Cyprus coastline by Anton S.

If there’s one thing above all else that Cypriots are proud of, it surely has to be the warmth of the welcome they offer to visitors. Wherever you have been in the past, the chances are you will be pleasantly surprised by how pleased the locals are to show you just how friendly they can be. This is one of the reasons why a great number of visitors from all over the world return to Cyprus on an annual basis.

The climate on this beautiful Mediterranean island is the envy of a great many other holiday destinations. In the summer, the days are warm, long and wonderfully sunny, yet even on the hottest days it rarely becomes uncomfortable because of a cooling breeze that’s often in the air. And when the winter months come along, the temperatures are still high enough to make life comfortable for everyone.

Get a proper taste of Cyprus

In most restaurants on the island, especially around the tourist resorts, you’ll find a wonderful selection of local and international options on the menu. Although you may want to try something a little familiar on some occasions, be sure to choose something typically Mediterranean at least one or twice on your vacation. As you might expect from an island nation, fish dishes feature prominently, so try the gilt-head bream or the delicious calamari.

For most people, a holiday to Cyprus offers a much-needed opportunity to relax, if only because modern life seems so hectic nowadays. Because we are always rushing from one place to another in our daily lives, the restorative effects of an annual summer vacation should never be underestimated. A cool drink, a comfortable sunbed, a good book and a beautiful view of the ocean – what more could we ever need?

Needless to say, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy for those who are in the mood for something a little less sedentary. Cyprus has a number of golf courses to offer, for example, as well as some stunning cycling routes. Another favourite option is to hire a car for a few days in order to explore the island. With a rich heritage all around you, you’ll find plenty of fascinating places to visit.

David Showell has visited Cyprus on several occasions. He works for http:/www.carrentals.co.uk.

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Camber Sands beach

Best for: windswept romance and adventure
The most easterly of the top five, in East Sussex is the seven miles stretch of soft golden beach known as Camber Sands. Clamber down the dunes which form a protective mountain created by the wind whipping the sand off the beach and building up; look out for the skylarks that dive and swoop on the winds across the vast expanse- it can be a mile and half to the sea when the tide is out. A great place for long walks, kite flying, strolling or horse riding in the surf or, at the end of an action packed day, cuddle up behind a wind breaker at the quieter western end of the beach and watch the sunset.

Camber Sands beach, England, UK by davharuk

Brighton Beach

Best for: trendy weekend break or traditional family fun at the seaside
A speedy ninety minutes south of London by car or train sits the groovy town of Brighton in Sussex, recently voted within the top 10 best weekend break destinations. Popular since the 1960s as a seaside getaway, Brighton remains charmingly retro with lines of Vespas parked along the seafront; the famous and well maintained Victorian pier is packed with amusement arcades and fairground rides not to mention the obligatory candyfloss and sticks of Brighton rock. Daytime family fun is guaranteed on the pebbly beach dotted with stripy deck chairs and couples or groups of friends will find the promenade and The Lanes well stocked with cool bars and night clubs, excellent seafood restaurants as well as a huge range of hotels and B&Bs for those making a weekend of it.

Brighton Beach, England, UK by Alpha

Studland Bay

Best for: peace and quiet and getting back to nature
Studland bay is four miles of beautiful white sand lapped by calm water which is generally warm in summer, attracting swimmers and seahorses. The beach backs onto a protected nature reserve of dunes and heath, conserved by the National Trust and home to many varieties of wildlife. There are three sections of beach, the very northern tip, near to the Sandbanks chain ferry, is a designated naturist spot; Knoll Beach is the main section with a cafe and boat hire and further down is the smaller, shadier South Beach. Walkers will enjoy a stroll east for about a mile along the cliff path to catch excellent, dramatic views of Old Harry’s Rocks, great chalk chunks that have broken away from the cliff and now stand alone in the blue waters.

Horse riding at Studland Bay, England, UK by jennicatpink

Salcombe Sands

Best for: fashionable sailing-club life and water sports
The charming town of Salcombe is a summertime home from home for many city dwellers in need of some relaxation; it is packed with trendy shops, cute cafes and superb restaurants serving fresh seafood. Salcombe South Sands is in a little sun trap of a cove, with rays and water as warm as the Mediterranean in summer. Around the headland- an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is North Sands. Both beaches are extremely popular with water-sports enthusiasts with canoes, kayaks and catamarans for hire, the waters are packed with windsurfers and sailing boats. It is possible to book on to power boating and sailing courses and even go scuba diving around nearby shipwrecks.

Salcombe Sands, England, UK by yellow book

Porthcurno, near Land’s End

Best for: magical mysterious hideaway bay
At the very westerly tip of the Cornish south coast, near to Lands End, Porthcurno bay is surrounded and protected by granite cliffs; it has soft, pristine white sand and turquoise waters. When the tide is out, explorers can walk around to neighbouring beaches including a nudist one, look out to sea to spot pirates or search for dragons in the caves. Up above on the cliffs sits the famous Minack Theatre, home to open air dramatic productions and, on the other side stands Treryn Dinas, the formidable Iron Age fort from which the ocean views are unrivalled.

Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall, England, UK by Karen Roe

About the author: Ashley Auckle works with B+B Weymouth, a boutique Bed and Breakfast in Weymouth, Dorset: https://www.bb-weymouth.com/

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Located in the South Eastern region of Europe, Greece has earned a reputation as one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. The country is actually an island in its own right. It is surrounded by the Aegean Sea on the eastern side, the Mediterranean on the southern and the Ionian Sea on the western border. A fifth of the country is mainly islands.

Greek Island of Thassos by Ronald Saunders

The reason the islands are popular is because they are so many of them that one is usually spoilt for choice as to which to visit. They all have beautiful beaches, breathtaking landscapes and support an array of fun activities. Visiting Greece may be one of the best things you ever treat yourself to. With a rich culture, wealth and good food, you can never get bored in Greece. Moreover, the natives are naturally friendly and will make you feel right at home!

The main highlight of Greek tourism is the ancient and rich civilization. The amazing landscape has also created a perfect tourist attraction feature. This is one of the countries that are exciting to tourists and this keeps them coming back for more.

Different islands

Each island in Greece has its own individual beauty and different tourist attractions. Some of the most revered islands by tourists are Paros, Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Andros.

These islands are also popular among couples on honeymoon. They provide a quiet, fun and romantic place to be. Most hotels in the islands have honeymoon packages that make the couples’ stay easier. Travel agents also provide tourists with visits to several islands. Due to the moving around, Greece has been considered by many as an expensive holiday destination. However, with proper planning, it is a cost that is manageable.

Little Venice – Mykonos island, Greece by Allan Henderson

Other major attractions in Greece are the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens and the most popular Temple of Delphi. Another thing that attracts people in large numbers to this country is the beautiful serene sun kissed beaches with its white sands and the pine and palm forests. A holiday to Greece is not just refreshing, but totally incomparable and unforgettable. There are many hotels to choose from. Choose one that is within your budget but one with all the desirable amenities that will make your stay there fun. As you move from island to island, you can also change the hotels to widen your experience of the area.

Cuisine

Greece has one of the richest cuisines in the world. Their food is usually made from fresh ingredients that make the food more tasty and tantalizing to the taste buds. It is recommended that you eat in the local tavernas as these will have food at a cheaper rate, compared to the 3-star and 5-star hotels. There is food for everyone, even the vegetarians. Most of the hotels along the beach serve their food outside. This creates a perfectly romantic setting for those on honeymoon. Greece is a package that promises fun, fun, and more fun!

The next time you think you deserve a holiday, think Greece!

Touristorama is a Greece tourism website that specilaises in providing information about Greek isalnds such as Paros, Syfnos, and many more.

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Bike Adventure, Malta by Aldozb

Malta Cycling Holiday

Malta is better known for its azure oceans and blonde beaches than its cycling tracks. However, alongside the coast and more inland, tourists are spoilt for choice with a selection of intimate cycling trails. Malta’s sister island of Gozo also offers a unique cycling holiday for couples. Because it is a small island, only 7km by 12km, the entire area can be explored by bicycle in a single day. Gozo has three hills inland, which provide a spectacular view of the entire island and the blue waters beyond. A circular coastal route is only 25km long, and will take you and your partner past seaside villages, cliff tops and ancient temples. For a romantic cycling holiday, Malta will not fail to reward.

Majorca Cycling Holiday

The island of Majorca has become a well known cycling holiday destination over the past few years, in addition to being the picture perfect bucket and spade beach holiday for the entire family. Its reputation recently received a massive boost when Team Great Britain used the north of Majorca as a winter training site. Majorca as a European cycling holiday destination has something for the entire family. The Tramuntana Mountains boast trails that are ideal for amateurs and enthusiasts alike. North eastern Majorca is often considered to be the best region for a cycling holiday. The terrain is largely flat and is also well sign posted, making trails both accessible and safe to use. Bicycle shops are dotted all over the island.

Amsterdam Cycling Holiday

For a more urban cycling holiday, you simply cannot go wrong with Amsterdam. The Dutch capital is well known for its overzealous cyclists, who along with the pedestrians rule the streets. Amsterdam is small compared to most small cities, meaning that attractions are easily accessible. Try cycle south west of the main tourist area to access the larger museums and parks by bicycle. If you’re searching for a cultural infusion and a cycling holiday in one, Amsterdam is your number one spot.

Penny Munroe is an avid travel writer. Articles include Malta holiday must see landmarks to the best restuarnts in Paris.

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The problem is though that we can only get one holiday per year. Some of us might be lucky enough to get too, but for the most part our finances and our time off work are restrictive and we’re limited to just the one. When you’ve got so many places to choose from, and only two weeks to enjoy them, how do you decide where to go?

Well there are plenty of places to choose from indeed, but here for your consideration we shall be looking at Lanzarote and putting forward the case for making this beautiful island your next stop. Here are some of the top reasons you should choose Lanzarote…

El Golfo – One of the famous points on Lanzarote!, Canary Islands, Spain by Moni Sertel

The Weather: The weather in Lanzarote is what you would expect from one of the Canary islands – sunny and warm and actually ideal for lounging in the sun. However at the same time there is also a constant cool breeze which many people find highly relaxing and which prevents the heat from becoming overbearing and unpleasant. There are plenty of holiday resorts on the island too.

The Desert: Almost all of the holiday destinations most people consider have great weather though. They also have great beaches and lots more for the casual holidaymaker besides. One thing that you can get from Lanzarote that you wouldn’t get from just ‘any’ holiday destination though is a desert – and short of travelling to Egypt this is the best way to combine a little desert trekking with your other more standard holiday activities. El Jable is a small desert, but that’s part of the charm meaning you’re perfectly safe and unlikely to get badly lost – it’s just enough to try something different and get some great pictures (or a great day out riding camels).

Volcano: One of the big advantages of all of the Canary islands is the volcanic landscapes that they feature. It’s beautiful in a desolate kind of way, but it also makes for some interesting natural demonstrations and days out. Visit Timanfaya Volcano National Park for instance and sample meat cooked by volcano…

Lanzarote Coastline, Canary Islands, Spain by Luc Viatour

Surf: The beaches are ideal for relaxing and chilling out in the sun, but that’s not all they have to offer. If you really want to experience them in a more active way then this is also an ideal holiday destination for surfers. Head to Famara and you’ll have plenty of great surfing beaches and a vibrant community of enthusiasts.

Mountains: Okay so you’ve already got great beaches, a desert and a volcanic park. However what Lanzarote can also offer you – and what you won’t get to the same degree many other places – is a great mountain landscape which can make for scenic walks or just a fantastic backdrop while you’re swimming in the sea.

The Green Lagoon: For a stunning and unusual natural phenomenon, head over to El Golfo Beach to witness the green lagoon. Separated by red rock, this is generally a very colourful site and well worth seeing.

Vueva de los Verdes: And while you’re visiting wonderful natural formations, why not go to Cueva de los Verdes and explore beautiful caves formed by natural volcanic eruptions.

Variety: In short then you really can’t beat Lanzarote for its variety. It has all the shops and amenities you would expect of a holiday hotspot, and it has great weather and resorts. But at the same time this is also an island that can offer volcanoes, mountains, caves, lagoons and even desert…

James Ben is a renowned adventurer who started his own travel and adventure blog, featuring holidays tips and advice. He recommends Lanzarote as a top holiday destination.

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Colosseum, Rome, Italy by admin

One of the reasons for this is the simple fact that lying on a sun-kissed beach, while a utopian experience for some, is seen as a rather boring activity for many. After an hour or two of topping up the tan, plenty of trippers start thinking about finding something to do to relieve the boredom, and that’s when problems can appear.

It’s perhaps fair to say that most seaside resorts, especially those in Southern Europe and North Africa, are a little off the beaten track. They may be home to a superb beach with row after row of sunbeds, and perhaps a collection of welcoming bars and restaurants, but they don’t have much else to keep the bored tourist interested.

Making the right choice

Most city break holidays offer a stunning collection of iconic landmarks, historic buildings and famous attractions, and most visitors find they run out of time before they get to see all the things they wanted to. Therefore, the major drawback about such trips is that they are often tiring and a little too hectic to be properly enjoyed.

To use an example, London attracts millions of tourists every year, and many of them manage to cram in visits to the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye and Westminster Abbey. However, they may miss out on seeing Tower Bridge, the Science Museum, Wembley Stadium and the famous art gallery the Tate Modern.

Those travellers who can afford to do so actually enjoy a summer holiday and a city break every year, but of course there are millions who are unable to do this. Therefore, in some households a decision has to be taken at the beginning of the year about whether to head to the sunny beaches or to a historic capital city.

For budget travellers it’s possible to seek out the bargains in order to stretch the holiday cash further. By looking for special deals on the worldwide web, a significant sum of money can be saved, and you never know it could lead to the ability to enjoy both types of vacation in the coming year.

David Showell lives in England and has visited several countries all over the world. He knows he only has to click here for the best car hire deals when on holiday.

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Mykonos is quickly developing into one of the most desirable holiday destinations in the world, not just Europe. Its beautiful location to the south of the Greek mainland makes it a perfect balance of linked yet secluded from the busy areas of the country itself.

Mykonos / Charlie Dave

One of the most appealing aspects of the island is how there is something for everyone. Whether it is a lively night-time scene, a cultural experience or a wander around historical landmarks, Mykonos offers activities that anyone can enjoy.

Island Features

As one of the smallest of the Greek islands, Mykonos has a raw and savage feel to it, which, aggressive as the description sounds, merely serves to add to its beauty and charm. While being a land covered in rocky terrain, there is also miles of amazing sandy beaches which makes for a breath-taking landscape given the location of the island.

One other redeeming feature of Mykonos is that, although in recent years tourism has exploded, the island has retained most, if not all, of its authenticity and cultural roots, which made it such an attractive holiday destination in the first place.

Mykonos windmills / Allan Henderson

What to Do

As we alluded to earlier, Mykonos presents an array of activities both for individual holidaymakers as well as for family groups who have taken a trip to the island. During the day time, in addition to the gorgeous beaches there are a number of historical museums around the island, displaying archaeological treasures and details from the islands rich past. By night, the island comes alive and is home to some of the very best cuisine on offer throughout this part of the world. There are dozens of great value restaurants on Mykonos, many of which are situated on the sea front offering stunning views while you eat.

Whether you are looking for a quiet, romantic evening with a partner or a wild party to end your holiday in style, there is something for all tastes on the island of Mykonos. This variety is in stark contrast to many famous holiday destinations in the area, which are well known for their wild party scene however are somewhat one dimensional in that they offer very little else.

In addition, there are options for travellers to the island to go cycling or camping round the island, and given Mykonos is so small, this is arguably the best way to experience the true beauty of what the island has to offer, and have the opportunities to make some amazing discoveries for yourself.

Touristorama is a travel directory designed exclusively for people travelling to Greece and the Greek Islands, such as Mykonos.

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Ruins of Tintagel Castle – the birthplace of King Arthur / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by IDS.photos

It’s a great spot for both families and the solo traveler; you just have to know what you’re doing in order to make the most of your trip. If you’re planning a Cornish holiday, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Plan for the Weather

Naturally temperate, Cornwall enjoys around 1500 hours of sunshine per year – much more than the average UK country. However, it is on the coast, so be prepared for storms and a few wet weekends. The rainy season generally runs from October to January, peaking in November.

As for temperatures, you can expect them to stay relatively stable at around 10-20C (40-50F).

Find The Right Accommodation

Where to stay in Cornwall depends on your location, budget, and what kind of trip you’re planning to have. Are you looking for high-class hotels or would you rather get your hands a little dirty with an authentic camping experience? Do you prefer luxury or locality?

While there are plenty of places to stay in Cornwall, they generally fall into these types:

• Modern living
• Hotels and b&bs
• Self Catering
• Camping

Beach accommodations

As mentioned, Cornwall is a peninsula, meaning there are three coastlines to explore! You can go for either luxury hotels overlooking the water or inexpensive camps and beach bungalows to sleep right on the shore.

Storybook stay

This is where Cornwall gets creative, offering everything from farmhouses to holiday cottages and even treehouses to experience the real heart of the country. Research the area you’ll be traveling and you’re sure to find your fairytale experience.

Truro Cathedral / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Brian Snelson

Know The Sights

With one of the most fascinating histories in the UK, Cornwall is a great place soak up some culture without sacrificing the fun and adventure of a holiday abroad. Kids will love places like the Witchcraft Museum and the Eden Project. You can also visit Truro Cathedral, one of the most unique architectural designs in Europe, or Tintagel Castle, the birthplace of King Arthur.

Looking to relax?

Laze the day away at one of Cornwall’s many beaches, or take a stroll around the famed Trebah Gardens for a kind of nature you’ve never seen before. Make a trek to the Mên-an-Tol (literally “the hole stone”) for good luck and local blessings.

Or maybe you’re looking for something a little more exciting? Try any of Cornwall’s adventure tours or music festivals. Catch a show at the Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre that performs right on the cliffs of Land’s End. If you’re into outdoor adventures, Cornwall also has bungee jumping, horseback riding, and a surprising number of surf schools. Whether you’re looking for unique thrills or just a tranquil getaway, Cornwall can offer a great trip and an unforgettable family holiday. Keep these tips in mind and you’re sure to make memories with your loved ones that will never fade… much like Cornwall and its castles.

Sarah is a travel author who has a particular love of finding unique and beautiful places to stay! Whilst exploring the highs and lows of the UK she is looking into high quality Cornish cottage holidays as somewhere to stay when exploring the coastline of Cornwall.

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Musée du Louvre, Paris / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Kevin Poh

A seaside break

South of France, which houses the Rivera, is one of the top choices when it comes to sea side holidays. The Rivera hosts tourist hotspots like Nice, Monaco, St. Tropez and Cannes. These places are famous as the playground of the rich and the famous. Bumping into a celebrity, while taking a walk on the beach, is not uncommon. Cannes is also popular as the host of the prestigious annual international film festival. A holiday in one of these towns allows you to experience the lifestyle of the rich and the famous first hand.

Summer is hot and warm, while the winter is mild and short in the south of France. Summer is also the peak tourist season. If you decide to visit this region during summer months, you should be prepared for the hoards of tourists. For more relaxed holidays, it is advisable to visit during winter months. If your idea of an ideal holiday is sun, sand and surf, south of France is an ideal choice.

A cultural retreat

France is well known for art and culture. There are a large number of art galleries and museums in Paris worth a visit. The city also hosts Louvre, the largest museum in the world. Here you will come face to face with some of the most treasured works of art. These masterpieces have the power to take you to a whole new world. This is a great way to discover the historic heritage of Europe. The city also features a number of architecturally rich cathedrals.

The caves and castles of the Dordogne and the Roman remains in Provence are other culturally exciting options.  A charming French chateau is a perfect place to stay during your cultural retreat. These chateaux are a part of history themselves. There are numerous such properties across the country available for holiday rentals.

Burger Davis Sotheby’s International Realty are a leading provider of luxury property to rent or buy on the French Riviera. Rental properties are ideal for those looking for a high quality villa or apartment and are perfect for corporate rentals and the numerous festivals held in the South of France.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Simon Pielow

The Definition of Luxury

The operates from March to November, offering service between many major European cities. The line’s western terminus is London; passengers may also embark in Paris, Rome, Venice, Prague, Vienna, Cracow, Dresden, Istanbul, Bucharest and Budapest. Passengers travel in peerless luxury and enjoy five-star dining; the service and appointments on board the Orient Express are so legendary that for many passengers a journey aboard it is a significant part of their holiday.

Great Britain and Mainland Europe

The Orient Express is owned and operated by Orient-Express-Hotels Ltd., which uses one carriage for travel within the United Kingdom and another to reach destinations in mainland Europe. Passengers who board in London must disembark when the train reaches the English Channel; they arrive in France via the Eurotunnel Shuttle and board the Orient Express once more. The rail cars used for the British service are only used for day trips because they have no sleeping accommodations. Passengers enjoy lunch and afternoon tea; for some, this is the purpose of the journey, while others are traveling to historic castles in the British countryside. The Orient Express that operates on the mainland features sumptuous sleeping quarters. Both iterations of the Orient Express use vintage rail cars from the 1920s and 1930s.

Tour Packages

Travel aboard the Orient Express is a luxury, and priced accordingly. Some passengers plan their own route, while others take advantage of complete holiday packages offered by the railroad. One of the most popular packages offers service from London to Venice; the trip lasts five days and includes lodging at the London Ritz and three nights in Venice’s Hotel Cipriani, whose rooms overlook the adjacent lagoon. Travellers also spend one night on the Orient Express, where they enjoy private cabins with room service and a private hot and cold water supply. During the day, passengers sit on their in-cabin couch and enjoy the passing scenery. At night, the stewards unfold the couch into a roomy double bed and dress it in fine linen. Two types of cabins are available: the Double Cabin is a single room with a folding bed, and the Cabin Suites have two adjoining cabins. There are washrooms in each car.

The Pinnacle of Excellence

The Orient Express offers the finest rail travel in the world, complete with service and amenities that rival any hotel. The food is prepared by esteemed French chefs and served in the dining car, where most passengers dress formally. After their meals, many head to the nearby bar car for a nightcap; by the time they return to their cabins, the stewards have prepared the beds for a night of sweet dreams.

Martin writes for Medwelcome a Holiday Rental Property website

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