Archive for the ‘Destinations’ Category
The Mediterranean has long been a favourite holiday destination for thousands of tourists. The area benefits from one of the best climates in Europe and is home to many well-known attractions, including such cities as Rome, Athens, Cairo and Jerusalem, islands like Crete and Rhodes and popular beach resorts in Spain, Italy and Turkey. There are many different types of Mediterranean cruises and cruise operators, such as Royal Caribbean, P&O and Princess Cruises, each of which can offer a different holiday package depending on your taste and budget.
A popular type of Mediterranean cruise is the city stop tour. The cruise ship sails around the Mediterranean, with the chance every one or two days to stop at a new city. In Athens, Greece, visitors can travel to the Acropolis, the ruined city dating back to Greek antiquity. In Barcelona, Spain, the Olympic Stadium and Spanish village as well as a lively social scene are the main attractions. Nice, France, is renowned for its weather, high-end shops and entertainment as well as the chance to spot some of the world’s most famous people.
Venice, Italy, has plenty of attractive historic buildings to admire, and is built on a series of small islands crisscrossed by canals and open water vistas. Cairo, Egypt, is home to the Pyramids, grand mosques and an historic city centre that welcomes visitors all year round. Jerusalem, Israel, is one of the oldest cities in the world and a place of pilgrimage for many people all around the world.
The best part of a cruise holiday is that you can easily visit the destinations above without having to worry about getting yourself there and food and accommodation when there as it is all provided for.
Posted in 
Nothing spells adventure, excitement, and mystery like an African safari holiday. The thought of seeing untamed animals such as elephants, hippos, giraffes, lions, wildebeests, or zebras gathering at their favourite watering hole or roaming the vast plains, is sure to send chills up and down your spine. Here are a few steps to take when planning your African holiday adventure:
Decide whether you are going to travel with just your spouse or with children – if children are going to be included, they should be at least six years old so they can enjoy the experience.
Consider your accommodation options – there are African safari packages available ranging from the all-inclusive to the very basic. You have numerous options. What would you prefer – a camping vacation or a luxury lodge on the Serengeti? The choice is up to you and your budget.
Decide when you are going on holiday as well as for how long – remember that most of Africa is situated to the south of the Equator, so the summers there can be very hot. The warmest months are March through to August. Conversely, the winters are exceptionally mild and pleasant.
Think about the purpose of your vacation – what is the focus of your holiday? Is it camping and hiking, a family holiday, a photographic adventure, or a romantic getaway?
Determine what your budget can handle – are you looking for luxury, cheap, or something in between? Search the internet initially to help you determine your destination and what you want to spend. Just avoid getting with the 3.2 million possibilities for ‘African safari’ that result when you conduct that search on Google.
Many British travellers yearn to visit Paris and the reality of the world’s most romantic city seldom disappoints. However, day excursions from Paris to outlying areas are well worth the time and the effort in discovering the beauty of France.
Holiday goers may enjoy a day visit to the Loire Valley, listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Here stand some of the most breathtaking castles in all of France, as well as some of the countryside’s most picturesque towns and villages. The castles are surrounded by beautifully manicured, formal gardens. Many of them are open to the public.
A day excursion from Paris is the Normandy coastline where Allied Forces landed on D-Day of World War II. Visitors can explore craters created by the war bombs and visit memorials to the soldiers who fought here.
Visitors to Paris may enjoy a wine and champagne tour in either Burgundy or the Champagne region. Guided tours through the vineyards and wineries end in a lovely wine tasting experience.
For those who enjoy historic architecture, a day trip to Mont St. Michel Abbey is an excellent choice. The Abbey sits perched upon a rocky islet, pounded by the surf. A majestic fortress full of history, the Abbey is a throwback to medieval times.
Other destinations that can be easily managed in a day include Chartres, Fountainbleu, Giverny, Versailles, and Disneyland Paris.
The Château de Chenonceau, Chenonceaux, Loire Valley in France
Picture courtesy of NZwombat
Many young people think going on a cruise holiday is just for old people, which is a common misconception, in fact now many people under fifty are taking a cruise holiday, recent research shows that a third of holiday makers who have booked a cruise holiday are under thirty.
Popularity in the younger generation is increasing because of the wide range of cruise holidays available; there are ships which can cater for families with a wide range of entertainment themed around young children such as the Disney cruise line. If you have older teenagers or like lots of onboard entertainment then the Royal Caribbean have plenty of ships that fit the bill, especially their large vessels like the Oasis of the Seas. Even smaller ships feature signature chefs, wine tasting, adult only cruises and onboard gyms and spas which are perfect if you’re looking for romantic holidays for couples.
If you like to explore a lot on holiday, then a cruise holiday which stops off at many ports and has a bursting itinerary will be for you. Many cruises stop off at numerous ports and in general you get a whole day to explore your destination if you wish, with numerous excursions offered. It’s a great way to see lots of popular holiday destinations, such as the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, without having to worry about getting around.
The UK’s top beach resort according to a poll by TripAdvisor is St Ives in Cornwall and it also made it into the top 10 European destinations, placing number 6, above beaches in Majorca and Sicily. Many of the beaches featured in TripAdvisor poll UK top ten were around the West Country, Wales and Dorset.
St Ives, Cornwall, England
Picture courtesy of candyschwartz
1. St Ives, Cornwall
2. Newquay, Cornwall
3. Bournemouth, Dorset
4. Weymouth, Dorset
5. Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales
6. St Brelade, Jersey, Channel Islands
7. Woolacombe, Devon
8. Padstow, Cornwall
9. Shanklin, Isle of Wight
10.Swanage, Dorset.
St Ives
Picture courtesy of chatirygirl
According to TripAdvisor St Ives and the surrounding area have several stunning beaches as well as some top ranked hotels and B&B’s in the country.
TripAdvisor spokeswoman Emma O’Boyle said: “These awards recognise the best beach destinations in Britain and Europe as decided by millions of travellers. Vast numbers of Brits jet off to traditional Mediterranean beaches every year, yet a British beach resort has out-classed all its Spanish, French and Italian counterparts in the awards.”
Malcolm Bell, head of tourism at VisitCornwall said: “This award is an amazing testament to the popularity of St Ives which is truly one of the jewels in Cornwall’s crown. As well as stunning beaches it has a range of quality accommodation and fantastic attractions making it appeal to visitors of all ages and interests.”
In the top 10 European beach destinations, Cornwall battled it out against the likes of Cypress and Greece, both of which are hugely popular with British tourists. The top 10 is as follows:
1. Ayia Napa, Cyprus
2. Skiathos, Greece
3. Protaras, Cyprus
4. Mykonos, Greece
5. Oludeniz, Turkey
6. St Ives, England
7. Alcudia, Majorca
8. San Vito lo Capo, Sicily
9. Calvia, Majorca
10.Villasimius, Sardinia
St Ives
Picture courtesy of chatirygirl
Are you star-struck? Then the best place for your next holiday is Los Angeles, California (USA). The centre of the television and movie universe, you will be able to enjoy good weather while rubbing elbows with stars of today and tomorrow.
Start with the movie and television studios. Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, Disney and Paramount are just some of the big-name studios, but you are more likely to have a chance to actually talk with a movie professional at some of the smaller names, like Dreamworks (now a subsidiary of Paramount), Raleigh and Sunset-Gower.
If you prefer television to movies, check out the tours of locations like the NBC television studios in Burbank, California, or get tickets to the Tonight Show or one of the many morning or game shows. Studios are always looking for people to be in the audience, and there is no reason you cannot be one of them. Imagine the thrill of being chosen to play The Price Is Right or another game show!
Of course, stars can be found everywhere, including at famous Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier. Take a day and relax in the sun and sand. People-watching is a favourite pastime, and you will not be disappointed, no matter when you go.
No visit to the Los Angeles area is complete without a visit to a theme park. Choose from Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, or Six Flags Magic Mountain. Spend a day on the roller coasters, eating theme park food, and walking until the soles fall off your shoes, just do not leave without a mouse-ears hat.
Hollywood Los Angeles
Picture courtesy of Derek Purdy
There is so much to consider if you’re booking your cruise holidays 2011, so we have compiled a list of the top cruise holiday destinations to give you a few helpful hints if you’re struggling with deciding where to go.
10. Panama Canal
Panama Canal
Picture courtesy of roger4336
Noted for being one of the most remarkable engineering projects ever built the Panama Canal also offers some sensational scenery as well as where two enormous join and two continents are separated by the canal.
9. Aruba
Aruba
Picture courtesy of roger4336
Described as the Las Vegas of the Caribbean, Aruba is a luxurious resort where you can find time to splurge, or if you wish enjoy the beautiful beaches and wild environment.
8. Hong Kong
Hong Kong Harbour
Picture courtesy of Wolfiewolf
A cruise holiday is a great way to explore Hong Kong and the surrounding area and get a real taste for the Far East.
7. Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman, Caymen Islands
Picture courtesy of toddwickersty
Probably known by most as a tax haven for the mega rich and famous, the Cayman Islands offers more than just expensive shops, it also has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean and is known as ‘the ultimate heaven’.
6. Norway
Norway
Picture courtesy of posotivesustainability
It might not pack the same temperatures of the Caribbean, but Norway can’t be easily beaten on scenery with amazing fjords, mountains and crags to discover.
5. Australia / New Zealand
New Zealand
Picture courtesy of kangotraveler
A great way to see the land ‘down under’, a few years ago you would be hard pressed to find a cruise holiday to New Zealand, but its slowly picking up pace as a cruise holiday destination.
4. Alaska
Alaska
Picture courtesy of Tom Mascardo 1
With an Alaskan cruise holiday you will be hard pressed to find scenery to match this, plus if you don’t like the heat then this is the perfect holiday destination for you, exploring ice-tipped mountains, stunning backdrops.
3. French Riviera
French Riviera
Picture courtesy of Serge Melki
It may not be that exotic only a short distance from the UK but the French Rivera makes a great first cruise holiday with all the fun of the Mediterranean on your doorstep.
2. US Virgin Islands
US Virgin Islands
Picture courtesy of F H Mira
If your craving, peace, quiet and tranquillity in the Caribbean with turquoise waters and white sandy beaches then the US Virgin Islands is the cruise destination for you, especially if you’re looking for romantic holidays for couples.
1. Barbados
Barbados
Picture courtesy of gemtek1
Barbados is voted one of the best holiday destinations for sun, sea and sand, so it’s no surprise it also a top cruise holiday destination with its immaculate beaches, turquoise water, sweltering sunrays, courteous people, tropical vegetation, and unspoiled charm.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States is the city of Las Vegas, with people being attracted in droves thanks to the glitz, glamour and, of course, gambling. Over the last few years, more and more direct flights to Las Vegas have started to be offered from UK airports, cutting down the travel time by eliminating lengthy layovers at regional American airports and, at the same time, lowering prices.
Although Las Vegas has a reputation as a gambler’s paradise, these days the city is a much more well rounded tourist destination and offers visitors far more than just cards, dice and slots. The many huge hotels and resorts which make up the world famous ‘Strip’ all contain multiple theatres, restaurants, bars, clubs, amusement arcades, shops and other more family friendly attractions such as aquariums, zoos and roller coasters.
The warm weather that Las Vegas experiences almost year round thanks to its location also lends itself to a more traditional holiday than many people expect, with all large hotels having swimming pool complexes which allow guests to relax poolside during the day. For those looking for a more upbeat daytime experience, some hotels offer ‘party pools’, where the water is little more than something to keep revellers cool.
Just because Las Vegas has become more than a gambler’s paradise, though, doesn’t mean that those who enjoy a flutter will be short changed. The ground floors of the casinos are still full of tables and slot machines, the poker rooms are still bustling and the sportsbooks are still some of the busiest and best places to watch sports.
Las Vegas
Picture courtesy of http2007
If you are looking for a holiday where you can visit numerous places of interest, experience different cultures and have your every need taken care of then you should look at taking a cruise holiday. You won’t have all the travel worries that come with making your own travel arrangements and you can get a great personal service, no matter what your needs.
There are really endless possibilities for your cruise holiday, so it can be quite hard to choose just one, let alone which cruise line to go for, so I would suggest doing plenty of research before you go. Online travel companies can offer plenty of information on cruise holidays, such as virginholidaycruises.co.uk who actually specialise in all types of cruise holidays, whether it’s just a cruise holiday, fly and cruise holiday or fly, cruise and stay holiday. Some cruise holidays aim to be more relaxing, so more time will be spent at sea but the cruise ships will have plenty on offer to help keep you relaxed during your trip. Others offer plenty of ports to dock in so you can visit as many places as you can and take in lots of new cultures.
There are cruise lines and holidays that have been specifically tailored for families with plenty of fun and entertainment available, as well as romantic holidays for couples which offer a personal service and also for single travellers which are made to feel part of a family and a larger travel group, so everyone is covered.
If you’re taking a Royal Caribbean cruise holiday around the Caribbean then you can now extend your holiday with a land based stay in Florida. So not only can you enjoy 9 or 13 nights cruising the Caribbean visiting exotic destinations such as Grenada, St Barts, US Virgin Islands, Barbados, Dominica, Mexico and St Kitts to name just a few, but then you can then extend the fun and the sun by adding a holiday to Florida on the end.
Universal Studios Florida
Picture courtesy of daryl_mitchell
Royal Caribbean offer a huge choice of cruises around the Caribbean on a number of their ships including their larger Oasis class ships, the Oasis of the Sea’s and Allure of the Sea’s. These are both large family boats which offer a wide range of activities, eating and entertainment for the whole family. You can then carry on the fun in Florida with a stay in Universal Orlando Resort, which has two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universals Islands of Adventure theme parks.
If you don’t fancy been in the middle of the theme parks and want to explore more of what Florida and the surrounding area has to offer then you can choose to stay in and around Florida and Fort Lauderdale.