There is only just over a month to go until one of the most glitzy, glamorous and exciting events in the Awards season takes place at the O2 Arena in London. This is, of course, the BRIT Awards 2012, and it will be held on the 21^st February and promises to be a real night to remember. As well as many stars appearing to hand out or receive these coveted awards, the Brits are renowned for the quality of their live performers.

This year promises to be better than ever, and the biggest buzz is around two artists who haven’t been on the Brits stage for several years. After a three year absence, Noel Gallagher’s flying Birds will entertain us all with his imitable style of music that appeals to all ages, and there will no doubt be tumultuous applause when Britpop icons Blur take their place on the O2 stage.

MasterCard have sponsored the Brits for 14 years now, and in keeping with their famous tagline, these awards are priceless to the lucky recipients who walk away with them thanks to their contributions to music over the past year. In the past, MasterCard have traditionally run fantastic competitions to tie in with the Brits, and this year they have come up with something extra special.

If you fancy yourself as a singer, and would like the chance to duet with Emile Sande,  JLS or Labrinth, then now’s your chance. As part of their Something For The Fans initiative, MasterCard are offering their holders the chance to sing a priceless duet with one of these top stars which will be shown in the commercial breaks of the Brits television broadcast.

To put yourself in the running for this amazing prize, go online and log into the website at  www.somethingforthefans.co.uk. Once registered you simply upload a video, or several, showcasing your vocal talents. You have until January 25^th to enter, and can even enter a different video every day until then to really maximise your chances. Once the competition has closed, those through to the second round will hear within a couple of days.

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The capital city of Latvia is Riga, and it is not only the largest city within the Balkan states but also one of the largest in Europe. It has a long a dramatic history, as since its founding in1201 it has been ruled by various factions including Germany and the now defunct Soviet Union, evidence of both can be found in both the architecture of the city and in the dialects of the inhabitants.

Riga is very much a city where old meets new and the old parts of the city are a stark contrast to the modern industrial buildings which have sprung up since the re-unification of Europe following the fall of the iron curtain. Riga is rightly proud of its Balkan history and much is made of their traditions and folklore. Although the country is now predominantly Christian, the pagan traditions are still very much is evidence.

If your trip to Riga covers the dates of the summer solstice, 23-24 June, these traditions are very much in the fore as the people take to the streets and celebrate this event with the gusto that the  Scots demonstrate at Hogmanay. Another pagan ritual takes place at the winter solstice, where a traditional Yule log is dragged around the old town to signify the arrival of winter and a festival including dancing and a bonfire follows.

Riga’s Ethnographical open air museum is a great place to visit to discover more about the folklore and traditions of this fascinating country with its long and colourful history.

The wild and glorious area of Scotland known as the Shetlands attracts visitors in their thousands thanks to its rugged beauty. The Shetlands are made up of an archipelago of over 100 islands, and are at the northernmost extremity of the UK.  This is a place where the summer sun, which barely dips below the horizon, combines with the wildlife and the scenery to create an unforgettable experience for any visitor.

A weekend that gives you the best of both worlds is becoming an increasingly popular way to see the delights that this area of Britain has to offer. With luxurious, all inclusive accommodation as your base, the itineraries are planned so get the most out of your time here. As most of these weekend tours begin on a Friday morning, many guests choose to arrive on the Thursday so they get a relaxing evening before the fun begins.

The 5 star hotels in Scotland used in these weekend breaks are all top quality establishments with full a la carte dining as part of the package and sumptuously decorated rooms to chill out in if you are not making use of the many facilities on offer. From this base, you will effectively island hop during the weekend, and take in such sights as killer whales, hunting seals and wild otters.

For bird lovers, there is also the opportunity to take a night time excursion to catch sight of the rare Storm Petrels. Anyone with a penchant for nature and wildlife will have the trip of a lifetime to the Shetlands. As many of the islands are only inhabited by birds and wildlife, it offers a rare opportunity to see them in their natural environment and go about their daily business, while you capture them on film to look back on for years to come.

Quebec is the largest of all the Canadian provinces, and its capital, Quebec city, is a buzzing cosmopolitan city that many know of due to its summer festival and winter carnival. A weekend break in Quebec city can be a hugely enjoyable trip for all concerned as there is much to see and do. It should never be overlooked when it comes to cities in Quebec as for a short break; it has a quintessential charm all of its own.

Not only is it the largest city in Canada, but Quebec also has the reputation as serving the finest food in the country. Its French influence has produced a cuisine that is renowned the world over, and no trip here is complete without treating yourself to some fine dining in the top restaurants.

A great place to stay is the hotel within the museum known as Auberge Saint-Antoine. The towering lobby was a gun battery in the 17^th century and there are over 750 local artefacts displayed throughout the 95 rooms. A must see in the city is the picturesque storybook islet of  Île d’Orléans, only 15 minutes from downtown Quebec. Here you will find vineyards, orchards and quaint stone cottages, and it’s like taking a step back in time.

Despite the urge to eat the exhibits, the Choco-Musée Érico is both a chocolaterie and museum and lovers of the stuff will feel as if they have found their utopia. Once you have explored the various Epiceries and stocked up of fine cheeses, hams and wine, take your gains to the Park Joan d’Arc and eat alfresco overlooking the river and the plains of Abraham, the vast expanse of land where the French were defeated by the British in 1759.

If hopping on a bus for 5 hours cramps your legs and your style, then why not travel the rails from Boston to New York? Train travel between the two cities is now quick, easy and super affordable. Isn’t it about time for you to take your own quick journey overland?!

Sit Back and Relax

The nicest part about traveling by train? The amount of space! Think about it: airplane seats barely allow you to move, while buses have every passenger piled on top of one another – literally. Most trains between Boston and New York have ample leg room for you to stretch out, open up that laptop and surf the web. Here’s one bonus: you’ll be able to recline your seat and take a nap without worrying about disturbing the person behind you.

Visit the Dining Car

For a little antiquated adventure, why not take advantage of the fact that you can walk around the train? Ok, hit the bathroom if you must but your first stop should be the dining car. In most trains, you’ll find a car equipped with warm sandwiches, snacks and adult libations to make your Boston-New York train trip all the more enjoyable.

Indulge in the Scenery

The biggest benefit of traveling by rail? All the natural scenery! With just one glance out the window you can take in the view and get a true panoramic feel for your journey. Indulge in the sights and sounds of the forests, rivers and other natural gems as you’re whisked to your destination.

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If you can’t live without your morning, afternoon and err evening cup(s) of java, never fear. We’ve compiled a list of the best independent coffee shops in that most teeming of boroughs: Brooklyn, New York. Read on for your insider guide to the neighborhoods’ hottest independent coffee spots.

Second Stop Cafe

Who needs the false charm of corporate coffee like Starbucks when you can duck into the much loved Second Stop Cafe located in Williamsburg at 524 Lorimer St. With ridiculously delicious coffee and relaxed, vintage decor this cafe fave is sure to delight. The menu also boasts some muffins and pastries. But don’t say we didn’t warn you: you will pay Williamburg-chic prices for all procured here.

Cafe Grumpy

This coffee institution is becoming less “underground” with every new location but it’s perfectly roasted coffee is brewed in-house, so we can certainly understand the fanaticism. Stop by the spacious Green Point location on 193 Meserole Avenue for some eye-opening espressos and friendly staff.

Cake Shop

Ok, so this is a bit of a stretch, but a good stretch at that. Equal parts coffee shop, record shop and indie music venue, Cake Shop is a great place to stop in for the music and get taken by surprise by the coffee. Wile away a Sunday afternoon sipping some java and stay to catch a punk rock, power pop or garage show. Located right at 152 Ludlow St.

Black Gold Records

It seems that the plethora of coffee shops-cum-record stores-cum antiques-shop cum…Okay, you get the point. That aside, Black Gold certainly deserves a mention on the list. Try out one of their famous iced coffees paired with a sweet treat of your choosing before perusing the record store. Did we forget to mention that the shop also boasts taxidermy specialists? You can check out all the conceptual goodness in Carroll Gardens at 461 Court St.

With so many cheap flights to New York available these days from all over the world, visitors are increasingly exploring further afield from Manhattan and discovering the 5 boroughs of New York for themselves. If this will be your first to New York and you are a big fan of coffee, then Brooklyn might be a great place to start.

Is a trip to the Big Apple in your near future? Never fear, even if you only have a limited amount of time on your hands you can still soak up the sights and sounds of this most historic city. Keep reading to find out how you can pack it all in NYC in 36 hours or less.

It’s Okay to be a Tourist

No trip to America’s Melting Pot would be complete without taking in at least one of the requisitesites. What should be at the top of your list? The Statue of Liberty, naturally! Located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, this historic gift from the French is a symbol of freedom and a must-see for any visitor longing to quench his or her thirst for all things touristy.

Venture off the Beaten Path

Any seasoned traveler knows the key to any city’s heart is to walk its streets and see how the locals truly live. Why not take a bit of a detour and hop on a free walking tour? You’ll can choose to venture through Greenwich Village, The Lower East Side, Chinatown and a host of other options to get a real feel for the city.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry in Brooklyn

To satisfy your earthly cravings, you should definitely head to that haven of hedonism: Brooklyn. But before you party the night away, stock up on some sustenance at a local eatery. Since your time is limited, duck into the trendy Park Slope establishment Blue Ribbon Brasserie and have your fill of delicious modern American cuisine. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere inviting and don’t you dare leave without trying their sumptuously famous bone marrow. Ready for some fun? Head on over to
hipster-centric Williamsburg to Brooklyn Bowl to catch a live act, dance the night away with a DJ, or well, bowl . Acts like The Clash have graced the stage and this place is a guaranteed good time.

Planning a cultural trip to Manchester? Well, no excursion and stay in a Manchester bed and breakfast would be complete without dipping into a little of the musical history from the 60s of this legendary city. Whilst some may argue that London or Liverpool may claim the title ‘Music City’, I’m afraid that I’d have to disagree. Keep reading for your ultimate insider guide to  the UK’s 6th largest city (statistically) and the birthplace of that Manchester sound.

Freddie & the Dreamers

Led by 5 ft 3 in. lead singer Freddie Garity, Freddie & the Dreamers reached fame in 1963 with their hit “If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody”. Flailing his tiny frame around the stage and hopping from one amp to the next, Freddie soon came to be  a symbol of the rambunctious Manchester boy who makes a sudden leap to fame.

Herman’s Hermits

From 1964-68 these boys Mancunian boys churned out hit after hit. Fronted by Peter Noone of Coronotion Street fame, the band soon became a Manchester music legend. With global chartoppers like “I’m Into Something Good” and “Mrs. Brown You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter” they became one of several bands who over the decades would surely make the city of Manchester mighty proud.

The Bee Gees

In 1965 the Brothers Gibb, also known as The Bee Gees hit the charts with their first album “The Bee Gees Sing and Play 14 Barry Gibbs Songs.” The brothers lived for a time in Chorlton, Manchester before later moving to Australia where they had their first hit. But they couldn’t resist the allure of the UK for long and returned in 1967 where they began to receive global recognition.

So if you are keen to experience Manchester and its musical background, then it is worth planning a longer a trip and doing a bit of research in advance. The highlights above only cover the main music scene from the 60s, without even touching on The Smiths, Oasis  or the Happy Mondays. To make the most of your stay and to get that Manchester vibe, it’s well worth a look at the online apartment provider Wimdu to see what local flats and terrace houses are on offer.

Boston is one of the most culturally diverse and historical cities in all of America featuring a nice infusion of historical and modern buildings and sites that make visiting the city delightful. Due to the fact that it is also known as a large college town with forty different universities within its outer limits there are also plenty of attractions for those on a shoestring budget making it a great stop for any traveller.

One of the best free attractions in Boston is the Freedom Trail which spans for almost three miles and takes tourists on a self-guided tour through almost all of the historical sights located within the city. Therefore, for those that want to soak up the history of the town without paying anything to do so, this is a must.

Another great free attraction in Boston is the Boston Commons and the Public Gardens.  Here you will find the Duck Pond which is a swimming pool in the summer and ice skating rink in the winter that is free to anyone to use (although you may have to rent skates in the winter). Also located within the park system is the ‘Make Way For Duckling Ducks’ as well as plenty of historical statues to check out and take pictures of.

Finally, the harbour is an excellent free attraction that attracts millions of tourists every year as you can easily take in the vast majority of ships, boats, and seagulls as the wind blows across the south side of the city for free. Plus, this is also where you will find plenty of tourist stalls with lower prices than anywhere else in the city.

At the mouth of the Yangtze River sits the mystical and fascinating city of Shanghai. It is the most densely populated city in China and is a perfect example of how East has met West and learned to exist together in harmony. There are a great variety of pleasures to be enjoyed in Shanghai, and those who stay in the luxurious hotels in the city, of which there are many, will get to enjoy even more.

The luxury hotels in Shanghai range from 5-7 stars. Major names in this category that are recognised the world over are the Orient Bund Shanghai Hotel, Les Suites, Okura Garden Hotels, the Salvo Hotel and the Howard Johnson Plaza to name but a few.

Another instantly recognisable name is the Portman Ritz Carlton Hotel, and these are renowned for the ultimate luxury of their interiors. Each room is completely unique and contains a magical blend of traditional Chinese art and the best of modern living. There are such facilities as beauty and health treatments, a spa and the world famous Ritz exotic buffets and their Champagne Sunday Brunch.

The room prices for a good hotel room in Shanghai ranges from $50 and $200, obviously dependent on the standard of luxury that comes with the accommodation. Other factors include locations, with distance from Airport, the metro stations and major attractions also all playing a part.

Even in top end hotels there are bargains to be had, and the best place to find the best deals is online, particularly with regard to finding cheap flights to Shanghai. If you are planning a trip to China and want to include a stay in Shanghai in your itinerary, by checking out the websites you may just hit on lucky and manage to secure yourself a room in a luxury hotel for the price of a 3 star.