Avoid anti-tourism protests and visit these lesser-known European spots

AUSTRALIANS may adore travelling around Europe, but that love is not always reciprocated.

This year has seen furious backlash against tourists across the continent, with many European countries complaining that the armies of foreign visitors are overcrowding their streets, disrupting the lives of locals, putting a strain on resources, driving up prices and destroying their culture.

Some 75.3 million people visited tourist hotspot Spain in 2016, which grossly outnumbers the country's 46 million actual residents.

Anti-tourism protesters have taken to the streets in many Spanish cities and threatening messages to holiday-makers have been scrawled across walls on the Spanish island of Majorca and on tour buses in Barcelona.

Over in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik, made popular by Game of Thrones, tourist numbers are limited to 8,000 pat a time in the old town, in accordance with UNESCO advice, because the sheer number of tourists visiting are destroying the World Heritage listed city.

The situation is similar in many other European tourist hot spots, with growing anti-tourism movements cities across Italy and Iceland too.

"Overtourism has become a real issue in many of the world's most beautiful cities and it's impacting the experience for locals and for travellers," says Intrepid CEO James Thornton.

However, Mr Thornton says that doesn't necessarily mean that we should blackball Europe altogether — there is a lot more to the continent than the typical hot spots.

"In 2018, we're encouraging travellers to consider the alternatives, and look beyond the typical destinations," he says.

"The global tourism industry is growing rapidly, but not always sustainably. We need to work harder to tell travellers about lesser-known destinations that are just as worthy of your time."

Intrepid has released a list of these lesser-trodden European destinations in its "Not Hot Travel List", encouraging Aussie tourists to swap a popular destination with one of these in order to help combat the escalating issue of overtourism.

North Cyprus

Instead of Croatia, you can bask in the warm hospitality of the Turkish part of the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus.

You can hunt for castles and monasteries, or swim off the shimmering northern coastline in the Mediterranean Sea.

Calabria and Sicily

Instead of Venice, discover Italy's vibrant south. Calabria, in southwest Italy, or Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island just off the "toe" of Italy's 'boot', are both hidden gems, starring dramatic cliffside villages, clear waters and delicious seafood.

Portugal and Azores

Instead of Spain, experience the food and wine culture of Portugal, or go island hopping and hike around Sao Jorge or Faial Islands in the Azores, a group of islands just off the coast of Portugal.

Finland

Instead of Iceland, explore Finnish Lapland in winter. It's home of the indigenous Sami people and is a magical Arctic wonderland of pristine peaks and snow-dusted woodlands.

Moldova

Instead of Tuscany, enjoy the largest quality wine collection in the world without the crowds. Moldova is an Eastern European country bordered by Romania and the Ukraine.

Tatra Mountains

Instead of the Alps, combine a sleigh ride, village visits and traditional cooking in this stunning mountain range which forms a natural border between Slovakia and Poland.

Source: Avoid anti-tourism protests and visit these lesser-known European spots

Why Croatia Is the Dirt Cheap Fall European Destination of Your Dreams

With fall in full swing, sophisticated and discerning travelers looking for a bucket list destination while summer crowds thin will find a deal in Croatia. With increased popularity in the country centered around the Dalmatian Coast, the autumn is one of the most favorable times to visit without compromising any coastal European charm.

That's because flight prices to Croatia from the U.S. during summertime are on average 37% more expensive compared to fall. "Soaring temperatures mixed with a bustling nightlife make July and August the perfect time to visit Croatia. But, with peak season comes larger crowds and higher price tags. Consider visiting in shoulder season (September and October) when weather is still reliable, crowds are scarcer and prices are, on average, significantly cheaper*," says David Solomito, a travel expert and Vice President, North America Marketing at KAYAK.

Travelers who simultaneously book their flight, hotel and/or rental car as part of a travel package may see even greater savings. Booking with an online travel agency like Expedia.com can result in savings approaching $600 and often exceed that amount depending on the route. Package bookings remain the single easiest way for travelers to save hundreds on travel, both domestically and internationally, says an Expedia rep.

With the strength of the U.S. dollar against the Kuna—Croatia's current currency which they are hopeful will switch over to the Euro soon—visitors on the ground will find quality food at budget prices, plus reasonable taxi and Uber fares and boat transfers. During the months of September and October, the entrance fee for adults entering all the different sections of Krka National Park to see its seven stunning waterfalls and pristine beauty is $110kn (about $18 USD), almost a 40% savings over peak summer months and even better savings come in November. Along with other wallet-friendly entrance fees to museums and parks, the fall proves to be an excellent time to visit Croatia for those on a budget.

Most travelers will pass through Dubrovnik, a city filled with ancient red clay roofed buildings and steep alleyways filled with terra cotta potted plants, where you'll find respite at the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, a Mediterranean-style building located just outside the Old Town's city walls that dates back to 1897. Just around the corner is Villa Pedrini, a luxe villa available for booking on Airbnb, that has been in the same family for 120 years and features preserved antique furnishings and artifacts from Roman and Greek shipwrecks, along with a pleasant outdoor garden and pergola that overlook the fortress and city walls.

Surrounded by crystal blue waters, one particular spot of interest in Dubrovnik is next to the Porporela lighthouse where stairs lead to rocky beaches off a pier and swimming opportunities wind around the fortressed city's walls for summer and early fall visitors alike. The nearby terrace at Gradska Kavana Arsenal, a restaurant with excellent Croatian and Mediterannean fare, opens up to the port of the old city on one side and overlooks the lively street in front of St. John's fortress on the other.

Visitors also often transfer to the Dalmatia'a islands and coastal towns like Hvar and Split by ferry or catamaran, and as of recently, UberBoat, the newly launched Uber service that allows visitors to destination hop on private charter boats — or make a leisurely day at sea exploring hard-to-access treasures like The Blue Cave (Modra Špilja), located on Bisevo Island near Vis.

And if you're looking to tack on additional Euro legs, the savings extend to many other European countries in the fall: flights to France are at a near 20% savings; Greece, Netherlands and Spain at roughly 15% saving; and Italy and Portugal at nearly 10% savings, according to Expedia.

Source: Why Croatia Is the Dirt Cheap Fall European Destination of Your Dreams

Planning a city break? These hot destinations saw the most travellers last year

If you're itching to explore a brand new city and don't know where to go, why not follow the lead of the millions of travellers who flocked to the most visited destinations of 2016.

Bangkok saw the most overnight visitors of any city in the world in 2016, according to research from Mastercard. It's the second year that the Thai capital has held the title, beating out London last year.

Bangkok is the most visited city in the world. Image by ©nimon/Shutterstock

The financial services company has released its annual Mastercard Destination Cities Index, which looks at tourist numbers to help cities understand the drivers and value of tourism. With tourism driving economic growth and development, Mastercard notes that since 2009, "international travel and spending by overnight visitors to cities have grown faster than real GDP." The index ranks the top destinations based on visitor volume in 2016, and Bangkok beats out London, with 19.41 million international overnight visitors, compared to the UK capital's 19.06 million.

London comes in second place in the most visited cities in the world. Image by ©mikecphoto/Shutterstock

Unsurprisingly, as France is often cited as the most visited country in the world, Paris came in third place, with the City of Lights luring in more than 15.45 million visitors last year. It narrowly beat out Dubai, which saw 14.87 million overnight visitors. The top 10 was rounded out by Singapore, New York, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo and Istanbul.

Overall, the most visited destinations in Asia are: Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei, Osaka, Shanghai and Chennai. In Europe, the most visited cities are: London, Paris, Istanbul, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Milan, Rome, Vienna, Prague and Dublin. In Latin America, Punta Cana is the most popular among international travellers, followed closely by Mexico City and then Lima. In the Middle East and Africa, Dubai proves most popular, followed by Johannesburg and Riyadh. In North America, the most popular cities amongst travellers are: New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Toronto, San Francisco, Vancouver, Washington, Chicago, Montreal and Boston.

Seoul made the top 10 most visited cities in the world. Image by ©Noppasin/Shutterstock

Across the top 20 destination cities, the majority of travel is for leisure, except in Shanghai where nearly half of visitors are travelling on business. Kuala Lumpur has the greatest percentage of visitors there on vacation, at 92.2%.

Source: Planning a city break? These hot destinations saw the most travellers last year

Chef is making Forte European Tapas a local destination spot

Nina Manchev, chef/partner at Forte European Tapas, is a native of Sofia, Bulgaria, who with her family moved to Chicago and then Las Vegas when she was 3. She's been here ever since.

Her culinary training came through her family and in trial by fire after she opened Forte, 4180 Rainbow Blvd., Suite 806, in 2009.

"When I opened the restaurant, I wanted to make sure that if something were to happen, I could take care of business," she said. Her father, Stefan, helps out with recipes.

Review-Journal: Always in your fridge?

Manchev: Wine, fresh fruits, veggies, charcuterie and cheeses. I eat and cook mostly at Forte.

Currently obsessed with?

Lately I've been doing yoga.

Newest Las Vegas discovery?

I really like this juice place on Grand Canyon and Flamingo called the House of Alchemy. It's super-cute inside and they do a really good job.

Favorite indulgence?

Caviar. I try to stay away from it, but I really love it.

I never eat …

I grew up with my dad cooking a lot of crazy stuff like sheep's head and brains and livers and stuff like that, and I just can't. I appreciate the art of it and I appreciate the people who do it if I go someplace and that's the specialty, but I just can't do it.

Favorite brunch at home?

Growing up, one of my favorite things that my dad made, mekitzi. It's basically fried dough, but we eat it with honey or jam or cheese.

Best tip for home cooks?

Just cook as much as you can and be patient with it. The biggest things for me when I was learning were timing, being able to do multiple things at one time and understanding the seasoning. I don't have any metric for things; it's all eyeing and flavor.

What are you working on?

Developing the retail portion of the business, some online business as well. Developing the bakery end. We've been selling breads to a couple of Eastern European markets.

What are you trying to do with Forte?

I just want it to be a place where locals can come and gather and have a nice time and enjoy good food and the ambiance and make it their local destination spot. And kind of develop more dishes to accommodate the vegetarians and vegans.

Contact Heidi Knapp Rinella at hrinella@reviewjournal.com. Find more of her stories at reviewjournal.com, and follow @HKRinella on Twitter.

Source: Chef is making Forte European Tapas a local destination spot

Epic Europe: Cruising from Milan to Florence in a 1969 Alfa Romeo

It is April in Milan, and the city is in full bloom, its palazzi and sunbaked sidewalks flooded with well-dressed designers and other creative types attending the annual Salone del Mobile furniture fair. Not far from the bustling fairgrounds, however, at the Four Seasons Hotel Milan, the topic of conversation isn't Tom Dixon or Ron Arad; it is instead Alfa Romeo, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz.

"Are you comfortable driving a stick?" asks Martino Motta Pirman, the CEO of the vintage-car agency Joey Rent. Pirman's company has partnered with the Four Seasons to offer a new road-trip experience, and he is sizing me up as a driver.

I answer with a resounding yes—my daily driver is a 6-speed—and eagerly ask which vintage model Pirman has picked out for me. "Aspetta, ragazza!" he responds. Wait.

To be sure, any car enthusiast would share in my excitement. Introduced in April, the Route to La Dolce Vita is an exquisite auto lover's adventure in which travelers take one of Joey Rent's classic cars on a curated road trip between the Four Seasons Hotel Milan, the Four Seasons Hotel Florence, and the Grand Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel, on the French Riviera. Along the way, they can explore the Mediterranean towns of Portofino and the Cinque Terre, the Barolo wine country, the Carrara marble mines, the famed Mille Miglia rally route, and much more. Throughout the trip, a guide from Joey Rent follows the travelers in a modern car—connected via radio for seamless communication—​ensuring VIP service at every turn.

Alfa Romeo convertible  Photo: Courtesy Mark Mann

Guests have five cars to choose from, ranging from a 1956 Porsche 356 A Speedster (the car that James Dean made famous) to a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster. On this fine spring morning, however, I have asked Pirman to surprise me with a car of his choice—and the anticipation is killing me. Fortunately, I am awaiting my fate in the Four Seasons' pale-pink Renaissance Suite (a favorite of Karl Lagerfeld), fantasizing about winding country roads and ochre landscapes while dining on a decadent breakfast of eggs Benedict and flaky croissants.

At last my chariot arrives, a pristine fire-engine-red gem. "Questa macchina è bellissima, sì?"—This car is beautiful, right?—asks my Joey Rent guide, Manuel. It's a soft-top 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider: a quintessential Italian 4-speed roadster designed by Pininfarina, and one of the best-kept secrets on the vintage market. Its simple lines, rounded wings, recessed lights, and elongated wheelbase all add to its movie-star good looks.

With Manuel at my side in the passenger's seat (a request I've made because of my status as a solo traveler), I maneuver the Spider through narrow lanes and traffic-filled boulevards until the lively city streets turn into rolling green countryside. The crisp smell of the car's beautifully worn dark-blue-leather interior fills my nostrils; the husky purr of its 1.3-liter twin-cam engine courses through my body. Nearing Parma, we pass acre after acre of farmland dotted with grazing cows—the magicians behind the region's Parmigiano-​Reggiano cheese. An hour later, we whiz past the canary-yellow Ferrari Museum of Modena.

1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider convertible  Photo: Courtesy Mark Mann

We eventually stop just outside of Bologna's city center for a mouthwatering lunch of Parmesan, prosciutto, and traditional Bolognese tortellini in brodo at La Bottega di Franco. Stomach full, I am back behind the wheel just as a cluster of ominous-looking clouds disperses to reveal a brilliant blue sky. The sun reflects brightly off my windshield as I navigate southward past quiet hamlets and ancient villages where modest stone churches and centuries-​old castles dot the verdant views. Eventually the landscape changes once again, this time ceding to the familiar red rooftops of Florence.

It's a bittersweet moment when Manuel and I roll up to the Four Seasons Hotel Florence. The restored palazzo's Renaissance-era portico is a welcome sight, but I have become quite attached to my Spider after a long and blissful drive. My separation anxiety eases, however, as I step inside and glimpse the hotel's frescoed lobby and statue-filled garden—just another stop on the route to la dolce vita.

Source: Epic Europe: Cruising from Milan to Florence in a 1969 Alfa Romeo

Ireland's Deputy PM: Brexit means we can become Europe's go-to business destination

Ireland's stable environment could help attract further foreign investment, especially from firms who are looking to access the European markets, according to Fitzgerald.

"There is legal certainty, [and] a government that's very pro-business, pro-enterprise," she said.

The minister said that Dublin remained committed to its relatively low corporate tax rate of 12.5 percent. Globally, corporate taxes measure at about 22.5 percent on average, according to the Tax Foundation, a U.S.-based independent tax policy non-profit. Europe has the world's lowest corporate tax rates at about 18.9 percent on average, according to the non-profit.

Ireland will also be "a strong voice" against any proposals to raise taxes within the EU, one of which was a possible move against big U.S. tech companies such as Google,Facebook and Airbnb, Fitzgerald added.

"Some of those proposals require unanimity, and we certainly won't be supporting that," she said.

However, not everyone has been positive about Ireland's outlook post-Brexit.

In the financial space, for example, London's position as a leading hub may not see the significant decline that some are expecting, said Tony Nash, chief economist at advisory firm Complete Intelligence. That means it's unlikely Ireland will take up the mantle in the sector, Nash added.

"You definitely will get some marginal activities in Ireland, but I don't believe you're going to see large scale activities move to Ireland because the infrastructure around financial services is delicate, and it takes a long time to build up," he said.

Another concern is the potential creation of a hard trade border between the Republic of Ireland, which is an EU member, and U.K.-ruled Northern Ireland post-Brexit.

Currently, people and goods move between the two seamlessly. Ireland also exports 40 percent of its goods and 20 percent of its services to the U.K., twice the EU's average.

Source: Ireland's Deputy PM: Brexit means we can become Europe's go-to business destination

Man Utd and Real Madrid touted as possible destinations for Dele Alli by super agents

Alli is wanted by super agents Jorge Mendes and Mino Raiola, who work with some of the biggest stars in the world including Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic among others.

The duo are in competition to sign Alli to their books after he parted ways with long-time representatives Impact Sports Management.

The 21-year-old has established himself as one of the most talented young midfielders in Europe following his meteoric rise at Tottenham.

And he is seen as the leading star for Gareth Southgate's England side for the long-term future.

Manchester United player ratings against Southampton Sat, September 23, 2017

Man Utd via Getty Images

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Which Manchester United players impressed during their clash with Southampton?

His talents have not gone unnoticed by European heavyweights such as Real Madrid and Manchester United.

And the Mirror claim Alli has been told the only way he can secure a move to either Old Trafford or the Bernabeu is by signing with them.

Tottenham have been adamant the talented midfielder is not for sale and he only signed a new six-year deal last September.

GETTY

Dele Alli is being promised moves to Real Madrid or Manchester United

GETTY

Mino Raiola is among the agents interested in taking on Dele Alli

He is said to be earning a basic salary between £50,000 and £60,000 with discussions about another pay rise to bring him in line with some of the club's top earners.

Harry Kane earns roughly £100,000-a-week but Tottenham's rivals have been able to pay their top stars more than double that while Christian Benteke is said to be on more money than any Tottenham player at Crystal Palace.

Allí has been voted the PFA Young Player of the Year for the last two seasons and has scored 30 goals in just 75 top flight games for Spurs.

Related articles
Source: Man Utd and Real Madrid touted as possible destinations for Dele Alli by super agents

8 top destinations in Italy where Italians go

You're at a restaurant and want wine, but you're not sure what to order. A Tuscan Chianti or Piedmontese Barolo is always a solid choice. Or, you're ready to splurge on new boots, a winter coat or a handbag.

Italian-manufactured clothing and footwear are coveted around the world for their quality and style. The point is, Italians have great taste. Like, Maserati- and Marni-level great taste.

That said, you can trust that Italians' favorite domestic travel spots are as favoloso as their food and fashion.

Here, we've outlined the top destinations in Italy where Italians themselves vacation.

Southeast Italy The southeastern part of the country (i.e., the heel of the boot) is less crowded and more affordable than places like Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. Add sandy beaches with clear waters plus historic significance to the peaceful Puglia countryside, and it becomes very clear why this region is so popular with vacationing Italians. The beautiful and historic city of Lecce (the "Florence of the South") is one of Italy's most under-the-radar destinations for food and culture, with restaurants, shops, piazzas and palazzos radiating just about every direction from Basilica di Santa Croce -- perhaps the most beautiful church in the city.

Lecce is located in the Salento region, which is famous for its wines. The wine-producing town of Salice Salentino is 30 minutes west from Lecce by car. On the Ionian side of Salento is historic Gallipoli, whose scenic old town is set on a limestone island linked to the mainland by a 16th-century bridge. Other popular places include the resort towns of Torre Dell'Orso and Otranto, a place defined by its ancient stone buildings, plunge-ready rock pools and laid-back beaches like Baia dei Turchi.

Amalfi Coast Swarms of tourists -- even Italians -- arrive daily to see one of the world's most famous coastlines. Yes, there are massive summertime crowds, exorbitant high-season hotel rates and hard-to-navigate roads, but the payoff -- taking in vertigo-inducing views of the Mediterranean and exploring unbelievably photogenic villages built into rocky cliffs -- is worth the travel hassles. Our Amalfi Coast itinerary is full of pro tips on when and where to go. Naples Italy is a foodie destination of legendary proportions, and Naples more than pulls its weight on this front. The third-largest city in Italy, Naples is widely thought to be the birthplace of pizza, so many visitors here are on a pilgrimage to find the very best pie topped with San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella and charred to chewy perfection in a wood-burning oven. Naples' culinary delights don't begin and end with oven-fired pizza: The port city is renowned for its seafood, spaghetti, gelato, zeppole, coffee, wine and limoncello (strong lemon liqueur, with an emphasis on the strong). Between euphoric throes of eating and drinking, there's plenty else to do. Naples is one of the oldest cities in Europe -- its origins date to the 9th century B.C. -- and its profusion of art, architecture and archeology could vie with Rome and Florence. For example, the historic center (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is home to the Chiesa di San Gregorio Armeno, a 16th-century Baroque masterpiece; the Duomo, a Roman Catholic cathedral that broke ground in the 13th century; and San Giovanni Maggiore, a basilica with stone original to its fourth-century construction. Though Naples' prestige dates to antiquity, the modern-day experience of the city is rife with grit, graffiti, trash, crime and congestion. Sicily Sicily has long been a hub for writers, artists and expats. Today, the island's millions of annual tourists include celebrities, NBA stars, media moguls from around the globe, and, increasingly, mainlanders. In fact, according to data from UnionCamere Sicilia (the organization of Sicily's Chambers of Commerce), around half of Sicily's visitors in recent years have been Italians themselves. Like those traveling from abroad, Italians come to Sicily to see sparkling seas, rugged landscapes, Roman and Greek ruins and charming old towns with winding cobbled streets and tiled roofs. Cefalu, in the north, is the quintessential Sicilian seaside town, packed with excellent trattorias and cafes. Hike to the top of the town's iconic La Rocca for excellent views of the surrounding landscape and Tyrrhenian Sea. North Italy's Mountains and Lakes Most pop culture buffs could play a very quick word-association game with the phrases "George Clooney" and "Lake Como." Long before it was a favorite for American A-listers, the famous Alpine lake and others nearby were Italian idylls for European royalty, romantic poets, diplomats and well-off natives. Even ancient Romans were drawn to the region's spectacular lake and mountain views. Today, water sports, boating, hiking, biking (ambitious cyclists can loop Lake Como) and wildlife-spotting are favorite pastimes. In addition to Lake Como, Lake Garda (the country's largest lake) and Lake Maggiore are top destinations in northern Italy. Their shores are lined with lush woodlands, beautiful villas and picturesque villages -- Bellagio on Lake Como (dubbed "the Pearl of the Lake") and Riva del Garda and Bardolino on Lake Garda are especially popular stopovers. Siena and Rural Tuscany Siena could be considered the prototype for Tuscan towns. Its centro storico (historic center) is filled with narrow, pedestrian-only streets and sites like the magnificent Siena Cathedral and Piazza del Campo, Siena's main square -- thought to be one of the best examples of a medieval square in Europe. Every July and August, Piazza del Campo fills with thousands of bystanders for the Palio di Siena, annual races where jockeys ride horses bareback around the treacherous track and tight corners. Outside of Siena's historic walls, the Tuscan countryside rolls out in every direction. This part of the world has long enticed travelers with its bucolic fields and farmland, dotted with moody cypress trees and rustic farmhouses, as well as its wine, thermal hot springs and hiking and mountain-biking trails. All around are castles, monasteries (like the roofless Abbey of Saint Galgano in Chiusdino), and walled towns dating to the Middle Ages. One such town, San Gimignano, in the province of Siena, is notable for the Romanesque and Gothic architecture found in its UNESCO-designated historic center. Emilia-Romagna Tuscany and Naples are certainly no slouches when it comes to food and wine, but Emilia-Romagna is Italy's true epicurean superstar. Many of the heavyweights of Italian cuisine -- Parmigiano-Reggiano, prosciutto, polenta and pastas like tortellini, lasagna and tagliatelle -- are native to the northeastern region. Needless to say, food tours through the Emilia-Romagna countryside and cities of Bologna and Parma are must-dos, but the region's magnificent basilicas, piazzas and museums demand plenty of sightseeing time, too. (A short list includes the Basilica San Vitale and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna, Modena's 12th-century duomo, and the ancient Bridge of Tiberius in Rimini.) Emilia-Romagna's terrific food, wine and historic sites are the stars of the show, and the region's remarkable affordability relative to the more touristy Tuscany is icing on the cake (or the balsamic vinegar of Modena on the strawberries, as the case may be). Sardinia Sardinia is to Italians what the Caribbean is to North Americans. The island's Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) in the north is especially beautiful, with sandy beaches and exceptionally blue waters. The area was developed in the 1960s as an exclusive getaway for the uber-rich (think Russian billionaires with mega-yachts). That level of luxury still exists, but these days Costa Smeralda attracts tourists from all walks of life -- especially during its peak season in August and September. Costa Smeralda is one of Italy's most iconic attractions, but there is stunning coastline all around Sardinia, from the dramatic windblown terrain of Capo Testa in the north to the breathtaking beaches near Capo Spartivento in the south. And the vertical cliffs of Capo Caccia in the west make for spectacular sunset viewing. A ferry ride from the town of Palau delivers visitors to the Maddalena islands, an archipelago with crazy-beautiful beaches that are mostly untouched by tourism -- for now.
Source: 8 top destinations in Italy where Italians go

The Green connection: Linking R.I. airport to new destinations seen as helping state attract new businesses

The airport corporation hopes to position Green to bring in more revenue for itself as well as provide the state with a card to play to recruit new companies.

John Hill Journal Staff Writer jghilliii

WARWICK, R.I. — In true Rhode Island tradition, Iftikhar Ahmad wants T. F. Green Airport to be, like, you know, connected.

In the eleven months since he took over as chief executive officer of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, it has. With recent announcements by Norwegian, Frontier, Allegiant and OneJet airlines, T. F Green has nearly doubled, from 17 to 33, the number of cities its airlines fly to directly, adding destinations in Scotland, Ireland and Norway as well as Denver, New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.

It's part of a strategy the airport corporation hopes will position Green to bring in more revenue for itself as well as provide the state with a card to play when it looks to recruit new companies to the Ocean State.

"It is an asset of Rhode Island," Ahmad said. "We have a role to play."

When Ahmad arrived in October 2016, Green's passenger counts had been stagnant at about 3.6 million annually for four years.

Ahmad, who has worked at or run airports in Houston, Nashville, Dayton, and New Orleans, said his goals for T. F. Green were to increase the number of jobs there from around 2,400 to 4,000 and to boost the airport's impact on the state economy — the money the visitors who pass through it spend here — from the currently estimated $2.6 billion a year to $4 billion.

That effort kicked into gear in February, when Norwegian announced its non-stop flights to Norway, Scotland and Ireland, Green's first year-round connection to the British Isles and continental Europe. In May, Frontier landed, with a long-coveted Providence-to-Denver route, as well as flights to New Orleans, Miami and Raleigh/Durham. The smaller Allegiant and OneJet came this summer. Ahmad said the next goal is more European connections and some to Central and South America.

The new airlines fit with T.F. Green's strategy to draw business from Boston's Logan Airport by attracting bargain-hunting travelers.

"In a 90-mile radius there are seven million people," Ahmad said. "How do you take it from Logan and bring it here? By being cheaper than Logan." A check last week of about 300 cars parked in a long-term parking lot showed 41 percent were from Rhode Island, 37 percent from Massachusetts and 16 percent from Connecticut.

Michael Boyd, president of Boyd International, a Denver-based air industry consulting company, said in the past Green could use convenience to lure Logan travelers, because traffic congestion made it difficult to get in and out of Boston quickly.

"Well, they fixed that," with the highway relocations of the Big Dig, Boyd said.

By adding flights to major hubs like Denver and Chicago, Boyd said Green can plug into international routes that enable travelers to get to Asia or Europe.

When Green goes looking for a new airline, Ahmad said it wants two things: a destination no one else at Green flies to and low-cost fares.

Before this year, just under half of the traffic at Green was with the low-cost Southwest Airlines. Frontier, Norwegian, OneJet and Allegiant are smaller but similar, looking to get people from one place to another at the lowest fare.

Allegiant would never consider locating at Logan, said Dustin Hall, the airline's manager at T. F. Green, because the cost of doing business there would blow its budget.

Logan needs higher paying airlines, he said, and customers. It costs more for one day of parking at Logan — $53 — than the $38 Allegiant charges to fly from Providence to Cincinnati.

Ahmad said airports can help cities, and their states, attract new businesses and keep the ones they have. Most of the types of employers Rhode Island would like to lure to the state will have far-flung operations, regional locations of their own as well as supplier locations their people will need to visit.

Ahmad was manager at the Dayton, Ohio, airport in 2009, when National Cash Register announced it was leaving the city where it was founded for Atlanta. One of the reasons NCR gave was that Dayton Airport didn't have flights to places the company needed to go. He said he still remembers friends either losing their jobs or being forced to relocate to keep them.

"It is very important that the state is connected," Ahmad said. "It isn't companies doing business with other companies; it's people who do business with other people."

An earlier version of this report incorrectly described Green's connection to Europe.

Source: The Green connection: Linking R.I. airport to new destinations seen as helping state attract new businesses

Seven top underrated holiday destinations where you’re guaranteed a warm welcome

After another season of tourist gridlock at the world's A-list sightseeing destinations, the search for alternatives is driving travellers ever further off the beaten track. Try Palawan if you think Boracay's days are numbered, Flores instead of Bali and Xishuangbanna rather than Yangshuo.

But there is a sure-fire way to avoid the holiday honeypots and backpacker bottlenecks; seek out cities and towns overlooked by guidebooks and travel brochures – less fashionable spots that lack a portfolio of must-see attractions but are teeming with helpful locals who are delighted, if slightly puzzled, that you've chosen to visit their hometown.

Destined to play perennial bridesmaid, these underrated regions, forgotten countries and places without postcards are usually overshadowed by more famous rivals, but don't let that put you off.

1. Isaan, Thailand

More than 32 million people visited Thailand in 2016. They flocked to Bangkok, baked on the beaches and descended on Chiang Mai in record numbers. Few made it to the northeastern region of Isaan, an agricultural backwater lacking a coastline, hill tribes or well-established tourism infrastructure.

Made up of 20 provinces, Isaan shares its culture, language and cuisine with neighbours Laos and Cambodia. Discover ancient Khmer temples at Buriram, hike in the mountainous national parks of Loei province and fill up on papaya salad and sticky rice; both dishes originated in this part of Thailand.

Bangkok - the good, bad and ugly sides to the Thai capital for visitors

CNN Travel included the area in its list of 17 best places to visit in 2017, describing Isaan as "still largely unexplored by the inter­national market". Living costs are a pleasant surprise after Bangkok or Phuket and the smiles seem even broader in the cities of Udon Thani, Khon Kaen and Nong Khai, which sits on the banks of the mighty Mekong and serves as a gateway to Laos.

2. Moldova

The 2017 Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget finds space for 37 nations within its 1,207 pages but not poor old Moldova. Sightseeing attractions in the capital, Chisinau, are limited, so find an agreeable cafe on a tree-lined boulevard, order a coffee and see who wants to practise their English. You won't wait long.

Live and let … live

For something stronger, book a wine-tasting tour. At least 150 vineyards are scattered across Europe's poorest country – the cellars at Milestii Mici are recognised as the world's largest, with more than 1.5 million bottles in storage.

Most surreal of all is a day trip through a rural landscape punctuated by monasteries and churches to "non-existent" Transnistria, which looks to Russia, culturally and linguistically. Take your passport, although no one recognises the breakaway republic, not even the Kremlin.

3. Siquijor, the Philippines

This Visayan gem gives many Filipinos the shivers due to its reputation for witch­craft and sorcery. The superstitious are missing out on waterfalls, rainforests, natural springs and pristine beaches lapped by inviting seas ideal for snorkel­ling.

A rebranding exercise aimed at updating Siquijor's image, from a mysterious land of black magic to an island of healing, seems to be working. The annual Healing Festival draws spiritual souls in search of herbal remedies, love potions and concoctions to chase away evil spirits.

Sea kayaking in pristine Palawan, the Philippines

For the rest of the year, the third smallest province in the Philippines reverts to a witch-free slice of paradise.

4. Birmingham, England

An online image search of "iconic sights: Birmingham" throws up a depart­ment store and a busy traffic intersection. Admittedly, the space-age facade of the Selfridges building has won architectural awards and the Gravelly Hill Interchange, better known as Spaghetti Junction, is sort of iconic, at least to highway engineers.

Hollywood actor Telly Savalas praised Birmingham's homage to Brutalist architecture in a 1980s promotional film, but times change and "Brum" has undergone a series of makeovers aimed at prioritising people over poured concrete. Birmingham is now the most popular destination for Londoners wishing to make a new start outside the capital.

5. Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Talking of less polished second cities in need of a little love and attention, there are worse places in which to pause than Kaohsiung. Taiwan's largest port and centre of the island's petrochemical industry is short on conventional sightseeing attractions, but that's OK; Paris and Tokyo can have the tourist hordes.

Allow half a day at the Pier 2 Art Centre, a revamped warehouse that houses art installations, hip coffee shops, bookstores and boutiques. Go underground to admire the kaleido­scopic Dome of Light glass mural at Formosa Boulevard, dubbed the world's most beautiful metro station. Hire a bike and pedal past the temples, pavilions and pagodas at Lotus Pond and finish up at either Kaisyuan or Jin-Zuan, both of which claim to be the biggest night market in Southeast Asia.

6. Girona, Spain

Visitors stopping overnight in Girona often end up staying longer. The laid-back Catalan city receives its share of tourists but nothing like the onslaught nearby Barcelona endures. Experience the artistry of Gaudi (and Messi) one day, then make a beeline for the Pyrenees the next. Girona is only a 30-minute drive to the Costa Brava, where fishermen's cottages tumble down pine-covered cliffs to inviting turquoise waters.

Alternatively, venture no further than Girona's steep cobblestone alleyways, cathedral and Roman city walls. The perimeter path, or Passeig Arqueològic, enables those on foot to navigate around much of the old town. Appetite piqued, head to the Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca, twice ranked the world's best restaurant. You did remember to book six months ago, didn't you?

7. Olomouc, Czech Republic

As Prague and Cesky Krumlov drown in a sea of selfie sticks, distant Olomouc sneaks under the sightseeing radar. In 2014, Lonely Planet ranked the university town first in its list of 50 Top Secret Spots, describing it as "surprisingly majestic" and "practically unknown outside the Czech Republic and underappreciated even at home".

Join a walking tour and soak up the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural splendour, minus the masses. Afterwards, find a bar, order a glass of the world's best beer and see how many friends you make before you finish it. When I visited the tourist information office on the delightful main square, friendly staff asked if we could exchange email addresses and keep in touch. I bet that doesn't happen in Prague.

Source: Seven top underrated holiday destinations where you're guaranteed a warm welcome

10 European destinations that are still largely undiscovered by tourists

Shutterstock / Vlada Photo

France, Spain, and Italy have long taken the limelight when it comes to popular travel destinations in Europe, but some of the continent's most rewarding and best-kept secrets are set off-the-beaten path. From the Balkans to the Baltic Sea, here are our picks for the 10 best (mostly) undiscovered places in Europe.

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Source: 10 European destinations that are still largely undiscovered by tourists

Jet2 launch cheap flights to European ski resorts - how to get tickets

Jet2.com has announced its biggest ever nationwide ski programme.

The budget carrier is launching the programme - including flights to two ski destinations from East Midlands Airport this winter - as customers start booking their ski trips following the summer holiday.

Coventry families can take advantage of up to FIVE weekly flights to two top ski destinations from East Midlands Airport: Geneva and Salzburg.

In total, more than 20,000 seats are available to the best slopes in Europe from East Midlands Airport.

The company has scheduled the majority of ski flights from East Midlands to operate on weekends, perfectly timed for those looking to shred the slopes over the weekend.

Hundreds of Brits are expected to jet abroad thanks to last minute summer holiday deals. Read More

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: "We are delighted to be developing our ski programme this year, which includes flights from East Midlands Airport to Geneva and Salzburg.

"People in the area are clearly turning their attentions to the slopes, as we have seen a jump in bookings in September which bodes well for the season ahead.

"With friendly flight times on a weekend, alongside 22kg of baggage and ski allowance, we're confident of very busy and popular ski flights from East Midlands Airport this winter."

Read More

To launch the programme, Jet2.com is offering half price ski carriage on flights to Geneva and Salzburg from East Midlands Airport.

The promotion applies if you make a new booking between today (19 September 2017) and 12 October 2017, and are travelling between 30 November 2017 and 30 April 2018 on any of the above routes.

So book before 12 October and you'll save a whopping £25 on your ski carriage (normally £50 return).

There's snow way you'll want to miss out!

See www.Jet2.com/ski for more.

Source: Jet2 launch cheap flights to European ski resorts - how to get tickets

The 10 Sunniest Destinations in Europe

As fall approaches and the sun starts setting earlier each day, we're already thinking about what destinations are best for getting our necessary dose of Vitamin D. European countries aren't often considered the sunniest spots, but there are certain cities that are better suited for avoiding the dreaded seasonal affective disorder. We consulted the stats at Current Results, which ranked European capitals and cities with over one million people by the average annual hours of sunshine they receive. While this limits smaller cities from the list, all of these locations make for great travel spots and jumping off points for nearby destinations when you're looking to catch some rays.

Grand Harbour Hotel/Oyster

Taking the number one spot is Valletta, the capital of the small island country of Malta. With an average of 2957 hours of sunshine per year, Valetta is not just a great pick for sun-seeking travelers. Founded in 1565 as a refuge for soldiers returning from the Crusades, the city is packed with history and protected by fortified city walls. Baroque architecture is on display throughout, particularly at the 16th-century St. John's Co-Cathedral, which houses a Caravaggio painting. The widespread Mediterranean views, fine-dining restaurants, and array of museums add to its appeal. 

Hotel Pick:

Residence du Vieux Port/Oyster

Set a two-hour drive west of Saint-Tropez, Marseille is a port city along the Mediterranean Sea in southern France. It's the second-largest city in France, after Paris, and was the European Capital of Culture in 2013. The boat-filled port is certainly the heart of the city, but its historic sites like the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, gorgeous national park, and stretches of beach are all worth a visit. Ride the Big Wheel Marseille (Ferris wheel) in the Old Port area for lovely vistas. 

Hotel Pick:

Tram at Rua da Bica/Oyster

The charming and historic capital of Portugal, Lisbon is the third-sunniest spot in Europe. It's built on seven hills, which can make getting around difficult, but views of the red-tiled roofs and ocean are beautiful. Colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and trams at every turn are visually stunning, and a plethora of museums, excellent shopping, and an artsy vibe mean visitors are never in short supply of activities. It's also often regarded as one of the liveliest nightlife spots, with a visible LGBT presence.

Hotel Pick:

Divani Caravel Hotel/Oyster

One of the world's oldest cities, Athens is seeped in history -- including the iconic Acropolis, Parthenon, and Hadrian's Library ruins. It also happens to receive an average of 2771 hours of annual sunshine. Exceptional architecture and museums make this a must-visit for many travelers, as do buzzing nightlife, the Monastiraki flea market, and delectable cuisine. Although the city and country were hit hard by the economic crisis, and pollution and tourists are downsides, it's still a popular destination for a reason. The Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos also receive a lot of sun and are well worth adding to an itinerary.

Hotel Pick:

Chueca/Oyster

Set in central Spain, the capital city of Madrid is overflowing with a mix of historic and modern attractions. World-class museums like the Prado and the Reina Sofia, greenery-filled parks, striking architecture, and open-air markets selling antiques and other goods are just some of the alluring points of interest here. Football fans will likely want to add a visit to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home of the Real Madrid team, while foodies can sample everything from cheap street eats to fine-dining tapas fare. Nightlife is exceptional here (though be aware it starts very late), and evenings are often capped with the famous churros and chocolate at Chocolateria San Gines.

Hotel Pick:

Fairmont Monte Carlo/Oyster

The tiny city-state of Monaco is near the France and Italy border on the French Riviera. Known for wealth, travelers here can expect to see a yacht-lined harbor, the opulent Prince's Palace of Monaco (the official royal residence), and people dressed to the nines at the famed Monte Carlo Casino. The prestigious Monaco Grand Prix occurs here, and visitors can also spend their days exploring the beach, opera house, Japanese Garden, and chandelier-clad Le Metropole Shopping Center.

Hotel Pick:

NH Nice/Oyster

Just over a 30-minute drive from Monaco is the lovely seaside city of Nice, France. With its mild climate, it became popular as a winter escape for Europe's elite in the 19th century, but remains a year-round travel destination today. The beaches are lovely, albeit pebbly, and its long history of attracting artists is commemorated at museums showcasing work by Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall. Exploring the old town, walking the waterfront Promenade des Anglais, and taking in the breathtaking view from Castle Hill are all popular outings.

Hotel Pick:

8. Tirana, Albania

spaztacular/Flickr

Sitting northwest of Greece is Albania's capital of Tirana, with a population estimated to be around 475,000 and 2544 hours of sunshine on average each year. The city has a storied past, from its founding by an Ottoman general to its 45-plus years under a Communist dictator, but while remnants remain, Tirana is much different today. The city is abuzz with brightly and artfully painted buildings, hip bars, and fine-dining eateries, plus several excellent museums to learn about its past. East of the city is Mount Dajti, and a cablecar can be taken to the top in 15 minutes for stunning panoramic views. 

Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, Gothic Quarter, Barcelona/Oyster

The seafront city of Barcelona is known for its striking Gothic and modernist architecture (the Barcelona Cathedral and Gaudí's Casa Batlló, for example), delicious cuisine from renowned chefs, vibrant nightlife, and a bustling beach. Often considered Spain's most cosmopolitan city, there's a lot to love about this buzzing destination with several distinct neighborhoods. Pleasant weather year-round means crowds are hard to avoid, but the tranquil green areas provide a respite from the bustle.

Hotel Pick:

10. Podgorica, Montenegro

Alex Alishevskikh/Flickr

Taking the number 10 spot with an average of 2480 hours of sunshine each year is Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, a country that sits just north of Albania along the Adriatic Sea. Ruled by the Ottoman Empire for four centuries, followed by Yugoslavia, the country officially gained independence in 2006. Today, its capital doesn't have the seafront appeal of cities like Budva and Petrovac (which see similar amounts of sunshine and are worth a visit), but its rivers crossed by bridges are scenic and magnificent sights like the Saborni Hram Hristovog Vaskrsenja cathedral fill the area. The nearby Duklja ruins and farther out, but gorgeous, Bukumirsko Lake are not to be missed.

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Source: The 10 Sunniest Destinations in Europe

Exotic hotspots now CHEAPER than Europe – and this is how to make your money go further

Prices have nosedived in far-flung locations including Malaysia, Jamaica, Dubai, the Far East and Central America.

Fierce competition among resort bosses has driven prices in some destinations lower than on the Continent.

A surge in the pound against the Japanese yen and several other currencies has given an added boost.

The findings are revealed in the Post Office's annual long-haul holiday report 2017 published today.

Families can make their money go further in Tokyo, Vietnam, Kenya and Sri Lanka than in Greece or the Spanish Costas.

GETTY

Exotic hotspots now CHEAPER than Europe – and this is how to make your money go furtherRelated articles

Not only is there likely to be more sunshine in exotic destinations but huge price falls make them cheaper than in Europe

Andrew Brown

Prices in Japan, widely regarded as one of the most expensive places in the world, have plummeted over the past year.

The Land of the Rising Sun was named the cheapest out of 30 long-haul destinations including Cape Town, South Africa; Mombasa, Kenya and Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Researchers compared the costs of 10 holiday essentials including a cup of coffee, glass of wine and a three-course meal for two.

Prices were found to have fallen in 12 hotspots including Costa Rica, Malaysia, Africa, the Dominican Republic and New Zealand.

Long-haul holidays can work out cheaper than a fortnight on the Continent despite a summer dip in the pound.

GETTY

Prices in Japan have plummeted over the past year

Post Office Travel Money spokesman Andrew Brown said: "Sterling has been improving in value against currencies for long haul holiday reports over the past fortnight which spells good news for holidaymakers in search of winter sun.

"Not only is there likely to be more sunshine in exotic destinations but huge price falls make them cheaper than in Europe.

"Prices in Tokyo are lower than in any eurozone destination and 25 per cent cheaper than in the Algarve or the Costa del Sol, the best value eurozone resort areas.

"What's more the beach resorts of Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Costa Rica are cheaper than the Greek Islands of Crete and Corfu or Mallorca."

Tokyo has topped the latest list of best-value destinations with a basket of holiday essentials costing just £48.90.

GETTY

Cape Town, South Africa, where a basket of goods will cost around £64.50

Prices in the Japanese capital have nosedived 26 per cent over the past year largely due to the flagging economy.

Costs are down 29 per cent in Antigua; 26 per cent in Jamaica; 23 per cent in Dubai and 11 per cent in Vietnam and Costa Rica.

Mr Brown added: "This year's price falls are part of a trend we have seen developing over the past five years since the brakes were applied to Japan's economy.

"Tough competition for business in Tokyo is great news for UK holidaymakers and, with great value packages available as well, Japan is now a much more affordable option."

Second in the 2017 league is Cape Town, South Africa, where a basket of goods will cost around £64.50.

GETTY

A surge in the pound against the Japanese yen and several other currencies has given an added boost

A meal for two including a bottle of wine will cost around £40 while a glass of wine is just over £3 and a cup of coffee £1.24.

Mombasa, Kenya, came third with an overall basket price £68.59 which includes meal at £46, bottle of water at 50p and bottle of lager at £2.10.

The Far East is now also an affordable option with a selection of goods at Vietnam's coastal resort of Hoi An costing around £76.74.

Bali, Indonesia, came sixth at around £77 followed by Tamarindo, Costa Rica, at £79.94 and Orlando, USA, at £80.60.

Thailand's party island Phuket just missed the top ten coming in 11th place with a selection of holiday essentials costing £88.84.

GETTY

Just making top 20 is Beijing, China

Just making top 20 is Beijing, China, where more adventurous travellers will pay around £76 for a meal; £4.44 for a cup of coffee and £5 for a glass of wine.

Oliver Lomas, spokesman for Travelbag which helped compile the data said: "Our customers are keen to make the most of their money when travelling to long-haul destinations, so considering the cost of spending money is of growing importance.

"We have seen an increase in bookings to a range of Caribbean and Asian destinations where rates for local tourist goods have stayed low.

"Since 2016, holidays to Japan and Jamaica have seen a steady increase, with bookings up 23 and 63 per cent respectively year on year."

Latest figures show the pound is up 8.3 per cent against the yen with a rise of 2.5 per cent against the Vietnamese dong and two per cent on both the Jamaican dollar and Kenyan shilling.

Spanish Holiday hotspots Thu, August 10, 2017

Getty Images

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La Concha Bay, San Sebastian

POST OFFICE 2017 TOP 30 LONG-HAUL DESTINATIONS WITH BASKET PRICES

 1. Japan (Tokyo) £48.90

2. South Africa (Cape Town) £64.50

3. Kenya (Mombasa) £68.59

4. Sri Lanka (Colombo) £75.83

5. Vietnam (Hoi An) £76.74

6. Bali (Kuta) £76.95

7. Costa Rica (Tamarindo) £79.94

8. USA (Orlando) £80.60

9. Malaysia (Penang) £81.77

10. Dominican Rep (Punta Cana) £85.34

11. Thailand (Phuket) £88.84

12. Mexico (Cancun) £96.84

13. St Lucia (Rodney Bay) £105.36

14. Jamaica (Montego Bay) £107.50

15. South Korea (Seoul) £108.43

16. USA (New York) £113.23

17. Canada (Vancouver) £113.34

18. Mauritius (Grand Baie) £114.31

19. Antigua (Jolly Beach) £114.72

20. China (Beijing) £120.18

21. Peru (Lima) £120.62

22. Tobago (Scarborough) £124.80

23. Chile (Santiago) £126.10

24. New Zealand (Auckland) £132.36

25. Barbados (St James) £134.13

26. Australia (Darwin) £138.75

27. Oman (Muscat) £141.29

28. Singapore (China Town) £152.34

29. Dubai (Jumeirah Beach) £157.75

30. Brazil (Rio) £160.00

Source: Exotic hotspots now CHEAPER than Europe – and this is how to make your money go further

Export to Europe sees moderate growth in July

Country's export to key European destinations like Germany, the UK, Italy, France showed moderate performance during the first month (July) of the current fiscal (2017-2018) compared to the same period of the previous fiscal (2016-2017), reports UNB.

During July, export to Germany, the second largest destination of Bangladesh exportable items, totalled $459.93 million, which was 15.39 percent of the total export earnings for the period.

Of the amount, knitwear accounted for $257.04 million, woven garment $166.62 million and home textiles $5.76 million, according to latest figures released by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

The EPB figures showed that exports to the UK in July totalled $346.65 million, which was 11.60 per cent of the total export earnings for the one-month period. The export of woven garment to the UK during the one-month period were $153.59 million, knitwear $168.78 million, home textile export to the UK during the period was $7.38 million, and bicycles $4.91 million.

Exports to France in July reached $152.26 million, which accounted for 5.10 per cent of the total export earnings for the period.

Exports to Italy totalled $122.36 million the last July with knitwear accounting for $78.38 million, woven garment $32.07 million and leather, leather products $1.67 million and footwear with $6.30 million.

Exports to Belgium amounted to $86.26 million that included knitwear $33.83 million, woven garment $32.57 million and jute and jute made goods $1.35 million.

Export earnings from the USA, the largest market for Bangladesh goods, registered a healthy performance during this July with a robust growth of 17.94 percent totalling $497.36 million, which was 16.65 percent of the total export earnings for the one-month period.

The Netherlands, another big export destination for Bangladesh, imported goods form Bangladesh worth $108.05 million during the month of July.

The amount included knitwear $41.42 million, woven garment $33.22 million and footwear $12.23 million.

Among the other European, the Middle East, Far East and South Asian countries, exports to Russia fetched $34.37 million during this July while that of Japan totalled $76.39 million, Singapore $9.32 million and China $63.56 million.

Of the South Asian countries, exports to India amounted to $45.80 million during the July that included jute and jute-made goods $9.58 million and woven garment $10.13 million.

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Source: Export to Europe sees moderate growth in July

Book it: Four hotel restaurants for a gastronomic getaway in Europe

• The best hotels in Bordeaux

Borgo Egnazia, Puglia Best for... local food lovers

The low-down: Rome and Venice may be Italy's enduring tourist cities, but nestled in its 'boot' is Fasano, part of the Puglian south that shows the country's softer side. It is there you'll find Borgo Egnazia, a hotel-cum-village that at its summer peak plays host to some 550 guests (not to mention 500 staff), set against rows of olive trees and fennel plants. Offering rooms and villas sleeping up to seven, and with the majority of its food, wine, staff and even building materials coming from the region, this celebration of Puglian tradition shows that Italy's attractions aren't just confined to the north.

Out and about: Drive (or be driven) around Puglia's hillsides in Maseratis, Lancias and other classic Italian cars courtesy of Puglia Auto Classica. The seafood or meat set menus at Osteria del Tempo Perso, a 16th-century cave featuring the best of local specialities, such as orechiette pasta and creamy burrata, are well worth a try. Top it off with a passeggiata around the cobbled streets of Ostuni's old town afterwards.

Source: Book it: Four hotel restaurants for a gastronomic getaway in Europe

The top 10 European destinations where you can find cheap flights during October half term

© Provided by Trinity Mirror Plc (Image: Hero Images) The summer holidays are well and truly behind us, but the next set of school holidays will be here faster than you think!

The October half term is just a few weeks away, and if you've been considering a mini break abroad, now is the time to start planning.

You could snap up a brilliant travel bargain - and in fact, new research from Skyscanner has revealed that a whole host of European hotspots are already proving significantly cheaper for the half term dates compared to last year.

Research from the flights booking website also revealed that 24% of half term flights are booked in September - so take action and you could beat the crowds and bag the best deals.

We take a look at the top 10 destinations revealed by Skyscanner to offer the best value flight fares for October half term - and why they should be on your radar right now...

1. Prague

© Provided by Trinity Mirror Plc Credits: Gallo Images Flights to Prague are averaging at about £93.63 based on a variety of UK departures, making it the destination with the biggest price drop thanks to a 20% difference compared to last year.

The best part is that once you've arrived, you won't need to splash the cash, with the Czech capital also being revealed as the best-value city for culture , whether you're looking to take a picturesque stroll along the Charles Bridge, or go exploring inside Prague Castle. 

TOP DEAL: Return flights for £70 per person, departing London Stansted on 23rd October, returning on 27th October.

2. Reykjavik

© Provided by Trinity Mirror Plc Credits: Getty Images Europe If you've always wanted to go exploring in the Icelandic capital, now's the perfect opportunity! Seat prices have dropped by 15% with an average fare of £202.65 - but you can get even cheaper if you book before the crowds.

Reykjavik is sure to make for a city break unlike any other thanks to the wide array of museums, sights and surrounding natural landscapes that are just waiting to be explored.

TOP DEAL: Return flights £162 per person departing London Gatwick on 21st October, returning on 25th October. You can book the deal here .

3. Faro

© Provided by Trinity Mirror Plc Credits: EyeEm Like Reykjavik, Faro has seen a price drop of 15% across flight rates, with an average of around £177.58.

By October the temperatures have considerably cooled down compared to the summer (unsurprisingly), but they're still at a comfortable average of 23C in the daytime.

They're ideal conditions for exploring - and Faro is far more than just sandy beaches, from its wide range of museums to bustling food markets.

TOP DEAL: Return flight £166 per person, departing Manchester on 23rd October, returning on 29th October.

4. Alicante

© Provided by Trinity Mirror Plc Credits: LightRocket This October half term, prices to Alicante have dropped by 13% to an average flight price of £157.71.

The only hiccup with travelling during this time is that the weather can be quite volatile - although temperatures remain relatively warm, it can sometimes rain.

So if you are feeling tempted, then it's worth having a few back-up indoor activities planned just in case - but luckily there are plenty of museums and malls to explore too!

TOP DEAL: Return flight £133 per person, departing London Stansted on 23rd October, returning on 27th October.

5. Rome

© Provided by Trinity Mirror Plc Credits: Photolibrary RM Rome never fails to draw in crowds of tourists from all over the world whatever the time of year, but surprisingly the Italian capital is working out cheaper compared to last year with a price drop of 8% and an average of £144.02.

Before you travel, check out our Rome city guide ; it has everything from the best cheap hotels, top restaurants and all the main sights you won't want to miss.

TOP DEAL: Return flight £113 per person, departing London Gatwick on 21st October, returning on 25th October to London Stansted.

6. Malaga

© Provided by Trinity Mirror Plc Credits: Moment RF During the summer flights to Malaga can leave you blowing your budget, but come October the prices have dropped - and this year they've lowered by a further 8% to an average of £164.85.

With average daily temperatures of 24C it's still warm enough to make the most of the picturesque outdoors, but if you do get caught on a slightly chillier day, use it as an excuse to check out Malaga's local restaurants, or explore the quirky museums and cinemas.

TOP DEAL: Return flight £114 per person, departing London Stansted on 23rd October, returning on 27th October.

7. Barcelona

© Provided by Trinity Mirror Plc Credits: Lonely Planet Images Barcelona remains a firm favourite for tourists no matter what the season, but it's worth making the trip in October after the destination's faced an 8% flight price drop to an average of £122.05.

In the summer Barcelona boasts hot temperatures, but when you're trying to explore the city they can be somewhat overwhelming.

However in October the temperatures become far more bearable, and make ideal conditions for seeing the best of what Barcelona has to offer, from the Sagrada Familia to Park Guell.

TOP DEAL: Return flight £70 per person, departing London Stansted on 23rd October, returning on 27th October. 

8. Tenerife

© Provided by Trinity Mirror Plc Credits: Lonely Planet Images Flight prices to Tenerife have dropped by 6% for an average total of £346.67 - and with temperatures staying around 25C you could bag a sunshine break without the sky-high summer prices.

There's so much to see and do with the kids, it's sure to be a brilliant family getaway - check out some of our favourite activities here .

TOP DEAL: Return flight £263 per person, departing London Gatwick on 24th October, returning on 29th October.

9. Milan

© Provided by Trinity Mirror Plc Credits: E+ Milan flight prices may only have dropped by 5%, but they still average a very budget-friendly price of £78.48.

Meanwhile, the city is easy to enjoy no matter what the weather. In fact, highlights include the Duomo, museums, art galleries and of course the shopping - all of which can be enjoyed indoors.

Make sure to bookmark our Milan city guide where you'll find everything from the best cheap hotels to the restaurants you need to try and sights you won't want to miss.

TOP DEAL: Return flight £62 per person, departing London Gatwick on 21st October, returning on 28th October.

10. Palma

© Provided by Trinity Mirror Plc Flight prices to Palma have dropped by 2%, leading to an average of £169.46.

However, if you're heading to Majorca in October, then you should be prepared for some bouts of rain. Luckily, with a wide array of restaurants, aquariums, museums, bowling alleys and cinemas, you won't be stuck for things to do!

TOP DEAL: Return flight £109 per person, departing Liverpool on 23rd October, returning on 28th October. 

Related: The World's Most Popular Travel Destinations (provided by Wochit News)

Click to expand

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Source: The top 10 European destinations where you can find cheap flights during October half term