Wintry conditions such as low sun, heavy rainfall, frozen roads, fog and snow severely reduce visibility and stopping distances and this gives cause for careful driving. Peoples’ fear of winter driving is not without reason. Of the 154,414 road accidents that occurred during 2010, 10,928 fatalities occurred on snowy or icy roads, and 38,844 fatalities occurred during wet or flooded road conditions. Driving safely at all times is imperative, but it’s good practice to take extra care during winter. So, without further ado, here are some top tips from the MD of Economy Car Hire, Rory Sexton, to increase your confidence in your winter driving:

• Make sure that before you set off, you’re fully de-misted, de-iced and good to go. Don’t just clear a small hole in your windshield and drive off – you want to have clear visibility at all times. Use your heaters, de-icer and an ice scraper, and wake up 15 minutes earlier so you have time to fully defrost your car.
• Make sure your mobile is fully charged before setting off on a long journey, and if the weather has been very poor recently, make sure you only make unavoidable journeys.
• If you’re living in an area where some roads may not have been gritted, try to plan your route so you will be driving on busier roads that may have been cleared.
• If you find your route blocked by heavy snowfall or fallen trees, try to let your local traffic         radio station know so others can avoid the route until it’s cleared.
• If you want to get traffic alerts on your Twitter account, you should follow @BBCTravelAlert and @UK_Traffic_News, or check out the Highways Agency site for localised feeds.
• Make sure your car insurance is up to date and you’re registered with a reputable breakdown company. In case you do break down and you’re stuck on the side of the road for hours in the cold, make sure you’ve got blankets, bottled water and some snacks in the car to tide you over.
• If you do find yourself stranded and you have to sleep in the car, make sure you slightly open one of your windows to ensure air flow.
• Manoeuvre gently in icy conditions; stopping distances are up to ten times longer when driving on snow and ice. If you do find yourself skidding, try to avoid braking sharply. Instead, try and drive into the direction of the skid so you can gradually gain control of the car.
• Automatic drivers should drive in ‘2’, as opposed to ‘D’. This means that you’ll rely less upon your brakes less, and also limits the gear changes that your car will make.

Finally, if you do get stuck in snow, don’t panic, rev your engine and lodge your wheels even deeper. Just clear your wheels, and straighten up your steering. Place cat mats or rugs under the front of your wheels to give you some grip. Once you start moving again, don’t stop until you’re on less snowy ground

If you’re into nature and wildlife then you won’t be disappointed. From lush tropical forests and sandy beaches to majestic mountains and even a desert – the Sahara-like Mui Ne – Vietnam has the lot, and you can choose from a number of guided tours or simply head off yourself to explore the natural wonders of the country. Dalat is especially well-endowed when it comes to natural charms, with its lakes and waterfalls a perennial attraction. The Emperor Bao Dai built his Summer Palace here in 1933 and it’s now fully restored and open to the public, and there are numerous old Buddhist pagodas in the same area.

Vietnam has a well-deserved reputation for stunning sunsets, and these are best seen at Da Nang on the west coast. There are also four museums here, two of them dedicated to the Vietnam War. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay is also well worth a visit. Protected from development, this vast bay encompasses a number of small islands, each with its own character and attractions. Dau Be Island for instance is a hit with swimmers and scuba divers because of its magnificent coral reef, quaint natural grottoes and inland lakes, and Dau Go Island is renowned for its huge cave with stalagmites, some more than 20 metres in height.

Hanoi itself, Vietnam’s capital city, was founded more than a millennium ago, and as well as having several attractive parks and a zoo is strewn with well-preserved reminders of its colourful and frequently troubled history. The Old Quarter is especially exotic, a real potpourri of Buddhist pagodas and temples along with more recent French colonial buildings next to Hoan Kiem Lake. This quarter of the city also has a buzzing commercial centre whose ancient streets have names reflecting the trades that were conducted here a thousand years ago. The National Museum of Vietnamese History, Hanoi Opera House and the famous One Pillar Pagoda are all located in the Old Quarter, and Hanoi’s biggest market, the Dong Xuan, is also a great attraction with its bustling crowds and incredible variety of produce on offer in a loud and chaotic setting.

The Imperial Citadel is a permanent reminder of Vietnam’s great past when it was ruled by glamorous emperors who held sway with absolute power. This is where that power literally sat, surrounded by a vast and exotic court, at the centre of a political system that lasted for an uninterrupted thirteen centuries. The renovated Hanoi Flag Tower still stands defiant, surrounded by the remnants of Vietnam’s imperial past in the form of old palace foundations and ancient roads, witness to a glorious history.

David Elliott is a freelance writer who loves to travel, especially in Europe and Turkey. He’s spent most of his adult life in a state of restless excitement but recently decided to settle in North London. He gets away whenever he can to immerse himself in foreign cultures and lap up the history of great cities.

Cape Cod, just 55 miles from downtown Boston is the most easterly hook of US soil stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean. The Cape is the famous landing point for the English Pilgrims in 1602 and is nature reserve, fishing community and playground all rolled up in 64 miles of sand-edged, pine-filled natural beauty.

Entering the Cape across the Cape Cod Canal via one of two bridges will bring you into the Upper Cape, in the northern town of Bourne, a quiet town without the summer rush of other places on the cape. The Canal itself is famous for its fishing and the town is surrounded by quiet harbours and inlets for bathing and fishing.

Before heading south to explore the rest of the cape, visitors should head north to the settlement of Sandwich at the top of the cape. Attractions in this quiet residential town remind visitors of the colonial history of the Cape with the oldest house, Hoxie House, the Heritage Plantation and the Glass Museum all located in Sandwich Village just a short distance from the marina, on the canal.

Moving south, back past Bourne and passing the large, though attractive commercial centre of Falmouth to the west, visit Mashpee one of the last remaining homes of the Wampanoag Nation, the Native American tribe who met the pilgrims all those centuries ago. There is a museum in the town telling the history of the people. Mashpee has over five miles of beaches on Nantucket and Vineyard and one of the largest freshwater ponds on the Cape and runs at a relaxed pace.

Moving east you can pass through the mid Cape villages of Barnstable, the highlight being Hyannis with its harbour steamship access to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard and the JFK Museum. To the east lies the college community of Falmouth and the art centre of Dennis with its old summer theatre the Cape Playhouse.

To the east of Dennis passing into the lower cape lies the conservation centred Brewster with 24 freshwater ponds. Brewster incorporates the Nickerson State Park with biking and hiking trails and boating, fishing and swimming in the ponds. Also on the lower cape is Harwich, centre of the cranberry industry, with its Portuguese farmhouses, and Orleans, the gateway to the outer cape.

The Outer Cape is home to the Cape Cod National Seashore, which is testament to the love affair between John F Kennedy and the area. JFK gave much of his time and energy helping to establish the National Seashore and preserve its beauty, work which continues today. The cape is home to the beautiful seaside town of Truro where the Mayflower pilgrims found their first spring to drink from, and where the Cape Cod Light, the Cape’s first lighthouse was built in 1797, though today’s structure dates from 1857. Truro and the National Seashore give visitors the typical Cape ambience of whitewashed houses and outstanding beaches.

Wherever you go on the Cape, art galleries, shops selling locally-made treasures and delicious seafood abound, with all the natural attractions of the beach. A tour of the Cape is a wonderful modern day pilgrimage.

Perhaps the most common form of holiday transport from the UK is flying. According to some reports, air is the preferred method with 43 million people opting for this selection compared to just 9.7 million for sea travel and 5.6 million for the Channel Tunnel.

The popularity of flying to holiday destinations has perhaps been caused by the easy accessibility and convenience of this mode of transport. Flying to destinations is often considered to be the fastest and most direct form of travel and has therefore become the preferred option.

Of course, flying isn’t for everyone and the other options are equally as successful at getting you to your chosen destination. When you are deciding on how to reach those beautiful villas in Majorca or Florida for your holiday always consider the following factors:

Time

Nobody wants to spend most of their holiday travelling so investigate how long different methods of transport will take. Make sure you include any travel time needed to get to and from airports/harbours or other departure sports and include any waiting or ‘checking-in’ time that might be included.

Evaluate which method of transport gives you the quickest possible travel time and then select accordingly. This is a great way to make sure you chose the right form of travel and have as much time as possible to enjoy your Florida holiday.

Experience

Another important consideration should be over the experience that you get whilst travelling. This is an important part of the holiday process and should not be overlooked. Flying can be a great and exciting experience for younger travellers and is therefore a popular option.

For those interested in a slower-paced method, travelling via sea can give a unique experience for all passengers involved giving visitors a great experience before they set foot in their holiday destination. It is important to remember that this form of travel can take longer and will be affected by weather conditions and the activity of the sea.

Cost

The final consideration to make is over the cost of the transport method. These will vary depending on the provider or the service and the time of year of travel but reasonable prices can often be found. A number of holiday providers will offer “package deals” which give holidaymakers a combined bill for both their holiday accommodation and travel.

It is therefore important that when looking at Florida villas individuals consider the package holiday options which are available to them. Purchasing the holiday in this way could help them to save money whilst still using their preferred method of transport.

Nowadays, with budget airlines offering heavily reduced prices on a regular basis, the difference between the costs of transport methods are not as pronounced. This means that you can have ultimate freedom of choice over how to start their holiday.

Madrid´s culinary offerings rarely fail to impress any visitor. Whether you are looking for traditional or contemporary food, budget or luxury, Madrid offers it all. Excellent Vegetarian options are also available, which may surprise those who know Spain for its cured ham, chorizo, sausages, and seafood paella.  If you are travelling to Madrid for a culinary experience you will be pleased to know that most restaurants are easily accessible from many of the luxury and cheap hotels in Madrid which are centrally located to the city centre. Here are some recommendations of restaurants in central Madrid:

Best for Contemporary

Spanish Tapas

The designer tapas chain Lateral specializes in pinchos, which are bite-sized tapas often served on a small slice of baguette. Whilst the décor is contemporary at its best, traditional Spanish ingredients like Iberian ham and codfish are combined into creative and modern pinchos, like Iberian ham with apple preserves and foie gras, sirloin with caramelized onion, and rolled salmon stuffed with ham, apple preserves, and cheese. The house sangria is also excellent and one to try. There are now six sleek and stylishly decorated locations conveniently spread around central Madrid.

For a contemporary sit-down meal, Restaurante Ginger may be the best bang for your buck in the city. Menu highlights include the codfish with eggplant mousse and crispy leeks as well as unusual salads like the goat cheese salad with crispy maize and apple. All meat, poultry, seafood and vegetarian options are equally enticing, all presented beautifully. La Finca de Susana, Bazar, La Gloria de Montera, and Public are also owned by the same restaurateur and feature similar menu items and surprisingly reasonable prices.

Best for Traditional

Madrid´s most famous traditional Spanish restaurant is undoubtedly Restaurante Botín. Cited in the Guinness Book of World Records as the World´s oldest continually running restaurant, Botín features a traditional wood-fired oven just as you enter the restaurant where chefs prepare made-to-order roast suckling pig and baby lamb. The menu also offers a wide variety of traditional Spanish dishes and the 25-page wine list is impressive.

Hidden in a picturesque alley behind a church, Cafetería San Ginés is a local legend. Since it supposedly never closes, locals and visitors alike enjoy the traditional thick hot chocolate with sweet salty churros at any time of day. There is practically always a line, but for good reason. Even in the early hours of the morning, patrons line-up as the bar hopping crowd stops by for a midnight snack or an early breakfast. Turn-of-the-century tables and mirrors give the restaurant an old-fashioned feel.

Botin Restaurant, Madrid

Photo credit: Mobilephotosheindenstrom

Best for Vegetarian

Vegaviana is located in Chueca, Madrid´s trendy gay-friendly district full of bars, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. The high-quality vegetarian food at Vegaviana is very reasonably priced.  On the menu you will find canelones with spinach, zucchini and cheese burritos, eggplant parmesan, and the leek, squash and spinach pie can´t be beaten. The decorations are simple and functional, yet the restaurant has a cozy touch. While it may not have swanky décor, if what you´re looking for is excellent food at a good price Vegaviana is the perfect choice.

La Isla del Tesoro is a more upscale vegetarian restaurant, though an affordable multi-course fixed price menu is offered at midday. All dishes are made with whole grains and organic ingredients. House specialties include tofu and stir-fried vegetable loaf, yellow-curry soy noodles with vegetables and pasta stuffed with apple, walnuts. The hippie sheik décor complement the beautifully presented vegetarian dishes.

The overall ambience is elegant, tropical and romantic, with modern minimalism enhanced by elements of traditional Mauritian style. There are several different types of accommodation on offer, from deluxe rooms to the Royal suite and villas, and all have wonderful ocean views, air conditioning, the latest technology and the services of a private butler The three private villas each have two master king bedrooms and one queen bedroom, their own private infinity pool, garden and separate entrance. Each villa benefits from 24 hour personal manager service and its own chef and waiting staff.

There can be no luxury without excellent food, and the resort’s five restaurants do not disappoint. 398, the aptly named main buffet restaurant, is on 3 floors, and serves 9 different types of cuisine from 8 different kitchens. Barlen’s beach restaurant and bar, presided over by the ever-smiling Barlen himself, serves Asian and European fusion cuisine. Safran offers modern interpretations of classic Indian fare….and two island restaurants provide a casual atmosphere in which to enjoy fresh fish dishes and light dishes such as pizza.

As expected in a luxury resort, there is a spa. This is one of the few world-wide run by Givenchy using Swisscare products from the Group LVMH laboratories, and the treatments from rigorously trained masseurs and masseuses are much appreciated by guests. The resort also has a hairdressing salon.

An outstanding facility is the 18-hole golf course designed by Bernhard Langer. Not only is it particularly beautiful, it is carefully managed by leaders-in-the-field IMG to be as environmentally responsible as possible. Then there is the Golf Academy and driving range with 5 target greens, a pro shop, a clubhouse and a restaurant.

Other facilities include a fitness centre and a tennis club with 4 floodlit courts. There is also a jogging track and a jogging partner can be arranged. Also on offer are bocciball (like bowling), volleyball, aqua-gym lessons, archery, badminton and football.

On the water, canoes, kayaks, laser sailing dinghies, sailing boats, pedal boats, glass-bottom boat trips, snorkelling, unlimited water-skiing and windsurfing are all complimentary. For a fee, Scuba diving (PADI and CMAS), deep-sea fishing, parasailing, banana and tube rides and catamaran sailing are available.

It’s just a short ride by water taxi to reach the two islands out in the coral reef protected lagoon that form part of the resort. Ilot Mangénie provides beaches, a bar and a restaurant while Ile aux Cerfs is home to the golf course, water sports, restaurants, bars and beaches.

While the resort is ideal for couples and honeymooners, it is also both family-friendly and a great venue for meetings and conferences. There are 2 free clubs for children: the T-club provides fun and sports training for 4 to 11 year olds and the teens club for 12 to 17 year olds offers sports, excursions and discos. The Orchid and Jasmine Rooms, each accommodating up to 100 people, can be partitioned for breakaway meetings.

Guests regularly report how much they have enjoyed the facilities as well as the superbly warm, friendly and helpful service. All in all, this resort’s plus points add up to an impressive list. It’s well worth considering for anyone visiting Mauritius.

1) The Bulgarian beaches

For cheap holidays to Bulgaria, many head towards the coast. Bulgaria has a whole host of top quality all-inclusive hotels which are close to its white sands and glistening waters. You can head to hotels close to the Bourgas Beach, which is the fourth largest beach in the city, has the largest port and plenty of bars, cafes and evening entertainment. There are also the Varna beaches as well as Sunny Beach and Golden Sands Beach, all of which have water sports, surrounding restaurants and entertainment in the nearby streets.

2) Sightseeing in Bulgaria

Many tourists also choose to visit the inner cities for a cheap holiday in Bulgaria. These cultural breaks allow visitors to delve deep into the Bulgarian way of life and its many cultural attractions. There are a number of budget accommodations or hotels on the outskirts of the cities, which can help to lower the cost. Wondering around a Bulgarian city – such as Sofia – will allow you to get a true taste of the country. You can marvel at its national buildings, its unique architecture and the many park areas dotted throughout larger districts. You can also search for and find the affordable yet good quality Bulgarian foods that are on sale at the smaller and more traditional establishments.

3) Skiing on the Bulgarian mountains

Bulgaria is also perfect for those holidaymakers looking for a skiing location. Visit Bansko, Borovets and Pamorovo for the best available slopes. During winter, the mountains are covered in white snow and surrounded by bright blue skies and evergreen pines. You can even embark on skiing tutorials at certain resorts to improve your skills, or you can simply enjoy a family holiday playing in the snow.

4) The Bulgarian cuisine

The Bulgarian cuisine is another reason to visit this culturally-rich country. There are many traditional dishes to try out, which will enable you to delve deep into the Bulgarian way of life. Such large cities as Sofia have an abundance of eateries where you try out top notch Bulgarian cuisine. Try such delicacies as Tarator, Kavarma, Surmi and Kebaphce to widen your culinary experiences while on holiday

5) Outdoor pursuits

There are a number of unique outdoor attractions and excursions to partake in during a Bulgarian holiday. The mountainous setting makes it the ideal place for hiking. You can marvel at the diverse Bulgarian wildlife and enjoy panoramic views across an entire city. There are also many national parks where you can delve even further into the Bulgarian natural landscape and enjoy a day of bike riding with the family.

Family holidays in Devon are always great value for money, especially if you head up to north Devon, which also has a fantastic range of family friendly accommodation offering a vast range of activities and facilities. If you want beaches with great waves for body boarding and plenty of space for beach games then head to Woolacombe or Saunton Sands, while Barricane, Combesgate, Rockham and Grunta are the best destinations for delving into rock pools. There are also plenty of other attractions to keep children and adults occupied including glass blowing at Dartington Crystal and a trip on the beautiful Lynton and Barnstaple railway.

South Wales has some of the best beaches in the world and as yet remains relatively undiscovered and largely unspoilt, with plenty of space for you and your family to spread out and run wild. A week’s holiday in this part of the UK and you could visit a different beach each day and still have plenty more to visit on your next holiday. Budding extreme sports fans will love this coastline, with landsailing on Cefn Sidan and paragliding and surfing at Rhossili. Secluded Barafundle Bay in West Wales is great for youngsters who love to head off on a beach combing exploration and the sea in midsummer is really quite pleasant (if you are used to British sea temperatures).

Norfolk is famous for its long pale beaches backed by sand dunes and its traditional British beach holiday with Victorian piers, fish and chips, buckets and spades, ice cream dribbling down your chin, seaside cafés, and colourful windbreaks topped off with good old fashioned family fun! Beaches at Cromer, Wells-next-the-Sea, Hunstanton and Sheringham all come top of the list for families. The Pleasure Beach in Great Yarmouth offers full-throttle white knuckle rides, water attractions and fun rides to keep the children (and adults) happy for hours, and its free.

Situated in the south of the UK the New Forest National Park is a haven for adventurous families. There are plenty of activities on offer such as archery, bike hire, canoeing, combat games, kayaking, cycling and sea kayaking. Treasure Trails and guided walks take place all over the area taking in ancient historical sites and wildlife spotting. Drawing on the resources of The New Forest, the Countryside Education Trust organises courses and activities for children and adults to learn about, understand and care for the countryside. Car and movie lovers should head to the Beaulieu National Motor Museum, which includes a James Bond exhibition and animal lovers will have a great day out at Marwell Wildlife Park.

The Cotswolds are full of English charm with some of the country’s most beautiful rolling countryside, sleepy villages, forests and rivers, excellent food, adventure and animal parks galore and a wide range of quality family accommodation and activities. Families will be spoilt for choice with great days out such as the Cotswold Water Park where you can have a go at stand-up paddle boarding or water zorbing (walking on water in a giant bubble!) or the quaint Dragonfly Maze at Bourton-on-the-Water with a secret surprise at its centre.

The largest event planned for New Year’s Eve is the fireworks on the South Bank, at the London Eye. This is a ten minute event that will start after Big Ben chimes midnight. Check out the fireworks from Westminster Bridge, as it is one of the best places to view them from, although they can be seen throughout central London. This fireworks display is free to attend.

For those more interested in a good New Year’s Eve party instead, all of London’s pubs and clubs will be having New Year’s celebrations of their own, with the most recognized event of this type being Keep Calm and Party On. This New Year’s Eve party is put together by two popular London clubs, belowzero and IceBar London. Tickets for this event start at £39.

Or would you like to ring in the New Year with King Henry III? It can happen at the Medieval Banquet, which is held in St. Katherine’s Dock. Put on your fancy clothes and enjoy a 5 course banquet, champagne and dancing, along with entertainment by King Henry’s Court. Prices for this event begin at £80.

Two parties will be taking place at Southbank Centre this New Year’s Eve: The Guilty Pleasures New Years Eve Party, with tickets starting at £50, and The Southbank Centre New Years Eve Party, with tickets starting at £80. Both of these parties will have plentiful music and dancing, with both indoor accomodations and outdoor areas with spectacular views of the fireworks on the South Bank.

Ringing in the New Year aboard a river cruise is always another option in London. The River Thames provides the perfect background for a romantic cruise along the water. Those that choose to spend New Year’s on the river will also be able to enjoy the South Bank’s fireworks, as most of the river boats stay within viewing range of the display.

There are many other events happening for New Year’s, including dinner specials at many restaurants and within the luxury hotels in London city. No matter how New Year’s Eve is spent in London, there is a great time to be had by all.

Sharm el Sheikh is probably the most popular tourist location in Egypt and is commonly referred to as ‘Sharm’ by people who travel here or those who live locally. As soon as you arrive it is easy to see why this is such a popular tourist destination. There is so much on offer here and you will be sure of an amazing holiday with the whole family, regardless of their ages, while staying here.

Accommodation:

You will find a vast array of accommodation on offer here and regardless of your budget you should find something that suits your requirements and those of your family. There are well known hotels here such as Hilton and Marriott and then there are more local places such as apartments and bed & breakfast accommodation on offer.

Amenities:

Many of the larger hotels here are home to private beaches and some even have scuba diving schools to ensure that you get the most out of your stay here. You will find some wonderful diving spots on site at the larger hotels and some places actually offer private boat trips out in to the ocean to allow you to explore the depths that the sea has to offer. Lots of the hotels offer such a fantastic experience of Egypt, the cuisine, the night life and the activities that it is
actually possible to enjoy an amazing holiday here without having to actually leave the grounds of your hotel once.

Activities:

There is so much to see and do in Egypt. You can take trips to see the Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Cairo and numerous other places or you can enjoy some the activities available in the local area. With horseback riding, camel trips and quad biking being just some of the ways to explore the desert here it is simple to see why people travel here again and again on their holidays. If being a little adventurous is not your thing that you can enjoy some swimming, fishing, shopping or
even just have some pampering at one of the local salons.

Dining:

There is such a wide variety of different cuisines available here that you could eat here every day for a month and never have the same dish twice. A vast array of fresh fish and meats are used here and there are many different vegetables on offer also. You can experience wonderful locally produced dishes and really experience a true taste of Egypt.

Weather:

The skies are blue here for the majority of the year and you will find that the temperatures range from the mid teens right up to the early forties with July and August being the best months to visit if you are looking for the warmest weather and the most hours of sunlight per day with July packing in up to 400 hours of sunlight in just over 4 weeks!

Night life:

Na’ama Bay holds the key to the majority of the nightlife here and you will find clubs playing local music and chart toppers from back home and this will ensure that there is something here for the whole family to enjoy whether they are 18 or 80! You will find some delicious cocktails on offer here and amazing drinks from all around the world.

So in conclusion you will probably agree that there is lots to see and do on a Sharm el Sheikh holiday!