Language holidays are becoming increasingly popular nowadays but, with English speaking countries located all over the world, it is extremely difficult to choose a destination which offers a quality English course together with sun, sea, sand and a lot more to offer. Until now, that is. The island archipelago of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea is a bilingual country so learners have plenty of opportunities to practise their English language skills outside of the classroom. This can be done whilst enjoying some of Malta’s breathtaking natural beauty, numerous sporting activities and vibrant nightlife ensuring that you leave Malta with more than just a sun-tan.

Malta’s colonial architecture and pre-historic archaeology are as much an attraction as the island’s fabulous seafood restaurants, lively bars and popular night clubs. Village markets also give English learners the opportunity, not only to pick up a bargain, but also to converse with locals putting into practice the newly-acquired language skills which have been learnt in the classroom.

If you prefer your island experience to be a little more sun-kissed then simply head to one of Malta’s beautiful beaches. There are a number of larger beaches which offer all of the facilities you’d expect from a tourist destination or, also well worth a visit are the several smaller, more secluded bays and coves which are only a short journey from the main islands but their peace and tranquillity make them seem a world away. The busier beaches tend to offer all kinds of water sports and many have dive schools giving divers of all abilities the opportunity to explore the crystal clear waters which surround Malta and are home to reefs, wrecks and diverse marine life.

English language teaching is regulated by the Maltese education authorities meaning a high standard is maintained, an example of which is Maltalingua English Language School which only employs teachers with internationally recognised certification to teach English as a second language. Combined with the high quality of teaching, Maltalingua boasts an extremely friendly and relaxed atmosphere and a rooftop terrace and private pool where students are encouraged to get to know each other outside of the classroom – only speaking English of course! The school’s modern facilities and air-conditioned classrooms make learning English both inside and outside of the classroom extremely pleasant! Sound good? It gets better as Maltalingua are currently offering the chance to win a free English course including materials, transfers and accommodation; simply guess how many tiles are in their swimming pool – more details can be found at www.maltalingua.com/competition/pool/

With its natural beauty combined with its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife and high quality English courses, Malta is waiting to welcome you on your English language holiday.

A staple that goes well with great music is the ever popular music festival. This year, why not forgo a wet, rainy and mud-laden adventure for a drier city experience? Festivals like the Exit festival in Serbia and world-famous Reading and Leeds Festivals in the UK provide a great time, but they can also be a very muddy experience. Camping offers a good time, but just imagine how much nicer it would be to sleep in a real bed, with clean sheets and a pillow for a change?

There are many city music festivals that offer great times and comfortable accommodations in hostels. Check out a great festival accommodation guide here. Enjoying music and making friends provides memories to last a lifetime. Memories made while not having to put up with mud and rain soaked clothes are even better.

The Bilbao BBK Live Festival

This festival was nominated several times for best festival awards by the UK Festival awards. Since its first year in 2006, the Bilbao BBK Live festival in Spain, on the slopes of Mount Cobetas, has offered festival goers a comfortable and fun music enjoyment experience. The venue was built specifically for the festival. Past concerts have included names like Guns N’ Roses, Pearl Jam in 2010, and Coldplay in 2011. In fact, Coldplay broke an audience attendance record by attracting over 37,000 excited fans.

Wireless Festival in London

Wireless Festival began in 2005 and has since become one of London’s premier music festivals. Famous name acts like Depeche Mode, Counting Crows, Kanye West and more recently, Pink, Black Eyed Peas, Bruno Mars and Rihanna have been thrilling audiences on stages at Olympic Park for the past seven years. This year, the Wireless Festival features Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z.

Lollapalooza in Chicago

Lollapalooza music festival takes place every summer in Grant Park in historic Chicago. Begun in 1991 as a way for the alternative rock group known as Jane’s Addiction to have a final farewell tour, the show has since taken off. The idea that began small turned into a musical festival that sees fans in attendance today from all corners of the world.

This rolling expanse of land sits on 115 pretty acres and features several stages, along with a diversity in musical artists that changes every year. Fans enjoy a wealth of musical styles including alternative rock, hip-hop, electronic music, rock, roots music and reggae. Music has been featured by artists like Nine Inch Nails, The Cure, Mumford and Sons, Steve Aoki, Eric Church and Regan and Sara.

One of the best places to stay is the new guest house called Urban Holiday Lofts, in urban Chicago. Rooms are available from two person accommodations to eight person rooms, and feature either shared or private baths. This hostel also gives guests some great amenities like free continental breakfast, free transportation from the airport, train or bus station, free WiFi, free parking and a free concierge service. Unexpected amenities that are all found at hostel prices. For more hostels close to Lollapalooza visit HostelBookers.com.

Electric Zoo In New York

New York’s famous Randall Island Park features a fun, entertaining music festival called Electric Zoo with acts like Tiesto. All genres of electronic music are featured, with appearances by well-known international DJ’s. Live acts come from all over the world to play this festival. It was named by many print publications as a top American music event. Held every year over Labour Day weekend, this festival has grown substantially.
Festivals offer great entertainment, opportunities for making friends and an enjoyable time to be remembered for a lifetime. Experiencing great music in a mud free way is the best way to enjoy the festivities.

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.