Forget London, Manchester is the place to be for all those who want to experience life. For those thinking about a short break they would usually think of somewhere with a hot climate on the Continent or possibly somewhere in the country but this doesn't suit everybody. Short breaks and holidays do not have to mean strategic planning in a bid to force yourself to relax in a short space of time and neither do you need somewhere with quite, golden beaches for strolling on just to be able to relax. All you need is something different.



That's why many people take off to Manchester for a break with a difference. Whether you're young or old or somewhere in between, you will find entertainment, shopping and culture galore in this amazing city. For the simplest of trips, you use the services of Budget car hire at Manchester Airport. This means you simply book exactly what you need, over the internet from the comfort of your own living room, hop on a plane and pick up your car at the other end. Now you're set to take in all the delicious sights, sounds and smells of this vibrant city.

As soon as you arrive to pick up our car hire at Manchester Airport you will notice the attitude of the people. They are rightly proud of their city and happy to help direct you to whatever it is you are looking for. The people of Manchester have managed to incorporate a laid back attitude with the feisty get up and go that has pushed this city up with the country's greatest. You will feel welcome and immediately at home.

Manchester caters for every possible need. Firstly, you have your car hire from Manchester Airport so transport is sorted - and you're going to need it! This is a big city and there isn't a corner of it you would want to miss!

This year you have the 2008 Year of World Sport in Manchester where nations and international championship athletics we be held on a regular basis, from swimming to cycling through to football. However, is sport is not your thing but you would like the thrill of shopping in a place that sets the trends for the rest of the country, you could be here for weeks.

King Street is the place to be for designer shops, whether you're looking for creations from Vivienne Westwood or Emporio Armani and no shopping trip would be complete without some Jimmy Choos or Miu Miu designer shoes from Harvey Nicholls. If you're budget is not up to designer levels then don't worry. You have the Trafford Centre (and here I speak from personal experience) that is shoppers heaven. With 230 stores and 47 restaurants you could easily spend a couple of days shopping and come out with bargains galore.

When it comes to eating, the diverse culture that makes Manchester stand out from your average city is the main contributory that brings a plethora of choices to your palate. My last visit entailed a visit to The Hard Rock Cafe. The atmosphere in this place was incredible, the service from happy, friendly staff was exceptional and the food was top quality with portions the size of my head!

If you fancy something a little different when it comes to cuisine, don't travel further afield. Use your car hire from Manchester Airport to take you on a culinary journey around the globe. Manchester city Centre serves food originating from China, America, Australia, Africa, Italy, Spain and France as well as traditionally British Fayre.

When you're stuffed to the limits and looking for entertainment, Manchester has to be the music capital of the country. Having produced some of the top musical artists of our time, it is now home to the Manchester Evening News Arena, The Manchester Appollo and the Manchester Academy. At any of these venues you will see chart topping bands and artists performing every night. For the alternative music buffs, the Bridgewater Hall is one of 30 smaller venues that organise musical events to satisfy every musical taste.

For those in need of a slower pace of life, take a ride in the Wheel of Manchester in Exchange Square. Similar to the London Eye, you will be treated to a 60m high spectacular view of everything that surrounds the city itself. Take a short drive away from the city and you will find it is surrounded by 500 miles of the most picturesque countryside you could see without going overseas.

However, whatever your age or taste, no trip to Manchester would be complete without a visit to John Rylands Library. This is less of a reading place and more of an awe-inspiring experience. The pink Cumbrian sandstone of this building has been honed into the most exquisite Victorian gothic architecture and houses the UK's greatest collection of books, manuscripts and archives. These include The St John Fragment - the oldest known piece of the New Testament, as well as a 1476 edition of the Canterbury Tales by William Caxton.

Manchester is an amazing place to visit, eat, stay or live. There is something for everyone and everyone is welcome. It makes the perfect place for a short break.