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Archive for August, 2010

Things not to miss on your holiday to Larnaca, Cyprus Aug 25

Larnaca is a holiday destination favourite, perfect for families. As there is an abundance of cheap flights to Larnaca available there is no reason not to consider it for your next holiday. Larnaca is located by the sea with beautiful beaches and clear waters. As well as the seaside Larnaca is the oldest town in Cyprus so there are also historical sites to explore and get a sense of the destinations past.

Stavrovouni Monastery
Visiting the Stavrovouni Monastery is a must on your trip to Larnaca. There are daily arranged visits to the monastery so make sure you don’t miss out. It is said to have been founded by Saint Helena who was the mother of Constantine the Great in the 4th century.

Larnaca Salt Lake
If you’re visiting Larnaca between November & March then make sure that you visit the salt lake. During the winter months up to 12,000 flamingoes flock to enjoy the lake and it’s a beautiful site.

District Museum
The district museum is in walking distance from the town centre. The museum houses many interesting pieces such as antiquities and archeological finds. These date from the Neolithic to the Roman period. Pieces include engraved stone blocks, scarabs, bones, vases, tools and coins.

Agios Lazaros Church
On your trip to Larnaca make sure you visit the Church of St Lazarus. It is probably the best example of Byzantine architecture in Cyprus. The church is very beautiful and the tomb of Lazarus can be reached. St Lazarus is the patron saint of Larnaca.

With these exciting sites to see as well as the traditional seaside on offer make sure you try and pick up a cheap flight to Cyprus as soon as possible!

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Camping in France with a Baby Aug 25

Camping in France is an opportunity for plenty of shared time and fun for families. However, if there’s a baby in your family you may be concerned about meeting new challenges on your holiday. Don’t despair! The new addition to your family doesn’t mean you’ll have to hold off on camping trips for a few years. You can have an enjoyable experience camping in France with a pre-toddler in tow.

Successful planning provides the best results when camping with a baby. Cheap family holidays save your family money that could be used for the little one’s camping essentials. Pack extra wipes and diapers, as well as burping cloths and receiving blankets. The blankets will come in handy, as you’ll be able to use them for changing your baby, giving him a place to sit and play or have tummy time and also for sleeping. You can layer the blankets as needed based on the temperature. Be sure to pack enough clothing items to layer your little one this way too!

Feedings while camping in France don’t have to be a challenge either. If you are breastfeeding, no preparations or supplies are necessary. However, if you are formula feeding, purchase the premixed formula and store it in a cooler. If your baby is eating solid foods, pack the commercial jar baby foods and snacks so you have nothing that requires mixing and preparations.

Bring toys to keep your baby busy and a play yard or portable crib for him to play and nap in safely while camping. If you plan to hike or do much walking, a baby sling or back pack is a superb idea. These will allow you to have your hands free and your baby is likely to enjoy a comfortable nap as you go about your hike or stroll.

Ensure your baby has both a safe and good night’s sleep by bringing along a battery operated baby monitor, a small light for the tent, a battery operated stereo for soothing music, a sleeping sack and a baby travel bed, which features a self-inflating mattress to keep baby off the cold ground and protective netting to keep pesky insects away.

Don’t forget to pack emergency items. A first aid kit, baby medications and a baby safe sunscreen are three things you can’t afford to travel without when traveling with a baby. What else is good to have around for baby related emergencies? Helping hands! Having others around to watch the baby while you take a nap, wash or have some quiet time to yourself will make for a more enjoyable camping experience.

Though cheap family holidays are a lot of fun, try not to plan a lengthy trip. This will allow your baby to get a feel for camping in France and will help with budgeting. Keep in mind that camping in France doesn’t have to be a venture into the great outdoors with your first time camper. In France, there are many family friendly camping sites that provide baby travel necessities like cots, high chairs and baths. There are plenty of leisurely activities available that will make you, your family and baby happy while on holiday!

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The best places to visit in Florida Aug 24

Bordering the states of Alabama and Georgia, Florida is a peninsula with a coastline of nearly 1,200 miles shared between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Coast. It’s known as the ‘Sunshine State’ for a good reason – the climate in its central and northern regions is warm, but towards the south it becomes tropical.

The fantastic weather is only part of why Florida is one of the most popular holiday destinations within the United States, with many flight offers available to whisk holidaymakers and their families away at the drop of a hat.

The first place that you may consider for a family holiday is the world’s largest resort, Walt Disney World. Located outside of Orlando, it covers an amazing 47 square miles and features four theme parks and two water parks as well as over 24 hotels. It’s entirely possible to have a fantastic holiday here without leaving the resort.

If you’ve already had the Disney experience and hanker after something different, you’re well catered for. Seaworld in Orlando boasts not only the usual theme park rides such as the Kraken, the Shamu Express and the Manta, but also has daily shows. Taking pride of place alongside ‘Believe’, a show featuring Shamu, the world famous killer whale, is Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island, featuring the eponymous sea lions.

Although theme parks and resorts feature highly among cheap flights to Florida, they’re by no means the only things to do. Florida is the perfect location for a beach holiday. Panama City Beach has over 20,000 places to stay, meaning that no matter your budget, you can experience miles of pure white sand and the dolphins that play just off the shore. Daytona Beach is hugely popular with the spring break crowd, and as such has plenty of water sports and racing for those seeking a thrill, as well as a lively club scene.

Cocoa Beach is one of the most affordable locations, and holidaying here means that you’re a stone’s throw away from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre and the awe-inspiring Everglades.

Florida is a popular stop off for cheap flights to America as there is so much to do; you’ll need more than one holiday to see all it has to offer.

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Top 4 Animal Attractions in Lanzarote Aug 24

 Top 4 Animal Attractions in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is one of the more family friendly of the Spanish islands, and as such the island has a lot of animal attractions that will appeal to both adults and children alike. When you’re looking to book holidays to Lanzarote, you should consider visiting some of the following attractions as they’ll help to make your holiday experience more entertaining.

Rancho Texas Park
Despite having an American sounding name, Rancho Texas Park is based in Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote. The park is a theme park, but it also has a wide range of different animals to see, including crocodiles. The park is more famous though for its birds, as it has a lot of parrots, exotic birds and of course birds of prey.

Guinate Tropical Park
Not far from Maguez in Lanzarote, the Guinate Tropical Park is the new home for a 10 Humboldt penguins, which are incredibly rare. These penguins, although more used to cooler climes, actually came from the UK originally – from the Isle of Wight! The penguins have joined many other animals at the park, including exotic birds. There are a total of 1300 different species of animals at this park, so see if you can spot them all.

Jeep Safaris
One of the best ways to see everything on holidays to Lanzarote is with a jeep safari. While you won’t see any of the ‘big five’ in Lanzarote, you will see plenty of local wildlife, and you’ll get to know where all of the best beaches, restaurants and clubs are as you’re given the guided tour of the island.

Lanzarote a Caballo
Spain is world renowned for its stallions, and this riding centre, not far from Puerto del Carmen, you and whoever you are on holiday with can ride some of the best horses that Spain has to offer. Young children can also ride ponies, or even camel drawn carts.

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Trains Used For America Rail Tours Aug 23

Travelling across America by train is starting to grow in popularity. The benefits are great – you don’t have the stress of driving, you have space to stretch your legs and you can even fall asleep if you want!

What’s more, rather than flying, where the landscape and exciting cities of this fantastic country are missed at around 35,000 feet below, you get to see and experience the landscape up close and personal, making for a far more special adventure.

The following list looks at some of the trains and routes used on the coast to coast America rail tours.

Las Vegas 2 Travel Library 54 Trains Used For America Rail Tours

Amtrak Trains

Amtrak provide a long-distance service on a variety of routes in America, making their trains one of the best ways to discover vast sections of the country.

On overnight journeys, passengers can relax on comfortable, reclining seats next to a window. Fresh towels and complimentary bottles of water come as standard in each cabin, while showers and washrooms are found at the end of each carriage.

Passengers also have the chance to upgrade on certain services, meaning you get to enjoy a bedroom cabin featuring its own sofa bed and en suite facilities.

Some of the most well-known Amtrak services include the Capitol Limited from Washington to Chicago, Chicago to Denver on the California Zephyr, and the 2,256 mile trip between Chicago and Los Angeles on the Southwest Chief.

Grand Canyon Railway

Such special landscape deserves a special train and the locomotives on the Grand Canyon Railway are certainly made to meet expectations.

The carriages have been restored to help add to the vintage feel as you take to a route through Arizona, originally built between 1908 and 1910. Passengers will enjoy performances from musicians playing songs from the early 20th century, as well as actors staging a shoot-out.

Durango & Silverton Railroad

At 128 years old, the vintage railroad has operated steam engines since 1882. The steam trains in use today were first introduced between 1923 and 1925.

The three-and-a-half hour journey climbs through the San Juan Mountains in the National Forest in Colorado, taking in breathtaking scenery along the way.

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Living the American Dream – Travel the Coast to Coast Rail Tour Aug 23

Travelling across America is an experience that many people want to do at least once in their lives. The question that most consider though is how to go about seeing and experiencing as much of the country as possible, especially when they are limited for time or need to keep to a sensible budget.

America is such a vast country, with a variety of cities, landscape and cultures, which means having the time to experience everything on offer is virtually impossible.

Of course you could live what many would consider a traveller’s dream and take a road trip across the country. A highway such as Route 66 takes you across a vast part of the USA – through eight different states between Los Angeles in California, to Chicago in Illinois. A road trip gives you the freedom to stop where and when you want, and experience as many places along the way as you wish.

New York Statue of Liberty 2 540300 Living the American Dream   Travel the Coast to Coast Rail Tour

However, if you fancy travelling in a bit more style, relaxation and comfort, taking an American coast to coast rail tour is definitely the option for you. With an increasing variety of trips available, there is sure to be one that will suit you and take you to the destinations you most want to visit.

You won’t need to worry about missing everything by being stuck on a track either. Most tour operators make sure that you spend time, or sometimes even a couple of nights, in each city or major destination that you go through.

One of the best coast to coast rail tours goes between New York and San Francisco, ensuring you get to visit a variety of destinations between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. In the first week alone you will visit cities such as the presidential capital of Washington DC, and the ‘Windy City’ of Chicago.

From here the trip turns more scenic as you pass through the Rocky Mountains, before experiencing the sheer enormity of the Grand Canyon. You even have the option to take a local flight above it, which really is a spectacular way to see the sheer scale of one of the world’s natural wonders.

You then move on to Los Angeles to take in the glitz and the glamour of Hollywood, where you can see the walk-of-fame, the world-famous sign, or take a walk down Hollywood Boulevard. The final destination of the tour is San Francisco – a fascinating, hilly city which is full of culture.

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Five Magical Christmas Tours Aug 23

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year which should be celebrated to the full. However, if you fancy getting away from the hustle and bustle of a British Christmas time, taking a trip abroad may be the option for you this year.

There are a vast number of holidays you can take over the Christmas season, which will give you a festive period that you will never forget.

York Minster from city walls 1 c GRJ 540300 Five Magical Christmas Tours

Here are five of the very best Christmas tours that you can find:

Traditional Glacier Express

Visiting Switzerland at Christmas time is a magical experience, which is made even more special by a trip on the Glacier Express. On this journey you will get to see the sites up the Rhone Valley and Oberalp Pass, at a height of 6,670 feet. You will also get the chance to visit Chur, which is the oldest town in Switzerland, completely at your leisure.

Egyptian Cruise

Fancy escaping the cold and wet this Christmas time? Then taking a cruise around the Mediterranean and Egypt may be the option for you. The 16-day trip takes you around the coasts of France, Spain, Italy and Greece before arriving in Egypt on Christmas Eve morning. Docking in Alexandria, you will get to spend Christmas in the home of historical figures such as Mark Antony, Cleopatra and Julius Caesar.

Yorkshire at Christmas

If you want to spend Christmas a little bit closer to home then there’s nowhere better than the picturesque county of Yorkshire for a traditional festive feeling. Your week will be spent in Harrogate, while you go on escorted trips to the historic city of York, and ride a steam train across the scenic Yorkshire Moors. Christmas Day will be spent relaxing and eating a banquet dinner at the 4-star Kimberly Hotel.

Bavarian Rail Break

Spending Christmas in Bavaria will give you the opportunity to visit amazing castles, take a journey on the Zugspitze Railway and take a sleigh ride through the snowy scenery on Christmas Day. Enjoy a traditional Bavarian roast duck dinner to complete the experience of this magical place.

Canada at Christmas

If you really want to get away this Christmas then visiting Canada is a great way to do this. The nine day tour takes you from Toronto, paying a visit to Niagara Falls before setting on The Canadian across to Rocky Mountains, before arriving in Vancouver near the Pacific coast.

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Late Deals to Majorca – Five Benefits of Self Catering Aug 20

 Late Deals to Majorca – Five Benefits of Self Catering

Many people are finding times difficult at the moment in a financial sense. Despite financial woes, the added stress and pressure make people want to take a holiday more than ever, just to escape the slog of everyday life, even if it is just for a week.

With many late deals to Majorca available, you can find a great trip abroad for a surprisingly low price. This is especially so if you decide to stay in a self-catering apartment, villa or studio.

Here are some of the benefits of taking self catering holidays to Majorca:

- You can save a lot of money. Two people eating out when abroad every single night can take its toll on the wallet. With a self catering apartment equipped with a kitchenette, you have the option to cook your own meals on a budget.

- The property you stay in can be far more affordable. You usually get more for your money when you book a self-catering holiday. Hotels tend to charge a fair bit more if you want to go half or full board, meaning expectations over accommodation can sometimes be a let-down. You’ll now find a wide range of self-catering properties available, from hotels, apartments, all the way to your own bungalow or villa.

- The best deals are to be found when you leave it late. There are some amazing late deals to Majorca to be found at this time of the year. The majority of these are from self-catering apartments. Prices for these can be found from as little as £15pppn, making your holiday in the sun extremely affordable.

- More choice. It’s fair to say that a holiday abroad isn’t complete without experiencing the local cuisine. By taking a self-catering holiday you are not limited to just eating in your hotel; instead you have the freedom to eat where and when you want.

- It’s more private. There are usually more facilities in a self-catering room, meaning that whether you’re travelling as a couple or a family, you can feel contained and not overlooked by other hotel guests.

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Top 5 Tips for finding the Best Majorca Late Deals Aug 20

 Top 5 Tips for finding the Best Majorca Late Deals

At this time of the year, when summer is nearly over and the weather is slowly turning greyer, we all start to crave sunnier shores and a warmer climate once more. In modern days, Majorca late deals pop up all over the place as there are many outlets on the internet and on the high street that offer some great bargains to entice us sun seeking Brits.

The good thing about Majorca is that it’s only a two-hour flight from most UK mainline airports, yet the weather you get on this Spanish jewel is far more pleasant for a longer time through the year than what you get from just staying at home.

Here are five tried and tested tips for finding the best Majorca late deals:

1) Go at very short notice. Some of the best deals can appear just a few days before the date of departure. If you are prepared to do this you can pick up a fantastic bargain – you may even find somewhere you may not have been able to afford to go to before at a really low price!

2) Shop around for prices. Try various internet sites for package deals as well as weighing up how much it would cost to book your flights and accommodation separate. It’s worth doing some research to find out when the best time to book would be, whether you decide to go for the full holiday or break it down into its components.

3) Have an all-inclusive holiday. You’ll find some brilliant all-inclusive holidays to Majorca when you leave your booking until the last minute. The benefits of going all-inclusive, most importantly include the fact that you will have paid everything up-front, so won’t be hit by any expensive food or drink costs when you arrive at your resort.

4) Travel light. Flights to Majorca and other destinations can be found relatively cheap. However, many budget airlines charge you for carrying excessive baggage amounts. Try taking just hand luggage, or sharing a larger suitcase to save you money.

5) Don’t go in school holidays. Make sure you avoid the summer holidays, or even half-term school breaks to find the best deals available.

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Where is the best place to go for Entertainment in Japan? Aug 18

 Where is the best place to go for Entertainment in Japan?

Japan is generally associated with manufacturing electronic items and vehicles. That is usually the first thought that comes in one’s mind, whether consciously or unconsciously. However, Japan is also a place of great beauty.

It is a destination steeped in culture, with many UNESCO world heritage sites. It has maintained links with the past that dates back hundreds of years ago. Visiting this great nation is not difficult at all. There are many cheap flights to Japan operating out of Europe and North America. There are also a number of cheap flights to Asia from other parts of the world.

Like most visitors, your first contact with Japan is the city of Tokyo. Tokyo is a great city with a population of 11 million people. There are many exciting places to visit in Tokyo. Ginza is one such place. It is a replica of Japan as a country in terms of industry, technology and materialism. Make a point of visiting it at night to witness its spectacular fireworks display. Ginza is in close proximity to the seat of government with many important addresses being within walking distance.

Within a day’s journey from Tokyo stands the famous city of Nikko. It has a big network of shrines and temples to occupy any tourist who visits the site. The town of Nikko has a close association with the history of the shoguns. A tour of Nikko is not complete without visit to the 3-monkey carvings.

Many people know about the Fuji photo films. Mount Fuji is one of the most popular tourist sites in Japan. Standing at above 12, 000 ft above sea level, it is a remarkable sight especially during winter. More than 250,000 people climb its slopes every year. Tourists and visitors have a choice of three hiking routes to follow. Along each route, there are refreshment centres to cater for the needs of the hikers.

The Himeji castle is very popular with tourists coming in on cheap flights to Japan. It is very well maintained and still retains its original look. It has also gained popularity because of the James Bond movie shot on its location. The castle was constructed in the 14th century. Expansion works took place in the 17th century. The Himeji castle or ‘White Heron Castle’ has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site because of its unique history.

The ‘Bomb Dome’ in Hiroshima also receives thousands of visitors every year. This site was directly under the bomber that deployed the atomic bomb over Hiroshima. The ‘Bomb Dome’ refers to the structure that survived the explosion and is now part of the memorial park put up in remembrance of those who lost their lives then.

Kamakura is famous for hosting the ‘Daibutsu’ statue. Many foreign visitors come from all over the world on cheap flights to Japan to take photos in front of this massive structure. It weighs a colossal 93 tons and is 14 meters tall. The town is also associated with Nichiren Buddhism, started in the 13th century by a monk named Nichiren. Japan is indeed one of the most exciting destinations one can ever visit and you will forever remember the experience.

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