Over half of Brits don't know where Hadrian's Wall is! Over half of us are planning to take short breaks here in the UK this year, with more than four in ten more likely to holiday in Britain this year than previously. While this is potentially great news for British tourism, new research has revealed some serious knowledge gaps about precisely what is on offer, right here on our doorstep. According to the study by destination marketing agency NewcastleGateshead Initiative, when confronted with an image of Hadrian's Wall (the UK's greatest Roman monument) over half were unaware it was even in Britain. 27% assumed it was in Canada, 16% plumped for Finland and a confused 10% placed the photo in Alaska. Over a third of the polled respondents admitted to putting more into research of foreign tourist destinations than UK hotspots and 29% admitted they are more likely to visit historic landmarks when they go abroad. For those of us keen to holiday at home this year, it's clear we need to do more research to get the most out of our time away. Coming soon, listen to our top tips with archaeologist Bill Griffiths and Carol Bell head of programme development for North East England's cultural programme (culture10). For more information visit: www.newcastlegateshead.com

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Hundreds of thousands of horses and donkeys are suffering overseas due to tourists, yet many British holidaymakers are unaware of their impact and how to act responsibly when they encounter working animals abroad. While British beach donkeys are regulated - no passengers over eight stone, a day off each week and a one hour lunch break - overseas it is a different story. Egypt and Jordan have been recognised by the Brooke, the UK's leading overseas equine welfare charity, as popular tourist destinations that widely use horses and donkeys for tourist trade. With recent ONS statistics showing that the number of Brits travelling to Jordan doubled last year and that nearly half a million British people travelled to Egypt within the first nine months of 2008, it is important that British travellers are aware of the issues concerning the use of working animals abroad. Horses and donkeys are used to taxi tourists across difficult and dangerous terrain to historical landmarks. The animals are often over-worked, under-watered and under-fed, and have the added burden of frequently carrying passengers who are too heavy for them. Haggling is common as credit crunch tourists negotiate rock bottom prices and quibble over the last pound. Owners, whose livelihoods are dependent on these earnings, are often left short changed and are tempted to overwork the animals in their desperation to bring in enough money to feed their family. The Brooke has released video footage and images from popular British tourist destinations including the Temples of Luxor and the Ancient City of Petra, showing that many tourists disregard the welfare of animals whilst they have fun in the sun. The Brooke is calling on all tourists to take action against this anguish by following a simple code when using working horses and donkeys abroad. Key points include: * Match your size with the size of the animal - if you are heavy or tall, think whether a small donkey can really take your weight * Pay a fair price for a ride - bargaining means the animal will have to work harder and longer to bring in an income * One person per animal when riding * The number of people shouldn't exceed the number of wheels when using a carriage horse * Don't be distracted by decorations - check for hidden sores, wounds or prominent bones Kimberly Wells, from the Brooke's Animal Welfare Team, who wrote the code states: "It may seem obvious, but it's being ignored. We see first hand the painful results - exhaustion, injuries, dehydration, heat stress, beatings and wounds - overworked animals suffering for tourism. Tourists can have a hugely positive impact on how communities treat their animals so we are urging them to play their part and work with us to reduce animal suffering across the world. Every tourist has the power to reduce animal affliction - both by following these simple guidelines and also by flagging up concerns to local authorities and tour operators, which will encourage a needed change in poor animal welfare practices." The Brooke's lifesaving work helps ease animal suffering across the developing world while supporting the livelihoods of the owners who depend on their animals to bring in an income. For more information or to see the code in full visit www.thebrooke.org/travel

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Whether you're considering early retirement or you've simply had enough of gloomy Britain, now is a fantastic time to consider buying a property abroad. Despite the slump in the UK housing market, property prices overseas are still offering better value to potential buyers. But before you make your great escape, there are crucial details that need to be properly addressed, from managing finances to choosing the ideal location. Dependable advice and good budgeting in advance can make the world of difference to the success of your move. A recent poll of readers of A Place In The Sun magazine reveals the current top five international property hotspots for UK buyers. Its popularity among UK buyers resolutely undiminished after more than 30 years, Spain tops the list. Hot on its heels are France, Portugal, Cyprus and Turkey. Whether you're still undecided about taking the plunge or feel you need some extra help with planning your escape to sunnier climes, a visit to A Place in the Sun Live will equip you with the tools and advice you need to make an informed decision, and to ensure that your new life is happy and fulfilling from the start. To get you in the right frame of mind listen to our top tips for buying abroad with Jonnie Irwin and Jasmine Harman. For more information visit: www.aplaceinthesun.com

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To the surprise of mums and dads everywhere, new survey results reveal that children are looking for an action-packed holiday outdoors this summer - so their parents should put aside any notion of putting their feet up. The poll commissioned by European camping holiday operator Eurocamp questioned 1179 children from all over the UK to find out what they are looking for in their forthcoming holiday for 2009. According to the survey, top on the list of holiday priorities among children aged 6 to 9 was 'Playing Outside'. 'Good beach and sea', 'exploring the local area', 'lots to do nearby' and 'good swimming pool' were also amongst the kids' favourites - completely at odds with their parents' top two choices of 'escaping everyday routine of home' and 'good food and drink'. While today's children are increasingly deprived of the freedom to play outside by worried parents and a lack of public leisure areas - the survey shows that this generation now looks to their holiday to give them the independence and adventure they crave at home. So how do you choose a holiday that's best suited to you and your kids' needs? The answers to this question is revealed in our exclusive Holiday '09 podcast hosted by family travel expert and author, Emma Mahony and her 3 young children Humphrey, Michael and Millie. For more information visit www.eurocamp.co.uk

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Kenyans are bracing themselves for a huge influx of tourists from the UK... thanks in part to the Obama effect. Obama's father, the main subject of his memoir Dreams from my Father... was born and lived in Kenya, and holidaymakers are desperate to visit the places the President Elect describes in his writings. With tourism expected to increase by as much as 15% next year as a result, we caught up with Jennifer Opondo from the Kenya Tourist Board to tell us more about Obama's connection with the country and why it's such a wonderful place to holiday.

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Ever gone on holiday, arrived at your destination and not had a clue where to start? The answer is of course in the preparation however, whether you're a perfect planner or a last minute traveller, having some insider knowledge on your destination will enhance your visit and allow you to make the most of your holiday. Fortunately for us, a number of well-travelled experts have collaborated with BAA and come up with a series of six podcasts revealing insider tips from how to get into exclusive restaurants in New York to what 'not' to do on a train in Tokyo. The 'Travel Tips from those in the Know' guides take you off the tourist trail and highlights the local and expert knowledge that only experienced travellers or those that have lived in those cities would know. What's more, if you do tend to leave planning to the last minute, the guides also reveal the best things to pick up at the airport to help you blend in when you get to your destination. In this podcast, Olly Smith suggests ordering a "flat white." That's an espresso with milk to the rest of us!

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Ever gone on holiday, arrived at your destination and not had a clue where to start? The answer is of course in the preparation however, whether you're a perfect planner or a last minute traveller, having some insider knowledge on your destination will enhance your visit and allow you to make the most of your holiday. Fortunately for us, a number of well-travelled experts have collaborated with BAA and come up with a series of six podcasts revealing insider tips from how to get into exclusive restaurants in New York to what 'not' to do on a train in Tokyo. The 'Travel Tips from those in the Know' guides take you off the tourist trail and highlights the local and expert knowledge that only experienced travellers or those that have lived in those cities would know. What's more, if you do tend to leave planning to the last minute, the guides also reveal the best things to pick up at the airport to help you blend in when you get to your destination. In this podcast, Sarah Tucker tells us how dollars are accepted in Moscow and are much easier to use and keep track of than the local currency, rubles.

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Ever gone on holiday, arrived at your destination and not had a clue where to start? The answer is of course in the preparation however, whether you're a perfect planner or a last minute traveller, having some insider knowledge on your destination will enhance your visit and allow you to make the most of your holiday. Fortunately for us, a number of well-travelled experts have collaborated with BAA and come up with a series of six podcasts revealing insider tips from how to get into exclusive restaurants in New York to what 'not' to do on a train in Tokyo. The 'Travel Tips from those in the Know' guides take you off the tourist trail and highlights the local and expert knowledge that only experienced travellers or those that have lived in those cities would know. What's more, if you do tend to leave planning to the last minute, the guides also reveal the best things to pick up at the airport to help you blend in when you get to your destination. In this podcast, Plum Sykes helps you make sure you are rocking the Carrie look, but on a budget...

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Ever gone on holiday, arrived at your destination and not had a clue where to start? The answer is of course in the preparation however, whether you're a perfect planner or a last minute traveller, having some insider knowledge on your destination will enhance your visit and allow you to make the most of your holiday. Fortunately for us, a number of well-travelled experts have collaborated with BAA and come up with a series of six podcasts revealing insider tips from how to get into exclusive restaurants in New York to what 'not' to do on a train in Tokyo. The 'Travel Tips from those in the Know' guides take you off the tourist trail and highlights the local and expert knowledge that only experienced travellers or those that have lived in those cities would know. What's more, if you do tend to leave planning to the last minute, the guides also reveal the best things to pick up at the airport to help you blend in when you get to your destination. In this podcast, Emine Ali Rushton takes you to Milan where you never order a cappucino after midday unless you want to be laughed out of the restaurant...

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The fallout from the banking credit crunch is making would-be homebuyers worried about their chances of getting on the UK property ladder. Despite the cut in the Bank of England base rate to five per cent, the cost of many mortgages appears to be going in the opposite direction. While it's easy to lose hope of ever becoming proud property owners, Richard Way urges people to consider investing in a property abroad, where your money stretches further, and where growth potential is high. For the average price of a one bedroomed flat in London (£305,000) you could bag yourself a four bedroomed stone house in Normandy and an alpine ski apartment not far from Grenoble. Or a beautiful villa on sunny Costa Blanca and a one bedroom apartment east of Malaga and Marbella. Here to tell us about what overseas investment has to offer and how to go about buying your dream property abroad is Richard Way, Editor of A Place in the Sun magazine...

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Are you looking for a real taste of the continent this year? Do you want to broaden your culinary horizons? If so, you'll love Destination Cooking. More people are opting to go on self catering and mobile home holidays than ever before so that they can enjoy the experience of cooking whilst on holiday. Destination Cooking is a unique experience that encourages you to embrace and cook the local ingredients and recipes of France. This means that you can step deep into the local culinary culture of the French regions, and find, catch, make, bake and cook like the locals. You never know, you may even pick up a few tips for when you get back home! Renowned French chef Christian Lohez, has created a number of delicious recipes and activities for the project that will delight and inspire you throughout your stay providing an unrivalled opportunity to really understand and become part of French culture. Whether it be learning how to cook the perfect oyster in Brittany, hunting for truffles in the Vendée woodlands or discovering how to make the best roasted bream on the continent, Destination Cooking guarantees the hottest holiday experience around...depending on what ingredients you throw into the mix of course. Each of Christian's recipes have been designed to be quick and easy for you to make from the comfort of your mobile home or campsite. As Christian says "In France our food and how we prepare it is our passion. To really have that authentic French holiday, there is nothing better than getting everyone together in the kitchen and involved. My recipe and activity suggestions will get you cooking and eating just like we do at home in France!"

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Are you looking for a real taste of the continent this year? Do you want to broaden your culinary horizons? If so, you'll love Destination Cooking. More people are opting to go on self catering and mobile home holidays than ever before so that they can enjoy the experience of cooking whilst on holiday. Destination Cooking is a unique experience that encourages you to embrace and cook the local ingredients and recipes of France. This means that you can step deep into the local culinary culture of the French regions, and find, catch, make, bake and cook like the locals. You never know, you may even pick up a few tips for when you get back home! Renowned French chef Christian Lohez, has created a number of delicious recipes and activities for the project that will delight and inspire you throughout your stay providing an unrivalled opportunity to really understand and become part of French culture. Whether it be learning how to cook the perfect oyster in Brittany, hunting for truffles in the Vendée woodlands or discovering how to make the best roasted bream on the continent, Destination Cooking guarantees the hottest holiday experience around...depending on what ingredients you throw into the mix of course. Each of Christian's recipes have been designed to be quick and easy for you to make from the comfort of your mobile home or campsite. As Christian says "In France our food and how we prepare it is our passion. To really have that authentic French holiday, there is nothing better than getting everyone together in the kitchen and involved. My recipe and activity suggestions will get you cooking and eating just like we do at home in France!"

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Are you looking for a real taste of the continent this year? Do you want to broaden your culinary horizons? If so, you'll love Destination Cooking. More families are opting to go on self catering and mobile home holidays than ever before so that they can enjoy the experience of cooking whilst on holiday. Destination Cooking is a unique experience that encourages you to embrace and cook the local ingredients and recipes of France. This means that you can step deep into the local culinary culture of the French regions, and find, catch, make, bake and cook like the locals. You never know, you may even pick up a few tips for when you get back home! Renowned French chef Christian Lohez, has created a number of delicious recipes and activities for the project that will delight and inspire you throughout your stay providing an unrivalled opportunity to really understand and become part of continental culture. Whether it be learning how to cook the perfect oyster in Brittany, hunting for truffles in the Vendée woodlands or discovering how to make the best roasted bream, Destination Cooking guarantees a family holiday to really tickle the taste buds. Each of Christian's recipes have been designed to be quick and easy for all the family to make from the comfort of your mobile home or campsite. As Christian says "In France our food and how we prepare it is our passion. To really have that authentic French holiday, there is nothing better than getting everyone together in the kitchen and involved. My recipe and activity suggestions will get you cooking and eating just like we do at home in France!"

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Sports fans travelling abroad to support their team are often considered to be a high-risk group from common travelling traumas and often their holidays involve the consumption of alcohol.- With some sports/groups there is also a hostile element to their trip as they face fans of the opposing team, and accommodating a lot of people into a small geographical area can be a challenge for the bodies involved.

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Colin & Justin are two people who are genuine experts when it comes to airport shopping. They join us to share their insider tips on how to get the best deals and bargains when shopping at the airport, helping to make your Christmas simpler and more cost-effective.

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As Liverpool grew in the 19th century to become Britain's second city, it attracted people from far and wide, but most notably Ireland, Wales, Scotland and mainland Europe. The result was a population with a wide array of talents and skills, plus tales to tell. It was a rich cultural mix. Now it is to be the capitol of culture 2008 we thought we better take a closer look.

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