you want the comforts of home. There’s nothing like making a meal with family in the winter. I’ll take that over hotel food any day.