It’s a drizzly, misty morning and a bunch of 20-somethings are gathered under a grotty railway arch in Berlin’s Mitte district. The place is plastered with drawings, stencils and paste-ups, ranging from thoughtless scribbles to beautiful works of art. Our local tour guide Alana is asking us what makes this particular wall so special.

She leans down and points at a solitary number six in white paint. She explains this is the work of Mr 6, a local legend who cycles around all day with paint pots and brushes on sticks, writing a “6” everywhere he goes. After years of dedication to this unknown cause, Mr 6 has dotted the capital with hundreds of thousands of 6’s. “The police know him well and have arrested him many times, but as he himself is covered with 6’s, he just pleads insanity each time and they send him on his way,” Alana cheerfully explains.

Someone like Mr 6 is perfectly at home in Berlin. He’s saluted when he spends the morning writing a 6 on every bin bag in a skip, and cheered at when he manages to write a 6 on a wall as he cycles past without slowing down. Imagine Mr 6 rocking up to Trafalgar Square? Or hitting Oxford Street on a Saturday?

Gritty, creative and poor compared to other major cities in Germany, Berlin’s currency is self expression. Artists, musicians and performers come from miles around to get in on the act and tourists flock to see the work of some of the most famous street artists in the world. DJs ‘make parties’ until the sun comes up, and no one seems to work very much.  Compared to the humdrum of London and its fiercely competitive streak, Berlin is a welcome change of pace. No one will ask you where you work, or how you’re affording your rent.

But things are changing fast for this uber cool city. The artists who squatted in entire streets after the fall of the Berlin Wall have mostly been evicted now to make way for expensive boutiques and retail chains. Even the residents of the famous art squat Tacheles lost their long-fought battle last year (although the sculpture garden has survived if you missed the real thing).

Berlin will always have a rebellious side (the smoking ban never really took off), but if you want to enjoy its underbelly and explore anti-establishment subcultures, go now or forever hold your Frappuccino.

Alternative Berlin

Shop: Vintage and independent stalls in the Sunday flea market in Mauer Park

Sleep: In a kooky hostel like Circus

Party: Until the sun comes up at clubs like Watergate or Horst

Drink: In one of the many dive bars in the hipster district of Kreuzberg

Go: On the Alternative Tour, which is free and takes place twice a day

Look: Out for black and white photo booths for a cool souvineer.  And of course, the number 6.

Fly to Berlin from £76 one way with British Airways

Image: El Bocho

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Alternative Berlin

There’s still some time to grab a bargain flight to somewhere balmy or a sneaky escape from the big smoke – so if you haven’t splashed out on Oxford Street or maxed out the credit card in the Selfridges January event, read on! This is one January sale you don’t want to miss.

January is boom time for travel companies. Britons have barely had time to brush the mince pie crumbs off their collective chins before the adverts start for cheap-ass holiday deals. This is the best time of year to secure a bargain – whether you’re thinking ahead to your summer holiday or want to escape the winter gloom, there’s plenty of great deals out there.

Here are a few ideas to whet your appetite…

Much quieter this time of year and equally charming, Venice is the go-to city for weekend breaks right now. British Airways has a two-day break on sale at £111, to be taken next month. Sorted!

For some cheap winter sun, head to Cairo. Fly to Cairo from just £232 with Alitalia. (I flew to Glasgow from Heathrow last week and it would have been cheaper to go all the way to Egypt!)

Or for a week-long Caribbean chill fest, try Virgin Holidays. There’s an escape to the Dominican Republic in June, self-catered, from £725. Virgin has a big sale on loads of luxury destinations so it’s worth hitting these guys up before the end of the month.

How about Rio Carnival this year? Air France is offering flights to Rio de Janeiro from an amazing £495 return. Carnival would be a sure-fire way to beat the winter blues. If you’d rather have a guide, Tucan Travel are offering up to 50 per cent off group tours in its sale.

There are some great long haul deals around – if you fancy a few weeks in Oz this year, Royal Brunei is offering London to Melbourne flights for £680.

So what are you waiting for?

Make use of the last few days of January and get booking! After all, travelling more is one New Year’s Resolution you’ll actually enjoy sticking to.

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Need a Holiday? Book Now and Grab a Bargain

Christmas is fast approaching, and if you’re planning some last-minute shopping in our fair capital, here are some ideas. On your marks…

Leather Passport Holder

Head over to Aspinal of London to pick up a something both fashionble and functional. Experts in leather goods and general Great British class, their wares never go out of style. Pick up a passport cover for around 30 quid and it’ll trump any others your travelling friend has knocking around the house.

Travel Books and Guides

Whether it’s a phrasebook for their next destination or a map of their favourite country, there’s a chance here to give even the most last minute gift a bit of thought. Stanfords has a great collection of books so there will be something for even the most seasoned traveller. Their staff are really helpful too.

Outdoors Shops

If you’re buying for someone who’s going on a big trip, go to Southampton Street near Covent Garden. There’s a handful of outdoor shops in close proximity so you’ll be able to price check mozzy nets, socks, bags and base layers and have time for a mulled wine at the end of it all. Or if worst comes to worst, a gift card will be most welcome.

Handy Bits and Bobs

A favourite with minimalist types, Muji’s great for cosmetics bags, bottles and notebooks. Perfect for stocking fillers, their sleek designs will go far. And with shops dotted all around London there’s bound to be one near you.

Travel Watches

Travellers love a good watch. If it can survive the surf and shine through the darkest campsite, all the better. Timezones, thermometers and other gadgets are handy add-ons, but when in doubt choose practicality over price – it’ll only get nicked otherwise.

E-Readers

Maximum Brownie points for those who splash out on one of these babies. Frequent flyers love a good gadget, and an e-reader will save on space in the suitcase. Reserve online at Argos and pick up in person. They’re easy to giftwrap, too.

Image: Travelling Footprints

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Last Minute Gifts for Travel Lovers

In these hard-up times it’s unlikely your company will stump up for upgraded flights. So those wanting a little luxury need to think outside the box. Here are some tips for getting into the champagne section.

Be smart

Dress like you were born to be in First Class. People think this trick is down to snobbery of the crew, but really it’s all about the snobbery of the other First Class passengers. You need to be able to sneak in amongst them with no questions asked.

Arrive early

Be the perfect passenger. Organised, on time and pleasant. You won’t be the only one flirting your way into First, so make sure you get there before everyone else.

Be nice

Be polite and courteous to all the staff. Kindness will make you stand out from the crowd when everyone else in the queue is stressed and tired. But don’t be overbearing or fake – they’ll see right through it.

Ask

This sounds too simple – but really it’s true. Be charming and ask whether there is any space in First Class. The guys at the front desk will think of you if anything comes up.

Move if you’re asked

If the steward asks if someone would mind moving, always do it. They’ll find a way to thank you for being helpful. With any luck, that’s a plush seat up front.

Travel alone

Single travellers are much easier to move around the plane. They also have more opportunity to get to know the crew. If you come in a group, there’s no way you’ll all get bumped up.

Travel off-peak

If you’re on a plane that’s packed to the rafters, randomly upgrading you to First Class will be the last thing on the crew’s minds.

Be a Frequent Flyer

Flexing your air miles will make a difference. Airlines are more likely to think frequent flyers with flashy membership cards or credit cards are worth impressing with flashy perks.

Have you ever been upgraded? Share your secrets below…

Image courtesy of Flickr

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How to Get Upgraded to First Class

With amazing surf, life-changing coffee and great shopping, Panama is a Latin American must-see.

This precarious slither of land linking Central to South America is most famous for its canal. But with jungles filled with wildlife, stunning beaches, lush mountains and metropolitan cities and party towns, it’s a shame so many people pass straight through it.

Ask a friend what they know about Panama and vague talk of the canal soon follows. This famous waterway linking the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans is a manmade wonder. Snaking through jungle and tough terrain; this 50-mile engineering marvel transports around 15,000 vessels each year.

A cruise along the entire canal doesn’t come cheap, so most people just head to  Miraflores Lock in the capital, Panama City. There’s a little museum and shop to potter around in while you wait for the next gigantic ship to squeeze by. Seeing the lock in action is fascinating, but it barely scrapes the surface of what this place is all about.

Panama City is a throbbing metropolis of noise and excitement. Locals love their music, and whether you crash a party on the beach or head out to a club until the early hours, it’s likely you’ll be dancing until dawn.

Rum is the drink of choice, and although there is a very North American twist to the place (the dollar, the fast food, the cars, the shopping) this is the Caribbean, and people like to have a good time. Take a bus to the heart of the country, where leafy towns nestle in the mountains and everyone buys their coffee straight from the farms. This is one of the top places in the world to retire, and it’s easy to see why. Away from the sun, sea and sex of the resorts and big cities, pretty towns like Boquete will revive you.

Surfers are spoilt for choice in Panama. Whether you want to challenge yourself in the water or spend most of your time in the beach bars, both coasts have plenty to offer. Some beaches are black from volcanic activity, some are mainly private beaches for high-end resorts, and some are really just about the parties.

Bocas Del Toro is a crazy archipelago of debauchery. Visitors take water taxis to different islands to find the right vibe. Clubs in the main town jut out into the sea, and revellers plunge into the makeshift swimming pools after a few too many cocktails. White sand beaches call out along the coastline, and a hangover is soothed with fresh coconut water and a snooze under a palm tree. For total bliss, head to Red Frog Beach (named after the cute little amphibians that life in the trees) and hire a tent. A night around the fire pit under a discoball-studded night sky will explain why so many gringos never get around to coming home.

There are no direct flights to Panama from London. Fly via Miami for £762 return with British Airways.

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Hats off to Panama

Finding a hostel is simple enough, it’s finding the right one for you that’s the tricky part.

This time last year I was sorting out an epic trip to South America. It took hours of travel research, budget calculations and planning. But one of the things I didn’t really think about until I touched ground was where to stay. I assumed that thanks to the magical interweb, I wouldn’t need to do much homework.

Consumer sites like hostelbookers, hostelworld and tripadvisor are really handy. They let you compare details, rates and rankings anytime, anywhere. You can book your bed ahead of time (for a fee), or print out the map and wing it. At first glance, it seems all you need to worry about is location and price. But there’s so much more to consider:

 Service isn’t everything

Friendly, helpful, English-speaking staff are always good. But, if you’re not staying long, already know your way around the area, or simply feel like having some time to yourself, it’s not a deal breaker. People also have different standards of customer service – as hardy Londoners, we’re not exactly expecting the receptionist’s life story.

Freedom vs. security

A 24-hour reception stops random people continuing the party in the dorm across the hall, but what if you’re the one who wants to bring friends back to yours? Many big hostels now use wristbands, similar to a club, so only the people staying there can enter. Curfews are a good idea if you need shuteye, but sometimes too many rules can be a real buzz kill.

Safe storage and trust

Big cupboards that can be locked with your own padlock are great. So are smaller lockers at reception, lockers with power points to charge electricals, and a decent left luggage system (actually using tags and locking stuff away rather than just shoving people’s stuff under the stairs). A hostel without any of these things means that it’s either very unorganized, or the people staying there actually trust each other. Feeling at home and not worrying about nailing down your stuff means you’ve struck hostel gold.

How much dirt can you handle?

Think about the kind of person who has taken the trouble to log on to a website and write a long description about some mould in the bathroom. This person probably shouldn’t have signed up for a shared bathroom; or hostels in general for that matter. If you’re staying somewhere for a few dollars a night, a bit of grime is a small price to pay. Bring your own bedding just in case and flip flops for the bathroom. Other than that, where you draw the line is up to you.

Party or chillout?

Big party hostels with pool tables, hot tubs, cheap bars and themed nights are all well and good, but if you’ve just come back from a 10-day trek you may not feel like doing jelly shots out of someone’s belly button. If you want a relaxing hostel, look for a decent, well equipped kitchen, a TV room, and smaller dorms. Also look at the location, is it on the main drag or is it in a quieter, more residential area?

Added extras

Big breakfasts, free tours and other extras will all hike up the price of your bed. If you tend to sleep through breakfast and do your own thing, don’t be seduced by frills. Save your money for the local bakery instead.

Image courtesy of Flickr

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How to Find a Good Hostel

This Halloween, get carried away in Transylvania. With haunted castles, alpine forests and horse-pulled carts: Bram Stoker’s backdrop is a spooky adventure in Romania’s gorgeous countryside.

The little town of Brasov is a great place to start. With cobbled streets, old houses, a quaint main square and even a Hollywood-style sign on the neighbouring hills, this place certainly has plenty of character. So do the locals, and after a few lagers in the local bar you’ll know everyone’s life story.

In winter, it’s a great base for some budget skiing, but this time of year, it’s full of blood thirsty tourists hunting for vampires. The region is cloaked in mystery and legend, and there’s plenty to excite Dracula fans.

Get spooked by visiting Bran Castle nearby. A staple of any Dracula tour (although the real vampire-type villain Vlad the Impaler, barely stayed there for a weekend), it’s a pretty landmark with an interesting museum inside. It’s all good clean fun and there are loads of stalls selling all manner of vampire-themed tat.

The Saxon fortress town of Sighisoara is even more laid-back than Brasov. Wander the medieval streets and absorb the atmosphere for an afternoon, or hire a taxi and explore nearby villages.

These small villages, fortified churches and monasteries make visitors feel like the’ve stepped back in time. Transylvania is full of medieval sites, including the country’s best-preserved castles and fortresses. There are literally hundreds of historical places to explore.

With all this history, stunning natural beauty, and good value food and drink, Transylvania has so much more to offer than one famously fanged resident. But if you really can’t resist a scare, lay your head at the House of Dracula Hotel. It’s gorgeous, elegant, and probably haunted.

Find flights to Bucharest from £58 return with Skyscanner

Scary moon image courtesy of Flickr

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A Halloween Holiday: Transylvania

When we gather our precious annual leave to escape our beloved city for a while, most of us head to warmer climes in a bid to look less like the walking dead. But, if you’re lucky enough to have some spare holiday left before April 2013, choosing to explore a winter wonderland instead may just change your life.

At the beginning of this year, I put Iceland on my travel wishlist. Ten months and as many countries later, I’m still pining for glittering glaciers, dog sled rides and cosy night caps.

Iceland oozes the cool factor in more ways than one. The relatively small capital of Reykjavik has some big parties. Locals love everything from karaoke to house music and revellers party until the sun comes up (not that you can rely on the sun setting or rising when you’re this far north).

Food-wise, all the favourites can be found here, including a fantastic fusion sushi place called Fish Company. Icelandic ingredients such as thyme, rhubarb and skyr (a dairy product similar to yoghurt) feature in a worldly menu that also boasts Tahitian vanilla beans, Indian dates, New Zealand kaffir lime, and Spanish serrano ham. To try traditional Icelandic food including homemade soups, breads and cakes while enjoying a fantastic view, head to Café Loki.

Reykjavik is surrounded by sea, and the northern waterfront is popular with joggers, roller bladers and anyone in need of a leisurely stroll with jaw-dropping views of Mt Esja. Here, visitors gather for a snapshot with the huge steel Viking ship sculpture by artist Jon Gunnar Arnason.

So, basing it on food, culture and the lovely people, Iceland really isn’t as isolated as it looks. In fact Reykjavik is only 1175 miles from London, about the same distance away as Sicily.

This winter, the famous Northern Lights will be the brightest they have been for 50 years due to the solar-maximum cycle. It’s natural phenomenon that takes place in a fleeting moment and unlike Victoria Falls or the Grand Canyon, there’s no guarantee it’ll be there when you arrive. It’s worth hiring an expert guide to increase your chances of seeing it.

Seeing the Northern Lights takes patience and thermal underwear. But, for those lucky few, the truck/snow mobile/trek will be a distant memory once the show starts.

Iceland Air offers a Northern Lights City Breaks including flights from £299.

For Northern Lights sighting tips, start here.

Image courtesy of Flickr.

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Everyone’s Gone to Iceland

Remember when you were a tourist in London? When the sight of a red bus made you gasp and a picnic in a Royal Park was the height of sophistication?  No. Neither do I. When did we start taking all of London’s iconic stuff for granted?

My best friend, who has lived in London all her life, blissfully overlooks all the classic tourist stuff. She didn’t visit Buckingham Palace until her mid twenties. I made her go.

Most of the time, we’re all guilty of rushing past historic buildings, choosing our sofas over cultural happenings and letting exciting events wash over us. I’ve been saying I’ll go on the London Eye for years.

We need to stop putting off ‘must-do’ London attractions. After an amazing summer in an amazing city, I think we all owe ourselves a touristy daytrip. Take a look at the inside of St Paul’s! Go on a boat ride along the Thames! Investigate that museum in Bloomsbury!

A great way to get enthusiastic again about your home city is to leaf through a guidebook. It forces you to look at your surroundings from a different angle, and reminds you of all the things you have at your fingertips.

A small coffee shop exhibition in a not so small bookshop (Foyles) is trying to get Londoners to look again at their surroundings. Lonely Planet has collaborated with artist and photographer Adrian Brannan to celebrate the re-launch of their City and Pocket guidebook ranges.

Brannan takes hundreds of photos in the same location over a period of time. Through sheer persistence and careful editing, he captures the unique character of some of the world’s most exciting cities.

It’s not a groundbreaking show, but it may just inspire you to take your camera and head to a capital beauty spot. And yes, a London sightseeing trip counts as travelling.

Every City Tells a Story: An exhibition by Lonely Planet and Artist Adrian Brannan is showing Monday – Saturday, 9am – 9pm, Sunday 10am – 6pm from 1 – 14 September 2012 at:

The Gallery at Foyles
Third Floor
Charing Cross Road

For more information, visit: www.foyles.co.uk/Lonely-Planet

This post is from The London Word and should not be republished elsewhere without prior permission. Please check out our site for more great stories and features.

Be a Tourist for a Day

Love them or loathe them, we’ve all been saved at one time or another by a no-frills hotel. Yes, these big hotel chains are soulless identikit environments with about as much charm as a parking ticket, but sometimes it’s just not worth splashing out on a bed for the night.

These places are perfect late night crash pads and cheap alternatives for budget-busting weddings. They lack the sexy design and luxurious extras of proper boutique hotels, but when you’ve just indulged in a free bar or given yourself four hours to get some sleep, these things probably don’t matter.

Sometimes, all that’s needed is a safe and clean place to lie your head. And as Lenny Henry says, cutting costs on accommodation leaves more cash to splash on shopping, food, drink and other treats.

IKEA recently announced that it’s dipping its toe into this lucrative sector. The Allen key empire is planning to open 100 hotels in across Europe, the first of which will open in 2014.

The Swedish mega chain is a rite of passage for young people in London. Practically every student flat or budget house share in the capital has some sort of build-your-own-bargain under its roof. It’ll be interesting if these happy customers try out the hotels, too.

This isn’t the first time the company has hit the headlines with big ideas. IKEA is currently building a residential area on 27 acres of unused industrial land just south of the Olympics Park in Stratford.

IKEA hasn’t revealed too much about the hotels yet, but the chain will be operating under a different name and promises to be as affordable as the furniture. Let’s hope the food is better than the usual warehouse fare of cheap meatballs and greasy breakfasts.

Image courtesy of dcmaster

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IKEA Joins in on Cheap Hotel Trend