Sunday the 13th of May will probably not mean very much to a lot of people, but for those who have entered the Kia Dubstar contest it is D-Day. The Kia Dubstep Competition is a contest Kia Cars have been running to tie in with the greatest European football tournament that take place this summer in Poland and the Ukraine; Euro 2012. Prizes up for grabs include trips to Warsaw for the opening game as well as a top prize of a Kia Picanto car.

Those who have entered are waiting with bated breathe to see if they have been one of the lucky finalists, while those who still have yet to enter may well be on YouTube looking at the contestants who have already uploaded videos of themselves dancing to ‘I Can’t Stop’ by DJ Flux Pavilion trying to work out whether to be inspired or just to see what they can do differently. Enter the competition now!

The urban atmosphere that CyborgJJung has created with his stark background brightened up by graffiti may be the flame that lights your spark of imagination. Whatever you decide, the choice is entirely up to you, as long as you are enthusiastic, are clearly having fun and have ‘I Can’t Stop’ audible in the video the rest is up to you.

The Kia Dubstar Facebook page is the place to be to follow the link to upload your entry, and while there is no restriction on how many appear in the video, only 2 can take the trip to Poland. Only those over the 18 are eligible for prizes and that’s about it as far as rules are concerned. One last thing, in case you didn’t read the first sentence, entries have to be in by 13th May, so get a wriggle on.

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Brooklyn is perhaps the most famous of the five boroughs that make up New York City, and as with anywhere there are many pros and cons that go with living here. Living here offers a unique experience due to the sheer diversity of the cultures that exist here, and it’s doubtful that you will find such a vast range of different ethnicities and races anywhere else.

A big plus of living in Brooklyn is the transport links to all of the other boroughs as well as outside of the city limits. While the trains in particularly can become very crowded, the general consensus is that it is a lot quicker, more cost effective and much less hassle than owning a car and trying to negotiate the rush hour traffic. Passes are readily available which cover all the main public transportation, so you can get where you want when you want.

If you love to be in the thick of the city hustle and bustle and living in one of the apartments or studios that New York is famous for, then you will be in your element in Brooklyn. Considerably cheaper than the likes of Manhattan, you also have an exemplary selection of restaurants serving authentic fare from around the world, and pay a lot less to eat here than in other parts of the city.

Brooklyn has acquired an unsavoury reputation over the years for its crime, and while nobody can pretend it doesn’t exist, you really need to put it into perspective. New York is a huge, sprawling metropolis and violent crime in inevitable, the same as it is anywhere else in the world. The worst crimes tend to take place at night and in certain areas and, to be honest, if you choose to walk down dark alleys in the dark anywhere in the world you are asking for trouble.

Hong Kong is notoriously expensive, and it is this notoriety that puts off many potential travellers. The good news is however that if you are a savvy traveller, you can visit Hong Kong on a budget and still have a brilliant time. If you know where to go to eat, sleep, drink etc you can the best of what this extraordinary city has to offer without breaking the bank.

At the last count, Hong Kong had over 56,500 hotel rooms, due to the tourist and corporate boom, however, these are some of the most expensive rooms in Asia, and the price does not also provide the kind of comfort you would expect. There has however been a recent surge in the number of cheap flights to Hong Kong available. While many cringe at the thought of hostels, the YMCA Salisbury is clean, comfortable and offers suites for groups travelling together, and it is right on the doorstep of Nathan Lane with its vibrant nightlife.

A lot of travel in inevitable in Hong Kong due to its sprawling layout, and this can quickly empty your wallet. By purchasing an Octopus card from the airport or any subway station, you can use all the transport within the city; the subway, the star ferry, Victoria Peak trams, city buses and the double decker buses. This card will save you a small fortune is travel fares and give you the chance to see as much as you can during your stay.

Eating out invariably takes the largest hunk out of your holiday budget, so knowing where to go in advance to eat well at a reasonable price is a real boon. For brunch, head for one of the dim sum restaurants, and in particular the Luk Yu Teahouse. Make sure you get there before 11am to take advantage of their food cart service where the waiters ply their fare and you pick what you want.

For your evening meal, grab yourself a table under the neon lights at one of the food stalls that line the Stanley Street or Temple night markets. Eat alongside the locals and give your palate a real treat.

While much is being made of what a wonderful way of exploring Europe taking the train is, we seem to forget that there are some great rail journeys to be taken in our own country. Our national rail system comes in for quite a bit of stick in the media, with ever increasing prices, packed dirty trains and terrible food, and if this is putting you off taking a rail journey through Britain then read on.

There is no better way of exploring the exquisite British countryside than on a train, either solo or on an organised trip such as Treyn UK tours. These lines snake innocuously through the very heart of Britain and give those who live in the city or on the coast a whole different view of their own country that they never knew existed. This is the great countryside that we are always being told about, yet rarely experience for ourselves.

One of the most picturesque British train journeys is around the Cotswolds, and is almost like stepping back in time when you visit the tiny villages and hamlets that carry on life at a pace that most of us can only dream about. Stratford upon Avon is great starting point, as from here you can easily access by train some of the best attractions in the area such as Warwick Castle and the ancient Tudor market town of Brignorth.

Another great train journey is that which encompasses our southern most counties; Devon and Cornwall. Hopping off and on at picture postcard towns and villages that are truly idyllic, this is a far cry from the bustling resorts that scatter the coastlines of these countries.

Rail journeys of Wales and Scotland will also give the first time visitor a real taste of what these countries have to offer, and is often the start of a long lasting love affair with either, or both, countries. Exploring the UK by train and discovering exactly what our own country has to offer is a great experience.

While visitors from around the world flock to our shores, we tend to fly off in the opposite direction, by taking a rail journey or two around Britain we should all finally realise what it is that attracts these tourists every year.

Edinburgh is one of the top tourist destinations of Europe with 13 million people a year travelling to the city to see the countryside, the festivals, and of course Edinburgh Castle, among other things. One of the charm’s of Scotland’s capital is the fact that it is a heritage city that offers plenty of ancient buildings as well as some of the most impressive forms of ancient architecture.

There are dozens of attractions and thrills that are held within Edinburgh, but there are a few charms that you will want to indulge in while in the city. For example, naturalists will want to schedule in a few hours to stop by the Royal Botanical Garden while the Cathedral of Saint Giles will satisfy architectural fans in your group in terms of grandness.

The Palace of Holyrood House is a must for any first time tourist to Edinburgh and for adults, a stop by the Scotch Whiskey Heritage Centre will be a treat worth savouring. Children, on the other hand, will get their fix from Edinburgh Zoo that is located on top of Crostorphine Hill or the Museum of Childhood that features toys from all over the globe.

If you can, try to time your visit to coincide with one of Edinburgh’s festivals, because the festivals are a trademark of Edinburgh life and something altogether unique to experience. A few of the top festivals include the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Edinburgh Hogmanay, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Phuket nestles in the sea just off the south west coast of Thailand, and is the country’s largest island. It is blessed with fabulous bays and coves, beaches fringed in palm trees and surrounded by numerous smaller islands that twinkle in the sun. There is a huge choice of holiday accommodation available on Phuket, and the top resorts really are the last word in luxury. For those who want to see the other side of Thailand and escape from the buzzing cities, Phuket is the place to go.

Timing your visit is essential to get the best out of your trip to Phuket, with the driest, and coolest, period being the months November-February. This is the most popular time for visitors and the temperature is bearable and it’s also a great escape from the European winters. June to October is the rainy season, with a heady mix of blazing sunshine and tropical downpours, while March to May offers extremely hot weather that some may find uncomfortable.

If you are looking to take a trip to Phuket, you will be surprised at the amount of luxury resorts that are on offer here. One such resort is the Banyan Tree, Phuket a resort that prides itself on showcasing the beauty and romance of Thailand, and whose award winning architecture is designed and built to be in harmony with the nature that surrounds it. Their highly trained staff will cater to your every whim and ensure that when you leave ‘the land of smiles’ you will have memories that last a lifetime.

The accommodation at the Banyan Tree hotel and resort comprise of Thai inspired villages that are elegant, sophisticated and offer the visitor consummate comfort. When you can drag yourself out of your villa, the award winning Banyan Tree spa is awaiting you with open arms to give you the kind of beauty treatments that will lift your spirits, soothe your mind and calm your soul, and give that kind of relaxed and at peace with the world demeanour that many of us can only dream about.

There are fitness facilities for those who like to keep active, a large swimming pool in tranquil surroundings, tennis courts, golf course, fine dining experiences and just about everything else that you would expect from one of the top luxury resorts in the world.

Havana is a very colourful city filled with plenty of entertainment options and some of the best architectural gems that date back beyond the Colonial period. The city itself is split into three very specific quarters: Old Havana, Vedado, and Centro Havana. Each of these quarters has its own quirks and charms to offer visitors over the weekend.

Old Havana is home to most of the historical architecture and as such has been designated as a UNESCO ‘cultural heritage of humanity’. Some of the top buildings and tourist stops in Old Havana include the Plaza de armas, Jose Marti museum, Plaza de la cathedral, and the Colonial art museum.

Central Havana is one of the most developed quarters of the city and offers a mixture of green areas and housing for families. It also is very modern compared to the other areas and a cultural mixing pot with plenty of artistic and creative hubs spread out throughout the quarter. Among the top tourist destinations in the quarter are the National music museum, Hotel Inglaterra, The Capitol, the National fine arts museum, and the Paseo del Prado.

The modern Vedado quarter has been remodelled a lot during the last century and is now considered the political centre of the city as well as the main tourist destination, given that it boasts the main concentration of theatres, cinemas, restaurants, shops, and ministries. It also offers a large amount of gardens, making it a wonderful place to just spend a few hours wandering around.

Le Royal Meridian

Nothing says beach more than a stay at Dubai’s Le Royal Meridian, dear readers. With a prime view of the Arabian Gulf, you’ll be sure to be steeped in relaxation whether your stay is for business or more relaxing pursuits. And with 14 restaurants spanning the gamut of world cuisine, you certainly won’t be wanting for international indulgence.

Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort

Naturally, the fun doesn’t end there! Located on white sands near Jumeirah Beach, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel  is unlike any traditional hotel you’ve ever seen. Head to the spa for a traditional massage informed by the local culture, then on over to the hotel’s very private beach for a little you time. And with an on site beauty salon, shopping center and nightly live entertainment, you certainly won’t have much free time to get get bored.

Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa

Want to get away for it all? This Dubai beach hotel will certainly come to your rescue! Surrounded by gardens, private beaches and other natural wonders, you can opt to choose you time get pampered in the spa if a true getaway is what you’re after. The Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa is located about 10 minutes from all the downtown attractions, so for all of you travelers who prefer a little peace and quiet, this beach hotel will most likely do the trick.

Ready for your trip to Dubai, that most modern of meccas? We thought so – get packing and get on that plane already!

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.