SECURITY TIPS ON BOOKING YOUR HOLIDAY ONLINE

There has been a lot of talk in the media about the increase in consumers shopping online over the recent Christmas and New Years period.
One of the most frequent purchases people book online is their holiday and in particular, hotel accommodation. For many travellers, especially the inexperienced, the main fear about booking online is security, so here are a few tips:-

Paying for your hotel
When entering the booking page the browser should show a padlock or the web address will start with https:// - this means that the page is secure. You should look out for security logos on the website which will certify that the site is secure. One example is Verisign secured seal.
When you have paid make sure you check your credit card or bank account regularly to ensure that the correct payment has being withdrawn and that there are no suspicious payments have also been taken from you.

Reputation of the Web Site

Make sure you use a company / Accommodation Web Site that has a good reputation and if you have any concerns do a Google search for the company name and for any negative comments.
Look out for travel association logos, i.e. ABTA, TTA, AITO, ATOL etc and visit the association’s web site to check if they really are a member.

Check privacy statements

We all assume that our personal data is going to be secure and any reputable travel company will display its privacy statement on the site, which will detail how it will use, collect and store your personal information.
If the site does not have a privacy statement, contact the company and ask them why.

Word of Mouth

Ask family and friends if they have booked online recently, and who they booked with as this will make you feel more confident about booking online. Join a travel forum and read the experiences and advice from consumers who have booked online.
I personally believe that you should go with your gut instincts, and if you have any concerns about booking online, most companies will have someone at the end of the telephone to guide you through the process.

The Top 10 Romantic Cities in the World

Some of the cities in the world are considered as embodiments of romance and can make you go weak at knees when you tour them. There is something in the air of the place that you feel romance taking over any and every other feelings. These alluring cities bring joy and cheer to your face and heighten the intensity of your love. The feeling of ecstasy experienced at these places is surely unparalleled. They enhance your feelings to a completely different level. If you get a chance to visit any one of the ten most romantic cities listed here, grab it and let the wings of love take you into a fantasy world, where everything is rosy. Explore more on the top ten romantic cities of the world.

ParisThe capital of France, Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world. From the alluring beauty of nature to the historic appeal of the yester years, the place has it all. The 'City of Light', as Parisians call it, is also known for its literature and fine cuisine. If you are a lover of good wine and fond of desserts, there can not be a better place than Paris. There are numerous tourist attractions in Paris, not to forget Eiffel tower, where you can declare your love to your beloved!!

http://www.metrostar.com/paris/

Venice
One of the most romantic cities in the world, Venice proves to be an utmost delight for lovers. Also called the 'Floating City', it promises to offer you unique water landscapes, along with the mystic greenery, and spins a magical yarn for the lovers to dwell in. An irresistible charm that the city exudes along with its perfect ambience is a major turn-on for any couple.

http://www.metrostar.com/venice/

San Francisco
Are you ready to explore the best of nature? San Francisco is sure to provide something to match to the liking of all. The glorious greens of the Golden Green Park, the breezy stroll at the waterfront or the exciting ride at the colorful wooden cable car, the options are too many for the love birds to explore. It is the ultimate destination for a couple to revel in the natural beauty and have a great time!

http://www.metrostar.com/sanfrancisco/

Boston
Boston is the seat or the cultural center of the entire New England region. While the city has a rich and affluent historic significance, it also exudes the ambience of the present generation. Boston looks extremely beautiful in the snow and winter is the right time for a couple to go there, when the cold is enough to make you want to snuggle and remain close to each other. http://www.metrostar.com/boston/

New York
Whether it’s proclaiming your love at the top of the Empire State Building or exploring the city in a luxurious carriage ride or even touring the Statue of Liberty, New York rightly poses to be one of the most romantic cities in the world. From historic landmarks to Broadway theaters to hundreds of museums, the city has it all for lovers to take pleasure in.

http://www.metrostar.com/newyork/

Vienna, Austria
Enthralling and ever-lasting, Vienna is sure to be a delightful destination for a couple. From the serene sunset spots to trendy love nests, you have a range of romantic options to impress your other half with. Get carried away with the romance of the place and make the holiday special for your partner. http://www.metrostar.com/vienna/

New Orleans
There is something in the air of New Orleans that makes the place so romantic for a couple. While cruising in the ship or watching the city drift by from the deck of a riverboat are pure embodiments of romance, riding through a carriage in the arms of your lover, crossing the French effigy, is not far behind. The place is a beauty for lovers to spend their vacation in. http://www.metrostar.com/neworleans/

Monte-Carlo
Attractive and appealing, Monte-Carlo strikes just the right chord of romantic essence that lovers dwell in. The city is beautiful with its breathtaking landscapes and idyllic beaches. The extension of Monte-Carlo into rock and sea will gives you the perfect opportunity to spend some tranquil moments with your better half. http://www.metrostar.com/montecarlo/

London
Rated as one of the most happening place in the world, London is a great city to let romance take over. From the castles to the churches, palaces to the cathedrals, ancient museums to lovely beaches, London has everything to bring you into the most romantic mood. http://www.metrostar.com/london/

Melbourne
Melbourne is the perfect place to bask in the glory of love. A mystical quality that is attached to the city lends it the tag of being one of the top romantic cities in the world. The ambience of the city is great and is sure to extend a flame of emotions and passions in your love life.

http://www.metroapartmentsmelbourne.com/

Top 10 Restaurants in Paris on Any Budget

Below is a list of the restaurants you must try when visiting Paris, compiled by Belinda Leong of 2 Michelin Star restaurant, Manresa. Don't fret, this list is not limited to fancy and expensive restaurants. Some of these favorites include hole-in-the-wall eateries that are easy on the wallet but impressive to the most developed of palates.

1. Le Comptoir Du Relais
If you can only try one place out of this list, then make it Le Comptoir, where you may just experience the best meal of your life. If you go for dinner, you must make reservations in advance and be prepared to have the set menu. However, you can walk in for lunch (12-3PM) and order a la carte. The chef is Yves Camdeborde and the GM is Daniel Boulud's nephew.
Must Try: Pig's feet, sliced pork belly, brandade, cochon de lait, fois gras and haricot vert salad, soups, charcuterie and beef cheek.
Address: 9, Carrefour de l'Odéon

2. L'Avant Comptoir
This is an excellent place for French tapas. It has limited seating and is located next door to Le Comptoir.
Must Try: pig's feet stuffed with oxtail, brandade, charcuterie, ribs, croquettes.
Address: 9, Carrefour de l'Odéon

3. L'Ami Jean
A must-try for dinner but make sure you call ahead to make a reservation. Get the 3 courses for 34 EU. The chef is Stephan Lego.
Address: 27,rue Malar, 75007 Paris, France

4. Bistrot Paul Bert
This is a quaint, classic French brasserie. The menu changes regularly on the blackboard. Get the 34-euro, three-course menu. Chef also came from the Michelin star restaurant, Le Regalade.
Address: 18, rue Paul Bert, 11e, Paris, 75011

5. L'as Du Falafel
This is the most popular falafel spot. You can order at the window, which is just 5eu, or if you eat inside, it is

7eu. This place is CLOSED Friday and Saturday

Must try: Get a falafel with everything in it (2 types of cabbage, hummus, tzatziki, eggplant, spicy sauce, falafel) Also, try the chicken. (this isn't called falafel, just order chicken and they will know. It has everything the same as a falafel, but with chicken instead)
Address: 34 rue des Rosiers

6. Pierre Herme
Known as "The King of French Pastry". Be prepared to wait in line to get your fix of macarons, cakes and croissants.
Must Try: Litchi Raspberry Croissant, Tarte Vanille, Tarte Cafe, 2000 Millefeuille, Isaphan, Croissant and Kouign-Aman

7. Breizh Cafe
Regarded as one of the best creperies. Try the galettes (savoury crêpes made out of buckwheat flour).
Address: 109, rue Vieille du Temple

8. Le Chateaubriand
This is another great French brasserie for dinner, in fact, one of the most popular brasseries amongst "chefs" right now. The brasserie offers a fixed five-course menu every night.
Make sure you call ahead for a reservation. Phone: +33 1 43 57 45 95
Address: 129 Avenue Parmentier, 75011 Paris, France

9. Laduree
The pioneers of the double decker Macaron since 1862, you will find yourself in macaron heaven upon setting foot in this patisserie. There are shops throughout Paris and you can also get great gifts like caramel black tea and hot chocolate in their iconic pastel green packaging.
Must Try: Caramel macaron is splendid, and they are one of the only shops that use real caramel.

10. Berthillon

MOST popular ice cream shop/tea salon in Paris. Delightfully good. Located near the Notre Dame.
Must Try: There are over 60 flavours to choose from, but two of my favourites included the Caramel au beurre salé (salted butter caramel) and Café Dauphinoix (coffee and chocolate).
Address: 31 Rue St Louis en l'ile

(Source: TravMedia.com 25th January 2011)

And after you have indulged in one of these great eateries, you will need to head back to your hotel for a short nap before taking in the sites, smells and sounds of Paris once more. Check out the great hotel accommodation offers in Paris at www.metrostar.com/paris/