Going on a trip to Ireland doesn't have to cost a fortune. In fact, if you know where to look, you'll be able to find a number of things to see and do on the Emerald Isle which won't cost you a single penny (or cent). We've rounded up some of the very best:

With Valentine’s Day steadily approaching, we thought it would be fitting to put together a list of some of the most romantic places to tie the knot abroad. Whether it’s a lavish affair in Cyprus or a chilled out ceremony in Italy, it’s easy to see why an estimated one in four UK couples now opt to get hitched on holiday.

Credit: lambatofa

Sometimes, the best holiday inspiration comes from asking someone else for their advice – and that’s exactly why we think travel blogs are a great way to research a new destination. From learning about what to eat, to finding little known spots away from the typical tourist trail, here are some blogs to get you started on planning your next adventure.

The Aussie Nomad
 http://www.theaussienomad.com

To kick things off, we suggest reading this Aussie backpackers’ list of handy tips from the price of a pint in Belgium to the ins and outs of living and working in another country. We’re a fan of his latest post on how to deal with long-haul flights and the essential items to keep on hand to make the journey go as smoothly as possible.

Bacon is Magic
http://www.baconismagic.ca 

Although Ayngelina blogs about all aspects of travel, her main specialty is food. Our mouths were watering as we read about her latest escapades while spending 48 hours in Ottawa. Also look out for her weekly ‘Food Friday’ updates including restaurant reviews, new cuisines and some of her favourite dishes.

Secret Scotland
http://www.secret-scotland.com/ 

This French-Scottish duo, Aury and Mike started their blog after helping American friends plan a trip to Scotland. Their mates enjoyed the itinerary so much that they suggested the couple plan Scottish tours for a living – and a few months later, Secret Scotland was born. This month, the couple has shared some top secluded spots to visit, including some of the country’s most spectacular lighthouses - there’s even some tips on where to spot dolphins. 

Twenty-Something Travel
http://twenty-somethingtravel.com 

This year, travel blogging couple Mike and Stephanie plan to continue their globetrotting adventure and explore more of Europe. In particular, Finland – their first stop of the year. Come February 10 the adventurous pair will be Helsinki bound before heading north to the Arctic Circle. From setting their sights on the Northern Lights to sledging with the Samis, you can follow them on their journey and see the snaps for yourself.

If you’re looking for more inspiration and cheap deals on places to stay, be sure to check out our offers from Hotels4U.com.

If you visit a pub on Friday you'll likely find haggis, neeps and tatties on the menu to commemorate Burns Night. But what is the day really all about? Surely there's more to it than an excuse for your local to serve up questionable food. (Sheep's lung, anyone?)

Whatever you think of haggis, Burns Night actually commemorates the birthday of Robert Burns, the Scottish poet who wrote Auld Lang Syne. You'll find ceremonial suppers taking place throughout the UK, including an address to the haggis, bagpipers and toasts to both the lassies and the laddies.

But if you want to celebrate a real Burns Night supper or find out more about Rabbie Burns, then head to Scotland. And if you want to know where to go, here are our pick of the best Burns Night events.

Image credit: abaconda

Another new year has arrived, and many of us will have already written our New Year’s Resolutions for the year ahead.

From cutting down on the things that are bad for us to joining the local sports club, we’re all aiming to improve our lives in 2013. But if you’re already thinking of your next holiday, it’s always a great idea to set a couple of travel goals for the year ahead. Here are a few ideas...

Image credit: Swimparallel on Flickr

I will book my hotel early…

If you’re always booking your holiday at the last minute, and end up hastily booking somewhere you’ve been to before, why not do a little more preparation this year? As well as being able to find some great deals by booking early, all you’ll have to do is sit back, relax and count down the days.

I will enjoy more weekend breaks…

On a cold, wet weekend or one where you’ve got nothing planned, there’s no better time to spend a weekend away. Whether visiting the Louvre in Paris, exploring the Colosseum in Rome or sightseeing in London, a weekend break allows you to experience history, culture and maybe a bit of romance too.

Image credit: Xiquinho Silva

I will not take my whole wardrobe on holiday with me…

Are you one of those people who try to pack their entire wardrobe into their suitcase before every holiday? There’s really no need to if you remember these simple tips: Get yourself a smaller case (forcing you to pack less), only take essential items that serve more than one purpose (daywear and nightwear for example) and leave things like hair dryers and hair straighteners behind. Not only will your case be easier to lift, but you won’t have to pay any extra baggage charges at the airport either.

I will learn a new language…

Learning a new language can be tough. But many of us try to get by in a foreign country either by speaking like a robot or by pointing at things. Make it your mission to learn a few phrases from the language of the destination you’re visiting this year to really impress the locals.

Image by Londo Mollari

I will explore more of the destination I’m visiting…

Don’t just stick to the beach or the hotel swimming pool on your holiday. There’s so much more to discover. Go on day trips, catch the bus somewhere or go on a little walk and you’ll be amazed by what you might find. Those holiday snaps might be a bit more interesting too!

I will be more spontaneous…

Some of the best holidays are the unexpected ones that are booked at the very last minute. So rather than planning your holiday months in advance, book a spontaneous trip somewhere you never dreamed of visiting. Best of all, you’ll be able to find some great last minute deals too. 

Image credit: Llee_wu 

And finally, I will go somewhere I’ve never visited before...

Many of us like routine, so once we’ve found that perfect hotel we tend to stay there almost every year. If that sounds like you, then don’t be afraid to break the mould and try somewhere new in 2013. Hotels4u has thousands of hotels in a variety of destinations around the world.

Where will you go and what will you do this year? Take a look at the deals on Hotels4U.com if you're in need of some inspiration.

While most of us have heard of the Seven Wonders of the World, it’s the new ones that are generating global attention.

The New7Wonders of Nature are elected by hundreds of millions of people from all around the world each year. While everyone is encouraged to vote on what they consider to be the most spectacular natural landmark, as of November 2011, the seven current wonders include the Amazon, Halong Bay, Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island, Komodo, Puerto Princesa Underground River and Table Mountain.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite natural phenomenons from the latest list that are well worth exploring if you’re feeling adventurous.

Image credit: gnuboss via Flickr

Cape Town’s Table Mountain 

Part of Table Mountain National Park, this 1,085 metre high marvel is a prominent South African landmark overlooking nearby Cape Town. The name’s a dead giveaway - the flat surface of the peaks resemble a table top, which you can climb for fantastic views of the city and a wealth of rare plant life. There’s even a restaurant at the top of the slope for hungry hikers. If you don’t fancy climbing on foot, no need to worry, as there’s also a cable car service on hand. For a range of great deals on hotels nearby, be sure to check out the offers from Hotels4u.com.

Image credit: Benson Kua via Flickr

Puerto Princesa Underground River 

Situated about 50km north of the seaside city of Puerto Princesa in the Philippines, Puerto Princesa Underground River is another natural must-see. While the underground river has been a famous attraction for centuries, a second level was just discovered in 2010 with waterfalls inside the cave, making it even more striking.

Image credit: saigontaitai

Ha Long Bay in Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province 

Located in Northeast Vietnam, Ha Long Bay wasn’t just crowned one of the New7Wonders, it’s also a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site. A shared natural gem between Ha Long City, Cam Pha town and some of the Van Don district, the bay is famous for its limestone structures studded throughout area. With plenty of caves to explore, it’s also great for snorkeling and scuba diving and is said to hold over 60 different types of sea life in the area.

Image credit: markg6 via Flickr

The Amazon in Ecuador 

This tropical South American rainforest is definitely worth a visit, and the sooner the better, as its being destroyed by global and industrialisation at a steady rate. Ideal for group travel, there’s plenty of activities to try out from birdwatching to canoeing, but the jungle trekking is one of the most popular. With guides and tours readily available, you don’t need to worry about getting lost as you explore through the trees.

Let us know where you’d like to visit in the comments, or on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.

Popular dishes such as spaghetti bolognaise or chicken tikka can sometimes get a little dull - especially when we’re eating them pretty much every week. So why not venture out of your comfort zone a bit and discover an array of weird and sometimes downright disgusting cuisine from around the globe? Take a look at our video of all things bizarre from the world of food to really whet the appetite and gain a few ideas about what to cook for dinner tonight (or maybe not!).

[WARNING: VIDEO NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED!]

Images: Balut by Charles Haynes / Fried Tarantula by Sistak / Live Octopus by Tomcensani on Flickr / Brain Sandwich by @joefoodie / Dried Lizards by Michael Mandiberg / Deep Fried Grasshopper and Worms by avlxyz / Lutefisk by Mtcarlson

When the sun is beaming down on the Canary Islands, enjoying one of the many water-based activities is the best (and most fun!) way to cool off. If you're a water baby at heart then you're in luck, as there are lots of locations around the Canaries that offer splash-tastic activities and oodles of aquatic fun. We've gathered together a few of best...

Image by Martinrp 

The summer is nearly upon us and we'll soon be digging out our shorts and basking in the glorious British sunshine (hopefully!). Whatever the weather, this summer promises to be an exciting one with so many things to see and do, whether you're staying at home or going abroad. Today, we're taking a look at some of the best things to do and get involved in this summer.

On the beach in Rhodes, by flickr user drdcuddy

Go Abroad
Let's face it; the weather in the UK is unpredictable at the best of times, so why not head somewhere that guarantees sunshine and lots of it? With arguably the most varied group of islands in Europe, you can't go wrong with Greece. Whether it's clubbing in Zante or sightseeing in Rhodes, check out Hotels4u for a selection of Greece hotels suitable for every budget.

Staycation
Why jet off thousands of miles away though when everything we need can be found right on our very own doorstep (well almost). For example, you could go on a train ride to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, where there's lots to offer visitors of every age. Book into one of our fantastic hotels in Edinburgh and explore the famous Edinburgh Castle, take a walk down the Royal Mile or spend an evening of fun and frivolity in one of the lively bars in the city.

Olympic Stadium, by Frank Steiner

Olympic Games
Unless you've been living in a cave for the past year or so, you might have heard that the greatest sporting event in the world is taking place this summer in London. Whether you were lucky enough to get tickets for the 100m final or the beach volleyball, the Olympics Games is sure to be one of the most historic events this country has ever seen. Take a look at our selection of London hotels for some great deals on accommodation.

Diamond Jubilee
There's nothing more British than the Royal Family and with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee taking place in June, this summer is sure to be the most majestic of occasions. Best of all, we get an extra bank holiday too on June 5th, enabling you to join in the celebrations as the Queen celebrates 60 years on the throne. Or why not follow in the Royal footsteps by doing your own Jubilee themed tour of the country? 

Leeds Festival, by Ian Wilson

Festivals
Those who don't mind slumming it in a muddy field surrounded by fellow revellers, smelly port-a-loo's and lots of noise should head to one of the various music festivals happening around the UK this summer. Whether you're getting your glow sticks out in Stratford-upon-Avon for Global Gathering (27-28 July), rocking out to Kasabian and Foo Fighters at Leeds Festival (24-26 April) or living it up at Bestival (6-9 September) on the Isle of Wight, there is a festival for everyone out there. 

 

Football European Championships
With all the excitement of the Olympics, let's not forget the football European Championships are also being held this summer. Taking place in Poland and Ukraine, the hopes of the nation will rest on the shoulders of Wayne Rooney and co as England aim to win their first tournament since 1966. Expect the country to be awash with St George's flags, men in pubs who have just about managed to squeeze into their England shirts for another year and perhaps more footballing heartache.

What are your plans for the summer? Tell us in the comments!

You can also catch up with us on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.