Ibiza sunset, Spain by Steven Straiton

That has just told you roughly how old I am now, and to be honest yes I am forcing myself to calm down a bit and start to act my true age, yet I am still going to be heading out there next year.

The main issue that stops some people from going to Ibiza is that they imagine it is an expensive holiday, and in all honesty it can be. Not so much the flights, as there are plenty of budget options, but the costs of the clubs, the accommodation etc.

It really doesn’t have to be that expensive though, the first time I went, I lived on a campsite. This wasn’t my preferred choice, it was just that the hotel my friend was staying at had some extra alert security so there was no way I was going to be sneaking into his room.

Let Me Give You Some Quick Fire Tips To Enjoying A Cheap Holiday To Ibiza:

• When To Fly Out – You will normally get the best deals on flights in either June or September especially if you book as early as possible. Additionally flights are always cheaper if you fly on either Tuesdays or Thursdays. You will also be able to pick up a cheap hotel in San Antonio for around £20 per night.

• Where To Kip – Depending on your budget you can get excellent deals, whether it is for a hotel, villa, apartment or campsite. For example, in August campsites usually go for around $4 per night, the three most popular campsites are in San Antonio, Cala Bassa and Es Canar.

Another tip is to try and find some last minute deals with people offering private holiday homes browse the internet and see what you can find. I once managed to get a booking for me and 12 of my friends a Villa for just £500 for a week’s stay.

• Cheap Grub – If your budget is tight, simply use supermarkets and spread the cost amongst your friends. You could easily eat pasta during the day and supply your own sandwiches during the day for as little as £20 a week each. If your budget allows for more, then there are some seriously nice restaurants in town.

• Getting Around – Don’t be ashamed to use buses, these are cheap and reliable (the UK could learn something here). If your destination is further afield, share a taxi with your friends to reduce the cost.

• Party Time – This is probably the most expensive part of the holiday, the bigger clubs here really are not cheap. This is most likely the reason why you have been scrimping on every other cost, simply so you can afford the clubs.

However, you do not even need to spend a fortune here; there are many free parties around the Island which even have some of the biggest DJ’s. An idea would be to keep an eye on Ibiza forums; this is where free parties will usually be advertised.

So as you can see a holiday to Ibiza doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, there are ways to have a good time without spending the cash. For cheap flights Ibiza is one of those destinations that is right at the top of the list, so start saving for the clubs from the word go.

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Seven Sisters, UK by mari

Stunning Scenery

The Seven Sisters and Beachy Head are one of the most iconic views in the country. These stunning cliffs are whiter and longer than the White Cliffs of Dover and offer miles of uninterrupted walks. Standing at Beachy Head you can look to your left to see the quaint essential sea side town of Eastbourne where you can make out their award winning carpet gardens along the sea front and the pier jetting out into the water.  Directly in front of you is the lighthouse and without getting too close to the edge, directly underneath you’ll see what’s left of part of the cliff that collapsed into the sea just over ten years ago. On a clear day you’ll see Brighton to the right and if it’s clear enough you’ll see all the way over to Selsey in the edge of West Sussex. You’ll find plenty of spots along this costal route to pull up your camper van or motorhomes for a quick overnight stop or if you prefer a few more immunities there are dozens of campsites dotted along the south east coast.

Quirky City

If miles and miles of rolling hills and stunning views don’t quite do it for you and you want something a little more happening then Brighton has to be your ultimate destination. All the cheese of a British sea side town with just enough quirkiness to make it cool, culture to make it cultural and eccentricity  to make it unique. There aren’t many sea side cities with a palace parked right in the centre, The Royal Pavilion was commissioned by the Prince Regent who would go on to become King George IV. Walking round you’ll notice the first half is decorated so decadently it’s almost too grandiose then suddenly the latter half resembles the more traditional sombre décor you’d expect from a royal palace. It’s almost like you can spot the very room he was decorating when he unexpectedly became king. If history doesn’t appeal to you the shops in Brighton are second to none. There are plenty of typical high street names but The Lanes and North Laine offer truly one off shops from jewellery to bohemian chic and everything you could possibly imagine in between. Oh and there’s always the obligatory sea side attractions and pier.

Royal Pavilion, Brighton, UK by Richard Randall

Quaint Essential Sea Side Town

Hastings is the best stop along the south east coast if you’ve got young children to keep entertained. It offers all the innocence of a British sea side holiday without the hidden innuendo of Brighton and it’s generally a little cheaper too.  Driving through Hastings you can’t fail to spot too perfect attractions for the little ones. The first is the sea side attractions; although the pier is off limits after a devastating fire a few years ago there is still plenty down the sea front to keep children of all ages entertained, from Underwater World to the Stade Amusement Park and Clambers. The second obvious attraction is the Hastings Funicular Cliff Railway taking visitors up the steep cliff to the national park at the top (for more of Sussex’s stunning views). For slightly older kids a trip to Battle just outside of Hastings is the perfect way to make their history lessons come to life (the infamous Battle of Hastings never actually took place inside Hastings, but just outside in a place that would later become known as Battle). Set a little further inland this beautiful little town offers plenty to see and do for any history buffs – or even someone who just appreciates what the perfect British holiday entails.

Louise writes for TraveWorldRV who offer the largest range of RV’s and Motorhomes in the UK – whether you’re looking to buy or rent, they can make sure you see the country in style.

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Photo by admin

Ardoer Veluwe in the Netherlands

One highly ranked site in Holland is known as Ardoer. This reasonably priced campsite offers rented accommodation and camping areas. Each of the affiliate campsites is affiliate managed and is open throughout the year. Families can go on hiking trips or just experience the beautiful outdoors. The Veluwe campgrounds are surrounded by endless words and heath. Located near several historic villages and towns, the campsite is also pleasantly close to the local zoo and museums.

Chemin de la Bise in Switzerland

Boasting 29 campsites throughout Switzerland, one of the most popular is Vésenaz-Genève which is situated in Chemin de la Bise, Vésenaz. Visitors can choose to rent accommodations or camp out for the night. Each campsite can use the free WLAN and Internet. The site has also worked to include free hot water for every campground. A restaurant and café are available at Chemin de la Bise. In their free time, visitors can go for a swim, fish, bike or check out some of the local attractions.

Kerstgenshof Campground in Germany

Situated at 158 Marie Baumer Street in Sonsbeck-Labbeck, Germany, this campground is managed by the Ingenlath family. Kerstgenshof Campground offers year-round camping and a children-friendly atmosphere. There are 64 pitches available, a club room, park benches and power hook-ups. For extended stays, the family offers monthly and seasonal prices. Bikers can also camp out inside of the club room and save some money.

Averlour Gardens Caravan Park in the UK

Spanning five acres, this beautiful walled garden area is populated by the local wildlife. Just 500 meters away, visitors can go salmon fishing at the River Spey. The nearby village can provide the special fishing license. This campground is entirely unique due to its proximity to the whisky trail. Visitors can take a short bike ride away and visit one of the local distilleries. Each distillery offers daily tours with samples of the whisky. For the non-drinkers, check out the village nearby where there is a delicious bakery known as Walker’s Shortbread. Visitors can stay at one of the 73 pitches in a tent, motor home or caravan. The tent area provides electricity for half of these sites and allows visitors to bring their pets or barbeques. After setting up camp, travelers can go mountain biking on local trails, horseback riding, fishing, swimming or visit a nearby tea room. Ballandalloch Castle, Moray Firth and the Craigellachie Cooperage are all just a short drive away.

Campsite Colombres in Spain

Boasting of panoramic views and beautiful coastline, Campsite Colombres is the place to stay for travelers in Spain. Situated near the tourist villages of Santillana del Mar, Colombres, Covadonga and Llanes, this camp ground is easy to access and exceptionally well located. The campground has a new pool, children’s park, bungalows, recreation areas and allows pets onsite. The surrounding attractions include Picos de Europa and Altamira Caves. For an entirely unique experience, make sure not to miss out on Campsite Colombres.

This guide was written by the team at Parking Luton Airport. If you’re aiming to fly from Luton to any one of the campgrounds listed above be sure to visit their website www.parkinglutonairport.co.uk for some good deals.

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Brecon Beacons, Wales, UK by Nigel Swales

This region of the UK has an abundance of beautiful countryside, stunning coastal paths and soft, sandy beaches. There are also many interesting castles and historical sites waiting to be explored.  South Wales has long been a popular choice for families on holiday in the UK. There are many great holiday caravan parks and campsites to choose from in the region and they are always popular places during the summer months.

Reasons to Take a Family Holiday in South Wales

Why do so many families come to South Wales every year for a getaway? There are many reasons why this part of the world is so popular with families on holiday. Here are some of the reasons why South Wales is such a great family getaway destination:

• Amroth Castle is located in South Wales. This unique and beautiful historical 18th century house was constructed on the site of an original Norman fortress and makes a very interesting and educational day trip for kids of all ages.

• South Wales has many opportunities for active holidays, such as hiking, swimming and more. If you have kids who love to explore the outdoors they will have a great time here.

• South Wales does not have a high crime rate, so it is a very safe place to bring your children on a holiday.

• As it is only a short drive or train ride away from anywhere else in Britain, you will not have to take a plane to get to your holiday destination which saves you time and money. Also, sometimes flying with young children can be stressful so staying in South Wales will let you avoid this.

• This region is home to the Brecon Beacons national park which covers a third of the area and contains the highest mountain south of Snowdonia; Pen y Fan. This is a beautiful place to show your children the wonders of nature and take some impressive family photographs.

• With so many holiday caravan parks and camping sites in South Wales, there is a lot of selection and your family will be sure to find somewhere that suits your needs and budget. Camping can be a lot cheaper than staying in a hotel as well as being a fun and memorable holiday experience.

• All of the national museums within Wales are free to visit and great fun for families. Your kids might enjoy visiting the National Museum in Cardiff, the National Waterfront Museum or the National Roman Legion Museum.

• Cardiff, Swansea and Newport offer a good selection of high quality restaurants so that your family will have plenty of choice when it comes to where to eat.

• Every summer plenty of family-friendly festivals take place in South Wales, such as the Cardiff Festival. These events include live music, food, entertainment and children’s activities and are great fun for kids of all ages.

• The big sandy beaches of the West Shore are the ideal place for a classic British seaside experience. Your kids will love making sandcastles and swimming while you relax in the sunshine.

These are just a few of the reasons why South Wales is such a popular destination for family getaway. Why not consider booking a trip this summer with your kids?

South Wales is an ideal place to take the family on a holiday and here are the reasons why so many people love Kiln Park Camping.

The post Why South Wales Is a Great Holiday Destination for Families | United Kingdom appeared first on Europe Explored.

Street in Alicante, Spain / Illustrative photo by admin

From travel to lodging to food and everything in between, some people aren’t taking vacations because they can’t afford them. Rather than dish out your life savings to go on a trip you really can’t afford, try out these three cheap vacation alternatives.

1. Go Camping

Camping is one of the cheapest vacation options available today. Live off the land for a weekend (or longer, if you can handle it) and enjoy the time spent together without the chaos of the city and the constant need for technology.

If you don’t have camping gear, you will need to spend some money on these items up front, but they will last you for a very long time. If you don’t feel like buying, ask your friends and family members to see if anyone has gear you could borrow. Tents, sleeping bags, blankets, lighter/matches, pillows, toilet paper, cooking utensils—all of these items will help make your camping trip more enjoyable.

If you don’t want to hunt for your food, stick with easy meals that can be prepared over a burning fire. Items such as hot dogs and beans tend to work well, just make sure to bring a can opener with you.

Most campsites allow you to camp overnight for a very minimal fee, usually between $10 and $30 per night, which is much less than the cost of a hotel. You can either visit a campsite somewhere close to home or you can travel a bit further and go out of state. Obviously, the further you go, the more expensive the trip will be due to the price of gas.

There are plenty of activities to do while camping, too. If you camp near a lake, you can go swimming. During the day, you can take hikes and watch wildlife in its natural habitat. And at night, you can sit around the campfire making s’mores and telling ghost stories.

If tents are not your idea of a vacation, campsites also rent out log cabins. Though they’re more expensive than tents, they’re much cheaper than hotels and can provide you with more comfort than the tent but still offer the camping experience.

2. Visit Out-of-State Family and Friends

Visiting friends and family allows you to travel to new parts of the world on a small budget. As long as you are staying with your friends or family, the only cost you’ll really have is that of travel and possibly buying dinner a few nights per week (or at least splurging on groceries and cooking dinner for your hosts).

If you opt for this cheap vacation, make sure you don’t overextend your stay. Even the closest family members and friends can get sick of each other after a while. Make sure to limit your visit to three days maximum so not to be a bother.

It’s also a great idea to pitch in with chores and make sure that you and your family are respectful at all times. Let your host know that even though you are staying in their home, they don’t have to be your cook, maid and tour guide while there. Allow them to continue to live their normal life, and don’t force them to take off work or chauffeur you around .

3. Staycation

This word can take many forms. Some people use staycation to literally stay home, which isn’t a bad thing. Use this time to catch up on a good book, enjoy a community event or take a tour of your own neighborhood. If you live close to a big city, you may want to visit it for the day and take in all the free attractions, such as parks and window shopping.

Set up a tent in your backyard one day, grill out on another day, break out the sprinkler on another day. Staying home doesn’t have to be boring. You can make it fun. Just try to relax and keep yourself from doing too many of your normal chores. Those will still be there when it’s time to re-enter the real world.

Some people use staycation to stay overnight in a hotel close to home. Simply getting out of your house for one night may be the experience your family needs to have a good time. Opt for a hotel that has a pool or other amenity that your family would enjoy. Though you’re still spending money on lodging, you are eliminating the high cost of travel.

If a vacation is on your to do list this year, but you can’t afford to travel somewhere exotic, opt for camping, visiting friends and family or having a staycation. As long as you are with friends or family, and as long as you make the best of it, you could end up having one of the best vacations of your life.

Carrie Johnson lives in Houston and works with a traveling agency.  She likes to travel and recently won a trip to the bahamas island resorts.

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Spain is a country which welcomes its tourists with open arms. Tourism forms inseparable part of a national economy. About 10,000 accommodation facilities is available here so you can choose from the cheapest one up to the most luxurious offering all types of service you can even imagine.

Photo by admin

Spain belongs to one of the cheapest western European countries, so this is why about 10% of all tourists travelling abroad choose this place for their holidays. Hotels are rated by stars from one to five and are marked with the letter H. Stars are awarded mainly for the room’s equipment but also for overall quality. Hotel restaurants are usually available also to other tourists.

If you prefer homelike atmosphere, you can choose from a network of Spain apartments. There are two kinds of such facilities – HA (Hotel Apartamentos) or RA (Residence Aparthotel).

Other accommodation options are Paradores Nacionales, which are state-owned hotels ranked from three to five stars, so those are luxurious and more expensive. The first Parador was established in 1928. Now you can find them both on the mainland and the islands. They are easily accessible, often presented as a mansion, medieval castles and other luxurious hotels.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Cayetano

The most luxurious hotels are located on the Costa del Sol and Balearic Islands. Tourists across the country can choose from a wide variety of accommodation for different occasions, from short-stay apartments to long-term lease. Cheaper accommodation can be found in guesthouses, campsites or various casa rurales, which are family village hostels with a homelike atmosphere. They generally have a limited number of rooms/beds and are open only in the peak season. In Spain there are more than 600 campsites, which most of them are on the coast and offer standard services.

Accommodation prices vary by location, number of stars, and depend on the season. Prices should be displayed in each reception. It is common that rural and suburban hotels and hostels are cheaper than similar facilities in the city centers and along the beaches. Peak season starts in July and ends in August, but in some areas lasts from April until late September. At the time of national holiday (Fiesta) hotels may require a special fee.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Wolfgang Staudt

One of the hottest destinations in Spain is Barcelona without a doubt. Barcelona is experiencing a real boom since the early 90′s, when the preparations for the Olympic Games have changed and modernized a character of the city. Today, Barcelona is really a busy city (sometimes too much in terms of traffic intensity…), full of culture, art and all sorts of activities.

However there are lots of Barcelona apartments, hotels, B&B and other accommodation facilities here, it is still recommended to book your room in advance to avoid any troubles and stress.

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Thanks to its location the city and its surroundings belong to the warmest areas of the Bulgarian coast. For its beautiful nature the resort was a popular place for the Bulgarian royal family in the past. Today Tsarevo is a popular tourist destination suitable for lovers of comfortable, quiet, romantic, but also of active holiday.

In the center of town you will find the pedestrian zone, shops, markets, cafes, pastry shops, restaurants, discos, bars, parks, cinema or a jungle gym for children. Tsarevo has a football field with artificial turf, which is freely accessible to children. In Tsarevo you can also enjoy some sport activities such as sailing, diving or widsurfing. Close to the resort you can stay in well-known campsites Bulgarka and Nestinarka.

View The town of Tsarevo – one of the the sunniest places in Bulgaria in a larger map

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Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland is located in the canton of Echternach, which covers 7% of the whole area of Luxembourg. This part of Luxembourg is very popular, especially for campers sliding down from nearby Belgium, Germany, France and Holland. The area is also very popular among European bikers who come to “ventilate” here and take proper outdoor atmosphere.

Suer River forms here a natural border between Luxembourg and Germany. Widely popular activity is renting a canoe and rafting. Along the river you can easily find a number of well-equipped campsites. However, in the summer months, some of them can be quite busy. So it is better to make a reservation in advance.

You can walk through the sandstone forest labyrinth or visit the oldest Luxembourg’s city Echternach. Visitors can come out to the highest peak of this undoubtedly interesting canton, situated near the town of Beaufort and reaching an altitude of 414m.

View The Mullerthal – Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland in a larger map

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