Category Archives: Holidays

Holiday Suitcase Essentials

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Packing for a holiday can be a nightmare for some people. Not only does it have to fit in a reasonable sized suitcase, it also has to weigh under a certain amount, depending on the airline.

Knowing exactly what to pack can also be tricky, and to make sure you don’t forget some essential items, HolidayPlaces are offering you a quick guide. Underwear, unlike t-shirts underwear should only be warned once. If you’re going somewhere hot limit the amount of trousers your taking. They may only be needed for an evening meal, so is there really any need to take too many pairs?

Things that can be purchased cheaply such as a beach ball, lilo, and a bat and ball, should be left behind. If it isn’t n your hand luggage, absolute essential include a phone (and charger), passport, cash, insurance paperwork, hotel details. Health belongings should include pain killers, bug repellent, toothpaste, deodorant, and toothbrush, and perhaps antibiotic cream.

For clothes, shorts, vest and t-shirts are ideal for summer trips, while winter trips should still not require more than four pairs of jeans. Each individual is different, but if you have the belongings we’ve mentioned you won’t be too disappointed, just make sure you find the right balance, without exceeding the limit on the scales.

All Inclusive Vs. Half Board

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There’s no doubt that all inclusive holidays are becoming increasingly popular, but depending on the type of holiday you want to have, they may not always make sense.

Half board is the next best option, and while it does not offer you with unlimited beverages and drinks throughout the day, you’re still usually guaranteed a buffet breakfast and dinner. Therefore, if you are the type of individual who likes to explore, and spend more time outside the hotel premises than in, it could make perfect sense.

It’s clear that to make the absolute most of an all-inclusive holiday, a lot of time must be spent by the hotel, where you can take advantage of the food and drinks on offer throughout the day. Meanwhile, if you’re prone to a lie-in or accidentally missing breakfast, half board would not be well suited.

Drinking in the evenings after a meal is another way of making sure you fulfil that all-inclusive price tag, and again if you’re not the type to worry about this, half board may offer everything you require. Of course, the location itself is important, with some holiday areas charging more for everyday items, even water can be quite costly, so researching into your destination is just as important and it could sway your decision when it comes to choosing a board basis.

Algarve holidays – The Best Holiday Destination of Portugal

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The Algarve is the southernmost area of central Portugal. The place is quite known for the fishes and other types of seafood along with almonds, figs, oranges and carob beans. These foods are even economically important for this place. The Algarve is one of the most famous tourist destinations of Portugal and even in Europe. In holiday seasons, the population of this place goes threefold than the normal. Algarve holidays attract more than 7 million tourists per year. Let’s see what treasure lays in the Algarve that influx so many tourists.

Portugal’s Main Slice:

The southernmost strip of Portugal is not only about the ties of golden sand or the well-loved golf courses. The Algarve also comprises of a touchy mixture of contemporary lavish resorts and old styled towns. Moreover, families are catered more than the usual with its superb theme parks, restaurants and water parks. Algarve holidays are simply a trip to heaven.

Albufeira ; The Best One Can Get:

For families who like to have everything at their doorsteps, Albufeirais the best place to be at. It is also the biggest holiday spot in Algarve. The place consists of a beautiful 5-kilometer beach with restaurants in abundance and the nightlife is just louder than itself. People with historical interest can also visit the local ancient cobblestoned town or take a walk on cliff-top paths to search the hidden bays.

For Peace Lovers:

Tourists from all over the world who wishes to enjoy in calm places can visit Sao Rafael. It is an ideal place to enjoy the silence. Sao Rafael’s most prominent beach has a status of Blue Flag. The prevailing resort has many restaurants and beachfront bars.

In order to see the true face of Portugal, visit Olhos D’Agua, a place near to Sao Rafael. Olhos D’Agua is a fish functioning village that has cobblestoned lanes along with traditional waterfront restaurants. The beach is quite popular with toddlers, as it has freshwater springs bubbling up from the sand and rock pools to explore.

Places For Accommodation in Algarve:

Albufeira:

Located at the southern coast of Portugal, Albufeira is the largest vocational hotspot in Algarve holidays. The resort is quite clued-up that pulls all new seafront along with an ancient town piled with shops, restaurants and bars. It’s the best place to be at for people who are on vacation, as it comes with larger than life nightlife and seashore jam-packed with Blue Flag beaches.

Olhos D’Agua:

Located at the Algarve’s coast, the hilly area of Olhos D’Agua is like a dark horse. It is a small yet friendly fishing hamlet where tourist can still see the local fisherman carrying the days catch on its beach. However, once the moon dawns, the village turns into a tourist destination. Parties at Olhos D’Agua are not like Albufeira but one can always make their night with exciting bars and restaurants around. Albufeira is just 15 minutes drive away from this place.

Alvor:

This place is pretty mixed up. Located in the western region of Algarve, Alvor is known for its traditional fishing along with its own river and lagoon. Equally, it is always famous for its elite restaurants and modern music bars. Its beach is well known for the abundance of golden sand.
Tourists find holidays as one of the best places in whole Europe.

Visiting the Pearl of the Adriatic

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Tuesday, 03 December 2013 08:20

For budget travellers, the last-minute break is a thing of beauty, offering the chance to go places and do things that might previously have been out of your price range. A last-minute P&O cruise in 2013, for instance, could whisk you to the stunning city of Dubrovnik.

Known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik has it all – beautiful historical buildings, a spectacular coastal location, gorgeous weather and a great mix of bars and restaurants. Today, we’ll be taking a look at some of the most exciting (and affordable) things you can do and see when your ship docks here.

An introduction to Dubrovnik and the Old City

Dubrovnik sits on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, and is a city known for its varied attractions. What’s perhaps most remarkable about it, though, is its Old City, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Packed full of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings, this part of the destination is definitely the highlight of a trip here – and, happily, by exploring it you can actually see some of the very best views of the coastline, though we’ll talk more about that in a moment.

Since approximately the 13th century, Dubrovnik has held a position as a major sea power – something you can clearly see today with its impressive harbour. It’s also suffered a lot of damage in its time, including an earthquake back in the 17th century, and in more recent days, it took hits from armed conflict in the 1990s.

Thankfully, most of its heritage remains intact and UNESCO is taking steps to ensure the restoration and preservation of this incredible place. So, just what should you see while you’re here?

The ramparts

The city’s ramparts or walls are its most famous characteristic, and these are the number one attraction you shouldn’t miss. They surround the Old City and, in places, reach 25 m high. What’s more, they’re at least 1.5 m thick, increasing to as much as 6 m at some points. Because they’re so large, you can actually walk all the way around the top of them, getting absolutely stunning views of the coast as you do so.

Look out for the towers that are dotted all along the walls as well – these include two circular towers, 14 quadrangular towers and four bastions, to name just a few examples. You’ll find the main entrance to the walls at the Pile Gate.

Sponza Palace

Sponza Palace is another one of the highlights of the Old City, and it started life as a customs house. In fact, it has held quite a few different roles over its lifetime, including acting as a mint and a bank. Incredibly impressive to look at, it has a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles and is decorated with dramatic columns.

What it houses is equally impressive. Indeed, this is where you’ll find the State Archives, which are home to a collection of manuscripts that, incredibly, are almost a thousand years old. Exploring the palace, you can see a host of interesting things, including a collection of portraits of people who gave their lives during the conflict in the 1990s.

These are just a handful of the things you can explore in Dubrovnik – don’t forget to check what excursions your cruise offers to see what else is available.

Enjoy Alicante for less at its stunning parks

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Monday, 11 November 2013 02:21

Located on the ever-popular Costa Blanca in Spain, Alicante is a beautiful city and port that makes the perfect base for a sun-drenched holiday. If you need to watch the pennies, you’ll be pleased to hear it’s also somewhere that can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.

Some of the best free places to explore are its public parks. Each offers its own attractions, from 100-year-old trees and stunning city views to shaded footpaths and fun boating lakes.

Below, you can learn more about the top parks to visit. Picnic areas are a common feature of these, so pack a lunch – another great way to save a little money – and make a day of your trip.

Speaking of saving money, it is worth hiring a car at the airport (which you can through companies like Auto Europe) not only to avoid the costs of public transport, but also to make staying in wallet-friendly self-catered accommodation easier. Having your own car makes fetching groceries and getting to far-flung attractions outside the city a much simpler affair.

Canalejas Park

One of the best-loved open spaces in Alicante, Canalejas Park is a must-visit. It dates all the way back to the 1800s (making it the oldest in the city) and, on the way in you’ll notice its entrances are fringed by stone sculptures of lions and other animals.

As this park is located very close to the sea, it’s easy to combine a visit with a trip to the beach – a good idea is to come here for lunch or whenever you’re in need of shade, since its famous centenary ficus trees provide welcome shelter from the heat of the Spanish sun.

La Ereta Park

Situated on Mount Benacantil near Santa Barbara Castle, La Ereta Park offers absolutely amazing views over the city and coast. This is also a great-value place to visit, because there is such a wide of variety of things to see and do.

For instance, to enjoy the aforementioned views at their best you can follow the cliff-top path, while you can also take a walking trail from Santa Barbara Castle down through the historic part of town. Alternatively, just enjoy the park’s terraced slopes, which are full of fascinating native plants.

El Palmeral Park

Our next suggestion is particularly perfect for families, and you’ll find it perched on the outskirts of the city. This is another destination that offers lots to do, with one of the highlights being a fun boating lake which kids are virtually guaranteed to love.

There are also charming footpaths lined with colourful flowers, picnic areas and even a BMX track, so there’s plenty to keep you occupied for hours on end – all without breaking the bank.

One of the best things about coming here, though, is the scenery. Palm trees, lakes and waterfalls come together to create a beautiful environment that’s perfect for spending a relaxing, sunny day in.

Lo Morant Park

Our final suggestion is Lo Morant Park, which is the largest in the city. Located in the north, it is home to a variety of recreation grounds, which makes it a fantastic destination if you fancy an active morning in the sun.

For instance, there are wide, shady walkways that are ideal for strolling and – if you’re feeling particularly energetic – running, while there are plenty of sports facilities, as well as a lake and picnic areas for those looking for a slower-paced day.

Best places to find winter sun on the cheap

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Wednesday, 06 November 2013 02:32

With the winter well on its way in the UK, now is definitely the best time to begin looking at ways to escape the gloom by going on a winter sun holiday. However, not all of us have loads of spare cash, so where can you go if you’re on a budget?

We’ve come up with a few suggestions that lend themselves well to winter escapes without a hefty price tag.

Tenerife

The Canary Islands have long been a popular choice for anyone hoping to get some sunshine in the colder months of the year, with Tenerife a particularly good option as it’s described as the island of eternal spring. What’s more, it’s great for those on a budget as there are usually some fantastic deals on accommodation available in the winter – check out some of these offers – as well as plenty of free attractions.

Of course, one of the biggest draws is the coast, with glorious beaches dotted all around the edge of the island. Active travellers will love heading to the interior though for the chance to hike in the majestic Teide National Park. Winter is a wonderful time for this sort of holiday as the weather isn’t too hot.

There are also plenty of charming villages that offer a glimpse of life on the island – wandering around these at your leisure is a fantastic way to spend a day that won’t cost you a penny.

Bodrum

Bodrum is a wonderful all-round destination that’s great if you’re looking for a spot of sunshine. There’s loads to see and do here that won’t cost you the earth, as well as some glorious beaches that are perfect if you’re aiming to work on your tan.

In fact, the beach that runs between Bodrum castle and the archaeological site of Halikarnassus offers sunbeds and beanbags for free, so you can relax in comfort. You can also travel a little further out of Bodrum to the bays of Gumbet or Bitez, where sunbeds are available and there are plenty of bars and restaurants close by.

If you want your getaway to be about more than just sunning yourself though, Bodrum is a great choice because of its varied historical and cultural attractions. We’ve already mentioned Halikarnassus – a city that was once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – and although its now in ruins, the site is still well worth a visit.

Within Bodrum itself are the Myndos Gate – the former entrance to the city – and Bodrum castle, which now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, a fascinating place to explore. Just outside Bodrum is a Roman amphitheatre that’s been well preserved.

Essaouira

For something totally different, and a little off the beaten track, consider Morocco and, more specifically, Essaouira. This coastal city has a bit of everything and again can be cheap to explore if you know where to go and what to see.

It has a reputation for attracting artists, thanks to the beauty of its architecture and the quality of the light here. There are sculptures and paintings by an array of artists on show in some of the local galleries, while there are many crafts practised here – including marquetry and rug making – that are forms of art in themselves.

Essaouira is also renowned for its windy weather, something that’s made it a popular spot with windsurfers. It’s said that to truly appreciate the city you should visit during the winter as this is when you can see Essaouira at its best, with huge waves crashing against the old city ramparts and fewer people crowding its beaches.

Where to find Turkey’s laidback budget villages

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Monday, 14 October 2013 04:32

Turkey has become an increasingly popular holiday destination for Brits, but despite the growth of its coastal resorts there are still some lovely, peaceful fishing villages that are a much more authentic option for a break in the country.

Another reason why these villages are such good choices for a holiday in Turkey, aside from their authenticity, is the price. Typically staying in one of these small seaside destinations is cheaper than heading to the larger resorts, so it’s great if you’re looking for a break on a budget.

We’ll talk a bit about how to plan a holiday without a lot of cash, as well as where you can stay.

Finding the best holiday deals

To make sure your money goes as far as possible, you need to do some careful planning before you jet off. Checking for deals on flights and accommodation is the obvious place to start – Jewel in the Crown Holidays is a great company to check out if you’re looking for hotels in the quieter villages.

Don’t forget to set aside some funds to cover everyday costs such as eating out and transport (if you want to go on day trips). While it can be tough to budget for these things before you travel, you should be able to get a rough idea of how much things cost with a bit of research. You can also ask your tour company for some advice about the price of food and tours.

Where to stay on the Turquoise Coast

There are some exceptional villages on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast and there are great places to stay that won’t cost the earth. We’ve put together a bit of information about a few of the best:

• Selimiye – Selimiye is the picture-perfect Mediterranean fishing village, with its small harbour, traditional boats, white-washed houses and olive trees growing in the street. There are two small bays and a larger beach here, so there are plenty of places to sunbathe and swim – great free activities. Selimiye is also home to a good selection of restaurants and one of its most interesting features is its small Gulet shipyards where traditional boats are still made. If you don’t mind walking, there are some lovely places to explore just outside Selimiye, such as the ruins of a medieval castle and a waterfall in the hills.
• Ovacik – This is one of the most inexpensive holiday destinations on this part of Turkey’s coast, making it a fantastic option if you’re on a budget. The bay here is truly stunning, with its lovely sweep of white sand backed by pine-covered hills. What’s really great about Ovacik is that it’s close to the more popular holiday spots of Olu Deniz and Hisaronu. There’s a dolmus service between them, so it’s easy to go for a day trip to either without having to spend a lot of money. Olu Deniz is particularly picturesque, thanks to its striking blue lagoon.
• Turunc – Turunc is another sleepy village with good connections to livelier resorts – this time Icmeler and Marmaris. These two are easy to reach by dolmus and the boat ride itself is an experience because of the spectacular mountain scenery that backs the coast. Let’s get back to Turnuc, though, which has a lovely sand and shingle beach, as well as a seaside promenade. The water is generally calm, so it’s a good place for families.