Cruise ship by Thomas Quine

The influencing factors

In addition to the above geographical factors, you might also have your personal reasons such as the summer holidays or escaping the cold chilling winters at home. Each of these answers would further influence which season is the best for sailing.

The cruise regions mostly have peak seasons, moderate demand seasons and seasons during which demands are the lowest. Earlier the peak season seemed to be the ideal time when the weather used to be at its best in certain regions. But with cruise turning out to be more of a family event, the summer months have now become the peak season period regardless of the weather around or back home. Prior bookings are encouraged for those of you who are looking to book a cruise in the peak time, as most cruises have a limit on the number of children per sail. Each ship would also have a limited number of cabins that would accommodate not more than the specified number of people.

The off seasons can yield some of the best bargains. With the off season being comparatively longer, it also serves as the ideal time for cruising for those who can make it at that time. Alaska and Bermuda have six to seven months of peak period and off season would be at the time of end of the peak season. Panama and Northern Europe, on the other hand, have peak season all the year round.

Below are some popular destinations and the right time to go there:

Alaska: June to August is considered the peak season. This is when the temperatures are at their warmest best. This comes with an added advantage of spotting wildlife too. But with popularity comes a hitch. Higher demands mean prior bookings, almost a year in advance. You might also be surprised to witness congestion in small towns. The low-season periods are May and September.

Australia: The ideal time to cruise in Australia would be from early December to March. This is when the climate is favourable. The least demand would be from May till September. But these being the rainy months carry high chances of cruise cancelation.

Europe: April up till October is the right time for an ideal Europe river cruise. With the spring in full bloom, you could be in for a pleasant surprise too. The low season, on the other hand, is the cold and bitter winter months.

Mediterranean: The best time to cruise here would be between May and September. Most cruises would offer a culture mix of travellers with a plenty of on-board events. Nearing September, you can even avoid the school crowd and still manage to enjoy the warm temperatures.

So, by carefully analyzing your idea of the perfect holiday on a cruise, you should be able to make a favourable choice.

Penny is an expert associated with Boating Hub, a company that provides training on boating. You can view courses at https://www.theboatinghub.com to make your choice.

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Photo by Matt Phillips

Poland

Poland is located in the eastern part of Europe. Because of this, the cost of everything is lower compared to the western European region. Which is why, in Poland you are likely to find the cheapest hostels in Europe. Krakow, which is one of the biggest cities in Poland, has hostels that you can rent at a dirt cheap 5 euros a night during the off-season winter months.

Germany

Germany’s capital Berlin has many hostels that offer accommodation for fewer than 5 euros a night. Bear in mind that these prices are for the off-peak season but are usually consistent throughout that period of the year. Other German cities have typically more expensive options. Hostels in Munich and Cologne usually do not lower their rentals less than 20 euros. That said, finding a hostel accommodation this cheap in the capital city of a major nation in the world itself is a big bonus for all and sundry.

Turkey

Istanbul, which gets the most tourist footfalls in the country, travelers can get hold of hostels that cost as low as 5-6 euros per night per person. There are also many hostels offering such attractive prices in Istanbul. Hostels closer to Ankara, which is the capital city, are pricier than those in Istanbul by around 2-3 euros on average.

Latvia

Yet another country that finds itself in this list because of its location in Europe’s eastern hemisphere, Latvia has numerous hostels that offer accommodation at highly competitive prices. The country’s capital Riga has numerous hostels charging as low as 6 euros per night for a person.

Hungary

Hungary has been attracting a great deal of tourists lately and it has a lot to do with the awesome combination of history, nature and modernity it offers. Budapest, which besides being the capital is also the most visited place on the Hungarian map, boasts of hostels that charge guests as low as 5-6 euros for a night’s accommodation. This price range is fairly consistent across the entire off-peak season in the country.

Serbia

Hostel accommodation prices in Serbia are quite similar to those in Hungary. The country’s capital Belgrade can fetch you hostels that charge around 5-6 euros per night per person. The only downside is that there are fewer cheap hostels in Belgrade. Also, the average price here hovers in the region of 12-13 euros a night, which means that the few cheap hostels do get filled up pretty soon. But hostels outside Belgrade also tend to fall short on normal hostelling facilities.

Estonia

Estonia’s capital city, Tallinn, has hostels that are consistently priced in the region of around 7-8 euros a night. However, if you intend to camp outside the capital city, you could then expect to be charged around 25 euros. The steep increase in price is mainly due to the fact that there are fewer hostels outside Tallinn, which directly translates to a less competitive market. Basing yourself in Tallinn is the best way to get hostels at the aforementioned prices.

Czech Republic

Any tour of Europe is incomplete without a visit to the CzechRepublic. The country is also located centrally and its popularity with tourists is only further enhanced with the cheap accommodation it offers. You can easily find hostels in Prague, the capital, at less than 8 euros a night. As in most other European nations, hostels in Czech cities are priced much lower than their out-of-city-area counterparts.

Russia

If you are willing to put up at a place other than Moscow, Russia has very low priced hostel accommodations on offer. For example, in St. Petersburg, you can find hostel accommodation for as low as 7 euros a night. Comparatively, the lowest in Moscow would not fall below 10 euros. Although the difference might be negligible to some, for a traveler on budget it could make a huge difference in terms of his overall savings.

So that was a list of countries where you can find some of the cheapest hostel accommodations across Europe.

Where to Find the Cheapest Hostels in Europe? - guest post by Steve Tasker, guest writer at Astoria City Hostels, Hostel in Budapest

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The area

Historically Torrevieja was renowned for its production of sea salt, which has been one of the area’s leading exports since Roman times. In more recent times the area has become famed for its golden sandy beaches and superb water sports and sports fishing opportunities. As recently as the 1980s Torrevieja was a sleepy fishing village, but in the last couple of decades the area has been transformed into a holiday maker’s paradise. The area boasts some fantastic restaurants offering tastes from all over the world, and if you’re a sucker for the beach, there are four sandy stretches with calm, clear waters right on your doorstep.

Cove in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, Spain by Jose M Martin Jimenez

The beaches

If you like nothing better than spending a good portion of your holiday flat out on the beach then you will not be short of choice in Torrevieja. Playa de los Locos is one of the larger beaches within walking distance of Torrevieja centre that boasts a 700 metre stretch of sand as well as calm, blue waters perfect for swimmers of all abilities.

Playa del Cura is particularly popular with the locals due to its stunning backdrop of palm trees and charming restaurants. The beach’s small size and popularity does mean it gets busy in peak season, so you might have to set off early to secure your spot.

Playa de la Mata is regarded by many as the most beautiful beach in Torrevieja, and is less protected than the area’s other beaches, making it a haven for water sports lovers. Windsurfers, kite surfers and sailors flock to the beach from miles around, but thankfully the beach has a large of expanse of sand, so you should always find your own little sunny spot.

Beach in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, Spain by Phillip Capper

The attractions

The town’s rich heritage as a major producer of sea salt is encapsulated by Torrevieja’s sea and salt museum. Although you may not think you’ll be immediately taken by the history of the salt industry, this museum is of real interest and well worth an hour of your time.

The Park of Nations is an excellent place to relax, escape the crowds and enjoy an oasis of tranquillity. The beautifully landscaped and verdant park, complete with lake, fountain and palm trees make you feel like you’re a million miles away from a bustling tourist resort.

And what better way to walk off your dinner than with an evening stroll along Torrevieja’s gorgeous beach front and marina. Order a drink and watch the world go by in one of the town’s charming cafes or bars.

Author: If you’re looking for great apartments in Costa Blanca then Los Locos Beach offer comfortable, well equipped, spotlessly clean self-catering apartments with breathtaking sea views. Pop along to the website to see the full range of apartments.

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Although the weather will not be as hot in the wintertime, it will still be between 17-20 degrees during the day time in this region of southern Portugal. If you find temperatures of 30 degrees uncomfortable then this time of year might actually be a more enjoyable time for you to visit. It will not be hot enough to work on your tan every day but it will still likely be one of the warmest places in Europe. There might be a few rains during your holiday and the temperatures will drop in the evenings, but there are many advantages to visiting the Algarve in the winter.

First of all, you will be able to get the cheaper off season rates at many of the hotels and resorts which will save you a lot of money. There will also be fewer crowds so that you will not have to search for hours to find a vacant sun lounger or wait for a table at a restaurant. Although some of the local businesses will have shorter hours or might close during the winter months, there will still be plenty of selection. This is also a great time to visit the Algarve with kids, because the lack of crowds will make it less hectic and much easier to travel.

Another advantage is that while everyone else is enduring the freezing cold back home, you will be enjoying the pleasant temperatures and sunny days of the Algarve.

If you are planning a getaway to the Algarve this winter, here are some ideas of what you can do while you are there:

Go Golfing

The weather in the Algarve is warm enough to golf all year round and you might find it more pleasant to tee off in these cooler temperatures rather than the peak season heat. There are many excellent golf resorts in the area such as Monte da Quinta Club, Four Seasons Fairways and more which offer beautifully manicured professional courses.

Go Hiking

The weather will be just fine for hiking around the beautiful Portuguese countryside. Explore the winding country lanes and discover waterfalls in the forest, olive groves and picturesque seaside fishing villages. There are many coastal cliff walks all along the stunning Algarve coast, but these can sometimes be dangerous so always follow the marked path.

One of the best places to hike in the Algarve is the Ria Formosa Natural Park. This protected wetland is one of the most significant natural habitats for birds in Europe and many different species stop here on their migratory routes. There are several guided walking trails throughout the park that you can explore.

Listen to Some Live Music in Algarve, Quarteira, Portugal by run4unity

Take a look at the event listings in the area that you are staying and try to catch some live music while you are in the Algarve. Many pubs and restaurants might have performances of Fado, which is a traditional Portuguese style of hauntingly beautiful folk music about life near the sea.

Enjoy the Food

Of course, no trip to the Algarve would be complete without sampling the delicious food that this part of the world has to offer. Seafood is especially delicious in the Algarve as it is so fresh in this coastal region. Another tasty dish is Piri-Piri chicken which is tender barbecued chicken with a fiery North-African influenced spicy coating. No matter what the weather is like outside, you can always spend hours lingering over good food and wine with friends in a welcoming local restaurant.

A holiday in the Algarve in the off season can still be packed with fun, so why not check out some of these fun activities during your winter getaway?

If you are visiting Four Seasons Fairways or another Algarve resort this winter, here are some off-season activities you might enjoy.

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Benidorm bay / Andrew Parnell

Beach lovers will find Spain holidays to be the safest bet for a summer sun, sea and sand holiday, with the Costa del Sol, Costa Dorada and Cost Brava lined with family friendly beach resorts with every facility you could wish for.

Cheap Benidorm holidays are a great choice for families, couples, singles – in fact, everyone who fancies some fun in the sun that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The main beach, Playa Levante, stretches out for over 2km and is home to over 5,000 sunloungers. This gives an indication of just how busy this beach gets in peak season.

It’s easy to see why this beach is so popular, as its facilities are second to non. A wide range of watersports are available for adults, as well as mobile magazine libraries for those who just want to kick back and relax. For little ones, several play areas have been built on the beach, as well as a wet play area, water slides and diving boards. Clean and safe (colourful picture boards help prevent children getting lost in the crowds), this beach is the pride of Benidorm, and a real treat for those booking Benidorm holidays.

Away from the beach Benidorm has plenty to offer. Spend a fun-filled day at the Terra Mitica theme park, or the Aqualandia waterpark. Or wander the Old Town to discover a different side of Benidorm.

If you can’t be persuaded that Benidorm is for you, why not try family friendly Salou or lively Torremolinos instead? Or the quieter resort of Benalmadena? You’ll be spoilt for choice when choosing summer holidays to Spain as it’s the place to be for fun in the sun this summer.

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Cottage in Longparish Road, Wherwell / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Anguskirk

Location

Cottage holidays can be enjoyed in very different parts of the country. Many holidaymakers opt for Devon, Cornwall and the Cotswolds for their flat scenery and wide range of cottages and homes, while others prefer the more mountainous Lake District. Decisions can often be made in terms of how isolated a trip you want to enjoy, or whether you prefer to be close to a major town or village. Cottages in Sussex are recommended for the latter, as they offer quick access to London. By contrast, the rural Scottish Highlands can give you great peace and quiet in the Northernmost part of the country.

Timing

When you choose to book a holiday cottage will make a big difference to the overall experience. Christmas bookings tend to go very fast, and need to be booked far in advance to avoid both high costs and places selling out. This approach is particularly important to take if booking on behalf of a large family or a group of friend. Many holiday cottages also tend to sell out around school holidays and bank holidays, so check your calendar beforehand. You might also find that some holiday cottages can be booked during off peak season at a reduced cost.

Manor House at Great Dixter / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by antonychammond

Local Activities and Features

It is always important to look into whether a holiday cottage can offer any specific features and activities. A cottage might be self catering or catered, or might include special bathroom and living room facilities like a hot tub or video games. At the same time, the cost of a holiday cottage may or may not include charges for Internet use. When viewing a holiday cottage, try to think about whether you can access any specific local activities like horse riding or sailing. It is also worth exploring the potential of a day trip to a neighbouring village or town.

Family and Pets

Many holiday cottages will have specific rules about the number of children and pets that can be brought to a location. Problems might arise in terms of having the facilities to cope with a lot of small children, and visitors may have to bring their own equipment. However, by checking ahead and doing your research, it is possible to see unique parts of Britain, while enjoying the best facilities and activities of an area.

Habs is a traveling enthusiast working with Cottages Direct. I love taking breaks in the UK and abroad. But most of all, I love to share my vacation experiences.

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Piazza Navona / Photo by admin

Attractions in Rome

Rome is filled with a number of tourist attractions, you will never run out of places to visit, only time.  One of the most recommended attractions is the Colosseum which has to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome (it gets very busy in the peak season). Built in AD 80, the Colosseum held many gladiatorial and wild animal fights and today, there are men dressed in gladiatorial costume to help set the scene as to how it was like back then. On Sundays the road leading up to the Colosseum, the Via dei Fori Imperiali is closed to traffic and therefore it is nice to stroll up to the Colosseum, there are plenty of souvenirs to buy from the vendors along the road.

One of Rome’s most beautiful sqaures, the Piazza Navona, was originally built as a stadium for athletic contests. Until the late 19the century the square was flooded to be used for mock naval battles and other aquatic sports.  It is now filled with lavish cafes and three Baroque fountains. Don’t miss out on the delicious ice cream dessert, tartufo. which you can have at one of the cafes.

A third tourist attraction you won’t want to miss is the Pantheon.  It was built 1,800 years ago and until 1436 was the largest dome in the world at 43 metres high.  With marble columns and brick walls, the Pantheon was originally a temple for pagan gods but was converted into a church in 609AD. It now contains the tombs of the artist Raphael and many Italian kings.  The Pantheon borders the Piazza della Rotonda, which has a central fountain and obelisk.

Pantheon / Photo by admin

Places to Stay in Rome

There are plenty of hotels to stay in Rome, hotels to suit every budget.  One of the more luxurious hotels is near the Piazza Navona, called the Raphael Hotel. Inside of the hotel is filled with antiques and artwork.  Staying in short term accommodation rentals can be just as luxurious and are all centrally located.  There are many apartments in Rome for rent to suit every budget.

There are many different places to stay when travelling round Europe.  A lot of companies offer short term accommodation rentals in Berlin, Rome, Paris and you can even rent apartments in London.

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Photo by admin

Flying into Rome

There are two airports, the Fiumicino international airport and the Ciampino airport.  The Flumicino airport is 30km south of Rome and takes 30 – 40 minutes by train to the Termini train station.  The Ciampino airport is slightly closer, just 15km from Rome but chartered and budget airlines such as Ryanair mainly fly into this airport.

Free Open Air Museums

With the weather turning warmer, it is pleasant to spend an afternoon outside admiring the sights, one of the most important being the Rome Forum set against the backdrop of the Palantine Hill.  The Pantheon is also free.  It was a pagan temple built in the 2nd century and then was converted into a church in 608.

Tourist Pass

There is a lot to see in Rome and therefore to avoid paying for all the attractions, it is best to get a 5 day combination pass (if you are of course staying for 5 days).  This gives you entry to some of the most well known attractions including   the Colosseum, Baths of Caracalla, Palatine, Cypta Balbi, Diocletian Baths, Palazzo Altemps and Palazzo Massimo alle Terme.

Photo by admin

Travelling within Italy

Visiting Italy in the spring time means there will be less people in the cities and in the countryside.  Why not take the opportunity and see more of Italy. The Eurorail pass stops in many cities in Italy, Milan, Venice, Florence and Pisa in the north and Naples in the south.

Eating Italian style

Rome has an abundance of restaurants to choose from.  Italy is the home to pasta and pizza, so where better place to sample the local cuisine than in Rome? There are many pizza places but Life Pizzeria which is opened in the northern part of Rome is well worth a visit.  It is Rome’s first organic pizzeria and has a variety of vegan foods which previously have been unheard of on Roman menus such as courgettes with onions and plain pizza with mozzarella.

Staying in Rome

There are a number of hotels and hostels to stay in Rome.  However if there is a big group of you, you may want to check out some of the Rome apartments for rent.  It can end up cheaper as you will be splitting the cost among you and you can have the option of eating in which can also save money.

There are many different places to stay when travelling round Europe.  A lot of companies offer short term accommodation rentals in Berlin, Rome, London and you can even rent apartments in Paris.

View Rome In The Spring, A Perfect Time To Go Italy in a larger map

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Photo by admin

First of all, a rented villa offers much more space than a hotel at a much lower price. Most villas are airy and well maintained. Some even have terraces where you can have open-air meals or just sit down and enjoy the view all around you. Others come with a pool where you can take a relaxing swim or entertain guests and friends.

Renting a villa during your cheap holiday in Italy will also offer you the privacy that you cannot get at a hotel. You can have peace and quiet and you can be sure that you won’t be bothered by the crowds especially during the peak season.

If you love to cook, then a villa is perfect for you since it is equipped with a working kitchen and other comforts of home. You will be able to have the foods that you are used to at a much lower price. This will also give you the chance to explore the local markets and get to know the local people. When you stay in a villa on your cheap holiday in Italy, it is basically living in your home away from home.

So if you are just in looking for some accommodation in Italy, think about this tip!

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Inside Blue Grotto, Capri, Italy by Jun

Located at the waterline inside the cave, a hole in the wall of the cave that is only one and a half meters in diameter allows the sunlight into the Blue Grotto. This is also just large enough to allow a small rowboat into the cave. Below this small hole is an even larger hole which allows the light to reflect on the base of the cave beneath the water line. As a result, the water in the Blue Grotto emits this eerie blue glow.

Inside of the Blue Grotto, many marble statues were found back in the early part of the 1800s. There was also a landing spot inside of the cave which means that they Blue Grotto was well known even back in the days of the Roman Empire. Today, this cave is the symbol of the Island of Capri and is the number one reason why people make their way to the island every single year.

Entrance to Blue Grotto, Capri, Italy by Arnaud Gaillard

To enter the cave, one must transfer to a wooden boat that is oared into the Blue Grotto. Since the size of the hole is so small, when entering the cave, you will have to lay flat on your back so as to prevent hitting your head. However, the inside of the Blue Grotto is very spacious. Furthermore, if there are any trough seas, access to the caves are limited because the rowboat can barely fit through the small opening in a calm sea.

During the peak season, when the conditions are just right, it is not uncommon for traffic jams to occur as the boats take turns entering and exiting the cave. However, for those who are brave enough, in the evenings after the rowboats have gone for the day, it is possible to swim into the Blue Grotto. Special precautions must be taken so as not to get slammed into the edges of the opening by the waves.

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