Discovering the perfect European city break can be like finding a needle in a haystack. With so many incredible cities, with centuries of history, there are countless fantastic destinations on the continent. What’s in no doubt is that Europe offers some of the most memorable destination on the planet, so to help you reach the absolute pinnacle, here are some of our favourites, all of which you can book with co operative travel.

Christchurch, New Zealand, is preparing to move into a new era that will build on its ‘garden city’ heritage to create an accessible low-rise modern central city framed by green spaces - a people-friendly ‘city in a garden’. Recently unveiled plans for the new city blueprint reveal the shape of the post-quake 21st century city that is bordered with green spaces and capitalises on the picturesque Avon River as it meanders through the city.

The British Pullman carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offer travellers an extensive programme of luxury dining experiences and day excursions to Britain’s historic towns and stately homes. Breaking Travel News sits down for a fine-dining journey around the south coast of England.

Ironically, the sun has decided to put his hat on and come out to play just as most of us gave up on the UK and decided to go in search of some overseas sun. Nevertheless, what you can gain in a tan you can lose in pound sterling, as travel costs often reach astronomical heights. It’s time to trim back on expenses and concentrate on spending more fun in the sun for less of the cost.

Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts is undertaking an ambitious global expansion this year, with ten new hotels planned in key locations including India, Australia, Thailand and Indonesia. Breaking Travel News caught up with Paul James, Global Brand Leader, St Regis and The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, to discuss the luxury marketplace.

As the London Olympics 2012 gets underway, there has been confusion surrounding the status of the event, hotel availability, and the infrastructural developments designed to accommodate the huge influx of visitors expected to descend upon the capital. Breaking Travel News investigates.