Brazil is the largest nation in South America, but because it is located in the southern hemisphere, the summer season begins in December and ends in February. This makes it an ideal destination during the Christmas holidays for those who long to leave ice, snow, and wintry temperatures behind.
When it comes to packing for your cheap holidays, another thing to keep in mind is the humidity. Clothes that are not sealed in plastic bags may become somewhat sticky and damp, and delicate electronics such as cameras should definitely be sealed into containers that will help to ward away moisture. Casual clothes are recommended since that is what most Brazilians tend to wear. This principle extends to footwear as well; sandals are commonly worn since this helps to keep the feet cool despite the warm and humid climate. Many visitors find that due to weather conditions they perspire more than usual. This means that bringing along a good anti-perspirant is a must.
The capital of Brazil is Brasilia, a beautifully planned city located inland. The most popular tourist destination, however, is Rio de Janeiro on the Atlantic seacoast.
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Taking a cruise has become a favorite choice for many holidaymakers these days. Cruise holidays are quickly becoming one of the most popular ways for people to enjoy their time away from work and the stresses of daily life. Unlike other forms of holidays, cruise holidays are not seasonal. It is easy to find cruise companies sailing to warm seas and glamorous destinations at any time of the year.
Whether the upcoming cruise is a personal getaway or a family event, there is certain to be a ship and itinerary to suit your needs. It is important to keep in mind that not every cruise ship is family friendly so if you have little ones, or you are seeking a family environment for your next cruise, you will need to do some homework to make certain the holiday you choose is right for you.
Taking a group or a family on a cruise will require some research into items such as the cruise ships onboard activities, as well as any onshore excursions. Do not be afraid to ask questions about what types of children’s activities the ship offers. Ask to see the entire list and make sure that your kids will be happy and entertained while at sea.
It is also a good idea to also ask about the adult entertainment onboard, about family activities and shore excursions for the adults. Most children are not as interested in visiting historical monuments as their parents, however, a morning of sightseeing combined with an afternoon of adventure seeking, such as jeep tours or snorkelling can balance out the day.
If your cruise holidays are intended for a personal getaway, there are heaps of cruise companies that cater to the singles crowd as well as the adult only group. A quick online search will provide many options from which to choose.
The second largest city in Spain (after Madrid) and the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is the perfect destination for a long weekend. Just a short 2-hour flight away from London, the city offers beaches, nightlife, restaurants and sightseeing all in close proximity.
In the city centre itself, the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) is home to many ancient buildings, some dating back to Roman times. Many of the area’s twisting little streets are closed to most cars, making it a perfect place to wander slowly and appreciate the wide variety of impressive architecture.
One of Catalonia’s most famous sons, architect Antoni Gaudi, built his as yet unfinished masterwork here, the Sagrada Familia. This large Roman Catholic Church is unique in its design, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is Parc Guell which features his designs set into large landscaped gardens.
There are seven beaches along the coast of Barcelona, totalling 2.8 miles of coastline, meaning that even in summer there is space to sit. The city centre is walkable, with a good metro service too, making getting around the main tourist sites easy.
France is a nation famed for its ski resorts. Some of the most well-known of these are Val D’Isère, Tignes, Chamonix, and Méribel as well as Les Trois Vallées (The Three Valleys), which as its name suggests, is one of the world’s biggest ski areas. Many lesser-known resorts are also popular with visitors; France boasts literally hundreds of different skiing areas.
Les Deux Alpes
This resort is located in the Grande Galaxie Ski Area, which means that tourists here have access to more than 250 separate ski runs; more than 200 km of these runs are located inside Les Deux Alpes itself. Tourists can purchase a combination lift ticket that grants them access to other resorts in the area including La Grave, Serre Chevalier, Brançon, and Puy Saint Vincent.
Because the resort area at Les Deux Alpes is above the snow line, tourists will find themselves surrounded by a winter wonderland. This is ideal for those who like to immerse themselves in the sport; at this resort, visitors can usually snowboard or ski back to their lodgings when they have finished their runs for the day.
Les Deux Alpes has 55 ski lifts that can carry more than 60,000 skiers every hour, which means that lines are usually short and tourists can devote most of their skiing hours to the sport rather than logistics.
Most ski areas in France also welcome Nordic skiers who have travelled cross-country on skis to reach lakes, forests, and other natural wonders.
France is a popular holiday destination, not least for its rich culture, fine foods and beautiful landscapes. It’s also very close to Britain but at the same time, a world away in language, culture and landscape. If you’ve never been to France before, choosing a destination can be a headache because there is so much to choose from. Here is a flavour of the central regions of France.
Dordogne
Home to rich woodlands, lavish vineyards and rugged limestone hills, the region is named after the river that flows through it and visitors can take in its majesty on one of the many boat trips on offer. Towns of the Dordogne are remarkably unspoilt and made up of a labyrinth of narrow streets. The region is bursting with ancient and beautifully preserved history. The cave paintings at Lascaux are the best in Europe.
Jura
Jura is home to the French Alps and exhibits a rugged landscape of ragged hills, sweeping gorges, expansive lakes and powerful waterfalls better than any of the other regions in France. Imagine a view that draws the eye down an ice-blue river, sweeping through a lush pine forest, towards snow capped mountains beyond; such is the beauty of Jura. The towns and villages magically blend the old and new without losing the atmosphere or charm. Visit Chablis and Dijon for the best in Jura gastronomy – and don’t forget your walking boots!
Champagne
Champagne is a region of contrasts: to the north is the Ardennes forest with its forests of ancient oak, while to the south lie lakes and water meadows. Between it all is the one thing that makes this most celebrated of regions famous: the triangle that joins Remes, Eperney and Chalons-sur-Marne. This is champagne country and it’s teeming with restaurants eager to serve food that lives up to the region’s reputation along with glasses of fantastic local wines.
Burgundy
Burgundy is the home of many famous vintages. It’s also the home of Franche-Comte, or Burgundy’s “Free Country”, an area loved by outdoor enthusiasts. Its hills and rivers are enjoyed by hikers and canoeists. The area is packed with vineyards and the cuisine is as robust as its rouge.
These days everyone is looking for ways to save money, and if you are planning your holidays, you should consider staying in an all-inclusive resort. The tropics are on everyone’s wish list, and it does not matter what time of year you plan your trip, the weather is perfect all year-round.
One of the most beautiful destinations in the world is The United Mexican States, and if you want to escape the cold, you should think about heading to Mexico. There are some wonderful discount packages that will leave you with plenty of spending money for gifts and souvenirs. Airfare and accommodation is included as well as your meals of breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus snacks and alcoholic drinks. Most of the all-inclusive resorts include sporting activities and nightly entertainment. Think about taking a charter-fishing trip with the money you save, if catching that illusive marlin is something that you have been dreaming about; your dream just may come true.
All-inclusive resorts include benefits such as entertainment and dining, while allowing you the freedom to spend your holidays the way you like with more spending money in your pocket.
The city that never sleeps is more than just casinos and restaurants, and although most people head to the most popular place in Nevada to get away from their families, it is actually a wonderful place to take your kids. Most of the larger hotels on the strip have plenty of activities that you and your family will enjoy.
Circus Circus is home to the Adventuredome and will give your kids a day of fun that they will remember forever. Set beneath a glass encasement, it houses some of the most thrilling rides in the whole city. Roller coasters, extreme rides and the Fun House Express are just a sampling of the attractions that Circus Circus has to offer.
Gameworks was created by Steven Spielberg and is located on the Las Vegas Strip. Inside the Showcase Mall it spreads out over 55,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 3,000 people. The mega arcade has something for the entire family and includes racing games like The Fast and The Furious and WaveRunners. Virtual Bowling is extremely popular and is sure to arouse some competitive spirit between you and your kids. If you do not feel like participating, enjoy a delicious martini at The Glacier Bar.
Pry yourself away from the tables and take the family to Mirage. Enjoy the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat and see the wildest part of the city. Watch the panthers, leopards, tigers and dolphins as they play and interact in their natural habitat. If you really want to get involved became a dolphin trainer for the day.
Kids love to have fun, but they also like to spend time with their parents, and if you want a holiday that is fun for everyone, book your tickets to Las Vegas. With so many discount packages available you would be a fool not to.
Going on a cruise can be quite an expensive holiday, so many people are keen to get the best price and value for money that they can. With hundreds of different cruise lines, ships and destinations on offer finding the best option can be quite a challenge.
The first thing to consider is timing, as some of the best cruise deals can be found by booking a long time in advance; preferably several months before you plan to leave. On the other hand, booking just days or weeks before you plan to depart can also result in a bargain, though this can be a gamble as there is no guarantee that the trip you want will be available.
It can also be a good idea to consider the time of year you want to travel. If you are able to be flexible with dates then great prices can be found for cruises off-season or outside of the school holidays.
Shop around and do plenty of research before booking anything, this will give you a better idea of what is available and what suits your needs the best. Try not to get drawn in by just an amazing price, check what the ship is like as well to make sure you are getting good value for money.
Paris in springtime is the stuff of romantic ballads. Laden with blooming flowers that scent the air with fresh perfumes, the trees in the city’s parks are at their best at this time of year. In particular, Jardin du Luxemburg encapsulates what it is that Parisian parks are all about. Romantic and elegant, the park was first laid out in 1612, surrounding the palace built for the Regent, Marie de Medici.
A trip to the daily flower market at Place Louis-Lépine is made magical on Sundays, when a chirruping bird market is held. The traditional sights of Paris are made only more beautiful in the spring, from the world-renowned Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame to Montmartre, the beautiful and unique village within Paris. Surrounded by leafy greenery and budding flowers, the atmosphere is one of joy of life, what the locals would call ‘Joie de Vivre’ and of course, romance.
At anytime during the spring, heavy rains may burst from the Parisian sky, but it is a far cry from the heavy heat of summer. At this time of year, before the hordes of tourists come to explore this beautiful, historic city during summer, it is a peaceful place, though never without a spark of life.
Considered as an affordable hidden gem just waiting to be discovered, the small country of Slovenia has for some time been gaining a reputation as a beautiful must see European travel destination.
Travellers arriving by air fly in to Ljubljana, the fairy tale capital of Slovenia, filled with Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. The River Ljubljanica winds peacefully through the town, straddled by stone bridges and banked by restaurants and riverside bars. Most of the pinturesque Old Town is pedestrianised and ideal for exploring on foot.
UK flights from Gatwick and Stansted fly into the airport where an affordable shuttle bus can take you into the city. Modern and varied accommodation is available in the city, where there are even hotels literally fit for a Queen. Such luminaries as Queen Elizabeth II and Bill Clinton have been accommodated at The Grand Hotel Union. There are also elegant boutique hotels catering for the alternative party crowds, or if you fancy something different and unique you can even rent rooms in a converted prison.
About an hour to the north lies Slovenia’s most famous landmark. Lake Bled is a magical stretch of water nestling in the Julian Alps. A boat can take you into the centre of the mirrored lake where the tiny Church of the Assumption perches on an island. Here you can ring the sixteenth century ‘bell of wishes’ housed in the chapel.
Slovenia really is a wonderful secret just waiting to be discovered.