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The ambitions of the Mantis Collection to expand their selection of “stand out” European boutique hotels and resorts continues to gather pace. Most recently they have added Cannizaro House in SW London and Ellenborough Park near Cheltenham to a prestigious list that already includes Cap Estel on the French Riviera and the Icehotel in Northern Sweden.

The Mantis Collection expand their portfolio in UK & Europe

With plentiful flights into La Rochelle and a record for as much sunshine as the French Riviera there has never been a better time to plan a break to the popular west coast French island of Ile de Ré. Known as the summer retreat of wealthy

Parisians, the pretty, Napoleonic fortress port of Saint Martin de Re is a focal point for the best restaurants and hotels.

This season why not plan a group break for up to 12 people with family or friends and book the stylish 6-bedroom villa at the chic Le Clos Saint Martin Hotel.

www.le-clos-saint-martin.com

- Tipping etiquette across the Americas The Canny Traveller

USA/Canada North America is the home of tipping and the general rule is ...anytime you

are being served you tip. in restaurants 18% of the bill is the average. Give the bartender a dollar per round and a taxi driver at least two dollars but increasing in line with 15% of the fare.

Mexico Similar to the United States or Canada , with some exceptions. Most service

employees earn very little or no base salary and the tips they earn comprise the vast majority of their overall income. Try to pay in cash in local currency.

South America Tipping is not as much part of the culture in South America. In most South

American countries 10-15% service charge is usually added to restaurant bills, though a small additional gratuity givendirectly to thewaiter is usually appreciated.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express adds Krakow and Dresden to its Central European circuit

Krakow, the enchanting former capital of Poland, and the recently restored baroque city of Dresden are your contrasting destinations on this new and exclusive itinerary. The classic trip features a journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to Krakow and Dresden, with two nights included in both Krakow and Dresden before arriving in London. Passenger numbers will be strictly limited to enable all passengers to be accommodated in luxurious cabin suites.