Surprising Family Holiday Destinations For 2014

For many families there is a comfortable familiarity and a traditional aspect when visiting the same holiday destination year after year. However, choosing the same holiday destination means missing out on a world of exciting possibilities. Taking a chance on discovering new destinations around the globe every year can soon become a family holiday tradition in itself.

When it comes to family holidays you will have no shortage of world-wide destinations available to choose from. You can discuss your holiday options with your local travel agent but having some idea of where you would like to spend a week or two will be helpful. Researching your destinations online means you can have input from the entire family and allows more time for discussion. There are some tried and tested, popular holiday locations but even those familiar countries such as Spain or France can surprise you if you know where to look.

Exciting Spanish family holiday option

If you are looking for a way to get the most from your money then all inclusive family holidays in 2014 will be the best solution. Resort holidays in Spain are always a popular option but don’t forget to consider destinations other than the resorts of Benidorm or Majorca. Destinations such as the south-east coast of Andalucia offer a breath-taking amount of variety including stunning beaches, traditional little villages and mountain scenery. In fact, on a holiday in Andalucia, it’s possible to enjoy sunbathing on the beaches of the Costa del Sol in the morning and then ski on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains in the afternoon.

Discover France’s islands

France is a dream destination for many people and the French islands of Corsica and Ile de Re are the ideal family holiday destinations. Corsica is located west of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea while Ile de Re can be found just off France’s west coast; both islands boast high summer temperatures and warm spring and autumn months. If you are looking for carefree, lazy summer days on beautiful beaches where fishermen still work their boats and the chance to explore charming little towns and villages then the islands will be ideal. Boat tours, bike rides and swimming in bathwater-warm waters will provide memorable family holiday experiences.

A unique American holiday destination

There is a reason that 85 million holidaymakers visit Florida each year and they don’t all head straight to Disney World in Orlando. This sun-drenched state offers an amazing diversity of sightseeing options outside of its many theme parks. Florida is the place to tour the Everglades and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Miami or take a detour to the exotic islands of Key West and Key Largo. Children will of course be attracted to the theme parks and Florida is the theme park capital of the world but don’t forget that there are also 11 national parks to explore in the Sunshine State.

Stunning scenery on a budget

Thailand is a diverse country, home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, exciting cities and stunning mountain regions. Prices in Thailand are incredibly inexpensive so your spending money will go a lot further and this country is both child friendly and safe. In Thailand you can explore the unforgettable Mae Hong Son mountain region or enjoy the white sand beaches at the family resorts in Koh Sam or Baan Nam Khem. If theme parks are a requirement then Bangkok offers the roller-coasters at Dream World, the Fantasia Lagoon water park and the 480-acre Safari World Zoo and Park.

About the Author: Mark Thomas is a father of two who enjoys world travel with his teenage children whenever possible.

Images by Worlds in Focus and David Jones used under creative commons license.

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Idyllic Italy: Exploring One of the Most Beautiful Countries in The World

Italy’s appeal as a destination for idyllic scenery and rustic simplicity can be traced back to the beautiful art generated during the Renaissance period. As images of the Tuscan countryside, with its rolling hills of gold and slender cypress trees reaching for the sky, were captured in paintings and made their way across Europe and beyond, travelers began to seek out the picturesque landscapes they had seen, eager to experience the natural charm of Italy first-hand.

The variety of terrain and scenery throughout Italy offer visitors plenty of visual inspiration; lofty alpine peaks and sheer marble walls; mirror-like lakes and tumbling rivers; rolling hills covered with golden wheat and ancient roads lined with cypress, olive and citrus trees. The best way to explore natural and idyllic Italy is slowly, which is why cycling and walking holidays are becoming ever more popular.

Walking and cycling through idyllic Italy

Mapping out routes and booking accommodation in advance are important requirements for a good ‘exercise’ vacation, whether cycling or walking. Some travel companies specialize in packages that not only arrange accommodation, cheap flights and provide maps and safe routes, but will even transport luggage between hotel stops.

The Tuscan and Umbrian countryside is what many think of when the phrase ‘idyllic Italy’ is mentioned. Filled with hill after hill of maize and barley fields, olive groves and, of course, vineyards, these provinces form the green heart of the country and are laced with hiking trails, quiet drover routes and trails. One challenging trek is the trail between Florence and Bologna, while the pilgrimage route of St. Francis leads hikers over 25 miles of beautiful countryside.

Considered by many to be the greatest walk in the world, Le Tour du Mont Blanc traverses alpine paths winding through France, Switzerland and Italy and offers endless panoramas of mountain landscapes and glaciers.

Coastal and island views abound. One of the most popular routes for walking and cycling is along the Ligurian coast through the series of beach towns and villages known as the Cinque Terre. Here, walking options range from casual strolls along the Adriatic coastline to energetic treks up the cliffs along narrow, winding roads. Natural wonders abound on the Aeolian Islands. Situated off the northern coast of Sicily, these islands have a rich history and quiet beaches, coupled with excellent walking opportunities. Lipari features many archaeological sites and a museum, while Stromboli’s active volcano becomes a glowing torch in the night sky.

Beautiful gardens in Italy

Beautiful gardens are located throughout mainland Italy and the many islands off its coast. One of the most fascinating is located in the Valle dei Templi in Sicily. Filled with citrus trees, olive groves and the nearby ruins of Agrigento, these verdant gardens, known as Giardino della Kolymbetra, are considered among the best in the country. Formal gardens, gorgeous fountains, trees and ponds; the exquisite Renaissance gardens of the Villa d’Este in Tivoli, outside Rome, are steps away from the ancient ruins and gardens of Hadrian’s villa; combine them to make a great day trip from the city. The Vittoriale degli Italiani estate in the Lake District of Lombardy offers interesting garden views, while Lake Maggiore is home to Isola Bella. Constructed in the 17th century it has an elaborate floating palazzo and stunning gardens.

Photos by francesco sgroi via Flickr Creative Commons

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4 Ideas that will Help you Budget for that Trip Away

I can almost hear you now; a loaded, piercing groan as your eyes passed over the dreaded word of financial reality, budget. It’s a bit boring, a necessary evil as you wind up to your time away from your work, your family, you worries, your friends and maybe even your partner – isn’t it supposed to be relaxing? Though I completely agree, lazing about and rolling from place to place doesn’t happen by osmosis, some serious planning and budgeting goes into even the most impromptu holidays. Whether you’re spending hour’s online leading up to the big day of the long anticipated getaway or cramming ideas into your head at the last minute, scrolling through travel sites and copy/pasting the best bits into your word processing app, knowledge is power and there is nothing more useful overseas than a well formed budget!

Determine a Spending Total and an Emergency Fund

Congratulations, you’ve managed to squirrel away several thousand (or hundred) dollars in preparation for your adventure into the unknown. While it may be tempting to pool the total and spend it easily, it may be prudent to hold back and allocate a certain amount to emergencies or unexpected situations; you never know what will happen. If you don’t trust yourself not to splash out and waste your excess funds, let your Mum or partner (somebody you trust) hang onto it until you need it.

Spend Smart. Go Pre-Paid

Travelling to multiple countries and using various currencies? A pre-paid currency card might be just the thing you need to take control of how much you spend in each place – this will eliminate the temptation around whipping out your credit card and accumulating debt while spending it up. 

Figure Out Your Itinerary

Knowing where you’re going will allow you to plan ahead and calculate how much you need to spend in certain places. For example, if you have enough to visit two monuments or full-fee attractions in one location, and several in another, assess your priorities and figure out a plan that suits your budget. Switching your monetary status to incorporate an activity you aren’t excited about, but feel compelled to visit because of fame or status, probably won’t be a satisfying experience. Instead, fill your days with little known tributes, famous pagodas and street vendors, leaving the indulgences of your neighbourhood behind.

Don’t Be Afraid to Do Something Different

Little known places normally don’t come saddled with the same exorbitant price tags as so-called highlights on a tourist tour. Similarly, a smaller hotel with a couple less stars might not be as luxurious, but will allow you to do more outside the four walls of your rented space – if you’ve done your research and followed the various testimonials now available online for all to see, nothing should stop you from slumming it a little and opting for a well-kitted out back packers.

What about you? You’ve seen inside my budget strategy and now it’s time to share yours. Do you have a few trade secrets or tips to share with your intrepid brothers and sisters? Let me know in the comments!

Image by DigiDreamGrafix.com via Flickr Creative Commons

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5 Great Places to Go Camping in France

Over recent years, camping has had resurgence in popularity among holidaymakers. For some, the reason might be that camping provides a cost-effective holiday solution that is ideal for the challenging financial climate. For others, it is the adventure and freedom of camping that appeals.

Whatever your reasons for wanting to go camping, one thing you need to do is choose the correct destination for your camping trip. France is a hugely popular place to go camping, which is unsurprising given the abundance of diverse landscapes that are ideal for campers who want freedom, fresh air, and fabulous surroundings.

Five great places to go camping in France

You can enjoy your pick of places when it comes to going camping in France. However, if you are struggling to make a decision, here are five great options.

* Brittany: Brittany camping has become hugely popular, as this destination has a huge amount to offer. It is close to regional airports as well as channel ports, making it the ultimate in convenience for travellers. It also offers a gorgeous coastline, some wonderful attractions and sights and all the amenities and facilities that are essential for camping.

* Vendée: This area is especially popular with families, as there is so much for both children and adults to enjoy here. For the adults among you, the beautiful scenery, stunning beaches and ambiance alone are enough to make this the perfect destination. For kids, it is nearby attractions - such as the Puy de Fou theme park - that make this such an ideal family place.

* Picardy: Located in the north of France, Picardy not only provides easy access to beautiful lakeside locations and idyllic, peaceful settings, it also offers ease of access. In just 90 minutes by coach, you can go from your serene camping location to the bustling centre of Paris or the excitement of Disneyland Paris. This makes it the perfect place for those who want to combine rest and relaxation with fun and adventure.

* Loire Valley: Situated in central France, in the Loire Valley you can combine the hearty freedom of camping with culture and exploration. One of the great attractions in the area is the Château de Chambord, a splendidly ornate fairytale castle that will enchant both adults and children alike.

* The Dordogne: This picturesque locale provides an ideal setting for a laid-back and enjoyable camping trip. You can enjoy proximity to the River Dordogne and the wonderful countryside you choose this destination for your camping trip. There are some great attractions close by, including the Chateau Beynac, which sits atop a cliff, and Sarlat, which is a fascinating medieval town.

These are just a few of the beautiful parts of France that lend themselves perfectly to camping trips, catering for everyone from lone campers and couples to those looking for the ideal outdoor family destination.

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Last Minute Getaways for the Sun-Starved

The UK’s Johnny-Come-Lately heat wave has left us all dreaming about doing something other spend all day at work while the sun shines. But while the weather remains warm, it will probably be fleeting, as UK summers inevitably are; soon, we’ll be digging out our wellies and wondering if it was all just a dream. But a fortnight on a beach sipping cocktails, or taking a dip in the pool doesn’t have to be just a dream - you can still bag yourself a last minute deal and be on your way to paradise before you can say “Sangria!”

Tenerife – With the average temperature in July at 21 degrees (currently on par with the UK temperature) Tenerife is ideal for those looking for a well-deserved break. With golden sandy beaches, clear blue waters and plenty to keep the kids entertained, this destination can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If this sounds like the place for you, why not look into late deals to Tenerife? You could be jetting off sooner than you think.

Portugal – Nestled on the Atlantic coast, Portugal could be just the place you’ve been searching for. A perfect balance of soft sandy beaches and sites to be explored, Portugal is more than just a sunshine resort. Visit Sintra for the historical buildings, palaces and castles and Lisbon for cosmopolitan nightlife.

Costa del Sol – With traditional towns surrounded by quaint hilltop villages, the Costa del Sol has a peaceful side for those seeking the sun without the noise and crowds of some of the other destinations there. Nerja is a beautiful town on the southern coast, with beachside bars and traditional restaurants serving fresh fish and classic Spanish dishes.

Ibiza – For those looking for more than just a sun lounger and hot sands, consider a week in Ibiza to let you hair down. Known for its lively nightlife and famous clubs, Ibiza is the ideal destination for those who love to party. Due to its reputation for such vibrant hedonism, the beautiful beaches and sites often get forgotten, but Ibiza has the best of both worlds, so try and check both out.

Lanzarote – One of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is very hot and temperatures can soar tremendously in the summer months. If you do get too hot though, the beaches offer a wide range of water sports, from jet skiing to banana boating, so there are plenty of ways to cool down! Beachside bars and cafés overlook the sea, offering fresh fish and tapas dishes - perfect for relaxing on a summer’s evening.

Photos via Flickr Creative Commons

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How to Escape the Crowds on the Costa Blanca

Want to holiday off the beaten track but also need to take advantage of the low-cost airlines? These two factors are not mutually exclusive. You don’t need to end up at the same resort as everyone else, just because you’re all on the same flight to sunny shores.

Take, for example, the coastal area of the southern Costa Blanca of Spain.

Torrevieja is a working town with a charming atmosphere, a noticeable lack of skyscrapers, and pleasant, helpful people. It’s a great base for exploring the region – up and down the coast as well as inland, to places such as the hidden village of Guadalest: accessed through a tunnel and on a picturesque reservoir of the same name, you can enjoy Spain at its very best.

You don’t have to cram yourself onto the central and popular beach in Torrevieja: instead, take yourself off down the coast to one of the many mystical-sounding coves: Ferris Cove, Zorra Cove, Cornuda Cove. The water is clear and some are well adapted for swimming (though without rescue facilities).

A perfect destination for a romantic getaway or a quiet break with friends, the region is served by many airlines. Jet2.com, for example, flies to both Alicante and Murcia airports, which are just 36 km and 24 km away respectively. Cheap flights to Murcia and Alicante make the region a great-value destination, with plenty to keep you occupied when you are there.

A site worth visiting is the lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja – a special-interest nature reserve wetland, which you can enjoy simply for the eye-catching landscape and hundreds of species of birds which live here. You will also find here the salt lakes that provide the town with one of its main industries – salt production. Either before or after your visit to the salt lakes, take a wander round the Salt Museum, tucked down a side-street, Callo Patricio Perez.

Once you have worked up an appetite, there are plenty of tucked-away tapas bars and restaurants to choose from, where you can enjoy chorizo and a Spanish beer surrounded by locals. Every Friday there is a large open-air market, selling food as well as clothing and textiles. However, away from the crowds of this market, is another at La Florida on a Saturday.

If you are able to hire a car, it’s only a short drive to numerous orange and lemon groves outside the town itself or if you want an excuse to leave the car behind, then why not book a tour to one of the local wine-tasting tours, where you can relax into your holiday in style.

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Adventure Awaits: Finding the Perfect Florida Destination

Florida, or The Sunshine State as it is affectionately referred to by many, is a hugely popular destination with many obvious attractions. There are some beautiful cities that you can visit in this delightful state of the U.S and here are some highlights for you to consider for your next vacation adventure.

Orlando

Think of Florida and many people will mention Orlando, which is probably the most popular city in the Sunshine State and for good reason. There are so many great family attractions to check out when you pay a visit to Orlando. Disney World and Universal Studios are a magnet for fun-seekers and Epcot Center and Sea World are also hugely popular attractions but you might also want to consider places like Gatorland and the Wet n' Wild Water park. Orlando aims to cater for all interests and if theme parks are not your thing then there are plenty of great beaches and golf resorts to enjoy in the area.

Miami

This city with the second largest population in the state is also one of the most iconic and popular places to visit in Florida. The beaches enjoy legendary status, there is a vibrant nightlife scene and the area is also rich in cultural activities. Miami offers plenty to see and do both during the day and into the night so it is highly unlikely that you will have to time pause for breath during your stay at some of the finest hotels in Florida.

Key West

The Florida Keys should be somewhere near the top of any must-see list if you want to witness some of the most beautiful beach locations dotted around an incredible array of about 1700 different islands that make up this iconic area. This is a cultural hub for artists and you will encounter many artist's studios and theaters whilst walking around and also be sure to head over to the Old Town Key West while you are there.

Jacksonville

Orlando may dominate the tourist headlines but Jacksonville is the biggest city in the state of Florida and this East Coast city has a wealth of interesting activities and attractions to take in. The Riverwalk is a great place to hang out and there are plenty of museums, famous landmarks and even some beaches if you want them. If you want to experience an urban area that is not so tourist-orientated, which for some is an attraction in itself, then Jacksonville ticks a lot of boxes in that respect.

Weeki Wachee

If you want to go from the largest city in the state to the smallest then head out from Jacksonville to Weeki Wachee. It is actually only one square mile in size, so you are not going to be spending your entire vacation here but it is a fun place to stop for a few hours and a talking point of your vacation. Head to Weeki Wachee Springs, which shouldn't be hard to find, and you will be treated to the sight of underwater mermaids!

Port Saint Lucie

If you head east then Port Saint Lucie offers an alternative to the bright lights and thrill-seeking activities of some of their neighboring cities. Quiet and relaxing are the key words to describe this venue and perfect if you want to chill out on a quite beach, enjoy some golf or just take a boat ride or a long walk.

There such a diversity of choices wherever you go in Florida that you are certain to find one that makes you think that you have found the perfect destination.

About the Author: Chris McMahon is a travel rep with a penchant for Florida. His articles mainly appear on travel websites and blogs.

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