Fall Weather Means Good Deals at Upscale European Hotels

Photo Finca Cortesin, on the Costa del Sol in Spain.

The South of France, the Amalfi Coast of Italy and Spain's Costa del Sol are just a few of the seaside European destinations known as the summertime haunts of well-heeled travelers. From June through September, prices for a night's stay in a hotel are sky high, and jockeying for reservations at popular restaurants is something of a full-time sport.

Come October, however, these places are significantly more affordable but equally desirable. And they stay that way through much of November; some are even suited to visiting during winter.

Value, flexibility and a more relaxed time are in store for travelers who visit these upscale destinations in the fall, said Shawna Huffman Owen, an owner of Huffman Tr avel, a travel consultancy in Chicago. "Hotels drop prices by as much as 50 percent, and instead of making dinner reservations a month in advance as you would have to do in July or August, you have the flexibility of deciding in the afternoon where you want to eat that night," she said.

Worry not, water lovers. Ms. Owen says that boating and taking a dip in the ocean are possible through October, when temperatures are still mild and days are sunny. And the slightly cooler climate thereafter is a time to take advantage of other attractions.

In Monaco, for example, culture is in full swing from November through March, according to Arnaud Bertrand, who is in charge of business development for the Americas for the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, which has a casino, a 10,000-square-foot spa and a Michel in-starred restaurant, Blue Bay.

Travelers can enjoy the ballet and opera and book the resort's three-night package, which begins in October with rates starting at 197 euros ($220) a night, compared with 760 euros ($850) for the same room during the peak of summer.

On the Amalfi Coast, Monastero Santa Rosa, an upscale 20-room cliff-top property set in a 17th-century monastery, is making wellness the focus this fall with the three-night Health and Hike package; included are a guided hike with a picnic lunch, a body wrap treatment at its spa and a cooking lesson with the hotel's chef, Christoph Bob, on how to prepare health-conscious Italian dishes. The price is 2,300 euros for two.

Meanwhile, on the Tuscan Coast, children get priority at Hotel Il Pellicano with the Kids Time offer — nightly rates start at 409 euros, and a second room is 50 percent off. The deal includes breakfast, free meals for children under 6, half off meals for children between 7 and 12, unlimited minibar and snacks (alcoholic drinks excluded), milk and cookies at bedtime an d an in-room family movie.

Finally, in Spain, Finca Cortesin, on the Costa del Sol, has a two-night Hike & Bike package available from Oct. 10 to March 22. It includes accommodations in a suite, breakfast and guided hiking or mountain biking through the mountains of Andalusia; prices from 1,100 euros. The hotel also has gastronomy- and golf-themed packages.

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Source: Fall Weather Means Good Deals at Upscale European Hotels

Government wants Indonesia to become next big shopping destination

In conjunction with World Tourism Day, the Tourism Ministry launched a culinary and shopping festival on Tuesday in Gandaria City Mall, South Jakarta.

The one-month-long Wonderful Indonesia Culinary & Shopping Festival 2016, which will end on Oct. 27, is taking place in 85 shopping malls in the country's 13 big cities, including Jakarta, Malang, Palembang, Banten, Yogyakarta, Bandung, Surakarta, Makassar, Surabaya, Semarang, Pekanbaru, Medan and Balikpapan and on Bali.

This year, World Tourism Day commenced with "Tourism for All" as its theme, which inspired the ministry to focus on the culinary arts and shopping, the two main activities commonly enjoyed by both domestic and foreign tourists, reported tempo.com. The festival itself is planned to be held annually.

Indonesian Gastronomy Academy head Vita Datau described the festival as a cross-sector collaboration that combines academics, the business community, government and media to work together in promoting the shopping and culinary industries.

(Read also: Seven traditional Indonesian rice dishes you should try)

Culinary arts and shopping are two cultural categories that play crucial roles in Indonesian tourism. The country is equipped with decent shopping facilities and included in the Top Asia Shopping Cities 2015. In regards to price, it is the third cheapest country in the World Economic Forum, Travel and Tourism Index. 

"It doesn't mean the low price comes with low quality. By spending the same amount of US dollars in Indonesia, people will get extra benefits and value compared with other countries," said Tourism Minister Arief Yahya.

Currently Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Beijing and Singapore are deemed the most popular shopping destinations. However, Arief said that shopping malls in Indonesia, such as Grand Indonesia in Central Jakarta and South Jakarta's Pondok Indah Mall and Gandaria City, are actually bigger and even more complete than those in Singapore, Australia, Japan, or even the US' and Europe's shopping centers. (kes)

Source: Government wants Indonesia to become next big shopping destination

Cathay Pacific staff recall fond memories of the iconic Boeing 747

The "Queen of the Skies", which will soon retire from the airline's passenger fleet, has played a pivotal role in transforming Cathay Pacific and developing Hong Kong as an international aviation hub

As Cathay Pacific Airways prepares to bid farewell to its iconic Boeing 747, which will be retired from the passenger fleet after it performs its final operation, a return journey from Hong Kong to Haneda Airport in Tokyo on 30 September and 1 October, the airline's staff have been recalling their fond memories of the aircraft that played a crucial role in transforming the carrier from a primarily regional operator into the truly global airline it is today.

The 747, one of the most successful commercial aircraft of all time, first joined the Cathay Pacific fleet in 1979 and made an almost immediate impact – on the company's fortunes, on its staff and even on the airline's home city of Hong Kong.

Capable of carrying upwards of 400 passengers, more than double the number of the Boeing 707, the aircraft it replaced, and for far greater distances, the arrival of the more fuel-efficient 747 enabled Cathay Pacific to rapidly expand its network to European and North American destinations throughout the 1980s and 1990s, thereby increasing Hong Kong's connectivity to the wider world.

"The 747 fundamentally changed the way people were able to travel," says Cathay Pacific General Manager Operations Mark Hoey, a former Chief Pilot of the 747. "Being able to carry more people for far greater distances than before meant the 747 effectively shrunk the planet. The aircraft had a vital effect on the development of Hong Kong as an international aviation hub – and indeed, Hong Kong's economic and tourism prospects. As a result, it helped make Hong Kong become a world city."

During its time as Cathay Pacific's sole long-haul aircraft type, up until the mid-1990s which saw the arrival of the Airbus A340, the 747 helped the airline quadruple its annual passenger figures – from 2.5 million carried in 1979 to 10.4 million in 1995. Visitor numbers to Hong Kong over the same period grew almost identically – from 2.2 million in 1979 to 10.2 million in 1995.

The airline's expansion during the 1980s was undoubtedly an exciting period for Cathay Pacific – and no more so than for its cabin crew, who found themselves flying regularly to the glamorous new long-haul destinations of the era: London, Paris, Rome and Vancouver.

"It was my dream to travel the world, and it was thanks to the 747 that I was able to do so," says Cathay Pacific Inflight Service Manager Monica Tong, who started her career as a flight attendant 30 years ago this month and who estimates to have worked on over 1,000 747 flights. "The size of the aircraft helped build camaraderie between the crew – we flew in a bigger group and on longer routes, which meant we spent more time together and got to learn more about each other."

The spacious cabins of the 747 also proved immediately popular with passengers, as did the aircraft's enhanced inflight entertainment options, which were significantly more advanced than those of the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar, which Cathay Pacific operated on short- and medium-haul routes. "At first, the 747s were equipped with screens in each cabin so we could show movies, but the personal televisions (PTVs) and audio-video on demand systems (AVOD) on later 747s were a major advancement," adds Monica.

In the 15 years following the 747's introduction, Cathay Pacific trebled the size of its workforce – from approximately 5,000 to nearly 15,000, making the airline one of Hong Kong's largest employers, which resulted in significant career advancement prospects for its staff.

"Because the airline was growing so quickly – there were upwards of 40 cabin crew induction classes per year – the opportunity for promotion came regularly," remembers Cathay Pacific Manager Inflight Services Standards and Safety Le Le Ng, who joined the airline as a flight attendant in the early 1980s. "And it was the 747 that cabin crew wanted to be assigned to. The long-haul destinations were one reason, of course, but the 747, because of its spaciousness and modern features, provided a superior working environment too."

Although the 747's operating economics can no longer compete with Cathay Pacific's more modern, twin-engine aircraft, such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350, the "Queen of the Skies" has given the airline 37 years of impeccable service and has certainly earned its retirement.

One man for whom the aircraft's departure from Cathay Pacific will prove to be especially poignant is Tony Britton, who spent more than 30 years working on the 747 as an engineer.

"The 747 is the last of the 'old school' aircraft to have been built – and I will miss it dearly," says Tony, who is now employed as Aircraft Project Manager – Lease Return and Disposal. "The 747 was fantastic to work on because it was such a cerebral aircraft, very reliable and, for aircraft engineers, straightforward to understand. It became an aircraft that engineers knew inside out."

"I dare say many Cathay Pacific staff will feel sad – many have a very close attachment to the aircraft, so it does feel like it is the end of an era. I will certainly be one of them. It will be an emotional moment when the last passenger 747 departs the fleet for the very last time.

"It has been a part of Cathay and Hong Kong for so many years …"1977A three-man committee meets to decide on new aircraft purchases and agrees that the company should buy a Boeing 747, a decision that would ultimately lead to Cathay Pacific transforming itself from being primarily a regional carrier into the truly global airline it is today.1978In February, the Cathay Pacific board announces that the airline will purchase its first 747. It will be powered by Rolls-Royce RB211-524B engines, starting a long partnership between the airline and engine maker.1979In July, a hand-over ceremony at the Boeing factory at Everett near Seattle, the first 747-200 joins the fleet. Its registration is VR-HKG, VR being the registration for Hong Kong, and HKG the airport code for the city's Kai Tak Airport.On 31 July, VR-HKG arrives at Kai Tak, commanded by Captain Geoff Gratwick, following a non-stop flight from Seattle in around 11 hours, then the longest delivery flight made by a 747. F our days later it enters revenue service operating the Sydney route via Melbourne and back to Hong Kong.1980The second 747-200 is delivered. On 16 July, VR-HIA becomes the first Cathay Pacific aircraft to operate a service to London. The service to Gatwick is operated via Bahrain.It's still early days for Cathay Pacific's 747s but the aircraft's capabilities mean the airline can look to aggressively grow its long-haul network over the years ahead, thereby greatly increasing Hong Kong's global connectivity.1981The 747 service to London goes daily as more aircraft – approximately one every six months – join the fleet. By the end of the year, Cathay Pacific has five 747 aircraft, which enables the airline to carry more than 3 million passengers annually for the first time. This is over 500,000 more passengers than in 1979, the year the 747 first entered service.

1983More evidence that the 747 is underpinning Cathay Pacific's growing confidence as a long-haul player, with the launch of new European destinations, including Frankfurt. The airline receives its first 747 powered by improved Rolls-Royce RB211-524D4 engines. These are more fuel-efficient aircraft, allowing for greater range.The aircraft enables Cathay Pacific to become the first Asian airline to operate a nonstop service to Vancouver, which it runs thrice weekly. The outward service takes just under 12 hours, and just over 13 on the return.Thanks to the 747, the airline's network length has grown from 72,000 km in 1979 to 122,000 km in just four years -- a 70% increase.1985Cathay Pacific's first 747-300, which features a larger upper deck, enters service. It is the airline's 10th 747. The airline has grown to become an important 747 customer for Boeing, and is asked to sit on a steering group to discuss future design requirements and developments of the aircraft.1986Cath ay Pacific's 747 fleet grows to 12, enabling continued network expansion with new routes to San Francisco and Amsterdam. By the end of the year, the airline carries more than 4 million passengers for the first time.The increase in 747 aircraft results in an increase in Cathay Pacific staff numbers – operational (flight and cabin crew), outport and ground staff. The airline's employees number nearly 8,000, up by more than a third in the space of just five years.1988Cathay Pacific expands long-haul network further with the addition of Zurich. The airline carries over 6 million passengers in a single year, up by more than 1.1 million in just 12 months, its biggest annual rise. Staff count increases to over 10,000 for the first time.1989 Cathay Pacific is one of the launch customers for the brand-new, Rolls-Royce-powered 747-400, with the unveiling of VR-HOP. The -400 features a 'glass' cockpit, meaning higher levels of system automation and increased range and fuel efficiency .

Because of this, the airline's network grows further, with the addition of Manchester and more non-stop routes. By the end of the year, Cathay Pacific operates 17 747s, including two -400s, and carries over 7 million passengers. The airline's network length passes 200,000 km for the first time, and operates to a record 37 destinations.1990July sees the launch of Cathay Pacific's Hong Kong to Los Angeles nonstop service with the 747-400, then one of the longest scheduled nonstop routes in the world.1991London Heathrow, which would become the airline's flagship route, is added to the schedule. Cathay Pacific staff numbers reach close to 13,000, more than doubling in a decade of 747 service.1994Cathay Pacific starts flying to the East Coast of North America, with a service to Toronto. Inbound visitor numbers to Hong Kong from North America exceed one million per year, three times as many as 1979 when the first 747 joined the Cathay Pacific fleet.1995 Cathay Pacific carries mo re than 10 million passengers in a year for the very first time, while Hong Kong itself welcomes a record 10 million inbound visitors for the year. The airline's network has increased to cover 42 destinations and measures 275,000 km, nearly four times as long as it was in 1979.1996Cathay Pacific starts its service to New York, with a refuelling stop in Vancouver. The airline's staff levels reach 15,000 for the first time, making it one of Hong Kong's biggest employers. Despite the addition of Boeing 777 and Airbus A340 aircraft to the Cathay Pacific fleet, the 747 remains the biggest aircraft type on long-haul routes, with 32 aircraft in the fleet.1998This is a busy year for Hong Kong aviation with the closure of the iconic inner-city Kai Tak airport in Kowloon. Captain Kim Sharman is in charge of the final departure from Kai Tak – Flight CX251 to London Heathrow on 6 July 1998, which was operated by a 747-400.

Another of Cathay Pacific's 747s operates the first revenue flight to land at the new Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok – Flight CX889 from New York. This is also the first revenue flight to fly nonstop from the US east coast over the North Pole on a direct route through previously prohibited Russian airspace. Named Polar 1, the flight sets a new world distance record of 7,465 nautical miles and takes 15 hours and 35 minutes – cutting more than five hours off the normal journey time, which included a fuel stop in Vancouver.2012In May, Cathay Pacific announces accelerated retirement plans for its 747 passenger fleet. The business case for slightly smaller but more economic twin-jets, such as the fleet's Boeing 777-300ERs, is unarguable.2016On 30 September and 1 October, Cathay Pacific will bid farewell to the "Queen of the Skies" as it operates its last passenger revenue flights – to Haneda Airport in Tokyo and the return sector to Hong Kong.SummaryOver the course of its 37 year-service with Cathay Pacific, the Boeing 747 has played an instrumental role in helping to grow the airline and develop Hong Kong as one of the world's most important aviation hubs.Between 1979 and 2016: Cathay Pacific's network has grown from 72,000 km to 620,000 km. The number of Cathay Pacific employees has risen from approximately 5,000 to 23,000, making the airline one of Hong Kong's biggest employers. The number of passengers that Cathay Pacific carries annually has grown from 2.5 million to over 34 million. Visitor numbers to Hong Kong have risen from 2.2 million to 60 million.

Source: Cathay Pacific staff recall fond memories of the iconic Boeing 747

EIA: Europe receives first US ethane export

Increased production of ethane in the US has led to increased ethane exports, first by pipeline to Canada and more recently by tanker to overseas destinations. Ethane is used domestically and internationally as a key feedstock for plastics production and other industrial uses.

The first US ethane export terminal, located in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, about 20 miles southwest of Philadelphia, has an export capacity of 35 000 bpd and began shipping ethane cargos in March 2016. The second US ethane export terminal, opened by Enterprise Products Partners in Morgan's Point, Texas, recently sent its first shipment to Norway. This 200 000 bpd capacity facility, located on the Houston Ship Channel, is the first ethane terminal in the Gulf Coast region.

Ethane is typically extracted from unprocessed natural gas, along with other natural gas plant liquids (NGPL). Unlike heavier natural gas plant liquids, such as propane, butanes, and natural gasoline, significant amounts of ethane can be left in natural gas transported on pipelines to natural gas customers, a practice known as ethane rejection. The relative tendency to either reject or recover ethane (i.e., leave it in the natural gas stream or separate it and market it) depends on ethane prices and demand and the ability of facilities to remove ethane from raw natural gas.

Because ethane has a higher heat content than methane – the primary component of natural gas –higher heat content of a natural gas stream often indicates that ethane is being rejected, or left in the natural gas sold to natural gas users. EIA has collected monthly data on natural gas heat content by state since 2013. The heat content of natural gas in states that receive shale gas produced from the Marcellus and Utica formations, such as Ohio, Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, has been consistently reported at or above national average levels. Ohio, in particular, receives a higher portion of its natural gas from the Marcellus and Utica formations. However, since early 2016, the natural gas heat content in these states has trended downward, indicating that producers have increasingly been extracting ethane. The lower heat content has coincided with the start of ethane exports out of Marcus Hook, which sources all of its ethane from the Marcellus and Utica formations.

From 2010 - 2015, the ethane share of total NGPL production dropped from 42% to 34%. Although other natural gas plant liquids have found ready markets close to key shale plays such as the Marcellus and Utica formations, the lack of pipelines and local markets for ethane in these areas has limited ethane recovery.

With more export capability and growth in domestic petrochemical demand, more ethane is expected to be recovered and brought to market. EIA's Short-Term Energy Outlook projects NGPL production to continue growing, from 3.6 million bpd in May 2016 to 4 million bpd in December 2017. Nearly half of the projected total increase in NGPL production is ethane. Although an expectation of increasing oil prices and an associated increase in NGPL prices contributes to the outlook, a major driver of increased ethane production is growth in ethane demand, both within the US and internationally.

Adapted from press release by Francesca Brindle

Source: EIA: Europe receives first US ethane export

Travel Europe the right way – before you go, learn these key language phrases

Remembering significant language phrases of a country will enhance your travel experience. Language is a central component of culture. Words are the way we interpret reality. They reveal individual and national perspectives of the world. Learning a language can be a way of tuning into that mindset. It will allow you to engage with a culture and find out more about it first-hand. You can ask questions, and understand the answers, knowing that no meaning will be lost in translation.

When traveling Europe, it can be difficult to keep on top of the languages. If there is one, in particular, you are trying to learn, another will quickly distract you. English is usually a common tongue. But, thankfully, it has not quite yet saturated itself into every culture. It is not sufficient to know only English. Not everyone speaks it, and attempts at speaking native language is always a good travel etiquette to uphold.

People will always appreciate travelers putting effort into the local language – even if they are terrible at it. So, we have put together some relevant and random language phrases you can use in Europe. How to say hello in each language, plus a few ones that are more specific. Most of them orientate around cultural cuisine. Not to focus too much on stereotypes, but ordering good food and drink is a good place to start.

Germany

Hallo! This is the main one. Use it – be nice to people, say hi. In general, Germans are friendly and often love to practice their English, but will appreciate the effort. It is not an easy language but you will recognize some words just through being close to their English version. German is a beautiful language, and a well-rounded one to learn. Spoken in Germany, Austria, parts of Switzerland, Italy, and Lichtenstein, it can be useful when traveling in Europe.

Ein Bier bitte. A beer please. Germany sells some of the best beer in the world, and this is how to order one. Be sure to try their impressive collection – one at a time.

Hungary

Helló! Hungarian is notoriously one of the hardest languages in the world to learn. However, Hungary is a great place to visit, with Budapest as a favorite European travel destination.

Kérek egy pálinkát. I'd like a pálinka. Rather than a beer in Hungary, be sure to ask for one of these. A classic national drink, pálinka is a fruit brandy that comes in a range of flavors. Choose from plum, apricot, cheer, honey and pick your favorite. Whichever your preference, be prepared for a heavy spirit taste.

Ireland

Dia duit. God to you – the Irish way of saying hello. True, Ireland is a predominantly English speaking country. However, many people are striving to keep the ancient Gaelic language alive. Especially in the west and more rural areas, people will really appreciate the effort to speak Irish.

Ca bhfuil an teach tabhairne aitiuil? Where is the local pub? Not wanting to focus too much on the stereotypes, but Irish pubs really are some of the best around. There are always buzzing with energy and action. Of course, they are the perfect place to grab a Guinness. Listen to some live music and chat happily to some of the locals. This is one of the best language phrases to know.

Spain

Hola! As the third most spoken language in the world, Spanish is a significant one to learn. Over 350 million people know it. Knowing how to say hello it a good place to start.

Quiero. I want. Da me. Give me. Follow one of these with some tapas off the menu and you have a delicious order on the way. It seems strangely rude to be so direct in the language. However, this is just classic English politeness. Don't worry about seeming rude; it is okay to be so direct in Spain. Tapas is an excellent part of Spanish culture, sit at the bar with the locals and enjoy some classic cuisine.

Italy

Ciao. Hi. Buongiorno. Hello. Both these are great ways of welcoming people in Italy. Again, a big part of the national culture bases itself around cuisine. Italy is renowned for its famous foods, now global favorites. The amazing coffee is also another traditional fame.

Un caffè per favore. Coffee, please. Be sure to visit some of Italy's cafes. They range from local, old-styled shops to modern, edgy places. But the coffee is consistent: original, rich and flavorsome.

Non è la quantità ma la qualità. It's quality rather than quantity. The typical Italian coffee is just an espresso, drank immediately standing up. So don't be surprised if it's small, after all, it's all about the quality.

Norway

Hallo. Hello…

Takk for maten. Thanks for the food. This one of the most significant language phrases. There is some respectful dinner etiquette to follow in Norway. Simply thanking your host for the meal is a good one to remember. Showing gratitude is a universal thing. Knowing how to express it in any language is always worth learning.

Det er vakkert. It's beautiful. Norway has some of the most stunning natural beauty in Europe. The land is wild and raw with many unpopulated areas. The beauty of the north permeates the country. Just the same as appreciating its food here is how to show gratitude for the beauty of Norway.

Slovenia

Zdravo. Hello. Ljubljana is one of European's friendliest capital cities. It is also one of the smallest, safest and cleanest. People speak English very well, but they are excessively welcoming and will be happy to teach you some Slovenian phrases! Be sure to take them up on the offer, it is an interesting and underrated language.

Živeli! Cheers! There are some typical strong Slovenian shots to be drunk. Be sure to ask the locals and see what you like. Take them with a shot of orange juice to balance the taste. But if this strong alcoholic burst is not for you, Laško is the nation's favorite beer. Either way, be sure to say Živeli when you drink and cheers to the moment.

Denmark

Hej. Hi. As another Scandinavian language, Danish is quite similar to Norwegian and Swedish. Saying hello is the simplest but one of the best language phrases to learn in any language.

København. Copenhagen. The capital – and a place you must go. As you can see, the spelling is different. The pronunciation is also quite a bit softer and more subtle than our English interpretation. However, you say it, be sure to visit this fantastic city.

Explore Europe the right way

Compact and cultural, Europe it there for you to explore – and the languages are there to be explored with it. So start learning these key language phrases and experience Europe the right way.

Do you know any more language phrases for your country? Add them to the list – leave a comment below!

Source: Travel Europe the right way – before you go, learn these key language phrases

European movie locations for your next holiday

European movie locations for your next holiday! If you've ever watched a blockbuster movie on the big screen and wished you were there, taking in the stunning scenery or marvelling at magnificent architecture, then really, what are you waiting for? You may be surprised to learn that the majority of movie locations are easily accessible to the general public, and with relatively little hassle you could find yourself following in the footsteps of your on-screen idols.

But forget the cityscapes of Bruges and Paris, as beautiful as they are, because the originality just isn't there. These are the tours that everyone does, and they don't require that much effort either. Instead, to truly discover those inspiring landscapes that had your jaw dropping at the credits, check out these fascinating European locations that can form the backdrop to your next European holiday.

A Room with a view (1986) set in Florence, Italy (now a room 414 in Hotel degli Orafi).

1. Meteora, Greece

Perched precariously on top of the rocky Meteora mountains in Thessaly, Greece, are a collection of monasteries which are incredibly difficult to reach. The original 9th Century monks had formed an order by climbing these formidable rock towers and occupying the hollows and tunnels which ran across their surfaces, and it wasn't for another three thousand years or so before solid structures began to appear.

Named Meteora, meaning 'In the Heavens Above', only a handful of the original 24 are still inhabited by monks, and although visitors are welcome, you really do need to put in the effort to get to them. Stone steps and walkways lead intrepid visitors up the edge of uncertain cliffs to get to the buildings atop them.

Fans of the James Bond movies will recognise one of the monasteries, Holy Trinity (which is the least accessible of them all), from the movie For Your Eyes. Whether you manage the climb all the way to the top or not the view from this area is inspiring.

Holy Trinity Monastery, Meteora, Greece, European movie locations by Luc.T

Where to stay while in Greece?

What about having your own swimming pool while on your Greece holiday?

Not impossible with Mykonos Blu Grecotel! They have rooms with a pool right in the hotel room!

But here you can expect even more!

2. Marktschellenberg, Germany

Located just south of Salzburg is an open meadow that should be instantly recognisable to fans of the Von Trapp family. It is, of course, the meadow through which Julie Andrews ran and sang with such wanton abandon in The Sound of Music nearly 50 years ago.

The meadow has reportedly changed little in that time, although producers do admit to having added one or two background trees to their shots during production for the effect.

This iconic location is easy to get to and, along with other locations from the film in the neighbouring towns, forms a tour that has quickly become one of the most popular walking holidays in Europe.

Marktschellenberg, Germany, European movie locations by Eweht

3. Mamores, Scotland

The Mamores isn't actually a place, but rather a mountain range in the Scottish Highlands. Lying close to the town of Fort William, the Mamores incorporates ten of Scotland's highest mountains that form a continuous and circuitous route from one to the next.

This is the type of walking that requires specialist gear. So don't think about hopping up the nearest hill in your trainers when you're on a day trip to the area.

The height of these mountains makes the weather unpredictable and confusing so experience is essential. If you do fit into this category and you find yourself standing at the top of Stob Ban or Am Bodach, you'll be following in the footsteps of Mel Gibson's epic trek as William Wallace in Braveheart.

And while you might not be lucky enough to meet a wild man in a kilt on your holiday, the spectacular view of the surrounding mountaintops should more than make up for it.

Mamores Scotland, European movie locations by john mcsporran

4. Saint-Tropez, France

The Troops of St. Tropez (1964) is the first part of a very successful series of French – Italian comedy films of gendarmes from the 60s, 70s, and 80s of the 20th century.

Who wouldn't know unforgettable Louis De Funes in these unforgettable series? Energetic but somewhat messy police officer comes from a forgotten village in the mountains right to the French Riviera to restore order here!

Visit Saint-Tropez in French Riviera to see stars or just feel like one!

Saint-Tropez, Gendarmerie, European movie locations by zenithe

5. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. No wonder, that in addition to tourists there are also the most respected filmmakers coming here to make even the biggest movies here.

Certainly, the best known and probably also the biggest movie is Mission: Impossible (1996), in which secret agent Tom Cruise hunt for the murderer of several of his colleagues. However, you would probably find tens of other great movies that were set in Prague.

And for better planning of your trip, I prepared a list of Top Things to do in Prague!

Charles bridge in Prague, European movie locations by Julius

6. Háj, Slovakia

Háj is a very small village in Slovakia and until recently no one knew about this place. It is situated at the borders of the Slovak Karst National Park and just a few meters above the village are wonderful Hájske waterfalls.

Its main attraction, however, is a giant 10 meters tall statue of Angel which was used in a movie Behind Enemy Lines starring Owen Wilson and Gene Hackman. You should really visit this place, I did! You can find Háj village and its waterfalls among 50+ Best Places to visit in Košice region.

Statue of Angel, Haj, Slovakia, European movie locations by Julius

7. Sicily, Italy

Even the largest island in the Meditteranean Sea often becomes a setting for some good movies! You'll hardly find someone who wouldn't hear at least a word about the famous Francis Ford Coppola's movies about Sicilian Mafia.

Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, James Caan or Robert Duvall are just a few of the stars that starred in The Godfather, one of the most famous film series of all time! But if you really want to enjoy a real Sicilian atmosphere, you have to see other movies, such as Cinema Paradiso (1988), Baarìa (2009), Il Postino: The Postman (1994) or Malèna (2000).

You will probably not want to miss Palermo or Sicilian beaches on your holidays around European filming locations!

Godfather's Bar, Savoca, Sicily, European movie locations by michiel mobach

8. Croatia

When hearing the magical name of Apache chief Winnetou, you will immediately imagine great film series made by director Harald Rein from the early 60s. Full of friendship, adventure, fun but also hard life. Even the soundtrack belongs to the most famous in film history.

Not only its main leaders of Winnetou (Pierre Brice) and Old Shatterhand (Lex Braker), but it is also the beautiful scenery that makes these series so amazing and unforgettable. A total of 12 films were set in the magical environment of today's Croatia. And you can now follow the steps of Winnetou on your Croatian holidays!

You'll visit Croatian national parks and once here, do not forget to visit also some of the Croatian sights!

Zrmanja river, Croatia, European movie locations by Danilo Tic

9. Skopelos island, Greece

Skopelos would be just another of many Greek islands if it would not take a part in a musical romantic comedy film Mamma Mia! (2008). I saw that movie with charming Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan or Colin Firth several times and I have to say that the place is nothing but a dream of every traveler.

Skopelos is reportedly the greenest of all the Greek islands. Its majestic cliffs are covered with dense pine forests and what is great on this island is a fact that it doesn't belong to the most popular destinations among tourists as other Greek locations.

Sunset at Skopelos, Greece, European movie locations by Yorick_R

10. Lake District National Park, England

Take a trip to the highest mountains in England, cool down the feet in sixteen glittering lakes, walk through the deep green valleys, relax on the peaceful beaches! Taste the local beer, typical spiral sausages (Cumberland sausage) and other local products. Lake District has become a culinary destination of England.

It is also one of the most popular National Parks in the UK. Furthermore, its beautiful scenery can be seen in the film Miss Potter (2006) starring Oscar winner Renée Zellweger. You will like a story of children's book author Beatrix Potter as well as the place where she settled down!

Visit Loughrigg Tarn, Grasmere and Yew Tree Farm. The last one is a historic setting owned by Beatrix Potter where you can even stay overnight!

Loughrigg Tarn, Lake District, UK, European movie locations by Andrew

So these were just a few of lots of great European filming locations. I'll be adding more in the future, in the meantime, however, you could suggest some more below in the comments.

Source: European movie locations for your next holiday

Four shocking maps reveal how immigration to Europe has changed over the last 5 years

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The migrant crisis has had a big impact on Europe, but not how you would imagine

Based on a United Nations report from 2015, one of the four maps reveals the percentage of foreign-born people in countries across the European Union (EU) - and the results may surprise you.

The EU referendum campaign led many to believe Britain was one of the most popular destinations for migrants from within the bloc.

However, the UK does not even appear in the top five countries with the highest percentage of foreign-born people, the maps published by the World Economic Forum reveal.

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Luxembourg tops the chart with 45.9 per cent of its population from other countries, while Switzerland comes in second with 29.6 percent, Sweden with 18.5 per cent and Austria has 17.4 percent of its population as non-native.

Estonia, which is not much talked about on the global stage, has 15.8 per cent of its percentage from other countries.

And Germany, which controversially welcomed 1.1million refugees last year, still only has 14.5 percent of its citizens from different countries.

The UK comes in seventh with 13.4 percent.

Jakub Marian•WEForum

The number of foreign-born people as a percentage of the total population

Czech linguist, mathematician and artist, Jakub Marian, who put together the maps, also used EU asylum applications data from between January 2015 and June 2016.

He found Austria and Sweden were the only European countries to register an above one percent increase in their foreign-born populations as a percentage of the totals.

Germany, whose Chancellor Angela Merkel has faced a backlash from the numbers of migrants entering last year, showed a less than one percent increase.

The second of the four maps reveals where the majority of immigrants in each EU country comes from, with Indians - not other Europeans - the highest proportion in Britain.

Polish people represent the highest percentage of foreign-born population in Norway, for Austria and Switzerland, it is Germans.

Most of the Republic of Ireland's foreign-born population comes from the UK.

France, Spain and Portugal's main immigrants come from outside the EU, from Algeria, Morocco and Angola respectively.

For Greece, its highest foreign-born population is from Albania, while Poland and the Czech Republic saw the most immigrants from the Ukraine.

In most eastern European countries, Russia has provided the most immigrants.

Jakub Marian•WEForum

Where do the majority of immigrants come from?

Jakub Marian•WEForum

How that number has changed in the past five years

Mr Marian's third map reveals insightful data into how numbers have changed over the past five years in the wake of the migrant crisis prompted by the half a decade long Syrian civil war.

The trends seen in the first map, which revealed the percentage of foreign-born people in each European country, are seen here as well.

Luxembourg, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria and Norway, which showed the highest percentage of foreign-born people compared to overall population, also saw the highest increases in immigrant populations between 2010 and 2015.

Britain and Finland follow closely behind while Spain, Italy, Greece and the Balkans were among those who saw a reduction.

The countries with the largest migrant populations settling elsewhere were Poland, Serbia, Germany and Romania.

Jakub Marian•WEForum

The immigrant populations expanding the most in each country over the past five years

And the final map explores which countries have the most expanding immigrant populations by comparing the UN figures from 2010 to those of 2015.

Some countries, such as Poland and Greece, showed a decrease in their immigrant populations as a percentage of their populations. 

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In around half of European countries the pattern remained more or less the same as the figures from 2015, seen in the second map, including Indians to the UK, British to Ireland and Poles to Norway.

Differences in other countries included more Cubans to Spain instead of Morocco, fewer Russians moving to eastern European countries, and an increase in Syrians as a percentage of the population of Sweden.

However, these figures, especially where declines are shown, could also be the result of a general fall in the population as a whole.

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Source: Four shocking maps reveal how immigration to Europe has changed over the last 5 years