Photo of Melissani Caves by http://www.flickr.com/photos/whltravel/

If you are looking to just get away from it all and have a relaxing vacation this summer, the Greek island of Meganissi is the paradise you are looking for. This picturesque little island with its rustic charm and typical Greek atmosphere will be sure to charm and relax any vacationer. At just 20 square kilometers and with a population of 2000 people, Meganissi is perfect to escape the hustle and bustle of the stress filled world. This spectacular island is full of lush, green scenery, delightful beaches, and crystal clear waters. You’ll be in heaven as soon as you arrive.

The island of Meganissi is home to Vathi, Katomeri, and Spartohori, three enchanting harbor villages. Vathi houses the main port and is where the ferry calls. The harbor entrance is flanked by quaint, traditional chapels blessing all boats and visitors for a safe passage; during the evenings you’ll be able to hear the songs emanate from the church into Vathi harbor. You’ll love this little fishing village for its beautiful, tranquil beaches and accommodating waterside tavernas. Soak in the Greek summer sun and the wonderful, friendly culture.

Places to Visit

The picturesque village of Spartohori, with its peaceful greenery and gorgeous bougainvilleas, lies above the harbor on a hill, giving it spectacular panoramas of the island and seascape. You will even be able to see across the waters to the mountains on mainland Greece; this is a view not to be missed. The exquisite beauty of Meganissi will leave you breathless. Spartohori has lovely little shops and charming tavernas to visit; sit down, relax, and enjoy a sip of Ouzo while you take in the magnificent scenery.

Just one kilometer inland, Katomeri will give you a true taste of true Greek life. This cute little town has a bakery, tavernas, and cheerful, friendly locals. Take it easy as you amble through the serene village and take in a traditional Greek meal. Then, perhaps, you will want to take a short stroll to one of the many beaches or quiet, secluded bays. You will find peace and beauty in every corner of our lovely island.

Activities

If you are feeling more adventurous, the island of Meganissi is criss-crossed with bike trails and foot paths to travel. Some of the more scenic routes lead over the hills, through the local olive groves to quiet, secluded beaches. There are a number of enchanting caves on this tiny island to seek out and explore. This place is truly a world apart, allowing for an unforgettable holiday escape.

On this peaceful Greek isle, you won’t feel the need to fill your days with activities or keep too busy. Give yourself a vacation from the normal rat race of work and deadlines. The unspoiled island of Meganissi is so different from the usual tourist traps of holiday destinations. Whether you spend your days relaxing poolside in a beautiful Greek villa or exploring deserted coves and romantic, quiet beaches, you are sure to leave feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Meganissi is the ideal vacation spot for those needing to get away from it all.

Lanzarote can be found just off the North West coast of Morocco and as a result enjoys a warm desert climate all year round, making it the closest winter sun destination to major markets such as the UK and Germany.  The island is home to about 140,000 permanent residents – many of whom are foreign nationals rather than Spanish and welcomes well over 1 million tourist guests every year too.

Despite these pull factors Lanzarote still seems to remain relatively untouched by tourism and this is thanks to strict local planning laws that forbid high rise buildings.  This makes Lanzarote an ideal location to explore as so much of the island’s original character remains intact.  Most noticeably in the north where there is no real tourist development at all apart from a few rural houses, apartments and Lanzarote villas available for rent.

Lanzarote’s star attraction is the Timanfaya National Park, located in the heart of the volcanic region which was created by eruptions during the 18^th and 19^th century.  The area is dominated by weird black lava fields and exhausted volcanic peaks and has often been compared to the surface of the moon. Indeed Apollo 13 astronauts were shown pictures of the region in order to prepare them for their own lunar landing.  Who would have thought a holiday destination could be somewhere Astronauts train for space missions?

Timanfaya Volcano

If you’re planning to explore Timanfaya the other main sights then it is sensible to book car hire in Lanzarote because you will find it hard to find local bus services running to the major attractions a time suiting to you.  The roads are quiet and petrol is cheap so it’s simple to get out and explore under your own steam.  This makes for a more relaxing holiday.

Elsewhere on Lanzarote the volcanic scenery has been fused with the aesthetic of the local artist César Manrique to create some truly unique visitor attractions.  Such as the Jameos del Agua, once a huge collapsed lava tunnel but now home to a massive underground auditorium, gardens and restaurant.  Manrique’s aim was to fuse art with nature in order to create ecologically friendly sights that would provide an alternative to the water parks and golf courses so prevalent elsewhere in Spain.

Whist the Jameos is his best known work it is also well worth exploring his other creations, such as  the Cactus Garden, the Mirador del Rio and the Monumento Al Campesino.  All of which exhibit his trademark design flourishes.

Overall Lanzarote makes a great destination for a holiday to remember, it has the beaches and weather to accompany them but more importantly it has a landscape like no other which hosts attractions that are unique to Lanzarote.  For your next holiday abroad, you should definitely consider Lanzarote as it won’t let you down.

The Portuguese settled here in the 15^th century, and Porto Santo still retains its quaint island feel, with traditional stone cottages and wooden windmills. You won’t find any theme parks or big tourist developments here, though there are plenty of hotels, mostly centred around the main town of Vila Baleira. The chic waterfront has a lively feel in the summer months, with some up-tempo bars, nightclubs and discos. Larger hotels also have live entertainment, mainly folk music. Those looking for a real party atmosphere should really look at booking a holiday to Madeira itself.

The island has a number of 15th century heritage buildings – the most famous being the Christopher Columbus house and museum. The great explorer lived here after marrying the governor’s daughter in 1476, and the house is full of fascinating exhibits tracing his life. The Spanish fortress of Pico do Castelo is also worth visiting, while the interior of the nearby church is a masterpiece of Renaissance religious art. The lookout point at Portela offers stunning views of the island.

The island’s beaches are known to have therapeutic properties, making Porto Santo holidays popular with the older tourist. For those a bit younger or with some adventure, there are a number of water sports on offer include kayaking, windsurfing, sailing and scuba diving. As with Madeira, holidays in Porto Santo also offer the chance to get some golfing practice in, with an 18-hole course designed by Seve Ballesteros.

Perhaps the most memorable thing about Porto Santo holidays is the cuisine, which is local in flavour and centred around seafood, ensuring you’ll go home fit, healthy and revived.

For a good choice of hotels with discount prices, visit hotel reservation in Madeira for more information.

The theme parks in Orlando are the obvious attraction to many, however Florida has so much more to offer you if this is not your thing. Florida holidays also offer an amazing range of golf courses, including those in Kissimmee and Buena Vista. Those who love to shop will find International Drive a complete paradise, with a number of malls offering clothes and other items and amazingly low prices. For shopping lovers, a trip to Florida cannot be complete without a spree at Bloomingdales or Macy’s.

Florida isn’t called the Sunshine State for nothing, and the beaches of the Gulf Coast, west of Orlando, are perfect for those who want to spend their holidays by the sea. Chic and vibrant Miami is the city most associated with Florida Holidays. However, Clearwater, St Petersburg and Naples Bay have equally beautiful beaches.

Tampa Bay is around 75 minutes’ drive from Orlando, but why worry when you have Busch Gardens on your doorstep? A mix of African game reserve and theme park, it makes Tampa the perfect choice for those wanting their Florida holidays to be packed with variety and interest.

For those who really want to explore, you can even find great cruise deals on sailings around Florida and the Caribbean. This gives you the opportunity to see everything in one specially designed trip.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why P & O Cruises are so popular:
1) Variety and range – P & O sail to a number of fantastic destinations. Wherever you’ve dreamed about visiting on a cruise, there’s bound to be a sailing that’s just what you’re looking for, from the Caribbean to the Canaries, or Africa to Australasia. With a choice that’s second to none, it’s no surprise that they continue to attract the passenger numbers.

2)Dining – The food onboard P & O cruises are another huge draw, and they offer a range of stunning, flexible options which cater to all tastes. There are formal dinners, buffets, poolside dining and a range of bistros and cafes. Whether you want a special meal or to eat outdoors with a magnificent view of the ocean, you’re sure to be spoiled for choice.

3)Accommodation – On P & O cruise ships you can expect luxurious cabins and suites, with private bathrooms and everything you’ll need to create a comfortable and relaxing space. The cabins are tastefully decorated and designed, and many feature private balconies so that you can watch the scenery from the comfort of your own apartment

4) Ships – P & O have one of the best range of cruise ships in the entire world, each with its own unique features. The Adonia caters for just over 700 guests, and is beautifully designed with traditional wood panelling. The larger Azuria features a stunning range of entertainments, including West End style shows, an art gallery and cinema.

5) Choice – P & O cruises offer choice above all else. However you wish to spend your time, your cruise experience can be tailored to give you the cruise you’ve dreamed of. You can spend your days relaxing in front of the ever changing scenery, or if you want a home away from home you can even just surf the internet. There are gymnasiums and spa facilities, meaning you’ll never get bored. All activities build up to the excitement of arriving in your port of call destinations, which you’ll realise are just part of the overall experience you’ll get sailing with P & O

Bull Running, Pamplona, Spain

We all like to get a little adventure into our holidays but over time it takes a little bit more to get the adrenaline pumping and give you that real sense of excitement. Whilst these activities are dangerous in principal you can rest assured that we wouldn’t have heard about them if everyone who participated ended up dead.

We’ll start with a more tame option but with a twist. African safari’s despite the deadly wildlife are usually viewed as some what of a safe vacation, one that your grandparent’s might go on. Sure enough if you do go on an organised safari trip you will feel quite safe and comfortable. However if you want to get really up close and personal with the local wildlife you will want to head out to some of the smaller town’s and villages. Here you will be able to hire a local guide for a minimal fee who will be able to take you to view some of the amazing wildlife without the normal protection that a truck used by tour companies would provide.

Taking a run with some Bulls is next on the list as one of the most dangerous this to do whilst on holiday. Most common in Spain at events such as the annual San Fermin festival bulls are released down the narrow cobbled streets. The bull are guided towards the bull ring but on the way they will be lead or will be chasing if you want to see it that way a group of assorted individuals. This will include those that are trained to interact with bull’s on a regular basis as well as anyone else who fancies their chances. This is a really good one to get your heart racing, one point that a few people seem to forget is that bull’s can run faster than humans so make sure you get out of the mix before they catch up with you.

Cycling the death road, Bolivia

Ice climbing offers dangers of a different kind. Not only are you pitting yourself against the huge slabs of ice found around the world you will also need to withstand some extreme conditions. Part of what makes this activity so dangerous is that should you become injured whilst climbing there will not be a lot of help on hand.

For those into mountain biking there is nothing more dangerous than taking a trip down Death Road in Bolivia. El Camino de la Muerte kills 3 cyclists every year and produces many more injuries for those who attempt to tackle the narrow trail that combines tight turns with large and sharp drops. This is definitely not for the unskilled cyclist.

This is a guest post by Alex who works for a company providing assistance with compensation claims for those injured whilst on holiday.

Many Brits will be thinking about a European city break as the weather begins to warm up, and the Czech Republic is a country that many will turn to. By staying in Prague, holidaymakers can bask in the glory of one of the continent’s most fascinating cities, and one that boasts thousands of years of history.

What is so special about the Czech capital?

Well, despite its origins stretching back some 1,100 years, it is only since the 1980s and the early 1990s and the collapse of communism that brought Prague within easy reach. Since then, the city has established itself as one of the world’s leading city break destinations – 4.1 million people travelled there last year – the vast majority of whom stayed in Prague hotels.

The advent of cheap flights carriers has also made getting to Prague easier, and airlines serving the Czech capital operate from a number of regional airports including East Midlands, Norwich and Cardiff. With the city just a few hours away, it’s easy to see why it has become so popular among Brits – from groups on stag weekends to couples; Prague has proven to have something for everyone.

Its nightlife has clearly been a huge draw. The promise of cheap, world-class Czech beer is a good enough reason to visit Prague in itself for a number of people, and the table service you receive in bars and restaurants means no long queues at the bar. There is a bar or club in the Czech capital to suit every taste – whether you’re a serious clubber or someone who likes to dance to some cheesy classics.

Eating out in Prague

Don’t head straight out drinking though – you wouldn’t want to miss Prague’s super restaurants, would you? To many, the capital is known as ‘the city of a hundred spires’, but to the gastronomes among us it is also known as ‘the city of a thousand restaurants’.

Menus in Prague’s eateries are usually provided in Czech, English and German, and the country as a whole takes special pride in its meat dishes. Pork is arguably the most popular meat, closely followed by chicken and beef. Due to the country’s landlocked position, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that fish is something of a rarity – although fresh trout and carp is widely available if you stay in hotels in Prague during Christmas.

One of the most popular elements of Czech cuisine is knedliky, which consists of boiled and sliced dumplings. Wheat or potato-based, these are often served with meals in Prague restaurants. When you find an eatery that takes your fancy, perhaps try roast pork with dumplings and Sauerkraut or marinated beef sirloin, both of which are widely available.

Sightseeing & Attractions

While that’s your evening out sorted, what are you going to do during the day? Well, you certainly won’t be stuck for choices. Much of Prague’s capital is on UNESCO‘s list of World Heritage Sites, and there are two iconic landmarks that immediately spring to mind – one of which is the grand, imposing Prague Castle.

Arguably the most important structure in the history of the Czech Republic, Prague’s castle dominates the city’s skyline. It is certainly a sight to be behold – according to the Guinness Book of Records, it is the largest ancient castle in the world at 570 metres long and approximately 130 metres wide. Over the years Roman Emperors, Kings of Bohemia and presidents of both Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic have all resided here, with the castle’s history dating right the way back to the ninth century.

Boasting just about every architectural style of the last millennium, the castle certainly isn’t a stand-alone building. Within its walls are the Gothic St Vitrus’s Cathedral, the medieval cottages of Golden Lane and the much-visited National Gallery collection of Bohemian baroque and mannerism art. Due to the castle’s size, visitors are recommended to devote at least half a day to exploring it and, for a fuller picture of its history, you can visit the nearby Old Royal Palace, home of the permanent Story of Prague Castle Exhibition.

If the castle is Prague’s most famous structure, then Charles Bridge most come a pretty close second. Despite being only a fraction of the size, the bridge, which crosses the River Vltava, is well known among tourists around the world. What makes it so famous? Well, between the beginning of the 15th century and as recently as 1841, it was the most important river crossing in the Czech capital. Resting on 16 arches, the bridge is flanked by two impressive towers, and the one located on the Old Town side is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest examples of civil gothic-style buildings.

Charles Bridge is adorned with baroque statues along each of sides, and the most famous is that of St John of Nepomuk, a celebrated local martyr who was thrown to his death from the bridge during reign of Wenceslas IV. The bridge differs greatly depending on when you visit. If you go during the day, for example, the likelihood is that you’ll have to share it with large number of other tourists.

Making Prague your next City Break

While you may have to sacrifice some personal space, you can be sure of an excellent atmosphere, with the bridge also being occupied by street entertainers and local artists. It’s always nice to sit down and watch a master at work, and some of the best come out as the sun begins its descent. This is arguably the best time to visit Charles Bridge and certainly when it looks its most romantic – and whether or not you can make the most of it will depend on who you’ve travelled to Prague with!

With a range of Prague hotels to choose from and an all-encompassing nightlife to enjoy, not to mention a wealth of historic and cultural attractions, the Czech capital really does have something for everyone. When will you organise a visit to see the city in all its glory for yourself?

Florida cruises are special, and none more so than one taken with Celebrity Cruises This two week long fantastic cruise starts out in Southampton in England, where you’ll board your cruise ship Celebrity Eclipse the newest of Celebrity’s solstice class ships.  On board, you will discover a refined level of elegance, style and design, and you will be made to feel welcome here.

Wave goodbye to anyone you’re leaving behind as the ship sails at 4:45pm on day one.  Eat, sleep, and wake refreshed as you arrive in your first foreign port at 7am on day two – Le Havre, Paris, France.  During the day while you are in port, you can take a stroll along the Champs Elysees, explore the Place de la Concorde, do a little shopping, and take in the sights of Paris.  At 9pm though, the ship sets sail again, and while you sleep, you’re on your way to Cherbourg.  A day spent here perhaps visiting La Cite de la Mer where you can learn all about the story of underwater exploration in history and fiction, and then a whole day at sea enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the water around you, and the vibrant entertainments on board ship.

Day five and you reach Vigo, Spain in the early morning, with its impressive Royal navy dockyard, and crafts market where you can invest in great pieces created by local artists.  The nearby Somerset village is home to the world’s smallest drawbridge which opens a mere 22 inches.
Day six is another day spent at sea enjoying the on board facilities, and then it’s on to Ponta Delgada, in the Azores.  From here, the longest leg of the journey begins, and you’ll spend six days at sea where you can really get a feel for the open water.  There’s plenty to do on board though, with entertainment, sunbathing, wonderful cuisine, and excellent service so that you’ll feel pampered and relaxed when you reach your destination.

On day fourteen, Miami, Florida, in all its glory is laid out before you as you sail into port at 7am.  This spectacular city is built right on the beaches, and it’s a vibrant place to be with flavours from Latin America slipping into the food, language, music and spirit of the place.  From here, you can explore many parts of Florida, from the beaches of Miami, to the Florida Keys, and the theme parks of Orlando, Florida is alive with people and entertainment, and makes the perfect destination for a cruise as you land refreshed, and ready to enjoy the sights and sounds that greet you.

Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city is a very popular holiday destination, so it’s no surprise that it’s constantly populated with tourists from all over the world. If you’re on a tight budget then have no fear, Bangkok has plenty to offer you.

Bangkok has a rich history, and has several sites that you should visit during your stay. The temple of Wat Pho is the largest in the city, and houses the reclining Buddha. Other temples include Wat Arun and Wat Suthat, where The Giant Swing can be found. Visitors are welcome to visit and explore these temples. In addition, the Grand Palace is also worth a visit. The palace was originally the official residence of the King of Thailand, and also houses a temple called Wat Phra Kaew, which contains the Emerald Buddha. Entrances to the temples are relatively cheap; prices are in the region of 50-350 Baht (£1-£7).

If you want to experience magnificent views of the city, take a trip to Golden Mount. Before skyscrapers arrived at the end of the last century, this was the highest point in Bangkok, and is well worth a visit. Admission is only 50 Baht (£1).

One of the most popular tourist attractions is The Jim Thompson House Museum, a compound of traditional Thai houses collected by an American businessman between the 1950s and 60s. Entrance to the museum is only 50 Baht (£1). If you want to delve deeper into Bangkok’s history, the Ancient City also comes highly recommended. Although it’s an hour south of the city, this open-air museum includes perfect replicas of Thailand’s historic monuments, and entrance is only 300 Baht (£6).

Bangkok is also well-known for its floating markets. Tourists can take a long-tail boat ride through the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, to experience the traditional buying and selling of fresh food on the water. Tours vary depending on the size of your party; if you’re travelling alone you’ll have to fork out around £80, but parties of 12 will be approximately £30. You might also want to consider a trip along the Thon Buri canals. It’s a great way to avoid the hectic Bangkok traffic, and also admire the major sites of the city. Prices are slightly cheaper at around 1000 Baht (£20) per person.

If you’re looking for some retail therapy, visit the Chatuchak weekend market. Situated in the centre of busy Bangkok, you’re bound to find plenty of bargains amongst the market’s 5,000 stalls. Be prepared to spend the whole day there as there’s so much to see and buy, from handicrafts and souvenirs to great second-hand clothing.

If you’re travelling through Bangkok, you have to spend at least one night on Khao San Road. The area is jam-packed with bars, restaurants, nightclubs and clothing stalls. Whatever your budget, Khao San Road, also known as the ‘backpacker’s paradise’, is a great place to find affordable hotels and hostels. Prices range from 150-1500 Baht per night (£3-£30).

Staying in Bangkok also gives you the chance to experience both international and Thai cuisine. Venture into Chinatown and taste some of the most authentic Chinese food in Thailand. Try a wide selection of seafood dishes at Lao Li Shark Fin and T&K Seafood. If you’re in the mood to sample the local cuisine, head to Sukhumvit Road for some good value food at Lemon Grass, or some tapas-style bites at The Barbican on Silom Road.