Cape Town, South Africa is going to be in the spotlight this year, thanks to the scores of football fans who will descend on the city for the World Cup. However, it’s also a perfect opportunity for Cape Town to brace itself for a surge in tourism.  Cape Town still ranks as one of the most stunning cities in the world, so we’ve compiled this Top 10 list of what to see and do in Cape Town, South Africa.

Table Mountain is Cape Town's most famous landmark. Credit: lollie-pop

TABLE MOUNTAIN
This extraordinary sandstone mountain is the city’s most famous landmark (and most photographed), and no trip to Cape Town would be complete without the cable car ride to the top of the mountain that stand 1,085 meters above the city (or you can hike it if you’re in a conquering kind of mood). However, the cable car has a rotating floor, offering you a 360-degree view of the area as you ride up. Named Table Mountain because it is often covered with cloud known as a tablecloth, the view from the top allows you to see the entire city, the coastline, ocean and the Cape Peninsula. Once at the top, you can also walk or hike a variety of trails and take in the variety of flora and fauna on view.

Swim or simply hang out with the penguins at Boulders Beach. Credit: Tjeerd

BOULDERS BEACH, SIMONS TOWN
Cape Town has a plethora of beaches to choose from, but if you want your beach experience to be really special, then head out to Boulders Beach, the only place where you can actually swim with the penguins.  A colony of African Penguins makes its home at Boulders Beach, and they generally breed at the beach between March and May. The area is a sanctuary, so respect the penguins’ home and they’ll respect you. It’ll be tough to literally swim alongside them because they are pretty fast in the water, but you’ll certainly find them hanging out on the sand and waddling behind rocks as you go about your business of sunbathing. Bring a camera to capture the memories, and be patient with the kids who squeal delightedly at every sighting.

Nelson Mandela spent 27 years as a prisoner on Robben Island. Credit: geoftheref

ROBBEN ISLAND
From prisoner to president, Robben Island is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and the place Nelson Mandela called home during his incarceration from 1962-1990.  The 3.5 hour-long tour of the museum on Robben Island begins at the Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town and is just nine miles from the center of the city. After a 30 minute ferry ride, you’ll get an up close tour of the former maximum-security jail by former political prisoners. There’s also a 45-minute bus ride tour of the island.

The V&A Waterfront is South Africa's number one tourist destination. Credit: coda

V&A WATERFRONT
Truly a one-stop shop for pretty much everything in Cape Town, the Victoria & Albert Waterfront (known simply as the V&A) is South Africa’s number one tourist destination, with around 20 million visitors each year. The gateway to a slew of destinations and attractions around the Cape, these once run-down docks are now home to a grand shopping area, filled with quaint cafes, laid back bars, theatres, and over 70 restaurants. Wander down the wharf and watch the street performers and musicians plying their trade, then spend your hard-earned Rand in the 400-plus shops, selling everything from jewelry and fashion to trinkets. This is also the place to book any one of a myriad of tours, hotel room stays or events.

Stellenbosch wine country offers a variety of tasting tours of its vineyards. Credit: timparkinson

STELLENBOSCH WINE ROUTE
Relax with a delicious glass of vino by following the Stellenbosch Wine Route on the Western Cape. Founded in 1971, today this quaint town boasts over 200 wine and grape producers. The Wine Route is divided into five sub-routes, so you can pick your favourite tasting tour. The entrance to each cellar is clearly signposted with the Wine Route logo, and daily wine tasting; cellar tours and sales are offered at most cellars. Many of them also provide picnic facilities, so you can eat, drink and be merry during this outing.

The Kirstenbosch National Botanic Gardens are home to over 22,000 indigenous plants. Credit: warenski

KIRSTENBOSCH NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS
Kirstenbosch is South Africa’s world-famous national botanical garden, set against the backdrop of Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak, and home to over 22,000 indigenous plants. Established in 1913 to protect the immense floral wealth of the Cape region and declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004, you can join a daily walking tour or a golf cart tour of the gardens. Visit the glass-topped conservatory, which houses an enormous baobab tree, or head to the Gondwanaland Garden, which displays types of plants that were present when there was only one continent on planet Earth. The Cycad Garden shows off a family of plants that dates back some 200-million years and the Fynbos Walk takes you through the fynbos vegetation, unique to the Western Cape and the Cape Floral Kingdom. Oh, and the Useful Plants Garden has a selection of medicinal plants used to treat a number of ailments.

Green market square sells everything from food to African curios. Credit: benti.namibia

GREEN MARKET SQUARE
Head to Cape Town’s city centre for the city’s oldest and most popular markets known as Green Market Square. Here you can buy everything from sandals and jewelry along with arts and crafts, African curios and fashions.  It’s a bargain hunter’s paradise where it is perfectly acceptable and quite common to barter with the merchants for your souvenirs.  You can also rest your weary feet at any one of the myriad of restaurants and cafes around the square and simply people watch as you take in the sights, smells and sounds of the market.

Cape Point Nature Reserve is a narrow finger of land where the mountains meet the sea. Credit: conspiracyofhappiness

CAPE POINT NATURE RESERVE
Where the mountains meet the sea.  Cape Point is a spectacular, narrow finger of land, boasting bays, beaches, rolling green hills and valleys. Another World Heritage Site, this is the perfect place to spend a day picnicking in the park or at the beach and then burning off those calories by hiking or taking a mountain bike ride around the area. Take the funicular to the lookout point over the Atlantic Ocean, where you’ll be able to view the most powerful lighthouse on the South African coast, which steers ships through a perilous passage around the point.  There’s also a plethora of flora and fauna, and you might be lucky enough to spot a zebra and some baboons.

The Cape Town Stadium will host the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Credit: Bruce Sutherland

CAPE TOWN STADIUM
It’s easy to see why this architectural masterpiece became the home to the 2010 world cup, and it’s worth a visit.  The 68,000-seat stadium on Green Point Common is visually stunning, and was designed to complement the cloud cover that commonly drapes Table Mountain – to best advantage. A façade of woven fibreglass coated with Teflon sees the stadium transformed into a floating, rose-coloured bowl when lit up at night. Hour-long tours of the stadium are available and take you into the stands, players’ changing rooms, and the VIP/hospitality area, although access to the pitch is not permitted. In addition to the stadium, Green Point Common has been upgraded to include sports fields and recreational areas. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, water from the stadium roof will be used to fill ponds on the common, and mountain spring water will be used for irrigation.

THE WHALE COAST
You can spot the whales frolicking at Western Cape’s Whale Coast, anytime between June and November. Rent a car or take a shuttle from Cape Town International airport, which is just 90 minutes from the coast. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can travel by helicopter. The whales spend the summer feeding around Antarctica, then migrate thousands of miles to the sheltered bays of the Western Cape to mate and calve. They swim within 200 metres of the shoreline between June and November and sightings of mother and calf are especially common. Drive via the fishing community of Hawston to Hermanus, the world’s best land-based whale watching site. Hermanus is also the only town in the world that has a whale crier who uses a kelp horn to draw visitors to view the whales who often come as close as 20-30 metres from the shore.

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is Australia's most environmentally responsible tourist destination. Credit: Courtesy Emirates Resorts & Hotels

Emirates Hotels & Resorts was honored with the Conservation Award at the 2010 World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global Summit, held this year in Beijing. The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are the WTTC’s highest-profile global accolade, recognising best practices in sustainable tourism development, conservation and bio-diversity protection.

Within the Emirates Group, Emirates Hotels & Resorts (EH&R) encompasses three major conservation projects spread across three continents: Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa in NSW, Australia, Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa in Dubai and the forthcoming Cap Ternay Resort & Spa in the Seychelles.

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, is Australia’s most environmentally responsible tourist destination, set amidst the stunning scenery of the rugged Greater Blue Mountain World Heritage Area. The unique spa resort is built around a fully restored homestead and nestles within its own private conservation and nature reserve.

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President & CEO of WTTC said in response to the award, “The Conservation Award, is one of four award categories, and is awarded to hotels and tourism organizations which have demonstrated that their tourism developments and operations have directly contributed to conservation of natural habitats, biodiversity, and wildlife protection. Emirates Hotels & Resorts is a pioneer in this space and has clearly demonstrated this through its commitment to sustainable development practices and which are also directly linked to the economic wellbeing of local people and support of cultural heritage across all their properties.”

Royal Shell Vacations' will refund your money if your Florida holiday is affected by the Gulf Oil Spill. Credit: Courtesy Royal Shell Vacations

Royal Shell Vacations, the largest vacation rental company serving Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Florida, has announced an exclusive, provisional refund policy that safeguards holidaymakers from any potential effects of the Gulf oil spill.

Called the Royal Shell “Clean Beaches” Guarantee, Royal Shell Vacations will provide a proportionate refund to any rental client, based on average daily rate, per day, should the City of Sanibel or Lee County authorities officially close either Sanibel or Captiva Islands beaches (refund based on location of rental property and affected area) due to the oil spill. This is provided at cost by Royal Shell Vacations, as typical vacation insure does not provide compensation.

In addition, Royal Shell Vacations will be providing daily or as-needed “Clean Beaches” updates on both its website and Facebook page. “This is a major, innovative, exclusive commitment by our company,” said Royal Shell Vacations CEO, Randy Bacik. “We understand that all the media coverage about the oil spill in the northeast region of the Gulf has people concerned about their Florida vacations. Our ‘Clean Beaches’ guarantee ensures that visitors can make their vacation plans to Florida knowing that they won’t incur any loss, should oil spill conditions change and affect our islands.”

To further encourage visitors to Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Royal Shell Vacations is giving away a FREE, $4,000 value “Island Delight” vacation. Enter their “The Great 7-Night, Island Delight Giveaway” by “Liking” Royal Shell Vacations on Facebook, and providing e-mail data, at www.Facebook.com/RoyalShellVacations to win seven nights in a private two-bedroom, two bathroom Captiva Gulf-front condominium for up to four persons.

Entries must be made by June 30, 2010.

Capetown's Southern Railway line boasts whale spotting from its carriage windows. Credit: Courtesy Cape Town Southern Railway Line

Just in time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Cape Town, South Africa  is set to launch a carbon friendly extension to its scenic Southern Railway Line, which runs along a stunning stretch of the South African coastline and boasts whale spotting from its carriage windows.

As part of a partnership project between Cape Town Tourism, Metrorail Western Cape, and The Green Cab (an eco-friendly travel provider), The Rail and Ride will begin running in the first week of June.

The trip combines eco-friendly rail travel with reduced emission Green Cab vehicles and a tour-guided insight on the Southern Line route. Green Cabs are training tour guides in partnership with Metrorail and the Tourism Enterprise Partnership, who will be positioned in a select carriage on the Rail and Ride days. The tour guides will then inform the visitors’ journey as they travel to Fish Hoek where they disembark for a Green Cab ride to Cape Point and then return back to Cape Town.

City of Cape Town Alderman, Felicity Purchase, mayoral committee member for Economic Development and Tourism said, “The Southern Line route is the most unique train experience. Nowhere else in the world can you look out the window during a train journey and see whales, dolphins, trek fishermen, kayakers, and surfers sharing the sea with swimmers and kite surfers – all this while passing through a working fishing harbour at Kalk Bay.”

Mariette du-Toit Helmbold, CEO of Cape Town Tourism added, “This new venture is an example of where the future of tourism in Cape Town needs to go. Cape Town Tourism is dedicated to a sustainable future for tourism in our city. To do this we need to alter our perceptions and be creative in our endeavors and see that there are exciting new ways of doing things. The new Rail and Ride promises to be a one-in-a-million trip. It really is the future of travel, and we are proud to be showcasing it to our 2010 FIFA World Cup™ visitors.”

For more information, visit Cape Town Tourism or the Green Cab Co.

Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) will test a system that will allow you to open your hotel room door with your mobile phone. Credit: gee.darryl

First there were keys attached to heavy metal tags. Then we moved on to those plastic credit card style keys, where it was quite possible to forget your room number. Now, the InterContinental Hotels Group is set to begin testing a brand new method of opening your hotel room doors… with your mobile phone.

That’s right. Beginning in June, IHG will enter a 60-90 day testing period of the technology at two U.S. Holiday Inns – Chicago O’Hare Rosemont and the Holiday Inn Express Houston Downtown Convention Center. If the testing phase is successful, we may be saying goodbye to those pesky plastic cards someday. The mobile check-in process, which is already being used in Australia by airlines including Virgin Blue, Jetstar and Qantas, will let guests skip the front counter and open their hotel door themselves.

Those who take part in the initial trial will have to download an application to their phone, call the confirmation email on their phone and hold it up to a sensor on the door to unlock it. The technology works by sending an encrypted, unique audio code to the guest’s phone, and will initially be used with smart phones.
The aim behind the move is to create a quicker, smoother check-in process for guests. “The proliferation of smart phones is growing in such a way that we have to look at what people are already bringing with them to make their stay more enjoyable,”  said IHG executive Bryson Koehler.

On May 22, Jordan Romero, 13, became the youngest person to climb Mount Everest.

The spotlight has already shifted from 16-year-old Australian girl Jessica Watson, who just last week became the youngest person to sail around the world solo. Today, all eyes are focused on 13-year-old Jordan Romero, who has also made history by becoming the youngest person to scale Mount Everest.

The California teenager who hails from the mountains of Big Bear, which has its fair share of snow in the winter,  reached the summit early Saturday morning together with his father and three Sherpa guides. Using a satellite phone and standing atop the mountain, The Associated Press reported that Romero telephoned his mother Leigh Anne Drake,  and said, “Mom, I’m calling you from the top of the world.”

On Romero’s official blog, updaters posted: “The team just called in and confirmed that they are standing on top of Mt. Everest - the highest peak in the world.  Their dreams have now come true.  Everyone sounded unbelievably happy.  They also thanked everyone who supported them and encouraged them throughout their journey.”

Until Romero’s feat this morning, the youngest person to have climbed Everest was a 16-year-old Nepalese boy, Temba Tsheri.

An artist's impression of the River Theme Park set to open in Singapore in 2012

Singapore has finally broken ground on Asia’s first ever river-themed park in Mandai, which is set to open by mid 2012, which will cost around $180 million to build.

Visitors will be able to take boat rides and soak in the freshwater habitats of famous rivers and the park will feature more than 300 plants and 500 animals, including anacondas, electric eels and a 350 kg Mekong river catfish.

Fanny Lai, Group CEO, Wildlife Reserves Singapore noted, “Rivers such as the river Nile, Yangtze River, Mississippi, Amazon [and] even the frozen river of Tundra will be featured in the river safari.” In addition, the safari will boast two major theme park rides – white water rides where visitors can see Malayan Tigers, and the Southeast Asia habitat plus the Amazon slow boat ride, which will highlight more than 20 different types of animals from the Amazon River.  The animals are being brought in from various institutions through exchange programs.

River Safari will also be home to the Giant Pandas from China when they arrive by the third quarter of 2011 as part of a joint collaboration with the China Wildlife Conservation Association. Each panda is expected to consume some 20kg of bamboo so 20 different species of bamboo will be planted throughout the enclosure.

“With its tropical rainforest setting and rich biodiversity, Mandai area provides a compelling contrast to the largely urban environment of Singapore, with the potential to attract five million visitors a year,” said Senior Minister of State, Trade and Industry, S Iswaran.

The wonderful thing about Los Angeles is that there’s so much to see and do. However, because the city is so spread out, it’s difficult to combine everything in one single trip. As the entertainment capital of the world, no trip to tinsel town would be complete without an attempt to celebrity spot, or visit a movie studio. But keep in mind that Los Angeles has some fabulous restaurants, to die for beaches, wonderful museums, and world class shopping.  Yes, you’ll need a car to navigate the sprawling streets and the crazy freeways. But don’t forget to bring your walking shoes either. With practically perfect weather year round, it would be a crime to not spend time outdoors in the LA sunshine.

Visit Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills where the rich and fabulous play. Credit: Wallslide

BEVERLY HILLS
No trip to Los Angeles would be complete without a stop in the 5.5 square miles of real estate that houses Beverly Hills’ most famous street – Rodeo Drive. You may not be able to purchase anything in the myriad of designer stores, but you can press your nose up against the windowpanes of Gucci, Versace and Bvlgari. Cross over to Wilshire Boulevard and enter the Beverly Wilshire hotel made famous by Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman.” Treat yourself to lunch at Wolfgang Puck’s famous Spago restaurant, or if you’re looking for something a little less expensive, try one of the myriad restaurants on South Beverly Drive.

Richard Meier's Getty Center Museum is a must visit in LA. Credit: Sheila Ellen

THE GETTY CENTER
This Richard Meier designed landmark is as much of a piece of art as the artworks it houses. From the winding cable cars cable cars that cut a swathe up from the 405 freeway to its Brentwood hilltop domain, The Getty Center with its whitewashed travertine tiles, unique gardens with dreamy waterfalls and vast collections of paintings, sculptures and furniture is a calm oasis in the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.

The Huntington Gardens in San Mareno are a rare botanical treat. Credit: Soraya S.

THE HUNTINGTON LIBRARY AND GARDENS
Head out in your car to San Marino, just past Pasadena (only 20 minutes from the center of Los Angeles) to the stunning Huntington Library and Gardens. This verdant estate has 120 acres of flora, that will take you more than a day to get through. Be sure to visit the Chinese garden with its footbridges and lakes and the tea roses garden. Call ahead for afternoon tea on the grounds and if you still have time, head into the library, where some of the world’s most famous paintings are housed including Gainsborough’s “The Blue Boy.”

A stroll on the Venice Canals is one of LA's perfect walking tours. Credit: Superd1uxe

VENICE BEACH /VENICE CANALS
Venice Beach is a tourist magnet. This is where you go to visit the weird, wacky and fantabulous. Where else can you see street artists and buskers performing on the sidewalk jockeying for face time with vendors hawking everything from cheap sunglasses and suitcases to original jewelry on the oceanfront (also known as the boardwalk).  Here you can watch people workout at the infamous muscle beach, or rent a bicycle and wend your way all the way down to Santa Monica on the designated bike path.

Less well known are the Venice Canals, just one block behind the boardwalk. Leave behind the surfer dudes and cafes for the beautiful homes sitting along the banks of the canals, complete with archway bridges. Built in 1905 to reflect the canals of Venice, Italy, today they are one of the most picturesque walking tours in the city, and the ducks will paddle alongside you.

Day or night, the Santa Monica Pier is always a fun attraction. Credit: prayitno

SANTA MONICA PIER/PROMENADE
From Venice it’s a hop skip and a jump down the boardwalk to the famous Santa Monica Pier, and Ferris wheel. Relive your youth in the arcades, hop a ride on the rollercoaster or walk to the end of the pier and watch the fishermen casting out for the day’s catch. Then head on up to the Third Street Promenade, the open air pedestrian mall where you can sit in one of the many outdoor cafes, catch a movie, or make a dent in your credit card in one of the many stores. If you’re in the area on Saturday or Wednesday, you’ll find yourself in the midst of a huge farmers market, with some of the best locally grown southern California fruit, vegetables and seafood on offer.

Head on down to Olvera Street to experience LA's Mexican flavor. Credit: Kevitivity

CHINATOWN/OLVERA STREET
Make your way to downtown Los Angeles and head straight to Olvera Street, where you’ll suddenly find yourself transported into little Mexico. This open=air plaza is the oldest street in the city and is surrounded by 27 historic buildings. Here you’ll find some of the best Mexican fare in town. The margaritas flow freely and you can pick up a myriad of Mexican souvenirs and some great leather goods. On weekends, you’ll be serenaded by strolling bolero musicians and Mariachi bands.  Ten minutes walking distance up the road you’ll suddenly find yourself in Chinatown with a myriad of touristy restaurants, or little out of the way cheap stores. Don’t be fooled by the Formica tables or the deli style counters. Here’s where the locals come and the best  (and cheapest) food is. then head into the maze of markets where you can buy trinkets, t-shirts, suitcases and clothing. Everything from slippers and kimonos to china cups and saucers and jewelry is on sale, and you can usually haggle with the storeowners for a bargain.

The beauty of Southern California's shores are best experienced at Zuma Beach, Malibu. Credit: AntiDiluvyan

ZUMA BEACH, MALIBU
If you really want to experience one of the great beaches in LA, then you need to head out north to Zuma Beach in Malibu. And you have the added bonus of hitting the gorgeous Pacific Coast Highway. Zuma beach is the place to go if you want to do some serious surfing or some serious celeb watching. Gwen Stefani named her son after this beach, so that should be recommendation enough. It’s also right by the Malibu Country Mart, the quaint shopping center where the locals hang out. Dine on sushi at Nobu in Malibu and then head on out to Point Dume just a little farther down the road to watch the best sunset Southern California has to offer.

Outdoor dining is perfect in LA's Farmers Market on 3rd Street. Credit: prayitno

THE GROVE/FARMERS MARKET
The Grove is an outdoor mall on 3^rd & Fairfax, but with its pedestrian walkway, gardens, footbridge and fountain that erupts to coordinated music, it’s one of those places that just brings a smile to your face. The beautifully restored cinema has ushers dressed as bellhops to greet you, and a shiny, polished trolley takes all of five minutes to travel from one end of the Grove to the adjacent Farmers market. Dating back to the 1930s, this open-air market is always packed and you’ll have a hard time deciding on which eatery to choose from. Crepes, tacos, Korean BBQ? Or do you fancy some tapas, falafel, pizza or Singapore noodles? Grab your tray and pull up a pew with your food at any one of the open-air tables. Then head back for dessert. Ice cream, taffy, handmade candy, doughnuts? They’re all here. Then peruse the stores selling all manner of tourist trinkets.

See how movie magic is made on a tour of Warner Bros studio. Credit: Courtesy Warner Bros

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR
Yes, you can go to Universal Studios, but if you just want to see the movie making magic and skip the whole amusement park experience, then head to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Burbank. The VIP Studio Tour will give you an up close and personal look at what goes into making TV and movies in tinsel town. The tour is two and a half hours, and you’ll be driven round the lot of a working studio and be shown the ins and outs of the magic. If you’re lucky you may even spot a few of your favorite celebs working on set.

No trip to Hollywood is complete without a stop at Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Credit: Sarah Ackerman

GRAUMAN’S CHINESE THEATRE/HOLLYWOOD BLVD
No visit to LA would be complete without the de rigueur Hollywood stop off. Head to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Blvd where you can see if you measure up to those Hollywood legends who cast their hands and feet in concrete here. You’re now at Hollywood’s Walk of Fame where you can find your favorite stars names engraved in the sidewalk. Take in the cavernous Kodak Theatre (home to the Academy Awards), at the beautifully refurbished Hollywood and Highland Center. This is where modernity meets old Hollywood glamour.

Ever wanted to swan around in the same hotels as Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Al Pacino, Sean Connery or Meryl Streep? Now you can relive your favourite movie moments and wander the halls and suites of some of the worlds best hotels made famous by movie stars.

Hotels.com has come up with a list of 10 hotels around the world that have made their mark in feature films, and which could be your next vacation destination:

India's Taj Lake Palace was seen in the James Bond Movie "Octopussy" Photo Credit: Taj Hotels

Taj Lake Palace Hotel, Udaipur, India
This opulent hotel was the setting of the 1983 James Bond movie, Octopussy, when Roger Moore was still playing the famous agent. Built in 1746 and spread across a four-acre island in the middle of Lake Pichola set against the backdrop of the Aravalli Mountains, the hotel is somewhat reminiscent of the iconic Taj Mahal. The Palace is made largely of marble, while opulent silks, richly coloured murals and ornately carved wood furniture justly confirm its status as one of the most romantic hotels in the world.

Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruised filmed "Eyes Wide Shut" at the Lanesborough. Photo Credit: Courtesy Starwood Hotels

The Lanesborough, a St. Regis Hotel, London, United Kingdom
Located in Knightsbridge, the Lanesborough was used as a location in the thriller film, Eyes Wide Shut starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. The hotel’s most expensive suite, The Royal Suite, was used as Victor Ziegler’s snooker room when Cruise’s character is told about the raunchy events he was involved in. If you’re looking to pull out all the stops on your next holiday, be sure to book The Royal Suite, which comes complete with three bedrooms, a 24-hour butler service and the use of a chauffeur-driven Bentley.

Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston filmed "The Body Guard" at the Fontainbleau Miami Beach. Photo Credit: Courtesy Fontainbleau

Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Miami Beach, USA
The picturesque Fontainebleau in sunny Miami Beach has been the setting for a number of Hollywood films including the James Bond movie Goldfinger with Sean Connery, Scarface, starring Al Pacino and The Bodyguard, with Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston. The hotel oozes sophistication and class, and is the place to be seen in Miami Beach with one of the hottest nightclubs in town, LIV. The hotel also recently underwent a billion dollar renovation, which has cemented its position as a dream location for films.

Gallery Bar at the Biltmore Los Angeles. "Wedding Crashers" was just one movie filmed here. Photo Credit: Courtesy Millenium Biltmore

Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles, USA
Ah, Hollywood. The Millennium Biltmore has a long and star studded history with Tinseltown and has been the backdrop for a slew of blockbusters including Rocky 3 with Sylvester Stallone, Ghostbusters, with Dan Akroyd and Bill Murray, Independence Day, starring Will Smith and Wedding Crashers with Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn. The hotel was also home to the Academy Awards ceremony between 1931 and 1942. Combining old world charm and modern technology, the hotel has been the perfect setting for many film genres and is an icon, not only in the film world but in Los Angeles.

Hotel Del Coronado was the backdrop for "Some Like it Hot" Photo Credit: Courtesy Hotel Del Coronado

Hotel Del Coronado – A KSL Luxury Resort, San Diego, USA
You may have to cast your mind back a bit, but The Hotel Del Coronado, affectionately known as ‘The Del’, was the backdrop for the 1958 comedy classic Some Like It Hot starring Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe. The majestic setting and classic Victorian architecture made the hotel an ideal location for the film’s 1929 setting. Some Like It Hot has been widely recognized as one of the greatest American films ever produced, cementing The Del’s reputation in Hollywood. For the 50th anniversary of the film last year, the hotel held a gala event, attended by Tony Curtis himself.

"Dirty Dancing" with Patrick Swayze was filmed at the Lake Lure Inn. Photo Credit: Courtesy Lake Lure Inn

Historic Lake Lure Inn, North Carolina, USA
Did you have the ‘time of your life’ back in the 1980s, watching Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey do some “Dirty Dancing?”  Well, it all happened here at the Historic Lake Lure Inn. The location for the sultry “Dirty Dancing” film, this hotel is the ideal place to relax with the family while enjoying water activities on the lake, or take a romantic weekend getaway. For aficionados of Dirty Dancing, you can even choose to stay in one of two ‘Dirty Dancing’ themed accommodations, Johnny’s Cabin or Baby’s Bungalow.

The Intercontinental Le Grand, Paris, where "Frantic" starring Harrison Ford was filmed. Photo Credit: Courtesy Intercontinental

InterContinental Le Grand, Paris, France
Relive the famous street scenes of the Roman Polanski- directed Frantic, starring Harrison Ford, whilst staying at the InterContinental Le Grand Paris. Situated in the heart of Paris within walking distance of iconic landmarks including the Louvre museum, Opera Garnier and Place Vendome, the hotel was built in 1862, and was recently re-opened following a multi-million dollar renovation.

The movie "Serendipity" was filmed at The Fairmont Royal York, Toronto. Photo Credit: Courtesy Fairmont

The Fairmont Royal York, Toronto, Canada
The Fairmont group of hotels is no stranger to hosting films in their esteemed halls, and the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto is no exception. The hotel has been used for such films as Serendipity starring John Cusack and Kate Bekinsale, Cinderella Man, with Russell Crow and Renee Zellweger, and Murder at 1600 with Wesley Snipes. Opened in 1929, the classic charm and grandeur of the hotel makes it a suitable setting for most film genres.

A suite at the Westin, Berlin. The Bourne Supremacy was filmed here. Photo Credit: Courtesy, Westin Hotels.

The Westin Grand Berlin, Berlin, Germany
The Westin Grand Hotel plays a key role in the 2002 blockbuster, The Bourne Supremacy, with Matt Damon. The main character, Jason Bourne, stakes out the Westin Grand while tracking down Pamela Landy, a CIA operative. For Bourne enthusiasts, the hotel is situated close to the majority of locations used in the film, while offering a luxurious stay with newly decorated rooms and views of the historical boulevard Unter den Linden.

The Savoy, London, was used for scenes in the movie "Notting Hill." Photo Credit: Courtesy, Savoy Hotel.

The Savoy, London, United Kingdom
Hugh Grant is set in the Lancaster Room of the esteemed Savoy Hotel in London. The Savoy has also been used in other films including The French Lieutenant’s Woman with Jeremy Irons and Meryl Streep, and Entrapment with Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones. However, it is the ending of Notting Hill that attracts guests who want to relive the film’s most romantic moment. Known as the place to stay in London, The Savoy continues to be a location of choice for films because of its versatility and charm.

Royal Street, New Orleans. Photo Credit: -MVI-

According to a  report by wwl.com, the fallout from the BP oil spill almost a month ago, does not appear to be affecting New Orleans tourism. In an interview with Kelly Schultz of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, Schultz told wwl, “We haven’t done anything proactively yet. We’ve been pleasantly surprised that we’ve not had any major cancellations of convention or visitor business to New Orleans as a result of the oil leak.”

However, she added that she has had to explain to people that New Orleans is 100 miles inland, as some people appear to be under the misconception that New Orleans has beaches. “We try to explain, geographically, where we’re located, and that the air is safe to breathe…the seafood is safe to eat,” Schultz  said.

While Schultz admits that many businesses along the coast have been affected, in the meantime, the city is still listed as one of America’s Top 50 destinations and travel brands participating through DailyGetaways.com in a first-ever industry-wide promotion to stimulate travel. New Orleans is offering a Mardi Gras-themed travel package that will be available for auction on May 24.

For more information, visit www.DailyGetaways.com