Hello there, welcome to my travel hub - feel free to pull up a deckchair while I get the sangria.

I'm a traveller at heart, and hopefully these handy hints and tips will come in useful as you prepare for holidays and short breaks.

Any content suggestions would be more than welcomed, feel free to leave a comment or two

So for the Bank Holiday weekend I decided to take the risk of travelling by train during not only the Bank Holiday, but also during a matchday, in order to visit a friend of mine. Luckily the train journey up from Liverpool went without any hitches, and I got plenty of leg room in which to rest my knee, so sharing a carriage with footy fans on their way to St James's I made my way into the city.

Now, Newcastle has been a city I've been wanting to visit for a while now, and a walk around the city made me realise what makes UK cities so nice. The thing about Newcastle, is the mix of architecture around the city - from castles to Victorian buildings and a spattering of 1960's block buildings. As we strolled around, my friend couldn't help but point out some of the buildings which had been built in and around the spaces and alleys between buildings - with one shopping centre stretching for what seems like miles - although you wouldn't think if you looked from the outside.

Before we headed on a shopping trip to the Metro centre (most of which is still under construction - but still pretty impressive) I stopped off to pose for a photo by the Angel Of The North statue on the outskirts of the city.

Taking a swift ride on the Metro to Gateshead, we walked back over the Millenium Bridge (stopping for ice cream on the way of course) and took in the sights and smells of the European market on the banks of the Tyne. Because of my knee I wasn't quite able to hike it back up to the top of the hill to where we were parked, but instead took an electric bus up to the top. The thing that amazed me about that journey was just how -quiet- it was, it didn't sound like a conventional bus at all, and whilst I'm not too familiar with the mechanics of electric vehicles I know it was a heck of a lot more pleasant than a rickety old banger of a bus :)

The train journey on the way home was rather...well, let's just say that on the route from York to Liverpool there were around 100 festival-goers boarding - caked in mud and stinking after three days of music and not showering. Luckily they all fell asleep until their stops, but the chap sat next to me was rather whiffy. However, when he got off the train at Stalybridge, the guy who took his place was even worse - opening a yoghurt pot and proceeding to scoop it out with his curled-up rail ticket...

Luckily he got off at the next stop, it was certainly one of those ERRRRRRRGH! moments. Aside from that it was a rather nice weekend :)

Nestled on the Snowdonia coast in North Wales lies a small town with big fame.

The town of Portmeirion is the setting for the popular 60's television show The Prisoner and the unusually shaped buildings that provided most of the backdrop for the series is a popular tourist destination. The village itself has a feeling of an Italian piazza, indeed one would think that you'd be stepping into a little piece of Venice or Rome in a sleepy corner of North Wales.

The village was designed by Sir Bertram Clough Williams-Ellis, and was constructed between 1925 and 1975 - incorporating a mixture of architectural styles and mosaic designs using pieces of demolished buildings. The grounds of Castell Deudraeth house a range of botanical gardens and the surrounding woodland is popular with walkers.

Now owned by a charity, the village continues to attract visitors from all over the world, day passes for entry into Portmeirion can be purchased, however there are hotels within the village itself, catering for those who descend on the village to take in the unique architecture and the scenary of the Welsh coastline.

We've all experienced a bad journey on public transport - whether it be the screaming children running up and down the aisles or the weirdos who sit next to you on the bus (at this point you'd think to yourself 'why me?')

Most of us will just try and grin and bear it - well, more like put your head in your hands, slouch in the corner of your seat and attempt to drown out the sounds of little brats fighting and people arguing with their partners through the medium of mobile phones.

Recently I was on a train coming back from London, and electrical problems at one station meant we couldn't continue between certain stops, so what should have been a 2 1/2 hour journey turned into a 6 hour slog as we awaited diesel locomotives to practically tow us so we could continue. Luckily though I had my mp3 player to keep me company (albeit I had to increase the volume a little in order to drown out a screaming child)

If you're planning on taking a long train journey - especially at weekends - be sure to be prepared. Be sure to have a book or an mp3 player handy and charge your mobile phone fully before you travel.

If you're travelling with children, bring activities that'll keep them occupied for long periods of time. Older children will likely be comfortable with a portable games console in hand, but for toddlers and babies it can be difficult to keep attention focused. Pack some of their favourite toys and reading material for the journey ahead.

Also be sure to stock up on supplies -before- you travel. Food and drink on the train (if it's available) can be very expensive, so packing a bottle of water or juice and a multi-pack of crisps and dried fruit (or whatever you fancy) can help save you money during your journey.

There was a time when you'd look forward to sending a postcard back home while you were on your holidays.

From seaside resorts to sunny Spain, tourists used to rely on sending pieces of card with pictures of attractions, local food and risque images back to their and family in a bid to create a little spark of jealousy for those back home.

However, as many of us now have mobile phones at our disposal, the process of reminding our peers and family members that we're on holiday and they're not has gone digital.

Camera phone technology has allowed us the chance to snap pictures and film videos to send back home - albeit at rather the cost. Using your mobile abroad can costa lotta (excuse the pun) and many have to face the bills upon returning home.

Recent EU rulings have forced providers to slash prices of roaming charges for customers using their phones abroad, but even so it pays to watch your usage rate when abroad. One of the ways you can get around this and save yourself some money is to buy pre-paid phonecards in the country you've travelled to or to ask the hotel about rates for calling your home country.

If you're looking to emigrate or are visiting family in another country, it can be worth investing in a cheap pay-as-you-go phone for the duration of your stay, this could save you money as you'll be able to call at your destinations' rate.

Since the 1970's, when hoards of British tourists descended upon the sleepy seaside village of Ibiza, the island has become synonymous with clubbing culture and a good ol' fashioned mash-up.

Every year, thousands of young revellers head for resorts such as Ibiza Town and San Antoni in search of sun, sea and sangria (as well as other things)

Clubs such as Pasha, Amnesia and Space attract revellers from all over the world to their all-day/all-night events, with themed events happening all over the island. Superstar DJs use these events to promotoe new material, as well as spin some classics for their fans.

But it's not just dance and trance anymore, many indie and rock bands are performing special gigs to revellers and rock fans alike - providing a more eclectic musical mix on the sun-kissed beaches.

Bars such as Cafe Del Mar and the miles of sandy beaches providing ideal locations to experience the world famous sunsets that were made famous by ambience DJs - these chillout sessions provide clubbers with the ultimate winddown from a heavy night of clubbing.

Of course, the process may very well be repeated the very next day, if you have the energy that is.

Every year, thousands of adrenaline junkies head to the the mountains and the sea in search of adventure. From the Rockies to the Gold Coast, extreme sports holidays are becoming more popular amongst holidaymakers - young and old.

Whether you're looking to surf, ski or jump off a bridge - attached to a bungee cord - there are a wide variety of different travel groups that offer exciting experiences in beautiful locations.

However, if you're looking to embark on such a trip it's important to make sure you take out some travel insurance before you travel. Should something happen during your trip, repatriation costs and healthcare can prove to be expensive if you're not covered - not to mention ruining your holiday.

Many insurance providers will offer cover for sporting, skiing and extreme sports holidays for an extra charge, it's always best to double check your policy and ensure you have sufficient cover before you travel.

Imagine the scene, 20,000 people frolicking in the street, drenched in the same red liquid that flows down narrow streets in scorching hot weather.

It may sound like something out of a bad B-movie, but it's very much real - and very popular with tourists and locals alike.

Every year, tens of thousands of tourists and locals alike descend upon Buñol - a small town in the Valencia region of Spain, with a population of 9,000. But every year in the klast Wednesday of August, thousands of people descend upon the town for the annual Tomatina festival.

No-one's quite sure about how, or indeed why the festival came about - theories include a local food fight, to an accidental lorry spillage that lead to much fun.

Whatever the reason may be, it has been a tradition in the town of Buñol since the 1940's, every year it attracts thousands of eager festivalgoers - ready to pelt each other with overripe tomatoes.

The festivities begin at around 9am with the 'Ham Up A Greasy Pole' event, which participants attempt to climb and reach the prize at the top. At 11am the trucks - filled to bursting with overripe tomatoes - roll into town, depositing their load in the narrows streets, and an hour of frantic fruit flinging begins.

There are strict rules during the festival - participants have to squish the fruit slightly before throwing, and upon hearing the second klaxon at 12 noon you must cease flinging -any sneaky cheap shots after the klaxon will most likely get you in trouble with the local law.

However when the festival ends and there's no more tomato throwing, locals will hose down participants after the festival, and the heat of the Spanish sun ensures you dry off quickly - just in time for your journey back.

As for what to take, well it's not exactly and event you're going to want to turn up to wearing your best clobber - you're bound to get drenched in tomato juice, and most likely have the clothes ripped from your body (although you can usually buy spiffy Tomatina t-shirts after the event) and you MUST be wearing a t-shirt for the journey back, or they'll most likely not let you back on the train.

If such an idea seems appealing to you and you'd like to travel to the Tomatina, it's important to plan ahead and arrange your flights. Buñol itself is about 24 miles from Valencia.

Because of a limited amount of room in the town itself, many choose to buy flights to Valencia and travel by bus or train to the town - usually there are shuttle buses specifically for the event, but it's always best to double check.

Try not to bring anything of value - such as jewellery or mobile phones - to the event. If you're looking to take pictures you can usually buy disposable cameras from the festival itself, or you could always bring friends and share memories in future.

We are a nation of animal lovers, and like to think that our pets are part of our families. Indeed for some it can be heartbreaking to have to leave their dogs in kennels when they go away on holiday.

However, there is hope for Fido and friends, as more and more accommodations around the country are becoming pet friendly. And for some holidaymakers, a large grassy area they can walk their dog on can be a more important factor than which movies are available in the hotel room.

There is no shortage of pet-friendly accommodations now available, with hotels now going the extra mile to cater for pets (as well as their owners)

If you are looking to take your pet on holiday, it's always best to double check with your hotel or holiday cottage to find out their policies on bringing pets. For destinations that are family-orientated, it's important to check their policy on pets, as some resorts and hotels are cautious when it comes to pets and the safety of small children.

Hotels in countryside areas seem to be amongst the most popular. Picturesque surroundings and miles of trails offer dog owners the opportunity to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise when walking their dogs, before returning to relax in warm and cosy surroundings.

Most hotels and holiday homes will now accept pets that travel with their owners; with some offering walking services as well as outside hoses for cleaning muddy paws, and many will provide a basket for your pet to rest his paws after a long walk.

With over 1.3 million Brits taking to the slopes last year, ski holidays are popular choices for those looking for a winter adrenaline rush - but for some it can come at a price - and not just for the holiday itself.

But with an increase in visitors to resorts such as Colorado and Chamonix comes an increase in injuries as a result of skiing and snowboarding. Knee injuries are particularly common and accidents can lead to ligament damage, which could require surgery in future.

Whilst it is important to have some travel insurance in place before your trip, it is also advisable to ensure that you are fit and healthy before you hit the slopes, for it's no fun being out of action after only one day on the slopes.

Whilst it may seem cosy enough to be sat indoors with a cup of hot chocolate, it's not much fun if you've shelled out a lot for the trip.

By preparing for holidays on the slopes through a fitness routine, you can reduce your chances of injury and help with rehabilitation should you suffer an injury during your trip. This can be particularly important if you're not in the best of shape, but starting a routine at least 6 to 8 weeks before your trip can be beneficial to your overall health.

Altitude can have an effect on your recovery rate, so it's important to make sure you have a good fitness level before taking ski holidays. It can be worth consulting your GP for a health check before your ski trip.

Cardiovascular exercise will help your body prepare for the effects of being at altitude, combining with exercise to increase flexibility - such as yoga - can go a long way in helping to prepare your body for your time on the mountain.

You're likely to spend at least 4 to 6 hours a day on the side of a mountain, whatever your ability level, and during this time your muscles can become prone to strain and lactic acid build-up - which can be particularly painful when you're trying to twist and bend to steer yourself as you slide downhill.

Also, remember to take good care of your ski equipment, be it your own or rented from the resort, for if it doesn't feel comfortable it's not likely to help prevent injury.

By keeping an active lifestyle in the weeks leading up to your ski trip, not only will you feel better but you can help reduce your chances of serious injury should anything happen during your ski trip.