White Cliffs of Dover, Kent, England, UK by Harvey Barrison

England’s southern coast is home to a number of important cities, fascinating towns and quaint villages, which is why it’s a good idea to set aside a few days to tour the area. For the best experience of all, you should hire a car in Kent and travel west all the way to Cornwall. Over the course of a week, you can take in some breathtaking scenery as well as some truly unforgettable buildings and landmarks.

Kent is known as the Garden of England, and is one of the most beautiful counties in the whole of the UK. The famous white cliffs of Dover are an iconic symbol of the country, and provide a welcoming vista for ferry passengers who come to Britain from continental Europe. Further along the coast, traditional seaside resorts such as Folkestone and Hastings (which is in Sussex) are lying in wait.

Folkestone, Dover, England, UK by Pierre Metivier

The beauty of Brighton

To the immediate south of London lies the city of Brighton & Hove. It’s an exciting, funky place with a thriving entertainment quarter. Once an exclusive haunt of the rich and famous, nowadays it offers something for everyone. Continuing west, the cathedral city of Chichester is a favourite with history lovers, as well as those people who like to enjoy a little retail therapy from time to time.

Portsmouth, Southampton and Bournemouth are all relatively close together, yet each of them has its own unique character. The latter has been a popular family holiday resort for many decades, and continues to attract plenty of tourists to this day. Continuing through Dorset, the town of Weymouth is worth a little exploration, if only because it hosted the yachting competitions at the 2012 Olympic Games.

Southampton’s Town Walls, England, UK by Christophe.Finot

Devon and Cornwall complete the westerly journey, and in these counties you’ll find a wonderful array of picturesque fishing villages, many of which have changed little over the centuries. The rugged coastline is also home to many secluded coves that offer visitors a golden opportunity to enjoy some much-needed peace and tranquillity. Be sure to bring a camera with you, because the landscapes and seascapes really need to be immortalised on film.

David Showell lives in southern England and works for 121carhire.

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If you’re considering sailing holidays, then you need to plan carefully and make sure you choose the right experience for your skills and family group. There’s no point becoming too adventurous and the holiday turning into a disaster. If you’re all new to sailing then why not look at combining a few days on board with a traditional beach holiday.

Port in Baska, Krk, Croatia / Photo by admin

Settle down with a crewed yacht

Family holidays abroad are the perfect opportunity to introduce your children to the world of boating. If you’ve never sailed before, or you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, then consider a crewed yacht. On this type of holiday you have the opportunity of simply sitting back and enjoying some quality family time as you cruise from place to place. Alternatively, if you want to try your hand at steering or rigging, then there are experienced hands on board to show you the ropes. The Greek Islands, including the Ionian and Saronic, offer excellent conditions for inexperienced sailors, with light winds and short distances between them. Once you’ve moored up there are plenty of quaint villages and towns to visit, offering excellent local cuisines.

Meet new friends on a flotilla holiday

Flotilla holidays are great for all levels of sailing experience. If you’re relatively new to the sport then there are enough people around to help you get to grips with it. However, even if you know exactly what you’re doing having other families around will provide both you and your children with an instant social circle. At the start of the holiday you set off at a leisurely pace, allowing everyone the opportunity to become familiar with their surroundings. You might find that you want to explore further and there will be chances for you to separate from the rest of the flotilla if you’re happy to do so. Sailing around the coast of Turkey is perfect for more confident sailors, with excellent locations to stop and swim or snorkel, or simply moor up at a secluded beach and enjoy the peace.

Go it alone with a chartered yacht

If you want to set your own itinerary and travel at your own pace, then chartering a yacht is an excellent family holiday. The whole family can become involved and if you fancy a rest day to visit the local town, pick up some souvenirs or take advantage of a great snorkelling spot then you can. Why not take in the cosmopolitan marinas, traditional ports and great food, with a cruise around the Italian islands of Sardinia, Elba or Sicily. Or head for the family friendly island of Mallorca, with excellent beaches, clear blue seas and great restaurants.

Whatever type of sailing holiday you choose and wherever you decide to visit, it really will be an experience to remember for the whole family. Make sure you pick a trip that suits your sailing experience and the needs of your children. Once you’ve set sail there’ll be no turning back.

AUTHOR BIO

Andrew Long writes regularly on holidays for a range of lifestyle and family websites and blogs. He regularly enjoys taking family holidays abroad and has a particular interest in sailing holidays.

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It is very common for a couple to seek a vacation abroad together to escape the hectic lifestyle at home. Whether it is to get away from the children or work, a romantic trip can help to put the spark back into a relationship.

Cruise Ship by kansasphoto

But what are the most popular cruises in Europe for two people seeking a loving holiday? Here are the top 4 hotspots.

Dublin in Ireland

When looking for a cruise, choose an itinerary that stops by Dublin in Ireland. It is the capital and most populous city in the country and has a wealth of things to do including shopping facilities and a charming mix of medieval, Georgian and modern architecture to explore. It has a wealth of history and culture and after all the sight-seeing, you can cosy up together in a traditional Irish bar whilst easting traditional Irish cuisine.

Inverness in Scotland

Inverness is a city in Scotland and it is the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway with peaceful highlands to enjoy. Situated on the banks of the River Ness, it is very picturesque and quiet; and you can even watch a school of dolphins frolic in the nearby Moray Firth.

Inverness Castle, Scotland, UK by Duncan Brown (Cradlehall)

Paris in France

Paris is renowned all over the world as the city of love. It is one of the best cities for couples to snuggle under the Eiffel Tower, wander down the quaint cobble-stone streets, and visit the elegant and classic French fountains. Can you think of anywhere better to rekindle the magic than in the romantic capital?

Greek islands

The Greek islands offer unbelievable beauty especially Mykonos, Santorini and Athens. It is widely reported that the best sunsets in the world can only be viewed in Santorini and the island offers fantastic views of the volcanoes as well as quaint villages to explore.

In contrast, Mykonos has gorgeous cobble-stone streets and has the trademark as a ‘Little Venice’. It is beautiful to see the little houses with balconies, windows and door built right on the sea.

If you plan on celebrating a special break with your loved one, why not choose one of the European destinations mentioned above for a romantic, fun holiday.

This article was provided by Cheapcruises.com, the specialist website that offers the very best cruise deals. For affordable Mediterranean cruises and cruises all over the world, visit the site today.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Lyn Gateley

The Greek Isles are a hotspot for the most interesting and picturesque holidays for everything from recreation to relaxation. Go island hopping from Santorini, to Crete, Mykonos and Karpathos, to name just a few of the jewels of this amazing region. Do not worry, no matter if you choose to take a leisurely stroll through the quaint villas or find a seaside adventure, there are countless things to see and do.

The Greek Islands are truly paradise on earth, with quaint villages that dot the landscape and seem untouched by time. Explore an amazing culture filled with wine, dance and song, mixed with exquisite culinary delights to soothe every palate. The locals are friendly and more than happy to introduce you to the island and make everything seem like a home away from home. From jeep safaris in the mountains to archaeological museums and even caves, there is so much to explore, allowing you to reconnect with your beloved companion in ways that neither of you could have ever imagined possible. 

Whether you are a young couple full of the party spirit or established partners looking for a new destination there are exciting bars and night clubs in towns like Malia on Crete while breathtaking volcanic views can be found on the tranquil isle of Santorini. One of the many great things about the islands is that they are filled with so many romantic enclaves in which to be alone together. Go on a leisurely stroll through cobble-stone streets and take in some shopping at the centre of the world, finding perfect gifts for each other.

Take a chance by making the Greek Isles your next romantic getaway and make memories for a lifetime.

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