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

Irish Passport Office

From the website:

“The Passport Office, which is part of the Department of Foreign Affairs, issues passports to Irish citizens.

All Irish citizens are entitled to apply for an Irish passport. Services are provided by the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork and by Irish Diplomatic and Consular Missions overseas.”

Tonia’s Rural Cyprus

This was the name of a ten-part series that the chef/presenter and all-round espouser of all that is Cyprus, Tonia Buxton, had on television a little while ago. It is also the name that could be given to the current promotion being aimed at us by Cyprus.

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.

Travelling is risky business

So Colonel Gaddafi has gone but, despite the death of the desperate despot, the future isn’t especially rosy for Libya. Gaddafi might have gone to his grave but the nation faces a tough battle to win back holidaymakers – like much of the Middle East

Picture perfect

Tired of taking mediocre photos? Relax – with travel snapper, Panos Kostouros, as your guide, memorable photographs are well within your reach. Happy shooting!