South Australia’s green scene

South Australia is arguably the most eco friendly destination down under says writer and well-known British environmentalist, Tony Juniper

Spotlight on San Francisco

Ahead of the Golden Gate Bridge’s 75th birthday on May 27, San Francisco has never looked more golden writes Kaye Holland. Read her guide to the city with its head in the clouds, here

Consumer Direct (formally the National Consumer Council)

From the website:

“Consumer Direct is the government-funded telephone and online service offering information and advice on consumer issues. Consumer Direct is funded by the Office of Fair Trading and delivered in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Services.”

A journey through Vietnam: part 4

Aidan Lawes gives us the low-down on Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sa Pa – the final part of his journey around Vietnam

York & World Heritage Status

You might be surprised that York doesn’t have UNESCO World Heritage status. Given its Viking, Roman and church history, its city walls, York Minster and its remaining buildings you would have thought it was a shoe in. But no the city has never applied for the status before. This year it has and is one of 38 places in the UK that have submitted proposals to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. It is this body – or rather a panel of experts appointed by it – that will recommend which 2 names should be forwarded to UNESCO for their consideration. That doesn’t necessarily mean, however, that they will accept them on the nod.

Staycations Did Boom

Tourism South East, the body responsible for tourism in the south east of England that covers not only the south east but Oxfordshire as well, has been investigating whether the staycation really happened and how big it was. Figures from a number of other sources have shown that overseas holidays were down on 2008 but information on people who holidayed at home (the staycation as it has become known) has been largely hearsay.

Cambodia: the comeback kid

The years of fear and loathing are over: Cambodia has been catapulted onto the world stage as a tourist destination and is slowly rebuilding for the future. Andy Booth, owner of travel company ABOUTAsia whose profits support the education of children in rural Cambodia, gives us the local low-down on the country’s capital: Siem Reap