Your All Inclusive Golf Vacation

The city of light is as gorgeous in the spring as it is in the autumn so there is never a bad time to visit Paris. But one time you’ll find yourself never wanting to leave your Paris hotels to go home is the winter, when Paris becomes a winter wonderland of festive lights and cosy cafes.

Ice skating is probably the coolest activity Paris has to offer in the winter. The first floor observation deck on the Eiffel Tower becomes a glittering ice rink where up to 80 skaters can glide and twirl around throughout December. If you’re afraid of heights though, head to the Hotel de Ville, where your backdrop is the grand Renaissance style city hall. Show off your best moves as you head out of your hotels in Paris and entry is completely free.

An Alice in Wonderland themed cafe that thrives on mismatched furniture is Le Loir dans la Theire in Marias, which is great for relaxing in after all that exercise. This cafe is extremely popular and chances are you’ll have to queue, but it is well worth the wait.

In the winter, the Notre Dame becomes even more beautiful and is another well-known landmark in Paris. Standing proud at the front, twinkling and sparkling in the dusky light is the Notre Dame Cathedral Christmas tree between December and January. A projection of the Nativity story takes place inside the Cathedral and there is also a Christmas sound and light show.

The merry-go-round is one of the most loved traditions in Paris and they seem to spring up in almost every district of the city during the winter months. Ride traditional wooden horses and old-fashion cars and relive your childhood as you leave your cheap hotels for the day.

Boasting year round sunshine, the largest of the Canary Islands is Tenerife, which makes it a popular holiday destination. With a rugged volcanic landscape, exotic black sand beaches and great cheap hotels, it’s no wonder that thousands flock here every year. There is something for tourists on every type of holiday, as Tenerife is rich in accommodation options.

The island boasts year round sunshine meaning there are always a great deals of holiday deals to be snapped up. Most of the airports around the UK offer regular flights to Tenerife meaning you can save money on transfer costs by flying from your most convenient airport. At the very end of summer, package holiday deals are said to dip by as much as 20% or take some time off during term time so save a bit more on your trip.

Your best bet for saving money is to take a look at the self-catering and half-board options. Not only will you almost definitely get more space for your money, you will be afforded more freedom on what and when you eat. If holidaying with a young family, this is much more convenient and it also helps save valuable pennies.

The island’s liveliest resort can be found in Playa de las Americas and it’s definitely not for the faint hearted. You’ll find many places to dance until you drop on Veronica’s Strip, which is a bar hoppers paradise. Opt for one of the many hotels in Tenerife Playa de las Americas if you want to hit the beach and then the bars.

A million miles away in terms of peace and quiet, Costa Adeje is a charming resort, but just 3km down the road. Mount Teide’s imposing presence provides a breath-taking backdrop to the resort. The resort continues to grow every year, with its tropical and secluded black sand beaches and numerous charming bars and restaurants. There are a range of Costa Adeje hotels to choose from, whether you want to splash out on total and utter luxury or opt for something more modest.  

Rich in culture, history and sunshine, Mexico is a popular choice for travellers. Mexico hotels offer a range of accommodation for all budgets. Prepare for your adventure with an essentials travel kit.

Golden sands and blazing sun make Mexican beaches popular destinations for visitors. Making sure to bring plenty of sunscreen lotion is absolutely vital. Packing a spare bikini and towel means you will
always be prepared for the beach. The cheap hotels may not provide a full range of free travel essentials so it’s
worth being prepared yourself.

Passports sit at the top of the packing list for any overseas holiday. If you’re lucky enough to have an EU passport look out for the discount rates offered by some hotels. Grab some bargain hotel deals at Las Perlas Hotel and other smaller hotels by showing your EU passport.

A camera is the best way to capture all those important moments and remember some comfortable footwear for walking around historic sites. There are plenty of ancient historic sites to see in the East of Mexico including Chichen Itza. This popular archaeological site is home to El Castillo, a pyramid with 365 steps thought to be linked to the Mayan calendar.

Other famous spots include the Maya ruins in Tulum, a 13^th century walled city and the Merida Cathedral. If you’re interested in Mexico’s colonial history take a visit to the city of Merida, renowned for bustling culture.

Bottles of water are also worth packing if your luggage space isn’t full. The water served at most Mexico hotels or restaurants may be contaminated even if they appear to have been bottled at the factories. They may have been filled instead with the non-purified, local tap water before it is served. If you need to buy water, stick only to the large, famous brands you know and only ones sold at grocery stores. Beware using tap water to clean your teeth as you can pick up a bug by swallowing even small amounts of contaminated water.

Basic medicines, especially for stomach and digestion problems, may be a good call in case your body doesn’t mix well with heavy Mexican fare. Mexican food is famed for being colourful and flavoursome. You can pick up some of the traditional Mexican food offered by street sellers. Whilst delicious these heavy foods may cause your digestive system some disruption. Being prepared by carrying suitable tablets will allow you try varied dishes.

You can find both positive and negative aspects for booking a ‘staycation’ or a weekend away in various European locations. You can find deals on cheap hotels for both, but it really depends what you want to get out of your vacation. Everyday life can become monotonous, if you just want a change of scenery a trip to the English countryside is perfect but if you’re hoping to bask in the sun, you might need to head further afield.

UK cities are all well and good, but you’ll need to head abroad if you want to sample some Italian pizza, or Roman architecture. Sightseeing opportunities include the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican. Two important religious buildings can be found in the Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s church, featuring work from Michelangelo.

It doesn’t matter if you like surfing big water, cycling through the country or staying up all night in clubs, Cornwall has something for everyone. It’s a lovely county, especially in the summer sunshine. A cheaper way to experience Waikiki waves is to head to Newquay and hit the surf. You’ll also be able to unleash your inner party animal as Newquay is home to some great clubs, very popular with locals and tourists alike.

If you want to get further away from your normal life, Europe is probably better than a staycation for you, and you’ll still be able to take advantage of hotel deals. Different local food and art museums are just some of the highlights of visiting a new country rather than staying at home. Trekking to the top of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is very rewarding, the views are stunning, and arrive early if you want to beat the queues for the lift up to the Eiffel Tower; other attractions include the lengthy shopping strip of the Champs Elysees.

Easy to get to, and you won’t have to hop on a plane to get there, is beach city, Brighton. You don’t have to go abroad on holiday to have a good time and relax and recuperate. If you feel like treating yourself, afternoon tea is available at Browns restaurant or the Radisson Blu hotel, which is also one of cheap hotels available in the seaside city.

Roughly the size of Manhattan, Gozo is a small island off the coast of Malta. Many catch the ferry here from Malta hotels to see the Ggantija temples which date back to 3,600 BC. The island’s name is the Castilian word for joy. Only 5km from Malta, Gozo inhabitants have a largely different way of life and like an uncomplicated existence.

One thing that Gozo is known for is the amount of churches on the island, 22 in total. One of Gozo’s biggest churches is the Xewkija church with a its huge dome. If you want a break from walking be sure to visit Gozo’s beautiful beaches, Ramla Bay and San Blas. San Blas is completely untouched and boasts clear waters and warm sands. For a more vibrant atmosphere try Ramla Bay. Its popularity may be partly due to the discovery of roman remains under the beach.

The Azure Window is another popular site on the island. The arch is a striking natural rock creation. The site has appeared in movies such as Clash of the Titans’ and can be found at Dwejra Bay. Recently the arch was measured and it was found to be 22 and a half metres high, though for how much longer is anyone’s guess as the arch is rapidly deteriorating. There are many cheap hotels within easy reach of this landmark so make sure you see it while you can.

 Il Fontana is a small village on Gozo famous for its springs. The springs can be seen bubbling in the valley at the bottom of the road to Xlendii and part of the original shelters erected in the sixteenth century, so that the villagers could wash their clothes under shelter, are still visible. As well as the springs, Fontana is famous for the village feast day which occurs every year in the second or third week of June. Carnival time in Nadur always attracts a lot of visitors. The ferry to Gozo is easily reached from most Malta hotels meaning you won’t miss out on the party atmosphere. In fact, during the summer season, there is bound to be a feast, dancing and live music with fireworks too, happening on some part of Gozo.

Spain is populated by hundreds of tiny towns away from the raucous activity of the coast and offers an insight into Spanish communities. Getting away from the Costa Brava hotels makes for nice day trips and seeing the smaller hubs of humanity allows you to experience a more authentic holiday.

The municipality of Tossa de Mar is located sixty miles north of Barcelona and is home to several small communities, which are great to visit. You’ll get a great insight into the history of Spain, as there is evidence of settlements dating back to the Neolithic era. Catalonia’s only remaining fortified town is the Villa Vella Enceinte, which dates back to around the end of the 14th century. Situated in the governor’s house, the Muncipal Museum provides an understanding of the importance and the history of Tossa de Mar through the ages. 

If you are staying in one of the many Costa Dorada hotels and want to learn a bit more about one of Spain’s most important artists, Horta de Sant Joan is a must. Picasso spent several years living here, and though he was eventually forced to leave by townspeople angry that he and his girlfriend were living together unmarried, Horta de Sant Joan now houses a museum dedicated to the Spanish artist.

In the Andalucian Mountains lies the small town of Gaucin, which is out of sight of the cheap hotels that litter the Costa del Sol. Before they were driven from Spain, this tiny, mountain top town was one of the last outposts of The Moors. There are many interesting and scenic walks to be had around the local area and its white-washed buildings provide the iconic image of small-town Spain.

Fear not if you’re not on all-inclusive holidays, as cheap hotels are easy to find. The birth place of Pontius Pilate, Tarragona in the Costa Dorada houses the much lauded AC Tarragona Hotel that provides pleasant accommodation at a reasonable price.

For a great choice of holiday destinations, take a look at the Spanish islands. On the one hand you have the volcanic Canary Islands, home to moon-like landscapes and sunny weather. Famous for their nightlife, the Balearics are home to the best clubs. It’s not just beach-side relaxing because some Fuerteventura hotels are located close to great water sport activities. Party animals must sample the summer season in Ibiza for unbeatably good nightlife.

Golden sands a sparkling Spanish waters could be your ideal holiday. Out of all the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura can claim the most amazing beaches. Likewise Lanzarote offers wonderful golden sands. Hotels in Majorca can offer brilliant accommodation right beside the beach. You may not wish to do anything else other than relax.

For fresh sea food expertly prepared you must try the restaurants in the Canaries. The Canary Island’s close proximity to Africa has provides holiday makers with must-try dishes.

Wonderful olive oil and drizzled over potatoes with crushed garlic are some of what you can expect.

Ibiza is the destination par excellence for nightlife. For totally hedonistic experience, Ibiza town is the place to indulge all your party desires. Big name dance acts, chart-topping bands and non-stop dancing are features of the summer season, which is frequented by everyone from hippies to fashionistas.   

Water sport fans should make a beeline for Fuerteventura. Surfing and windsurfing is excellent on the island, especially in autumn and winter when Atlantic waves are larger. Every level of ability is catered to and surf schools are numerous for those who want to get started. Kite surfing is largely enjoyed in Fuerteventura due to strong winds and great surfing spots.   Cheap hotels all over the island mean a holiday of this sort won’t break the budget.

The storming of Bastille prison, marking the beginning of the French Revolution is remembered on Bastille Day. Paris hotels offer great deals for travellers wishing to join in on the Bastille Day event festivities.

On Bastille Day the skies light up with elaborate pyrotechnics across the city. The best location to witness the sky light up is the prominent Eiffel Tower. Alternative viewing spots include the Georges restaurant at the roof of the Pompidou Centre, The Buttes Chaumont Park, and the Passerelle Debilly.

Keep close to famous attractions including the Eiffel Tower and the Parce des Expositions with a stay at the Campanile Tour Eiffel or the Ajiel Hotel with its unique design. These stylish cheap hotels sit in an area offering some of the top firework displays in the city.

Each year there is a live music evening dance party held at the Place de la Bastille as another traditional part of the celebrations. If you like dressing up this is the event for you as attendees get to wear elaborate costumes based on the party theme.

To be near this vibrant annual bash the Grand Nouvel Opera Hotel is within easy reach. The hotel is set in a central location, great for exploring the history and art of Paris.

Fashionable Paris hotels in the Place de la Bastille area include the Colour Design Hotel. With its bold, stylish interior this is a popular choice for the design conscious visitor. Bus lines just a block from the hotel make quick trips to other classic tourist attractions.

The many people who lost their lives in the French Revolutionary War
remain honoured in a Bastille Day military parade.

The Elysee Ceramic Hotel forms a charming and cosy hotel affair just a few step from the Arc de Triomphe. Its elegantly
painted ceramic furnishings set in a Parisian art nouveau style create a sophisticated boutique look. This three-starred hotel offers one of the best value-for-money hotel deals in Paris. Popular Paris attractions such as the Champs Elysees and luxury designer shop Rue du Faubourg Saint Honore are also within walking distance.

There is a thriving foodie festival scene in the UK among all the music, art, fares and fetes. There are lots of great London hotels to choose from if you want to enjoy a weekend away and the capital has numerous fantastic events of varying sorts to satisfy every food lover. There is also a wealth of wonderful food to parade in the rest of the county.

Celebrating its fifth year, the innovative EAT! Festival hits Newcastle and Gateshead, running from June 17-26 in various venues across the area. It’s easy to see why EAT! hascontinued to rise in popularity, with its giant edible cake maps, its eat-along-films and chocolate festival. Alongside a wealth of creativity, the festival also has the usual food stalls, cookery demonstrations and market stalls. There are many cheap hotels to choose from for your stay, if you’re looking to visit the area.

Delivering great food and live music, The Sizzle runs from May 27-30 in Belfast’s wonderful botanic gardens. The Sizzle, as its name implies, has Barbequing at its heart, and some of Northern Ireland’s top chefs will be there grilling up some of their restaurant’s signature dishes. If you need somewhere to stay whilst you’re there, Belfast has got some great B&B’s and hotels to choose from.

Nigel’s Fantastic Food Show takes place on June 11-12 at Ewood Park, the home of Blackburn Rovers. With fine local artisan produce, chef demonstrations, cookery workshops, children’s events, and food markets, this is no bog standard food festival, as there is a whole host of things to see and do. Celebrity chefs will also be scattered around the event, from Simon Rimmer, to rising star, Atkar Islam.

Playing host to some 13 million visitors every year, Portugal ranks among the top 20 most popular destinations in the world. Many tourists come in the summer and stay in Algarve hotels, eager to sample one of the many festivals for which Portugal is famous. The festival calendar includes everything from holy days to major sporting events. If there’s an excuse for festivities, the Portuguese will make the most of it! Summer in Portugal can be very hot. Make sure to pack suncream and drink as often as you can - daytime temperatures rarely dip below 26 degrees celcius. 

The title of maddest festival experience is easily won by the Sao Joao Festival! The event will run across June 23 and 24 this year. Porto’s take on the event is particularly exciting, making this the town to celebrate in if you really want to go crazy. This festival is infamous and attracts tourists to hotels in Algarve who want to participate in the madness! Music, feasting and drinking characterise the first day of this festival. As the drink kicks in, festival goers will hurl vegetable at one another and bang on tables to create a racket. One tradition involves jumping over a bonfire while making a wish. Grilled sardines are on offer everywhere and some party goers walk around, waving garlic under the noses of passers-by! The origins for these strange customs have been lost in the mists of time but people still observe them. Much more refined is the Sintra Festival which is held during the months of June and July. Sintra is a World Heritage Site, registered by UNESCO and contains some of Portugal’s finest architectural treasures. The festival is a celebration of piano music from the Romantic period, performed by musical virtuosos from around the world. All the concerts, usually 12 in total, are held in some of the most spectacular buildings, such as palaces, churches, parks and country estates.

More fantastic music can be enjoyed at the Estoril Music Festival this year, between 1 July and 31 August. This music festival features music across the genres from classical to modern jazz. The venue for this is fabulous - on the coast outside Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. The festival has been going since 1975 but grows more each year. This year, it features orchestral works as well as choral pieces. There are also a lot of master-classes and workshops planned. For a festival that offers a taste of quirky local traditions, the world-renowned Festival of the Sea is perfect. Organised by the Fisherman’s Association in Cascals, it is both colourful and dangerous. Local fishermen try their hand at out running bulls that are sent running along Estoril beach. Anyone brave enough to touch a bull’s horns is rewarded with some dried codfish! There are also processions, plenty of music and plenty of wine. The event finishes with a terrific firework display in the evening.

Another Festival of The Sea takes place in August in Faro. This is a great one for foodies, featuring the beset local seafood, beer and other Algarve cuisine. cheap hotels in the area play host to visitors who want to stay for the duration of the festivities, which are headlined by a Queen tribute band and Portuguese band ‘Xutos Rising’ this year. They’ve appeared many times before and are very popular. The focal point of the event is the city’s Cathedral Square, which makes a great backdrop to the festivities.