Best Summer Holiday Destinations - Puerto Banus, Marbella, Spain

Marbella, situated on the Southern coast of Spain on the Costa del Sol, is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations for us Brits, and for good reasons. The climate in Southern Spain is wonderful, with long sunny days and high temperatures of 30 degrees celsius and upwards. Coupled with this, wonderful food and drink, and great beaches make the Costa del Sol a very desirable location.

Puerto Banus Marina

If you're holidaying in Marbella or Malaga this summer, I would highly recommend a visit to Puerto Banus, although the town is certainly well worth a visit in its own right. It is known as a bit of a playground for the rich and famous, and often draws comparisons as the Spanish St. Tropez. The marina area is always full of huge yachts in the summer months, and flash Ferraris, Aston martins and Lambos line the seafront. Puerto Banus is the place to be seen, celebs will often be spotted dining in the fabulous restaurants or doing a spot of shopping in the areas many designer boutiques.
You can get to Puurto banus easily - it is around a five mile drive from Marbella so if you're planning on having a few drinks with the glitterati I recommend getting a taxi. After a wander around the marina, you're bound to be slightly peckish and luckily Puerto banus doesn't disappoint. When I visited we went to a restaurant called Antonio's which quite simply served up the finest Paella I have ever had. There are several other cuisines to choose from apart from Spanish and most restaurants have kids options so you shouldn't be stuck for choice. After dinner there are a good number of bars lining the marina - so order a nice cocktail, sit back, relax and watch the world go by in front of you.

Bahamas - a holiday paradise

The Bahamas - a name synonymous with fine white sand beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, non-stop sunshine and crystal clear turquoise waters. Indeed, the Bahamas are rightly regarded as one of the best holiday destinations in the world, certainly one of the top holiday destinations if you are after one of the characteristics listed above.

The Bahamas are located just North East of Cuba, east of Mexico. The Caribbean Sea is South West of the Bahamas. The Bahamas consist of an archipelago formed of 700 islands in the Atlantic Ocean - a good number of these have been heavily developed on to capitalise on the tourism boom. The capital is a city called Nassau, on the island called New Providence.

The Bahamas

The climate and surroundings are so good in the Bahamas that you will often see settings from the islands popping up on screensavers and posters relating to paradise - it is not hard to see why. A trip to the Bahamas can turn into a trip of a lifetime - certainly one of the best holiday destinations anywhere on the planet if you fancy abit of relaxation time lying on idyllic beaches soaking up a bit of sun.

Non EU Holiday Destinations - Iceland, Europe

The Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Iceland is situated North West of the UK on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The Capital and only city of Iceland is Reykjavic, with a population of about 120,000 it makes up well over a third of Iceland's entire population - this city is the hub of Iceland's tourism.

Iceland is geologically and volcanically active due to its situation on the Mid-Atlantic ridge - those who did GCSE Geography will know that where tectonic plates meet, volcanic activity is rife. This characteristic is one of the main draws for tourists to come to Iceland - the scenery and landscape make it one of the best holiday destinations for anyone with an interest in geography or geology - however anyone can enjoy the country's spectacular sights, from young to old.

One of the top tourist hotspots is the blue lagoon - an incredible geothermal spa. Considering the regularly freezing air temperatures that Iceland has, you may be shocked to learn that the water temperature of the blue lagoon averages at 40°C. This is becuase of a nearby geothermal power station uses an underground lava flow to heat water that turns turbines, and the hot water is then pumped out into the lagoon for bathers to swim in. The water absorbs many minerals such as sulphur as it passes through the rocks and these help give the water its distinctive blue colour, as well as having medicinal purposes - the water is siad to heal certain skin diseases.

Best African Holiday Destinations - Hurghada, Egypt

When you mention Egypt as a top holiday destination, most people will instantly think of the towering Pyramids of Cairo or perhaps the coastal paradise of Sharm El Sheikh. However, Egypt has plenty more to offer aside from the obvious.

Hurghada, on the Red Sea coast of Egypt, is one of the country's top tourist destinations and has grown in popularity in recent years. Many companies now offer holidays to Hurghada - with several airlines flying there and many package deals available. The area has seen substantial growth over the last 30 years or so leading to The facilities on offer are therefore very good and enough to cater for most discerning holiday makers.

There are some absolutely stunning hotels available to stay in in Hurghada - the feeling of excess is similar to one you get in Las Vegas although without the cheap and tacky aftertaste that downtown Vegas provides. Much of Hurghada's attraction lies in the stunning coastline. Being situated in North Africa, you can expect the weather here to be excellent from April-September and as a result many people can be sure to spend alot of the day relaxing down at the beach on the miles of golden beaches spanning the Red Sea coast. There are plenty of water sports on offer here as well which is to be expected really - windsurfing, jet skiing, paragliding and more are all exciting activities that can be experienced here. The coastline also provides exceptional scuba diving oppurtunities, much like many other Red Sea resorts.


Coral reefs in hurghada are stunning

Being a fishing vilage originally, you can be sure to eat well here especially if you like your fresh fish. The Red Sea is nutrient and mineral rich - this leads to thriving sea life at all levels of the food chain, so fish is everywhere on the restaurant menus. You will typically see it served up fairly simply - freshly caught, slapped on the BBQ and straight onto your plate.

All in all, holidays in Hurghada have alot to offer and the area deserves its growing reputation as one of the best holiday destinations in Africa. The abundance of great deals to be had in Easter, spring and summer mean it is an affordable holiday destination for families and couples.

Best Easter Holiday Destinations

It's not a good time of year for us Brits. We've been bombarded with rain, snow and generally freezing conditions for what seems like an age and everyone is starting to get a little bit fed up. Luckily, spring is on the way and in turn some slightly warmer weather - but just when you thought you could go back outside - you can put your house on constant showers over the next few months to wipe that little smile off your face. So it makes sense that a large number of us fancy jetting off for a bit around this time of year in order to get away from it all in the rainy limbo between winter and summer. And luckily for us, the Easter holidays fall in April providing a good excuse to leave the country - the first bank holiday of the year. So where are the best holiday destinations for the Easter period?

Well it depends on what you are after. Much of Europe will still be fairly mild around this time so it may still be worth considering somewhere slightly further afield if you're after a tan to show off to your mates. A recent survey suggest the following destinations are among the top choices at this time of year:

Crete - One of the most popular Greek islands, Crete boasts an excellent climate at this time of year meaning you should see some sun. It's beautiful sandy beaches are a huge draw to tourists, as well as the clear blue sea surrounding the island. The notoriously friendly locals, and the fantastic food and drink, help cement Crete as a top holiday destination in Easter. You can also book package holidays to Crete for cheap, especially if you go for last minute deals.

Muscat - Muscat is the capital city of Oman - an Arab country bordering the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, with a good stretch of coastline in the form of the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. Muscat has experienced a rapid development in its infastructure in the last 30 years or so making it attractive to tourists. The average April highs of 34oC mean your pretty much guaranteed good weather and the area is filled with enchanting beaches. The city itself is great for tourists with some stunning architecture. It is worth researching the customs of Oman however - for example women should be fairly conservative with their clothing, and there are laws regarding drinking alcohol, however drinking in hotel bars etc is usually fine.


Beautiful St Lucia

St Lucia - A beautiful Caribbean island, St Lucia is an exotic choice for the Easter holidays. The island is draped in rainforest, and the mountainous peaks provide really exciting hiking and cycling oppurtunities. For a more relaxing holiday the stunning beaches and gentle seas are exactly what you would come to expect from a Caribbean island. And if you're planning a gorgeous Easter wedding (maybe next year!) then the island is quite simply picture perfect and perfect for couples.

Best Beach Holidays at Christmas - Natal, Brazil

It's coming up to Christmas, its freezing cold, the rain seems to be unrelenting and its light seemingly for just 5 hours a day. So it's no wonder we all want to get away for a week or two and get some winter sun. And Brazil has got to be fairly high on the agenda for a memorable beach holiday. I previously talked about Fernando de Noronha as a great beach destination off the beaten track off the coast of Brazil. Natal is the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, a state in the North East of Brazil. The town was founded on Christmas day in 1599 and is named "Natal" as this is the Portuguese word for Christmas. It enjoys the benefit of having the best climate in the whole of Brazil - it sees only very minor seasonal vaiations as it is near the equator which means it is perfect for a Christmas holiday getaway.

Natal is growing in popularity as a top holiday destination - foreign tourism has increased by 134% between 2002 and 2005. Plans are underway to build the largest airport in South America and the 8th biggest in the world as a result of this tourism boom. This is for a variety of reasons - for example its climate, and its accessability - the area is the closest point of Latin America from Europe meaning it is quicker to reach by plane than other areas like Rio. Natal is also a gateway for the beaches around the region - some of the most popular include Ponta Negra which runs along the coast for much of the city, and Via Costeira, famed for its clear waters. The region as a whole is blessed with countless beautiful beaches, including Pipa, one of the most famous beaches in Brazil.


Ponta Negra Beach, Natal, Brazil

Natal is not just famed for its beaches - the city has also been named as the safest in the whole of Brazil. Also there is plenty to do aside from lying on the golden white sands soaking up the rays. For example, Natal celebrates a huge off-season carnival called Carnatal which is held in December - so book your flights now for a last minute deal to experience this unique party. Slightly different from the carnivals of Rio, the crowds follow round an array of trucks and floats playing music into the streets. There are also a range of your staple tourist attractions such as aquariums, shops, bars, restaurants and, uh, the largest Cashew tree in the world. For more information on Natal and where to stay, check out www.natal-brazil.com

Overall, Natal has so many qualities that make it one of the best beach holiday destinations in the World. It is still relatively unknown, however its rapid tourism growth should be enough to indicate Natal must have many things going for it. If you are looking for abit of an Easter or winter getaway Natal should be high on your list of destinations to jet off to.

Budget airline flights to Christmas Markets

The Christmas holidays are rapidly approaching, and all your friends are planning a big trip away to enjoy a nice few days off. But what's that? You can't afford to go away? Well, think again. Because there are so many great low cost breaks to choose from, to some of the best holiday destinations in the world. And a visit to a traditional Christmas market is the perfect choice at this time of year - they offer something for everyone so you can be guaranteed a good time.

Christmas markets originated in Germany and Austria but are now located pretty much everywhere - which means you should be able to find some low cost deals to take you to a destination that hosts a Christmas market. Generally the markets are held in the streets or in a town square, and consist of a variety of stalls selling a range of food, drink, gifts and Christmas themed items. The nativity theme is very popular, and typical Bavarian food and drinks are common, such as Bratwurst, Christollen, mulled wine and wheat beers. People from all over converge to the markets, leading to a real festival atmosphere that the whole family can enjoy.


A Typical German Market

Some of the best markets include Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Dresden and Salzburg although they are now present in many continental areas including , Alsace, Zurich, Brussels and Chicago. In the UK, large markets can be found in Leeds, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester to name but a few. So what next? There are a range of low cost airlines that fly to many of these destinations, so simply choose your departure airport and search for a destination that takes your fancy! For example, from London you can fly out to pretty much all of the major Christmas markets, including those held in Frankfurt, Berlin, Bremen, Dusseldorf, Salzburg, Leeds and Edinburgh. Prices are lower than you would imagine too, especially at an off peak time like November or December. So even if your pay rise has been put on hold, don't assume you won't be able to experience the joys of the Christmas market abroad! Check out the latest low cost flights and don't miss out on a visit to one of the best Christmas holiday destinations in the world!

Cheap Caravan Holidays & Motorhome Holidays - UK & Abroad

With the recession still forcing many holiday makers to keep their wallets firmly in their pockets, demand for cheap holidays is as high as ever. Recent stats show that searches online for the phrases "motorhomes" and "caravan parks" have increased by about 450% each over the last 12 months as Mr Joe Public shuns traditional foreign holiday destinations for a cheaper, but equally cheerful break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

A huge range of UK and foreign caravan holidays can be found online, each company offering a slightly different take on the traditional concept. Many sites offer a variety of caravan types, from basic to luxury, which you can tow away to your destination of choice and simply return within a given date. This offers a great deal of freedom and excitement - you never quite know where you will end up. The same is true of motor homes, which are basically caravans with an engine, an all in one car and caravan essentially. Caravan and motorhome hire has really taken off, many of the most popular destinations in the UK include the national Parks and areas of natural beauty, including the Lake District, Snowdonia, The South Downs, the Dales and the Peak District. However there are no limits to where you can go. Many companies allow the caravan or motorhome to be taken abroad as well, allowing you to drive down to the South of France or right down to Italy or beyond.


Motorhome Hire UK

Caravans and motorhomes offer a real sense of adventure that you rarely get on a traditional package holiday. You can visit some of the best holiday destinations in England and abroad in your own time, whether you are a family, a couple or simply on your own. Many caravan and motor home parks exist around England and Europe for you to take a break and socialise with other families or individuals. There are so many characteristics of a motorhome or caravan holiday that make it easy to see why the recent trends in this type of holiday are set to continue.

Best Beach Destination - Salento, South Italy

Salento is the region in the'heel' of the foot of Italy. As it is one of the furthest points of Italy, the weather there is excellent and incredibly reliable in the summer months. Not the most well known region in Italy, but certainly one of the best holiday destinations if you want a good relaxing holiday at the beach away from the reems of English tourists that flock to other Italian holiday destinations.

The region is extremely popular with Italians themselves, with many heading down to Salento from the Northern cities like Rome and Milan for their own summer holidays. The region has a great variety of beaches, such as those at Torre del Orso and Laghi Alimini - all with good facilities and bars if you fancy a few Heinekens on the beach while you soak up the sun.

Torre del Orso Beach, Salento, Italy

Otranto is one of the main towns in Salento, a historical coastal town with abit more for tourists to do such as looking round the backstreets within the castle, brimming with little Italian stalls selling clothes, crafts and food. There are some excellent restaurants and bars in Otranto too although prices are slightly higher than other areas. Panorama bar is a cool bar right down on the rocks in the harbour - a soundtrack of pumping house beats the background to a few relaxing cocktails looking out into the sea.

At night, Salento comes alive with parties popping up everywhere along the coast. The Italians love their raggae and house music with many big artists and DJ's coming to play there, such as Shaggy, Erick Rorillo and Erol Alkan. A large amount of the action takes place in beach bars and clubs scattered around the coast which helps create an electric atmosphere for many of the nights.

Salento provides a good mix of activities in both day and night. The beaches in the region are of top quality, and are an excellent way to spend the day relaxing after a late night at a beach party. Overall it is one of the best holiday destinations if you want a great holiday a little different from your usual package holiday to Benidorm.

Best Holiday Destinations in July & August

July is upon us already - it seems like only yesterday we were munching down the mince pies and opening presents round the Christmas tree. Yes, we are halfway through the year, and officially into Summer. July and August are the busiest months for people to go on holiday for much of Europe - because of this high demand you will usually find prices for hotels / flights etc to be at their peak, hence 'peak time'. If booking far enough in advance you can usually get really good deals on your package holidays and flights, however if you are still looking for somewhere to go you'll do well to get a cheap deal - I just bought some flights to Italy for £250 return - if I had booked them a couple of weeks ago they would have set me back just £160. So if you are planning to go somewhere this summer, or September/October time, I'd recommend getting everything sorted out asap to save money, as prices tend to keep on increasing as the date gets nearer. The exception to this can be last last minute deals - if you look to go away tomorrow you can usually get really cheap deals - as it is such late notice and the airlines /travel agents would rather have someone pay less than to miss out on the business completely.

So where are the best holiday destinations in July and August? Well this is a bit of an unspecific question - it really completely depends on what kind of holiday you want, who you are with, your budget and many other factors. Many of us, myself included, like to go abroad around this time - slightly ironic perhaps considering they are the only 2 months in the UK where the weather is actually nice and hot. My advice would be to check with your travel agents and do some research online for good deals - if your on a strict budget its probably best to see what holiday destinations have good deals for them and building from that - ie. choose where to go once you know you can buy flights or a package at a good price. You should always be able to find a range of really exciting places to travel to so you won't be stuck with staying in a 2* out of town hotel in an country you've never heard of, just to get a good deal.