If we are to host a really memorable soccer world cup we need to build world class stadiums. Some of the old stadiums in Johannesburg had to be re-vamped while stadiums in other cities, like Durban or Port Elizabeth had to be built. All the stadiums look beautiful and have a large seating capacity. One has to wonder whether in a country where corruption is endemic how much money went into the back pockets of business men and officials?

The second biggest hassle will be providing visitors with a working public transport system. Right now the only public transport systems are the mini buses, which are often not road worthy. These vehicles stop at any road or junction to pick up passengers. To take the right taxi you need to know which hand signal to make. If the taxi driver is going your way they will stop for you.

Since any foreigner would find this situation confusing, maybe even dangerous if they took a wrong turn, the government is building the Gautrain link. This rapid train is meant to link Pretoria and Johannesburg with the airport. Since not much work has been done on the project to date I think it would be advisable to rent a car.

Recently, some South African citizens have banded together and attacked foreigners, many are illegal imigrants. This wave of xenophobic has forced thousands of people to flee from their homes. Some have returned home, but many remain seeking shelter in abandoned buildings or churches. This sad situation is thought to have happened because of South Africans blaming foreigners for an increase in crime and for taking away their jobs. This incident has damaged South Africa’s reputation internationally. Some people fear that the international community will prohibit South Africa from hosting the world cup if this problem repeats itself. If we are to repair our reputation we must keep all people, illegal or otherwise, safe within our borders.

I wish I could say for sure that this will be an incredibly proud moment for South Africa marked by jubilant celebrations. It is still a possibility that this will be a failure marred by corruption charges, crime against foreigners and inefficient transport co-ordination. My hope for South Africa is that on this day it can rise above its past failings and provide all the tourists with a well safe well organized event.

Laura Arnold

Rome’s numerous landmarks are the main things that many tourists go to see, and they don’t disappoint. One of the first to see is the Trevi Fountain. One of the largest in the world, it was built in the 1700’s as part of a competition. There is a superstition that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will be guaranteed to return to Rome. Every day, approximately 3000 Euros a day are thrown into the fountain, which is donated to help the needy living in the city.

The Colosseum, arguably Rome’s most famous landmark, is a truly impressive site. This enormous stadium was used by the Romans to stage the infamous gladiator battles, as well as mock animal hunts and other such events. Although much of the building has been ruined by earthquakes and stone-robbers, you can still imagine what it would have been like some 2000 years ago, with some seats and the arena floor partially restored. Due to its ruined nature, you can now also see under where the arena floor would have been. Here there are remnants of the area where the animals were kept, before they were raised up by mechanisms through trap doors to be slaughtered by the gladiators.

Of course, no trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to the Vatican, and after going through a mini customs (it’s a separate country from Italy), you can have a look around the Pope’s house. This is where a large majority of Rome’s art is kept, and the amount there is staggering. The Sistine Chapel is a definite highlight, and something that everyone should see once.

There really is so much to do in Rome. Whether you wander the side streets, eat at one of its many little restaurants, shop in anything from tacky souvenir shops to Gucci, or take in the sights and sounds on offer, just make sure you “do as the Romans do.”

Tom Roberts

My friend and I visited our Swedish friend in Varberg, a few miles from Gothenburg City, in South-West Sweden. What a gorgeous place. It was so charming and naturally pretty with charmingly painted wooden houses. Did I mention the charm?

My friend once remarked that: ‘It’s like being in rehab.’. Sweden definitely has an air of tranquillity and the feel that it is Britain in another dimension where everything is just, with low crime, poverty and inequality. Sweden is famed for having a rumoured ‘perfect society’ and it does appear true. Everyone seems middle class, there are great provisions for women and their careers and it is a fantastic place to raise children. Even the roads looked like they had been hoovered. The happiness that comes from living in a ‘perfect society’ seems to come across in the genuine smiles and helpfulness of the Swedish people.

Our friend’s family were very thoughtful and thankfully spoke English, as almost everyone in the country can. They encouraged us to try the typical national diet which included such memorable cases as caviar instead of salt, an assortment of breads and cheese out of tubes! It was surprisingly sunny every day and we were by the coast which meant picnics and gorgeous photographs.

Gothenburg city is impressive with enough history and interesting shops to keep anyone amused. A highlight was a shop called ‘The English Shop’ which was like walking into a quaint Asda but just because it was in Sweden, it was amazing.

Our time in Sweden was littered with fikas, a social pleasure that consists of coffee, cake and a long gossip in a charming shop. The shops were also full of bizarre looking contraptions which turned out to be highly useful inventions for everyday uses. If you have a wacky invention, forget ‘Dragons Den’; visit Sweden.

My friend was equally impressed by Sweden and we hope to hit Denmark in the summer to see if the rest of Scandinavia matches Sweden for its tranquillity, interest and above all, charm.

Laura Blumenthal

One such island is Meerufenfushi, an hour’s speedboat ride away from the capital, Malé. The island itself is nothing short of paradise, something that every resort island in the Maldives seems to have in common. Clear blue waters, bright sunshine and lazily swaying palms are a welcome greeting after a ten hour flight in an economy seat, and you are swiftly ushered to your room. All accommodation on the island is made up of individual huts, giving you a sense of privacy that is almost impossible to find in a large hotel.

The Maldives itself is a strict Muslim country, which prohibits even the importation of any materials ‘contrary to the teachings of Islam’. It seemed bizarre therefore that the Easter celebrations on Meeru were so extravagant. There was egg painting and an Easter egg hunt for children, and the decorations at dinner were nothing short of spectacular, with giant ice sculptures of hens and eggs adorning the buffet tables. Children were also presented with chocolate eggs and rabbits, and if it wasn’t for the scorching heat and delicious sea breeze, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Europe.

Indeed, despite being in the middle of the Indian ocean, Europe seems to be something you cannot escape from. Tourists on the island are primarily European, as is the food and entertainment (with the exception of the Maldivian cultural night on Friday nights). True Maldivian culture can only be accessed if you choose to visit a neighbouring island, and often these are tailored to show you certain carefully chosen aspects of Maldivian life.

The Maldives will never be a destination frequented by students. The cost of visiting this slice of paradise coupled with the lack of things to see and do mean that many would rather spend their student loan visiting areas with greater appeal. However, with luck the Maldives will still be there for when we have dug ourselves out of debt and have time to appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of these wonderful islands.

Holly Austin

The best way to get into Paris is the Eurostar with fares starting from £50 return plus the fare of a ticket into London. It is advisable to book massively in advance unless you only have access to a platinum American Express and one brain cell. The other way to easily get into Paris is by plane from EMA to Beavais (a quaint town with a good cathedral) using Ryanair, from €2 return. However, this is 60km from Paris so a €26 bus ride is always necessary.

The sights of Paris are ingrained in our national physche and perception of the French. The Eiffel Tower may be fun, but a better view of Paris can be found at the Sacré Coeur, for those who enjoy a historical perspective or the works of Oscar Wilde. A statue to Wilde was erected over his tomb, as a naked man. The legend goes that the man’s penis was broken off and used as a paperweight by the warden, and for those wanting love and fertility kissing the statue’s crotch is said to bring just that.

The naval victories of Sir William Sidney Smith at the cemetery Père Lachaise is an absolute must. Also within the 20eme about 2 métro stops away is the market of the Porte de Montreuil selling everything from berets to the Kepi of the Legion. Interspersed with broken cars and scooters, it is certainly an eclectic environment.

There are many tourist traps in Paris on the bar and restaurant front but gems can be found. Try the Quai de Valmy with the bar Chez Prune for a quintessential Parisian experience, with cocktails and coffee and nibbles: the best café in the world! Further down the road La Marine serves up French food done properly and cheaply. The staff, though not used to tourists, are incredibly helpful and the food is cooked and dressed to perfection.

For the hopeless romantic, L’Auberge de Nicolas Flamel should be your first and only consideration. Set in the old house of the philosopher and alchemist Nicolas Flamel, the surroundings make for a truly wondrous and romantic evening though the bill may leave little to be desired.

Accommodation is plentiful in Paris, with Le Montclair Montmartre excellent value for (about €25). But the best place is the most unlikely: the Hotel Ibis just outside Paris in Bagnolet is a 20 story leviathan for €50 a night (with double bed). Three stars, a panoramic Paris and a métro stop just outside, it’s the perfect place for those avec amour. With the city of lights on show, why not?

Mark Iliffe

So why do it? Going to university is a big change, going to another country even more so and in Leicester we are lucky to have a cultural university attracting foreign students from Europe, America and China. So why not do it yourself? It will look excellent on your CV and shows that you take initiative – so many people are leaving university with masters and this is your chance to put yourself ahead of the crowd. When you are over there you can forget exams; they’re important but the school knows that you are an exchange student and will set the bar accordingly. If you are fluent good, if not oh well. It’s an experience and you will be constantly immersed in everything and anything.

To do it, talk to your personal tutor about Erasmus and whether the department has an exchange agreement with a foreign university. It doesn’t even matter if the course hasn’t been run before as these allowances can be made – it is not unheard of the department creating the course for you and giving you your own UCAS course code. With that you would graduate top of the class no matter what!

Funnily, the language barrier is always thought to be an issue for Erasmus students but support is always there for you. The university offers free language training to all Erasmus students and a £500 grant for a foreign language course before the course starts. Also, as you will be on reduced hours you can take language training concurrent to your studies. Money isn’t a problem either: living in halls in France last year cost me €900 (about £700) and there are no tuition fees to worry about.

On the social side, look around. Erasmus students have the biggest parties, an even more vibrant social scene as it is just one big melting pot. It is honestly the best way of learning a language, having fun and extending your university experience without needing an ever-expanding wallet!

Mark Iliffe

We shall begin with the history. India gained its independence (and rather proudly so) in 1947; an event that preceded her most traumatic experience: the Partition of India and Pakistan. Even today, the disputed regions of Jammu/Kashmir regularly make the headlines.

In the time I spent in the capital, it became obvious to me that the country is still settling into its status, even some sixty years on. The economic changes are evident; with its expanding size and construction industry that is seemingly always at work. Some part of the huge sprawling city is always covered in scaffolding as it prepares to host the Commonwealth Games.

The social changes are less obvious. Buildings like the Rashpati Bhavan, and the Lal Kela (the President’s House and the Red Fort) add a sense of history to the city, whereas the endless stream of market stalls and dense forest of traffic bring it into the 21st Century. The simple truth of it is that even in the capital nobody follows any traffic laws and every taxi ride feels like it could be your last.

Kolkata, my second and final stop on this whirlwind tour is everything the country’s capital isn’t. The capital during the British Empire, it is at once both relaxed and hectic, more so than Delhi ever was. Ask any resident of the city, and they’ll be fiercely loyal to the place, choosing it over the current capital. It is easy to see why. I admit that as an ex-resident I am not impartial, but to all I am sure the beauty of the city is visible above the smells of sewage and the almost blinding pollution.

As in Delhi, there is a strong legacy of the British Empire in the city, with the Victoria Memorial as a unique building; places like College Street and Calcutta Medical College are hardly a surprise in a city that has produced 5 Nobel Laureates, including Rabrindanath Tagore, who has an almost religious status in the country, and of course, Mother Teresa. The city has also been famous for being among the first to showcase and stage plays; the Bengali film industry is well known and respected within the country.

During my time there, the city’s political allegiances were also made abundantly clear. I have always known there was a strong history of a Trade Union movement (the Communist Party of India has been in power for 40 years), but during my week-long stay there was a full out bandh (strike), with a place the size of London coming to a complete standstill for a whole 24 hours, over something as simple as price rises. Even the local branches of the national banks were on strike, simply because their colleagues were being transferred to another part of the country. Try and imagine that in the current British financial climate. I for one, can’t. But it happened. Now perhaps the next time someone asks you about India you may just have more to say!

However, with all this flitting around the world it’s possible we are missing out on something really special right here in the UK. I travelled to East Yorkshire to find out whether the seaside resorts that were at the height of popularity thirty years ago were as dim as my parents memories of them.

When I made my first trip to the seaside town of Bridlington I expected to find nothing but run down arcades, dingy chip shops and tacky merchandise. Admittedly, elements of my vision rang true, but they are pimples upon the overwhelming charm of the Yorkshire sea resort. The atmosphere is one of utter relaxation and the sea air makes you feel at complete peace, as you make the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of day to day life. Skimming pebbles across the water is also a must for those who value life’s simplicities. There is an art to this delightful sport however, so make sure no locals are watching if it’s your first time. For more of a buzz there are boat rides, the Bridlington eye and like all seaside resorts Bridlington is home to a small fairground on the main pier.

Even so, I wasn’t completely transformed so as to christen it one of Britain’s ‘forgotten gems.’ What really won me over were the picturesque neighbouring villages, filled with miniature white houses and traditional English corner shops that have home made signs in the windows.

Flamborough, for example is the perfect place to discover all that is quintessentially English. There, you can scramble over the windy headlands or explore the many caves that tunnel deep into the rock. After exhausting this option, make your way up to the lighthouse to learn about the area’s history and industry. To those with an ever-empty stomach like my own, a trip to the seaside is not complete without a tea break. Luckily, the café adjacent to the lighthouse serves just that and the most delicious scones I have ever tasted topped with jam and generous heaps of cream.

Filey is smaller but more upmarket and offers something a little different. A lot of money has been put into a beautiful new promenade that stretches along the sea front. Here, one can ride donkeys along the beach for a small fee. Being somewhat past the donkey riding age, I prefer to sit upon the rocks devouring the fruits of the sea, heavily battered of course but a taste not to be contested by numerous Michelin stars.

Bridlington and the surrounding villages are not the place to go for those who like a fast pace and full time entertainment. The weather is not always perfect either so pack plenty of jumpers and a raincoat if you plan on venturing up there. Despite this, with its rich English heritage, homely delights and beautiful landscape I can understand why for years so many flocked to them with a thirst for the sea, their search for the sun long forgotten.

Elizabeth Cornish

For some the appeal of travelling lies in visions of the Pyramids and the Colosseum; for others the Great Barrier Reef and Niagara Falls and for many the opportunity to lie on an sunkissed beach with an attractive waiter serving ice cold cocktails.

Don’t get me wrong; I wouldn’t turn down a cruise on the Nile either. Yet travelling can be so much more than ploughing through a list of top tourist destinations. For me, the joy is not grand or luxurious but wonderfully uncomplicated. My dream destination simply does not exist. To travel is to discover the unknown: I would purely like to wake up one morning, throw my rule book in the bin and set off down the road with no map, no guide book and no clue where I’m headed.

Let’s return to our undisclosed spot in Africa, where there exists not only no worries, but no time. Here, the sun is your watch. It is a strange concept for the European, whose life is ruled by timetables and an alarm clock, to get his head around. Try asking the driver in Tanzania what time his bus will leave and you may find his only response is laughter. The bus will leave when it is full. Moreover, it is only full when it becomes quite impossible to squeeze in (or attach to the outside) another woman, child, basket, melon or chicken.
Before setting off down the road then, throw away your rule book and your watch.

And if you were to believe the German I was marooned with at a deserted train station, you can also leave behind your itinerary and your bank account. Forgetting the former will certainly make your trip more interesting, and forgetting the latter may lead you to discover in a forgotten cheese sandwich a type of happiness you did not know existed.

Take my German friend for example (let’s call him Fritz). Finding ourselves, two complete strangers, marooned on a station platform in the middle of the Norweigan mountains, with no idea when the next train would turn up, Fritz was utterly unphased. This was probably because he had left his home in Freiburg intending to return from travelling Europe within the month and had still found no reason to ten years on. When his money ran out, he had collected a number of old drainpipes, built himself a 3m high didgeridoo and busked for a living. It certainly gave us something to do while waiting for the next train. Incidentally, this arrived at 4am and was going in entirely the wrong direction. I didn’t care, I got on it anyway.

Now, I’m not recommending you abandon your exams and depart immediately for Mongolia, but sitting on a train last summer heading for a destination unknown I found myself feeling surprisingly carefree. Asking myself why, I realised I had discovered what travelling means to me: it means no worries.

Emma Howard

With just a short drive from the airport we arrived at our hotel, with scenic views and in the midst of the city life. With 125 hotels to choose from and great prices of flights and accommodation it was the perfect weekend getaway destination. Even though I’m the type to say ‘once you’ve seen one cathedral or castle, you’ve seen them all’, I have to admit that the tourist attractions that were available were outstanding.

The Rosslyn Chapel, finished in 1482 was a building of awe and one of the many magnificent buildings of Edinburg; also, for film lovers it was the chapel that featured in ‘The Da Vinci Code’ book and film. Along with this, there is also the Lauriston Castle which is a 19th Century mansion built around a 16th Century tower, with 30 acres and parkland it is the perfect place for tranquillity. Also, the admission is free which an extra bonus is, of course!

However, you cannot, in my opinion visit Edinburgh and skip a visit to Edinburgh Castle; it is at the heart of the capital and built on the remains of an extinct volcano giving it a unique look which can be seen for miles around. It has attraction such as the ‘tiny room’ where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI of Scotland and I of England. Along with this there is the Great Hall.
If you are a fan of whisky, there’s a chance to explore its background and history on the Scotch whisky Experience which has been given a 5 star rating by the Scottish Tourist Board.

With flights from Birmingham International at great prices, Edinburgh is the perfect place to get away from it all and soak up the culture; admittedly the weather isn’t always guaranteed but there is plenty to do and see that the weather will be forgotten!

Rachel Martin