Air Terminal

Archive for the ‘Holiday ideas’ Category

Greece is a fascinating island to explore, steeped in culture and of course, boasting some of the best year-round weather.  It is still a cheap destination to get to, with flights from the main UK airports not costing more than an average of £100, depending on the time of year that you go.  Whether you are a culture vulture that wants to explore the historical sites, or a beach babe that wants to go island hopping, Greece offers a wealth of activities.

It can also be a varied place to find accommodation, whether you want to stay in a luxury tavern by the beach, or a cheap holiday apartment in one of the busier towns.  For example, in the southern peninsula of Greece you will find the Peloponnese, which has some of the most authentic Greek sights away from the maddening crowd, including the ancient cities of Epidaurus, Mycenae and Corinth.  These areas typically have villas to rent within enclosed gardens, often with swimming pools to soak up the Mediterranean sun. 

Hopping across to the Aegean or Ionian Islands, you can find altogether livelier accommodation, including all-inclusive hotels and large villas for big groups of travellers.  Crete and Kos are also well known for their party atmosphere, so there are plenty of holiday villas to choose from to meet this demand, as well as apartment buildings that have all the amenities with which to enjoy a holiday in Greece – and some of the best value apartments can be booked last minute.

Inexpensive adventure travel is not only economical, but a great opportunity to experience foreign countries without the fuss of hotel rooms and organised group travel. There are certain countries that are more accommodating for the budget-conscious adventure traveller and some are discussed below.

Bohemia, the Czech Republic

Most tours in the Czech Republic are centred on Prague, but there are other fascinating places in the area that are off the beaten tourist track. Bohemia is a region of castle towers, cobbled streets and fairytales. For example, there is a town called Kutna Hora where a famous chapel is lined with human bones, while in Cesky Krumlov, there is a bear moat that has been home to bears since the sixteenth century.

Chania, Crete

A holiday destination that is full of romance, the Greek town of Chania is a place where travellers can find cheap studio apartments and enjoy peaceful evening strolls. Chania was once the capital of the island of Crete; its streets are narrow alleys with an authentic Middle Ages atmosphere, but the town is actually over 5,000 years old. A feature of the town is the harbour with its Venetian lighthouse and stalls selling pistachio nuts.

Austria

Austria is next door to the Swiss Alps but is not as expensive for tourists. An apartment in Fendels will serve as an ideal base for a hiking holiday in the Tyrolean Oberland, near the border with Italy and Switzerland. 

Montenegro

Montenegro became an independent nation in 2006, after splitting with neighbouring Serbia. Visitors can rent a room in a private house very cheaply and three-course meals can be found for bargain prices. Having taken care of the basic necessities, the traveller is ready to explore the mountains, the coast, the beaches and the medieval villages.

Passengers enjoy travelling on luxurious cruise ships, exploring new destinations and taking excursions at the ports of call. Cruise and stay packages, for example, provide passengers with a holiday where they can experience different territories and new locations.

The history of cruises dates back to the early 20th century when the first cruise ships were built.  In fact, cruise holidays became popular because of the long voyages taken across the Atlantic during the 1900s. These expeditions took days or weeks.  Consequently, they were wearisome and the passengers had to take breaks ashore. Cruise liners in a bid to make the trips more pleasurable added on board facilities.

Whilst always in demand, the popularity of cruise and stay holidays has increased significantly in the 21st century. The services and the standards of the ships have augmented, as well as the sizes of the ships.

While some cruises still maintain the transatlantic crossing, others have ventured into the Antarctic regions among other exotic locations.  Likewise, when you could only find few amenities in the past, now you can choose from an endless list of activities and accommodation.

The Louvre is the world’s most famous and most travelled to art gallery, with some of the most treasured masterpieces of all time on display. With roots in the 12th century, the building itself is a piece of history.

Upon entering the museum, the most striking visual aspect is the pyramid, especially when it is viewed at night. There is an entrance located near the pyramid, and once visitors enter the museum, they are treated to one of the largest collections of European art in the world, spanning all eras.

Though famous for its collection of European art, it is a lesser-known fact that this museum also contains a wide variety of ancient Egyptian artefacts. The history of the ancient world may be gleaned from these more than 50,000 works of Nile civilizations dating as far back as 4,000 BC. Artefacts from the Near Eastern civilization can also be found in the Louvre.

There are exhibitions happening all the time at the Louvre and for this reason, it is advisable that potential visitors look into what is available to them before coming.

Pack your bags light this year as you head out for a great family canoe trip. If your holidays fall during the summer months and you are looking for something different and memorable, book a flight to Pennsylvania and enjoy the local scenery by taking a canoe trip.  

The West Branch Susquehana River Water Trail is a beautiful national recreation area in the heart of Pennsylvania’s wild country. This breathtaking trail winds for more than 220 miles through thick forests of Maple, Oak and Cherry trees. Visitors will also enjoy lush forest as they make their way through the Allegheny Mountains, where many of the state’s Elk live.  

This area was once reserved for timber harvesting and the river served as its transportation route; however, since the 19th century, things have changed and this valuable land has been brought back to a natural wonderment for all to enjoy. This amazing family canoe journey begins in the small town of Cherry Tree, where you will meander through villages, historic towns and past farms.  

The West Branch Susquehana River Water Trail is the longest river-based trail in the country, but it is not necessary to canoe down the entire length of the river in one go. Visitors can self-guide portions of the river by renting a boat for a daily fee and make their way with a map. The other option is to take the family for a longer outing by signing up for a guided tour and enjoying all that the Pennsylvania wild country has to offer. 

Well we were doing so well for weather until we got closer to the Easter holidays, typical, and now the sun seems to have disappeared. Don’t fear though, why not look for some cheap holidays for the last week of the Easter break and enjoy some sun.

The most popular last minute holiday destinations, for some sun at this time of year are:

Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt

Sharm el Sheikh offers a vibrant holiday atmosphere, steeped in history. Sitting along the glistening waters of the red sea, this family holiday destination has plenty of hotels, restaurants and facilities for a week away, not to mention good temperatures.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

One of the most popular, all year round holiday destinations, Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands. There is plenty to see and do on this island, with many of the popular resorts for family’s such as Playa de las Americas and Puerto de la Cruz to the south.

Algarve, Portugal

Portugal is always a popular holiday destination not far to travel from the UK, plus at Easter it’s warm and sunny and has a plenty of activities. One popular tourist stop is Vilamoura in the Algarve, plenty for families or just those wanting a quiet break.

One thing all these destinations have in common is good weather for this time of year, with temperatures around 20°c to 25°c which is great for a family getaway which includes some sightseeing as well as sunbathing.

However if you really want some sunshine the further afield destinations like these will give you much higher temperatures:

Florid, USA

For a family break across the Atlantic, Florida has it all. A great taste of the US and plenty to keep a family occupied for a week. There are plenty of resorts to choose from whether you look for ones within the theme parks or self-catering villas outside.

Mexico

One thing is guaranteed in April, in Mexico and that is sunshine and scorching temperatures. Mexico is a popular choice for families as there are plenty of all inclusive hotels to choose from which means less strain on the finances whilst you’re out there.

Dominican Republic

Like Mexico, the Dominican Republic also offers high temperatures and plenty of sun, plus there is plenty to explore with guided tours of these magical islands.

If you still need some more inspiration for your family getaway then click here, you’re sure to find something!

Prices on cheap cruises and last minute cruise deals have finally convinced you it is time to take a cruise holiday.  Here are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

Do

•    Seek the assistance of a cruise agent or cruise specialist.  They are some of the best sources of information and have the latest cruise deals and advice.  This is especially important for first-time cruisers; for those travelling with children or elderly people; or for those with disability or health issues.

•    Consider no-fly cruises to save money.  Cruises from Southampton or any other UK port save you the problems of crowded airports, cancelled or delayed flights and arranging transport from the airport to your embarkation port.

•    Ask friends or acquaintances for advice and about their experiences of cruise holidays.  Read reviews written by cruise passengers.

•    Follow all safety requirements, advice and signs while aboard your ship.

•    Use travellers’ cheques and keep an eye out for pickpockets when visiting port destinations.

Don’t

•    Use your social media account to announce your holiday.  Announcing to the cyber world that your house is empty may not be safe.

•    Forget to make two copies of all important travel documents in case originals are lost or stolen.  Take one set with you to keep in the ship’s safe.  Leave one set behind.

•    Forget to pack warm outer clothing.  Even if you are sailing to sun-drenched ports, the sea air – especially in the evenings – can be chilly.

•    Pack expensive jewellery or items you could not bear to lose.  Expensive jewellery can make you a target for thieves.

•    Limit your on board activities to ones you know.  Sign up for something different.  Don’t know how to salsa?  Sign up for a class.

Finally, don’t forget to have a great time and do remember that great cruise deals are always available for your next holiday.

Planning sunshine holidays for you and you family might sometimes be somewhat stressful. However, with some careful planning, you will find that your holiday achieves what it is designed to do, be a means of stress relief.

Start by ensuring you have a valid passport. Travelling internationally almost always requires a passport. It can take several weeks to obtain a new or replacement, so obtaining a passport should be the first thing you do when planning foreign travel.

Once you have your passport, make your lodging and travel reservations. How you choose to travel to your destination may be based on a variety of factors, including how far your chosen holiday location is from your home and the cost of taking a train or car versus flying. In general, the best fares can be purchased about three months before your intended travel date. Typically, the cost of fares will rise slightly until about three weeks prior to your intended departure date. Once you are within three weeks of leaving, the cost of fares tend to dramatically rise, it is therefore best to plan ahead whenever possible.

Lodging reservations typically cost less during the working week. Therefore, if you are flexible on your travel dates you may prefer to avoid being away over the weekend. In some cases the cost difference can be quite dramatic.

Do some preliminary research on the area you will be visiting on holiday, whether it be holidays in Paphos or Rome; the internet has a vast array of information about near enough every holiday destination available. Although it can be great fun to explore a new country, you do not want to spend your entire holiday trying to determine how to spend your time and searching for places you would like to see. A little bit of research will enable you to thoroughly enjoy your time away.

Cappadocia is an area found in Turkey that is known for its moonlike landscape, cave churches, underground cities, and houses that are carved into the rocks.  Ballooning is a very popular activity here, and each flight is a breath-taking adventure as passengers majestically float over the surreal topography.  Balloon flights can start as early as 4 am.  At some stages while flying low, passengers might even find themselves picking apricots off the tops of the trees.  Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is considered to be among the best ballooning found throughout the world.
 
Travellers can combine their ballooning holidays with quirky cave dwellings, excellent restaurants, and guided tours.  Balloon flights are manned by professional and highly experienced teams.  On the guided tours, a visitor can get to see amazing underground cities, cave monasteries, the breath-taking Ihlara Canyon, and nature trails. One can also see fairy chimneys in the valleys, cave churches, Whirling Dervish ceremonies and local crafts.  Selections of cave and stone rooms are offered that merge plush conveniences with cave living that is centuries old.
 
Cappadocia is a land of sensational sunsets and sunrises and unforgiving terrain.  Breath-taking nature and panoramic vistas pass underneath the passenger while they are suspended in their open basket.  The months of April through to June and September to October generally experience perfect temperatures, while July to August can be rather hot.  There are no direct flights from the UK to Cappadocia, but a person can travel from the UK and fly direct to Ankara or Istanbul.  Ankara is 4 ½ hours from Cappadocia. 

In recent years, an increasingly large number of British tourists have discovered the beauty, history and value for money offered by a holiday in Croatia. Choosing where to stay depends on the setting you prefer. One interesting aspect of the resorts in Croatia is that most of the beaches have pebbles rather than sand. Consequently, many resort owners have had sand imported to make tourists feel at home. However, there is nothing artificial about the sparkling blue of the Adriatic Sea, which can be enjoyed at all the resorts.

Some of the most popular tourist spots in Croatia are located in Porec, on the Istrian Peninsula. The town is two centuries old and features a harbour sheltered from the sea by the islet of Saint Nicholas. Visitors can enjoy a free boat trip from the town to the islet, where they can enjoy discovering fascinating places for sunbathing and swimming.

There are two well-known resorts in Porec, Plava and Zelena Lagoon. They are within walking distance of Porec and occupy an evergreen forest near the coast. The town has many amenities for sport lovers including 165 tennis courts. The nightlife is exciting and there are plenty of apartments, hotels and campsites to suit any taste or budget.

Your choice of resort is not limited to any one region, because Croatia has something for any type of holidaymaker. There are budget holidays for families, health spas for fitness buffs and apartment accommodation for travellers seeking independence, peace and tranquillity.