We've all heard the expression "hairstylist to the stars" a million times, but sometimes it's a precise definition. Serge Normant is the real deal—hairstylist to Julia, Reese, Gisele, and other luminaries with whom he's on a first-name basis. Who better to ask about keeping your hair from flying east when you're headed west, or exploding in a heap of frizz as you embark and disembark here and there? All the usual suspects conspire to make bad hair days a permanent condition of travel: dry, oxygen-starved air inside the plane, snoozing on a neck rest out of boredom, and no one like Serge Normant on an aisle seat to freshen you up as you start to droop. Here are some of his best bits of wisdom to keep your mane perky on the plane.

"You know dry shampoo is not only a temporary fix when you haven't got time for a wet shampoo, it's actually a styling aid. Take a travel-sized bottle with you and spray the dry shampoo on your roots, or anywhere your hair goes flat. Wait a minute or two and use a good brush, like Mason Pearson, or a tail comb—a comb with a long spike at the end—to fluff up your hair and give it some volume. Hair spray is not a must if you use dry shampoo.

Everyone can do a pony tail when your hair is long enough: twist and snap on a rubber band, or put it up in a messy bun. Don't underestimate how sexy and chic a messy bun is, especially a homemade one, gathered loosely with pins. If your hair is very long you can do a loose pony tail for the plane and then let your hair down when you arrive. You hair will have some wave to it.

If you have short curly hair, try a hairband, and go for different textures: smooth out the hair in front with a little water or pomade, and put on the hairband and let the rest curl. With really frizzy hair I would use a texturizer and water. Carry some Evian spray or bottled water and apply to the front and sides. Be careful that you don't use a hairband that's too silky; otherwise use some hairspray on the inside of the band to keep it from sliding. A hairband with a rougher texture, like suede, is perfect. Don't forget your sideburns, push them back to make clean sweep in the front. Place the hairband not too far in front, and not too much toward the back.

If there's one item to take with you to another country, take shampoo. Even if the water and the climate is different, your hair "remembers" how to react to your favorite shampoo. And a cold water rinse does wonders for your hair and scalp. It's important to have sunscreen products for your hair too. There are hair sprays with UV protection that come travel ready. Also, experiment with skin care products with a good SPF factor; you can apply them to the part in your hair, or anywhere hair is thin. Some are lightweight and non-greasy so they won't weight your hair down.

The bottom line is a good shampoo, a great brush, and a greater haircut will keep your hair looking good wherever you are."

Photo credits: Woman shampooing via Shutterstock

Book a cruise in 2012 and you can expect to call in at countries like Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina, where you can admire renowned landmarks, visit fascinating museums and soak up breathtaking natural landscapes. Read on to discover our highlights of a South American getaway.

Porto Belo

Situated on Santa Caterina Island, Porto Belo is a stop for many cruise ships, as it provides a gateway into the cities of Blumenau and Florianapolis. The former is certainly worth exploring once your vessel has docked, and you'll find great shopping opportunities at Glass Park. Call in at the Crystal Museum to watch the gem being made, or head to Camboriu and catch a cable car to the Atlantic Forest Station, where you can walk along ecological trails or take some snaps of the views from the three observation decks here.

Montevideo

The city of Montevideo lies on the Rio de la Plata and boasts some lovely beaches if you want to soak up some sun on the sand. Take a tour of the old city and you'll be able to view some historical landmarks, which include colonial buildings like the Solis theatre and the cathedral. Admire the remains of the Citadel Gate, or explore the surrounding areas, which are characterised by vineyards. Many of the wineries based here will let you look around their facilities and take part in a tasting session of the wine they produce.

Buenos Aires

The Argentinean capital of Buenos Aires is a must-visit on a South American cruise. Famous for its rich culture, the city is the world's tango capital, so you should try and catch a dance performance during your stay. Browse the bustling street markets or learn more about the area's heritage by stopping off at one of the 132 museums. The city also boasts a lively nightlife, so you might want to stick around until darkness falls to experience it for yourself.

Punta del Este

The town of Punta del Este is located on the south coast of Uruguay. The resort is a haven for beach bums, and you'll find some great sands if you fancy doing nothing more than relaxing for a couple of hours. Alternatively, if you want to get active, you can take a trek through the forest, or stroll into the town to take in the white citadel-sculpture of Casapueblo. The structure was built by the artist Carlos Paez Vilaro, who lives in the house. Inside, you'll also find a museum and an art gallery.

Rio de Janeiro

A major city in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is home to all manner of natural and manmade landmarks. Climb ashore and explore the beautiful Tijuca National Park, or take in the famous sights of Sugarloaf Mountain, the Christ the Redeemer statue and the Carioca Aqueduct. There are various beaches here too, so head to favourites like Leblon or Ipanema, or look for a more secluded spot.

Buzios

The village of Buzios is located on Rio's northern coast and, despite its humble fishing beginnings, the settlement has risen to popularity in recent years. This is in no small part thanks to images of actress Brigitte Bardot relaxing here in the 1960s. The village became something of a favourite with the movie star, and it's not hard to see why; sophisticated restaurants and elegant shops abound, and there are plenty of sandy spots, too.
 

Clapham, in south west London, is far from a secret to the young professionals of the capital. As a result many bars, restaurants and boutique shops have made a home here. However, even though the bars and restaurants are busy, you rarely ever see any tourists in the area.

Northcote Road near Clapham Junction has to be the best street in Clapham. It’s full of pubs, bars and restaurants and on a Saturday a great market sells food, clothes, flowers and art. It’s a popular location for foodies; it’s one of the few streets in the capital which has butchers, a baker (well... a bread stall) and fishmongers.

The road is popular for brunch – but be prepared to queue. The best places to go are Brew (it’s small so there is always a line) and Tamra which has pretty back garden you can enjoy your brunch in.

Your options for dinner are far from limited. You can opt for a pub dinner – The Northcote on the corner of Battersea Rise and Northcote Road serve traditional British food that ranges from a classic burger to game dishes. Or, for a good steak, head to the Argentinean Steak House.

If you are looking for a place to drink – the Northcote is a CAMARA pub and sell a wide range of beer and wine. This pub is also popular for sport. Across the road is Babel, a cocktail bar that is distinguished by its many lightshades that hang from the ceiling. Another bar that is worth a visit is Holy Drinker; they feature art installations and occasionally have film nights (but beware this place is not cheap).

My favourite watering hole in Clapham is just off Lavender Hill – the Mess and Music Hall. It has one of the best pub quizzes in the area with free entry and you can win a £50 bar tab. They also have a variety of microbrewery beers, farmhouse cider, wine and good food.

You do not have to shop, drink or eat to enjoy Clapham; you can also make the most of the Common or Battersea Park.

Battersea Park, which lies in the shadow of Battersea power station, is a large Victorian park with a lot to see. You can walk around its pretty sub-tropical gardens, row on the lake, visit the little children’s zoo or have a picnic by the Buddhist Peace Pagoda. If it begins to rain you can shelter in the Pump House Gallery or visit one of the many pubs that line the roads outside the park – the one I’d recommend is the Prince Albert.

By Catrin Hughes

Visit www.thomascooklondon2012.com for more information.

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Try stone-skimming from Durgan beach and explore three beautiful valleys that lead to the Helford River.

Hole up down a half-mile-long private road at Maen Toll Cottage (sleeps two). It has a wood-burner and its own very pretty garden.

Arriving Friday June 1st, a week’s stay costs £275pp (£549 total).

For more information or to book please call 01326 555 555 or visit the Classic Cottages website. 

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The service will be available on the new A330 aircraft currently flying from London to New York and will also feature on the airline’s B747 aircraft, which are currently going through a £50m refurbishment. By the end of 2012, nearly 20 aircraft will provide the service.

AeroMobile, which is part-owned by Panasonic, are partners with Virgin Atlantic on the project. 

Passengers will be billed for the international roaming charges and it’s currently offered to customers with 02 or Vodafone networks.

Greg Dawson, director of Corporate Communications at Virgin Atlantic said, “We have listened to what customers want and connectivity in the air is always on the wish list.

“Many people will have experienced that moment when you’re about to take off on a 10-hour flight and you need to send an important message to the office, or even reminding a family member to feed the cat!

“It’s also quite fun to call home and say “Guess where I am” – not many people will think you’re travelling at 35,000ft above the Atlantic Ocean.”

The announcement comes as Virgin Atlantic officially unveils its new aircraft – the Airbus A330-300, which is part of a £100m investment and features a redesigned Upper Class cabin with a ‘technology hub’ to connect a smart phone, USB or tablet device.

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To celebrate International Museum Day, here are five of the best quirky museums in Europe:

The Tattoo Museum, Amsterdam
In a city chock full of museums it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd, but one museum which does just that is Amsterdam’s Tattoo museum. The collection is spread across three buildings in the Plantage district of Amsterdam, housing everything from tattoo machines, hand tools and body art photography, to the actual skin the tattoo was inked on to!

Opened in 2011 by tattoo artist Henk ‘Hanky Panky’ Schiffmacher, who has tatooed the Red Hot Chili Peppers amongst other celebs, you’ll even be able to go along and get inked by one of his resident artists. Pick a motif from the museum’s library, which holds the largest collection of tattoo books anywhere in the world.

Where to stay:
The Hampshire Lancaster hotel sits within the ‘green museum quarter’ of Plantage, close to other large museums and directly opposite the city’s Artis Zoo. Prices start from £187pp in July (hotel + flights) on the easyJet holidays website.

Museum of Funeral Carriages, Barcelona
Barcelona is home to an impressive array of sights, from Gaudi’s famous architecture to the Picasso museum, so the thought of spending an afternoon in a dark basement full of funeral carriages might not seem an obvious port of call on anyone’s Barcelona holiday. In spite of its ghoulish theme, the museum has established itself as a must-see for visitors looking for something on the macabre-side (perfect for giving even the most Goth-inspired teen the creeps).

The entry procedure makes the whole experience feel even shadier, with visitors having to make their way to Barcelona’s Municipal Funeral Service, where a security guard leads your way to the museum. Full to the rafters with carriages dating from as far back as the 18th century, all manned by creepy mannequins, it’s one trip you won’t forget in a hurry. Entry is free.

Stay nearby:
The Ayre Caspe Hotel is a modern and spacious hotel in the El Born district of the city, a couple of blocks away from the Funeral Carriage museum but also within easy walking distance of Las Ramblas and the Sagrada Familia.

Toy Museum, Prague
Fun for kids and adults alike, the Toy Museum in Prague Castle will take you back in time – this museum is one of the highlights of a Prague city break. With a whole floor dedicated to Barbie, there are toys dating back to Antiquity as well as wood and tin collections of made by famous Czech-German cartoonist Ivan Steiger. You’ll find traditional Bohemian toys, like cars, bikes, planes and train engines, but the real pièce de resistance is Barbie’s second-floor home! Prague Toy Museum has the second largest collection of Barbie dolls in the world; look out for the Spice Girls, the Avon Ladies and even a Donald Trump Ken doll! Entry is 60 csk for adults, students and OAPs; children under 15 go free. Photo: courtesy of Emonxie on Flickr.

Where to stay:
The four-star Hotel Popelka is on the same side of the river as the Toy Museum and Prague’s Castle. In a quieter spot, the hotel’s central location makes it is perfect for exploring all of Prague’s quirky sites. Stay from just £14.83 per night with lowcostholidays.com.

Sant Antoni el Dimoni Museum, Majorca
Sa Pobla has been holding an annual festival dedicated to Saint Antony and the Demons since the 14th Century, and there’s even a well-known song on Majorca Island about their confrontation; Saint Antony is tempted by demons in different forms who then chasing Saint Antony through the streets.

The festival itself takes place January 17th every year, with bonfires, dancing, food and folk songs with many of the island’s towns getting involved in their own way. The museum brings this all to life with videos, photographs and artefacts, such as the bizarre costumes used over the years, shedding light of this colourful and longstanding tradition. Entry is €4 for adults, whilst senior citizens and children under 12 are charged €2.70.

Where to Stay:
After all the devils and demons, you’ll be looking for a more saintly place to spend your holiday. The Roc Boccaccio Hotel overlooks Lake Esperanza (meaning ‘hope’), in the nearby northern town of Alcudia, known for its great range of water sports and beaches. Relax by the pool or enjoy a game of beach volleyball and make the most of Majorca’s beautiful Mediterranean climate.

El Portillo Visitor Centre, Tenerife
It isn’t often that you get the chance to visit a real, albeit dormant, volcano. This unique museum is set within the impressive grounds of the Teide National Park (pictured left), where you can even take a camel trek over the still-hot ground surrounding the volcano. 

Watch footage of the violent eruptions that destroyed nearby villages, and let the kids enjoy the interactive displays. The whole museum is set out to look like it is within a volcanic tunnel and, if you’re lucky, you might even see the colony of lizards that live just outside.

Where to stay:
Just a short drive away is the lively resort of Playa de las Americas, which luckily is placed well out of reach of any volcanic eruptions! Stay in the Mexican themed Hotel Villa Cortes, where you will find luxury restaurants, unrivalled ocean views and its very own Mayan pyramid. 

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The Alps: a year-round destination – What comes to mind when you think of the Alps? Knee-deep powder, steaming glu wein and icicles precariously hanging off log cabin roofs – not 30C heat, miles of flower-spotted meadows and kayaking. However, the Alps are a year-round destination for families and adrenaline junkies alike.

The most popular summer activity in the Alps is walking, which could mean anything from a gentle stroll from one gastronomical delight to another, to serious hikes along sky-high peaks.

Organised tours take visitors along the most strenuous trails – the most famous of these being the Tour du Mont Blanc, a 170km hike around the Mont Blanc Massif through Italy, France and Switzerland. Serious hikers can also choose to climb for 10 days on the Swiss North Face Trail or Stubai Horseshoe in Austria.

Of course, any dedicated trail enthusiast will already be aware of the pride that comes/can come with hiking to the top of Uncle Monty, so for the casual walker and the holiday hiker there are plenty of easier walks, which are of course sign posted, undulated in an around all mountain resorts.

Mountain biking is another way to get the blood pumping and the adrenaline rushing whilst in the Alps. Saas Fee and Zermatt, both in Switzerland are great biking destinations and offer views unlike any other found this part of Europe. Zermatt, home to the mighty Matterhorn, has over 100km of trails through Swiss pine forests and has gravel tracks for riders of all abilities.

Saas Fee, on the other hand, is a little resort perched away from the rest of the world – no cars run through the town and it’s surrounded by no less than five glaciers. Saas Fee is home to the insanely popular Downhill Glacier Race at the end of the ski season and remains a hub for MTBers all year round.

Paragliding is an option for the thrill seekers out there and can be found in most resorts – for the best views and experience, head to Lake Annecy where you’ll be rewarded with the best cross country paragliding area in Europe. You can take a single tandem flight with an instructor, or, if you’ve got money to burn, why not take a course so you can fly solo?

For half an hour of screaming and laughing with the family, scout out one of the many dry-luge that are dotted around Alpine resorts. Grab a wheeled toboggan from a resort and head to the top (hike or hop on a lift) before hurling down a concrete drainpipe carved into the mountain. You’ll come off laughing like a loon!

It’s not all about staying on dry land whilst in the land of fondue and tartiflette – many lakes and rivers come to life in the summer, so hop in kayak or a canoe and get exploring. White water rafting is also popular in the La Plagne area of the Alps – ask at the local information centre for more details.

Although all of the above are reasons enough to head to Europe’s longest mountain range during the summer months, it is known best of all for one thing, and that one thing is skiing. Luckily for us snow junkies, it’s still possible to strap in and hurtle down a piste in the height of summer. Head to Tignes, Saas Fee or Les Gets for the best year-round snow and make sure you hit the slopes early – by 2pm the sun turns the snow into a grey mush which only ends in sloppy salopettes.

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This long-distance footpath covers more than 500 km in total and runs from Fethiye to Antalya, following the coast of the Lycia peninsula in southern Turkey. You can easily pick up the route partway through, allowing you to enjoy some of the highlights of walking in this part of the country.

Here are just a few of the things that make walking holidays here so special:

Coastal views and beautiful beaches

As you would expect if you're following a coastal path, you'll be greeted by stunning seaside views. This part of Turkey is actually known as the Turquoise Coast thanks to the colour of the water, and when you mix that with some long stretches of golden sand and rugged cliffs, you get some truly wonderful vistas.

Of course, it's not all about looking out over the sea - there are several places where you can easily reach the beach and go for a swim. During your day in Faralya, for example, you can take a pleasant walk down to the coast, where you can relax in the sunshine before heading back to your accommodation. When you pass through Kayakoy, meanwhile, you can easily reach a beautiful beach lapped by the calm waters of a crystal-clear lagoon, which is an idyllic spot to rest in and ideal for swimming.

Fantastic natural sights

Getting out and about on walking holidays in Turkey will give you the opportunity to appreciate some of the country's nature, and there is nowhere better to do this than in the Valley of Butterflies (or Kelebekler Vadisi). This aptly-named location is near Faralya and is easy to reach from the village. As its title suggests, it is home to lots of butterflies, but you're unlikely to be prepared for the amazing sight that awaits you here. Thousands of the winged insects cover the plants and trees between June and September, and when they all take to the sky together they are breathtaking to behold.

Pine forests are common along this stretch of Turkey's coast, so you'll walk through several swathes of trees during your break. Along many parts of the Lycian Way you'll be able to see Babadag - or Father Mountain - a peak that stands 1,969 m tall. It also has a second summit that is slightly lower at 1,400 m above sea level, and you will skirt around the edge of the mountain as you walk.

Interesting historical sites

The Lycian Way attracts walkers due to its fascinating history, as well as its breathtaking natural beauty. There are several areas of interest you can explore as you walk, including the ruins in Patara, a settlement that dates back as far as 5 BC. It is the birthplace of St Nicholas and was once a vibrant sea port. Among the structures you can see in and around Patara are the remains of its gated city walls and the buried remnants of bath houses, cobbled streets, building columns and a theatre in the sand dunes behind its 18 km beach. If you look carefully, you'll even find broken mosaic tiles and pieces of pottery in among the ruins.
 

The Queen’s favourite tipple...
The Intercontinental Hotel on Park Lane is a former royal residence where the Queen spent the first 10 years of her life. To celebrate the Queen’s 60 years on the throne they have come up with two Diamond Jubilee cocktails that have been inspired by the monarch. The first cocktail is Dubonnet - this is a simple yet strong drink that is made up of Bombay Sapphire and Dubonnet; reportedly the favourite drink of the Queen and the late Queen Mother. The second cocktail is Lady Libation, once a nickname for gin. This sweet and refreshing cocktail is made up of Bloom Gin, St Germain, pink grapefruit and elderflower syrup. The hotel is also hosting a Royal Afternoon Tea.

Flotilla festivities...
This is bound to be a spectacular sight. On Sunday June 3rd over 1,000 ships, from row boats to pleasure boats, will meander down the Thames from Battersea Park to London Bridge. The riverside will be packed, so you’ll need to get there early or alternatively watch them float past while you down a cold one at a riverside pub. The best riverside pubs on the River Pageant route are: The Banker under cannon’s bridge; Doggetts Riverside Bar and Terrace on the South Bank; Founders Arms on the South bank; Level 7 at the Tate Modern and Anchor Bankside next to London Bridge.

OXO fun... 
The OXO Tower on the South Bank will be holding weekend-long celebrations, beginning with the Royal Enclosure on June 2nd – when the restaurant will be transformed into a Royal enclosure, complete with a decadent Royal spread and races on the terrace – to celebrate the Queen’s visit to the Epsom Derby (£95 per person). On Monday June 4th, a special concert will be taking place at Buckingham Palace and 2012 beacons will be lit around the country to mark the Jubilee. That evening the Restaurant and Brasserie will be showcasing some of OXO’s favourite resident musicians and give customers the opportunity to light their own beacons (£49,50 per person). Finally, on June 5th, the OXO tower will be holding a street party.

A royal purchase... 
These Royal celebrations would not be complete without the souvenir merchandise to commemorate the occasion. Maiden, a pretty little shop in Shoreditch, is selling some exclusive Royal souvenir tea towels designed by London-based illustrator Luke James. Other items Maiden will be selling include a solar-powered waving queen, and the shop has just launched a brand new website site called Maiden Memento, where you can buy Royal memorabilia from days gone by.

Tasty traditions...T
In honour of the Queen, The Bringham Resturant in Richmond is hosting a quintessentially British garden party. The menu will consist of “Best of British” - miniature favourites like Pimms and non-alcoholic fruit cocktails. Obviously, this being Britain, you can’t rely on the weather and so The Bingham will have tables in the Garden Rooms to duck into if the unthinkable happens and it rains! Ticket prices are £22 per adult and £10 per child.

By Cat Hughes

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Journeys of Distinction Light
Adventures in China

This 11-day enlightened tour gives customers a real sense of both ancient and modern China, with visits to Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. Local guides are on hand throughout the tour and customers will enjoy the famous Yu Yuan Garden, the incredible Terracotta Warriors, The Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. There’s lots of free time to explore independently and this tour is perfect for the more adventurous traveller who wants to make the most of their time and budget.

From £1,595pp (if booked by 30 June 2012), includes flights, quality hotels, local guides and some meals.

Journeys of Distinction Classic
The Very Best of China

This 20-day leisurely tour takes in a wealth of sights on offer in China. With visits to Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong there is something for every traveller. Customers can gaze at the Terracotta Warriors, enjoy a five star cruise on the Yangtze River, and explore the Great Wall of China and visit a Shanghai Acrobatics Show, plus much more. With a dedicated Tour Manager on hand at all times, plus local guides throughout, you’ll stay in handpicked luxurious accommodation and witness China’s contrasting worlds and ancient wonders in true style.

From £4,425pp, includes flights, luxury accommodation, a dedicated tour manager, local guides and some meals.

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