World TravellerGuide to travelling the world

Thailand’s cities and beaches are drenched in sunshine almost all year round, so it’s not surprising that this is a popular destination. It’s not just good weather, golden sands and sunshine that attract people however, there is a wealth of culture and history to be discovered here too.

Known as the land of smiles, Thailand is home to some of the most friendly people in the world, and Hua Hin just three hours drive south of Bangkok is home to a more traditional way of life still. Having begun live as a quaint fishing village, and this city is still linked to its roots as there are many narrow streets filled with historical architecture here, and the place isn’t yet filled to bursting with bars and restaurants.
With 5 kilometres of clean beaches with clear waters that you can swim in all year round, the relaxed atmosphere here is wonderful. There are interesting temples to visit, spicy foods that will make your mouth water, and plenty of water activities in the form of snorkelling and scuba diving too.

Being as close to Thailand’s capital as it is, Hua Hin is popular with Thai visitors too, and at the weekends particularly you’ll find many Bangkok visitors come here. The huge shopping mall, and the Chatchai night market are great for shopping and you’ll find many stalls selling interesting freshly cooked Thai delicacies from just 30Bt (that’s about 60p), as well as clothes and souvenirs and art and craft items.

The city’s restaurants show a distinctly foreign influence and you can find pizza, lasagne, and spinach with cheese in many places here. Another popular place locally is the Hua Hin Golf centre where you can book a golf tour or rent equipment. In September, the city is home to a rather unusual polo match played on elephant-back instead of horse-back. Obviously this makes the game somewhat slower, but it’s definitely a sight you’ll want to see if you’re there at the right time.

This wonderful smiling land has so much to offer, and here in Hua Hin you’ll find such a friendly atmosphere with so much opportunity, all you’ll worry about is finding time to do everything you want to.

This article was provided by Elegant Resorts who provide luxury holidays in the Spain including the following hotels in Madrid  Hotel Ritz Madrid and the Hotel Urban.

There is a huge variety of shopping in Madrid, making it impossible to put together a definitive guide to suit all visitors. However there are different areas with particular characteristics, so this guide is an attempt to describe some distinct areas to get you started.   Madrid is a city where people dress smartly and elegantly. The locals always like to look their best, dressing in smart suits for work and even looking immaculate at evenings and weekends.   To blend in, leave the beach-wear at home!

Madrid can be divided into five areas for shopping: Salamanca, Chueca, the centre (near Puerta del Sol), Princesa and Cuatro Caminos, with each area offering something different.

Salamanca is northeast of the centre and is Madrid’s answer to Bond Street, nicknamed ‘the golden mile’. Around the streets of Serrano, Velázquez, Castelló, Goya, Jorge Juan and Lagasca, are boutiques and top designer names like Armani, Chanel, Versace, Hermès and Hugo Boss. This is where the smartest of affluent Madrileňos shop, so if you’re not able to splash the cash it may just be window shopping here.

Chueca is close to the centre, only 5 mins walk from Gran Via. This is a trendy, bohemian area, with a mix of real originals and designer goods. Some of the best streets to head for are Calle Hortaleza, Calles Almirante and Conde de Xiquena. Chueca is especially good for shoes and the sales in January and July can be well worth a visit. Worth seeking out here is Fuencarral market, created as an alternative to the traditional and typical department stores. Within the colourful interior of labyrinthine corridors, are craftsmen, designers and small traders from all over Spain, with such original products that you are not allowed to take photos. The creative and free atmosphere attracts all kinds of people, making it as good for people-watching as shopping.

In the centre of Madrid there are many familiar names. Head for Plaza Mayor, Gran Via, Puerta del Sol and the surrounding area for Spanish high street names like Zara and El Corte Ingles. Tourists may be interested in ‘Casa Jiménez’ on Calle de Preciados, famed throughout Spain for its mantones and mantillas (lace and embroidered shawls).

For those on a budget, start your Madrid shopping trip on the streets of Princesa and Alberto Aguilera, near the university in the area of Argüelles. In addition to shopping, on Calle Princesa you have the chance to admire some of Madrid’s most famous buildings, such as Liria Palace, home to the Duchess of Alba on her visits to the capital, and the Cerralbo Museum. Another bargain-hunters paradise is Cuatro Caminos in the north of Madrid. You’ll find it near the Plaza de Castilla, between the streets of Bravo Murillo and Orense.

Madrid has some excellent markets, and although they can be crowded, it’s worth battling your way through the crowds to experience them, and see the myriad of items for sale. The most famous is the weekly ‘El Rastro’ flea market – held on a Sunday morning around Ribera de Curtidores. The market closes at 2pm, and you should allow about three hours to walk around it to see the stunning clothes on offer, along with every other type of trinket imaginable. Shoppers should be alert here, and beware pickpockets in this area.