Santa Cruz secrets

Approximately 1, 65 miles south of San Francisco, lies the quintessential californian beach town of Santa Cruz. Come for the surfing but stay for the quirky shopping, sensational meals and mountains, says Santa Cruz resident Kayla Peterson

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

Department of Foreign Affairs (Republic Of Ireland)

From the website:

The Mission of the Department of Foreign Affairs is to advance Ireland’s political and economic interests in the European Union and in the wider world, to promote Ireland’s contribution to international peace, security and development both through the European Union and through active participation in international organisations, in particular the United Nations, to protect our citizens abroad, and to pursue reconciliation and partnership on the island of Ireland.

Jordan and Hard Pressed Brits

Remember last year? It was the year we were cutting back and staying at home to holiday. Destinations which didn’t offer value for money or were considered cheap to visit were supposed to be hit by a downturn in numbers. We knew that there had been increased interest in long-haul holidays but wasn’t this because it was cheap when you got there? But there are places not known for being inexpensive which have done rather well. Take Jordan for example. Last year up until the end of November over 67,000 of travelled there, largely to see the heritage sites. We were the second largest number of European visitors after France.

Happy Chinese New Year

Kung Hei Fat Choy! A Happy Chinese New Year!

Twitter: An Outlet for Moaning

In the old days, if you had a problem you complained in person or by letter or by telephone. The arrival of the internet allowed blogs and then social websites.

Twitter which sometimes seems no more than the virtual stalking of celebrities has provided a bonus and a problem for the travel industry. It is a bonus in that travel companies can put up last minute offers and thoughts secure in the knowledge that it will be quickly seen by followers.

Allan Pickett’s perfect New Year meal

Allan Pickett – head chef at recently revamped Canary Wharf restaurant, Plateau – shares four fabuously festive recipes that are perfect for entertaining this New Year’s Eve, with CD-Traveller readers