Australians will bet on whether the sun comes up tomorrow and if it does at what time. They love betting and in a survey it was found that around 80% of them enjoy at least an occasional bet. They have some fine casinos too – some of the top ones in that part of the world, so if you are travelling there here are a few that are well worth a visit.

An absolutely essential venue on your itinerary should be the Crown in Melbourne. This is Australiaʼs top casino and the biggest one in the country. It is a major tourist attraction as well as being popular amongst the Australians. The Australian cricketer Shane Warne was a frequent visitor and he notoriously won a large amount of money playing poker there. The total complex occupies five hundred thousand square meters which includes three hotels, a vast gaming area with over five hundred tables and a couple of thousand slot machines. The Atrium is spectacular with dancing fountains, sounds and lights and you will also find some of the best bars and restaurants in the city there.

The second largest casino in Australia is located in Sydney. Called the Star, it is another Gaming Club and hotel. It used to be called the Sydney Harbour Casino and most locals still call it that. Its iconic architecture overlooking Darling Harbour is instantly recognisable. Inside you will find two huge gaming halls along with a complex of bars and restaurants. There is also a theatre with seating for 2,000 people. The 480 room hotel includes many luxury suites and apartments. The total investment was around $1billion.

You will find smaller casinos across the length and breadth of the country and each one has its own distinctive flavour. One of the more spectacular is the Wrest Point Hotel Casino which was the first legal casino to be opened in Australia. Located in Tasmania and recently updated it is certainly worth a visit if only for its important place in the history of gambling in the country.

Although New Zealand is closely associated with the production of white wine, you might be surprised to learn that the nation produces a mere one percent of the world’s overall wine. The overwhelming majority of the wine that is produced is sauvignon blanc, the white wine that most people associate with New Zealand. Along with sauvignon blanc, the nation produces an array of white wines. Chardonnay is a clear leader the further north in New Zealand you travel, but pinot gris and Riesling are also making waves and being planted in increasingly large numbers each season. If you are interested in trying some of the famed white wine from New Zealand, much of which is characterised as vibrant thanks to hints of grass and fruit, then be sure to include stops at the following wineries during your oenophile’s trip through New Zealand.

Waipara Springs Winery

This boutique winery and vineyard is found in the Waipara Valley region of New Zealand, which is just a short drive from Canterbury. Their vineyard covers more than 26 hectares, and they fill the space with Riesling, sauvignon blanc and Gewurztraminer varietals. Perhaps the most popular, however, is the winery’s Chardonnay. Each sip of this white wine reveals the limestone in the area’s soil, and there are clear hints of fruits and hazelnuts. With the exception of a handful of public holidays, the Waipara Springs Winery is open daily from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and visitors can enjoy tastings of a full wine flight or just a single glass. The onsite cafe pairs local wines with gourmet cuisine that features ingredients from the region.

Julicher Estate Winery

This charming winery in the Te Muna Valley is just minutes from the Martinborough, and it is run by a couple who aim to produce the best possible wines in New Zealand. Their operation may be small compared to the larger vineyards in New Zealand, but their careful touch results in arguably better-tasting wine. The grapes are plucked from the vines and hand-carried to the attached winery, which guarantees that no preserving agents or needed or any grapes are crushed by machines. Visitors have their own favourites, but the pinot gris is a universal winner thanks to its sweet and fruity aroma and clear pear taste. You will have to call the estate to visit, but they welcome interested wine lovers throughout the year.

Misssion Estate

To truly appreciate the history of making wine in New Zealand, travellers should visit the Mission Estate. This winery is the oldest in the country and was founded in 1851. Twice daily, there is a historic tour that gives information about the founding brothers of the estate, the architecture and, of course, the wines. The Cellar Door is the tasting room, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers free tastings as well as full flights for a small fee. The onsite restaurant boasts a European menu with traditional local ingredients, and the wine pairings are inspired. Be sure to try the sparkling Mission Fête if you are there for a special occasion.

Cloudy Bay

Even wine lovers who don’t have extensive background knowledge of New Zealand’s wine industry have likely heard of Cloudy Bay. This estate makes what is perhaps the most iconic wine of New Zealand, and it was here that the idea of a fresh, grassy sauvignon blanc was brought to the global table. The original vineyard grows exclusively sauvignon blanc, but their newer vineyards also produce pinot noir, chardonnay and Gewurztraminer. Cloudy Bay Estate is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. for tastings and sales, and you are welcome to use the grounds as a place to relax or have a picnic. Tours are available for a fee of $20 per person, and they allow you to see the grounds and the exclusive cellars.

To truly get a feel for white wine production in New Zealand, it is important to look beyond just the sauvignon blancs. Visit a combination of large estates and smaller boutique wineries to understand the local wine culture, the different varietals grown in the country and the variety of tastes that can be produced within New Zealand as a whole.

With the whole world to choose from, deciding where to go on your only summer holiday can feel impossible – how do you decide between Morocco, Majorca, Malmö or Miami? This is especially true if you have a strict budget, but don’t fancy heading to Lanzarote.

With this in mind, we’ve rounded up three of the best value holiday spots for summer and autumn 2013, focusing on destinations that offer sunshine and sand without high costs and crowds. There are plenty of cheap holiday deals to these fabulous destinations, whether you’re looking for a last minute getaway or a well-planned autumn sunshine jaunt… so have a look online, and start planning!

Montenegro

When you’re trying to stick to a strict financial plan, it’s best to avoid the most well-known places. Montenegro was almost totally unknown as a holiday spot until recently, and 2013 is looking to be its breakout year – so go before the prices jump next year.

Just south of Croatia on the Adriatic coast, Montenegro boasts fantastic weather during the summer months, with highs of around 30°C. With a mix of rock, pebble and sand beaches spread over 73km of coastline, you’ll be hard pressed not to find something to your liking. The beach at Kotor, towards the north of the country, is a beautifully secluded spot that plays host to the deepest fjord in the Mediterranean. There are two small islands a short way from the bay, Sveti Djordje and Gospa od Skrpijela, that are well worth seeing – if you want a break from the beach, hire a boat and head out to explore. Fly into Tivat airport and take a taxi to Kotor for around €7, and accommodation near the beach costs between €7 and €15 per night per person. Now that the secret is getting out, prices won’t stay so reasonable for long.

Croatia

North of Montenegro, Split, Croatia is also home to some daydream-worthy beaches. Split is slightly bigger and cheaper than the capital Dubrovnik, with loads to explore besides the incredible Adriatic coastline. History buffs shouldn’t miss the Roman ruins in the city centre; the Bronze Gate is also a must-see, with exhibitions and craft stalls at this stunning heritage site. There are a number of museums, and restaurants serving delicious Croatian specialities with fairly reasonable price tags. The fish here is a particular treat.

The Azores

If you want to get as far away as possible without blowing your budget on flights, head to Santa Maria Island in the Atlantic. Located in the Azores, about 900 miles off the coast of Lisbon, this Portuguese archipelago is an absolute haven for both adventure types and those looking to get away from it all. With a population of just 6,000 people, Santa Maria is also known as the Island of the Sun, thanks to its dry climate and yellow wildflowers. Formosa Beach is intensely sunny, with bright white sands and crystalline waters, and there are a number of nature reserves around the island with hiking trails. Incredible Giant’s Causeway-style rock formations (complete with a waterfall) and red earth are great outings, and a powerful reminder of the island’s volcanic past.

Package holidays are the family sunshine break godsend. Quick, easy and usually cheap, there are many destinations that embody everything a package sunshine break should, and one of those is summer favourite, Lloret De Mar. When combined with a night at one of the great selection of airport hotels, your package break becomes something even more special.

I put this idea to the test last year, and booked a night pre-flight at one of the Gatwick hotels. I combined this with airport parking and saved money, whilst adding convenience and comfort to my travel plans. As a result, my two weeks in the sun not only started earlier, but began with me calm and rested, not tired and grumpy. This is also a fantastic idea when travelling with young children.

Flights head regularly over to the Costa Brava, and a great idea is to combine your Lloret De Mar holiday with a few days in bustling and dramatic Barcelona. Flights head either into Barcelona, or Girona, which is the nearer airport, with buses from either plentiful. Once you’re based in resort, getting around is easier, and most things are within walking distance.

Of course, family sunshine breaks generally centre around the beach, and Lloret de Mar is the main beach in resort, with a range of water-sports. There are smaller beaches dotted around, but for the best in the way of facilities, this is where you need to be. For splashing away from the beach, the kids will love WaterWorld, and a day here is fun for all the family.

When splashing, be it on the beach or at the water-park, gets a little tiresome, get out and explore. Sant Joan Castle is a good one for history and architecture fans, with great views too, so remember that camera! Fancy a bit of retail therapy? The Tuesday market at Carrer dels Mestres is a good choice.

Bright, varied and plentiful – that sums up Lloret De Mar’s nightlife, and with something for every taste, nobody will be bored. Food-wise, similarly there’s something for everyone too, with many international dishes on most menus, and most restaurants catering for British guests.

When your dinner has digested, you can choose to chat and have a few drinks, sing a spot of karaoke, watch the football, or party on down. If you choose the latter, head to the Avinguda Just Marles, and take your pick of bars and clubs for your evening’s entertainment.

As far as package holidays go, Lloret De Mar sums it up perfectly, with the sun shining down in the background. Take my advice and pre-book an airport hotel prior to travelling, especially useful if you have an early flight, and your holiday will be that little bit extra special. Combine your hotel with airport parking and you save even more – what could be better?! Check out the large range of hotels Manchester Airport, if you’re flying from the north, and look forward to your holiday starting even sooner than planned!