“Taking advantage of the good weather in London that Friday, we decided to go a bike tour. The guide recommended us to take the afternoon-tour, the one called: Secret Bike Tour. It was a really great choice! We rode the bikes mostly around East London, in a group of six people plus the guide. At first you think that maybe it is hard to ride a bike around a big city like London, but the truth is that London is a well-prepared city with bike lanes and the drivers are accustomed to bicycles.

We started our tour towards the City of London, where we could listen to stories about the Bank of England or the shopping centre close to it nowadays. For example: there are so many rooms on the ground floor of the Bank of England, that if you put them one on top of the other forming a tower it could be one of the highest buildings in England.

Continuing our way, we could visit The Leadenhall Market where Harry Potter did his shopping in the famous movies. We passed through the Bangladesh Area, Jack the Ripper mystery birth quarter (or not- as you will discover) and Bridget Jones’ home… After a 15minute rest, we returned to the riverside. We discovered secret canals, even the one where a James Bond persecution was filmed!

One of the greatest highlights was visiting Borough Market: London’s oldest food market. It was a real pleasure to pass through it by bike, smelling and delighting in all what is sold there. We crossed the Tower Bridge, City Hall, the London Eye and Shakespeare’s Globe. We could see where the old theatre was placed at first, before the great fire that destroyed it: there is an old wall of the ancient theatre remaining.

After four nice hours of tour, we arrived to our final destination, the ‘Banksy Tunnel’ on Leake Street, where you can have a free Graffiti Class every Saturday morning! In conclusion, we had a really great time: we found the stories told by Chris, our excellent guide, very interesting. In fact, I have already recommended all of my friends to do this tour! It’s a really good way to get to know London and not only see the typical touristic attractions.”

For an alternative way to discover London, go on  The Secret Bike Tour that Guiomar enjoyed.

It’s official as Metro reported that UK’s summer 2011 is the coldest since 1998. The Met Office has concluded that the average temperature this summer was a mere 14C .  The report called the British summer ‘somewhat pitiful’… Hmmm, we can think of a stronger synonym or two for this appalling weather! So search for the sun elsewhere as September is looming and summer is officially at an end. Here are our suggestions to get your portion of Vitamine D in Europe.

Rome, Italy. Temperature: 29C

Friends have recently returned from Rome describing it as epic but hot! (Perhaps this should be: epic and hot.) In any case Rome does tick the sun box as well as all the culture boxes. You can see ruins of the old Roman Empire, the Coliseum, the Forum and Palatine Hill. Admire the riches of the Baroque movement in Bernini’s architectural work at the Piazza San Pietro, his sculptures and a mix of both the Fountain of the Four Rivers at the Piazza Navona. Book for the Vatican and skip the line: walk through the Papal post and its surroundings and view the world famous works of painter Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.

Cote d’Azur, south France. Temperature: 25C

Madonna was spotted jet skiing there and the French Riviera has always had it’s attraction for celebrities as Cannes, where the famous film festival is held, is conveniently located there. One of the most popular destinations is Nice, the capital of the Cote d’Azur.  It has 15 private and 22 well-kept public beaches for you to lie on and top up that tan.Speaking of which, you could also visit the seaside resort of  St Tropez. We offer a wine-tasting tour from Nice, we bring you to the lovely village of Port Grimaud and St Tropez. On the way back you make a stop for a wine tasting session. Sun, beach and wine: who could wish for more?

Seville, Spain. Temperature: 25C

How do you think the Seville oranges get their colour?  Seville in southern Spain is the crown of Andelucia. Relax, while walking through the city admiring the architecture. Their famous Gothic Cathedral was a former mosque and the largest Gothic building in Europe. After some sightseeing, enjoy some local tapas and visit a flamenco show in the evening all while on tour in Seville.

Photos by Flickr: Rome by Moyan Brenn/ Nice by Justin Knabb/ Seville by Wendjie Zhang

Where in the world did you…

…eat the most scrumptious pancakes?
…admire the most gorgeous view?
…have the most thrilling ride?
…discover the best place to swim?
…drink the tastiest pint?

Tell us what places we cannot miss and send an email (if you can send us a picture!) to competition@isango.com with TRAVEL TIP in the subject line.

Prizes will be given for the best tips and we will place them on our blog.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Nowadays, a wide selection of vacation accommodation options for family holidays are available. No longer are families obligated to pile into small hotel rooms, or pay astronomic prices for suites. Paris, especially, offers an enormous selection of vacation rental apartments ranging from comfortable studios to large luxurious lofts that are perfect for family vacations. Whatever size or price range, you will find a vacation apartment that suits your family’s needs. If you are thinking about renting a vacation apartment in Paris for your next family holiday here are some advantages:

Cost effective Renting a vacation apartment is one of the most cost-effective options for family holiday accommodations. In Paris, where hotel prices are extremely high, prices for vacation apartments are generally less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms. In addition, the amount of additional space that you get with an apartment compared to the price paid makes this type of stay much more economical. Plus, all vacation apartments have fully equipped kitchens, so savings from cooking some meals at home can also be factored into overall cost savings.

Comfort Vacation apartments are more comfortable for families than other accommodation options. Even if you rent a studio, the size of the space is generally larger than an average hotel room in Paris, or any other big city. In some apartments, children often have their own bed, or even room. There is always a dining area and, as mentioned above,fully equipped kitchens where you can make homemade meals. Vacation apartments include all the comforts of home.

Practical Families with small children must consider their special needs when looking at holiday accommodations. Vacation apartments offer practical solutions to meet these needs such as a calm place to have naps without the worry of housekeeping knocking on the door or to prepare special meals that only mom can make! In addition, a kitchen offers the freedom for midnight feedings and an apartment provides space for playing.

As you can see, vacation apartment rentals are one of the most practical and cost-effective accommodation options for families traveling to Paris.

About the author

Donna has lived in Paris for over ten years and has traveled extensively throughout the world with her family. She recommends booking a vacation apartment for your next trip to Paris.

It’s been 34 years after Elvis Presley’s death but fans still hold candlelight vigils at the gates of his Graceland mansion to remember The King.

Elvis was born 1935, in Tupelo Mississippi to his parents Vernon and Gladys Presley. His twin-brother Jesse was still born and Elvis would remain an only child. In 1954 he signed up with Sun Records in Memphis, a label owned by Sam Phillips and deemed the birthplace of rock ‘n’roll. Self-taught producer Philips has a knack for spotting talent: he’d also sign the likes of Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. A picture of the four jamming in 1956 would later be printed as “The Million Dollar Quartet.” The unique event has recently inspired a jukebox musical Million Dollar Quartet that was sold out on Broadway and a hit in the London West End.

A mere two years after his first recording Elvis had transferred to the bigger label RCA and was on his way to become a world-star. He sold over a billion records, earned 14 Grammy nominations and acted in 33 movies.

In 1967, after an eight year courtship, Elvis Presley married Priscilla Beaulieu. Exactly nine months later their daughter Lisa Marie was born. Elvis and Priscilla in Germany when he drafted for the US Army. Remarkably this would be the only time Elvis would travel outside of the USA, despite his worldwide success.

On the eve of the 34th of anniversary of her father’s death Lisa Marie released a statement, in which she announced a new exhibition at Graceland in Spring 2012 “Elvis Through His Daughter’s Eyes”.

Elvis might have left the building but his legacy still lives on.

Discover the undisputed birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and visit Graceland and other Memphis music attractions with an audiotour and discount.

It was another sunny weekend and Team isango! went to Oxford for the day. Oxford university is world-famous, its alumni include Nobel Prize winners(e.g. Sir John Eccles) politicians (e.g PM David Cameron and former PM Tony Blair), well-known actors ( e.g. Hugh Grant and Rosamund Pike) authors (e.g Michael Palin) and the list goes on.
One of the largest colleges of the university is Christ Church College. The college’s big hall was used for filming some scenes of the  Harry Potter franchise and you can visit the building Mon-Sat 9am- 5.30pm and Sun 2pm-5.30pm. Tickets in peak season £7.50, concessions £6.

The city with its historic buildings is a bustling town with plenty of shops, theatres and museums to keep tourists and residents entertained.  Team isango! visited the Ashmolean museum of art and archaeology. Opening times are Tues - Sunday 10am - 6pm, Bank Holiday Monday 10am – 6pm, admission is free.

Oxford also has a lot of open spaces where you can lie on the grass and look at people punt on the Cherwell or the Thames.

We had fun and we hope you enjoy the pictures!

Oxford was more touristic than I thought. The main street is full of shops and people! There were street artists and the music bands all over, which was nice too. Visiting the city is very good ’cause it is not so big and you can easily see everything. Just take a tourist map and the fun can start. The old style of the buildings make the city look like it’s from a fairy tale. It was a very nice trip! - Claudio

A visit to Oxford is an easy day out from London – if you are in a rush: take a day tour from London and see Windsor, Oxford and Stonehenge in one day.

At a time of year when people are hunting for cheap flights to Europe and cringing when they see the high cost of airfare, it’s tempting to cut way back on a travel itinerary simply because of the cost. If you’re not so put off by the price of a ticket to skip your trip altogether, however, does it really make sense to get all the way to Europe only to severely limit yourself?

European guidebook guru Rick Steves often says that it doesn’t make sense to spend thousands on a trip but then skimp on things like the guidebook you bring, but I think the same can be said of the activities you take part in while you’re traveling, too. No, it’s not cheap to fly to Europe during the high season, and that’s especially true this year - but so long as you’re making the commitment to go, the least you can do is spend enough money so that you enjoy your trip.

The good news is that it doesn’t take a trust fund-sized fortune to enjoy a trip to Europe. There are, to be sure, less-costly places in the world to visit, but if you’ve got to see Europe there’s just no replacement. Some European destinations are cheaper than others, however - your money will go further in (for instance) Portugal or Croatia than in France or England. Even within certain countries, there are regions that are cheaper, too. In Italy, for example, the southern half of the country is often significantly cheaper than the northern half - unless it’s August and you’re vying for space on the crowded beaches.

Another area for money-saving throughout Europe is transportation. If you’re traveling in a group, you may be better off sharing the costs of a rental car. If you’ve got more time than the typical two weeks, you could save a bundle with a pass for a European coach tour. If you’re sticking to one country, find out the most common method the locals use for getting around, because that’s often the best value for your money. Going back to the Italian example, the trains have long been one of the best ways to get around the country - and although it used to be much cheaper if you bought city-to-city ticket as you traveled, you can actually save money with an Italian rail pass if your trip includes primarily high-speed trains these days. It’s a big up-front cost, but it could save you quite a bit.

Once you’ve settled on a destination and mapped out how you’ll save on your trip, consider picking one “splurge” activity. Perhaps it’s a lavish meal, or a hiking tour, or a guided tour of a city - whatever appeals to you most. Choosing one splurge during an otherwise frugal trip is a great way to keep from feeling like you’re skimping too much.

About the Author: Jessica Spiegel is a Portland-based travel writer for BootsnAll Travel, where she’s the resident Italy expert. She has a ridiculous fondness for Venice, and although her list of the top 10 things to do in Venice doesn’t include a gondola ride, she’d love to learn to do the traditional Venetian stand-up style of rowing instead (all the while hoping she didn’t end up in the lagoon).

photos, top to bottom, by zoetnet, Meis Beeder

The night sky can be a magical sight to behold–when the evening is dark and the stars are bright, we gaze up at the infinite ceiling above us, captivated by the wonder and magic it seems to possess. Now imagine that the night sky is not its normal shade of black, but shades of green, purple, blue, and red. Imagine that you’re looking at the Northern Lights Iceland, and experiencing a unique sight like no other.

Iceland is a land full of natural beauty, culture, and history, and the Northern Lights are one of the land’s most miraculous natural attractions. From September to April, on crisp winter nights, the Northern Lights illuminate the Icelandic sky. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights are caused by charged particles released from the sun. When the particles reach Earth, they collide with gas particles in the atmosphere, which produces energy and a vibrant, colorful, light spectacle in the night sky. While most comparable to a sunset, the Northern Lights often appear in a series of arcs and spirals that follow Earth’s magnetic field. The Northern Lights can be experienced at a variety of locations around the North Magnetic Pole, but the Northern Lights Iceland are always guaranteed to inspire.

The Aurora Borealis epitomizes Mother Nature’s reputation for unpredictability, and thus catching a glimpse of them is often an elusive venture. However, the hunt for the lights in itself is an adventure that very few people can say they’ve had the opportunity to experience in their lifetime. And when you do get the chance to witness the stunning, colorful lights dancing gracefully across the night sky, you’ll be so entranced by the splendour of it all that you’ll be thrilled you experienced the beautiful Northern Lights Iceland.

As the sun sets over the Singapore Safari, a four-legged creature stirs from its daytime drowse.  Although short and dense in stature, there’s something that makes this horned animal standout.  At first glance, its slate grey coat seems normal.  Upon a second look, however, a bluish tint shines through.  Can this be?

Inside Singapore Zoo’s Night Safari, the Himalayan blue sheep is one among the more than 1,000 animals that begin their day as the moon appears.

The world’s first wildlife park for nocturnal animals, Night Safari houses 120 species of endangered wildlife.  The park is divided into eight distinct geographical zones, each of which is featured on the Night Safari tour.

As the open-air tram carefully maneuvers between the safari’s physical features—flowing rivers, lush trees, and dirt paths—its inhabitants remain undeterred.  The glowing moon illuminates the strong Cape buffalos that play in the fields, African bongos that feed in grassy fields, and striped hyenas that prowl within the 40 hectares of tropical forest.

Following the four-hour tour, the Night Safari continues with a guided trail walk.  Offering an in-depth look at these nighttime critters, the trip features flying squirrels and bats that glide from tree to tree, and leopards that stalk their intended prey.

What promises to be an evening adventure chockfull of awe and animals, Singapore Zoo’s Night Safari will be a memorable experience.

As the sun sets over the Singapore safari, golden jackals and one-horned rhinoceros start to stir. Waking up from their daytime drowses, these four-legged creatures are among the more than 1,000 animals that begin their lightless days at the Night Safari.

The world’s first wildlife park for nocturnal species, Night Safari opened in 1994 and houses 120 species of endangered wildlife. With a focus on innovation, creativity, and captive breeding, the park facilitates the breeding of a slew of animals. From regal Malayan tigers to monstrous Asian elephants to stocky fishing cats, the safari’s habitants roam its 40 hectares of land.

Split up into eight distinct geographical zones, each habitat is featured in the Night Safari tour. As the tram quietly weaves between flowing streams, leafy trees, and dirt paths, the park’s fierce predators and timid forest dwellers remain undisturbed. Illuminated by subtle moonlight, robust Cape buffalo play in the fields, Himalayan blue sheep feed in grassy slopes, and striped hyenas prowl within the tropical forest grounds.

To get a closer look at these nighttime creatures, a guided trail walk proceeds the tram tour. Navigating through the safari’s thick shrubs and winding roads, flying squirrels and bats glide between tress, while leopards bolt after intended prey.

For an evening chockfull of awe, adventure, and animals, visit Singapore Zoo’s Night Safari.