If you intend spending some time in Provence this year, you will be happy to know that, for the most part, the area experiences what is referred to as a typically Mediterranean climate.

Provence is renowned for its beautiful scenery, ranging from the Alps to the Rhone Valley; however, together these two natural features can make for some rather mixed weather patterns. Provence is located on the northern Mediterranean coast, which definitely works in its favour when it comes to climate.

The coastal areas, stretching from Var to the border with Italy, which is referred to as the French Riviera, are protected from sneaky weather fronts by the mountains. It is for this reason that the French Riviera benefits from a more pleasant climate than the rest of the region. Other areas, such as Menton to the Italian border, experience the mildest winters of any part of France, due to the high mountains that extend all the way down to the sea.

The southeastern part of France is known to be exceptionally dry, especially when compared to the rest of the country. It is even drier in the Marseilles, Bouches du Rhone, Avignon and Aix en Provence areas. Taken as a whole, Provence has more than 300 days of sunshine each year.

1. Tamaduste
Tamaduste is located approximately 10km [6 miles] northeast of the resort of Valverde and is the ideal place to visit if you love swimming. At high tide, the cove fills with remarkably clear seawater making it ideal for swimming for both children and adults. Wait until the low tide when the waves disappear and the cove is just left with tranquil, still pools – great for collecting crabs, sea snails and fishing.

2 El Sabinar
Located to the west of the island of El Hierro is the region of El Sabinar where you will find over 300 giant, white-trunked junipers which have been twisted into bizarre shapes by the winds from the Atlantic with many bent double. The region is named after the local word for juniper [sabina].If you want to get close to the trees make sure you wear long trousers as you will need to get through the brush. Once you have visited El Sabinar you will understand why UNESCO has declared El Hierro as a biosphere reserve.

3. Mirador de la Pena
This is one of El Hierro’s top sights. Located just outside the small village of Guarazoca which is approximately 8km [5 miles] directly west of Valverde. This a great opportunity to take some excellent photos of the valleys, the coast and the Roques de Salmor. Walk around and take the short paths that lead to several other viewing points. The restaurant here was designed by Lanzarote born artist Cesar Manrique, and built in 1988 [although, of course, the restaurant is not free to visit!].

4. Las Puntas
After visiting the Mirador de la Pena, head a little further west to Las Puntas on the coast. Here, standing on the old wharf is Hotel Puntagrande which has an entry in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s smallest hotel with just 4 rooms, a bar and a restaurant. Hotel Puntagrande started as a harbour building before being transformed into a hotel. Outside, you can swim in one of the many rocky coves.

5. Faro de Orchilla
This lighthouse can be found on the west coast of El Hierro. This part of El Hierro was originally known as the end of the world and in 1634 the zero meridian was drawn through this point and remained recognised as such until 1884 when it was moved to Greenwich. However, El Hierro still refers itself as the “Isla del Meridiano” and you have the opportunity of crossing the original zero meridian and taking souvenir snaps of the commemorative monument as well as the lighthouse.

As you make your way around this tiny island whilst on your El Hierro holidays, you will come across many more free things to see and do.

It’s also worth getting the locals to advise you on any especially unsafe areas in the neighbourhood, and do a bit of research on dress codes and similar matters before setting out, in case of accidentally causing offence or sending out inappropriate and misleading signals.

The central parts of major cities like the capital Gaborone have a definite criminal element, although this is true of most big cities.  As a tourist, you’ll make an obvious target so avoid deserted spots and don’t make a habit of flashing money about.  Pickpockets are a particular problem in urban areas here, and it is wise to copy a few pages of your passport, tickets and visas and keep these separate from the originals.

A few rules need to be adhered to when driving around Botswana.  For a start, drive slowly because there are plenty of animals about, including endangered species.  Lock all the doors as well, and avoid wherever possible driving at night.  This is not just to avoid carjackers but because Botswana is infamous for its poorly-maintained roads, with pot holes everywhere.

When on your Botswana safari holiday, of course follow your guide’s instructions to the letter, never follow wildlife into the bush on your own, don’t swim in the rivers (crocs) and don’t feed the animals.

Just use your common sense and you will enjoy a trouble free holiday in beautiful Botswana.

The Palais des Papes was the opulent home of the Pope when the office was based in Avignon for a short period in medieval times.  A fascinating building, full of exhibits about the history of Avignon and the papacy, as well as many religious artworks, you can take a guided tour in English or wander round at your own pace with an audio-guide.  There are, of course, several chapels attached to this building, but the most impressive religious structure in the town is the cathedral, which is as spectacular as you would expect for somewhere with a such a strong religious history.

Just wandering round the pretty cobbled streets of Avignon’s old town is a treat.  Keep your eyes peeled for hidden courtyard gardens, or explore what is left of the town’s defensive ramparts.  Do not forget to visit the Pont St Benezet, which was the subject of the famous song ‘Sur le pont d’Avignon’.

Although most of the bridge fell into the river years ago, you can still walk a short way onto the famous structure.  One of the chapels on the bridge is still standing too and it is worth paying the entrance fee, if just to say that you stood on the famous crossing.

Jing’an (??) is one of the central districts of Shanghai. It has an area of 7.62 sp km. With 305,300 inhabitants (in 2002) it is one of Shanghai’s most densely populated districts.

The district borders the Huangpu District in the east and Suzhou Creek to the north. Many of the Shanghai’s numerous expatriates live in Jing’an district and it houses several luxurious residential complexes. It is also home to one of Shanghai’s business districts.

Nangjing Xi Rd. (20mins walk to our apts) is where shanghai’s streets are paved with gold, or at least Prada and Gucci. There aren’t many sights in this part of town but Nanjing Xi Rd. is an interesting street for experiencing modern shanghai. It’s lined with top end shopping malls, glittering cathedrals to consumerism, densest collection of embassies and foreign offices.

How to reach us
Address: C, 17th Floor, FuRong Mansion, no. 838 JiangNing rd, Shanghai, 200041 Click here to location map

Airports

From Shanghai PuDong International Airport
1. The cheapest route
Take the airport shuttle bus no.2 from the airport to City Air Terminal (Jing’an Temple, 19RMB); from there, take a taxi (11RMB).
2. Experience the Maglev
a) Start from PuDong Airport to Long Yang Rd Maglev Train Station (50RMB or 40RMB if you show your flight ticket),
b) transfer on to Metro/Subway Line 2 to Nanjing Xi Rd (5RMB),
c) then take a taxi to Backpacker Homestay (11RMB).
3. The expensive way
Taxi; around 160RMB.
From Shanghai HongQiao International Airport
1. The cheapest route
Start on Airport Special Line from HongQiao to City Air Terminal (Jing’an Temple, 4RMB), then hop into a taxi to Backpacker Homestay (11RMB).
2. The expensive way
Taxi; around 35RMB. This option becomes attractive if you are 2 people.

Metro/Subway ?(15 mins walk to Backpacker Homestay) ??Line 1 Hanzhong Rd. Station??Line 2 Nanjing Xi Rd. Station Click here to Shanghai Metro Map
Shanghai Railway Station
1. The easiest option is by taxi, 11RMB basic price to reach us.
2. Take the south exit of Shanghai Railway Station, and then take bus no.328/ no.113 to HaiFang rd & JiangNing rd, just 2 stops only. Then walk 2 minutes to our apartment. There are many bus lines to our apartment.
Bus
There’re many bus lines around our apartments taking you to anywhere you want to visit in Shanghai. Such as People’s Square, The Bund, City God Temple (Yu Garden), Nan Jing Road, Xin Tian Di, etc. ?Buses: 19, 54, 76, 112, 113, 328, 738, 950

All rooms have windows, the sunshine lights throughout all rooms during the whole year! Backpacker Homestay features include: Free linens and duvets – Free internet and Wireless Internet Connection – Free air conditioner, heating facilities for winter – Free hair drier, toilet paper – Free shower cream, shampoo – Free laundry machine service – Free use for refrigerator, microwave, cooking utensils – Free luggage storage-Free satellite TV and film DVDs.

We offer French style breakfast by your order. There is water, Coke, beer, fruits; ice creams and so on are available always. Backpacker Homestay is located in Jing’an district, the most centred and lively area of Shanghai.

Just 2 minutes walk to Jade Buddha Temple. It’s also at the heart of the bus and underground networks making it easy to travel around to all areas of the city. We’re within easy reach of the theatre, museum district and central shopping areas.Rooms are available from 14:00hrs on the day of your arrival. You can check in at any time to store bags. Once you check in, you will get the key of the apartment with deposit. Then you could arrange your timetable as if you are at home. Check-out Time: 12:00hrs.Our staff is helpful and happy style. Chinese, English and French speaking.

Infomation

155sqm apartments, each apartment has maximum 6 people. Private rooms, shared rooms, living room, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, balcony and wide passage. The sunshine lights throughout all rooms during the whole year!

Room rate:

• 4 beds shared room with a bathroom 100RMB (per bed)
• Single private bedroom 200RMB (for 1 person)
• Double private bedroom – queen size bed 300RMB (for 2 person)
• Inaugural promo- everything included!!
• Free Facilities
• Living room:
• IPTV? • DVD player, numerous of film DVDs? • Two large sofas, dinning table and chairs, cabinets
• Reading room:
• Computer with internet (ADSL)? • Wireless internet access for your laptop? • Books and magazine
• Inside room:
• Air conditioner? • Wooden beds with mattress, quilt, sheets, pillow? • Cabinets
• Bathroom:
• Lavatory, heating facilities for winters, hair drier? • Toilet paper, shower cream, shampoo
• Kitchen:
• Complimentary tea? • Refrigerator, microwave, cooking utensils ?•  Complete dinner ware.

Note: Rooms are available from 14:00hrs on the day of your arrival. You can check in at any time to store bags. Once you check in, you will get the key of the apartment with deposit. Then you could arrange your timetable as if you are at home. Check-out Time: 12:00hrs.