Why a cruise might just be the ticket for your summer holiday

For carefree travel, with all your wants and needs taken care of, look no further than a cruise holiday. With destinations all across the globe cruise holidays are becoming increasingly popular with many travellers looking to get out and about and explore the world without all the hassle. In 2011 over 1.7 million cruise holidays were taken and that amount is set to increase this year.

Many cruise lines operate from the UK whether you set sail from here or even go for a fly, stay and cruise holiday. Some of the most popular cruise lines include; Royal Caribbean, Cunard, P&O, Celebrity and Disney, all perfect for a family getaway.

So why take a cruise holiday?

What attracts many people is the fact that you don’t have to worry about the travel part of the holiday. You can set sail from the UK to any destination, whether it’s Europe, USA, Caribbean or the Far East, leaving you to relax on board whilst you travel to your destination. With a cruise holiday you can also visit many destinations easily in one holiday, without unpacking and packing your case again and again every time you move on.

All your needs are taken care of on board, with food, drink and entertainment supplied. Many cruise lines offer a wide range of activities on board and the bigger ships have plenty to keep the whole family occupied. You will also find plenty of excursions can also be arranged for when you dock in port, so you’re not ‘dumped’ on land without any guidance.

Aren’t cruise holidays expensive?

Many people presume that cruise holidays are expensive, once over they were only really the reserve of the wealthy however as with all travel, cruise holidays have also become affordable. If you book early for cruises in 2013 you really should find some good deals, plus it gives you plenty of time to save, however if you fancy a cruise for this summer then also check out some last minute cruise deals.

Picture courtesy of Daniele Muscetta

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Switzerland skiing holidays

Thanks to the world famous Alps, Switzerland is a prime location for skiing holidays. The many prime ski areas are too numerous to name, but there are several particularly noteworthy ones for those embarking on a Swiss ski holiday.

Grindelwald is one of the most popular Swiss ski resorts for UK tourists to travel to. Cross-country skiing may be had here, and there are several slopes geared toward skiers at the novice and intermediate levels. Even for those skiers who are confident in their abilities, the slopes of the Eiger glacier are liable to present a challenge. For non-skiers, there are also other activities to be had, such as tobogganing and hiking.

Any traveller interested in taking part in the traditional Alpine experience should check out Saas-Fee. The slopes of this ski resort are often uncluttered, allowing travellers to get skiing without having to wait in line. Saas-Fee is noted for its breathtaking scenery, which includes numerous mountains and glaciers. There is also a snowboarding area in this ski resort. Here, boarders can utilise a half pipe, as well as various types of rails. This is a family-oriented setting, with activities for children.

For families looking to take a ski holiday, Adelboden is worth looking into. This is because Adelboden is particularly suited to families thanks to the fact that the ski runs there vary in difficulty and to the fact that there are loads of hotels in the area.

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Family holidays in the Maldives

It is no secret that the Maldives is a holiday destination for anyone looking for a romantic getaway or to experience the ultimate in scuba diving. This popular destination is renowned for its elite dive sites, quality accommodation and superior levels of service, all combined in a romantic setting. 

Regardless of your initial reason for deciding to take Maldives holidays, you should not miss out on the once in a lifetime opportunity to explore some of the most stunningly beautiful aquatic scenery on earth. This natural underwater world is heightened by the clarity of the water, which is renowned for providing some of the best visibility around.

The Maldives is a place where you will dive in warm tropical waters that normally range from 25°C to 30°C, all year long. You will swim surrounded by exotic fish and explore multi coloured coral reefs.

If you are headed to the Maldives to explore the underwater world, many of the resorts offer child-care, which is ideal for those travelling as a family. These resorts cater to families and offer children a wide variety of indoor and outdoor games, while parents take break of their own. 

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Find the best deals online with hotel booking websites

Well-informed travellers have long taken advantage of flight comparison websites to find the best prices. Those in search of cheap holidays in the sunshine can take this a step further and use hotel-booking websites to find good accommodation deals too. Many flights comparison sites already offer other services such as hotel bookings and car hire, of course, but in recent years, there has been a growth in dedicated hotel booking sites that are proving increasingly popular.

As well as providing information on what is available in a particular city or resort, they are also an excellent source for last-minute offers where substantial discounts can be found, particularly if you have a flexible travel schedule. Hotel booking sites typically charge no booking or cancellation fees, and although your credit or debit card details are taken at the time of booking, no charge will be made until you have booked into the hotel. Independent customer reviews on the site are also a good way to ascertain if this is the right hotel for you.

So, whether you’re looking for holidays in Ibiza or a short weekend city break then hotel booking websites should be your first call.

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Soak up the Sun in California

Located on the western coast of the United States, California is famed for its carefree lifestyle, endless beaches, and Hollywood celebrity haunts.  There is so much to choose from in California that just about everyone can find something fun to do, or see.  Foreign tourists usually visit its cities and seashores alike throughout the year. 

California’s beaches are one of the main attractions that draw so many visitors each year.  Travelling along the coastline, it is easy to reach public beaches from the highways.  The coastal roads even allow people to park their cars along the side of the road for easy access.  Although many of the beaches tend to be somewhat crowded, there are also smaller, more secluded ones for a private getaway.  Families travelling with young children can have a blast at the numerous amusement parks that include Legoland, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Magic Mountain.  The state also boasts a long list of museums, zoos, an observatory, and several water parks.  Those wishing for a more adult experience can try wine tasting at Napa, Sonoma or some of California’s other famed wineries, or shopping in the Los Angeles’ Fashion District, or Rodeo Drive.  Throughout the year, there are several festivals that celebrate local food and culture.  Planning a holiday around these celebrations is a great way to experience the area from an insider’s perspective.

There are several airports within the state, so visitors can fly in at a location that is most convenient for them.  Although public transport is available in California, it is generally easier to get around by renting a car or bicycle.  Keep a map or GPS handy, since the numerous freeways can be somewhat confusing to navigate.

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Be Adventurous – Stay in a Lighthouse

Lighthouses have long held a place in the popular imagination and who has not thought about staying in one.  There is something mysterious and exciting about a lighthouse; the sound of crashing waves, the smell of sea air and breath-taking views of nature at its wildest.  Throw in a touch of Daphne du Maurier and the odd ghost story, and you have the recipe for a great holiday or short break with a difference.

Fortunately lighthouses are now available to hire as holiday accommodation across the UK.  From the Cornish coast and the Channel Islands to Wales, Yorkshire and the Highlands of Scotland, self-catering lighthouses can been booked as holiday homes, whether it is for a couple seeking a romantic weekend away, or larger groups who want to share an adventure together.  Most come fully equipped with modern amenities, while the buildings themselves may well be of historical significance and date back several centuries.  Lighthouses can also be found on many of the most beautiful parts of the British coastline.

The National Trust and the National Trust for Scotland both maintain lighthouses which are also available as holiday accommodation, while there are several travel companies who specialise in this area including Rural Retreats, Shetland Lighthouse Holidays and the Burnham High Lighthouse in Somerset.  Lighthouse keeper’s cottages are another accommodation option for those not so keen on heights, and the National Trust also has lighthouses which can be visited as part of a day trip.

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Culinary Adventures in Provence

Located in the south of France, Provence is a land of contrasts.  Visitors find it brimming with sun-drenched wineries, never-ending fields of aromatic lavender, mysterious historic sites, and the ever present Mediterranean breezes.  There are so many different ways to uncover Provence’s secrets, but perhaps one of the most fun ways is by exploring its cuisine.  Simply through food, one can peel away layers upon layers of history and foreign influences that have been cultivated over the centuries.

Seafood and Mediterranean fruits and vegetables make up a large part of Provence cuisine, especially in dishes such as bouillabaisse (a type of seafood stew), escabeche (marinated, poached fish), ratatouille (a vegetable stew), and tapenade (an olive spread).  Travellers can also satisfy their sweet tooth with a taste of calisson (an almond and orange biscuit), the rich orange-flavoured gâteau des Rois, or the decadent cream pastry tarte Tropézienne.  Provence is also famous for the large number of wines that come from this region.  Another alcoholic beverage, pastis, is native to Provence; it has a strong anise flavour and is mixed with water.

Apart from simply stopping by at local restaurants, there are a few other ways to explore this unique aspect of Provence.  A cooking class is a great way to meet natives of the region and learn about their cooking techniques.  The chefs or instructors tend to discuss the history behind certain dishes and introduce students to the neighbourhood markets.  Some companies in Provence also offer gourmet and culinary guided tours.  These tours usually also include tastings, excursions to local producers, and shopping.

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A Guide to Gothenburg

Gothenburg, or Göteborg, is one of the largest cities in Sweden.  It showcases a delightful mix of old and new culture, making it a delight for tourists.  Located on the country’s western coast, Gothenburg has an incredibly high population of young people, thanks to its renowned Gothenburg University.

When visiting Gothenburg, there is so much to see that it might be best to pinpoint a few highlights before setting out.  Ancient castles sit amongst modern, industrial areas and the city features scores of museums of all types.  For a quick getaway from the constant bustle of the city, without having to go too far, there are plenty of beautiful gardens and parks open to the public.  The sea plays a large part in Swedish life, so it is not unusual to find numerous water-based activities such as canoeing, guided tours by boat, and chartered yachts.  Shopaholics should head to Nordstan, the primary shopping area.  There, shoppers can find international stores as well as smaller local shops.  Gothenburg hosts several festivals and sports events every year too, including a film festival, an air show, marathons, and Christmas festivities.  In terms of food and restaurants, there is a massive range to choose from for different budgets and international or local cuisines.  A quick lunch is usually available for less than 80 Swedish krona (around £8), while dinner menus at upscale restaurants can range as high as 800 Swedish krona (around £80) depending on the location.

There are plenty of ways to get around in Gothenburg.  Tourists who plan on staying close within the city will be able to manage by foot, bus, train or ferry.  The public transport system is extremely well networked and it is quite easy to get to most places.  Bicycles and cars can also be hired at affordable prices.

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Family Cruise Holidays With Young Kids

Planning a family holiday can be almost as exciting as taking one.  When parents are looking for a holiday that will appeal both to them and their younger children, a cruise can be an ideal solution.  A cruise holiday with young kids can offer parents much needed relaxation while the children are off enjoying activities that the cruise line has designed specifically for them.

Family themed cruises have recently become a very popular choice for families as the amenities offered on these types of cruises are specifically designed to cater to kids as young as three months old.  Babies and toddlers can enjoy swings and bouncy chairs in the nursery, while children who are slightly older can enjoy expansive, supervised children’s areas which have been designed just for kids.  Parents of very young travellers will also find that some cruise lines have teamed up with companies such as Fisher Price to offer very young children a top quality cruise experience.  These cruises sometimes offer babies and toddlers their own fun with Aqua-Babies and Aqua-Tots programmes. 

There are dozens of wonderful activities aimed at keeping the curious and energetic little ones busy.  They can participate in pizza and cookie making parties, make their own videos in supervised classes, and play a huge variety of computer games to name a just a few of the activities most commonly offered by the major cruise lines.  Even if the kids in your family are teenagers, most family themed cruises will have something to offer them.

Cruise ships that cater to families will usually offer family-friendly staterooms that have been designed with extra amenities such as pullout couches and divided bathrooms. 

While certainly a lot of fun for the kids, adults are also catered to on family themed cruises.  Many ships offer adult-only pool areas that are fully equipped with outdoor bars, hot tubs, and coffee shops.  Some ships will also have an adults-only entertainment zone where mom and dad can have some fun while the kids sleep snug in their beds.

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Hotel Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City

Hotel accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City is plentiful and priced to suit any budget.  Visitors can usually find a room upon arrival.  If booking once there, guests can check out the location and the room, then, if it is satisfactory, negotiate a price. 

Many hotel rooms include breakfast, so if you prefer to dine out, price conscious tourists might like to negotiate an even larger discount.  Unless you really like the first room, ask to see more rooms as many hotels have a variety of sizes, configurations and noise levels.

If your stay, however, falls upon a date of one of Vietnam’s public holidays, especially TET, then pre-booking is definitely recommended.  If staying at any of the nearby popular beach resorts such as Vung Tau, on a weekend or during a public holiday, book well in advance.

Those wanting to save money should head for the areas around Pham Ngu Lao (the backpacker district) or Ben Thanh Market, whereas people seeking more comfort will be happier around Dong Khoi Street.  All three areas are close to many of the key tourist attractions.

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