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Last Minute Ideas For Valentine’s Day

admin — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:58:29 +0000

Valentine’s Day is catching up with us with the unstoppable force of a runaway train, and if you haven’t been organised enough to plan anything for your loved one, then good luck to you. But fret now, we’re here to offer up some last minute suggestions for you stragglers – and your partner won’t even need to know that you only got your act together less than 24 hours before.

Sweets for your sweetheart – Forgo the tackily wrapped chocolate gift boxes and go for some romantically coloured macarons instead. The famous French patisserie Laduree has two branches in London, both supplying salivating customers with copious amounts of their airy jewel-coloured confections. Delight your sweetheart with a carefully wrapped box of sweet nothings nestled in pastel tissue, wrapped up in pistachio-hued boxes. It’s much cheaper than jewellery, and just as fulfilling.

Picnic in the park – If you’re lucky enough to have some February sunshine on Sunday, then make the most of it with a picnic in the park. There are gorgeous parks all over the country, and at this time of year, you’re likely to have most of it to yourself. Wrap up in warm woollens, get a waterproof sheet, and pack a delicious lunch, with plenty of champagne to warm the both of you up.

Surprise hotel breaks – You don’t need to go away to have a romantic hotel break. Many websites offer cheap last-minute deals on hotels, and you can always find some in your very own city. Blindfold your lover and whisk them to your chosen destination in a taxi or hired limousine. Order room service and dine in the hotel’s restaurant to seal the illusion that you’ve really gone away on holiday, even if you’re only 20 minutes from home. The best thing about a hotel stay in your own city? You won’t need to face a long, arduous journey home the next day!

Top 10 Holiday Destinations for 2009

admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:26:56 +0000

2009 Holidays

As 2009 quickly approaches and the recession is starting to bite it seems that many people are trying to escape from reality for a couple of weeks get away from it all and leave all of their troubles behind by booking their 2009 vacation.

The travel industry has seen a boost this winter with people booking their 2009 vacations early trying to save a little money by booking early.

Europe, Egypt and Orlando are just some of the favored destinations people will flock to on their Summer vacation in 2009 with Bulgaria and Turkey also highly featured on the holidaymakers hit list.

Budget holidays to places where the food and accomodation are cheep and affordable are highly featured in the top 10 this year.

Top 10 Holiday Destinations for 2009

Number 10 Egypt

The holiday resort of Sharm El Sheikh, which is an excellent destination for sun,sea and sand, the resort caters to all tastes and ages and it has a fantastic history, culture and some fascinating architecture, Sharm El Sheikh is renowned for its clear blue sea and its wonderful beaches.

Sharm el-Sheikh, one of the most accessible and developed tourist resort communities on the Sinai peninsula, All around are Bedouins, colorful tents, mountains and sea.

5 star Hotels, fantastic shopping, watersports, and wonderful beaches Sharm El Sheikh has something for everyone and more, casinos, discos and nightclubs, golf courses and health facilities. In fact, with diving and snorkeling, windsurfing and other water sports, horses and camel riding, desert safaris, and great nearby antiquities attractions.

Number 9 Majorca

Majorca or Mallorca has been a most popular destination with Brittish tourists for many years but Americans have recently discovered the secret of the place, Stunning beaches, blistering sunshine, fantastic nightlife and a historical past that spans thousands of years.

Non-stop partying in Magaluf. Walking the broad plains and rolling countryside of Es Pla. And long tapas lunches in The cosmopolitan Capital of Majorca, Palma. There’s something for everyone in Majorca.

Waterparks, diving, Shopping, golf, nightclubs, pubs, fairgrounds, and historical walks all make Majorca one of the worlds top tourist destinations where people come back year after year because they fall in love with the place.

Number 8 The Maldives

Sun Sea and Sand and a thousand beautiful islands that make up the Maldives are really popular with the tourism trade, get away from it all in style, the Maldives is an archipelago comprising 1,190 low-lying coral islands scattered across the equator, in groups of 26 naturally occurring atolls which are divided into 20 for administrative purposes.

Sunny unique and unspoiled can hardly describe these beautifully stunning islands,small green plots of land popping out of a crystal clear Indian Ocean, heaven isn’t a place on earth but this has to be the closest place to heaven that we have. lagoons and reefs, are to be discovered all around these tropical islands with tropical climates to match.

Imagine a place that is nothing but surf and sun; where paradise meets reality. You can choose any of the ninety resorts islands across the Maldives, with the freedom to explore everything is amazing tropical wonderland.

The busiest tourist area in the world. Half a million people every year rediscover this paradise.

Number 7 Gran Canaria

Is an island of the Canary Islands, an archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean 210 km from the northwest coast of Africa.

Always a popular destination for tourists, Gran Canaria is a sun worshippers dream with year round sunshine, sandy beaches, great shopping , golf waterparks, plenty of nightlife, restraunts and bars, there is something for everyone to do and have fun.

Cran Canaria has a long and unique history and there are plenty of old buildings to discover and explore,.

Water sports and paragliding, diving and surfing are always popular with the visitors who flock to Gran Canaria from all over the globe.

A visit to Gran Canaria is a vacation that you will never forget.

Culturally speaking, Gran Canaria is synonymous with the blending of cultures. This attribute of the island is the legacy of its long history as a port of call for travellers, having been a society that is open to everything that arrives to its shores from beyond the seas.

Number 6 Turkey

Turkey is becoming more and more popular every year because of it’s ecclectic mix of sunshine san sea culture and history and its up and coming nightlife is bringing the younger generation in droves.

This interesting mix makes Turkey a destination for everyone of any age, . This fascinating country boasts 7,200km of coastline boast picturesque beaches, quaint fishing villages, turquoise waters, vibrant nightlife, excellent shops, breathtaking natural scenery, historical sites and sunny skies.

Turkeys landscape is dotted with battlegrounds, ruined castles and the palaces of great empires. This is the land where Alexander the Great slashed the Gordion Knot, where Achilles battled the Trojans in Homer’s Iliad, and where the Ottoman Empire fought battles that would shape the world. History buffs can immerse themselves in marvels and mementos stretching back to the dawn of civilisation.

You can explore the amazing history or you can choose to unwind, spend an afternoon being pampered at a hamam, or let the warm waters off the Mediterranean coast lap at your toes. Adventure lovers can head east to Nemrut Daği National Park. Bon vivants need look no further than İstanbul, where the markets and bars are among the most stylish and atmospheric, and the mod Ottoman cuisine rates as the tastiest, in the world.

Number 5 Orlando Florida

Disney, Universal, Sea World, Water Parks and much much more, Orlando is and always will be one of the top places for tourism in the world, this holiday of a lifetime will make any other vacation seem a little dull.

International avenue has some great world class hotels, and some fantastic shops and restraunts, and waterparks fun fairs and a whole heap more.

The Theme parks are what the tourists crave when they pay a visit to Orlando and dissapointment is a word that is unknown in that part of the world, tourists have so much fun in Florida that they often need to take a relaxing break when their vacation comes to an end.

Attracting over 4 million visitors each year, the “sunshine state” is not only great for its weather and superb beaches but for the non-stop entertainment and magic of the world’s largest entertainment complex: The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Number 4 Tenerife

Back to the Canary Islands for Number 4 in fact Tenerife is the largest of all of the Canary islands, and is very popular with tourists from all over the world.

is home to the highest mountain peak in Spain. The dormant volcano, Mount Teide, stands at 3,700 metres high and divides the island in two. To the north there are banana plantations, palm trees, vineyards and a tropical climate. It’s a perfect destination for all seasons.

Tenerife is often called a paradise island and for good reason! The island experiences sunshine around the year, has an abundance of world class hotels and offers an exceptional choice of cuisine set against the stunning background of Mount Teide. Most people going on holidays to Tenerife stay in the main tourist resorts of Los Christianos and Playa de las Americas, located side-by-side in the south west of the island.

The choice of hotels in Tenerife is quite staggering with everything from affordable 3 star hotels to top class 5 star luxury hotels available. Whether you are planning a romantic break away, a quick ‘run to the sun’ or a fortnight long family holiday, Tenerife really does have something for everyone.

Number 3 Portugal’s Algarve

The Algarve sits on Portugal’s southern coast, . It has over 240 km of coastline for you to choose from which, paired with a warm climate, make it a perfect place to soak up the sun.

Everywhere you go, you are surrounded by bright colours, from the golden sands, to the crystal clear waters, the clear blue skies, the vivid green grass, and the white-washed walls of the buildings in the Algarve’s old towns.

There is no one best way to explore this region of Portugal. The seemingly endless coastline includes some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, but by venturing just a few miles inland, you can lose yourself in the heritage and history of the Algarve.

Number 2 Corfu

Corfu has brilliant weather and beaches, along with water sports, nightlife, delicious food and drink, great shopping and lots of culture and history.

At Number Two on the list it is an increasingly popular destination for world travellers.

The most important part of any Greek island holiday, is the food and wine Corfu’s Tavernas will not disappoint. Modern Corfiot food is fresh and exciting.

Nowadays you will find fresh and exciting food at Corfu’s tavernas.

Since the introduction of the Euro, emphasis has been to keep prices down and quality up.

Admittedly, it is more expensive than the days of the drachma, but Corfu still offers excellent value for money as a holiday destination.

Number 1 Bulgaria – Sunny Beach Bulgaria

An up and coming destination it comes as a surprise to most Bulgaria is the most sought after destination this year.

The credit crunch could be a part of the reason for this because of the extremely cheap prices that Bulgaria has to offer, of course the sun sand sea and nightlife also play their part in making Bulgaria a fantastic and popular place to visit and there is a diverse range of cultures in one place and a totaly unique history to match.

Known as the “Jewel of the Balkans”, Bulgaria. You’ll find sandy beaches, many of which have been awarded Blue Flag status for their cleanliness and facilities, which overlook the Black Sea, a region renown for its warm sunshine. And the mountainous areas of the country provide a breathtaking summer backdrop to its quaint villages, as well as excellent skiing during winter.

Top 5 Sunniest Places in France

admin — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:02:18 +0000

Small wonder that the Met Office has come under fire for its British Summer weather predictions for this year. The hotly anticipated long ‘barbeque summer’ has comprised a few shorts bursts of heat and sunshine in late June and early July, and since then it’s been a washout. Latest missives from the Met Office forecast a bleaker outlook with rainfall predicted to be near or above average in August.

It’s time to leave the bad British weather behind and head off for a last-minute summer holiday in France. To ensure you get the most rays for your hard-earned bucks, we’ve rounded up the top five sunniest places in France.

1. Marseille

Located between the Mediterranean and the Alps, the climate in Marseille is characterised by long, hot summers, mild winters and lots of sunshine. Marseille and its neighbouring town, Toulon, tops the table when it comes to hours of sunshine and the city has, on average, 2,801 hours of sunshine per year.

Holidaymakers can explore the many historical and maritime museums and art galleries, and feast in the finest restaurants and bars the Old Port of Marseille has to offer.

If you wish to explore the surrounding region, taking a hike along the Grand Canyon du Verdon, or riding the famous white horses in the Camargue are among the great adventures that await you.

Stay at the recently renovated Adagio Marseille Prado Plage in the heart of the new business quarter of Le Prado, 100 metres from the beach, and within easy reach of the Avenue du Prado and the Corniche.

2. Corsica

The island of Corsica is located to the southeast of Marseilles and is less than two hours away when flying from the UK.

Ajaccio, the island’s capital, has on average, 2,726 hours of sunshine per year, while Bastia boasts 340 days of sunshine per year – which means you’re guaranteed to catch the sun rays whilst exploring the ‘scented isle’.

Famous for its abundance of beautiful wild flowers, miles of sandy beaches and warm sparkling waters, Corsica is a compelling choice for a last-minute getaway from the rainy British Isles.

Stay at the Residence Aria Marina Propriano with 23 apartments harmoniously spread out around the swimming pool amidst relaxing greenery and situated just 1.5km away from Mancinu beach.

3. Nice

You don’t have to be rich or famous to holiday in France’s glorious Côte d’Azur. Even better, the city of Nice boasts the longest hours of sunshine in the French Riviera region, enjoying approximately 2,668 hours of sunshine per year.

Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and make your way to Place Masséna – the main square – and a prime spot for people watching and cultural events.

In the Old Town, Place Rosetti is home to the Cathédrale Saint Réparate while the Cours Saleya is where you’ll find the famous daily flower market and numerous restaurants serving the finest French cuisine.

Stay at Résidence Maeva Nice Les Palmiers with its private garden in the heart of the quiet residential district of Fabron and just 500m from the shops, and 800m from the beach.

4. Montpellier

The capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, Montpellier enjoys 2,618 hours of sunshine per year. The focal point of the city is the Place de la Comédie and sightseeing highlights include the oldest botanical garden in France, and Saint Pierre Cathedral.

The town also hosts the Festival de Radio France et Montpellier, an annual summer festival of opera, classical music and jazz, making it a perfect choice for culture vultures.

Stay at Résidence Loisirs Les Rivages de Rochelongue on the sea-front in Cap d’Agde with its private swimming pool only 50m from the resort’s most beautiful beach.

Agde is one of France’s oldest towns and has a lively, sports-orientated atmosphere while Cap d’Agde is one of Languedoc Roussillon’s flagship resorts featuring cycle tracks, hiking trails and first class facilities for scuba diving.

5. St Tropez

From Brigitte Bardot to the Beckhams, anyone who is anyone has frequented the chic resort of St. Tropez. The town enjoys a spectacular setting on the French Riviera and holds a high ranking in the sunshine charts.

Its five-kilometre shoreline offers a choice of great beaches offering windsurfing, sailing and canoeing equipment for rent, and motorised water sports, such as power boats, jet skis and water skiing.

Away from the sand and the yacht-filled marinas, St Tropez features historic cobbled streets, endless cafes and gift shops that are perfect locations for star spotting.

Stay at Les Restanques du Golfe de Saint Tropez overlooking the Mediterranean and the town of St Tropez

This holiday village is set in a 25-acre landscaped estate just 3km from a glorious white sandy beach. The village is not only an ideal base for family holidays in France thanks to its numerous on-site activities, but is also the perfect starting point from which to visit the French Riviera.

Your Sunshine Guarantee with P&V

Holidays in France specialist Pierre & Vacances is so sure that the sun will greet you with open arms in France that they’ve introduced “Sunshine Guarantee” insurance.

If you have four days or more of rain on any one of their holidays you are entitled to make a claim. Full details of the sunshine guarantee insurance package can be found on the P&V website.

Perfect summer beaches, parties and road trips

admin — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:57:49 +0000

There has been quite a bit of discussion about the future of blogs and Travel Weekly interestingly highlighted that only 7% of consumers would use a blog to research their holiday destination. I think that’s because most people cannot differentiate between a site and a blog.

You only have to look around online to find some great travel blog content so, this month’s blog carnival I have chosen five of my favourite posts bookmarked on my StumbleUpon page. If you want to be featured on future carnivals, add me as a friend.

Six indie places to soak up the sunshine this summer

Summer is here and most of us will be heading off on holiday, either in Britain or abroad. I am not the type of person who likes to lie around on the beach but this is a well written guide that highlights six great places to have some fun this summer.

Find out which destinations are featured

In defence of British Food

It’s good to read someone defending our great British food. I have to say that I do not think British food is particularly healthy and quite stodgy, but, you cannot beat a nice roast dinner with Yorkshire puddings on a Sunday.

Join in the debate about British food

Four great scenic coastal drives in Bali

I have never been to Bali, but after reading this in-depth guide and looking at the photos I now want to go. It features tons of great advice about the coast drives and the types of tourist attractions that you will find on your drive.

Learn more about Bali

Ten tips for planning a round the world trip

Another really in-depth blog post providing great trips on planning your next round the world trip, the guide covers everything from places to visit to budget planning and advice on how to find accommodation. A great read.

Get planning for your RTW trip

Top cities for partying

I envy Matt, not only is he travelling around the world, but he’s also partying too! I have heard of the Full Moon party in Ko Phangan, but never realised that over 20,000 people attended it. Very useful post if you’re looking to find a destination where you can party till’ the early hours.

Find out where the parties are

Feel free to add comments on your favourite post featured this month.