Tenerife Ranks Amongst Most Affordable Family Holiday Destinations in Europe

In what remain difficult financial times for many UK families, it is to be expected that perhaps now more than ever, holidaymakers in the UK are spending greater amounts of time searching for the perfect family holiday packages that offer fun, great weather and relaxation and everything else you would expect from a family break – but critically; all at the best possible price. With the ongoing impact of the economic recession still lingering large over the heads of the European holiday industry, there has therefore been a noticeable knock on effect of increasing pressures for travel agents and holiday companies alike to provide even greater value for money for their clientele – but without any noticeable detrimental impact on the quality of holiday experience. Whilst many holiday destinations in both Europe and further afield have felt the effects of the global economic recession on their tourist sectors over the last couple of years – it may be surprising (but reassuring) to know that recent figures suggest some of Europe’s best loved holiday locations remain as popular as ever for UK tourists.


Indeed, it seems it is not all doom and gloom for UK holidaymakers, as in many respects the increase in competition and greater economic restraints being experienced by British families is in some cases driving the cost of family package deals down – thereby making more and more cheap holidays and flight deals available on the high street – but particularly from online agencies and websites. These have in turn helped some of Europe’s most popular destinations rise above the holiday industry slump. One such example is the island of Tenerife which has for many years been a highly popular destination for holidaymakers from the UK. Figures suggest that Tenerife has in experienced a growth in visitor figures during 2010 – even at the height of the UK recession - with reported growth figures in the early part of the year around the 2.5% mark compared with those observed in the early months of the year 2009. With cheap holiday deals and flight bookings available online through a range of vendors it seems that destinations such as Tenerife are set to remain extremely popular in spite of tough economic times for many families.

Delving further into these trends, analysts within the tourism industry have suggested that recent growth in some of the newer resorts in the Northern region of the island such as Las Caletillas becoming increasingly well known internationally may have contributed to this growth for the island of Tenerife in particular, although some similar growths in visitor numbers of approximately 2% have been experienced in some Southern sections of the island. Here, holiday resorts such as Los Cristianos and Playa De Las Americas are as always proving to be amongst the most popular visitor destinations for holiday makers from the UK and Europe.

Live the Holiday Highlife with Skippered Yacht Charter

For those that are lucky enough to be able to afford it, there are surely few better luxury vacation experiences that can be had in Europe than those that can be found on a skippered yacht charter holiday. Close your eyes and think of life on the ocean waves in the hot sunshine with the cool gentle breeze on your face and embrace the thought of what can only be described as a truly unique holiday trip. Such experiences can be a genuine once in a lifetime event for an individual to take alongside their family, good friends or work colleagues - thus allowing them to enjoy all the excitement, adventure and pleasure you would expect of any great sailing holiday in Europe with a group of your closest companions.

     Spending your time in the beautiful sunshine and open ocean is something many of us can only dream of but skippered yacht charter holidays allow this dream to become a reality - and with the added benefit of having an experienced skipper and crew to help you learn and hone your skills, you can be more assured and at ease whilst traveling across the seas. Skippered charter holidays offer all the great benefits of bareboat charters - but with an experienced skipper on board you can also allow yourself more time to sit back and enjoy the finer things in life. Skippered charter vacations are available in many European locations but primarily in the Mediterenean regions of Greece, Turkey, and Croatia - all regions of Europe that are fantastic to visit in their own right.

Terrific Tuscany - Birthplace of Modern Europe

Few existing regions of Europe can surely paint such a romantic and idealistic picture in ones mind than those that are drummed up by the sheer imagery of Tuscany and its stunning historical capital Florence. Famed the world over for its rich and immeasurably important historical contribution to the fields of European arts, music, the sciences and high culture - the region that has over the years remained synonymous with the birth of the Italian Renaissance offers holidaymakers and backpackers from across the globe a unique flavour of Europe that is quite unique and apart from any other area of Italy, Europe or any other place in the world.

     Famed for its museums and galleries including the Uffizi and Chianciano art museums that offer intriguing and stimulating insights into Europe's artistic traditions and history, Tuscany gives the visitor a sense of true awe - and if you can take the time to soak up the information and stunning visuals on offer here, hopefully an enhanced understanding of the region's lasting influence and legacy on modern Europe. Alongside the great Renaissance works that are housed in the museums of Florence (including such famous paintings such as The Birth of Venus by Botticelli), the entire region of Tuscany is dotted with beautiful churches and cathedrals each with their own beautiful and attractive interiors and ornate decorations.

     When looking at the various accommodation available in Tuscany you will tend to find that it is incredibly varied and is largely dependent on which area of the expansive 8,800 square mile region in which you find yourself in. With places to stay ranging from high priced but exceptional hotels to some equally fantastic villas in Tuscany with pool in some of the more rural areas. Hiring out a villa in Tuscany can be a great and relaxing way of spending a holiday with your partner in beautiful surroundings and rich history and culture.   

Heading Out to Malaga for Your holidays

There has always been a tradition for Brits to head abroad for their summer holidays, and when you consider the steady stream of poor weather that we all have to endure throughout the winter months it really is no surprise! By the time we enter spring, everyone is longing for the sort of sun and warmth that can only be provided by a weather system not found in our own country!

Obviously finances play a huge part both in terms of where people go, and whether or not they go at all. With this in mind it is important to consider the more affordable places to visit which will give you a total chance of scene, as well as climate.

One of the first places to spring to mind is Malaga, in Spain. Spain is renowned for being a cheap place to stay. Food and drink is a fraction of what you would expect to pay here in the UK, and on top of that, the coastal resorts surrounding Malaga have wonderful weather records. Of course, despite the fact that flights to Spain are in general very affordable, you still have to consider trying to find the best deals, which is why you should think about having a look at off peak flights to malaga. You can save a lot of money by searching in this way and getting there cheaply will only make you value your holiday even more!

Best Euro Holiday Destinations for Sun - Tenerife

If you are looking for a holiday destination in Europe that is the ideal location to put your feet up and enjoy hot summer sun and beautiful beaches then you should look no further than the island of Tenerife. Amongst the most popular holiday destinations for visitors from the UK and mainland Europe, the island sucks in a huge number of tourists each year (approximately five million people a year visit the island for their holidays in recent times).



     Tenerife is the biggest of the Canary Islands, and has superb facilities to accommodate tourist demographics of all types from couples, young groups of friends, or families. People of all ages flock to the island to enjoy its fantastic coastline and beaches - with the beach at the town of El Modano amongst the best on the island. The climate is superb with summer temperatures averaging around 28 degrees centigrade - but with temperatures in winter still averaging a very pleasant 20 to 22 degrees centigrade Tenerife is also an island that can be visited to escape Europe's colder winter climates, and as such proves popular all year round.
     Hotels in Tenerife are available to cater for all tastes and budgets from self catering to high quality 5 star accommodation - so their is sure to be an option to fit all types of budgets and backgrounds. Cheap Tenerife Holidays are often available to book online and you can take thew hassle out of booking your trip by booking the holiday through the internet quickly and easily.

Choosing the Right Accessories for Travel in Europe

Ar you getting ready to travel in Europe? If the answer is yes then you will need to prepare for your trip and ensure you pack all the things you need. Luckily there are many great shops like Travel Ready that are ready to help! They are a one stop shop for travel accessories for people taking a backpacking trip in Europe or further affield. Whether you are going on a holiday, backpacking excursion or a quick business trip, Travel Ready are one of the sites that will get you kitted out.
     If you want suitcases, holdalls or other luggage items then you would be foolish not to check them out. They search far and wide for the best travel products on the market. They then cut this list down to the top 200 or so. These are then placed on the Travel Ready site in a nice orderly fashion. This is so convenient to have the best products on the market all categorised neatly in one place. Convenience is at the heart of everything they do.
     The site was built with the buyer in mind. They want the process of purchasing travel goods to be as stress free as sunbathing under the Caribbean sun. If you have any queries then you are strongly encouraged to get in touch. You are also encouraged to check out their blog with news and articles about all things connected to travel.

Best Holiday Destinations Outside Europe: New York

New York is a city that inspires all of us regardless of where we live in the world. Although Europe holds many fantastic cities, beach holiday destinations and other superb rural places to visit, there is no place in the world quite like the big apple. The city is arguably the most diverse in terms of its sheer diversity - with cuisine, cultural influences and shopping experiences from so many unique and different far flung areas of the world.

     New York also boasts some of the worlds best known and most frequented tourist attractions. These include the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and the Empire State Building to name just a few.

     With so many different places to see and with the sheer size of the city, getting around on foot can be exhausting and taxis can be expensive options. In order to see the city in an affordable and fun way, visitors to the city may choose to take up the option of sightseeing tours buses to take in great views of the most famous sites in New York. There are many companies who offer this service, but Forever Buses New York are amongst the best.

Visiting Russia for Business and Pleasure

When we think of the best holiday destinations in Eastern Europe many people will tend to think of popular destinations such as Prague, Budapest or Krakow. All of these are fantastic places to visit in their own right - but did you know that Russia has a growing number of visitors coming to the country for business and recreational travel that are often overlooked by many people in Western Europe.

     The country has some truly stunning cities to visit - steeped in hundreds of years of history that stretch far beyond the early twentieth century communism period that the country seems to have been unceremoniously tarnished with by many people from western nations. Moscow and St Petersburg are exciting and different cities from many other city destinations in Europe, and offer the visitors a unique taste of a culture and people that have provided the world with some of the greatest known figures in the fields of art and music. As well as unique architecture and places to visit, visitors to the country can also enjoy the unique experience found with Russian river cruises.

      Whether you are travelling to Russia for business or for a holiday, you will still require a visa to enter the country. Both Russian visitor visas and russian visas for business and work will carry a charge to obtain - but you can find many sites online that can help you through the process of obtaining a visa to enter this beautiful and historic country country.

Hiring a car at Knock Airport

If you are travelling around Europe and choose to visit the West of Ireland during your visit, there is a good chance that you will by flying to Knock Airport in County Mayo. Whether you are travelling for business reasons, to see family in the area, or are on a backpacking holiday, the West of Ireland offers some beautiful scenery and unique experiences that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages and backgrounds. However, you will find that many people will travel to this region of Europe for for religious or spiritual reasons, with Catholic people in particular from across the world and Europe taking pilgrimages in the region. Knock Shrine which is visited by around 1.5 million people every year is famous for an apparition of the Virgin Mary that was said to have taken place in the year 1879. Now people visit the shrine and the surrounding area for a peaceful and spiritual pilgrimage or holiday experience that can be a welcome break from the hussle and bussle of larger tourist cities in Europe.

     The area apart from its airport is relatively remote, so getting around may be best achieved by car. Visitors to the area may choose to take up the option of car hire Knock Airport at a reasonable rate (location voiture pas cher), thus allowing themselves the freedom to explore the region at their own pace and leisure. There are however also pilgrimage experiences that can be booked at the airport itself of through companies in the local region. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary that is a touch more relaxing than visiting a big city in Europe, why not take a trip to Knock and find out why it remains one of the most popular visitor destinations in Ireland.

Best Christmas Holiday Destinations

Welcome to travel guide Europe and our guide to the best holiday destinations to visit in Europe during this wonderful Christmas period. If you have been lucky enough to avoid being grounded by the snow at airports such as Gatwick that have ruined so many peoples holidays this winter – why not pack your bags and set off on a holiday to one of the many great European holiday destinations for winter travel.

Of course, when it comes to choosing the best Christmas holiday destinations in Europe opinion will be divided and there is always going to be differences in choice depending on your interests, age and disposable income.. For example, if your personal cup of tea tends towards a fantastic Christmas party inspired by twinkling Christmas lights, superb local cuisine and part filled music – then the best countries to visit in Europe for a Christmas holiday must surely be found in the UK and France. London and Paris are famous for their seasonal festivities, whist you can also travel to Germany for an authentic outdoor market experience with beers a plenty!

If you can afford to travel to destinations outside Europe, cities such as New York and Florida are brilliant places to visit at Christmas – and of course New York will provide you with all the Christmas shopping opportunities you will ever need! Florida will of course also have some good weather for this time of year if you fancy something a bit different to snow and freezing temperatures!

Best Backpacking Holiday Destinations in Portugal

A Brief Overview of Portugal

Portugal offers one of the warmest climates in Europe and provides the backpacking tourist with a wealth of things to see and do.  Typically, a backpacking vacation implies that you are travelling on a budget or have limited funds.  Not to worry.  There are a number of cheap hotels in Portugal that you can take advantage of.  Additionally, since most international flights land in Lisbon (the capital), there are a number of Lisbon hotels that you can take advantage of as well, although we wouldn’t call all of them cheap.

Backpacking Hot Spots

Although many backpacking tourists prefer to explore the inland regions of the country, it is the beaches and seaside mountains of Portugal that holds the allure for many backpackers.  If your choice is Portugal’s countryside, then you might want to consider one of the following areas:

- Castelo Branco
- Évora
- Douro Valley
- Leiria
- Miranda do Douro
- Viseu

However, if you want to observe the wildlife of the region in its natural state, then you owe it to yourself to backpack and explore the Azores or Madeira Islands.  Additionally, the mainland has nature reserves situated in the Douro Valley, at Peneda-Gerês and at Serra da Estrela.

Gems and Secrets of the Country

For many tourists, the Algarve is the destination of choice with its abundance of natural beauty and some of the most stunning coastlines in Portugal.  Unfortunately, it is gradually becoming overdeveloped and is no longer the hidden gem or secret that it once was.  However, it is still worth exploring because some of the Algarve’s beaches are less visited than others.

Amarante is one of Portugal’s most magnificent little towns and well worth the visit.  It is a lovely city that features some spectacular architecture with beautiful paths and trails to explore along the River Tamega.  Many tourists have commented on how beautiful the architecture and the green streets are as they reflect off the waters of the river.

If you travel to Oporto in the north, you will be at the gateway to another one of the gems and secrets of the country, namely the Douro River Valley.  The most outstanding characteristic of this valley is the vineyards growing along the sloped banks of the river.  The local wineries in the area are complemented by some stunning panoramas of the river.

Events and Cultural Festivals in Portugal

During the summer months, there are numerous fairs that take place especially in the northern regions of the country.  Additionally, there are a number of music festivals that take place that might be of interested to you.  These festivals are typically set in some of the most beautiful countryside and small, quaint villages.

To the north – the two oldest festivals in the region are the Paredes de Coura festival and the Vilar de Mouros festival.

To the south – along the western part of Portugal’s southern coast is the Festival Sudoeste, by far the oldest and most famous of Portugal’s many festivals.

Euro Holiday Destinations: Advice on Travel Insurance & Legal Claims

 It may seem a little pessimistic, but before you even think about setting set off on a backpacking holiday or vacation to any of the best holiday destinations in Europe that are discussed here in my blog, you should always be fully prepared for a worst case scenario. For this reason I would always ensure that you have sufficient travel insurance coverage to suit the activities that you are likely to take part in on your trip. Although travel insurance policies for single trips and holidays to Europe are readily available online these days from just a few pounds, if you are planning a longer excursion (perhaps on a month long backpacking holiday) or are planning on taking part in any extreme sports or other potentially dangerous activities during your visit then you will need to ensure that your policy covers the worst case scenario in such eventualities before you take out the policy.

     Travelling in Europe should always be a fun experience you remember for the rest of your life - and for the vast majority of backpackers and holidaymakers on the continent this will be the case - but please also keep in mind that at some of the holiday destinations in Europe you may plan to visit on your travels, you may possibly find that the standard of health and safety can on occasions be less thorough and strictly regulated than the conditions we are perhaps used to here in the UK. For this very reason, proper preparation as well as due vigilance and care for your personal safety are always essential.

      If the worst happens and you do fall foul of an injury or illness whilst on your holiday, then it’s always advisable to seek the advice and expertise of a qualified holiday claim specialist or solicitor who will be able to give you greater clarification on your legal options, should you wish to pursue them. In many cases, any initial enquiries you make are usually available for free, and you may find that seeking legal advice in such scenarios is often far less intimidating than one would potentially expect. If the accident or illness that occurred on your holiday was not through any fault of your own, it is possible you could be entitled to varying levels of compensation – but the help of experts in the field is invariably the best path to take to explore your options.

Best Non Euro Holiday Destinations: Go On Safari!

If you are looking for an exotic holiday destination with a difference this winter then why not jet off on one of the great safari holidays available in locations across East Africa. If you tire of looking at the architecture, museums and art galleries that adorn Europe’s great cities and instead are looking for one of the best holiday destinations that will allow the visitor to get away from urbanised areas, then there is probably no better way of experiencing the great outdoors, going back to nature and seeing Africa’s vibrant and varied wildlife.

A Kenya safari will doubtlessly offer the traveler a holiday of a lifetime - and unique experiences of another world and way of life. With cultures, peoples and landscapes so different to those found in both urban and even rural Europe safari holidays can offer the visitor and exciting step into the unknown. With incredible natural wildlife seldom seen in the wild in many other locations across the world that includes mighty elephants, fleet footed leopards and powerful rhinos, there is no better way to enjoy these animals in there natural habitat than going away on Safari.

Top 5 Online Resources for Budget Travelers in Europe

In this blogpost were going to be looking at what I believe are the 5 of the best online resources and travel websites to help you plan, prepare for, book and ultimately enjoy your dream backpacking holiday to all of the best holiday destinations in Europe. With the following travel tips and advice hopefully you will find some useful resources to help your trip go smoothly - and also save you a heap of money too!

1. InterRail - http://www.interrailnet.com/

It may be somewhat cliché, but as any young backpacker will tell you these days, getting around Europe with an InterRail travel card is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to travel - and importantly give you the great amount of flexibility you will need to enjoy all the brilliant backpacking holiday destinations in Europe. Booking a ticket online is quick and easy, and the travel cards are valid in the vast majority of countries in Europe.

2. Hostel Bookers - http://www.hostelbookers.com/

Quite possibly the biggest and best online resource for backpackers who are looking to compare and book hostels in Europe and indeed, across the rest of the world. I used have used this site when traveling, booking holidays, stag dos - you name it. Its really easy to use, has an extremely simple booking system and has many useful reviews from likeminded travelers to help you make informed decisions on where to stay based on your personal requirements whether it be location, cost, atmosphere etc.

3. Gaynors Sports of Ambleside - http://www.gaynors.co.uk/

While far less well known outside of the UK than the 2 sites I highlight above, Gaynors is a great shop for anyone looking to take on a backpacking holiday, camping trip or who simply enjoys the great outdoors. Their shop in Ambleside in the Lake District is packed with great gear at low prices or you can also save time and money by buying online. Whether you are in the need of backpacks, waterproofs or boots they have hundreds of products from well known outdoor brands and tend to have some great deals available throughout the year.

4. Low Cost airline Guide - http://www.low-cost-airline-guide.com/

Need help on finding the availability and price of cheap flights to Europe? This great resource is one of the quickest and easiest ways to compare and find out the latest flights online with this low cost airline guide. Listing all of Europe’s best holiday and backpacking flight destinations in the UK, Spain, Romania, Russia, Norway, Serbia, Portugal and pretty much anywhere else you can think of - you’re sure to be able to find the details you need to plan and book your flights whilst traveling in Europe.

5. World Backpackers Forum

If you are planning a backpacking trip or simply need help along the way its nice to be able to share your thoughts, questions and concerns with other likeminded individuals online. With this travel forum you can find backpacking tips and advice, ask questions, raise concerns you may have and generally soak up the knowledge and info of other people who are enjoying their traveling in Europe and other holiday destinations around the world.

Best European Holiday Destinations: Antalya

If you are travelling to the beautiful Turkish city of Antalya or indeed any of the stunning g scenery that can be found in the surrounding coastal region of the country then you will most likely want to arrive via the nearby airport. Turkey has some of the most unique and naturally beautiful coastal and mountainous scenery in the world, so taking a holiday or backpacking trip to Antalya is best enjoyed if you allow yourself to explore beyond the confines of the city itself.

If you tire of the great attractions of Antalya such as the city walls and Hıdırlık Tower, as well as the numerous bars, shops and places to eat in the historically rich Kaleiçi area of the city, then why not look further affield and take advantage of car hire Antalya airport and take the chance to investigate the towering mountains and cliffs that surround the city. There are also the fantastic nearby Konyaaltı, Lara and Karpuzkaldıran beaches that are well worth a visit for travelers and visitors to Turkey. In order to get around the region more easily visitors can take advantage of cheap car hire Turkey and get around at their own leisure and speed.