Top European Resorts

Posted on December 22, 2011 by admin

With so many top European resorts to peruse and so many people with differing opinions, sometimes it can be difficult to choose where you want to spend your holidays. It is important though that you don’t listen to reviews from your friends and family solely and do your own research and make your choice based on your desires instead.

Holidays are a very personal thing and what makes a good break for one person won’t be the same for everyone. You only have to go on one group vacation and suffer through the daily beach versus shopping versus pool arguments to realise that even the people closest to you may be worlds apart when it comes to what they want to do in their downtime.

So avoid all of this by speaking to everyone before hand and choosing a destination that offers everything your party needs. Magalluf is just such a place, attracting over a million visitors each year, there is plenty to suit every type of holiday-maker from beach bunnies to those who just want to party the nights away.

Magalluf Beach stretches over 1600 meters and is considered to be one of the best in Majorca, often winning the Blue Flag Award for cleanliness. The beach is lined with pubs, cafes, diners and restaurants so those who don’t want to lie on the beach all day have plenty to occupy them. For those looking for a more active holiday there are numerous activities available on the beach including equipment hire and supervised lessons in scuba diving, wind surfing and boating.

The nightlife here is world famous and there are innumerable clubs and bars, each catering to a different type of music or promoting a unique atmosphere. The Punta Ballena Strip is where most of the action is at; so evenings centred around this area are a must for party-goers. After you have visited the bars you may want to continue your night in one of the huge clubs offering various themed party nights and internationally renowned DJs.

Magalluf is not all about partying and lying on the beach though. There are a number of family oriented destinations including theme parks, sites of interest and natural wonders such as the rocky coves that riddle this coastline. More sedate adult fun is also available at various restaurants and the Casino in Cala Vinas.

And, when it comes to choosing from among the many available Magalluf hotels, you will see that there truly is a property available to suit everyone. From large resorts to smaller boutique properties and exclusive villas to family friendly hotels, the options of where to stay are as plentiful as the choice of things to do.

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Car Hire Tips

Posted on December 18, 2011 by admin

Hiring a car is a great way to keep your independence on a holiday, letting you get out and about and see all the sights at your own pace. Touring around countries or regions is becoming more popular all the time and especially if you have travelled a long way you want to get the most out of a trip and car rental can help you do this.

When you are booking your car hire, check all of the small print. A cheap deal may look tempting, but with car hire it is important not to scrimp on things like insurance, space and comforts. Insurance is of course the most important, check what you are covered for in careful detail; you don`t want your holiday ruined by an accident that costs you more than you bargained for. For extra peace of mind you can usually pay a waiver to reduce any excess, although these don`t always apply to windscreen or tyre damage.

The size and comforts of your chosen vehicle are also important; you may think a compact hatchback with no air conditioning will be fine whilst you are sat at home, but forward to a car crammed full of hot, stroppy people on a long journey and you`ll soon regret the saving. Make sure you have plenty of space for suitcases and any souvenirs that may be added to your luggage along the way.

If you are setting off on a touring holiday, then bear in mind that you`ll be spending a lot of time in your chosen car so consider the options carefully. Spending a little more on something a bit special can really make your holiday; imagine cruising across the States in a classical Cadillac, or winding along Italian mountain roads in a vintage sports car; the icing on the cake for a multi stop holiday.

Wherever you are renting a car make sure you investigate the local driving rules and habits. Many countries drive on the opposite side to the UK, which can be a little daunting at first but most drivers soon adapt, especially in a left hand drive car. The US doesn`t have roundabouts and the road system is usually straightforward, but be aware of rules changing from state to state, along with speed limits. Some cities are very busy and it is best to avoid driving through the centre of these; many have a good park and ride style system to help with this.

All in all renting a car on holiday will add an extra level of independence and adventure to your trip; you can explore the local areas and get away from the standard tourist sites and discover your own special places. With cheap car hire getting more available all the time, you can find some great deals and often actually save on the cost of organised tours, so next time you are planning the perfect get away, why not book a rental car as well.

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Winter Getaway Guide

Posted on December 18, 2011 by admin

During the cold winter months many people escape their hectic lives and jet off around the globe to some top destinations. Here`s a guide to some of the best winter getaways you could be heading off to this year.

Get into the Christmas spirit at Berlin`s famous Christmas markets. One of the most famous in the German capital is the Charlottenburg Castle Christmas Market. Keep yourself warm with a lovely cup of spiced mulled wine and browse the gifts on sale in the craft stalls. Remember to sample some tasty traditional German festive food like Stollen cake and bratwurst.

Perhaps you might prefer some winter sun, so why not take a trip to sunny Greece. The small, charming island of Cephalonia is warm all year round and boasts some of the finest landscapes in the Mediterranean. Made famous in the novel and film adaptation Captain Corelli`s Mandolin the relaxed charm and idyllic scenery is sure to get you in a laid back mood for the holiday season.

If you prefer something a little more historical why not take an educational trip to where the Christmas story all began. Mentioned in myriad carols and hymns Bethlehem is a site of pilgrimage for many people wanting to see such famous places as the Church of the Nativity and the Shepherd`s Fields.

If you want to guarantee some snow however, you can`t go wrong with hitting the slopes of Switzerland or Austria. The British weather is notoriously unpredictable but by visiting one of these fashionable destinations you`re assured more than a bit of the white stuff. Don`t worry about feeling the cold however; you have a vast array of swanky hotels or cosy chalets. Take to the piste during the day time and in the evening enjoy some world class wining, dining and nightlife.

If you`re after a truly indulgent experience you can treat yourself and your partner to a healthy living retreat in Belgium. Appropriately named, the Belgian town of Spa offers some top notch treatments to leave you feeling purified, refreshed and rejuvenated in a period when most people are left feeling in need of a detox. The quaint town can easily be reached via the Channel Tunnel Eurostar or for a quicker trip, aeroplane.

This need not be as pricey as you think. There are plenty of great opportunities for you to get discounts from travel companies, such as First Choice Vouchers which can offer excellent reductions on the cost of your winter getaway.

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Top 5 Cruise Locations

Posted on December 17, 2011 by admin

Once the reserve of the elderly and the rich, cruising is becoming increasingly popular with holidaymakers of all ages from all sorts of backgrounds. If you don`t yet have the time – or the money – to set off on a 90- day round the world extravaganza, why not start off on a smaller scale by visiting some of the most popular ports of call for luxury passenger ships all around the world. The five destinations that follow are among the cruisers favourites.

Caribbean © TKrueger/flickr.com

The Caribbean
The fact that many of the world`s largest and most sophisticated cruise ships spend most of their time touring around the Caribbean is a powerful testament to the popularity of this region. Comprising a wide range of sun-kissed islands including Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Costa Rica and the Caymans to name just a few, a typical cruise to the Caribbean includes the opportunity to swim with dolphins, climb waterfalls, snorkel among coral reefs and ride horses along the beach.

Alaska
If you don`t mind wrapping up warm for your holiday, a cruise to Alaska will reward you with stunning scenery and phenomenal encounters with wildlife that you simply won`t see anywhere else. Humpback whales, bald eagles, grizzly bears and caribou are just some of the creatures you can expect to spot, all against a backdrop of majestic glaciers and snow-capped mountain ranges. Popular off-ship excursions include fishing for salmon, sea kayaking and dog sledding.

The Mediterranean
From the Greek Islands and the coast of North Africa to Venice and the South of France, a cruise round the Mediterranean is a cultural delight, offering a delightful mix of fascinating cities, stunning beaches and first-class shopping opportunities – as well as the chance to sample a wide variety of local fare. Many Mediterranean cruises depart from the UK which cuts the cost, eliminates the stress associated with flying and means that, within reason, you don`t have to worry about baggage allowances.

Hawaii
If you long to visit a true tropical paradise, few places can compare with Hawaii. The dramatic scenery has to been seen to be believed, as do the many gorgeous beaches. The islands are tailor made for ultimate relaxation but if you yearn for more adventure you can book a range of exciting excursions including surfing on the world-class waves of Oahu beach or hikes to the top of active volcanoes.

Mexico
A cruise around Mexico is the perfect mixture of relaxation and adventure. The beaches here are some of the best in the region but Mexico also has a rich history and a vibrant culture which can be enjoyed to the full every time you leave your ship. As you travel between ports such as Ensenda, Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta you`ll pass magnificent rock formations and, depending on the time of year, may even spot the occasional whale.

A trip on a luxury ship need not cost the earth. If you`re flexible about when you travel, book in advance and take advantage of all available discounts, you`ll find there are plenty of cheap cruise holidays to be had, including many to the most popular destinations.

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Finding the best Cruise Package

Posted on December 12, 2011 by admin

Going on a cruise is no longer a luxury reserved for the rich and famous. Cruise ships now have a vast variety of entertainment packages on board and travel to more locations than ever before. Whether you want a winter cruise in the Mediterranean or a luxury cruise around the Bahamas there is a package out there to suit everyone. The perfect cruise for you will mainly be dictated by your budget and where you want to go on your cruise.

Cruise © vlasta2/flickr.com

Once you have decided on where, when and what you want from your cruise the best way to get the package you want is to book early. Cruises are obviously limited to the space on the ship and if you are requiring a special cabin (disabled or family) then as these are limited the earlier you book the less chance you have of being disappointed. The price of a cruise will often go up considerably the closer it gets to the departure date. Booking six to twelve months in advance will ensure you get the package you want.

If you are not confined to the traditional holiday periods of summer or Christmas then you will get the same luxurious cruise outside of these periods at a much reduced price and the cruise will not be as crowded as during the peak periods. If you are going on a European cruise then you may have a UK departure port which will mean less travelling before getting on the cruise. If you are choosing a Caribbean cruise then the best deals can be found during the autumn period, whereas Mediterranean cruises offer cheaper deals during early spring.

When considering which cruise you wish to take you need to think about the type of things you want to on your cruise. Some cruises call at lots of different ports visiting historical cities and sights along the way, whereas other cruises may have several days at sea between ports. If you have a cruise which has several days at sea you will want to make sure that the ship you are going on has plenty of activities and entertainment onboard to occupy you whilst you are at sea. Many cruise ships now have climbing walls, swimming pools, gyms, saunas, casinos and nightly cabaret shows.

Choosing a cruise package can be a difficult process, however once you have decided on what type of cruise, which cruise line and where you want to go you can look forward to a relaxing break. There are many different cruise lines to choose from with P and O cruises being one of the most popular cruise lines, with a wide variety of destinations and ships.

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Berlin City Break

Posted on August 24, 2011 by admin

Berlin is best known for having a diverse mix of historical sites, bouncing nightlife, interesting museums and art galleries, as well as being laid-back and a haven for international tourists. From street art to ultra-modern steel and glass buildings, it’s a distinctive city that magnetises crowds of travellers in their millions each year.

Berlin © Robby van Moor/flickr.com

It’s an enormous city that isn’t short of things to do and see, for example, the Museumsinsel (museum island) houses fantastic collections of Islamic art, ancient Greek pieces and Middle-Eastern artefacts that will blow you away. Similarly, the architecture in the city centre is outstanding, such as the Berliner Dom church, the Marienkirche church tower and the fabulous St Hedwigs Kathedrale, which features a domed roof.

There are two zoos and an aquarium, each one boasting fascinating animals and creatures from panda bears, polar bears, crocodiles, tropical fish and more. As with many European cities, there are day-passes available to go on city tours, either by land, water or air, in which visitors can see the best sights all in one or two days. The World’s Garden and Tiergarten are the most tranquil of the city’s parks, featuring fountains, lakes and lots of peaceful greenery to relax in.

There are festivals, parades, sporting events and a myriad of theatres, concerts and opera performances available throughout the year. For relaxation and peace, head to one of the many spas, such as Adlon Day Spa located near to the Brandenburg Gate, and take advantage of some ‘you’ time.

Flea markets, shopping malls and designer outlets are all present in Berlin, in fact, shopping is one of the preferred past-times in Germany which is shown in the sheer abundance of places in and around the city. Berlin is also one of the most popular places for nightlife and is filled with clubs, bars and dance-halls, perfect to let your hair down and dance into the night at.

Berlin is a couple of hours flying time from the UK or for those on a budget or if you don’t like to fly then take a coach from the UK to Berlin with Eurolines.

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Athens City Break

Posted on August 22, 2011 by admin

The birthplace of Western civilisation, Athens, is one of the most popular places to visit on mainland Greece. It’s filled with winding, narrow streets that are packed-out with stunning Mediterranean homes and lots of flashes of ancient ruins. Quaint cafés, bars, hotels and restaurants line the streets and alleyways and despite it being the capital city, there is a homely, family-like feel to the whole urban area.

Athens © jay galvin/flickr.com

There is lots to do in Athens, such as strolling around the cobbled streets admiring the Neoclassical buildings and stopping off at trendy cafés, or heading just out of the city to see the Erechtheion at the Acropolis; a UNESCO World Heritage Site depicting the shadowy ruins of the Bronze Age. The Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike should be added to the trio of historical sites you must see while visiting.

Residents of Athens and tourists can take advantage of the calm, beautiful sights of the Parnitha National Park, which boasts the National Garden of Athens; a relaxing oasis of lush vegetation, flowers, ancient ruins, ponds and even a zoo. A 50-minute tram ride away is the Sea Turtle Rescue Society Archelon that is fascinating to see volunteers tenderly care for the sea creatures, nursing them back to full health, and a tram south of the city can take you to the stunning sandy beaches, which are lined with cafés, bars and restaurants giving you a beach holiday as well as a city break in one!

The Golden Hall, the Athens Heart and Ermou Street are the top shopping areas, featuring souvenirs aplenty, jewellery, shoes, clothing and many more retail items to take back home with you. For those party-animals, Gazi, Monastiraki, Metaxougio and Psirri are the ‘hip’ places to spend your night times. Clubs, pubs and bars litter the streets and breathe a vibrancy that you might not expect from a city filled with ancient relics.

Travelling to Athens couldn’t be easier thanks to the large number of flights from the UK with tickets to suit all budgets and tastes. If you’re an independent type  you can book your own hotel and transfers, or if you’d rather let someone else sort everything out then why not let Thomson holidays sort out your city break.

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Madrid City Break

Posted on August 20, 2011 by admin

As the sunny capital of Spain, Madrid is frequented by millions of tourists each year looking for culture, a lively nightlife and colourful eateries. Maturing into a cosmopolitan city after the vicious civil war in the early 1900s, it’s now seen as one of Europe’s number one places for a city break.

Madrid © ChrisYunker/flickr.com

Teeming with life, the vibrant and stylish city is home to some of the most beautiful attractions in the whole country, from the Puerta del Sol to the stunning Plaza de Cibeles and an abundance of extravagant architecture that inter-connects the Gold Age core to modern-day life. The Spanish capital boasts glorious art museums and colourful restaurants that spill out onto the plazas, as well as a late-night flamenco dance shows that give tourists entertainment in spades.

Shoppers from all over Europe head to Madrid, which is becoming known for being on-par with Paris, London and Milan for designer outlets, and features districts such as Sol-Salamanca and the Chueca and Fuencarral Street Area. Being conveniently packed with competing boutiques, tourists can experience the fashion icons of Ermenegildo Zegna, Manolo Blanik, Cartier, Versace and Hermes all within walking distance of each other. For bargain-hunters, Las Rozas Village Chic Outlet Shopping is the place to find top brands at discount prices and boasts bars, coffee shops and restaurants which serve as interludes to retail therapy.

Madrid is the birthplace of bull-fighting and while it might not be some travellers’ cup of tea, it’s undoubtedly impressive all the same. Las Ventas Bullring is also used for concerts and shows, but during the month of May it’s bull-fighting that brings Spaniards and tourists in their hoards.

Madrid is the ideal location for young people, families and couples alike, due to the impressive diversity of attractions, food and drink, nightlife and places to stay. With daily flights from all the main UK airports, getting to Madrid is really simple. Get a National Express coach to Gatwick, Heathrow or your local airport and Madrid is just a few hours away.

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Holiday Guide to the Philippines

Posted on June 3, 2011 by admin

Considered as off the beaten track compared to other South East Asia destinations, the Philippines is also one of Asia`s treasures that is worth going the extra mile to discover. For those who yearn to escape the madding crowds yet crave the wonders of nature, this massive collection of islands is the ultimate location.

With over 7000 islands compiling the archipelago don`t expect to explore it all in a week, but be fussy and pick out the best bits. Even that is a difficult task as the best bits more than outweigh the remaining portion. Rest assured wherever you go the overriding atmosphere is one of welcome and bonhomie from these hospitable people, who treat their guests like royalty and greet them with generous smiles. A rich heritage coupled with a generous helping of cultural diversity has led to a country steeped in tradition with Westernized traits, with multi-layers of different facets to be peeled back and enjoyed.

Manila © benjieordonez/flickr.com

Come to the Philippines to enjoy the miles and miles of glorious beaches strewn across the coral islands, such as at Sipalay or the white sands of Boracay Diving and snorkelling here is world class, including diving for wrecks by Coron or heading to the sea around Donsoll to swim with whale sharks, an experience never to be forgotten.

For the hustle and bustle of city life, Manila ticks the boxes as the capital. This cosmopolitan destination offers hotels, restaurants, museums, parks and attractions to have you flagging at the end of the day. For complete contrast head to Tagatyay, escaping the tropical climate for a milder temperature coupled with dramatic scenery and historical sites. Within the many mountain ranges find hidden waterfalls that cascade in a shimmer of reflect light amongst the dripping rainforest greenery and gasp over gorges that disappear into thin air and peak that disappear into the air above you.

Experience the Banaue and the Rice Terraces,carved from the hillside with simplistic primitive tools over 2000 years ago and still standing today to wow the visitors observing from the view point at Batad; and the mouth dropping uniqueness of the Chocolate hills of Bohol. Don`t overlook the towns though with their Spanish churches and taste the purple sweet potatoes, the main ingredient of the national desert, halu-halo.

Thought as many as Asia`s secret, the Philippines mimics this with its secret hotels that are waiting to be found. Those who do make that extra journey to this magical gem will thak their lucky starts they made the effort.

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Cornwall

Posted on May 15, 2011 by admin

Especially from spring until autumn Cornwall is one of the most popular holiday destinations in England.

It not only has the mildest and sunniest climate in the UK but also boasts with almost 700 kilometres of coastline. On the Atlantic coast there are golden sands and famous surfing beaches whereas you find gentle beaches with hidden coves and tranquil creeks on the Channel coast.

Bodmin Moor © treehouse 1977/flickr.com

In Cornwall you are never more than about 25 kilometres from the sea.
But Cornwall of course has a lot more to offer than just beaches. The whole landscape simply is magnificent.

Camel Estuary famous for its tidal river valley provides essential wildlife habitats and Bodmin Moor for its rolling moorland and tors. Cornwall’s highest point is the summit of Brown Willy (1377ft).

If you are interested in Cornwall’s long mining history, you should go on a cycling tour leading through the mining districts of Camborne, Redruth and Gwennap. In St Agnes you can see impressive old engine houses on top of the cliffs.

Or is the maritime heritage of the region of more interest to you? In Falmouth you can visit the National maritime Museum, but also the harbour and the Falmouth Arts Centre.
Truro the only city in Cornwall is not only its capital but also the centre of trade and commerce. Besides a variety of shopping facilities and regularly held flea markets, you can also visit magnificent Truro Cathedral with its elegant beauty, soaring spires ad stained glass.

St Ives © Wolfiewolf/flickr.com

In the Coast Awards 2010 St Ives has been declared Best Family Holiday Destination and offers a mix of adult and child friendly attractions. For many years St Ives also has a very unique art scene with many galleries and craft shops. The Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden and the Tate St Ives are for sure worth a visit.

Another beautiful spot is St Agnes with its Stippy Stappy and the quaint Sea Captains Cottages. A coastal footpath is leading to the ruins of Wheal Coates Mine.

St Austell is not only famous for the St Austell Brewery but also larger than Truro. As the china clay industry used to be its main industry you should pay St Austell’s Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum a visit. Not far from St Austell you can also find the Eden Project with the world’s largest greenhouse.

Penzance is famous for its Egyptian House, the Union Hotel and the Branwell House which used to be the home of the mother and aunt of the famous Brontë sisters. At the sea front the open-air seawater JubileeBathing Pool is one of the oldest surviving Art Deco swimming baths in the country. Besides that you can easily get to the Iles of Scilly from Penzance.

Other famous tourist attractions are the 450 year old Pendennis Castle, one of Henry VIIIs strongholds, and St Michael’s Mount. And due to its mild climate Cornwall has some of the most beautiful gardens on the British mainland.

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