Dubai has fast become one of the leading vacation destinations in the world. This amazing city has established itself as a leader in the tourism market. Getting to Dubai has never been easier with many different options from all major airports around the world. There are even cruises to Dubai that will suit every budget, and allow you to travel in style before exploring.

Choosing what to see when you are in Dubai can be a challenge, as there is so much to see and do. Although classed as very touristy, the open tour buses really do allow you to see everything in Dubai. You can spend a couple of hours being shown the ultimate sights of the city, with several different stops for you to hop on and off. The guides onboard are very knowledgeable, and will be happy to answer all of your questions. The tour bus even has a route to allow you to see all of the new building work, and breathtaking constructions which are going up.

Dubai is known as the city of gold, and there is no doubt why after a visit to the Gold Souk. There are hundreds of shops selling stunning gold jewellery, in the heart of this trading area. You do not have to purchase anything while in the area, and wandering through the hustle and bustle is fascinating. However if you do want to find yourself a bargain, there are plenty to be had. Remember to haggle and ensure you are aware of the gold currency price on that day.

After spending your time on one of the many cruises to Dubai you will be pleased to be on dry land. A trip to the desert is an event you must do when visiting Dubai and there are several different safari trips that you can join. You will be taken by a 4×4 vehicle into the incredible sand dunes to experience some local cuisine, entertaining belly dancing, and even a camel ride to ensure you have the full experience of desert life. For something slightly more romantic you can go on a romantic sunset picnic, which is the perfect end to a fun packed day.

Shopping is of course what many travellers go to Dubai for, and as with everything in this vast city the malls are the largest in the world. Both the Ibn Batutta Mall and the Mall of Emirates off a great day out, although you may find that one day is simply not enough. With so many designer names all under one roof you will never tire of looking round the massive amount of shops. As well as the shops there are a vast amount of eateries to explore.

No vacation would be complete without a trip to the beach, and Dubai offers you the world famous Jumieriah Beach. This amazing beach is perfect after you have travelled the long distance by plane or on one of the many cruises to Dubai. The crystal blue waters and stunning golden sand it is the ultimate place to relax and unwind. Enabling you to focus and determine where you will visit next during your stay in Dubai.

The idea for the Panama Canal originated in 1539 when the king of Spain, Charles V drew up the first plans. Construction would not begin for another 300 years when technology and manpower would become more feasible.

The idea was then picked up by the French in 1880 and was led by Ferdinand de Lessep. However, an abrupt hold was put on the project nine years later when harsh conditions and disease claimed the lives of 22,000 labourers and the project soon went bankrupt. In 1904, the United States gained control of the Canal and began the building process once again. The US remained in control of the Canal until 1999, when the United States handed control over to Panama, due to a treaty that was signed some 22 years earlier.

The Canal was completed and opened for business in 1914, and it was officially operating on August 15, 1914 with the first vessel ever to transit the Canal. The main countries that utilize the Panama Canal are the United States, China, Japan, Chili and South Korea. Included below are just five of the many interesting fact about the Panama Canal:

1)    American adventurer Richard Halliburton swam the Panama Canal , only paying a toll of 36 cents. This happened on August 23, 1928 and since toll is charged by weight and Halliburton only weighed 150 pounds, his toll was a mere 36 cents.

2)    Ships travelling the Canal between New York and San Francisco instead of going around Cape Horn at the southern tip of The Americas save journeying for an extra 7,872 miles. The Canal is 50 miles long and, beginning in 1963, is open for passage 24 hours a day, 365 a year.

3)    Each door on the locks of the Panama Canal weighs 750 tons. More than four and a half million cubic yards of concrete were used to build the locks and dams of the Canal.

4)    The Hydrofoil Pegasus crossed the Panama Canal in 2 hours and 41 minutes. That is the fastest any vessel has crossed the Canal. It would normally take between 8 and 10 hours to cross.

5)    The highest toll ever paid was by The Rhapsody of the Sea in 1997. This cruise ship paid a record $153,662.66 to cross the Panama Canal.

The Panama Canal has been servicing vessels of all sizes and types since 1914, creating a notable short cut between New York and San Francisco. The Canal has been making trade among various countries much for feasible and easily accessible for decades.

Now, cruises to the Panama are very popular, with thousands of tourists making the journey to this extraordinary place every single year.

Royal Caribbean cruises are the ultimate in luxury, and comfort when it comes to having a vacation. Cruising is fast becoming the way to spend your vacation time, and is now more popular than ever before. The staff onboard the ships understand that quality is highly important whatever your needs and budget are. Cruising has become very affordable in recent years, enabling average people to experience this amazing type of vacation.

Royal Caribbean cruises consist of 42 ships and they control a large proportion of the cruise market. This guarantees that when you travel with them, you know that you are getting the ultimate luxury experience. Their cruise ships are 5 star floating hotels that offer you so much to do whilst on board. Of course, activities are by no means a necessity when on board a cruise.

Whether you are travelling alone, as a family or a couple looking for a romantic getaway there is something for everyone. Every deck of the magnificent cruise ship will offer you a different experience, from the fine dining to the wave rider. The many different activities will allow all of your senses to come alive. The entertainment package on board is fantastic, catering for all ages and tastes. If you want to be captured in the moment at the theatre, or dance the night away in one of the many clubs everything is possible on Royal Caribbean cruises.

The food onboard the cruise ship is often the main selling point for the vacation, with fine dining and fast food all available under one roof. You can choose to dine in one of the outstanding restaurants or experience one of the different specialty ones on offer. If fine dining isn’t for you there are plenty of casual family oriented eateries. You can of course choose to have a relaxed evening in your room, and rely on the room service to keep you well fed. This is available 24 hours a day, so no matter when you are peckish the staff will be ready to cook for you.

If you are a night owl the bars, nightclubs and gaming areas will suit you perfectly, to continue partying into the early hours. The Las Vegas style casinos are suited to players of all levels and expertise. You can even have lessons in your favourite game to ensure that by the time you depart you are an expert. Shopping is of course popular no matter where in the world you are. There are some great shops and boutiques onboard for you to explore.

Whether you want a piece of exquisite jewellery or simply some toiletries, there is a shop to cater for your needs. As well as the goods onboard the Royal Caribbean cruises being of amazing quality, they are of course tax free. Saving you even more money every time you shop, allowing you to treat you or your loved ones to some great gifts. Once you have decided that cruising is for you, all that is left to do is decide on which amazing destinations you want to visit.

Selecting the very best cruise experience for your family can at times be complicated but it doesn’t have to be. All you need to do is make sure you work with a professional travel company with a good reputation to avoid problems and ensure that you and your family have a vacation of a lifetime.

Things to keep in mind are that some cruise ships are a better choice if you have infants and others will be a better fit if your children are in the teen years. Not all itineraries are ideal for a family going on vacation.

Almost all major cruise lines provide on board activities for family and children of virtually all ages, however a few really go the extra mile specialising in family cruises. The best will offer children’s programs and entertainment, family friendly accommodations and a wide variety of kid-friendly dining selections.

Here are just a few of the most popular family cruises for you to choose from:

Disney Cruise Lines: The Disney Cruise Line is regarded as one of the top family cruise lines simply because it truly caters to families. The sleeping accommodations are much larger than they are on other cruise lines and quite a few include split bathrooms and dual sinks. They also offer character appearances like Mickey Mouse along with Disney movies and live shows. There is also a family night club, children’s recreation area, an exclusive deck area along with pools that cater only to teenagers. You’ll even get to experience your own fireworks show on board. The Disney Cruise also has a rotational dinner plan that gives their guests the opportunity to have a uniquely themed dinner every night while onboard.

Disney Cruise lines go to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Europe, Mexican Riviera, Alaska along with the Pacific Coast and Europe.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines: Royal Caribbean is another cruise line that is very popular for families. They have award winning programs for young people that include activities like theme parties, art and science fun and games. Other activities to do together as a family include rock climbing, ice skating and even on board miniature golf. The most popular activity is their water play section that has a surf simulator and water slides. Some of the fine dining experiences include a pizza buffet, Johnny Rockets for great sandwiches and Ben  Jerry’s for an awesome ice cream treat.

The Royal Caribbean goes to a huge variety of places including Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Hawaii and the Panama Canal to name a few.

Norwegian Cruise Lines: This is a popular choice because of the unique assortment of on board family fun like bowling, arcade games and Wii, a sports deck area and great water slides. They also offer monitored activities for children and teenagers consisting of arts  crafts, movies, games and parties. The dining experience offers a great selection of dining options that gives families the ability to dine anywhere, anytime.

Norwegian Cruise lines travel to several destinations including Alaska, Florida and the Bahamas, Hawaii, Canada and more.

Mini cruises allow you to take a trip on a cruise on a relatively low budget. With mini cruises so conveniently available, people can sail the open seas just about any time of the year and explore fantastic destinations one short trip at a time. Mini cruises are becoming more and more sought after as people have less time to dedicate to holiday breaks.

After a long week of work, what could be better than going on a relaxing, rejuvenating mini cruise? Lay back in the sun and feel the ocean breezes on your face, take a swim, dance the night away or partake in a wonderful meal, or maybe even do some rock climbing. Mini cruises offer all the perks that come with longer cruises, so even if you don’t have the time to go on a longer cruise, you won’t miss out on the fun.

Here are five of the best mini cruises sailing from the UK:

1. Spend the night in Ireland. The Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas is always a great choice for mini cruises. So many fun things to do onboard like rock climbing, ice skating and they even have a surf simulator.

2. Princess Luxury Cruises deliver the opportunity to live an extravagant lifestyle while still fitting into your budget. Treat yourself to the lifestyle of the rich and famous.

3. Ventura mini cruises were created to be the best family option available. The top part of their 19 decks has a circus school, so children can bounce around thanks to a bungee trampoline, master juggling or even learn how to be a clown.

4. If an adults only cruise is more your cup of tea then the Artemis skips all the kiddie entertainment and focuses on the grownups. On board you’ll find eight bars and cafes, one that actually specialises in wonderful coffee and decadent chocolate treats. They also have four whirlpools, an art gallery and exceptional evening entertainment. These mini cruises are perfect settings for romance. Try out one of these adult only mini cruises by setting out on a three night voyage from Southampton to Bruges.

5. Visit Spain’s lovely seaport La Coruna, which is a port of call for excursions to Santiago de Compostela. The beautiful area is worthy of a day devoted to it alone. You’ll love its bustling marketplace and wonderful tapas bars.

There are so many options available to you if you are looking for cruise and stay deals. In fact, you will see so much choice that its likely you will want to take more than one cruise in order to experience everything on offer to you. While everyone has different preferences in what they want from a cruise holiday, here are five great cruise and stay deals that we know will have you interested for more.

Disney cruises are extremely popular all year round, because they offer plenty of activities for the entire family. Whether you’re taking in the shows on the ship or taking in all the fun and excitement it has to offer, Disney cruises are very enjoyable. Best of all, with a cruise and stay deal you can fly down a day early and stay in a nice resort or hotel.

Southern Caribbean cruises are also great if you’re looking for a long-term romantic break. Airfare can take you right into the heart of San Juan and allow you to experience places like Aruba, St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John’s, St. Lucia, and St. Georges. This is a great deal for anyone who wants to see a lot in a short period of time.

Western Caribbean cruises come with great deals as well, especially if you head to Mexico. This particular cruise leaves from Tampa, Florida and ports in Cozumel and Costa Maya. This is a shorter cruise and stay opportunity, but the longer option has you leaving from Galveston, Texas and then travelling to Cozumel, George Town, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, and Jamaica before returning.

There are over 700 islands to explore when you hit the cruise and stay deals in the Bahamas. No matter where you take your initial port from, we know you have an experience of a lifetime on a cruise like these. During your stay you can enjoy the beaches, scuba diving, shopping, unique cuisine, and accommodations that look absolutely gorgeous.

Now if you want a cruise and stay deal that offers plenty of seclusion then we recommend the Grand Bahama. The Freeport area offers plenty of relaxation with fishing, thick forests, and hidden beaches along the way. If you want a little adventure you can feed the sharks during your stay.

In the end, there are more than five great cruise and stay deals out there. All you have to do is figure out where you want to go and what type of activities to experience during the holiday. Whatever you choose we know it will leave a lasting memory.

The Sunshine State is a tropical retreat with a thousand kilometres of fine beaches fronting the Atlantic Ocean on the east and bordering the Gulf of Mexico on the west. Because of its hospitable climate, Florida is a favourite among visitors who enjoy its beach resorts, as well as its popular inland attractions.

Here are just some of the famous attractions you’ll find in this holiday paradise.

Walt Disney World

Opened in 1971, the world’s largest amusement park now has four themed parks with rides, two water parks, and six golf courses. The whole family, especially the kids, will love the Animal Kingdom, the Magic Kingdom, fireworks at the Epcot, and the Disney-MGM Studios.

NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre

Located on the east coast of Florida, the Kennedy Space Centre offers an experience of the exciting world of space travel. Enjoy live action shows and explore a full-size replica of the Space Shuttle. You can also watch space films on huge IMAX screens or learn about the rockets used throughout the US space missions at the Rocket Garden.

Universal Studios

The Universal Studios in Orlando, the world’s most famous movie and TV-based theme park. Experience themed dining, live shows, and movie sets that let you be in the middle of your favourite Universal hit. There are also plenty of thrilling rides, live shows, and special events that bring the magic of the movies to life.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

The ideal family adventure park boasts of a host of attractions such as a zoo, the Serengeti Safari, and the Thrill Seeker Tour that takes you through all the fascinating rides you can imagine. If you love animals, you can have the Animal Adventure Tour that will bring you up close to rhinos, orangutans, giraffes, and many more exotic animals. The place also has lots of restaurants, shops, shows, and games.

Daytona International Speedway

Called the World Centre of Racing, this vast motorsports complex covers 480 acres. It is home to the Daytona 500 which is celebrating its golden anniversary this year. Check out the year-round racing calendar and be on hand for heart-stopping races and exciting events such as the Pepsi 400, the Chevy Silverado HD 250, and the Gatorade Duel at Daytona.

South Beach

This Miami hotspot is a favourite haunt for people watching because it is frequented by the hip and glamorous set that loves to hang out on the white sand beaches or at the trendy bars that line its coast. Look out for celebrities, check out the many art galleries and museums, dine at chic restaurants, or shop at the many boutiques and specialty shops offering plenty of beautiful stuff.

This article was written on behalf of The Co-operative Personal Travel Advisors.

In the past, holidays with family have involved packing up, jetting off abroad and spending your time on a sun kissed beach. Of course, this is fantastic and offers you the sunshine as well as the time to relax and enjoy foreign cultures. However, with the current financial climate more and more people are choosing to stay in the UK for their vacation. They are realising that the UK has plenty to offer everyone. Whether you want a great family vacation or a romantic weekend break, you can find it all on your doorstep.

Money has become an issue for many people, yet taking a holiday is seen as a very important thing. The down turn in the Euro has caused many places in Europe to become expensive. You will be spending more than ever before when you get to your chosen destination. Staying in the UK will allow you to save money as well as have no issues regarding the currency or exchange rate. You can stick to your budget, and know exactly what you are spending throughout the whole vacation.

Travelling can be stressful especially if you have young children; they become bored easily on planes with no space to explore. When you choose to fly anywhere you put your vacation in the hands of the airline. It only takes one delay or cancelled flight to spiral your vacation time out of control. You could end up spending the whole time in the airport rather than on the beach. Choosing the perfect destination in the UK allows you to have a very short travelling time, and driving allows you to be fully in control.

Keeping the children entertained in the car is far easier, and you can stop often to give them a chance to run around, making the whole journey part of the fun vacation. You will be amazed how much is within easy reach of where you live in the UK. If you have never explored the UK, you will not know what it is offering. It is often amazing to discover what your own country has to offer you, and the family. Staying in the UK will also allow you to remain less stressed, and be surrounded with things that you know and love.

There will be no language barrier to deal with and the food will not cause endless arguments about being foreign and tasting strange. Familiarity is important if you are a nervous traveller, yet want to have a family vacation. Not everyone actually enjoys the sun, and for some people the heat is far too much for them. The UK may be known for the rain, but the summer months often provide some very pleasant weather.

Whatever you decide to do in the UK, you are bound to have a fantastic time. You don’t even need to go far to feel like you have gotten away from it all. All this, without the stresses of air travel and being in a different country.

This article was written on behalf of the new department of The Co-operative Travel – Personal Travel Advisors.

Some couples and families travel to the same destination every year. It’s affordable, convenient, and they become familiar with the area. Avid travellers however would rather branch out and experience different heritages, cultures, and history in various locations. Whatever category you fall under, there are five world destinations we have here today you may not have visited, or thought about visiting before:

South Africa has taken a back seat to other world destinations due to its location – it is a long flight from pretty much everywhere! UK tourists may decide that it is just too far to go when there are so many places to choose from in Europe. However, if you are willing to take the time to travel there, you will find that it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world to take a holiday. One of the most exciting things about South Africa is the chance to see animals living in the wild, and you can take Safaris in order to do this in a safe way.

Hurghada is a relatively new holiday destination, but it is starting to become very popular with tourists wishing to come to Egypt. Although it seems like a small fishing village, here you have the opportunity to experience windsurfing, desert safaris, and even scuba diving in the Red Sea. Best of all, it has plenty of great hotels and apartments that are luxurious and on the coastline.

Gambia that provides a perfect holiday for the entire family. One of the biggest activities in the area revolves around the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Trust. This has been around for over 40 years and gives everyone a chance to see these animals close up. It was a former British Colony years ago, so you will still be able to eat food that you are used to and feel at ease.

If you’re looking for a wildlife safari then we recommend Kenya. While staying safe amongst the wildlife means taking a safari bus tour, some of the spots offer 4×4 Jeeps if you’re feeling a little more adventurous. By the time you leave it will be nothing short of an unbelievable experience.

Those who want to get closer to a variety of different cultures will find Kuala Lumpur is a great spot. Here you will find everything from Chinese and Malay, to Indian cultures along the way. If you travel here we definitely recommend the KL Tower. You can look over the entire region thanks to its staggering height of 421 metres.

Even though these destination spots are not on everyone’s list, we highly recommend them to anyone who wants to see something new. All the areas are unique in their own way and provide variety for all to see.

This article was written on behalf of The Co-operative Personal Travel Advisors.

Ski lovers are always trying to find new slopes in mountainous destinations to try out their passion. Although you can go skiing all over the world, Europe is probably the best place to find amazing ski resorts. Whether you have never skied before, or are a seasoned expert, there are slopes that can accommodate a range of skill and experience levels.

Skiing is an ideal vacation for families, groups of friends and couples. So, when looking at booking your next vacation, why not consider taking a ski holiday? Here are five of the top destinations around that are must-visits for ski enthusiasts and beginners.

1)    The ski slopes in France are perfect for all abilities, and The French Alps is possibly one of the most popular ski destinations in Europe. Over 200,000 people travel to the resort every year to enjoy cold winter air and variety of challenging slopes. High in the mountains, the snow here falls in the ideal way, ensuring that the ski slopes are the kept in the perfect condition for skiing for months on end.

2)    If you are a more experienced skier, and are looking for a challenge then the ski slopes in Austria will suit you perfectly. Beginners tend to not travel to these ski resorts as the slopes are more complex and demanding. You will feel that you have completed a hard days skiing when you come off these slopes. There is also a great atmosphere in The Austrian Alps, with an unbeatable nightlife where people who have a strong passion for skiing come together to have a great time.

3)    Italy offers superior ski slopes with some the longest, and most intricate downhill sections located in this amazing country. Some of the regions in The Italian Alps offer slopes that are over 100 kilometres in length, all inter locked with gondolas and chair lifts. As with everything in Italy the skiing is a friendly, relaxed, family affair with many Italians enjoying the slopes themselves.

4)    Switzerland was always thought to be for the upper class skiers; however, it has more recently become an affordable place for everyone to visit. The slopes in Switzerland offer everything you imagine a skiing vacation to be. With picturesque chalets and fresh snow fall every morning, the image has not changed much over the years. Families are welcomed with open arms in these resorts, making it an ideal place for a child’s first ski experience.

5)    Moving away from Europe there are some great ski resorts that suit people of all ages and skill level. Canada is fantastic for the skiing, and is easier than ever before to travel to. Not only is the skiing fantastic in Canada, but the scenery is breath taking. The resorts are all very well equipped, and of the highest standard. Canadian ski resorts are ideal for families, and there are many things to do other than just sticking to skiing the whole time.

With so many great ski resorts across the world, it’s hard to see why you would ever want to go on a beach holiday again.

This article was written on behalf of Personal Travel Advisors, part of the the Co-op Travel.