Miami has long been considered as one of the top vacation destinations in the United States. Known for its year-round sunny weather and its beautiful stretch of beaches, hundreds of people from all over the country and from different parts of the world flock to this bustling city year after year. So for those of you who plan to book package holidays to Miami, here are some great things that you should not miss doing while in the city.

One of the hottest destinations in Miami is South Beach or The Strip. South Beach has the most beautiful beach views around the city and offers a wide array of shops, clubs and fancy restaurants to cater to travellers. If you are not into shopping, you can spend your day along the Strip, watching people or dining al fresco in one of its many restaurants. However, if you have booked package holidays to the city, you can also choose to avail of their sightseeing tours instead.

For nature-lovers, you can get package holidays that include a trip to the Everglades National Park. The Everglades National Park was declared as a World Heritage Site and is considered to be the largest subtropical wilderness in the country. You can go on a boat tour around the national park to see different kinds of wild animals up close – from bald eagles, manatees, alligators and more. You’ll be accompanied by a professional guide who will provide you with interesting information about the different animals and landscapes within the park.

Other Miami package holidays also offer a short helicopter tour around the city. There is no better way to get a glimpse of Miami’s world-renowned coastline than with a bird’s eye view. This is also a great way to see some of the most beautiful homes in Miami. Most tours can last you half an hour so if money is not a problem, this is definitely one of the must-dos while in the city.

For those who want a much cheaper and more laid-back way to discover the city, you can also buy package holidays that include bike tours or Segway tours around Miami. The very famous Art Deco bike tour for instance, can take you to some of the most beautiful historical and architectural sites around the city. Bike and Segway tours are perfect for families on vacation and even for couples.

For a little adventure, you can also opt to go on an airboat exploration inside the Everglades National Park. This is a very unique experience that will take you on a 30-minute tour through the park’s 1.2 million acre preserved everglade wilderness. Get a rare and unique glimpse of this wonderful ecosystem on board an airboat – an experience of a lifetime indeed.

For those who want a little more sun and sea, you can also book your package holidays with a Biscayne Bay Boat Tour. Be treated to a leisurely cruise that will sail you along Miami’s world-renowned coastline, Fisher’s Island and some of the most famous cargo districts in the city.

So what are you waiting for? Book package holidays for Miami today for that hassle-free and truly memorable vacation experience.

Looking for good and affordable Christmas package holidays can be quite the challenge. Traveling is very expensive during the Holiday season and air fares and hotel accommodations rates can double or even triple during this time of the year. However, finding affordable deals for your Holiday travel is not impossible to do. It’s just a matter of knowing where and what to look for. To help you out, here are some simple and time-tested tips on how you can find good deals this Christmas.

One of the most important things that you need to remember when looking for a good holiday package deal is to always book ahead. Booking several months before your actual travel date gives you a better chance of finding good and cheap vacation package holidays.   There are plenty of travel agencies out in the market today that offer huge discounts to clients who book several months ahead – even during the busy Holiday season.

Aside from that, planning your vacation ahead can give you enough time to find activities that everyone in the family can enjoy. Before you book package holidays, make sure you gather everyone together and ask where they would like to go and what they would like to do over the holidays. Remember, you might not be able to do every single thing so be ready to compromise and give them other options.

The very next thing that you need to do is to find a good travel agency that can offer you good package holidays and deals. Never limit yourself to on-site travel agencies because there may not be a lot of options around your area. Try turning to online travel providers, which are much more accessible to visit. The World Wide Web today can offer you an incredibly wide selection of travel packages and huge discounts.

It’s even highly recommended that you turn to these online travel agencies first before heading out to actual agency offices to save you time and money when comparing all your possible options. Most online travel agencies are always offering discounts and deals. So keep yourself updated. You can subscribe to their online newsletters to alert you of any upcoming sales on vacation package holidays. Make use of travel vouchers as well.

The Holiday season can be a very hectic time to travel. So for a hassle-free vacation, buy package holidays that already cover your other travel needs such as airport transfers, tours and full on-board meals. However, if you want to explore local dining options and delicacies, it’s best that you do not include meals in the package to save up on money. Remember, some of the more famous dining destinations may require early reservations, too. So make sure that you do the necessary arrangements well ahead of time. If there are other activities that you would like to do but are not included in your package holidays, book them ahead as well. This way, you’ll have enough time to make adjustments or cancellations.

Lastly, get to know your travel destination before you head out. Orient yourself on the possible weather conditions at these times of the year so you and your family can go prepared.

Are you intent on hitting the ski slopes during the next winter vacation? If so, then you’ll likely want to enjoy affordable prices and convenience. You can do that by selecting among the top package holidays available. Here are some helpful tips for making that as easy as 1-2-3:

Be wary of hidden charges and fine print
Keep an eye out for both before purchasing package holidays. If a price seems too-good-to-be-true, then it probably is. Always verify that written price quotes you get are all-inclusive (of what they actually include). Otherwise you might be unpleasantly surprised when you get your bill for the holiday package. Before signing any contracts, make sure that you understand 100% of its contents.

Choose packages that provide the best value
Before you book package holidays for ski excursions, look for those that provide the best value for the lowest price. For example, some packages include items such as airfare and accommodations. Those types of packages are the best deals available. Don’t necessarily look for packages with the most services or the lowest prices. Instead, search for packages that provide the best of both worlds.

Compare different packages before choosing one
There’s no magical number of packages that you should compare. Start with three. If you can compare more then you definitely should. The more side-by-side comparisons you make before choosing a package, the more likely you’ll find the best package holidays available.

Search online for your ski packages
This is one of the best ways to find ski packages for the holiday season. It’s easy since you can search from anywhere you can access the Internet. It’s fast since you can browse more packages in less time. After finding a company that offers ski packages, you’ll just need to select one that suits your needs to a tee. It’s that simple!

Choose a less popular ski mountains
In all probability you’ll want to avoid Antarctica ski trips. However, you should also avoid holiday packages that include the world’s top ski resorts. Based on the ageless laws of Supply and Demand, such resorts will likely have the highest costs. However, by choosing less popular ski resorts with moderate-to-high quality, you can still enjoy a fantastic winter vacation.

Look for packages that include multiple mountains
When you buy package holidays, this benefit is especially beneficial if you plan to stay in an area for several days. It gives you the flexibility to enjoy the varied landscapes of different mountains. No two mountains in the world are exactly the same. So consider looking for holiday packages that give you the ability to enjoy as many of them as you can.

Start searching as early as possible
Yes, it’s possible to find some outstanding last-minute deals when you book package holidays. However, never delay starting your search for holiday packages more than you have to. You want to avoid merely dreaming of skiing during the next winter holiday, right? Instead, try to buy your holiday package at least one or two months before your tentative ski trip date. Remember Murphy’s Law!

A holiday with the family holds the promise of numerous memorable opportunities that everyone will reminisce about for years along with loads of fun. In fact, few things can be as exhilarating and relaxing as spending time with the family, exploring the bounties of an exotic location. However, planning a vacation for a group of people or even a nuclear family of four can be an arduous and expensive task.

Fortunately, there is always the option of package holidays; these vacation plans provide a fulfilling and enjoyable experience without the hassles typically involved with holiday planning and usually at half the cost.

Why book package holidays?

One of the primary benefits of choosing package holidays is that you get an all inclusive deal. So, you will essentially be covered for your travel to a destination of your choice, your accommodation, food and travel there. Because, you are offered all the amenities together; the cost of a holiday package is often considerably cheaper than paying for every aspect of the vacation individually. Also, the hotel and travel arrangements are usually the best of what the hospitality industry has to offer.

Destinations to consider when you book package holidays

These vacation plans cover almost every major city and tourist attraction in the world. From the ever popular ‘travel favorites’ like Paris, Sydney, the Caribbean and Brazil to the remote gems hidden in sleepy corners of the world, vacation packages have them all. Although Europe is a dream destination for many Americans and vice versa; Asia is fast garnering the attention of world travellers.

Places like India, Mauritius, Seychelles and even Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal have enthralled tourists for decades. Now, with package holidays, you can actually visit these countries well known for their cultural diversity and untold beauty. One of the benefits of picking an Asian destination for your holidays is the higher value of the dollar as compared to the local currencies. This means that you can have all the fun and spend your vacation surrounded by luxuries at unbelievably low prices.

How to choose the best package holidays for your family?

The World Wide Web is by far the best place to start looking for holiday plans. As a matter of fact, an astounding number of sites are dedicated to the endeavour of offering you the best vacation that you could’ve dreamt of.

Although the endless number of sites means that you have unlimited options, it can also pose a problem when scouting for reliable vendors. So, start by choosing a company that offers holiday plans to the destination of your choice.

Next, look at the prices that they are offering and compare them with other vendors. While affordable packages are desirable, read the terms and conditions carefully, because cheap may not always be the best.

Find out more about the hotels that you will be staying in and the transportation options for inter and within city travel at your destination. If this information is not offered on the company’s site, talk a representative of the firm.

Finally, also take some time out to check the reviews of the vendor. After all, disgruntled customers will be only too happy to voice their concerns and this will give you a fair idea of what to expect.

If you would like to save some money while booking your package holidays; plan well in advance. Book package holidays a few months before the actual trip can often save you 20% to 30% or more on the overall cost.

Package holidays are available to suit the travel preferences and budgets of even the most discerning customers. So, if you intend to take a vacation in the near future, go ahead and buy package holidays and save yourself the hard work that goes into planning a trip. Bon Voyage!

Vacationers wondering where they should book package holidays this year may wish to turn their attention towards Dubai. For many, Dubai remains one of the most perfect vacation destinations in the world. This is evidenced by the untold scores of tourists that travel from around the globe to enjoy their package holidays in this wonderful Middle East nation.

Why do so many people love to travel to Dubai? It may seem like a cliché of a cliché but the fact remains there is an enormous amount of things you can do there.

Actually, some of the things you can do in Dubai might even prove surprising to you. Case in point, did you know that there is a ski resort here? The Middle East is not exactly known as a skiing destination but right there in Dubai is Ski Dubai which is an INDOOR ski resort. That is most definitely one of the most unique concepts ever devised and Dubai is home to it.

There are scores of other amazing activities which can be undertaken in Dubai. When you buy package holidays to this region, you will certainly never be short on adventures to take part in.

For those that love sightseeing, the Dubai Tower remains one of the most invigorating sites to see. It is one of the most impressive constructs in the world and a trip to this region would be incomplete without seeing this legendary tower.

Anyone that would like to take part in more active pursuits will assuredly find the Wadi Water Park a lot of fun. Water sports and activities are great for the whole family. Why not venture there and take part in all the sportive water pursuits?

For those that would love to see the beautiful waters of the Middle East, a Dubai scuba diving adventure might be something well worth taking advantage of. The aquatic life is quite interesting and you can only see it from down below. Booking a scuba trip will provide you with the perfect means in which to see this amazing environment.

The Jumeirah Mosque provides a unique insight into the rich Islamic cultural heritage of the region. Many that are not familiar with Islam will learn a great deal about it visiting this mosque.

Dubai is in close proximity to the desert and this opens the door to taking part in all manner of desert safaris. Those that think the desert is mostly barren might be shocked to discover the amazing array of wildlife and natural wonders in the desert. No package holidays to this area would be complete without booking a trip to the desert regions of Dubai.

And what would a trip to this nation be without exploring the Dubai Museum? Dubai is known for its amazing rich cultural history and this 18th century fort provides an insight into that history. Why not see it for yourself?

As you can see, Dubai is home to scores of amazing adventures. You will never run of fun things to do here no matter how long you stay.

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.

France is a large country and as such has contrasting regions, from the sunny holiday resorts and beaches of the south of France to the museums, art galleries and hustle and bustle of Paris, there’s something for everyone in France.

If you’re interested in cultural weekend breaks around Europe then you needn’t look any further than Paris, the capital of France. From London via the Eurostar you can be in Paris in just over two hours, making Paris a convenient destination as well as a cultural one. Paris has art galleries such as the Louvre, where you can see the famous Mona Lisa, and landmark attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, from which you can see the whole of Paris.

If it’s a large family holiday you need then the south of France has what you’re looking for, with many holiday villas available in areas such as the Côte d’Azur and Provence.

Villa holidays in France in the Côte d’Azur allow you to spend time on the glorious beaches of Cannes and Nice, enjoy the friendly nightlife where children are always welcome and even visit the millionaire’s playground of Monaco, which is just a short drive away.

As if that wasn’t enough, every area of France has its own story to tell in the wine it produces, with Provence producing the Côtes de Provence. France has such as great variety of holidays available, there is something to suit everyone.

We may all be sailing on choppy waters at the moment with the current recession squeezing our purse strings, but that’s no reason to abandon your summer holiday this year. You needn’t dash off to the Med either as there are some fantastic places to visit all on your doorstep – so what’s stopping you from a Staycation?

If you’re looking to holiday at home but you need to reign in those pennies then let one of the UK’s top Tour Operators help you decide where’s best to go. Enjoy a bargain breakaway in The Peak District where you can walk for miles and take in the stunning scenery. Combine the gentle rolling hills and honey-coloured stone villages of The Cotswolds with two fantastic steam railway journeys. Explore the home of the ‘Fab Four’ and do a spot of sightseeing whilst in Liverpool.

If you’re looking for a traditional UK summer holiday then head to the many beautiful British seaside resorts such as Llandudno, Blackpool, Scarborough, Torquay and Eastbourne. Spend weekends in family-friendly Skegness where the British holiday was born all those years ago in 1936 with Billy Butlin and his infamous holiday camps!

Holidaying in Europe is still achievable even if you are on a budget during this recession era. Whisk the whole family to Disneyland Paris for a weekend break that’ll keep everyone entertained. Explore Monet’s Garden and get some ideas of what plants to grow in your own or spend a few days in Bruges – a chocoholic’s paradise! Cruise the canals and cobbled streets of Amsterdam or spend a summer in the beautiful German Valleys. You won’t just save money on holidays and short breaks you’ll also be able to attend some of the hottest events around without breaking the bank. Ladies don your flares and platforms for a night in the West End with London theatre trips to Mamma Mia or Dirty Dancing for ‘the time of your life’. Hone in your gardening skills and jazz up your garden with tips from the experts at Hampton Court or Tatton Park Flower shows. Or, book your seat for the hugely popular Edinburgh Tattoo, a fabulous evening of military displays held in August using the stunning Edinburgh Castle as its backdrop.

Wherever you end up this summer, we wish you all the best. Have a great summer 2009!

Bon Voyage!

Source: Door2Tour.com

Think two weeks might not be long enough to get in a great caravan holiday across the UK? If so, read on and let us put your mind to rest.

May is officially the first month of the year where you are allowed to let your imagination of the upcoming summer holidays run free without guilt. Even if you keep your holidays till the end of summer, you can still count down the weeks from here. Before now, it all seemed a little too far away to get excited about, didn’t it? Sure we all daydream of golden beaches in Devon, the ruggedness of Scotland and the rolling hills of Wales year-round, but May is finally the month where giving your holiday notice to the office transforms your imagination into the planning stage!

Dust off and saddle up the family caravan, take two weeks off this summer and stay at home for the ‘staycation’ summer of 2009! For those fortunate enough to have two weeks off and a caravan to get you from A to B, here’s our recommended itinerary. This summer, let the best of Scotland, Wales and England’s West Coast remind you how great holidaying in THIS country can be!

Two weeks in a caravan is plenty of time – the key, like most things in life, is proper planning. If you need a little guidence to get the ball rolling, allow us to provide you with an example itinerary to go by…

From NORTH TO SOUTH (just reverse the order if heading the other direction!)

DAY 1
Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame Holiday Park – Dornoch Firth, Scotland

Ready to go?! This is where you you begin your 2 week southwards caravan journey to the south coast. Set in an idyllic location, Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame offers direct access to stunning Embo Beach and its white fine sand – you may even be lucky enough to spot dolphins and seals. Nice start!

DAY 2
Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park – Moray Firth, Scotland

At Nairn Lochloy you’re in a glorious spot nestled between a pretty marina, two championship golf courses and the sand dunes of East Nairn Beach

DAY 3
Tummel Valley Holiday Park – Near Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland

Tummel Valley is the perfect retreat to enjoy the great outdoors and stunning scenery. This scenic woodland park, set on the banks of the River Tummel in the heart of Tay Forest, is where you can really get away from it all.

DAY 4
A well needed day to yourself. Not far to go to your next scheduled stop, Sundrum Castle Holiday Park

DAY 5
Sundrum Castle Holiday Park – Ayrshire & Arran, Scotland

Head to Sundrum Castle for a fun filled holiday! This five star park has plenty on offer to keep everyone entertained including an indoor pool with flume and toddlers’ pool. Off park, Ayrshire has plenty to see and do with over 30 castles, sandy beaches and rolling countryside.

DAY 6
Free day to play. Glasgow or Edinburgh? You are minutes away from either.

DAY 7
Southerness Holiday Park – Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland

Situated just steps away from a beach that stretches for over two miles with views overlooking the Solway Firth and minutes away from a choice of great golf courses, you’ll never be short of things to do.

DAY 8
Another free day – but you need to move a little this one! This is the only day you’ll need to drive a fair amount, so hopefully you’re ready for a trip through beautiful Wales down to Swansea, the next stop.

DAY 9
Pendine Sands Holiday Park – South West Wales

At Pendine Sands, you’re a short walk from miles of glorious sandy beach and surrounded by stunning Welsh countryside, and otherwise relax from yesterday’s driving.

DAY 10
Ruda Holiday Park – Croyde Bay, North Devon

Ruda has it all; golden sands, world class surfing and excellent park facilities set in the charming hamlet of Croyde. Learn to surf with the school on park, explore the coastal path to Baggy Point for stunning views of Lundy Island or ‘go wild’ in the park’s indoor Tropical Adventure Pool.

DAY 11
Holywell Bay Holiday Park – Newquay, Cornwall

This park is ideal for beach lovers with the famous Gull Rocks of Holywell Bay beach just a short stroll from the park.

DAY 12
A lazy day on your own. Not so much travelling to do today, just take it easy. There are so many options here, go wherever the breeze takes you. Whatever you decide to do, get ready for the last two stops on your caravan adventure – Torquay and Hayling Island!

DAY 13
Torquay Holiday Park – The English Riviera

Torquay is set in a superb hillside location, surrounded by rolling Devon countryside with stunning views in every direction. This park is a great base for exploring the English Riviera, its stunning beaches and the nearby resorts of Paignton, Brixham and Torquay.

DAY 14
Hayling Island Holiday Park – Hampshire

Your caravan itenerary ends (or, begins!) at one of the treasures of the south coast, Hayling Island. Hayling Island’s stunning location is perfect for exploring the south coast and the award winning beaches nearby. This area is one of the UK’s top locations for sailing and watersports.

SOURCE: Parkdean Holidays

Local food is what I love about travel! Thanks to the warm weather in Southeast Asia, it offers a great selection of delicious tropical fruits you don’t normally find in other parts of the world. So apart from the usual bananas, oranges, grapes and watermelons, what else does the tropical cities in Southeast Asia has to offer? Let’s take a look at our carefully selected top 10 list

1. Guavas, although can be found in other parts of the world, but you don’t find them eaten the same way as they do in Southeast Asia. The green apple guava, commonly found in Thailand, are generally eaten before ripped, where the crispy fruit are dipped in salt, pepper or sugar for added flavour.
2. Rambutan, you can find the canned ones in many Asian supermarkets, but the fresh ones are simply delicious. Under the red velvety skin, it has a white fruit inside, which is generally eaten directly by the locals. Of course, with creative Asian cuisine, they can also find rambutan jam, sauces, ice cream, or added to salads for flavour.
3. Papaya in Thailand has two main varieties, one with red and the other, a yellow-orange fruit. Like many other tropical fruits, it can be eaten directly, or mixed into papaya milk drink. The green papayas are generally used in cooking, like for the famous Thai green papaya salad, or cooked into other local dishes.
4. Mangosteen, commonly known as the “queen of fruits”, has a dark purple skin. Inside, it’s a white, delicious fruit that can be eaten raw, added to drinks, made into mangosteen cake, or to be very creative, added into seafood curry.
5. Longan, don’t be fooled by its not so fancy look. Inside the thin crispy shell, it comes with a translucent white-pinkish fruit that are sweet and juicy with a unique musky scent. It is eaten raw or used as a traditional dessert toping, mixed with glutinous rice, coconut milk and ice.
6. Sapodilla or Ginseng fruit, another fruit you shouldn’t judge by its cover. Peel through the brownish fruit skin, you’ll find light reddish-brown juicy pulp that can be eaten directly, or cook with sugar or syrup to make jam and preserved fruit snacks.
7. Custard apples have what appear to be small bumps on the outside like a badly-stung head. It has a white and sweet fruit wrapping tiny black fruit pits, it can be quite a mission to eat it without accidently swallow one. It has a very interesting flavour with the blend of banana, strawberry and pineapples all mixed into one. It can be eaten raw once peeled, or mixed with coconut milk to make ice cream or candy.
8. Durian, the “King of fruits”, can be found in many places in Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Malaysia, they are loved by the locals. Under the rough spiny coat, it has a delicious creamy-like fruit, which has a really strong scent to it. You can smell a ripe durian before you sees one.
9. Star fruits or Carambola, just like the name, has a star shape when sliced. The fruit has a translucent orangey-yellowish fruit with a sweet and acidic taste to it. Star fruits are normally eaten by dipping in salt, sugar or even pepper to sweeten the flavour. Also, it can be commonly found as pickled snacks or made into star fruit drinks.
10. Last but not least, mangoes. Yes, you can find it in other places around the world, but in places like Thailand, you can find at least 10 different varieties to choose from. Like everywhere else, mangoes are eaten raw, or dried – most popular souvenirs from Thailand and Philippines, or make into delicious desserts with glutinous rice and coconut milk.

Now that’s our top 10 list, what’s yours?

Source: Faraway Holidays | Wikipedia